September 2008 - Timmins Chamber of Commerce

G’s
Carpet
Cleaning
& Services
• Carpet Cleaning • Upholstery Cleaning
• Strip & Wax Floors • Spring Clean-Up
“We don’t cut corners.
We clean them”
107 Fifth Ave. Timmins
Tel: 360-2027 • Page: 360-6710
inside
business
CAROL
SWEEZEY
(LAFRANCE)
Agente D’imm / Sales Rep
360-8123
BI-MONTHLY SEPTEMBER 2008
Pager
264-5364
REALTY LTD.
Brokerage
www.crworks.com/carolsweezey
A TIMMINS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PUBLICATION
Federal NDP leader visits Timmins Chamber
of Commerce
Chamber strives to
improve ability to conduct
business in Timmins
On Saturday, June 28,
Timmins
Chamber
of
Commerce representatives met
with Jack Layton, Leader of the
Federal New Democratic Party.
Layton, Charlie Angus (MP) and
Gilles Bison (MPP) visited the
Timmins
Chamber
of
Commerce to hear from
Chamber Board representatives
and Timmins Mayor Tom
Laughren about different issues
affecting our local businesses
and the sustainable economic
development of northern
Ontario.
As a member-driven organization, the Chamber strives to
make the voices of its members
heard so as to continuously
improve the ability to conduct
business in Timmins. Topics discussed included the importance
and value in removing duplications in federal and provincial
regulatory requirements, challenges and opportunities facing
the forestry industry and the
need for the federal government
to come to the financial aid of
municipalities that continue to
face challenges in obtaining
funding necessary for infrastructure improvements and maintenance.
According
to
Chamber
President Marilyn Wood, it is
through meetings such as these
that the concerns of Chamber
members can be heard loud and
clear. “We value the opportunity
to communicate the unique
issues that we - as northern businesses - face on a federal level.
We appreciate the chance to
share our concerns with Mr.
Layton. It is important that federal representatives make the
effort to hear from businesses in
northern Ontario so that we can
continue to work collaboratively
to improve the business climate
and strengthen economic sustainability.”
Chamber announces
2008-2009 Board of Directors
On July 31, the Timmins Chamber of Commerce announced the
results of its 2008-2009 Board of Directors election. Voting was conducted by mail-in ballot between mid-June and July 15. A total of
35.3% of voting-member ballots were returned to the Chamber.
A total of six new members have been elected to the 21-person
volunteer Board. They will be sworn in at the Chamber of
Commerce Annual General Meeting, to be held Wednesday,
October 1 at the Porcupine Dante Club.
“I am pleased to have such a substantial voting turnout for the
election. I’m also looking forward to working with the 2008-2009
2008-2009 ELECTED BOARD MEMBERS
DIRECTOR
Joel Bergeron
Wayne Bozzer
Dan Charbonneau
Bruce Cowan
Luc Maisonneuve
Bill McMillan
“Helping You Achieve Your Goals In Your Business
Is Our Goal In Our Business”
COMPANY
BMT Insurance and Financial Services
Timmins Family YMCA
Gord’s Rentals
The Daily Press
Maisonneuve, Labelle, Gosselin LLP
GoldCorp Canada Ltd.
- Porcupine Gold Mines
Board,” said 2008-2009 incoming Chamber President Rob
Galloway. “The six new additions to our Board bring a broad array
of experience, sound business acumen, and the passion to make
Timmins a better place to conduct business for our members. I
would also like to commend all candidates who sought election. It
is a reflection what a strong business community we have here in
Timmins.”
ROSS, POPE & COMPANY
Chartered Accountants
101 Cedar St. South
Timmins ON P4N 2G7
Tel: (705) 264-9484
Fax: (705) 264-0788
E-mail: inform@rosspope.com
In June, local NDP representatives Gilles Bison (MPP) and Charlie Angus (MP) and federal NDP Leader Jack Layton
met with municipal and chamber representatives. Pictured are (L-R): Chamber Manager Keitha Robson, Mayor Tom
Laughren, Gilles Bisson, Jack Layton, President Marilyn Wood, Charlie Angus, and chamber board members Sue
Gauthier and Phil Barton.
2008-2009 Board of Directors
PRESIDENT
Rob Galloway
PAST PRESIDENT
Marilyn Wood
TREASURER
Sue Gauthier
EXECUTIVE MEMBERS
Dan Charbonneau
Joel Bergeron
Bruce Cowan
Josh Bond
Art Pultz
Gary Marriott
BOARD MEMBERS
Bill McMillan
Lorenzo Melchiorre
Esko Vainio
Wayne Bozzer
Phil Barton
Judy Daschuk
Terry DiTullio
Fred Gibbons
Barry Martin
Michael Metatawabin
Luc Maisonneuve
Ken Rivers
COMPANY
Galloway & galloway Executive Services
COMPANY
Mikro-Tek Inc.
COMPANY
CIBC
COMPANY
Gord’s Rentals
BMT Insurance and Financial Services
The Daily Press
Riopelle Griener Professional Corporation
Rogers Communications Inc. (Q92/EZ Rock)
NorthernTel
COMPANY
Porcupine Gold Mines- Goldcorp Canada
Xstrata Copper
Timmins & District Hospital
Timmins Family Y.M.C.A.
Algonquin Business Computers
National Car Rental
Norfab Metal and Machine
Northern College of
Applied Arts & Technology
B.H. Martin Consultants Ltd.
Five Nations Energy Inc.
Maisonneuve, Labelle, Gosselin LLP
Porcupine Air & Electric Tools & Equipment
“Your End-to-End Computer Solutions Provider”
101 Cedar St. South
Timmins ON P4N 2G7
Tel: (705) 264-9484
Fax: (705) 264-0788
E-mail: support@rosspope.com
ROSS POPE INC.
Consultants
2 -SEPTEMBER 2008
inside business
Past
President’s
Barbecue
2008
Day
Terry Fox Works
- September 12, 2008
With over 153,000 Canadian being diagnosed with cancer every year, cancer touches
everyone - including co-workers and their
families. On Friday, September 12, businesses across Canada are invited to participate in
Terry Fox Works Day, an opportunity for
workplaces to hold fundraising events for
cancer research.
All businesses participating in Terry Fox
Works Day will be given a resource kit,
which is packed with ways to raise
funds. The premiere fundraising
event is the Great Canadian Head
Shave. People all across Canada will
be losing their locks for cancer
research. However, there are many
other initiatives that can be used to
raise funds on Works Day, such as
silent auctions, company lunches, barbecues, picnics, bake
sales, or a company dressdown day.
The initiative is
led by The
Terry
Fox
Foundation,
one of the most fiscally
responsible charities in
Canada, with over 87
cents of every dollar
going directly to cancer
research. All Terry Fox events
are organized by volunteers,
non paid staff and special
event companies. There
is no cost to businesses
wishing to fundraise
through Terry Fox Works
Day. As well, there is no minimum
amount required to be raised.
Every penny raised makes a difference.
Businesses interested in participating can register online at
www.terryfoxrun.org or by calling 1-888-836-9786.
Put workplace
safety first
with first-aid training
Safety in the workplace often focuses on
accident prevention. However, when incidents do occur, it is vital that your team
knows how to respond accordingly - and is
able to mitigate the effects of an emergency
situation.
September is a great time of year to get
both new and long-standing employees
formally trained in First-aid. With businesses perhaps a little quieter - with the
summer season winding down and the
departure of summer students - taking the
time to certify employees in the basics of
first-aid is without a doubt time well spent.
Creating and maintaining a corporate culture that seeks to both prevent safety hazards and properly deal with safety emergencies is a sound decision for any business; your business, employees, clients,
customers and stakeholders will all be the
beneficiaries. Your workplace relies on
well-trained employees working in a safe
environment and first-aid training is a key
factor in creating that safe environment.
