The Business Advocate – June 2014

The Oakville Chamber of Commerce Celebrates its 65th Anniversary
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celebrating
Table of Contents
InIssue
This
Chair’s
Message
Chamber
Events
Candidates
Meeting
4
5
6
7
8
9
12
13
15
16
17
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Your Chamber TEAM
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CHAIR OF THE BOARD
VICE CHAIR
VICE CHAIR
VICE CHAIR
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR
TREASURER
CORPORATE SECRETARY
DIRECTORS
Director’s Profile
Julia Hanna
Member Profile
Cogeco
President’s
Message
Article: Avoiding
the Afternoon Crash
Government
Relations
& Advocacy
Environmental
Stewardship
Union Gas
60th Annual
Golf Tournament
Members
in the NEWS
Refer a new member
and receive $100 off
your next year’s
membership renewal!
Contact Us:
Sarah Adams, RBC
Don Bassindale, Re/Max Aboutowne Realty Corp.
Tim Caddigan, Cogeco Cable Canada LP
Claire Drage, Mortgage Alliance
France Fournier, Whole Foods Market
Elaine Holding, SB Partners LLP
Lisa Piccolo, Sheridan College Institute of Technology
and Advanced Learning
ADMINISTRATION
PRESIDENT
VICE PRESIDENT, POLICY &
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
OFFICE MANAGER
EVENTS, MARKETING &
COMMITTEE MANAGER
COMMUNICATIONS
COORDINATOR
ADMINISTRATIVE
SERVICES COORDINATOR
ADMINISTRATION
& EVENTS SUPPORT
SALES
VICE PRESIDENT,
MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
905.845.6613
John Sawyer, ext. 202 [email protected]
Steve Bright, 905-220-8296
[email protected]
Sharon Molloy, ext. 206 [email protected]
Carina Cicero, ext. 205
[email protected]
Danielle Leonard, ext. 209
[email protected]
Whitney Johnston, ext. 201
[email protected]
Karen Pomfret, ext. 210
[email protected]
Marc Tremblay, ext. 204
[email protected]
On the cover: (left to right) Mike Haines, past Chair, Stephen Sparling, past Chair,
Orla Johnston, Chair, Mary Cardamone, past Chair, Karen Oliver, past Chair,
Rick Kedzior, past Chair.
Cover Photo courtesy of Fotografia Boutique
700 Kerr Street, Suite 200
Oakville, ON L6K 3W5
905.845.6613
oakvillechamber.com
Orla Johnston, SOCS Retail Solutions Inc.
Kerry Colborne, Force 10 Capital Management
Caroline Hughes, Ford Canada
Ken Nevar, Cooper Construction Ltd.
Julia Hanna, Julia’s Ristorante & Ritorno
Barry Wylie, Canadian Club of Halton Peel
Cameron Neil, Feltmate Delibato Heagle LLP
Wendy Rinella, FCT
Hal Shaw, Intelligent Office
Stephen Tkaczyk, Shred-It International
Susan Towle, Wendy’s Restaurants of Canada
Volunteer Profile
Lori Fernandes
THE OAKVILLE CHAMBER
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The Oakville Chamber is the voice of the Oakville business community. We provide member
benefits including: advocacy, corporate benefits, networking opportunities, business development
and educational forums. Our mission is to foster a healthy, engaged and sustainable business
environment and economy in Oakville.
3
Message
Chair’s
As my tenure as Chair
of the Board for the
Oakville
Chamber
of Commerce winds
down, I look back
with pride at the year’s
accomplishments. In my
first Chair’s Message to
appear in this magazine, I pledged to act as the voice
of Oakville business and to advocate for members
at all levels of government while building upon the
Chamber’s past successes. The year was marked by a
whirlwind of events that kept me true to my promise.
Of the many highlights of my year, the Oakville
Awards for Business Excellence was among the most
rewarding. That it was the most successful Gala ever
is a testament to the Chamber’s ability to engage and
value the business community for whom it speaks. I
was ecstatic to be part of an event that celebrated the
contributions businesses have made to the Oakville
community.
When I travelled to beautiful Kelowna, BC, for
the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Annual
General Meeting, I was thrilled to see the Oakville
Chamber receive the Certificate for Accreditation
with Distinction. Only seven percent of all
Canadian chambers have received this distinction –
confirmation that the Oakville Chamber models how
a Chamber should operate. With confidence and a
determination to continue along this path, the Board
spent a great deal of time and effort into updating the
Chamber’s strategic plan this same year.
