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May / June 2012 | Vol. 23 No. 3
• Corporate Functions • Special Events• Two Ballrooms • Licensed Patio & Bar• Meeting Room • Personalized Menus
• Exceptional Service
◆ 905-864-8511 ◆121 Chisholm Dr., MiltonJust south of Hwy 401 off Hwy 25
www.teatrocentre.ca
Austen NobleI n s u r a n c e B r o k e r s L t d .
• Business Insurance • Commercial Auto• Personal Auto • House • Condo • Tenants Insurance
Monthly Payment Plans Availableestablished 1956
205 Main St. E., Milton • 905.878.7217
John Austenjohn@austeninsurancebrokers.comwww.austeninsurancebrokers.com
2011 Community Awards Gala
And the recipients are (left to right): Brad Clements - Lifetime Achievement Award; Wendy Schau - Citizen of the Year Award; Lesley Mansfi eld, Prosperity ONE Credit Union - Business Person of the Year; Marcus Whittington and Diane Alexander , Destination Campbellville Community Association - Campbellville Pond Park - Civic Improvement Award; Frank Bon, Mattamy Homes - Business of the Year (100 employees of more); Sten Hagevik, accepting on behalf of Joyce Hagevik (posthumous) - Joyce Hagevik Volunteer of the Year; Azim Rizvee and Rabiya Azim, MinMaxx Realty Inc. - Business of the Year (99 Employees or less).
2012 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EXECUTIVEPresident
Melissa CoulsonMelissa L. Coulson Chartered Accountant
TreasurerDouglas Francis
Padgett Business Services
Executive Vice PresidentRichard Bolton
Centricity 360 Consulting
Vice PresidentLesley Mansfi eld
Prosperity ONE Credit Union
DIRECTORS Ryan Carson
Haber & Associates
John CavanMortgage Architects
Walter HeydenDufferin Aggregates
Romeo MitchellBOLD Academy International Inc.
Nick MocanC.F. Crozier & Associates Inc.
Heather RickardRBC Royal Bank
Rob RubinoRBC Dominion Securities
Rick MalboeufTown Council Representative
CHAMBER STAFF Sandy Martin
Executive Director
Krista LenardonCommunications Coordinator
Joanne BarrettAdministrative Assistant
Andrea BoyleAdvertising & Membership Coordinator
Barb CampbellSupport Services Coordinator
251 Main Street East, Suite 104Milton, Ontario
L9T 1P1
Telephone: 905.878.0581Facsimile: 905.878.4972
2 May / June 2012
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Get Involved With The Chamber
Business News
Melissa CoulsonPresident
The Milton Chamber held a new members breakfast at Halton Hills Place in March and a common question asked by new members is “How Can I get involved with my Chamber”? Come to events – whether it’s the monthly business after hours “connection” event, our Springboard series of seminars or breakfast with the Mayor, the Chamber offers many different types of events for you to meet other members. Join a committee – our committees are the reason why we have such great special events. If you’ve got some extra time or a passion for a certain interest, check out our committees and get involved! Check out our website – all upcoming events and presentations are listed on our website and you can now register and pay for events at the click of a mouse. Ever wondered what some of the perks of having a chamber membership include? Check out our website for links to discounts on services, merchant discounts and opportunities to target other businesses in Milton letting them know about your product or service.
CHAMBER HAPPENINGS Last year at this time, I was writing about my experience in China and how incredible it was. This year, the Milton Chamber arranged a similar trip for our membership and over 50 people are enjoying China just as we did last year. Richard Bolton, our executive vice-president is the board delegate who was on the trip and I look forward to hearing of the experiences and memories this
group will bring back with them. Sincere congratulations to all our nominees and recipients at the Community Awards Gala held at Granite Ridge on April 13th. As usual, it was a beautiful evening celebrating Milton businesses and business people with fabulous food and great people. Congratulations to our co-chairs Melissa DeBrouwer and Melissa Janjevich for putting together a spectacular evening. It’s hard to believe that the Farmers’ Market will be returning soon for another season. A sure sign that summer is coming is the intoxicating smell of bacon-on-a-bun being cooked at our scholarship café. Be sure to say “hello” to the director manning the cash box (a different one each Saturday morning) and have a sandwich for a good cause. All proceeds support our Scholarship Fund. And speaking of scholarships, if you know a student who is starting post-secondary education in September and needs some money, have them fill out an application for our scholarship program. Applications are available on our website. Finally, don’t forget about the Golf Tournament on June 12th. It’s always a terrific event with over 200 members attending each year. See you at the events!
@miltonchamber
Follow the Milton Chamber on
May / June 2012 3
UPCOMING EVENTS
Upcoming Events
MULLINMICULES
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Chamber Farmers’ Market Opens Saturday, May 12, 2012 7:00 AM – 12:00 Noon On Main Street between Martin Street and James Street Come experience the Farm Fresh Fun! June 2 is a non-market Saturday
May Business After Hours Tuesday, May 22, 2012 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Hosted by: Torbram Electric Supply 2800 Highpoint Drive, Suite 101
23rd Annual Chamber Golf Tournament Tuesday, June 12, 2012 Granite Ridge Golf Club Join us for a day of fun, sun and networking! See page 5 for more details and look for the registration form in this newsletter.
June Springboard Wednesday, June 30, 2012 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM Chamber Boardroom, 251 Main Street East Speaker: Richard Bolton, Centricity 360 Topic: Marketing Free for Chamber members / $10 general public
July Business After Hours Tuesday, July 24, 2012 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Hosted by: Reebok Crossfi t FirePower Location TBD
August Business After Hours Tuesday, August 28, 2012 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Hosted by: Touch Up In A Flash Inc. 8750 Regional Road 25
JULY
JUNE
MAY
To register for any of the following Chamber events please visit www.miltonchamber.ca or call 905-878-
3.5¢ per litre LESS for Chamber MembersLooking to cut fuel costs?