In fact, workplace regulations require
employers to have (minimally) some
employees certified in first aid.
Employees who complete first-aid training become more safety-conscious in the
workplace. This helps to protect them, and
those around them, from possible injury.
Research shows that workplaces in which
all employees have obtained first-aid training have a lower incidence of work-related
injury. This is due to the fact that employees are more aware of potential risks and
hazards - and can deal with hazards proactively. According to the Canadian Red
Cross, employees trained in first-aid are not
only more aware of potential dangers, but
can also reduce their risk of personal injury
by up to 40%.
Another important reason to have properly trained employees is simply cost-benefit. There are numerous costs associated
with any injury, regardless of its severity;
first-aid training reduces accidents and
injuries, thereby reducing the accidentrelated costs to a business.These include
legal costs, productions losses, and other
personal losses.
When hiring employees, it is the
employer’s responsibility to provide proper
training. Employers must provide employees with the requisite knowledge and/or
formal training to ensure that they can
help a coworker, client or customer if needed. First-aid training should be an integral
The Past President’s of the Timmins
Chamber of Commerce held their annual
barbecue on August 7th at the cottage of
Past President Bruce Del Guidice.
This event has been held annually for the
past 40 years. Initiated by the late Jim
Wyatt, past president and father of past president Don Wyatt, this event has, with only a
couple of exceptions, been held at Gibson
Lake.
Jim Wyatt hosted the barbecue from 1964
to 1983 while Bruce has hosted it for 22 of
the past 24 years. Immediate Past President
Marilyn Wood welcomed incoming president Rob Galloway who spoke briefly to the
gathering.
part of any new and on-going job training
program, whether it involves bringing a
first-aid professional in-house to conduct
the training or giving employees the
opportunity to take an externally-offered
first-aid course. Employees who have
received training in the past should be
given the option of taking refresher courses and learning how first-aid techniques
may have changed. Instating a formal policy on first-aid training and recertification
within your organization is one way that
your organization can minimize workrelated injuries and their consequences.
First-aid training and proper planning is
First-aid training can be
obtained from any of
these Chamber members:
•
•
•
•
1ST RELIABLE
CUSTOMIZED
FIRST AID SERVICES
ST-JOHN AMBULANCE
CANADIAN RED CROSS
HEART AND STROKE
FOUNDATION
First-aid training teaches employees how to prevent and manage
emergencies. Every year, thousands
of Canadians take first-aid training
and gain the knowledge, confidence
and skills needed to deal with emergency situations and prevent
injuries.
This year the Past Presidents toasted those
they had lost including Past President Ross
Stringer and Marion Wilson, wife of Past
President John Wilson.
In attendance this year and listed according to the year in which they served as president were: Mert Lake (1968), Ron Campbell
(1969-70), John Wilson (1973), John
Huggins (1977), Barry McCusker (1981),
Bruce Del Guidice (1982-83), Nick Bucar
(1983-84), David Huggins (1984-85), Ralph
Deleurant (1991-92), Rick Gutcher (199293), Don Wyatt (1993-94), Pierre Corbeil
(1998-99), Fred Barabas (2002-2003), Steve
Kidd (2003-2004), Marilyn Wood (20072008), Rob Galloway (Incoming)
also important in case of unexpected onthe-job injuries. As employers, it is important to have a plan in place, regarding how
to react in the unfortunate event of an
injury or workplace incident. Questions
regarding emergency roles should be
answered ahead of time (to the best of their
ability), such as: Who calls emergency
medical services, if required? Who meets
emergency services when they arrive and
directs them to the incident site? Which
individual(s) are formally trained to perform first-aid? Who evaluates the situation
and acts immediately to prevent further
injury and minimize subsequent injury?
Who is responsible for filling out a workplace incident report? Instating an emergency procedural plan that provides
answers for these questions can save time,
minimize confusion and ultimately minimize the personal and business-related
losses associated with a workplace incident.
The Chamber applauds the efforts of our
members who continue to offer first aid
training in the workplace. There are a number of our members who offer First-aid and
CPR training: 1st Reliable Customized First
Aid Services, St-John Ambulance, the
Canadian Red Cross and the Heart and
Stroke Foundation offer courses throughout the year to meet everyone’s needs. The
training teaches employees how to prevent
and manage emergencies. Every year, thousands of Canadians take first-aid training
and gain the knowledge, confidence and
skills needed to deal with emergency situations and prevent injuries. Simply put, it is
an important life skill from which everyone can benefit.
inside business
LOOKING FORWARD
WITH ROB GALLOWAY
YEAR IN REVIEW: 7 QUESTIONS
WITH MARILYN WOOD
Get to know your
2008/09 Chamber President
Tell us a little about your background.
I graduated from the University of Toronto
with a Forestry Degree and I have worked in
forestry and natural resources for 33 years. I
grew up in a small family-run construction
business and now I am enjoying being back in
business and involved in the Chamber.
When and how did you first get
involved with the Chamber?
I became involved in 2007 as a director representing forestry-related issues. Ultimately
this role evolved into serving as first vice-president. I have been able to attend many functions with President Marilyn Wood, which has
given me great opportunities to learn about
the Chamber, its functions, its mandate and of
course, our members.
SEPTEMBER 2008 - 3
existing members
with excellent services and offerings and continue to serve our
members through our role as an advocate for
business. It is also my goal to create and implement a succession plan for future executive
teams. And of course, I want to have fun and
enjoy my term as president.
What are you most looking forward to
accomplishing as the president?
I wish to ensure we continue to maintain a
strong, positive relationship with the City of
Timmins and the Timmins Economic
Development Corporation (TEDC). To date,
our work together has resulted in a number of
great accomplishments for our local and
regional economy; I want to ensure that this
continues.
2007/2008
a remarkable year
When and how did you first get
involved with the Chamber?
This will be my seventh year as a board
member. I have always had a passion for business affairs, and I thought it was an excellent
way to give back to the community in which I
live and operate my business.
Of which accomplishments, as
Chamber president, are you proudest?
My greatest focus has always been advocacy and I am very proud that over the time that
I have been on the board of the Chamber, we
have become ever more effective in making
our voice heard on the issues that are most
important to our members -and bringing
about positive change. This year we have seen
two of our policy issues satisfactorily resolved
by the Ontario government, and we have submitted three new policies-one municipal, one
provincial and one federal. It is my fervent
wish that this focus will continue in the years
to come.
There were many highlights during my
term, both for me personally and for the
Chamber as an organization. One example is
the issue of Retail Sales Tax, which was
brought to the Chamber’s attention six years
ago. Over time, it became one of the areas I
focused on personally, and I am very pleased
to say that this year it was satisfactorily
resolved. Six years is a long time to pursue an
issue with the provincial government, but it is
one of the examples of how tenacity and
determination has paid off.
style, so once I got to
know them, I was much more relaxed and
confident working with them to promote our
stance on business issues.
What are your future plans?
Having a small business to run at the same
time as being president of the Chamber has
proven to be somewhat challenging at times.
I think it is time now to focus again on my
business, Mikro-Tek Inc. I am also looking forward to continuing my advocacy work as a
member of the Small Business Agency of
Ontario.
A
&
Q
How do you feel that your background
has prepared you to be successful in your
role as Chamber president?
I have extensive experience in leading a
large organization as well as dealing with the
serious economic issues we face in
Northeastern Ontario. I am very knowledgeable about various government levels and I
have been able to put this knowledge to good
use in Chamber business. It is my goal to use
my knowledge of the Northeast to help us get
backing for the issues that are important to
Timmins and our neighbouring communities.
I am a good listener and have the ability to
quickly gain an understanding of the issues
and those which are most important to our
businesses and our regional economy. I have
experience working with the media and I am
looking forward to continuing to represent
our messages in this forum. I am confident
that my extensive knowledge and experience
in the natural resources business and with
community liaison will be of great service to
me as I assume this role. I also like to have fun,
to celebrate the successes of our businesses
and genuinely enjoy the work that accompanies representing the interests of business in
Timmins.