The launch of the Young Professionals and
Entrepreneurs Group (known as YPEG) at the start
of 2014 created an exciting opportunity for the
Chamber to connect with the business community’s
youngest and brightest. With two successful events
already under our belt, I’m confident this group will
be a positive force for years to come.
4
THE OAKVILLE CHAMBER
Not to be forgotten was the Chamber’s first ever
group trip to China. Almost 200 people joined this
excursion to experience China’s culture. Judging by
the comments upon their return, it was a fantastic
experience. No surprise, then, that the destinations
and dates are expanding for the coming year to include
India, China, Costa Rica, Prague, and Croatia.
Like years past, the Chamber led its typical events
with great success: Small Business Week, 60th Annual
Golf Tournament, an All-Candidates Meeting, and a
myriad of networking opportunities. This year, we
addressed the issue of transportation in the GTHA
– something of great concern to our members –
with the Moving Today for Tomorrow Symposium.
It was one of the Chamber’s many opportunities
throughout the year to feature prominent speakers,
such as Federal Minister of Transportation Lisa
Raitt, Ontario Minister of Transportation and
Infrastructure Glen Murray, and Metrolinx President
and CEO Bruce McCuaig. Additionally, the following
business and political leaders spoke at Chamber
hosted events: Progressive Conservative Party Leader
Tim Hudak, Oakville Mayor Rob Burton, Siemens
CEO Robert Hardt, and Ontario Minister of Health
Deb Matthews, to name a few.
My final months as Chair of the Board are bitter
sweet. I have enjoyed serving the needs of our
members and building valuable relationships that
will last for many years to come. As the Chamber
celebrates its 65th Anniversary this month, I want
to extend my heartfelt congratulations for all that it
has accomplished, not only in the past year, but over
the past sixty years. I wish the Chamber’s members,
volunteers, and staff another six prosperous decades.
Orla Johnston
Chair of the Board
Oakville Chamber of Commerce
Chamber E
vents
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS IN MAY
GOOD MORNING OAKVILLE IN MAY
HOSTED BY PORSCHE CENTRE OAKVILLE IN PARTNERSHIP
WITH THE OAKVILLE HOSPITAL FOUNDATION
EVENTS WERE HELD AT
THE HOLIDAY INN OAKVILLE CENTRE
PORSCHE CENTRE OAKVILLE GM FRANCESCO POLICARO , OAKVILLE HOSPITAL
FOUNDATION CEO, TINA TRIANO, AND CHAMBER CHAIR ORLA JOHNSTON.
OAKVILLE CHAMBER CELEBRATES ITS 65TH ANNIVERSARY
AT THE JUNE BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
THE TEAM FROM IRIE CUISINE
DONNA HINTON AND NANCY WHITE, SHERIDAN COLLEGE
SWEETS BY CUPIDS CUPCAKES
PAST CHAMBER CHAIR JULIA HANNA WITH HER TEAM
60TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
GOLFERS ENJOYED A BEAUTIFUL DAY AT GLEN ABBEY GOLF CLUB.
left to right: Eric Sana, owner of Eric Sana, Tyson left to right: Brian McCarthy of Dan Lawrie Insurance
Johnson of Eric Sana, Jerry Collins, and Gary Ball of Brokers, John Genereaux and guest, & Bob Lawrie
Eric Sana.
of Dan Lawrie Insurance Brokers.
left to right: Chris VanHees, Andrew Collins, Donna
Corrigan of Boston Pizza Store 457, and John
Wannamaker of Boston Pizza Store 457.
Candidates’ Meeting Addresses
Local Concerns for
Business and Residents
Oakville and Halton candidates for the 2014 Provincial Election
debated before a crowd of over 200 attendees at the Candidates’
Meeting, hosted by the Oakville Chamber of Commerce, on
Wednesday, May 28th at Glen Abbey United Church. The debate
provided a unique opportunity for residents and businesses to
hear their candidates speak about those issues that are most
relevant to their community.
While the Chamber of Commerce is broadly known as a hub
for business networking opportunities, its mission is to foster
a healthy, engaged and sustainable business environment and
economy in Oakville. This includes facilitating communication
between business and government. An election offers the unique
opportunity to bridge the concerns of both, and gauge how well
the candidates will address those concerns most pressing to
their riding’s voters. Attendees of the event, as well as viewers of
the TVCogeco broadcast, get to decide who will best represent
their interests after the votes are cast.
