Survey
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
EARNING Y YOUR OUR TR TRUST UST ONE CONVERSATION CONVERSATION A AT T A TIME “Y Yo our Proffe essional Commerrcial cial Insurrance ance Brrok okker erss” inside business BI-MONTHLY WWW.BMTINSURANCE.CA CAROL SWEEZEY 705-360-8123 pager (LAFRANCE) Agente D'imm / Sales Rep 705-465-0683 cell phone MARCH 2013 Real Estate 264-5364 www.carolsweezey.com A TIMMINS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PUBLICATION First Nations partnerships key for Ontario economy Relationship-building on the rise The future of resource development in Canada will depend on building strong relationships between businesses and Aboriginal communities, a prominent First Nations entrepreneur told a Timmins Chamber crowd at a Feb. 27 event. “The boom of resource development going on across Canada is all on Aboriginal land,” said Robert Dickson, president and CEO of Attawapiskat Resources, a workforce and skills training organization wholly owned by the community of Attawapiskat. “We’ve got to do a better job of working with Aboriginal groups. If we don’t learn to work together and understand one another, the country is going to hurt.” Dickson’s perspective was a common thread throughout the day at the Porcupine Dante Club, which featured a series of presentations to provide Chamber members with perspectives on First Nations partnerships. Representatives from industry and government alike stressed the vast opportunity inherent to partnering with First Nations communities and the patience necessary to the process. This included Compass Carriers President Chris Chris McKay, left, president of Compass Carriers, spoke to Art Pultz, president of the Timmins Chamber of Commerce, and a crowd of 60 attendees on the subject of Aboriginal partnerships. McKay, who told the 60+ attendees about the process through which the Mattagami First Nation and Timmins-based BazCorp Inc. partnered to form Compass Carriers, a trucking and transportation company. The philosophy of mutual understanding was key when the First Nation communityselected its business partner, said McKay. “We wanted to choose a partner that would want First Nation involvement and participation in busi- ness decisions, rather than try to run everything themselves.” This agreement was not without its challenges, however, as trust had to be built between the company and the First Nations community, a process which took several years. This has led to a promising future, as McKay is optimistic about Compass Carriers’ paced growth. He confirms that the company is currently engaging in an agreement process with IAMGOLD Corp. — new owners and developers of the Gogama-area Côté Gold Project — and is “looking forward to forming a fruitful relationship with them.” An ongoing, larger challenge is the public perception of the nature of First Nations business, said McKay. “Some people don’t understand what we’re trying to do. We’re not trying to take over business in general; we just want to be part of the mainstream economy. If we’re going to grow and be considered equal, I think that’s a big step forward.” This point of view was reinforced by Dickson, who commented on the number of progressive partnerships springing up across the North. Such joint business ventures are also “a great leveller in terms of relationships — when you start getting your paycheques from an Aboriginal companies, it changes the perspective around what Aboriginal people are all about.” He added that these arrangements will be increasingly important in light of resource development projects such as those in the Ring of Fire, a chromite deposit located northeast of Thunder Bay. ROSS, POPE & COMPANY LLP Chartered Accountants 101 Cedar St. South Timmins ON P4N 2G7 Tel: (705) 264-9484 Fax: (705) 264-0788 E-mail: [email protected] “Helping You Achieve Your Goals In Your Business Is Our Goal In Our Business” Continued on page 8 Tickets now available Tickets are officially on sale for the city’s biggest celebration of entrepreneurial excellence: the Timmins Chamber of Commerce’s 2013 Nova Business Excellence Awards, set to take place Thursday, April 11 at the McIntyre Arena. Now in its 11th year, the Nova Awards recognize the best of Timmins’ business across 15 categories at this prestigious annual gala event. More than 600 people attended in 2012, and this year’s event promises to uphold its reputation as a unique and glamorous way to honour the business community, according to Gary Marriott and Joel Bergeron, cochairs of the Nova Awards organizing committee. “For more than a decade, the Nova Awards have been a very special way to shine a spotlight onto Timmins’ best and brightest entrepreneurs, who really are second to none,” said Marriott. This year’s Nova Awards will feature the theme of “We Are the World,” highlighting the knowledge, expertise, and products that are created in Timmins and carried across the globe. This time-tested international reputation for quality across a broad range of sectors and services will be on full display throughout the evening, as the McIntyre Arena will once again be transformed into a stylish and elegant setting. “The people we have in Timmins really are worldclass, and what better time than the Nova Awards to highlight that fact?” said Bergeron. “With the business community expected to be in full attendance, we’d like to take what makes our people famous globally, and for one night, celebrate that locally.” Tickets can be purchased by calling the Chamber offices at (705) 360-1900, or by downloading a ticket order form at www.timminschamber.on.ca/Nova2013-Ticket.pdf. To get a glimpse of the glamour involved in this fantastic event, check out more than 90 photos from the 2012 Nova Awards on the Timmins Chamber’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TimminsChamber. “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: [email protected] ROSS POPE INC. Consultants inside business 2 - MARCH 2013 Major gold project on the horizon for IAMGOLD Company eying $1.2 billion in capital costs Timmins service and supply companies may want to take note of a new $1.2-billion openpit mining project IAMGOLD Corporation is developing near Gogama, according to company executives. Speaking to 150 local businesses during a Chamber luncheon on Jan. 29, IAMGOLD Manager of Corporate Environmental Assessment and Approvals Steve Woolfenden emphasized the size and scope of its Côté Gold project. With the company currently doing its due diligence surrounding environmental regulations, construction is tentatively slated to begin in 2015, at which time the mine will employee 1,200 employees, sliding back to between 400 and 600 employees when it moves into its operational phase in 2017. Currently, the open-pit project is projected to be comparable in size to the Detour Lake project, and is expected to produce 60,000 tons of low-grade ore per day once the project reaches operation stage, said Woolfenden. At its current resources, the project is expected to run until 2032, producing 400,000-500,000 ounces every year. He also assured the audience of the project’s importance to the Toronto-based company, which operates five gold mines around the world, producing 830 million ounces every year; it also operates Niobec, one of the world’s top three producers of niobium. It acquired the former owner of the Gogama-area property, Trelawney Mining and Exploration Inc., for $608 million in June 2012. “IAMGOLD actually sold property in Ghana in order to work on this project. Moving this project forward is a big priority.” IAMGOLD was attracted to the project through its many positive attributes, which include proximity to road, rail, vendors, suppliers and expertise in the Sudbury and Timmins regions, as well as easy access to water and energy. “We’re also proposing some major expansion of the utility corridors between our site and Timmins, so that’s something to look out for.” Despite the hot-button issue of energy having a significant impact on industrial operating costs in the North, as best exemplified by the closure of the Xstrata Metallurgical Site, Woolfenden asserted that energy reliability was more important to the company than price. The company’s foremost commitment is to “zero-harm,” a concept