What are your main goals for your
term as president?
I wish to continue our strong membership
growth towards 900, ensure we provide our
Input wanted
in Mining
Act Review
What have you learned from the previous Chamber president(s)?
I have learned that they are very impressed
with our steady membership growth to current levels and hope that we can use that for
stronger advocacy. Working with Marilyn
Wood and Ken Petersen (2006-2007
President) has shown me some very successful
means of keeping us involved in issues that are
important to our members.
What could the Chamber do to further
help local business?
I think we need to keep our member- benefits and affinity plans strong - so that we continue to see the benefits of membership on
our bottom lines. We must also use our advocacy role to reduce barriers to business and
lobby for changes to government rules in
order to make it easier to do business. We
need to serve as the voice of our members
within and beyond Timmins in addressing
business issues.
What’s something people might be
surprised to know about you?
I read all the time - fanatically. I read novels,
magazines, business journals, web sites, etc. I
even read the cereal box at the breakfast table.
I also like to have fun in any task that in
which I am involved. I expect to thoroughly
enjoy this year and I am looking forward to it.
As part of its effort to engage public and
stakeholder input in its Mining Act review,
the Ministry of Northern Development and
Mines held its first of its provincial consultations in Timmins on Monday August 11.
The workshops were initiated to discuss
changes to the current Mining Act. While
the Act’s title may instinctively indicate otherwise, the primary implications of the Act
surround the prospecting, staking and
exploration stages of mineral resource
development.
Also on August 11, the MNDM publicly
released its discussion paper on the subject,
which indicates that the review will focus
on the following issues: the mineral tenure
system; private rights and interests regard-
What is the biggest challenge you
faced as president?
I was most concerned about accurately representing the many voices of our membership
and the board to the media. When you are put
on the spot to make a comment, it can be a little worrisome because you never get a chance
to edit what has been written, or take back
something that has been said on camera.
In order to overcome this challenge, I made
it a point to study the issues and become intimately familiar with the various perspectives
so I was conversant in these topics. Our media
personnel here in Timmins are wonderful
people, and each one has a little different
ing mineral development (mineral and surface rights); rights and interests of
Aboriginals regarding mining development; Crown land exploration regulations;
and land use planning in the far north of
Ontario as it relates to mining.
ALL MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC have the
opportunity to comment on the discussion
paper (Modernizing Ontario’s Mining Act Finding a Balance), which is currently posted on the Environmental Registry website at
www.ebr.gov.on.ca.
Mining is an economic staple in northern
Ontario and is a fundamental component
of Timmins’ economy. Exploration activity
in Timmins and northeastern Ontario is
extensive; any changes made to the Mining
How do you see your involvement with
the Chamber continuing?
Chamber policy states that I will serve as
past president for one year, which is largely to
provide support for Rob Galloway, our incoming president. Then we cycle off the board to
leave room for new blood. It’s one of the ways
that our Chamber board remains vibrant and
representative of a large cross-section of our
membership. Of course Mikro-Tek Inc. will
continue to be a business member of the
Chamber, so I will keep up-to-date on issues
that way.
What advice would you give incoming
President Rob Galloway?
I don’t think Rob needs any advice from me.
He is very capable of leading our Chamber,
and I will be there to support him in that role.
We have such a strong, capable board of
directors; it is a pleasure and a privilege to
serve as their representative, and I know Rob
will feel the same. I guess my only advice
would be to enjoy every moment-it goes by all
too quickly.
What’s something people might be
surprised to know about you?
I have had a very interesting life and
enjoyed amazing experiences living in many
countries, but I count my experience with the
Timmins Chamber of Commerce as one of the
best in terms of personal growth. I highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in business affairs and a willingness to do volunteer
work.
Act will have implications for the exploration capacity and mineral development
activity in our area. In order to ensure that
Ontario’s exploration and mining industry
remains a strong and viable operation in
Ontario, all businesses are encouraged to
provide their opinion on the Mining Act
review.
The Timmins Chamber of Commerce
encourages members to have their voice
heard by commenting on the discussion
paper on the Environmental Registry at
www.ebr.gov.on.ca. All comments must be
received prior to October 15th, 2008. For
further information on the review modernization of the Mining Act, please call 1-888415-9845 or email miningact@ontario.ca.
inside business
4 -SEPTEMBER 2008
Timmins Chamber of Commerce | La Chambre de commerce de Timmins
Schedule of Events
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
Mayor’s State of the City - SBW Launch
hosted by the Timmins BDC office
Hear about developments in the City of
Timmins during 2008 and the vision for the
future.
Speaker: Mayor Tom Laughren
Where: Days Inn
When: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., buffet lunch
included
Cost: $25 for Chamber members, $30 future
members incl. gst
To reserve your seat, please call the Timmins
Chamber of Commerce at 360-1900
Starting a Small Business Workshop
- presented by the Business Enterprise Centre
& The Venture Centre
A session filled with guidelines and good
advice on making a success of it from the
start.
Where: Days Inn, Conference Room #3
When: 6:30- 8:30 p.m.
Cost: free
To reserve your seat, please call the Business
Enterprise Centre at 360-2600 X7081
Business Growth - presented by the Business
Development Bank of Canada
This session will focus on the six main areas
of consulting services offered by the Business
Development Bank of Canada.
These include:
Business Planning and Management
Market Development
Human Resource Management
Operational Efficiency
Innovation
Business Transition
Speaker: Brian Jones
Where: Days Inn, Conference Room #2
When: 6:30-8 p.m.
Cost: complimentary
To reserve your seat, please call the BDC at
267-6456
Community Improvement Plan Funding
- presented by Downtown Timmins (BIA)
A session for businesses in the central business districts on how to access this grant
program.
Speaker: Andrea Griener, City of Timmins
Where: Tembec Room, Timmins Public
Library
When: 6 p.m.
Cost: free
To reserve your seat, please call the BIA office
at 264-8733
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Ask The Expert - hosted by the Timmins
Chamber of Commerce
Join us as we discuss how to manage your
best asset, your people.
Speaker: Rachel Pineault
Where: Timmins Chamber Boardroom
When: 8-9 a.m.
Cost: no-charge for members, $5 for future
members
To reserve your seat, please call the Timmins
Chamber of Commerce at 360-1900
Exporting Success Stories- presented by
Trade Northern Ontario
Where : Siva’s Restaurant
When: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Cost: complimentary
For more information, please contact The
Venture Centre/ Le Centre de développement
at 360-5800 X228
How to Approach the Lenders for $$$
- presented by the Business Enterprise Centre
in partnership with BDC, Scotiabank and
Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund
Hear from local lenders on what they require
in order for your business to start, grow or
purchase assets.
Where: Community Boardroom, Timmins
Police Services Building
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Cost: free
To reserve your seat, please call the Business
Enterprise Centre at 360-2656
Small Business Week
2008 is brought to you
by these sponsors:
Ask The Expert - hosted by the Timmins
Chamber of Commerce
This session will help to improve your
business etiquette techniques.
Speaker: Carole Duguay
Where: Timmins Chamber Boardroom
When: 8-9 a.m.
Cost: no-charge for members, $5 for future
members To reserve your seat, please call the
Timmins Chamber of Commerce at 360-1900
Lunch N Learn - hosted by the Timmins
Chamber of Commerce
Join us as we discuss Accessibility for your
business with the Barrier Elimination Action
Corp. The new provincial Accessibility Act
requires all businesses to meet certain accessibility criteria.
Where: Université de Hearst
When: noon- 1p.m.
Cost: Free for members, $10 incl gst for
future members
To reserve your seat, please call the Timmins
Chamber of Commerce at 360-1900
Show Me the People - Employers Forum
- presented by the Timmins Economic
Development Corporation
This session aims to answer “Where can I get
employees for my business?” Explore hiring
programs and find ways to get employees for
your business.
