Orangeville Business Connections

C
onnections
Business
September 2015
13th Annual Bridges to Better
Business Event: Business
Growth through Innovation
This year’s Bridges to Better Business event puts
the spotlight on innovation. Bridges takes place
on November 12th and will feature a keynote
address by Rick Spence, one of Canada's
foremost experts on entrepreneurship, innovation and opportunity. The National Post business
columnist and former editor and publisher of
Profit Guide magazine is a sought-after business
consultant specializing in entrepreneurship and
business growth. Through the National Post,
Vancouver Sun, Montreal Gazette, other
Postmedia newspapers, as well as Profit Guide
Magazine, Rick Spence’s columns on entrepreneurship, innovation and opportunity reach
approximately one million people every week.
“With today’s fast-changing markets, innovation
is becoming an increasingly essential tactic for
survival and success,” notes Mr. Spence. “But
most organizations have trouble harnessing the potential of innovation. I help
entrepreneurs understand where and how to inject regular, sustained jolts of
innovation into their operations.” His interactive and highly entertaining
presentation will demonstrate why innovation is the key business process of the
21st century and how it has helped Ontario companies that have embraced
simple, sustained innovative strategies to reach new levels of success.
Another highlight of the Bridges event will be a panel discussion by local business
owners who have parlayed innovative and creative thinking into profit for their
businesses. Colin Forrester (founder of Edenwood Furniture Designs), Brad
Sparkman (President of Innovative Finishing Solutions), and Jake Tamminga
(President of Jaylor Fabricating Inc.) are all local business owners who have
successfully implemented innovative strategies in their ventures. These entrepreneurs will lead an informative and thought-provoking discussion of the role of
innovation in sustaining and growing a small business.
Pre-registration for the Bridges to Better Business event is required by November
6th. The $40 fee includes lunch, keynote address, panel discussion, access to
information booths, and refreshment breaks. To register for this great day, visit
www.orangevillebusiness.ca/events, call the Orangeville & Area SBEC at
519-941-0440 Ext. 2286, or email sbec@orangeville.ca.
Small Business Month
October has been proclaimed
Small Business Month in the
Town of Orangeville by Councillor
Nick Garisto, pictured here
with the Orangeville Economic
Development Committee. Small
businesses are a cornerstone of
Orangeville’s economy, with
more than 2000 businesses
operating in the community. As
the biggest driver of private sector employment, small businesses help to ensure
that the community remains competitive and strong.
orangevillebusiness.ca
Volume 6
Issue 4
Company Profile
BookLore
– Surpassing
Impressive
Milestones
This year, Nancy Frater,
local retailer and owner of
BookLore in Orangeville
completes 25 years of
business operation – an
impressive milestone for any
entrepreneur and especially
so in the increasingly
competitive book store environment. Her success is no small feat and
provides a wonderful demonstration of the importance of creativity and adaptability to business longevity.
BookLore held its official grand opening in 1990 and Ms. Frater has been
demonstrating entrepreneurial excellence ever since. “A number of changes
have taken place in the retail sector over the past 25 years,” she reflects.
“Increased competition from franchised and online booksellers and department stores and the advent of e-books have all created challenges for the
independent book store owner.”
Despite these incredible and uncontrollable obstacles, BookLore’s owner not
only persevered, but found ways to build an enduring and loyal customer
base. From welcoming a long list of well-known authors to her store to
championing the development of arts and culture in Orangeville, Ms. Frater’s
creative approach to marketing and promotion raised awareness of her
contributions both locally and nationally.
In 2013, Nancy won the prestigious Canada Libris Bookseller of the Year
Award, for her outstanding achievements as voted on by her bookselling and
publishing colleagues. She has also received awards for Retail Excellence,
Tourism Ambassador of the Year, Chamber Woman of the Year Award,
Tourism Retail Award, a Town of Orangeville Cultural Award, the Queen’s
Jubilee Medal for Service to the Arts, the Paul Harris Fellow Award, and so on.
Clearly well respected within the bookselling industry, BookLore has hosted
many famous authors over the years, including such celebrities as David
Suzuki, Timothy Findlay, Margaret Atwood, Dan Needles, and her own
personal favourite – Peter Gzwoski. By bringing such celebrities to
Orangeville for special events, Nancy Frater plays a leading role in
spearheading the development of the arts and culture sector locally. Her
efforts as a founding member of the Headwaters Arts Festival and co-founder
of the Orangeville Public Library One Book One County program have also
helped Orangeville to become recognized as a cultural hub along the way.
BookLore continues to collaborate with countless arts and culture
organizations and fundraisers for the benefit of our community. In fact, with
Nancy’s abundant energy and usual flair for excellence, on November 16,
BookLore will host a reception and book reading by The Book of Negros
author Lawrence Hill to support the development of plays by Theatre
Orangeville.
A wonderful asset to our community and a testament to the expression
“Enthusiasm finds the opportunities, and energy makes the most of
them,” you can learn more about this Orangeville treasure by visiting
www.booklore.ca.
Connect with Business. Connect with Life.