the management applies to the health and safety of its workers as well as to the areas in which they operate, he said. The company is committed to ensuring they operate within all environmental regulation parameters throughout the entire process, which will include a removal of Côté Lake itself. While the company is currently focused on readying the site for construction, IAMGOLD will be “looking for expansion opportunities in the future.” First Nations remain a signifi- Steve Woolfenden, manager of Corporate Environmental Assessment and Approvals for IAMGOLD, took a few minutes to chat with Art Pultz, president, Timmins Chamber of Commerce following a Jan. 29 presentation. cant aspect of the project’s ongoing development. As the company moves through the environmental assessment process, it has established an exploration agreement with the local Mattagami First Nation, and has expressed an interest in partnering with businesses that boast a high percentage of First Nations employees or related partnerships. “Our expectation is that First Nations employees will be participating in this project, and that’s what we will be looking for when we are hiring contractors and suppliers.” Learn about your local purchasers More than 50 businesses turned out to make contacts and learn about purchasing policies at the Timmins Chamber’s annual Meet the Purchasers event, held on Jan. 15 at the Days Inn and Conference Centre. Designed to help businesses forge relationships with purchasing agents and increase the clarity and transparency of their purchasing procedures, the event included brief presentations by each participating company. After explaining their policies and providing contact information to suppliers interested in the buying process, presenters then met with attendees who were invited to visit their booths to exchange business cards and network with peers. In attendance were representatives from Goldcorp-Porcupine Gold Mines, Lake Shore Gold, De Beers Canada — Victor Mine, Detour Gold Corporation, Dumas Contracting Ltd., Northern College of Applied Arts and Technologies, Redpath Mining and Xstrata Copper Kidd Operations. Representatives also shared their companies’ purchasing and contact information, which has been shared below as available: Xstrata Copper — Kidd Operations Who to contact: ➤ Mill On-Site Services: Peter Deadman [email protected] cies, consulting work, design work, and legal work. Who to contact: ➤ Senior Contracts Manager: Mark Leavoy [email protected] www.alarie.com De Beers Canada — Victor Mine Purchasing agents and business representatives from a variety of large and medium-sized companies gathered on Jan. 15 to meet with Chamber members. ➤ Mill Materials and Equipment, Parts and Equipment Divestiture: Ashley Wojtus [email protected] ➤ External Repairs (both sites): Belinda Brunet [email protected] ➤ Mine On-Site Services: Dan Bonsall [email protected] ➤ Mine Materials and Equipment: Sandra Laviolette [email protected] Goldcorp — Porcupine Gold Mines Goldcorp-PGM uses an electronic bidders list with pre-approved vendors. Who to contact: ➤ Materials Management Supervisor: Peter Pecore ➤ Hoyle and Dome Mill: Darren Etmanski, Buyer ➤ Dome and Hollinger Project: Lynn Alexandre, Buyer ➤ Phone: (705) 235-3221 www.porcupinegoldmines.ca Aecon Mining Inc. (Formerly Leo Alarie and Sons Construction Ltd.) Aecon Mining Inc. subcontracts for the following types of work: rock excavation, clearing, trucking, operated equipment, specialty trades, work outside of core competen- De Beers Canada reminds potential suppliers to keep transportation considerations in mind when bidding, as supplies can be transported via air or ice road only. Who to contact: ➤ Services: Sherri Lapointe Sherri.Lapointe@debeers canada.com ➤ Materials: Paul Holman, [email protected] www.debeerscanada.com Detour Gold Corporation Detour Gold Corporation Detour’s major service contracts are for camp catering, bus transportation, local trucking, and skilled labour. Who to contact: ➤ Senior Buyer: Tony Garito (647) 847-2089 www.detourgold.com Dumas Dumas specializes in mine development, production, infrastructure and construction, services, and engineering. Who to contact: ➤ Purchasing: Jennifer Dorval [email protected] (705) 360-5373 ext. 4228. www.dumasmining.com Lake Shore Gold Corp. Who to contact: ➤ Purchasing Manager: John Labine (705) 269-4344 x4228 www.lsgold.com Northern College Most or all bid opportunities as well as recent bids awarded are posted online at www.northernc.on.ca/rfp. Any procurement contracts valued at $100,000 or more are advertised online at www.merx.com. Who to contact: ➤ Purchasing Officer: John Harrington [email protected] www.northernc.on.ca Redpath Mining Redpath has supply contracts for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), tools, spare parts, and safety items. All companies bidding on service contracts require proof of WSIB coverage, liability insurance coverage, and valid GST/HST registration. RFQs are sent out electronically. Who to contact: ➤ [email protected] (705) 474-2461 www.redpathmining.com inside business MARCH 2013 - 3 Chamber releases report on municipal development improvements From streamlined communications to stronger staffing, the Timmins Chamber of Commerce has officially released its recommendations for potential improvements to municipal development services in a report released last month. Entitled Business Climate Improvement: Report on Development, the document was presented to City Council on Monday, Feb. 11, and offers the City seven specific recommendations to enhance the businessfriendliness of municipal development services. “Every business — regardless of sector or industry — needs to consistently examine its operations to determine whether any changes are required to increase effectiveness and to better serve its clients,” said Phil Barton, vice-president of the Chamber and chair of its Municipal Affairs Committee. “It is a process of continuous improvement that allows for better business performance, and an ever-stronger reputation for service and excellence. The same holds true for the City of Timmins, whose clients also include local companies seeking to expand their operations, as well as companies looking to establish themselves in the region.” As an initiative of the Municipal Affairs Committee, the report was crafted over an eight-month period following extensive research and consultation with the Chamber membership through roundtable discussions, surveys, committee outreach, and countless one-on-one interviews. With a specific eye on solutions rather than challenges, feedback focused on specific service improvements to the City’s development services, and the most common and pressing recommendations were drawn for the final report. This led to the report’s seven recommendations, which include bringing the development services department’s staffing levels in line with Timmins’ needs and geographic area. The report also recommends the development of a streamlined communications framework between and within relevant City departments to ensure consistency in the requirements for permitting and development applications. The Chamber’s presentation of the report was well-received by Council, which bodes well for implementation of the recommendations in the coming months, according to Barton. “We’re extremely pleased that the City has been so open to the recommendations in our report, especially given the crucial role the development services department plays in Timmins’ economic well-being,” said Barton. “This is a great city in which to do business, but as with any organization, improvements can always be made. We feel that our suggestions would bolster Timmins’ ability to continue providing quality service to businesses looking to invest in our community.” In the months and years to follow, the Chamber will work with the City to help monitor the municipality’s progress on these changes, while periodically gathering feedback from its members on their impact. “The City has long proven its commitment to business-friendliness, as can be seen through such efforts as the Community Development Committee, so we’re confident that real progress will be made on these recommendations,” said Barton. “We look forward to