Where: Community Boardroom, Timmins
Police Services Building
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Cost: free To reserve your seat, please call the
TEDC at 360-2656
18th Annual NADF Business Awards
- presented by the Nishnawbe Aski
Development Fund
An event that celebrates and honours the
achievements of the Aboriginal business community in northern Ontario.
Where: Days Inn
When: Networking & Hors d’oeuvres: 5:00 p.m.
Dinner & Award Presentations: 6:00 p.m.
Cost: $125/ticket or $1000/table of 10
To reserve your seat, please contact Liesa
Wynn at (807) 623-5397 or by e-mail at
lwynn@nadf.org
Thursday, October 23, 2008
How to Do Business with the Ontario
Government - hosted by the Timmins
Chamber of Commerce
Join us as we discuss Ontario Procurement
Policy and key concepts.
Where: Days Inn, Conference Room #3
When: 9:00 a.m.- 11:30 a.m.
Cost: Free for members, $10 incl gst for future
members
To reserve your seat, please call the Timmins
Chamber of Commerce at 360-1900
Tech Break - hosted by NEOnet
Join us as we discuss how to use the internet
to market your small business.
Where: Siva’s Restaurant
Friday, October 24, 2008
The Venture Centre/ Le Centre de
développement Annual General Meeting
Join the Venture Centre/Le Centre de
développement board and staff for luncheon
and annual meeting to review the year’s
achievements. .
Where : Cedar Meadows
When: noon-1 p.m.
Cost: attendees are responsible for their own
lunch costs
To reserve your seat, please call NEOnet at
360-1353
Youth & Business Workshop - presented by
the Venture Centre and RDÉE Ontario
This bilingual session will help to answer the
question “Is business the career for you?”
along with exploring programs designed to
help young people get and stay in business.
Where: College Boreal
When: 10 a.m.- noon
Cost: complimentary
To reserve your seat, please contact the
Venture Centre at 360-5800
When: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Cost: Open to the General Public, RSVP
required
For more information, please contact The
Venture Centre/ Le Centre de développement
at 360-5800 X227
inside business
Inside Their Business
Timmins Chamber of Commerce
59th Annual General Meeting
&
Presidents’ Dinner
Luncheon Series
AA
Event
Event
SEPTEMBER 2008 - 5
Monday, September 29th, 2008
11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Grand Ballroom - Days Inn & Conference Centre
Complimentary Buffet Lunch Included
Are you concerned about energy reliability?
Wonder what you can do to reduce your business energy costs?
The 2008-2009 Timmins Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors cordially invites you to
attend the Annual General Meeting of the Timmins Chamber of Commerce.
“Ontario Mining:
Your Partner in
Prosperity Building”
Join us as we learn about Ontario’s Electricity System with guest
Paul Murphy, President & CEO
speaker:
Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO)
Paul Murphy was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the Independent
Electricity System Operator (IESO) in October 2006. Under Mr. Murphy’s leadership,
Ontario’s IESO is responsible for overseeing the safe and reliable operation of
Ontario’s electricity grid - one of the most diversified, reliable and efficient in the world.
The organization also oversees the wholesale electricity markets.
Mr. Murphy has worked in the integrated operation of Ontario’s electrical system for
over 25 years and in the development and operation of competitive markets for the
last ten. Prior to his appointment as President, he was the IESO’s Chief Operating
Officer.
Mr. Murphy, raised in Timmins, has a Bachelor of Applied Science from Queen’s
University in Kingston, Ontario and is a registered Professional Engineer in Ontario.
Chris Hodgson
President
Ontario Mining Association
Registration
Contact Name: _______________________ Company: ________________________
Mailing Address: _________________________________________
(only required if non-member)
Fax: ____________ E-mail: __________________________
# of seats required ________
This is an assigned seating event. If you have any
seating preference, please advise:
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
Porcupine Dante Club
162 Cedar Street South
Timmins, ON
Chris became President of the Ontario Mining Association in October 2004. He
is also a board member of the Ontario Mineral Industry Cluster Council, the Mining
Industry Human Resource Council, and the Northern Centre for Advanced
Technology. First elected as a Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for the
Ontario Legislature in a 1994 by-election, and then re-elected in the 1995 and 1999
general elections, Chris held a variety of ministry portfolios. During his nine years as
MPP he served as Minister of Natural Resources, Minister of Northern Development
and Mines, Chairman of Management Board of Cabinet, Deputy House Leader and
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. A graduate of Trent University, Chris has a
background in real-estate development and municipal politics in Ontario’s Haliburton
County.
Registration
________________________________________________________________________
Phone : ____________
Wednesday, October 1st
6:30 p.m.
Contact Name:____________________________________ Company: __________________________________
Mailing Address:_______________________________________________________________________________
Phone: __________________________________________ Fax: _______________________________________
Timmins Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 985
Timmins, Ontario P4N 7H6
Phone: 360-1900
Fax: 360-1193
info@timminschamber.on.ca
This event is assigned seating. Please advise if you have specific seating requests:_________________________
Members: $55.00
Future Members: $70.00
(including GST)
Payment: Please Invoice (members only)
Ŀ
# of Tickets: __________ (Tables seat 8)
Total $: __________
Cheque Enclosed
Ŀ
MasterCard/Amex/Visa #:___________________________________________________
Cardholder Name:
This event proudly sponsored by:
_Expiry Date:______/______
For more information or to register, contact:
Steven Vachon
Membership Development & Events Specialist
info@timminschamber.on.ca 705.360.1900
Officially Open
The Voice of Business Since 1949
BUSINESS
D I R E C T O RY
On July 26, 2008, Ontario’s first diamond mine hit
full production nine months ahead of schedule.
Thank you to our partners for making so many
diamond dreams come true.
Published by the Timmins Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 985
Timmins, Ontario P4N 7H6
(705) 360-1900 Fax: (705) 360-1193
E-mail: krobson@timminschamber.on.ca
Website: www.timminschamber.on.ca
For
Editorial
Managing
Editor: Information
Keitha Robson
Call: (705)
Keitha
Robson
360-1900
(705) 360-1900
E-mail:
krobson@timminschamber.on.ca
E-mail: krobson@timminschamber.on.ca
Editor:
Chertow Information
For Advertising
andHeather
Membership
Call:
Rae
(705)James
360-1900
(705) 360-1900
E-mail: hchertow@timminschamber.on.ca
E-mail: jrae@timminschamber.on.ca
“Inside Business” is an information
package provided to members of the
Timmins Chamber of Commerce and
businesses at large. The positions
expressed in by-lined columns are the
opinion of the subject editor and do not
reflect the position of the Timmins
Chamber
of
Commerce
unless
specifically
stated. The Timmins
Chamber of Commerce assumes no
responsibility for statements or claims
made by advertisers. “Inside Business” is
published 6 times per year by the
Timmins Chamber of Commerce. Issue
dates are January, March, May, July,
September and November. Closing date
is the second Friday of the previous
month. No part of this publication may
be reproduced without the publisher’s
written permission.
www.debeerscanada.com
inside business
6 - SEPTEMBER 2008
JULY MEMBER OF THE MONTH
R&S Vision Centre gets July nod for monthly Chamber accolades
2007-08 Chamber President Marilyn Wood and Marketing
Committee Chair Art Pultz present Sherry and Roger
Courville of R & S Vision Centre with the Chamber Member
of the Month Award for July.
Owned and operated by Roger and Sherry
Courville, R & S Vision Centre offers some of
the largest selection of eyeglasses in northern
Ontario. Aside from offering retail services, R
& S Vision Centre offers many eye-care services, all of which are becoming increasingly
popular among their clientele.