Issues raised at the 2014 Provincial Candidates’ Meeting included
a number of hot topics, such as: municipal land transfer taxes,
mass transit,Ontario’s deficit, and the cancelled gas-fired power
plant. Where else would residents have the opportunity to solicit
such community-specific responses? By hosting a Candidates’
Meeting at every election, the Oakville Chamber of Commerce
enables a frank and meaningful discussion between the voters
and those running for office; thus, helping its members make
informed choices come Election Day.
Moderators and past Chairs of the Oakville Chamber, Wendy Rinella & Aby Alameddine.
Halton MPP Indira Naidoo-Harris and Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn
NDP Halton Candidate Nike Spohr, NDP Oakville Candidate Che Marville,
PC Halton Candidate Ted Chudleigh, PC Oakville Candidate Larry Scott.
“We were very pleased to have candidates from both Oakville
and Halton represented at the Candidates’ Meeting where
members of the community could hear how they will address
both their local and provincial concerns. We are grateful for
the support of our partners, Cogeco, Tim Hortons, Oakville
and Milton District Real Estate Board, and Oakville Beaver for
helping make this event such a success,” said Chamber Chair,
Orla Johnston.
Halton MPP Indira Haidoo-Harris and Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn
The Oakville Chamber congratulates Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn
and Halton MPP Indira Naidoo-Harris for winning their ridings
in the June 12 election. Following the provincial election is
Oakville’s municipal election, which will take place October 27,
2014. Once again, the Chamber of Commerce will host an AllCandidates’ meeting to spark conversation between the local
business community and political leaders. Starting the dialogue
before the vote helps ensure the communication between voters
and elected officials continue long after the election has passed.
6
Thank you to all Candidates who participated:
Candidates for Oakville Electoral District
Andrew Chlobowski, Ontario Green Party
Kevin Flynn, Ontario Liberal Party
Che Marville, Ontario New Democrat Party
Larry Scott, Ontario PC Party
Candidates for Halton Electoral District
Ted Chudleigh, Ontario PC Party
Susan Farrant, Ontario Green Party
Indira Naidoo-Harris, Ontario Liberal Party
Nik Spohr, Ontario New Democrat Party
Profile
Director’s
Julia Hanna
“Family is whoever sits around the dinner
table.” This lifelong philosophy of past
Chamber Chair, Julia Hanna, has set the
tone for her extensive culinary career.
Julia began her journey into the restaurant
world at the age of 26 when she opened her
first restaurant, Café Galleria in Downtown
Oakville. This was soon followed by
the opening of Paradiso in 1993 – the
first Mediterranean-inspired restaurant
in Oakville. After selling Paradiso, she
opened Ristorante Julia which reflected
her motto that “one should never sacrifice
taste for nutrition or nutrition for taste.”
Most recently, she opened Ritorno in
North Oakville, which marked a return to
Julia’s Italian roots. Here, guests are invited
to bring photos of their mothers and
grandmothers to place on the Nonna Wall
where they’ll find a photo of Prime Minister
Stephen Harper’s mother – an addition he
made, himself, during a visit.
Julia’s most passionate undertaking is
her not-for-profit initiative, HealthyFam,
which helps children, families and seniors
build a foundation for healthy living. It
includes the Kids Culinary Community,
the Family Culinary Community, and the
Seniors Culinary Community. She received
the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, in
recognition of her commitment to healthy
living in Canada and received the Paul
Harris Fellowship award in recognition of
her support of the Rotary.
Julia joined the Board of the Oakville
Chamber of Commerce in 2010 and was
elected Chair in 2012.
Julia hosts a cooking show on TVCogeco
called “Return to the Table with Julia.”
Now in its fourth season, the show features
guests who share their personal stories
while preparing a meal. Foodies can read
her monthly editorial feature in Metroland
Media which focuses on building a healthy
relationship with food. Julia is also a
member of the Halton Poverty Round
Table.
Julia resides in Oakville with her husband,
Brian Hanna, Partner at O’Connor,
Macloed, Hanna. They have a family
of three sons, two daughters and three
beautiful granddaughters, and of course
loveable Luca, their dog.