Contact Andrea Boyle at the Milton Chamber of Commerce at 905-878-0581 or
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AUGUST
4 May / June 2012
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BARNABY L. HENDERSON • HOWARD I. MOTT
264 Main St. E., Milton L9T 1P2Tel: (905) 878-2841 • Fax: (905) 878-3937
E-mail: [email protected]
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Busy Season For The Chamber March and April were extremely busy months for the Chamber in 2012. From the regular committee meetings held monthly to the special meetings on Milton Education Village to GTA West Corridor Planning and EA Study meetings and our favourite issue Development Charges.
MILTON EDUCATION VILLAGE SECONDARY PLAN The Chamber has been asked to be a member of the steering committee and I have agreed to be the representative. The fi rst meeting was held March 1, 2012. By the timeline it will be an advanced program including background and options leading into the secondary plan and implementation strategy over 4 phases. The formal review/approval will go to council after the statutory open house and public meeting in November/December 2012. This is a very fast secondary planning cycle compared to others the town has done primarily because of the linkages to the velodrome project which will be located in the MEV. The Milton Education Village is a 400 acre site of which 50 acres is for prime institutional uses including the velodrome and Wilfrid Laurier Campus (when approved by the Province). The remaining 350 acres will include mixed uses of residential, commercial, research and development and a business incubator facility. The process will result in the secondary plan and a design for the Milton Education Village.
GTA- WEST CORRIDOR UPDATE On January 23, 2012 we organized a meeting with the project consultants and members of the Milton and Halton Hills Chambers and businesses. The Milton Chamber of Commerce in a letter of July 8, 2011 supported option 4.3 previous to the above mentioned meeting. We continue to believe that a new super highway connecting to 401 west of the new Tremaine interchange is the preferred option for business in Milton. The alternative to this is a further expansion of 401 to 10-12 lanes west of James Snow Parkway (JSP) and 14-16 lanes east of JSP. The impact on the existing businesses currently located in this corridor will be extremely signifi cant and may require expropriation of lands. I attended the March 28, 2012 meeting where additional analysis in the Halton Study Area was shared. There were representatives from CRASH (citizens rural against super highway);
Halton Hills owner farmers; the Milton Heights residents and landowners; and the Halton Hills Chamber of Commerce. The two options being discussed are the new transportation corridor above the 401 linking to Highway 400 and the widening of 401 through Milton beyond the planned and approved widening to 6-12 lanes east of JSP and 6-10 lanes west of JSP to Regional Road 25. Final decisions will be presented in a public consultation in early June 2012.
HALTON REGION DEVELOPMENT CHARGES STUDY The Milton Chamber of Commerce has been actively involved on the Region’s Development Charges Advisory Committee for over a decade and it is through that participation we have been able to moderate some of the impacts felt by our business community. The 2012 DC Study introduced a new classifi cation for non-residential DC’s breaking that into retail and non-retail rates. We are supportive of that change as it conforms to other jurisdictions. However now there is a conversion charge for properties changing from a non-retail use to a retail use. The fee per sq. ft. is $12.59 for businesses changing use. We were concerned about the conversion charge and policy and have met with the Region staff to go over our concerns. The Chamber has submitted four letters to Regional Council outlining our position on the issue. As a result of our efforts a modifi cation has been made to exempt any property 3,000 sq.ft. or less wishing to convert from non-retail use to a retail use. This will greatly benefi t small businesses in the downtown areas of the region. There may be further amendments resulting in additional savings after the Development Charges By-law goes before council. It is through these discussions with our colleagues and regional staff that we have been able to help them understand how the business community would be affected. Thanks is extended to our representatives on the DCAC, Howard Mott, Hutchinson Thompson Henderson & Mott; and Grahame Rice, Total Developments International Inc. More updates to come.
Sandy MartinExecutive Director
May / June 2012 5
Paul SmithMortgage Age
t 416.454.3823c 905.691.6796e [email protected] www.bemortgagefree.ca
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• Industrial• Commercial• Troubleshooting• Panel Building• Design Build
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Your Wills & Powers of Attorney are included with your membership.
CHAMBER GOLF TOURNAMENT
Top 10 Reasons You Should Sign Up For The Milton Chamber Golf Tournament
Any day spent in the company of friends and business associates playing golf and having fun, is better than a day at work!
The fact that you are a rusty “Sunday Golfer” is no excuse not to play because we have a “Duffers” division with its own rules and trophies.
The $175 you’ll spend can easily be justifi ed as a “great value” (includes golf, cart, BBQ lunch, scrumptious dinner, prizes for all and the chance to win a trophy).
The prize you will win can always be brought home to your husband or wife to appease them for the good time you had.
Driving a golf cart can help your navigation skills and hand-eye coordination for the next time you have a meeting downtown.
The cooking is probably far better than you can do yourself – choice of steak, shrimp, salmon or chicken plus hot veggies, salads and scrumptious desserts… lunch is included too!
Your communication skills and vocabulary will be enhanced…“fore”; “drat”; “gosh-darned”, etc.
You can practice your basic accounting skills (par + bogey + eagle – mulligan = ??)