“We are able to provide a complete eye
examination on-location, thanks to ophthalmologist, Dr. R. Stevenson. The business
is growing and we are very thankful to have
Dr. Stevenson on board to be able serve all
the needs of our customers,” said Roger. “Eye
care services can be provided to customers
with vision problems caused by conditions
like glaucoma, cataracts and diabetes. Even
customers with eye injuries can be treated
on-site,” stated Courville.
Aside from ophthalmologist Dr.
Stevenson, R & S Vision Centre also has 2
opticians on staff in order to meet the needs
of their customers. All services and eye exams
are performed on-site and are offered at great
rates. Pricing has become an increasingly
important factor for eye-care clients, since
routine eye exams (for patients aged 20 to 64)
are no longer covered by the Ontario Health
Insurance Plan (OHIP). “As a result, many
people are not seeking the proper eye care
Timmins Chamber of Commerce
NorthernTel Mobility
Cellular Corporate Rate Plan
Exclusive to Timmins Chamber of Commerce voting members
Save Big with our mobility partner rate plan
• 1,000 incoming local minutes
• 250 anytime minutes
• 30 long-distance minutes
• Unlimited evenings and weekends
• Unlimited incoming mobile to mobile
• And much more ....
for as low as
$22.50
per month
ALSO
AVAILABLE
Special rate plan
for employees of
Chamber Members
$
Only
/mnth
services because they can’t afford to pay for
examinations.” Their commitment to proper and adequate eye care is what motivates R
& S to offer eye exams at low prices - prices
closer to what OHIP used to cover. By doing
so, R & S Vision Centre is hoping to make eye
care more accessible by those individuals
who require it.
R & S Vision Centre is no stranger to success and recognition: in 2006, the business
received the Marketing Innovation
Achievement Nova Award for their innovative marketing strategies. Aside from this
award, Roger said that one of their biggest
accomplishments is the size of their clientele.
When they first opened their doors, they
struggled to grow their customer base. Now
in their 11th year of operation, they have no
trouble attracting people to their businesses their customer base has expanded dramatically since their initial opening. In addition
to implementing various marketing strategies, a large portion of their business is
obtained through referrals. “Word of mouth
is a huge factor in attracting new business,”
explained Roger, “Customers are very supportive and they do a wonderful job of
spreading the word about our business and
our quality of service”. Because of their everincreasing customer base, R & S Vision
Centre is exploring the possibility of expanding their facilities to include a larger waiting
area and more examination rooms.
While attracting new customers is important, Roger and Sherry also realize the value
of retaining new customers to the business.
“Quality is a huge factor when dealing with
our customers - they are not always concerned only with prices. If the quality isn’t
there, then customers won’t come back or
refer friends and family - no matter how good
your price is.” People are very thankful for
the quality service that R & S Vision Centre
offers. “It makes me proud when people tell
me that that we’re doing a good job,” said
Roger.
For more information on R & S Vision
Centre, visit them on location at the
Hollinger Court (100 Waterloo Road), or call
705-267-7327.
M.O.E. COMMERCIAL ACCOUNTING
Professional Bookkeeping • Personal & Business Tax Returns
M.O.E. = Profits
204-670 Airport Road, Timmins
Phone: 268-4474 • Fax: 264-0011
Maurice E. Proulx email: taxman@onlink.net
National Car Rental
National Car Rental congratulates the
Chamber of Commerce for providing
excellent service to the business community.
p
A lot of
choices...
p
Timmins
470 Algonquin blvd E.
268-3456
• Competitive daily, weekly and monthly rates
• Special weekend packages • Minibuses
• Insurance replacement vehicle program
• Customer pick-up and return in service area
Airport
264-2237
For reservations 1-800-CAR-RENT (1-800-227-7368)
www.national car.com
SUPER CITY CLEANING SYSTEMS
Automotive high pressure
hot extraction cleaning
and detailing services
24
ALAIN FRANCOEUR • AUTO DETAILING SPECIALIST
Immediate First Aid can make the difference between
complete recovery and permanent disability.
More than 90% of all injuries are predictable,
understandable, and preventable.
To join the Timmins Chamber of
Commerce please call 360-1900
The Canadian Red Cross is WS&IB recognized
and offers public and workplace training.
Canadian Red Cross
Croix-Rouge canadienne
For more information contact:
The Canadian Red Cross, 60 Wilson Ave., Ste. 201 • Timmins
Phone 267-4900
•
Fax 268-6388
inside business
SEPTEMBER 2008 - 7
AUGUST MEMBER OF THE MONTH
Extend-A-Family named the August member of month
Extend-A-Family is a non-profit community support program funded by the Ministry
of Community and Social Services and
Ministry of Children and Youth Services. The
organization has operated in Timmins since
1982, providing planned respite care for children and youth (from ages 0 to 21) with disabilities. An important principle of the
Cochrane-Temiskaming Extend-A-Family is
that every child is accepted into the program
with open arms, regardless of the type or
degree of disability.
Extend-A-Family is a program committed
to keeping children active, helping them to
make friends and develop new skills. The
program enables children to gain some independence from their parents, while taking
part in community-based activities that have
the specific goal of social development.
Children are given an opportunity to broaden their experience and develop relationships with other people. “Everything we do
is for the kids. Our programs give them a
place to belong and the opportunity to gain a
world of experience,” stated Laura
Vaillancourt, Program Co-ordinator at
Extend-A-Family. “All the activities that we
organize and participate in focus on developing social skills and building self-esteem.”
Extend-A-Family also runs an eight week
summer program, featuring activities like
swimming, bowling, mini-putt, movies,
nature hikes, and outdoor games. The organization plans several trips throughout the
summer, including trips to Canada’s
Wonderland, Twin Lakes, and a camping
excursion at Camp Munroe. “The Summer
Program is one of our biggest accomplishments. There is lots of planning and effort
that goes into the program to make it such a
success. We try to provide the kids with a
new experience every time they join in,” stated Laura.
The main challenge for Extend-A-Family is
gaining access to funding. “We currently
have a waiting list of about 20 kids for the
program, but unfortunately we are unable to
hire additional workers,” stated Laura. In
order to raise funds, the organization hosts a
number of fundraising initiatives throughout the year.
In addition to community bingos (held
throughout the year), the organization’s
largest fundraising event is their annual Art
Auction. According to Vaillancourt, “Our Art
Auction is a really popular event. We auction
off artwork that has been created by our program participants and professionally matted
and framed. It is a truly amazing opportunity to showcase the abilities of our kids, while
providing them with the opportunity to
express themselves artistically and really
build their self-esteem.”
This year also saw the organization host its
first “Club Shakin’ Not Stirred” entertainment gala. The event featured a high endclub atmosphere with entertainment and
dancers. The event saw substantial uptake
from the community. “Shaken - Not Stirred
2007-08 Chamber President Marilyn Wood and Marketing
Committee Chair Art Pultz present Laura Vaillancourt,
Extend-A-Family Program Coordinator, with the Chamber
Member of the Month Award for August.
was a huge success - it helped us to secure
funding for our summer program for the
next three years,” said Laura. “To realize that
level of support exists within our community really helps to reinforce our dedication to
our kids, their families and helps let us know
what great program we offer in our community.”
For more information on the CochraneTemiskaming Extend-A-Family, contact
Laura Vaillancourt at 268-2240.
New member profiles
Immaculate Home
Solutions
CLEANING SERVICES
Immaculate Home Solutions is a professional
cleaning service located in Timmins. The company
provides both residential and commercial cleaning
services (daily, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly and onetime cleans) at very affordable rates. Its team of professional cleaners are bonded, insured and trained to
provide the best quality cleaning service to their
growing-list of clients. Immaculate Home Solutions
has been providing housekeeping and maid services
to many happy clients in the area for over a year and
a half. Immaculate Home Solutions prides itself in a
job well done and stands behind its work. Customer
satisfaction is their number one priority. For a free in
home estimate, please call Tina Green at 705-3637529 or e-mail her at admin@immaculatehomesolutions.com.