Things To Know
In The News
Economic Outlook Breakfast
The Town of Orangeville and TD Canada
Trust will host the popular Orangeville
Economic Outlook Breakfast on
Tuesday, October 20. As part of
Orangeville’s month-long celebration of
Small Business, the breakfast will
feature a keynote address and economic
forecast by Derek Burleton, VicePresident and Deputy Chief Economist
for TD Bank Group. The breakfast will
be held at the Best Western Plus starting at 7:30 a.m. Register
at orangevillebusiness.ca/events or by calling 519-941-0440
Ext. 2286 by October 14, 2015.
Orangeville Industrial Directory
The updated Industrial Directory for the Town of Orangeville is
now available at www.orangevillebusiness.ca or by visiting the
Economic Development/SBEC office to pick up a copy.
Official Plan Update
The Town of Orangeville has launched a five-year review of its
Official Plan, as mandated under the Ontario Planning Act. An
Official Plan is a broad policy document that guides land use development in a community and the process begins with a land needs
assessment. An Open House will be held on Monday, September
28 at Town Hall (87 Broadway) from 4 - 7 p.m. to seek input from
the public. Input can also be provided by participating in a survey
available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZZ9QPFT.
Business Retention and Expansion
Program
In the coming months, Orangeville’s Economic Development office will roll out a manufacturingfocused Business Retention and Expansion (BR+E) Program in an effort to investigate
opportunities to improve the profitability of local businesses, acknowledge the importance of
manufacturing in the community, and develop relevant business resources and programs to
further the economic development of the town.
As a co-operative effort between businesses, municipal government representatives, and
community partners, the Orangeville BR+E initiative will bring the voices of the local business
community together to help guide economic decision-making. The program, developed by the
Province of Ontario, will commence in November with business visitations and the completion
of approximately 40 comprehensive surveys of the local manufacturing sector. The BR+E team
will then analyze the survey results to identify common issues and improve or create program
resources that will support economic development strategies within the community.
The program will provide the Economic Development office with a better understanding of the
issues and trends that exist within the business community, open lines of communication to
better understand the needs of private enterprises, and create opportunities to address
concerns and where possible, remove barriers by responding to business issues. The program
also provides an opportunity to provide businesses with information on the programs and
services available to help them become more competitive.
Supported through a partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the
BR+E program has been a widely successful and is a proven economic model throughout North
America, resulting in increased competitiveness of local businesses and stronger local
economies. Local manufacturers interested in finding out more are encouraged to contact Ruth
Phillips (rphillips@orangeville.ca or 519-941-0440 Ext. 2291).
Upcoming Events
Innovation and Your Business • October 2, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Join innovation experts Dr. Ken Shultz (Ontario Centres of Excellence), Kevin Boon (Innovation
Guelph), and David Penton (Southern Ontario Fund for Investment and Innovation) as they
provide information on resources, support, and programs available to help companies achieve
their growth potential through innovation. This session is sponsored by the Ontario Centres of
Excellence and delivered in partnership with the Greater Dufferin Area Chamber of Commerce.
Free, includes breakfast.
First Steps to Exporting • October 6, 10 a.m. to Noon
Sally Press, from the Secretariat for the Canada-Ontario Export Forum, will help small business
owners understand what is involved in expanding their markets and will explain the resources
and support available to potential exporters including key websites, preliminary market
research, sample export plans, funding, and exporter support programs. $12 + HST.
Workplace Health and Safety Regulations • October 7, 7 to 9 p.m.
Compliance with the Occupational Health & Safety Act and other relevant legislation and
regulations related to health and safety of employees is an important legal requirement of all
small businesses. This interactive session, organized in partnership with the Greater Dufferin
Area Chamber of Commerce, Georgian College, Humber College, the Dufferin Area
Homebuilders’ Association, and the Workplace Safety & Prevention Services, provides a
comprehensive overview of the necessary steps that business owners must take to ensure they
are operating within the law. $12 + HST.
Real Estate Featured Listing
48 Centennial Road, Units 14 & 15
Wonderful opportunity to buy or lease two industrial units in
Orangeville close to the bypass. Approximately 3,860 square feet
of professionally finished executive office plus 1,127 square feet
of warehouse with 16-foot ceilings and two 14-foot drive-in doors.
Over $120,000 spent on upgrades. Owner willing to entertain
splitting up units. Fully networked and wired. Asking price is
$599,900. Please contact
Dave Maguire, Sales
Representative,
Royal
LePage RCR Realty, Bus.
519-941-5151.
Financing Your Business • October 14, 9 to 11 a.m.
This workshop will help entrepreneurs understand small business financing from a banking
perspective and provide information on government programs for business funding.
Representatives from TD Canada Trust and the Centre for Business and Economic Development
will provide information and guidance on how lending organizations make their decisions.
$12 + HST.
E-Business Toolkit • October 29, 9 a.m. to Noon
This information-packed session led by Mary Clarke of the Ministry of Economic Development,
Employment and Infrastructure, will provide business owners with a broad overview of the many
online, e-business practices available to them including cloud computing, e-commerce, online
marketing, customer relationship management (CRM), Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP),
blogging, mobile marketing, and more. Free.
Bridges to Better Business: Business Growth through Innovation
• November 12, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This year’s 13th annual Bridges to Better Business event will feature business expert Rick
Spence and will provide information and guidance on how businesses can improve their bottom
lines through innovation. For details see front page article. $40 + HST (includes lunch).
orangevillebusiness.ca
87 Broadway, Orangeville, Ontario L9W 1K1 Phone: 519-941-0440 Toll Free: 1-866-941-0440
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