You are going to get fresh air and exercise which will help with your overall business productivity
It’s a great opportunity to network with 280 local business people
GOLF SPONSORS TO DATECogeco Cable Canada Inc. - Presenting SponsorWallace Chevrolet Buick Cadillac Ltd. - Hole-In-One SponsorRogers Cable Inc. - Golf Ball SponsorHeathwood Homes - Cart Sponsor Mortgage Architects - Cart SponsorRoxul Inc. - Specialty Ball SponsorYoungs Insurance Brokers-Rob Clarkson & Caledonian Carpentry - Putting Green SponsorsMiltowne Insurance Services Inc.- Scorecard SponsorMilton Toyota - Refreshment Sponsor More sponsorship opportunities are available, ranging from $5000 to $100. This is a great opportunity to reach 280 key local business people on course, plus the whole Milton business community via Milton Chamber of Commerce sponsor recognition. Call Carol McDonald 905-875-1795 or Barb Campbell 905-878-0581 for more details.
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23RD ANNUAL MILTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE GOLF TOURNAMENTTUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2012GRANITE RIDGE GOLF CLUB
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6 May / June 2012
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
February Business After Hours
March Business After Hours
The February Business After Hours was hosted by Community Living North Halton (CLNH) at their newly renovated facility on Nipissing Road. CLNH is a non-profit organization that provides support and services to developmentally disabled children and adults in Halton Hills and Milton. Chamber members and guests were treated to drinks and food provided by their Community Catering which offers numerous menu/platter choices for businesses and social functions. Proceeds from all Community Catering events go towards CLNH’s Recreation and Leisure programs for children and adults with developmental disabilities.
Walkers Fish Market hosted the March Business After Hours at their newly renovated location at 1185 Maple Avenue. Over 100 Chamber members attended the BAH where they were served delicious food and drinks compliments of the host. Marketing Manager Jillian D’Archi spoke about Walkers Fish Market’s commitment to fresh seafood. Their ever changing menu, printed daily, features ten fresh catches and a fabulous variety of steak entrees. Not to mention, a wide selection of fresh takes on classic appetizer features and an extensive beer and wine list.
Community Living North Halton
Thanks to Community Living North Halton for a great night.
Ted Chudleigh,
M.P.P.
Halton
CONSTITUENCY OFFICE:
174 Mill St., MiltonTel: 905 878-1729Fax: 905 878-5144 OntarioO t i
Tel: 905-878-1797388 Main Street EastMilton, L9T 1P8
59 Years of Trust and Tradition
www.slessormotorsmilton.com
Down to Business @ your library
We target the needs of small business & entrepreneurs:
• The Best of business books
• Free Wireless access
• Online Resources: • Business Databases: Search for articles from
journals, newspapers, magazines, encyclopedias and directories. Access from work, home or in the library.
• Downloadable eBooks and audiobooksFriendly, expert staff to assist you
Main Library: 1010 Main St. E.Beaty Branch: 945 Fourth Line
www.mpl.on.ca 905-875-2665
May / June 2012 7
MEMBER RENEWALS
A Special Thank You...TO THE FOLLOWING BUSINESSES FOR THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT * Escarpment Country™ Partner
A Country MileAcklands Grainger Inc.Advanced Fleet GPS ServicesAir Separation Technologies Inc.APD Printing Inc.Apex Pest Control Inc.Aquapure Water Systems Co.Atlantic Bearing & Drives Inc.Bailey Heating & Cooling Ltd.Basket Designs...Gift Wrapped ExpressionsBaucor Inc.Birkdale Place Seniors CommunityBob Baynton’s CarpentryBond Industries and AssociatesBrampton Sports CarBrancier Jeweller-GemologistBurlington Water-TechCabinet Dimensions Inc.Caledonian CarpentryCGM Web SolutionsCharlie Speck Welding LimitedChildren’s Aid Foundation of HaltonContinental Janitorial ServiceCulliganCushman & Wakefi eld Ltd.D & S SignsDavis Wire ProductsDestination Campbellville Community AssociationDM Air Inc.Dr. Rajesh H. Panchal OptometristDresserDundeeWealthEast Side Mario’sElement RacingEsto-ImageFifth Wheel Truck StopGavCom Media Productions Inc.Gerrick CarpentryGunding & Hans LLPHalton Agricultural SocietyHalton Hills Fine JewelleryHalton MachiningHarrop Restaurant *Heron Group TheHolden & QuirtHoliday Inn Express & Suites *Hornby Glen Golf Course Inc *Impact Logistics Inc.Inner Sanctum Yoga StudioJK Offset Services Inc.Key Centres Ltd./KCK TeamwearL.S. Walker Machine Tools Inc.Lightworks Inc.
Lowville Golf Club *M.D.M. Sales Ltd.Maitland Spencer P. Eng.Meat Terminal/Wally’s Meats Ltd.Milton Youth Soccer Club Inc.Mobile Lifestyles - Dental Hygiene and WhiteningMohawk Racetrack *Mortgage Edge MS cellular pointMTE Consultants Inc.New Home Inc. Inspections and ConsultantsOakville and Milton Humane SocietyOn Target Telecommunications Inc.Our Cool Blue ArchitectsPasqualino Cafe & BistroPeel Exterior Maintenance Inc.Pet ValuPhoenix Contact Ltd.Portabello’s Pizza & EateryRight At Home Realty - Larry LeFortRon Newell EnterprisesSafeguard Marketing Solutions Ltd.Service Ontario - Main St. E.Sobeys Milton Retail Support CentreSolutions 2 Organize USteffensen & Co.Stonegate Properties Inc.Stonehaven Farms *Sunny Oasis Internet CorporationSwisscan PropertiesT. Murphy & Associates Psychological Services of HaltonTackmaster EquipmentTaylor Nursery *TCG Total Concept GroupTD Canada Trust - Derry Rd. W. TD Canada Trust - Kennedy CircleTD Canada Trust - Main St. E.TD Canada Trust - Thompson & MainTim Hortons – Diego and Carlanna SdaoTim Hortons –D SurconTonner Signs/B. Tonner CorporationTotal Developments International Inc.Touch Up In A Flash Inc.Union Gas LimitedUnivet Pharmaceuticals LimitedVogel ArtWal-Mart Canada Corp.We Print InkWhite Rock Ostrich Farm *Windrush Stable T.R.CYork Trafalgar Corporation
NEW MEMBERS
8 May / June 2012
Welcome New Members.Welcome to the following new Chamber Members. We invite you to participate in Chamber events and encourage you to take part in one or more of the Chamber committees.