working with the City to help make these important changes a reality.” This development of the report is part of the Municipal Affairs Committee’s annual, ongoing efforts to ensure that Timmins is a great place to do business. In years past, its efforts have included the development of a municipal vision, which helped to feed into the current Timmins 2020 plan. It has also sought to find ways to increase local purchasing by regional businesses and organizations, which has laid the groundwork for the current Buy Local Committee. The report is available on the Timmins Chamber website at www.timminschamber.on.ca/BC I-Development.pdf. Tourism, housing, development among Chamber recommendations for city budget City spending should be directed towards properly planning for the future of tourism, housing and development while making the most of existing resources, according to the Timmins Chamber of Commerce. These ideas formed the core of the organization’s annual presentation, made by Chamber President Art Pultz and its Municipal Affairs Committee Chair Phil Barton on March 4 in advance of the city’s approval of the municipal budget. “Traditionally, the Chamber has argued that measured spending is acceptable when it is done with specific plans in mind, with an eye to the future and a sense as to how individual spending projects fit into the larger picture,” said Pultz. “Although the sticker shock cannot be ignored, the development of master plans in tourism, culture and recreation — and of course, housing — are invaluable for this kind of measured, consistent approach.” These overarching strategies are due to be developed this year as initiatives of the City’s Timmins 2020 plan, which the Chamber continues to support, said Pultz. This work will include an inventory of local housing, which will feed into a long-term plan for addressing the problems surrounding accommodations — something in which the Chamber has been deeply involved in recent years. The Chamber also supports the ongoing efforts to provide a specific scope and direction to Tourism Timmins, which continues to reinvent itself following the recent sale of the Shania Twain Centre to Goldcorp. “Given the need to refocus tourism spending in the wake of this development, the Chamber would ask that related funds be allocated to strengthening Timmins’ tourism product based on a factual awareness of market needs, local strengths, and fiscal responsibility,” said Pultz. “Investment in tourism is important for this community, a Insurance & Financial Services o/b BMT Insurance Brokers Limited reality its businesses understand quite well, and so we would ask that these funds be spent in support of ideas driven by sound research and an overall plan.” The presentation also reinforced that the City would prove to be an optimal partner for taking over management of the Tourism Information Centre, something which the Chamber has long operated for free in service to local residents and businesses. As the City continues to look for ways to revamp its tourism strategy in light of the sale of the Shania Twain Centre, its adoption of the Tourism Information Centre would allow municipal staff to directly offer the products it creates to the travel-minded public, said Pultz. City staffing also stood as a budget priority for the Chamber. Given the proposed hires in tourism and development, the municipality should consider conducting a city-wide staffing audit to determine the full range of needs across all departments, said Pultz. This is particularly crucial given the added budgetary pressures the City faces this year, though Pultz cautioned against raising commercial tax rates as an easy fix. Instead, revenue should be generated by collecting taxes already owed to the municipality by addressing the backlog of tax arrears, and by aggressively investigating and assessing illegal construction projects which would add to the local tax base. Municipal revenues could also be enhanced in the long term by further expanding the Community Improvement Plan funding and scope, said Pultz. This program offers grants to support further private-sector investment, something which has already proven to bring about significant visual refreshing to Timmins’ downtown businesses. By expanding the program to include brownfields, the City should be able to further encourage development of derelict properties, said Pultz. Every year, the Chamber’s presentation to council is assembled through an extensive process of consultation, with member input being provided through a wide variety of venues. This includes surveys, roundtable discussions, several Chamber committees, and numerous one-on-one interviews conducted by Chamber staff. The finished presentation represents the majority view as expressed by members throughout that consultation process. The Chamber makes every effort to be as inclusive as possible of its members’ views so as best to represent their interests at all levels of government. Members who have business issues — municipal, provincial, or federal — that they would like to see addressed are encouraged to contact the Chamber. For the full text of the Chamber’s presentation to council, visit the Chamber website at www.timminschamber.on.ca/do cuments/2013-BudgetPresentation.pdf. Taking care of business Let us take care of your commercial insurance — we’ve been protecting Business’ in the North for over 55 years! We will work with you, listen to your needs and customize the right protection for your business. Timmins: 705-268-9988 • Porcupine Mall: 705-235-3307 • Cochrane: 705-272-3510 • Smooth Rock Falls: 705-338-4383 www.bmtinsurance.ca inside business 4 - MARCH 2013 Confidence, persistence key for female-driven success in mining industry Confidence can make the difference for women seeking success in the male-dominated mining industry, according to renowned entrepreneur Barb Courte. Speaking at a Chamber-hosted Women in Business luncheon held at the Porcupine Dante Club on Jan. 24, the owner and CEO of Cobra Diamond Drilling Ltd. and Northstar Drilling Ltd. outlined her own challenges in the field. Throughout the years, she has endured her share of comments about everything from her blonde hair to her intelligence. To combat these attitudes, confidence is key, she said, as most mining conventions and events are attended almost exclusively by men with traditional attitudes about women. “I’m kind of cocky. I have to build up every ounce of selfesteem I can to represent my company.” While she admits that it is a nuisance to have to expend time and energy battling stereotypes, Courte admits that those very same stereotypes can be advantageous at times. “When they think [women are] dumb, we are in a better place to outsmart them. I got a lot of comments about being a woman with blonde hair while I Left to right: Keitha Robson, CAO, Timmins Chamber of Commerce; Barb Courte, owner and CEO of Cobra Diamond Drilling Ltd. and Northstar Drilling Ltd.; Christine Bender, Board member, Timmins Chamber of Commerce. was in Timmins, because there is a rough miner crowd here. But I got tough in Timmins, and I learnt not to let it bother me.” After moving to Timmins from Montreal in 1986, Courte worked as a nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital, until she and her hus- band — a diamond driller — bought their own drill rig, forming Northstar Drilling, and decided to relocate to Thunder Bay. During the move, tragedy struck as Courte’s husband suffered a fatal heart attack, an Make the most of trade shows with proper booth design With trade show season almost in full swing, members of the Timmins business community came out to learn what would give them an edge over the competition at these events by attending a Chamber-hosted Lunch ‘N’ Learn on Jan. 22 at the Schumacher Lions Club Hall. Led by Logikal Code owner and Chamber Board member Jason Perratt, the session focused on booth design and dos and don’ts for trade show goers to keep in mind. If you weren’t able to make it, some of Jason’s suggestions for making the most of your trade show display are as follows: Booth design ➤ Research the type of venue your booth will be in and how much space you have been allotted, as this will affect your layout. ➤ Your company name and logo should