Jacques Trudel
Construction
GENERAL CONTRACTORS
Jacques Trudel Construction is a construction
company that has been helping Timmins grow for
the past 20 years. The company was named Timmins’
Favourite Contractor in 2007. Jacques Trudel
Construction can accommodate investors new to
Timmins by helping them with the planning process
for a new home or renovate a previously purchased
home. Jacques Trudel can assist home owners with
planning, building, renovating and consult with
prospective home owners towards creating a dream
home. All services are provided in a timely fashion
with licensed professionals only. Jacques Trudel
Construction is a Licensed Custom Home Builder for
Tarion and provides a 7 year warranty. To get a professional opinion on any renovation or building idea
that you may have, contact either Jacques Trudel at
365-8201 or Linda Trudel at 268-3538. They would
love to help you. Jacques Trudel Construction builds
dreams on innovations.
Made in the Shade Blinds
& More
DRAPERY STORES
Whether your home or business is a blank canvas
or reflects the taste of previous owners, you can give it
a personal decorating touch with quality, namebrand window fashions from Made in the Shade.
Window coverings make an enormous difference in
the enjoyment of your home or office. They can add
beauty, enhance light quality, provide privacy and
even reduce utility bills. Owned and operated by
Andrew and Sheila Fitch, Made in the Shade Blinds &
More can take care of all your window-covering
needs. The company offers Hunter Douglas and
Abbey by Grader blinds, shades, and shutters. All of
their window-covering products are custom fit to
your window. Whether it is for the home, cottage,
business, or any other window, free on-site consultations and estimates are available. Made in the Shade
also features designer area rugs from Sphinx by
Oriental Weavers. Many of these rugs are hand made
from wool. You can see all of their area rugs and entire
window covering options online at www.madeintheshadeneon.com. The company is based out of
Kirkland Lake and services all of Northeastern
Ontario. Call Andrew or Sheila at 888-742-9948 (705567-5831) to put your windows on the “BestDressed” list.
Paralegal Professional
Corporation
LEGAL SERVICES
Located at 133 Spruce Street South, Paralegal
Professional Corporation is a paralegal firm providing
legal services to employers and business owners in the
Timmins area. Their services focus on worker’s compensation and workplace injuries. The organization
represents clients in their appeals at the Workplace
Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) level and
Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal
(WSIAT) level, while also offering various training
seminars throughout the year. For more information,
please contact Isabella G. Tonkin by calling 264-6666.
Money Mart
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Money Mart is the largest provider of conveniencebased financial services in Canada. There are nearly
500 Money Mart branches throughout Canada. The
Timmins Money Mart, located at 950 Riverside Drive,
opened in December 2006 with extended hours 7
days a week. Their core services include cheque cashing, payday loans, foreign currency exchanges,
Western Union cash wire transfers, prepaid
MasterCards, and tax discounting. They have very
competitive fees and cash all types of cheques, including post-dated cheques, cheques made payable to
your small business, U.S. cheques, personal cheques,
traveller’s cheques, and payroll and government
cheques. Money Mart offers the cheapest payday
loan in Canada guaranteed and as with all other services, they pay out in cash. They also offer prepaid
Mastercards, which are ideal for individuals who
don’t have a credit card but want to shop online or
purchase items over the phone. The company has
highly competitive rates on foreign currency
exchange, whether buying or selling and their tax discounting guarantees the maximum possible return.
For more information on Money Mart and their services, please call (705) 264-6364.
B & D Variety
CONVENIENCE STORES
B & D Variety is your friendly neighbourhood convenience store. The business has a wide variety of
products available - they sell pretty much everything
that you would expect in a corner store. B & D Variety
is also an exclusive retailer for Ol’Grandad’s potato
chips and their slushies are known for their unique
blend and texture. The service at B & D Variety is fast
and without comparison. For more information on B
& D Variety, call Paul Castonguay at 264-9078 or
check out the store in person by visiting them on
location at 183 Wilson Avenue.
Serenity Design
PAINT AND DECORATING RETAIL
Serenity Design has been in formulation for many
years but this is their first formal year of business. The
owner, Peigi Kunkel, was encouraged by friends and
family to go into business for herself. Peigi has a Fine
Arts background, specializing in painting, drawing
and art history with a particular interest in architecture and interior period design along with 25+ years
of practical experience with interior renovations and
redecorating. Serenity Design will help clients by
going through the entire design process with them.
Before starting any job, Peigi will discuss a number of
creative ideas, the client’s wish list, colours, style,
timeline and the budget. In addition to helping
clients with the basics of any project, Peigi is willing
to help clients find qualified tradespeople, act as a
consultant in the design and details of colours, trim
and fixtures and oversee the project so that it is completed to the client’s satisfaction. For more information on Serenity Design, please contact Peigi Kunkel
at 264-7805.
Motion Specialties
Timmins
HEALTH CARE SERVICES
Motion Specialties Timmins, a locally owned and
operated business, recently opened in a beautiful
9000 square foot retail and service location at 77
Waterloo Rd. (the former Canadian Tire store) in
Timmins. This home health care store is a part of
The Motion Group, with over 34 locations in
Canada. They have been meeting the mobility
needs of Canadians since 1985. Local owners Paul
Charles and Claude Roy are highly qualified and
fully bilingual in French and English. Paul Charles
(the only person in the Timmins area certified by
RESNA -Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive
Technology Society of North America - has had over
18 years of experience in the Home Health Care
industry), and Claude Roy (a Registered Nurse) are
both committed to delivering superior products and
customer service to help improve the lives of everyone in need of assistive devices. Products range
from wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, lifting devices,
hospital beds, Tempur mattresses, lift out recline
chairs, T.E.N.S units, first aid and incontinence
products. Motion Specialties focuses on maintaining a friendly atmosphere through their showroom
and knowledgeable staff. Motion Specialties is also
pleased to be a preferred provider for WSIB,
Extendicare, ADP, and many other funding agencies. Motion Specialties services all their products in
shop and onsite. For more information, call 3601941.
Timmins and Area Women
in Crisis
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
The Timmins and Area Women in Crisis Support
and Information Centre is a Sexual Assault Crisis
Centre operating since 1992 and funded under the
Ministry of the Attorney General. The centre has a
24-hour Crisis line (705 268-8380) available for survivors of sexual assault. If requested by the caller,
TAWC will provide accompaniment to hospital,
police station, court, etc. Confidentiality is a priority at TAWC in all services offered. TAWC is committed to educating the public on issues of violence
against women and children. The focus of their public education program is on the development and
publication of written materials. While sexual
assault support services remain their primary focus,
services are being enhanced to include more practical assistance that goes beyond the initial crisis
stage. TAWC offers a comprehensive series of information packages on a number of topics as well as
numerous workshops. TAWC also hosts the annual
Take Back the Night March in Timmins;
International Women’s Day; promotes the Sexual
Assault Prevention Month (May); hosts information
booths; advertises; gives presentations to schools;
and provides full internet access is to women in
need. Call us or visit us in person for a tour of the
centre. Enjoy a coffee or tea while we would proudly tell you more about our wonderful women’s centre and our great programs. For a full list of services
or for further information, call (705) 268-8381.
To join the Timmins Chamber of Commerce please call 360-1900
inside business
8 - SEPTEMBER 2008
Annual Chamber golf tourney a swinging success
On Friday, July 11, The
Timmins
Chamber
of
Commerce held its annual Golf
Tournament Thursday at Spruce
Needles Golf Club, with 148
golfers participating in the soldout event and more than 60
member businesses sponsoring
holes and donating prizes.