12 GRAINS INC. Milton, ONContact: Maxime Rousseaux-Bridle, PresidentTel: 416-949-3534www.12grains.com12 Grains Inc. is an expert custom software provider specializing in web, mobile and open source technologies. We deliver precise, easy-to-use extensible solutions on time and on budget.
AD GENERAL CONTRACTING Milton, ONContact: Tony Filice, ContractorTel: 416-771-6761
BNR ELECTRIC INC.Milton, ONContact: Randy Reid, PresidentTel: 905-699-5300Fax: 905-878-0246BNR Electric is an Industrial Commercial Electrical Contractor with a highly experienced professional team of electricians. Our corporate mission is to provide a high level of customer service and customer satisfaction to our clients in a timely and cost effective manner. We service Halton and the surrounding areas.
CANUCK HIDES INC. Milton, ONContact: Wei Jie YaoTel 647-403-1023Fax: 289-878-3303
CREDIT RISK MANAGEMENT / INTEGRESOLVE555 Industrial Dr.Milton, On L9T 5A6Contact: Fred Smith, Director of Operations.Tel: 1-800-267-0490Fax: 1-800-350-7772www.crmcanada.com Credit Risk Management is an agile, forward thinking, medium-sized business with over 70 professional staff with an average tenure of 7 years providing end-to-end credit solutions across Canada in multiple languages. CRM has been a strong and stable industry leader for more than 40 years.
CRUISE HOLIDAYS MILTON330 Bronte St. S., Unit 202Milton On L9t 7X1Contact: Tom Moffat, Secretary /TreasurerTel: 905-864-0100Fax: 905-864-0900www.cruiseholidays.comCruise Holidays is part of the Travel Leaders Group, one of the largest travel companies
in the world. Cruise Holidays provide us with exceptional access and pricing on a wide range of cruises, as well as excellent support. For 28 years the Cruise Holidays team of professional counselors has helped match clients with the perfect cruise and tour packages.
ELEMENT RACINGBurlington, ON Contact: James Kowalewski, OwnerTel: 647-309-5268www.elementracing.caElement Racing produces off-road triathlon events designed to challenge a broad spectrum of athletes from racers working to qualify for national and international events to racers who are there to test and challenge themselves, set a goal and see it to its completion. You are invited to be a part of these experiences.
FINE DETAILS – THE CAR CLEANING SPECIALIST88 Ontario St. N, Unit 3Milton, ON L9T 2T1Contact: Scott Fletcher, OwnerTel: 905-875-2226www.fi nedetails.caFine Details maintains a full line of specialized car care services designed to clean, polish, protect and help maintain your car appearance. Fine Details only uses high-performance products that are custom formulated to our own specifi cations and we meticulously hand-clean your vehicle completely, carefully and professionally each and every time.
2300 Steeles Ave West, 4th Floor, Vaughan, ON L4K 5X6
Phone (905) 761-7500 • Fax (905) 761-7505
AggregatesDufferinA division of Holcim (Canada) Inc.
NEW MEMBERS
May / June 2012 9
HEALTH MATTERS HOME CARE SERVICESMilton, ONContact: Deborah Hilton, AdministratorTel: 905-876-0572Fax: 905-876-4293www.healthmattershc.comProviders of non-medical home care services. Assistance is available for those needing personal care (bathing, dressing), housekeeping (laundry, meal preparation, light cleaning), companionship or Parent’s Helper (assistance with child care).
HRHC: HUMAN RECSOURCES & HUMAN CAPITAL SOLUTIONSActon, ONContact: Walt Bordian, PresidentTel: 519-853-3775Human Resources Consulting practice: providing HR support, advice and delivery in the following disciplines: Employee Engagement - Labour Employee Relations - Regulatory Compliance - Compensation & Benefi ts - Recruitment & Talent Management - Policy & Procedures - Organizational Development & Training - Performance Management - Strategic HR Management
LAFARGE NORTH AMERICA575 Harrop Dr.Milton, ON L9T 3H3Contact: Tom Tjonasan, Sales RepresentativeTel: 905-876-4728Fax: 905-876-3960www.lafargenorthamerica.caLaFarge North America is the largest
diversifi ed supplier of construction materials in the US and Canada. We produce and sell cement, ready mix concrete, aggregates and asphalt.
MILTON MOMPRENEURSMilton, ONContact: Maria Locker, FounderTel: 905-334-0680www.miltonmompreneurs.comMilton Mompreneurs supports local mom-entrepreneurs through free networking opportunities, affordable advertising and unique trade show.
MS CELLULAR POINT159 Main St. E.Milton, ON L9T 1N6Contact: Javed Qamar, OwnerTel: 289-878-2493MS Cellular point provides best service in cell phone repairing, unlocking and selling accessories.