always be easily visible. “If there will be a table sitting in front of your booth, be sure its placement doesn’t cut off any banners or graphics,” said Perratt. ➤ Plan several months ahead of time. “One week before the show isn’t enough time to have quality graphics created and printed,” so be sure to start planning for your display materials a few months ahead of time. “A lot of people forget to make shipping arrangements for materials early on, too. Not everything will fit in the plane’s overhead compartment!” Graphic design ➤ Be seen by using bold colours wherev- er possible. ➤ Keep it simple: communicate your business/brand’s main points, sticking to as few words or phrases as is possible. ➤ Be consistent by ensuring that any graphic and lettering that appear on your promotional materials complement your brand. incident from which she has since drawn strength. “At the time, I didn’t realize the amount of strength I had in me. You just have to look at your children, and move forward.” Initially, she faced 20-hour work days while raising two children and getting settled in Thunder Bay, but the effort bore much fruit. Northstar Drilling now boasts eight drill rigs, several of which are stationed in the Dominican Republic, where Courte lends her support to those communities by donating food and clothes to the locals, and employing several as drill helpers. Courte has also demonstrated her commitment to community improvement closer to home through donations to children’s programs and women’s shelters. Above all, Courte stresses that hers is a family-oriented business. She knows first-hand how tough it is to have a loved one working for many months of the year, and strives to not put her workers or their families through similar trials. “I treat my guys with respect. I try to explain to them that their families come first. I know that my husband worked three months on and two weeks off, which can be unfair for their families.” Courte acknowledged the way in which the hard nature of the mining industry can wear on its workers, and keeps that in mind during the hiring process. “I hire guys who want to do well for themselves,” Courte said. “I find that through showing them respect, they respect themselves now too, and I base my success on the dedication of my employees and my family.” Despite the challenges she’s faced, Courte reiterated her enduring fondness for the mining industry several times throughout the afternoon, describing the industry as one with endless opportunities that fosters determination, strength, and confidence. Spurred by this love, Courte recently formed the Women in Mining group in Thunder Bay, of which she is the vice-chair, and is all-tooeager to help other women get into the industry. Courte is also looking towards a future of mining education in south Ontario, believing that women may be ideally positioned to change southern attitudes about mining in the north. “We in the mining industry need to teach the south what we’re all about. Women could do that.” Working to solve staffing problems Giveaways ➤ Giving away a special item, like a Tshirt, through business card or ballot draw is a great way to both draw people to your booth and gain contacts. “By holding a draw that requires people to drop a business card at your booth, you draw attention to your business and more importantly, you leave the trade show with a stack of business contacts to follow up on.” Remember to: ➤ Take the time to look at the other displays at the show. This will help you determine who your competitors are, who you could consider partnering with, while giving you an opportunity to “borrow” any booth design ideas that catch your eye. ➤ Brand your booth attendants and choose outgoing individuals who don’t mind striking up conversations with strangers ➤ Be sure to bring extra business cards, promotional materials, and giveaways; you don’t want to run out halfway through the show. ➤ Give yourself plenty of time to plan for creating, printing, and shipping your booth materials. Adam McCarty, operations manager for Workforce International, spoke to a crowd of Timmins Chamber members on Feb. 28 on the growing staffing shortages businesses will face in the years to come. The skills shortage is said to be the second biggest business risk for the mining and metals sector for the next two years, according to McCarty. inside business MARCH 2013 - 5 Ontario Chamber releases new economic agenda for the province Focus on workforce development, Ring of Fire, Aboriginal education as priorities The Ontario Business Confidence Index shows that most Ontario businesses are confident in their own outlook (72 percent) and are planning to expand over the next five years (60 percent). However, the same businesses are unsure about the overall direction of Ontario’s economy — 41 percent express confidence. The index is the result of a survey of 2,386 businesses, conducted as part of Emerging Stronger 2013, a business-driven economic agenda for Ontario. It was released Jan. 30, 2013 by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and the Timmins Chamber of Commerce, along with their research partner, the Mowat Centre at the University of Toronto. “This Index is one of the largest surveys ever conducted of business opinion in Ontario,” according to Dave Scholz, Vice President of Leger Marketing, the pollster. “Business sentiment is very much ‘glass half-full’ in the province right now.” Emerging Stronger 2013 is a transformational agenda aimed at accelerating Ontario’s economic growth. It identifies Ontario’s challenges and advantages, and sets out practical and detailed recommendations for government and business. Some of these key recommendations include enabling better access to capital for startups and small businesses through crowd funding, allowing more employers to participate in training, and opening up more government services to private-sector and not-for-profit delivery. The report also offers several recommendations that focus on encouraging Ontario to identify, champion and strategically invest in the province’s advantages in the global economy. This means making the Ring of Fire a priority, according to the report, which said governments must work together to address infrastructure, transportation, processing, electricity pricing and availability, as well as Aboriginal education and labour market access. Many central aspects of the report touch on the issue of workforce enhancement, something has been a growing issue for members of the Timmins Chamber. Related recommendations include making better use of immigration to address hiring gaps, allowing more employer to participate in training, and changing the apprenticeship system to become more flexible. The report also suggests closing the funding gap for on-reserve Aboriginal education, a move that would encourage a much greater participation of Aboriginal peoples within the labour market — a recommendation based on policy the Timmins Chamber submitted to the Ontario Chamber in 2011. “As many Timmins businesses continue to struggle with workforce challenges, we’re glad to see the issue featured prominently within Emerging Stronger 2013,” said Art Pultz, President of the Timmins Chamber of Commerce. “Provincial action on these and other recommendations will go a long way to helping businesses in our community and throughout Ontario.” The agenda was released mere days after Liberal leader Kathleen Wynne was named Ontario’s next premier. It is intended to provide a non-partisan platform that should appeal to all three parties. “The Ontario Chamber of Commerce has criss-crossed this province engaging and hearing from local chambers and their 60,000 members,” said Allan O’Dette, CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “We are confident that Ontario has all the assets to prosper, but we need to act collectively, strategically, and with purpose.” Among the survey’s findings are: ➤ Chief among the concerns of businesses in the northeast — which includes Timmins, Sudbury and North Bay — is the need to close the skills gap by fixing the disconnect between the education system and industry reality (supply and demand), and reforming the apprenticeship system. ➤ Ontario is falling behind on productivity: Only 10 percent