The popular annual event
serves as a great networking
opportunity, while also providing members with the opportunity to enjoy the summer season
outdoors. Participants played 18
holes of golf and received team
photos
(sponsored
by
NorthernTel Mobility). Golfers
were also treated to an afternoon
pizza break (courtesy of Topper’s
Pizza) and finished off the day by
enjoying a striploin steak dinner
at the Spruce Needles clubhouse.
As well, every golfer received a
prize for their efforts and participation. This was made possible
through prizes generously
donated by over 60 member
businesses.
The winners in the four-person 18-hole best ball scramble are as follows:
Ladies Winners:
Team Porcupine Credit Bureau: Trina St-Amour, Lynn Gauthier, Lyne Miron and
Tricia Whelan
Mens Winners:
Team Northern Environmental Services: Paul Kangas, Peter Ruddy, John Shaw,
Mat Duquette
Mixed Winners:
Team Ross Pope & Company: John Foster, Bonnie Foster, Chris Paquette, Tina
Petroni
Lady’s Closest to the Pin - sponsored by Grand & Toy: Christy Marinig
Men’s Closest to the Pin - sponsored by Northern Environmental Services: Mike O’Neil
Lady’s Longest Putt - sponsored by Chisholm, Beaulne, Passmore & Yade: Lyne Miron
Men’s Longest Putt - sponsored by Chisholm, Beaulne, Passmore & Yade: Marc Gagnon
Lady’s Longest Drive - sponsored by Elk Lake Eco Lodge: Lyne Miron
Men’s Longest Drive - sponsored by Carol Sweezey of ClaimPost Realty: Josh Bond
Chuck Poirier was the winner of a GPS Unit at the putting contest hosted by NorthernTel.
We thank all hole and prize sponsors for their generosity. This first-class event could not have been
successful without the involvement of these generous sponsoring organizations. Special recognition is
also in order for the staff at Spruce Needles for their excellent work.
Thank you to the Organizing Committee: Don Wyatt (Chair), Bruce Stewart, Peter Pidskalny, Joel
Bergeron, Deni Poulin, Pierre Corbeil and Gary Marriott.
HOLE SPONSORS
Al Poulin & Associates
BMO Bank of Montreal
BMT Insurance
Body Evolution Fitness Club
ClaimPost Realty
Davidson de Laplante Insurance
Brokers
De Beers
Goldcorp
Gorf Contracting
Grand & Toy
KIA of Timmins
Northern Credit Union
NorthernTel Mobility
Paul Davis Systems
Ross, Pope & Company
Scotiabank
Wasaya Airways LP
Wyatt Image Solutions
Xstrata
PRIZE & EVENT SPONSORS
Air Creebec Inc.
Al Poulin Financial Services
Battlefield Equipment
Blue Heron Solutions for
Environmental Management Inc.
BMT Insurance and Financial Services
Bupont Motors Inc.
Business Development Bank of Canada
Caisse Populaire
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
Cedar Meadows Resort Inc.
City of Timmins
College Boreal
D&N Specialties
Davidson DeLaplante Insurance
Brokers
Days Inn and Conference Centre
De Beers Canada
Dumas Contracting Ltd.
Dundee Private Investors Inc.
Fortier Beverages
Freedom 55 Financial
Getrainedworkers.com
Gord’s Rentals
Howard Johnson Inn
HSBC Bank Canada
J&B Cycle & Marine Ltd.
James Toyota Ltd.
Kal Tire
Kamiskotia Snow Resort
Kia of Timmins
Kinecor Inc.
La Caisse Populaire de Timmins
Limitée
Leo Alarie & Sons Construction
Levert Personnel Resources
Little John Enterprises Ltd.
Maslack Supply Limited
Mikes Restaurant
Mikey’s General Sales & Repairs
Minuteman Press
Pictured is the winning mens golf foursome (L-R): Peter Ruddy, Paul Kangas, Mat Duquette, and John
Shaw. Other winning teams included Lynn Gauthier, Lyne Miron, Tricia Whelan and Trina St-Amour (ladies
winners) and Chris Paquette, Tina Petroni, Bonnie Foster and John Foster (mixed winners).
Mytimminstoday.com
N. Lacroix Plumbing & Heating
National Bank
National Car Rental/Murdoch Group
Sales & Leasing
NEOnet Inc.
North Claybelt CFDC
Northern College of Applied Arts &
Technology
Northern Credit Union Limited
Northern Ontario Appraisals Ltd.
Paul Ayotte Insurance
Paul Davis Systems
Porcupine Advance Printers
R.L.P. Machine & Steel Fabrication Inc.
ReadyQuip Sales & Service Ltd.
Royal Tire Timmins Limited
Southend Auto Parts
Spruce Needles Incorporated
Sym-Tech Automotive Protection
The Daily Press
The Venture Centre/Le Centre de
développement
Timmins Construction Association
Timmins Garage Inc.
Timmins Honda
Timmins Mazda
Timmins Snowmobile Club
Timmins Your Independent Grocer
Tisdale Plumbing Heating & Electrical
Toromont CAT
Uniongas
Union Securities
Uptown Auto Parts Ltd./CarQuest
Wasaya Airways LP
Wyatt Image Solutions
SPECIAL PRIZE SPONSORS
Chisholm, Passmore, Beaulne, Yade
Elk Lake Eco Lodg
Carole Sweezey, Claimpost Realty
Grand & Toy
Northern Environmental Services
EVENT SPONSORS
De Beers Canada
Gord’s Rentals
Topper’s Pizza
Fortier Beverages
gettrainedworkers.com
Union Gas
2008 WORKSHOP SERIES
THE LEADER’S CODE OF EXCELLENCE
Developing the leader from within
D
on’t you wish all staff would have initiative, and watch them maximize their potential and bring huge
follow up, be true to their word, commit to your benefits to your bottom line!
vision and bring it forward?
Come spend the day with Sylvie and see what the
This workshop is designed to bring out the leader “Leader’s Code of Excellence” entails, have the
potential in anyone who takes it. People will discover opportunity to evaluate where you are currently vis a
what it takes to be a great leader. There are huge benefits vis those skills and how to develop Leadership
to having leadership strengths at all levels in a business Excellence at all levels within your business or
and organization. Help people develop those strengths organization!
Join Executive Coach Sylvie Gervais-Leduc from The Art of Excellence on:
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22ND, 2008,
9:00 A.M. TO 4:00 P.M.
CEDAR MEADOWS RESORT
TIMMINS, ONTARIO
FULL DAY SEMINAR
9:00 am to 4:00 pm
$ 265.00 +GST per person
Ask about our group rates
(10% off for more than 2)
HOW TO REGISTER:
Online: www.taoe.ca
By Phone: 1-866-827-8448
By Email: info@taoe.ca
inside business
SEPTEMBER 2008 - 9
Making Northern Ontario Accessible
by David Ligocki
Ontario has an important law now in
effect: the Accessibility for Ontarians with
Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA). The law states
that people with disabilities should have the
same type of experiences and opportunities
as everyone else. This includes being able to
take advantage of
things that most
non-disabled individuals take for
granted.
Provincial legislation states that businesses,
organizations and institutions that provide goods and services to people in Ontario will have to meet certain
accessibility standards in five important
areas of our lives: customer service; built
environment ; information and communications; employment; and transportation.
Many of northern Ontario’s businesses
know how valuable accessibility can be.
Businesses know that improving accessibility
isn’t simply “the right thing to do”; rather, it
is also the smart thing to do. Increased accessibility means more customers, a wider array
of skilled employees and less missed business
opportunities.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Accessibility Standard - Are You Prepared?
The Customer Service Accessibility
Standard (available online at www.accesson.ca) is our province’s first accessibility
standard, effective since January 1, 2008.
This standard states how businesses in
Ontario can make
their goods and
services
more
accessible to people with disabilities. By following
the
Customer
S e r v i c e
Accessibility
Standard, your business will be on its way to
completing the first requirement set out by
Ontario Regulations under the AODA.