PET VALU890 Main St. E.Milton, ON L9T 0J4Contact: Steve Pearson, OwnerTe; 905-875-4497Pet Valu is your destination for knowledgeable, friendly advice and the best pet care products available. Food selections include premium and holistic options. Products include toys, hip and joint solutions, house breaking products, fl ea products and a great selection of cat and dog treats.
STANDARD BROADBAND8250 Lawson Rd.Milton, ON L9T 5C6Contact: Tom Williams, CEOTel: 905-203-0174www.standardbroadband.caStandard Broadband provides High-Speed Internet access to both business and residential customers. We operate our own fi xed wireless network and use our brand name Standard Broadband for all Internet products. No usage charges and speeds up to 50Mbps up and down.
SUN LIFE FINANCIAL – DOUG HOPKINS6911 Derry Rd., Ste 201Milton, ON L9T 7H5Contact: Doug Hopkins, Financial AdvisorTel: 905-878-6799Fax: 905-878-6703www.sunlife.ca/douglas.hopkinsMoney for Life – Protect the fi nancial security of the people you love most. A fi nancial plan lets you balance enjoying today and tomorrow. I invite you to be a part of it!
TOTAL PERSONNEL SOLUTIONS1355 Shawson Dr.Mississauga, ON L4W 1C4Contact: Gordon McTavish, General ManagerTel: 905-564-1803Fax: 905-564-7394www.tpsgoup.caTotal Personnel Solutions is a full service provider for the staffi ng needs of both the private and public sectors. Our clients come from transportation, manufacturing, industrial, service, education, mining, and packaged goods. Our focus is “Connecting The Right People” with the skills to do the work safely.
SPONSORSHIP CORNER
10 May / June 2012
The following companies have generously supported the events of the Milton Chamber of Commerce.
Sports Celebrity Dinner & Auction PLATINUM HOTSTOVE SPONSOR Gorman Auto Group of Companies PLATINUM VIP RECEPTION SPONSOR Arthur Electric Inc. PLATINUM AUTOGRAPH SPONSOR RBC Royal Bank PLATINUM MEDIA SPONSOR The Canadian Champion GOLD SPONSORS ClubLink Corporation Jackson Events Inc. Roxul Inc. TD Canada Trust AUCTION SPONSOR Budds’ BMW SILVER SPONSORS Impact Logistics Manulife Investments Modern Crane Newco Industrial Ltd. Shoeless Joe’s DESIGN AND PRINT SPONSOR Safeguard Marketing Solutions Ltd. FRIEND SPONSORS Milton Home Hardware Building Centre Robert (Pie) Lee Insurance Agency HOTEL SPONSOR Best Western Plus Milton Inn
Mayor’s Breakfast PRESENTING SPONSOR OLG
Biz-2-Biz Trade Show PLATINUM SPONSORS Boston Pizza Milton GOLD SPONSORS Andrews’ Scenic Acres / Scotch Block Winery Bell World - WPCI SILVER SPONSORS Mohawk Racetrack Starbucks
Small Business Week Business Development Bank of Canada Dell Halton Region RBC Royal Bank Scotiabank Town of Milton - Economic Development
Golf Tournament PRESENTING SPONSOR Cogeco Cable Canada Inc. DINNER SPONSOR Arthur Electric Inc. HOLE-IN-ONE SPONSOR Wallace Chevrolet Buick Cadillac Ltd. PUTTING GREEN SPONSOR Youngs Insurance Brokers - Rob Clarkson GOLF BALL SPONSOR Rogers Cable Inc. LUNCHEON SPONSOR Sargent Farms Ltd. SPECIALTY BALL SPONSOR Roxul Inc. CART SPONSOR Heathwood Homes REFRESHMENT SPONSOR Milton Toyota SCORECARD SPONSOR Miltowne Insurance Services Inc.
Community Awards Gala PLATINUM SPONSOR MinMaxx Realty Inc. PLATINUM MEDIA SPONSOR The Canadian Champion GOLD SPONSORS Bell Canada Cogeco Cable Dufferin Aggregates GavCom Media Productions Inc. Roxul Inc. SILVER SPONSORS Kwik Kopy Design & Print Centre Prosperity ONE Credit Union BRONZE SPONSORS Albatross Restaurant at Granite Ridge Golf Club - Jimmy D. Halton Region – Small Business Development Diego and Carlanna Sdao & Family - Tim Hortons on Derry FRIEND SPONSORS DundeeWealth Granite Ridge Golf Club Karen’s Flower Shop Les Fleurs Kathleen McCuaig Insurance Limited Milton Greenhouses Flower & Gift Shop Miltowne Insurance Services Inc. Oceana Whispers Floral Boutique Raymond James Ltd. - Tim Niblett Robert (Pie) Lee Insurance Agency The Flower Mill
May / June 2012 11
Interior Design & Space Planning
Packages including:
Concept and Planning Drawings
Design and Construction Drawings
Outdated?
Just Starting?