of respondents believe their sector is a global leader in productivity. ➤ Some sectors are much more confident than others: The financial services sector is the most confident in their own outlook (74 percent say their business will expand in the next 5 years). ➤ Businesses are struggling to diversify their exports: 45 percent of Ontario businesses view China as the most critical market in the next 5-10 years. Yet only 1.4 percent of Ontario’s exports are bound for China. ➤ Some regions are more confident than others: Greater Hamilton Area businesses are most likely to respond that the economy is heading in the right direction (48 percent), while Eastern Ontario businesses are the least likely (36 percent). Visit http://goo.gl/Z9fc7 to read Emerging Stronger 2013. Canadian Chamber releases reports on competitiveness, mining Skills a major barrier to business competitiveness: report The national skills shortage remains one of the biggest barriers to Canadian business competitiveness, according to a new report issued by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce on Feb. 13. Released through the nationwide network of chambers of commerce, including the Timmins Chamber of Commerce, The Top 10 Barriers to Competitiveness for 2013 is an initiative undertaken last year to draw attention to the barriers that are holding back Canada’s progress. All levels of governments are being urged to swiftly act on these issues in order to increase Canada’s ability to compete globally. This includes a renewed focus on fighting for action on the skills shortage, which stood as the Canadian Chamber network’s number one in issue in 2012, and which remains its primary focus in 2013. This will require that governments and businesses work collaboratively and aggressively in four key areas: upskilling, immigration policies, education-employment alignment, and Aboriginal education and workforce development. “As Timmins businesses continue to face considerable workforce challenges, we must concur with the Canadian Chamber in its national call for action to down the barriers to our competitiveness and for creating more opportunities and greater prosperity for Canadian businesses and families.” To read The Top 10 Barriers to Competitiveness for 2013, please visit http://bit.ly/WOwVGR. be taken in addressing this mounting skills shortage,” said Art Pultz, president of the Timmins Chamber of Commerce. “Solutions to this growing problem will not be easy, and we join the national call for creative, collaborative efforts in helping to ensure that our businesses are able to employ the people they need.” Addressing the Top 10 Barriers to Competitiveness will go a long way towards restoring Canada’s competitiveness, according to the Canadian Chamber. The Canadian Chamber network is calling on its membership, as well as governments, labour organizations, educators and others to tackle and overcome these barriers as “tolerating them is simply not an option.” “The need for action is urgent,” said Canadian Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Perrin Beatty. “The standard of living of every Canadian depends on how well we respond to the challenge. We must identify and implement real, tangible solutions for breaking Mining also being affected by skills crisis, says CCC While Canada has successfully transformed its resource advantage in metals and minerals into a competitive edge across several connected industries, we need to ensure that the factors that made us the global leader in the sector are strengthened, according to a report issued today by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Entitled Mining Capital: How Canada Transformed Its Resources Endowment Into a Global Competitive Advantage, the report details how Canadian mining companies have provided the leverage for finance, insurance, speciality manufacturing and other related industries to succeed in highly competitive sectors. Employing more than 320,000 Canadians, the core mining industries contributed $36.2 billion to Canada’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2011. Mining exports in 2011 reached $102 billion, over a fifth of our nation’s total exports. Toronto is the global capital of mining finance, British Columbia has the largest concentration of mining exploration firms in the world and northern Ontario has a century of history as a mining center. Moreover, the Canadian mining industry is highly integrated into the global economy and is one of the few sectors where Canada has a strong external investment presence. “We have leveraged our metal and mineral endowment not just by extracting and processing raw material but also by creating and selling the knowledge of how to develop these resources,” said Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. “What we need now is to ensure that the factors that made us the global leader of the sector are strengthened.” Beatty said one of the dark clouds on the horizon for the mining sector is the growing skills crisis that is becoming a significant constraint on the industry. The Canadian Chamber also argues that governments are critical to the mining industry’s success. New investments in both physical and intangible infrastructure are needed to exploit our resource endowments. To read the Canadian Chamber report, please visit http://bit.ly/117IsFF. inside business 6 - MARCH 2013 A tradition of safety When loved ones go to work every day, it’s important to know that they’ll be safe on the job with the proper equipment and training. By providing both, the staff and owners of Soucie Salo Safety (Timmins) are keenly aware of the role that a safe workplace plays in every aspect of a person’s life. “When you’re laid up, you have less time with your family,” said co-owner Helene Poirier. “When a worker gets hurt, the whole family gets hurt.” Being able to help to prevent these kinds of costly and draining workplace injuries played a big part in Poirier’s decision to operate this stillyoung company, she said. Born and raised in the Timmins area, Helene and her husband Ray Poirier always wanted to own a business. When the opportunity came along to partner locally with the Sudbury-based Soucie Salo Safety, “it was a perfect fit,” said Poirier. With Helene’s background as an HR/operations manager and a health and safety professional, and Ray’s experience as an industrial sales specialist, the pair were well positioned to take JANUARY MEMBER OF THE MONTH Jason Laneville (third from left), chair of the Chamber’s Marketing and Communications Committee, stands with Helene Poirier (third from right), co-owner of Soucie Salo Safety (Timmins), and her staff. a leap into the business of owning a business. With this, the two founded Soucie Salo Safety (Timmins) in 2010. To help provide excellent customer service, the store carries a large amount of inventory. As such, customers don’t have to wait on a special product to be ordered in, and can have all of their safety needs filled at this one-stop shop. In order to enhance the customer’s experience, Soucie Salo Safety employees undergo extensive training to help them become health and safety professionals. Having a knowledgeable staff is key, said Poirier, meaning that each employee learns the legislated safety requirements as well as the ins and outs of each product on the shelf. “They aren’t only sales clerks, they’re safety specialists. We offer our employees not only a job, but an education.” With a staff of just seven, Poirier acknowledged that finding the time to provide this heightened level of training can be a challenge. However, having a team well versed in how each product is best used has had a tangible effect on Soucie Salo Safety (Timmins)’s business success. The value in having such a knowledgeable staff is especially strong in the customer service industry. Customers notice and appreciate the level of service and expertise they are met with each time they stop by the store, said Poirier. The company’s focus on education is one it also extends to its customers and clients. The company offers a full gamut of workshops, run by certified trainers, to which employers can send their employees. Training and certification courses offered through Soucie Salo include: fall protection, WHMIS, CPR/First