7
Profile
Member
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Profile
Volunteer
Lori Fernandes
When Lori started working in the Oakville office
for Aon Risk Solutions, she openly admits she didn’t
know anyone in the community. She’d spent the bulk
of her career working in Toronto and Stoney Creek
and did not live in Oakville. She strategically joined
the Oakville Chamber of Commerce, known for its
networking opportunities, to build her client base.
“It was a wise decision,” Lori admits when asked about
the value of her membership. “Without the Chamber,
my client base would not be where it is now. I’ve been
amazed at how many fantastic business connections
I’ve made through the Chamber.”
It helps that she has 19 years of experience in
commercial insurance to offer, and a keen ability
to identify risk and provide innovative solutions
to commercial accounts. Her business portfolio
reflects an expertise in manufacturing and supply
chain, as well as experience in health care, public
sector, construction, transportation, technology and
hospitality.
As a Chamber member, Lori represents her employer,
Aon Risk Solutions – a global provider of risk
management services, insurance and reinsurance
brokerage, and human capital consulting. Although
better known for working with the world’s largest
corporations, the company wanted to expand its
services to small and medium-size businesses. For
Lori, joining the Oakville Chamber of Commerce has
been instrumental in implementing that strategy.
Lori regularly attends the Good Morning Oakville
(GMO) monthly networking breakfasts, sponsored
by Aon, which she says have provided the greatest
opportunity for growing her client list.
business. In addition to every new member I meet,
there’s potential for a referral outside the Chamber.
I’ve learned that it’s not just the small or medium-size
business I’m connecting with at an event, but it’s who
that business might know, too. This network reach
has benefited me greatly over the past two years.”
As a volunteer member of the Chamber’s Small
Business Committee, Lori is a big advocate for the
Small Business Week events offered through the
Chamber. “Every year, the high-calibre guest speaker
draws a large turnout of professionals and business
owners. Between that and the trade show, members
are guaranteed fantastic networking.”
Lori’s volunteer commitment goes far beyond the
Chamber. She currently sits on the Board of Directors
for St. Joseph’s Villa Foundation, St Joseph’s Villa
Gala committee, and the Oakville Hospital Gala subcommittee. In 2012, she co-championed a successful
campaign to win funding for St. Joseph’s Villa / S.I.M.
(Seniors in Motion) from the Aviva Community
Fund. She is a past member of the Advisory Board
for Canadian Insurance Top Broker publications and
the Past Co-Chair of WICC (Women in Insurance
Cancer Crusade) Hamilton-Niagara chapter.
Despite her hectic schedule, Lori finds time to relax
with her husband and twin 18-year-old sons. You may
also find her on the greens, enjoying a round of golf.
Although she is not an Oakville resident, she has come
to know and appreciate this town and its business
community. The Chamber of Commerce continues
to be a valuable relationship for both Lori and Aon
and they look forward many more years of working
together.
“There are always new members to meet at GMO,
and we’re all there for the same reason – to build our
9
Message
President’s
THE OAKVILLE CHAMBER
From MOUNT EVEREST
to DOWNTOWN OAKVILLE
A few years ago the Oakville
Chamber
of
Commerce
hosted Scott Kress, a
wonderful speaker who talked about his climb to the
summit of Mount Everest. Scott’s key message was
about how your very survival on Everest depended
on the ability to understand what is within your
control and what’s beyond your control. If you really
wanted to survive, you shouldn’t waste precious time,
energy and resources on things you cannot influence;
rather, focus on the things over which you have some
control.
We can apply this same message to the discussion
around the current state of Downtown Oakville.
There are many factors affecting what is, and what is
not, happening Downtown. The health of the overall
economy, emerging trends in retailing, even the
severe weather this past winter have all had an effect
on our Downtown. In Scott’s words, these are issues
over which we have little, if any, influence; so let’s be
aware of them, adapt and move on.
The Chamber has established a taskforce to review
the issues facing our Downtown. We have been
asking our Members, residents associations and peers
in other communities to share their thoughts and
experiences to identify those factors we can control;
and, more specifically those that we should focus on.
Here are four items we think should be reviewed:
Parking. Based on the comments we receive and
personal experience, parking enforcement is a key
part of the issue. The approach to parking has been
punitive and unfriendly. We really need ambassadors
not enforcers Downtown.
There needs to be a greater focus on visitor attraction
strategies. Our unique Downtown is a destination
that provides a wonderful experience. Supporting
our merchants is key to its survival. Short-term and
12
long-term strategies for improving our Downtown
experience are necessary to draw visitors in greater
numbers not only today, but in the years to come.