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MAKE THE MOST OUT OF EVERY SQUARE FOOT p: 905-878-0668 e:[email protected]
DEZIGN 1
MEMBER NEWS
Tim Hortons Children’s Foundation
The Tim Hortons Children’s Foundation was established in 1974 by Ron Joyce, Co-Founder of the Tim Hortons chain, to honour Tim Horton’s love for children and his desire to help those less fortunate. The Foundation is a non-profit, charitable organization committed to providing a fun-filled camp environment for children from economically disadvantaged homes. Diego and Carlanna Sdao, owners of the Tim Hortons on Derry, are 2 of 28 Ambassadors of the Tim Hortons Children’s Foundation (THCF). As ambassadors their goal is to tell the Tim Hortons Children Foundation story within the Milton community and reinforce the need to reach out to more economically disadvantaged children and youth. Each year, on the fi rst Wednesday of June, all Tim Hortons restaurant owners participate in Tim Hortons Camp Day. On camp day all hot drinks sales are donated to the THCF. This year, Camp Day will be on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. According to the Canadian
Institute of Child Health “Lower income children show higher rates of just about any health, social or education-related problem”. Some of these children live in the Community of Milton, the THCF tries to aid these children by providing them with the chance to be a normal child at camp. Tim Hortons restaurant owners work with local schools and children’s agencies to select children who would most benefit from this opportunity. This Camp experience gives the kids an opportunity to develop Confidence, Self-Esteem and a Positive View of Themselves. Last year the Tim Hortons Family sent 15,000 children to camp, but during Diego and Carlanna‘s 22 years as Tim Hortons Franchisees they have sent over 100 economically disadvantaged children from Milton to one of the six THCF camps. Milton Tim Hortons Restaurant Owners will be sending 10-12 children to a THCF Camps this year, located in Parry Sound, Ontario; Tatamagouch, Nova Scotia; Kananaskis, Alberta; Quyon, Quebec;
Campbellsville, Kentucky and St. George, Ontario. Visitors to Carlanna and Diego’s franchise also participate in many other activities such as “Rent A Tent” for $1.00, or new this year, “Rent a Cabin” for $5.00. Guests can show their support by signing the tent or cabin and then we display it on our Rent a Tent wall. After residential camp, some children
have the opportunity to attend the Youth Leadership Program as teenagers. Teens come back to camp every year for up to 5 years and participate in team building activities and leadership skills. At the conclusion of their 5 year camp experience at the Foundation, they are given a bursary to continue their education. The Foundation also opens up its camps for shorter 3 day visits by local school groups, agencies and organizations. We are proud to know that a number of our local schools have participated in the 3 day program where our kids build relationships outside the classroom and learn that effort and perseverance equals positive results. The next five years will be an exciting time for the THCF as it strives to raise the needed funds to construct and open a camp in Manitoba by the end of 2012. This particular camp will enable almost 400 more economically disadvantaged kids to participate in the camp experience. THCF has also set a goal to fund capital costs for a new camp in British Columbia and to expand the current Camp in Quebec. Thank you to the community of Milton for supporting Camp Day and for giving so generously. Thanks to all the local business owners, banks, teachers, principals, firefighters, police, students and all of our team members who volunteer as dignitaries year after year and help raise funds for the Tim Hortons Children’s Foundation.
Diego and Carlanna Sdao (right) and daughter Deanna Sdao (left) on Tim Hortons Camp Day.
COMMUNITY AWARDS GALA
12 May / June 2012
An Evening of Honour and Celebration
PLATINUM SPONSOR
PLATINUM MEDIA SPONSOR
GOLD SPONSORS
The Annual Community Awards Gala is the Chamber’s most prestigious and elegant affair. The Gala celebrates the special citizens of the Milton community by honouring them with a dinner and official awards ceremony. With support from local businesses, the Chamber has acknowledged Milton’s finest since 1973. The 2011 Community Awards Gala, A Night of Honour and Celebration took place on Friday, April 13, 2012 at Granite Ridge Golf Club, with all the pomp and circumstance it deserves! Celebrating the excellence of our community’s finest, the Chamber ensured that all in attendance enjoyed an evening of fine food, great company, entertainment and fun! Congratulations to all of Milton’s nominees and recipients; your contributions to our community are an inspiration. Thank you for making Milton a better place to live, work and play.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2011 RECIPIENTS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Brad Clements
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR Wendy Schau
CIVIC IMPROVEMENT Destination Campbellville Community Association - Campbellville Pond Park
JOYCE HAGEVIK VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR Joyce Hagevik (posthumous)
BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR Lesley Mansfi eld - Prosperity ONE Credit Union BUSINESS OF THE YEAR - 99 EMPLOYEES OR LESS MinMaxx Realty Inc.
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR - 100 EMPLOYEES OR MORE Mattamy Homes Ltd.
Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Brad Clements with Chamber President Melissa Coulson
Kristian, Sten and Justin Hagevik accepting the Joyce Hagevik Volunteer of the Year Award on behalf of Joyce Hagevik
COMMUNITY AWARDS GALA
May / June 2012 13
SILVER SPONSORS BRONZE SPONSORSDundeeWealth
Granite Ridge Golf ClubKaren’s Flower ShopLes Fleurs Kathleen
McCuaig Insurance LimitedMilton Greenhouses Flower & Gift Shop
Miltowne Insurance Services Inc.Oceana Whispers Floral BoutiqueRaymond James Ltd. - Tim NiblettRobert (Pie) Lee Insurance Agency
The Flower Mill
Albatross Restaurant at Granite Ridge Golf Club - Jimmy D.
Diego & Carlanna Sdao & Family -
Tim Hortons on Derry
FRIEND SPONSORS
MinMaxx Realty Inc. receives the Business of the Year (99 Employees or Less) AwardWendy Schau receives the Citizen of the Year Award
Lesley Mansfi eld, Prosperity ONE Credit Union receives the 2011 Business Person of the Year Award
Frank Bon accepts the Business of the Year (100 Em-ployees or More) on behalf of Mattamy Homes Ltd.