Aid, safety performance and leadership, and sprain and strain prevention. The company also offers legislative compliance services to help businesses ensure they are adhering to occupational health and safety regulations at all times. This involves a wide range of technical services, ranging from the development of specific safety programs, to training in fall arrest equipment and procedures. Through these efforts, the specialized safety store has wasted no time in making a name for itself through above-and-beyond customer service, a firm commitment to safety education, and a wide selection of stock fit for any and every worker, regardless of industry. “Everybody works somewhere, and we try to find ways to keep everyone safe.” To learn more about Soucie Salo Safety (Timmins), call them at (705) 360-7233, visit them in person at 993 Riverside Drive, or visit them online at www.souciesalosafety.com. Timmins Chamber of Commerce NorthernTel Cellular Corporate Rate Plan Exclusive to Timmins Chamber of Commerce businesses 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 $27.00 per month Visit our Facebook page facebook.com/TimminsChamber ALSO AVAILABLE Special rate plan for employees of Chamber Members $ /mnth Only 30 inside business MARCH 2013 - 7 Carving the snowy path to success Upon becoming Resort Manager of Kamiskotia Snow Resort three years ago, Lorne Haveruk noticed that certain changes could help Timmins’ beloved winter sport destination to reach new heights. “The fellow who ran things before had done it well for a very long time, but it needed new vision,” said Haveruk. “That’s what I brought here. The vision now is to continue to make Kamiskotia an affordable Northern Ontario mountain ski resort where people can come and play.” With Haveruk’s expertise and input from board members, the resort’s customer base has grown from 290 members to more than 1,100, thanks to several initiatives that have allowed the resort to play a stronger role in the region’s recreation sector. There are now more than 30,000 visits to Kamiskotia each winter, a number that continues to grow as word spreads that the hill is the place to ski in Ontario. Kamiskotia draws skiers and families from throughout northeastern Ontario, including Sudbury and North Bay, and from as far away as Toronto and Whitby. This has been partly due to a change in the resort’s service pricing, which Haveruk E FEBRUARY MEMBER OF TH MONTH Left to right: Lorne Haveruk, resort manager, Kamiskotia Snow Resort; Jason Laneville, chair of the Timmins Chamber’s Marketing and Communications Committee; Art Pultz, president, Timmins Chamber of Commerce. launched following a close look at Kamiskotia’s books. With the support of the resort’s board of directors, more competitive pricing was put into place to help position it as an affordable destination for winter activities. “Nothing against hockey, hockey is great, but I understand that getting a child started in hockey is quite expensive,” said Haveruk. “Getting somebody going in skiing is much more affordable now.” This move has been further helped by additional efforts to make Kamiskotia an easier place for families to visit and enjoy. Shuttle buses are now available weekends and holidays, with special shuttles offered on Friday and Saturday nights to accom- modate the new evening snow tubing and skiing. The resort has been mindful of future generations, installing energy-efficient LED night lighting wherever possible, with continued upgrades on the horizon. Along with new on-site lockers for gear and equipment storage, these measures have taken the hassle away from parents and have made a “huge difference,” said Haveruk. “Now it’s easy to come and play at Kam.” To capitalize on the rise in attendance, one run was added in 2011 with another two in 2012, meaning that all four sides of the mountain can now be skied upon. The resort has also been expanding its facilities to draw in people beyond downhill skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails have been groomed, and a large outdoor skating rink on the resort’s south side might become reality. The new south side sunset outdoor licensed deck is also expected to be a great draw once the weather warms. “People can play outside, come in for a bite to eat, sit by the fire, eat at the sundeck BBQ on weekends and holidays and head out again for more fun once they have warmed up.” Haveruk has been sure to honour Kamiskotia’s past by repur- posing old equipment and keeping the public aware of its rich history, which dates back to the 1920s, a time when ski enthusiasts used to cross-country ski to the renowned mountain to enjoy the slopes before skiing back home. “I want people to know that this isn’t a brand new ski area; it has a long history and is one of the only mountains in Ontario.” Haveruk also noted that the close-knit nature of Timmins’ business community and within the Chamber membership has been a big help in exposure, support and marketing, making it easy to spread the word about all the new happenings at the hill. “Chamber membership is definitely good for business with its many offerings, meetings, educational seminars and functions,” he said. “Thanks to all the businesses and individuals in the community who have helped us stay operating, we've turned Kamiskotia into a sustainable business. We're a non-profit, so we really rely on that support to keep our doors open.” Kamiskotia Snow Resort is located at 5050 Kamiskotia Road in Timmins, Ontario. Visit them online for daily conditions, prices, and services at www.kamiskotia.com, or give them a call at (705) 268-9057. 8 - MARCH 2013 inside business Chamber committees: March 2013 update As the Chamber year rolls on, the organization’s many committees continue to be hard at work on advancing the interests of the more than 800 members on issues ranging from energy to local purchasing to networking. These groups guide the Chamber’s efforts to create a strong climate for business; the topics reflect the priorities expressed by Chamber members, and selected by the 21-member Board of Directors. Made up of volunteers, these groups meet regularly to discuss, advance, and develop policies and action plans on issues that affect Timmins businesses. These committees and task forces also build on the work completed over the past year by the previous slate of advocacy groups, whose successes and foundational efforts help to strengthen this year’s projects. If you’re interested in making a difference by participating in one or several of the following committees, please contact the Chamber at (705) 360-1900, or via email at [email protected]. Government Regulation and Policy Committee With the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) annual general meeting set to occur in Chatham-Kent this May, the Policy Committee has been hard at work to develop policies to submit to the provincial chamber on your behalf. Based on member feedback, the committee has chosen to address the problem of soaring energy prices and restrictions around future energy-related opportunities. Their efforts have led to the development of two policies, one of which recommends that the government make Ontario prices more competitive with neighboring jurisdictions while continuing to build incentive programs for industry. The second recommends that the government address transmission shortfalls throughout the province, which particularly hamper energy generation in the North. These policies will be debated by the other local Chambers at the OCC AGM, and if successful, will form part of the organization’s platform in the months and years to come as it works with the Ontario government. Municipal Affairs Committee This standing committee continues to focus on removing barriers to doing business in the City of Timmins, with its latest effort being the development of Business Climate Improvement: Report on Development. Presented to City Council in January, this document outlines various recommendations for improving the municipality’s development services, based entirely on feedback from Chamber members. More details on this report can be found on Page 3. Marketing and Communications Committee This standing committee continues to oversee the Chamber’s marketing communications, such