It is time to look at the tax regime. Businesses
Downtown typically pay more than twice the rate
of tax paid by residential tax payers. Significant
increases in property values combined with annual
increases to the Town’s portion of the tax rate, mean
business are paying a disproportionate share of
property taxes.
A review of the regulatory burden on Downtown
businesses. Restrictions and costs related to signage,
patios, heritage, street displays, levies, fees and
permits add to the cost of doing business downtown.
The pending reconstruction of Lakeshore Road over
at least two seasons will bring its own challenges.
Landlords and retailers need to work through how
they will adapt to the changing market and landscape.
We encourage local residents to play their part by
patronizing the stores and restaurants Downtown. It
is, after all, a defining characteristic of our community
and ensuring it can thrive is a responsibility we all
should share.
There is no silver bullet. Work will be needed on a
number of fronts. We are pleased to see the Town
recognizes the issues facing Downtown and look
forward to hearing what steps will be taken to negate
the impact of construction and address some of the
other issues that have been raised. The Chamber
will continue to engage with the Town providing
strong and effective advocacy in the interests of our
members. We will work together for a vibrant and
prosperous downtown – because our Downtown is a
reflection of our community.
John Sawyer
President
AVOIDING THE AFTERNOON CRASH
by Rose Turchio, Holistic Nutritionist (CNP) at Whole Foods Market
Unfortunately, most of us do not wake up with as
much vigour as we’d like and by mid-afternoon
we feel exhausted, lethargic and overall sluggish
– not exactly a recipe for a productive afternoon
at the office. What most people don’t realize is
our diet plays a huge role in the ability to stay
focused and alert. It may be cliché, but breakfast
really is the most important meal of the day. The
word breakfast says it all; it is literally breaking
the fast we’ve experienced throughout the night.
For example, if you ate dinner at 7 p.m. and
woke up at 7 a.m. you haven’t eaten for 12 hours
causing low energy stores. These stores need to
be quickly replenished with a nutritious meal;
and the choices we make in the morning will
dictate whether you feel energized or fatigued in
the afternoon.
Eating a breakfast high in refined grains and sugar
may initially increase energy, only to be followed
by a sharp decline or crash in the afternoon.
This wane in energy can lead to sugar cravings
or a dependency on stimulants like coffee, tea
or chocolate. Starting the day with whole grains
like oats and quinoa, along with plant-based
foods like vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds, offer
a full spectrum of vitamins and minerals as well
as an abundance of fibre to help sustain vitality
throughout the day.
Lunch choices will also either uphold or diminish
your energy stores. Proteins from legumes,
nuts and seeds, and healthy fats from avocados
and olives provide nutrients for a consistent
level of staying power. Plant-based complex
carbohydrates like legumes and vegetables
contain “phyto” or plant nutrients, antioxidants,
and a plethora of energy producing vitamins and
minerals that enhance alertness.
Start the day with whole grains
like oats and quinoa, along with
plant-based foods like vegetables,
fruits, nuts and seeds to help sustain
vitality through the day.
Dehydration can also have a profound effect on
your daily workplace performance. Two thirds of
our body is made up of water which transports
nutrients to our cells. Increase how much water
you drink, and you’ll likely experience a boost
in stamina as vital nutrients are distributed
throughout your body. Staying hydrated is easy
if you keep a reusable water bottle at your desk
to sip all day long. Eating foods high in water
content like cucumbers, celery and watermelon
will also help keep the body hydrated.
With a few small changes in the way we nourish
our bodies we can positively impact our energy
stores and staying power from nine to five. Make
every bite count if you want to enhance your work
productivity and avoid the dreaded afternoon
crash.
The Oakville Chamber of Commerce
to host its Annual General Meeting
Time: September 9th from 3-5 p.m.
Location: Quality Hotel
754 Bronte Rd. (Bronte Rd. and QEW)
All members are welcome to attend.