Marcus Whittington and Diane Alexander accept the Civic Improvement Awards on behalf of Destination Campbellville Community Association - Campbellville Pond Park
14 May / June 2012
FEATURED CHAMBER MEMBER
Cruise Holidays Milton
Maxine & Tom Moffat of Cruise Holidays Milton have just celebrated their grand opening! They are located at 330 Bronte St. South Suite 202 and are thrilled to be opening in Milton. Cruise Holidays is considered by many of the world’s best cruise lines and travel suppliers to be a distribution system of choice. Cruise Holidays has been serving the cruising industry for over 28 years and is part of the Travel Leaders Group. As a result, we can offer our clients an amazing array of cruise vacations at highly competitive prices. As Cruise Holidays specialists we can arrange your travel on virtually any cruise line in the world
Celebrate with
Visit www.clublink.ca for more information and a complete list of venues.Birthdays • Graduations • Anniversaries • Retirement Parties • Family Reunions • And more !
What’s not to celebrate?Whether it’s a milestone birthday, retirement party or family reunion, we’ll work with you to create the perfect party and fondmemories that will last a lifetime.At all of our Clubs, we off er a beautiful space, mouth-watering food,spectacular staff and competitive pricing.
Greystone Golf Club9689 Dublin Line, Milton
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as well as your land vacation. The list of destinations is endless. We want to get to know you our clients so that we can provide the perfect holiday personalized to you. We want to know your favorite travel destinations, your travelling style, your wants, idea’s and needs as value is essential, but equally important is getting the vacation you dreamed of every time. You only get a certain amount of vacation time a year and it is our job to ensure every day spent away is nothing less than perfect.Your personalized service begins with your fi rst contact with us, straight through to well after your return. We can take care of all the arrangements
for your next group, club, corporate, wedding or family vacation. Give us a call at 905-864-0100 or email us today for more information at [email protected].
FEATURED NEW MEMBER
MOBILIZING TO MAKE AN EVEN GREATER IMPACT IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
In 2012, Holcim Canada and its divisions in Ontario, Dufferin Aggregates, Dufferin Concrete, and Dufferin Construction – celebrate the centennial of their parent company, Holcim Ltd., and the launch of the Together for Communities (TFC) volunteer initiative to commemorate this important milestone. The Together for Communities initiative encourages all Holcim employees to volunteer one day in the communities where the company
operates. It is a perfect complement to Holcim Canada’s existing corporate social responsibility program, and an excellent opportunity to engage employees, neighbours and stakeholders in a partnership to help build the communities that we all want to live and work in. In the Milton community, Holcim Canada and Dufferin Aggregates are also celebrating their Milton Quarry’s 50th anniversary, and are using the TFC
initiative as an opportunity to give back to the community. Milton employees will be contributing to the Nassagaweya Rural Road Clean Up Day in April and are also looking into other opportunities to give back their time locally later in the year. For more information about this initiative or how your community organization can get involved, please contact Andrea Bourrie at (905) 532-3224.
Tom and Maxine Moffat of Cruise Holidays Milton.TICO # 50019724
Holcim’s “Together for Communities” Employee Volunteer InitiativeMEMBER NEWS
May / June 2012 15
CHAMBER SCHOLARSHIPS
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Calling all high school students looking to attend university or college next year. The Milton Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for its 2012 Chamber Scholarship Program and application forms are now available. Since 1990, the Milton Chamber of Commerce has offered $1,000 scholarships – one for a student from each Milton high school including E.C Drury for the Deaf, one for a high school student registered in an Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program and one for a son or daughter of a Chamber member. Application forms are available at all Milton high schools as well as E.C Drury for the Deaf and the Milton Chamber of Commerce. Forms can also be downloaded from the Chamber website at www.miltonchamber.ca.
The Chamber funds this program through the Scholarship Café at the Milton Farmers’ Market and through the Annual Sports Celebrity Dinner & Auction. Proceeds from these initiatives allow the Chamber to ensure an ongoing endowment fund for advancing post-secondary education in our community. The Milton Chamber of Commerce would like to thank the local high school guidance departments, the Region of Halton, Halton District School Board, Halton Catholic District School Board, Halton Industry Education Council, members of the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program initiative, and the Chamber Selection Committee for their assistance in this program. The deadline for applications is May 22, 2012.
The 2011 Scholarship Recipients (left to right) Samantha Talada, Ryan Heyden, Alex Judge and Shailey Singh, at the award presentation in August 2011.
MARKETING
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INTRODUCING THE ALL NEW 2012 KIA RIO
16 May / June 2012
Marketing Is Not Sales, Both Need To Be Intentional
In the 1989 movie, Field of Dreams, Iowa farmer Ray Kinsella hears a voice in his corn fi eld telling him, “If you build it, he will come”. I’m confi dent the voice didn’t mean customers to your new small business. Getting customers is hard work and it takes careful planning. A number of weeks ago, I posted an article about the number one pet peeve of business plan readers – a marketing plan that lacks substance. Many business plans at least have a marketing plan, while they skip right over planning for the good old sales call. Marketing puts out your message, it works to build credibility and recognition for your brand, and it helps a prospect warm up to your sale, but marketing doesn’t go and fi nd customers, take them by the hand, and convince them to buy from you instead of someone else.
BUILD A PROSPECT LIST While planning a business, entrepreneurs should create a list of the potential customers they are going to call fi rst. Going to the phone book each time will be tedious and ineffi cient. While there may be lots of people in the market who can buy from you, you need to start somewhere. Build your own list, including name, phone number and some important research notes on each of the prospects with the highest probability of turning into a customer. Having a specifi c prospect list will help you to make the sales call process more manageable and will allow you to measure your success against the targets you set for yourself.