as publications, fundraising, sponsorship, member services, and promotional programs. The committee has overseen the new Chamber Connections casual networking series, which is now free to attend by all mem- Relationship-building on the rise Continued from page 1 The area is estimated to contain up to $50 billion dollars in minerals, and whose development would create upwards of 5,000 direct and indirect jobs in Northern Ontario. The sheer potential of this deposit has led to the federal government’s appointment of Tony Clement, Treasury Board president and FedNor minister, as its lead for Ring of Fire development. Clement will coordinate between FedNor, Aboriginal Affairs, Natural Resources, Environment Canada, Health Canada, Infrastructure Canada and the Department of Finance. According to Monique Godin, director responsible for Program Delivery in Northern Ontario, this is a reflection of the need to responsibly bring all parties to the table. “We are seeking to support Northern businesses, and position them to take advantage of the Ring of Fire,” said Godin. “This includes being committed to working with First Nations communities, and helping to facilitate talks between development groups and those communities.” The provincial government also realizes the full extent of the impact that the Ring of Fire will have on First Nations and businesses, according to David de Launay, assistant deputy minister for the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines. “It’s going to take the provincial, federal, and First Nations governments working together to make this happen,” said de Launay. “Resource development should be shared by all impacted municipalities, including First Nations, and we are committed to doing that. The devil’s in the details.” In working through the more intricate details of partnering with First Nations, de Launay advocated for an understanding of treaty and harvesting rights, an awareness that different considerations will apply to different communities, as well as a more general sense of empathy throughout the process “[First Nations partnerships are] part business and part understanding where the other party is coming from,” said de Launay. “There’s no set way of doing this, but what is set is that it has to be done. It has to be part of your thinking. When you get down to it, early outreach and communication makes the difference. If you think of how you would want to be treated, you’re not going to go far wrong.” However, this communication must be consistent in order to build trust and loyalty on both sides of an agreement, according to Colin Webster, Goldcorp Inc.’s director of Aboriginal, Government, and Community Relations. Businesses should educate themselves prior to engaging in these conversations, which should be focused on collaboration rather than the concepts of “impacts” or “benefits,” he said. “There are a lot of preconceived misperceptions about the Aboriginal people’s relationship to Canada that is built-in and frames minds. It’s important to go in with a clean slate, and it takes time, patience, and understanding to make things work.” bers; the next event will be held at the Lion’s Den in Schumacher on March 21, from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. The committee has also seen the addition of three new volunteers to the Chamber Ambassador team, which helps to ensure that businesses are making the most out of their Chamber membership. Work is also underway to conduct a series of focus groups to determine how the Chamber can better address member needs with regards to communication, events, programs and policy. Young Professionals Committee The new meeting format of this Committee continues to be a success, with young professionals from throughout the community meeting for casual networking with their peers at Boston Pizza on the first Thursday of every month, from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. The group hosted their “Get Outside with the Timmins Young Professionals” social event at the Porcupine Ski Runners on Feb. 28. This evening featured cross country skiing, snowshoeing, an obstacle course and of course a bonfire accompanied by some hot chocolate. Future efforts for this committee include working with the Timmins 2020 Youth Engagement project, and organizing the third annual Young Professionals Awards for Fall 2013. Buy Local Task Force As the Timmins 2020 plan as specifically identified the need to increase local purchasing in our region, the Chamber has spearheaded the creation of a Buy Local Committee. This sizeable group is made up of a broad number of community partners, including local businesses, non-profit organizations, as well as city councillors and Mayor Tom Laughren. Although still in the process of determining the full range of its actions in the coming year, the group has already determined the catchment area of what it considers “local.” All communities lying within the District of Cochrane boundaries will be considered local, ranging from Gogama and Foleyet to the south, Chapleau and Hearst to the west, the James Bay Coast to the north, and Kirkland Lake to the east. TARGET ALL BUSINESSES IN TIMMINS by advertising here! Contact Carmen Swartz to book your ad. [email protected] • 705-360-1900 inside business MARCH 2013 - 9 New member profiles Bodhi Tree Hot Yoga Studio FITNESS CENTERS AND RECREATION FACILITIES (705) 264-2900 Bodhi Tree Hot Yoga Studio will provide services to the health and wellness industry. Bodhi Tree Hot Yoga will offer several classes of yoga a day, along with meditation workshops to help achieve all of your yoga goals. Hot body, warm soul, cool mind. [www.bodhitreehotyoga.ca] Canadian Bearings MINING COMPANIES AND CONTRACTORS (705) 264-3545 For over 60 years, Canadian Bearings (CB) has focused on delivering products and solutions efficiently to our customers. We have become the industrial supplier of choice for many of Canada’s manufacturers because of our proven per- formance, continuous improvement, and ability to deliver consistent cost savings, and commitment to our customers. Today, CB is a lot more than bearings. We offer one of the most comprehensive lines of products in the industry with nine categories of product solutions. Our customers have the choice of getting one part, fulfilling their entire needs in each of the categories. At CB, we have continuously improved our ability to help customers save money through technical solutions and are ready to deliver more. Canadian Bearings has pioneered many supply chain solutions that have enabled our customers to achieve significant cost savings, compress cycle time and improve asset utilization. We have a comprehensive range of solutions culminating in an integrated supply system with dedicated sales and implementation teams, and all the necessary processes. Product and service selection includes: good/better/best choices; technical expertise across all product lines with continuous cost savings; customized supply chain solutions resulting in signifi- The voice of business since 1949 cant savings in time and money Smart Program Solutions offering synergy of product solutions, technical solutions and supply chain solutions; and the ultimate in cost savings, CB Innovative Enterprise Solutions. [www.canadianbearings.com] Eastview RV RECREATIONAL VEHICLE SALES AND SERVICES (705) 264-7837 Eastview RV has RV sales and service centers in Kapuskasing, Cochrane, and Timmins, Ontario. Eastview RV is a division of Eastview Chevrolet, Pontiac, Buick, GMC Ltd, which has been in business for over 32 years. CrossRoads RV quality is unsurpassed in its class. Our allaluminum construction is the foundation of our lighter-weight half-ton towables. Hung walls, seamless one-piece roof, Filon fiberglass exterior, plywood decking, and more are all construction features found typically in higher-end products. These are all standard and affordable in CrossRoads RVs at Eastview RV in Kapuskasing, Cochrane, and Timmins, Ontario. [www. eastviewrv.ca] Frontier Diesel HEAVY EQUIPMENT SALES AND SERVICES (705) 264-9863 Frontier Diesel provides sales and service of all makes of onsite power systems engines, generators, transfer switches, switch-gear control systems, and fuel systems. Midas (1836133 