If you have any questions, please contact John Sawyer at (905) 845-6613, ext 202
13
Members
to Recognize Professional Directory
May/June 2014
Members for 35 years
GLENN GRAYDON WRIGHT LLP
Thomas H. Marshall
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
Assurance, Taxation, Estate Planning and Business Advisory
Serving Oakville for over 50 years
Oakville Corporate Centre
690 Dorval Drive, Suite 310, Oakville, Ontario L6K 3W7
www.ggw.net Tel: 905-845-6633 FAX:905-845-6064
Members for 25 years
Mona’s Coiffure
Triple F Paving Co.
celebrating
Members for 15 years
SHEM Consulting Associates
Members for 10 years
Nature’s Source
Members for 5 years
Crossman Communications
EMD Canada Inc.
eQuality Car Rental
Globalkal Technology Ltd.
KPMG
Oakville Home Leisure
Oakville Provincial Liberal Association
Pattison Outdoor Advertising
Priority Plus Consultants
Spyder Works
Tim Hortons, Cross Avenue
Werynski, CA Professional Corporation
14
Members
New
May 2014
Barbara S. Ward
The English Mechanic
Geoffrey Francolini - BMO Nesbitt Burns
Hirefly
JBL Associates
LG Interiors Inc.
The Mermaid and the Oyster
Polymark Manufacturing
Re/Max – Angie Tsopela
Root Cellar Technologies
Russell Browne Law Office
Sean Caffrey General Contracting Inc.
The Gegus Group
Totem Bags
Government Relations
& Advocacy
Steve Bright
Scoring Policy Goals
is a Team Effort
Vice President,
Policy & Government Relations
It’s World Cup time for millions of people – a
time to celebrate goals and great efforts in “the
beautiful game”. And while engaging in public
policy may not be as interesting to some people
as watching a well-struck free kick, it still has an
attraction all its own.
each other, and having reasonable expectations of
the outcome – to be successful.
One of the Oakville Chamber’s most important
goals every year is to engage in public policy
discussions on behalf of the business community
it represents. In my experience, the key to doing
this successfully starts with the questions we –
and they – should ask from the get-go.
That means when speaking to government
officials about any given policy, we need to be
clear in what we’re asking for. For example, are
we asking government to stop doing something?
To standardize the application of a policy? Or
perhaps to close a loop hole?
Approaching government with a murky
understanding of the issue at hand and the
broader context in which it is being considered
will result in an ill-defined “ask”. This is a recipe
for failure. Government officials are not mind
readers. Since they are constantly asked to do
things by countless stakeholders, the onus is on us
to provide clarity in what we are asking of them.
Take for example our recent all candidates
meeting for the provincial election.
Working with our members, we set out to hold
a high-visibility, non-partisan debate that would
give rise to active discussions about a number of
policies that are important to the local business
community. In this case, our clear objective was
to create the forum for policy discussion, as
opposed to advocating for any given policy.
Based on the number of excellent questions
submitted by our members, the public, our
partners, and the event attendees, we succeeded
in creating such a forum.
From business taxes to energy policy, all of
the candidates were asked to speak about how
they have – or would – approach a number of
important policies in front of a highly engaged
audience. Things got a bit heated at times. And
that’s a reflection, I believe, of the investment that
many Oakville residents and business owners put
into having frank and open policy discussions
with government officials and people striving to
be elected officials.
Likewise, we have to ask ourselves some questions
before we start into the policy process. For
instance, what is our overall policy objective(s)?
What resources do we collectively have to invest
in the policy process? And is there any precedent
to what we’re asking, and if so, how can this apply?
In short, the debate was a team effort. Our
members were happy. And the candidates feel
they had a fair chance to engage voters. We scored
a collective goal.
Like soccer, scoring a goal in policy discussions
requires a team effort. It often takes many players
working together – being flexible, understanding
Steve Bright, Vice President, Policy & Government Relations
[email protected]
John Sawyer, President [email protected]
15
NEW UNION GAS
OFFICE & TRAINING
FACILITY AN EXAMPLE
OF ENVIRONMENTAL
STEWARDSHIP
Environmental stewardship is one of Union Gas’ core
values, and the company looks for ways to live that value
in many ways, including in the comprehensive facilities
strategy it adopted several years ago. This is one of the
main reasons that Union Gas chose a brownfield location
in Stoney Creek to build its new Hamilton Office and
Training Facility, which opened in October of last year.
Across Ontario, many “brownfields” (former commercial
or industrial properties) sit vacant because the land is
not suitable for redevelopment in its current state. Often,
the land is contaminated from former activities on the
site. Redeveloping brownfields improves air, land and
water quality, increases property value and revitalizes
neighbourhoods, and it reuses land that is already served
by the existing infrastructure.