Remember that all customer service standards for private business must be in place by
2012.
BARRIER ELIMINATION Action Corp. is
an organization in Timmins dedicated to
making compliance to all accessibility legislation easier for businesses, institutions and
organizations. Barrier Elimination provides
accessibility audits, customer service presentations, sensitivity and awareness training,
WHAT ACCESSIBILITY MEANS
FOR YOUR BUSINESS
➤ People with disabilities are a growing consumer market in
Canada. Nationally, people with disabilities account for
an estimated $25 billion a year in consumer spending,
and influence the spending decisions of twelve to fifteen
million other Canadians.
➤ Over one-in-eight Ontarians have disabilities that keep
them from more fully participating in society. That will
only increase as baby boomers move into their senior
years. According to Statistics Canada by 2025 the number
of Ontarians with disabilities will grow to about 1 in 5.
assisted development of business work plans
and consulting with architects.
For more information please contact
David Ligocki at:
BARRIER ELIMINATION Action Corp.
60 Wilson Avenue - Suite 202
Timmins - Ontario - P4N 2S7
WEB: www.barrierelimination.com
E-MAIL: consultants@barrierelimination.com
PH/TTY: (705) 268-BEAC
Assistance available for Ontario
companies to expand export markets
You don’t have to be
big to take on the world.
That’s the theme of a new initiative of the
Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) that
will help small and medium sized businesses
explore new export markets, predominately
outside the US.
Export Market Access is a cost-sharing program with support and funding from the
Government of Ontario. Businesses may qualify for a grant covering up to 50% of the costs
incurred in expanding to new foreign markets.
The proposal by the OCC to assist small and
medium sized businesses received government support in the 2008 Spring Budget.
“It’s our mission to help companies go
where they couldn’t before. And in so doing,
build a stronger economy,” explains Len
Crispino, President & CEO of the Ontario
Chamber of Commerce.
The program was officially launched on July
15, 2008. Applications, information and
resources and can be found at www.exportaccess.ca
THE OCC APPROACHED THE GOVERNMENT TO FUND THE INITIATIVE AS A RESULT OF THE FOLLOWING:
➤ Research shows that businesses that export outperform their non-exporting competitors
➤ While there are many opportunities for business
growth in emerging economies like Brazil, Russia,
India and China, 86% of Ontario’s exports continue
to be directed to the United States
➤ Many small and medium sized businesses in
Ontario feel they do not have the resources to
explore new export markets
320 Second Avenue
Timmins, ON
P4N 1A8
(705) 360-2623
extension 8537
10 - SEPTEMBER 2008
inside business
Grand-Opening
Howard Johnson Inn’s
Courtyard Steakhouse
The Howard Johnson Inn unveiled their
new restaurant, the Courtyard Inn
Steakhouse, during a Grand-Opening ceremony on Sunday, July 13, 2008. The new
restaurant labels itself as a true steakhouse
restaurant and includes a beautiful new dining hall and features a brand new menu.
The restaurant is open on Monday through
Saturday from 6 am - 10 am and again from
4:30 pm - 9:30 pm. The menu features a
great choice of steaks, prime-rib, ribs, fish
and chicken. They also serve a variety of salads, appetizers and desserts. As well, the
steakhouse brings a popular and unique feature to the dining experience: BYOW, or
“Bring Your Own Wine”. The steakhouse
has a special liquor license that allows
guests to bring wine from home.
According to Howard Johnson Manager
Don Padley, the new menu has attracted a
lot of attention.
“The launch was very successful and
we’ve had a great turn out so far,” said
Padley. “The public was excited when they
first heard about the prospect of a steakhouse in Timmins. In the months prior to
our grand-opening, the phones were ringing off the hook with people inquiring
about it,” added Padley.
The hotel has realized much development and improvements as of late. Three
and a half year ago, the main focus of their
growth was improving hotel accommodations and increasing guest numbers. With
the hotel’s recent refurbishing and 100%
smoke-free status, management was able to
shift the focus towards attracting a larger
segment in the city. In order to expand
their customer base, management identified the need to offer a unique dining experience.
In order to facilitate their continued
growth and allow them to continue their
success, Padley is well aware of what it
means to have the right support systems
and staff in place. “The lack of workers has
had a huge effect on the food and beverage
industry in Timmins and the Howard
Johnson is no exception,” stated Padley.
“Establishing a restaurant at our facility was
something we’ve wanted to do for a long
time; we just had to wait for the right time
In July, the Howard Johnson Inn unveiled its new restaurant, the Courtyard Inn Steakhouse. Pictured in the new dining room
(L-R) are: Melanie Gelinas, server, Mike Kentish, Sales and Marketing Manager, Don Padley, General Manager, Dallas Kelly,
Front Desk and Office Manager, Jeanne Fortin, Functions Cook and Maryse Lyrette, server.
and for the right people to be in place,” stated Padley. “Right now, we have the winning
combination”. However, the quest for continuous improvement does not stop with
the opening of the steakhouse. “We are
always looking for energetic people to join
our team. We aren’t done growing. The plan
is to eventually become a full-service hotel
and convention centre. The establishment
of our steakhouse brings us one step closer.”
The Howard Johnson Inn is located at
1800 Riverside Drive. For more information, please call 1-705-267-6241 or visit
www.hojotimmins.com.
inside business
New Residents’
Package
Available
Do you have a new employee
relocating to Timmins? Do you
want to provide them with as
much information as possible
to ensure a smooth transition
into our city and a warm welcome? Look no further! The
Timmins
Chamber
of
Commerce
has
recently
released an updated version of
our comprehensive information booklet that aims to
answer any and all questions
that a new Timmins resident
may have. As well, our “New
Residents’ Package” can be
used by prospective residents
wishing to learn more about
the services and amenities
found in the City of Timmins.
Knowing which services and
amenities that exist within the
community can not only help
to ease the transition and make
new residents confident in
their relocation decision, but
may also help with both the
attraction and the retention of
employees to the area by showcasing the city’s attributes.
The package contains easy-toread lists and information on
the services, local businesses,
important phone numbers,
housing, education, economic
factors, climate, arts and culture, financial institutions,
health care, community
groups, attractions, restaurants, accommodations, recreation, transportation, and
other aspects of community
life.
The New Residents’ Package
is available for download on
the Timmins Chamber of
Commerce
website
at
http://www.timminschamber.on.ca/documents/FINALRESIDENTSPACKAGE.pdf
SEPTEMBER 2008 - 11
SUMMER STUDENTS RECEIVE CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION
On Friday August 1st, youth services officers Brad Aubé and Chantal Lambert, from the Service Canada Centre for Youth, presented Timmins Chamber of
Commerce summer students Meagan Patriquin and Lynne Lessard with Certificates of Recognition. The certificate recognizes students for their participation
in the Youth Employment Strategy Initiative (sponsored by the Service Canada Centre for Youth) and acknowledges students for their hard work throughout
the summer work term. Picture above (L-R): Lynne Lessard, Brad Aubé, Chantal Lambert and Meagan Patriquin.
MEMBERSHIP APPRECIATION BBQ - DOOR PRIZE DRAW
Jerri Gulliver of 1st Reliable Customized First Aid Services was the lucky recipient
of the Timmins Chamber of Commerce Membership Appreciation BBQ door prize. All
Timmins Chamber of Commerce members who brought along a prospective member
as a guest to the BBQ were entered into the draw. Pictured above, Steven Vachon,
Membership Development and Events Specialist, presents Jerri with the door prize,
which is valued at over $400. The Membership Appreciation BBQ took place on
June 19th at the Past Presidents’ Park (at the Chamber office).
To join the Timmins Chamber of
Commerce please call 360-1900
OFFICE SOLUTIONS, WELL-EMPLOYED
PUT OUR PRODUCTS & SERVICES TO WORK FOR YOU!
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425 Algonquin Blvd. East 268-3000