Ontario Limited) Timmins Chamber of Commerce Questions about a particular program? Interested in having a presentation about membership benefits for your staff? Contact us at 705-360-1900. AUTOMOBILE SERVICES (705) 264-4301 Midas Auto Maintenance Centre is a locally owned and operated business which provides automotive services to all makes of motor vehicles. We would like to invite all Chamber members to visit us for their vehicle maintenance needs. Midas’ services include oil/filter/lube service, battery sales and services, brake service, engine repair/overhaul, emissions/tune-ups, exhaust/muffler/catalytic converter, steering/suspension service, wheel alignment/wheel service, A/C service, cooling systems/ radiator service, diesel engine service, tire sales/service, scanning/diagnostic, and transmission/ clutch service. Toshont Power Products ELECTRICAL SERVICES (705) 523-1759 Toshont Power Products is the Toshiba partner distributor responsible for the sale, warehousing and application of Toshiba Industrial Electrical Products for Ontario and the northern region of Quebec. Our area of responsibility extends just west of the Ottawa Valley up into the Abitibi region of Quebec and then over to the time line just west of Thunder Bay. We have offices in Burlington and Sudbury with motor and VFD stock in these locations plus motor stock in other parts of Ontario. We pride ourselves in being AC motor and drive experts applying this equipment as integrated systems or individually on their own. From Toshiba’s factory in Houston, Texas, Toshont is involved in a vast array of low voltage and medium voltage products from motors to VFD’s, control and switchgear, plus UPS units. Our Custom Control Panel shop builds all types of panels that include VFD’s, starters, PLC and control equipment with CUL/UL and CSA approvals. [www.toshont.com] Wacky Wings RESTAURANTS/DELIS AND CATERING SERVICES (705) 531-2000 Our vision at Wacky Wings was to build the perfect relaxed atmosphere where you could enjoy a meal in a fun environment. We pride ourselves on having the friendliest, most caring staff around who will go above and beyond to ensure your dining experience with us is nothing short of a treat. We cater to families, large groups, sporting teams and sports enthusiasts alike. Come for the food, stay for the fun! We carry a full menu consisting of burgers, ribs, sandwiches, salads, appetizers, wraps, pizza and of course chicken wings. With over 100 flavours of chicken wings on our menu we had to be creative, so mouthwatering, sticky, messy wet sauces and delicious dry seasoning flavours was the call to action! [www.wackywings.ca] Winmar CONTRACTORS AND CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES (705) 268-2828 Winmar is a Canadian property restoration company devoted to serving the insurance industry and their clients. We are committed to excellent service, quality workmanship and cost effective pricing. Our strongest assets are our employees who are well trained professionals, dedicated to teamwork. [www.winmar.ca/Timmins] Managing Editor: Keitha Robson Visit our Facebook page facebook.com/ TimminsChamber www.timminschamber.on.ca Published by: Email: [email protected] Timmins Chamber of Commerce Editor: Nick Stewart P.O. Box 985, Timmins, Ontario, P4N 7H6 (705) 360-1900 Fax: (705) 360-1193 Email: [email protected] Staff Writer: Kim Wakeford Email: [email protected] www.timminschamber.on.ca Advertising Opportunities: Carmen Swartz Email: [email protected] 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. inside business 10 - MARCH 2013 New recruits added to Chamber Ambassador team With spring right around the corner, the dedicated team of volunteer Ambassadors continues to grow as it helps businesses make better use of their Chamber membership. Initially unveiled in September 2011, the Timmins Chamber of Commerce’s Ambassador program consists of a small but motivated group of entrepreneurs and business professionals acting as crucial liaisons between the Chamber and their fellow members. In recent weeks, the group has seen three new additions to its ranks, as Brigitte Vanderloo, Marlene Johnson, and Jessica Hardy have joined Debbie Browne, Amanda Dyer, Julie Belanger-Racette, Nancy Mageau, Terri Scott, Mary-Lou Pollon and Brooke Ballantyne. Now in their second year, the team of Ambassadors has been incredibly active in reaching out to the membership, whether it’s a personal call to congratulate a particular milestone, or a helping hand and an introduction or two at one of the Chamber’s many events. They graciously serve as front-line representatives, guiding new and seasoned members alike to get the most out of their involvement with the Chamber. It’s a service that is invaluable for both the Chamber and its members, while also providing the Ambassadors themselves with ample opportunities to increase their own professional recognition and networks. By helping to be the face of the Chamber, Ambassadors also earn expo- experience as an Ambassador thus far? A: Being an Ambassador has been such a positive experience, especially when volunteering with fellow Ambassadors at promoting Chamber offerings. I’ve been able to meet so many different members, and I’ve enjoyed interacting and being able to participate in so many different events. I have gained a deeper understanding of all that the Chamber has to offer its members, and I would really recommend members who are looking for additional networking and wanting to promote the Chamber to look at joining the Ambassador team. You benefit a lot from this role, and I hope fellow members find our help to be beneficial to them as well. sure for their respective businesses. If you’re interested in joining the Chamber Ambassador team for the 20122013 Chamber year, please contact Carmen Swartz at the Chamber at (705) 360-1900, or via email at [email protected] In this and the coming issues of Inside Business, the Timmins Chamber will profile individual Ambassadors to help members get to know this energetic team of volunteers. Each will be presented with questions that help to explain their reasons for participating, and their experience with the program to date. Chamber Ambassador: Julie Belanger-Racette Q: What is your job/place of employment? A: Outside Account Manager at Grand and Toy for Timmins and Area. Q: Why did you decide to become a Chamber Ambassador? A: Being an active member of the Chamber, I saw this as an opportunity to help promote the chamber and all that it has to offer its members, to network with existing members and new members, and to give back to the Chamber who has given me so many networking opportunities. Q: What work is involved in being a Chamber Ambassador? PROFESSIONAL VIDEO SERVICES INCLUDING • Industrial, Corporate And Event Video Productions • Audio/Video Duplication Services • Mobile, Multi-Camera Production Facilities • Audio/Video Rental Services • Film Transfer Services • Wedding Videos Professionally Creating Your Vision (705) 235-8663 • (705) 365-8801 www.nearnorthvideo.com 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: [email protected] Julie Belanger-Racette A: The work involved in being a Chamber Ambassador is really about giving a little of your time. You are there to help bring more information to fellow members about what the Chamber has to offer its membership. You attend various events, help with set-up, and serve as a point of contact for members should they require additional information. You deliver membership packages, and make calls to fellow members to inform them of upcoming events. You are there to help out in any way you can. Q: How would you summarize your Q: What do you enjoy most about this role? A: What I truly enjoy the most is getting to meet fellow members and gathering a better understanding of their business. I enjoy meeting new people that I may otherwise not have had the opportunity to get to know. Attending events and being able to help is terrific. Q: What benefit do you feel the Ambassador program offers to members? A: The Ambassador program offers members an extra point of contact — a fellow member, at that — for more information about all the Chamber has to offer. inside business MARCH 2013 - 11 12 - MARCH 2013 inside business E> D@ F /G: J EK M<