Before Union Gas could begin building, the site – once
home to a service station and a machine shop – needed to
be restored to meet Ministry of Environment standards.
Supported by a grant from the city of Hamilton, it took
three months to remediate the soil, remove contaminants
and expunge all traces of the former businesses and their
contents. Today, the land is clean again and more valuable,
and the new facility is a healthy work environment for
about 80 employees and visiting trainees, who come from
across the province to take classes in the state-of-the-art
technical training facility that is part of the complex.
Other energy-saving features include office space that
captures natural daylight for 90 per cent of occupied work
areas. In addition to a high efficiency HVAC and electrical
system, there’s an inter-connected building control system
that monitors and controls building energy needs and can
turn off equipment in unoccupied spaces.
The Union Gas Hamilton Office and Training Facility
is the company’s most energy-efficient new office to
date, consuming about 45 per cent less energy than a
conventional building of the same size, as well as its fourth
new office building constructed to meet Leadership
in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold
certification for sustainable building design. In addition,
an existing facility in Waterloo has been refurbished to
meet LEED standards for existing buildings.
While thoughtful energy-efficient design saves money for
Union Gas, it also shows other businesses where they can
find energy savings, too.
“We are an energy company and we are leaders in energy
conservation, too. We want to lead by example,” says Mark
Egbedeyi-Emmanuel, Union Gas district manager for
Hamilton-Halton and a Certified Energy Manager as well
as a professional engineer.
Visit youtube.com/uniongas to learn more about the
energy-efficient features at Union Gas’ new LEEDcertified buildings in Burlington, Windsor, Kingston and
Hamilton.
But the brownfield remediation was just the beginning.
Beyond the remediation, this value was demonstrated in the
Stoney Creek project through the preservation of existing
trees and ponds during construction, as well as the use of
as many regional materials as possible, including limestone
manufactured in Ontario and metal cladding materials
purchased from a local distributor. Employees now enjoy
the redeveloped site on a new half-kilometre walking path.
The complex also takes advantage of new technologies
to conserve energy. It is home to Union Gas’ first solar
wall, which supplements the heating system, as well as
an attractive green roof over the cafeteria that reduces
space cooling loads. Thirteen regional varieties of sedum,
an evergreen groundcover, are planted on the green roof,
offering a terrace view for the employee lounge in addition
to providing an extra layer of insulation.
16
6
The facility’s 1,900 sq. ft. vegetated “green roof” which reduces heat
island effect.
Union Gas’s new training facility in Stoney Creek.
With files from Pauline Mitchell, Enersmart Spring/Summer 2014
60th Annual Golf Tournament
Thank You to All Our Partners, Golfers, Volunteers & Prize Donors.
Your Contributions Made our Tournament a Success!
THANK YOU TO OUR TOURNAMENT PARTNERS
PLATINUM PARTNER: COGECO CABLE CANADA LP
GOLD PARTNERS: WINMAR PROPERTY RESTORATION,
COOPER CONSTRUCTION
SILVER PARTNERS: UNION GAS, DAN LAWRIE INSURANCE BROKERS LTD.,
OAKVILLE HYDRO, OAKVILLE VOLKSWAGEN,
TAKEDA, ERIC SANA
LUNCH PARTNERS: JACK ASTOR’S BAR & GRILL & THE WEATHER NETWORK
CHIPPING & PUTTING PARTNER: UNIGLOBE ADVENTURE HOUSE TRAVEL
CART PARTNER: SB PARTNERS LLP
GOLF BAG PARTNER: WHOLE FOODS MARKET
GOLF TOWEL PARTNER: STYLUS MARKETING
SURVIVOR BALL PARTNER: HYNEK FINANCIAL GROUP
Thank you to all our tournament prize, silent and live auction,
raffle and golf bag donators
MedCan Clinic
Affinity Luxury Car Rental
Oakville Car Wash
Air Canada
Oakville Volkswagen
Allstar Consulting
PayTrack Payroll Services
A Picture in Time
Pocket Press Printers
Appleby College
RBC Private Banking
Budds’ BMW
Real Canadian Superstore
Cameron’s Brewing Company
Rotary Club of Oakville
Canadian Tire
S/M Enterprises
Clublink
Sheridan College
Cogeco Cable Canada LP
SOCS Retail Solutions/Terava Sales
Drivewise Oakville
State of Tennessee Canadian Office
Eric Sana
Steve Nease
Euro-line Appliances
Stylus Marketing
Fairfield Inn
Terence Young, MP
Fairmont Hotel
Teriyaki Experience Head Office
Florence Meats
The Oakville Golf Club
Fusion Cast
The Sunglass Hut
GE Canada
Uniglobe Adventure House Travel
Glen Abbey Golf Club
Holiday Inn Oakville Centre
Union Gas Ltd
Hynek Financial Group
VIA Rail Canada
Wendy’s Restaurants of Canada
Invis Oakville
WestJet Airlines Ltd.
Jennifer Neal Marketing & Management
Julia’s Ristorante
Whole Foods Market Oakville
Winmar Property Restoration
KANEFF Golf
Woodbine Entertainment
Lifesource Water Systems Ltd.
Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment
THANK YOU TO OUR
GOLF COMMITTEE
& VOLUNTEERS
Chair: Sue Brady - Brady & Associates
Vice Chair: Glenn Woolfrey - Winmar
Committee Members:
Philippa Durbin
Holiday Inn Oakville Centre
Don Bassindale
Re/Max Aboutowne Realty Corp.
Anne Marie Froud
Invis Oakville
Jennifer Neal
Jennifer Neal Marketing,
Management & Leadership Development
Shane Cullis
Intelligent Office Oakville
Mark Boot
Sotheby’s International Realty Canada
Elizabeth Kamps
Profiles International
John Guimond
Allstar Consulting
Volunteers:
April Detzler
Kathleen Reynolds
James Montague
Laura Hanson
Janet Bedford
Marianne Sawyer
Jessica MacLeod
Megan Young
Jess Pelaccia
Susan Leeming
Jordan Bowman
17
Members
in theNews
Congratulations to Par-T-Perfect
for being the Bronze winner at the
2014 Canadian Franchise Association
Awards of Excellence in Franchising
in the Category of Non-Traditional –
Mature/Established. The award was
presented to Par-T-Perfect on April 7,
2014.
Mye celebrated the
Grand Opening of
its second location,
Mye 2, at 360 Dundas
Street E. Their chefs prepare the same high quality cuisine that
patrons have come to trust and expect from Mye, as well as a
few favourite items that Chef Mo Aoki has been perfecting over
the years.
Personal Service Coffee invited Oakville residents to meet Bob
Marley’s son, Rohan Marley, at their headquarters on June 9th
to taste the Rohan Marley coffee line and enjoy a free barbecue
by M&M Meats. Proceeds from the coffee line support the Marley
Foundation and its charities.
The Oakville Children’s
Choir (OCC) celebrated
its 20th Anniversary
with an outstanding
performance
for
over 250 guests on
Saturday, May 3,
2014.
left to right:
Bob Chapelle,
Mike Chapelle,
Rohan Marley,
Personal Service
Coffee owners Diane
Chapelle and Mike
Chapelle Sr.
Congratulations to the OCC for its ongoing commitment to
providing exceptional music education, leadership development,
and performance opportunities to the Oakville community.
Professional Development IT PAYS TO KNOW
Mark your calendar for
payroll education!
With more than 190 federal
and provincial regulations
and changes each year,
staying payroll compliant
is one of the biggest
challenges employers face.
Stay Current Stay Compliant
Ensure compliance and reduce the risk of audits and
penalties with help from Professional Development
seminars from Canadian Payroll Association (CPA).
CPA offers seminars for all levels from beginner to advanced. On
a variety of topics covering Learning Payroll, Taxable Benefits,
Employment Standards, Pensions and more. Check our calendar for
a seminar in your area.
Learn more at payroll.ca.
Call 416-487-3380 ext 118 or 1-800-387-4693 ext 118.
Become a CPA member and get preferred rates on seminars.
www.payroll.ca
18
We will pay
up to 50% of
your building
retrofit project.
Over 170 Oakville businesses
have received over $1.6 million
in saveONenergy incentives to
reduce their energy costs.
Our team of Certified Energy Managers
is ready to help you start saving today.
Call Vivian at 905-825-9400 ext. 2331,
email [email protected] or
visit oakvillehydro.com
Subject to additional terms and conditions found at saveonenergy.ca. Funded by the Ontario Power Authority
and offered by Oakville Hydro Electricity Distribution Inc. A mark of the Province of Ontario protected under Canadian
trade-mark law. Used under sublicence. OM Official Mark of the Ontario Power Authority. Used under licence.