USE A CRM SYSTEM A good Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system is an important software investment. CRM systems act
as more than an address book; they allow you to import your leads (perhaps a list of contacts you have purchased, or list of business cards collected at a tradeshow), record and track your sales and marketing efforts to a specifi c lead, track a quote or proposal you submit, and keep detailed notes on each of your interactions with a client or prospect. You can run reports on any data you keep including your success rate at various stages of the sales funnel. Many CRM systems are offered as “Software as a Service”, meaning you can buy a hosted solution from one of a variety of providers for a monthly fee with no major up front costs. Get comfortable with hearing “no”…New entrepreneurs and new sales people need to learn quickly that rejection is part of the game, especially in the prospecting and qualifying stage of the sales funnel. The best sales people in the world aren’t converting 100 per cent or even near 50 per cent of the calls they are making into closed sales. It is important to not get discouraged and let your sales efforts slow down after being rejected by a few prospects. While researching your business, you should set expectations of your realistic conversion rate. Do you expect one in ten calls to lead to a sale, or is it one in 100?
SET A COMMITMENT TO MAKE A CALL Often when starting a business, entrepreneurs need an indicator that the business is “real”. They need to set a date or event that makes them emotionally committed to the business. Asking for the fi rst sale from your fi rst prospect is a good way to take a business from being a concept or a plan on paper to making it a real deal.
Article by Halton Region Small Business Centre
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May / June 2012 17
Nestled at the foot of the scenic Niagara Escarpment, the Milton Farmers’ Market has been bringing farm-fresh goodness and old-fashioned hospitality to Main Street, in downtown Milton, since 1972. Our farmers proudly display “picked fresh this morning” produce and the streets come alive with artisans and fl ower vendors. The Milton Chamber of Commerce operates the weekly Saturday morning event from May through October and is one of Ontario’s best outdoor Farmers’ Markets. The 2012 market hosts over 40 vendors. The market has made its home in several locations over the past 41 years from its beginning in the Town Hall parking lot to the Carriage Square (former Sunoco Service Station) parking lot to the present Main Street location. The Market moved to Main Street in June 1990 and has enjoyed the downtown atmosphere since that time. Our vendors work in a spirit of cooperation with downtown merchants and together are responsible for attracting thousands of shoppers every year! The Milton Farmers’ Market is one of the only Ontario Farmers’ Markets where the street is closed down and pedestrians are free to stroll and visit with local vendors and businesses. The Farmers’ Market gives people a true sense of community and is a great meeting place for friends, family and neighbours. People from the community are able to purchase fresh produce directly from the local farmers and help to support the community in which they live. The most popular spot at the market is the Chamber Scholarship Café, home of the “bacon-on-a-bun”. The café sells this delectable treat to all visitors to the market. The Café is also operated by the Chamber and
generates funds for the Chamber Scholarship Fund which offers annual scholarships to all local high schools. A great breakfast for a great cause! All across Ontario, shoppers are choosing Farmers’ Markets for nature’s best produce, secure in the knowledge that the food is fresh, safe to eat and the next best thing to harvesting it yourself. People come to meet the vendors who nurtured seedlings into plants, picked the fruit, pulled the vegetables, baked mouth-watering bread and other treats, prepared delectable jams, jellies and other preserves and loaded their trucks early in the morning to bring their products to town. They come to chat, to learn, to leave with tips about perfect ripeness, food preparation and even a recipe or two. They come to connect with the land, many with their own baskets and bags ready to carry seasonal fl avours home to their kitchens -- maybe stopping for a nibble on the way. If you haven’t joined them yet, now is the time. Farmers’ Markets ... good for the body, good for the soul!
EVERY SATURDAY MORNING FROM 7:00 AM TO 12:00 NOON MAY 12 THROUGH OCTOBER 6, 2012 (EXCEPT JUNE 2)DOWNTOWN MILTON ON MAIN STREET FROM MARTIN TO JAMES
HALTON REGIONAL CHAIR’S REPORT
Reporting On The Citizens’ Priorities Action Plan
18 May / June 2012
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Halton Region delivers a wide-range of services that impact your daily life – programs like providing clean and safe drinking water, emergency medical services, waste management, public health, economic development, emergency management and so much more. A recent survey noted that 98% of Halton residents are satisfied with services provided to them by the Region and we are committed to maintaining a high level of satisfaction and continuing to deliver services in a cost-effective and efficient manner. Last June, Regional Council approved The Citizens’ Priorities – Halton Region’s 2011-2014 Action Plan. The Priority Areas, Key Initiatives and Key Actions identified in the plan ref lect what Halton’s citizens and stakeholders said were important to them. Here, on the Chair’s Corner, I have been providing updates about some of the key actions and initiatives that are underway to support the Citizens’ Priorities Action Plan. This spring, we will issue our first annual Report to the Citizens to help you see how Halton Region is delivering on the priorities outlined in the Action Plan. In 2011, Halton Regional Council approved master plans for Transportation, and for Water and Wastewater. Over the next five years Halton Region will invest more than $1 billion in infrastructure with $615 million allocated to improving the Regional transportation network. We will also accelerate several planned road improvements to reduce traffic congestion and the disruption caused by construction.
The 2012-2016 Solid Waste Management Strategy was also approved by Council. Halton residents are currently diverting approximately 60% of residential waste away from the landfill which is one of the highest rates of waste diversion in the province based on Ontario municipal benchmarking. The new solid waste management strategy aims to increase the diversion rate to 65%. Our first year of implementing the Citizens’ Priorities Action Plan was a success and we have many achievements to report. To follow Halton Region’s progress on the Action Plan visit us at www.halton.ca/ActionPlan or follow my blog www.haltonchair.wordpress.com where I will continue to profile many of Halton’s key programs, initiatives and accomplishments. If you have any Regional concerns or comments you would like to share, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. To receive further updates on Regional issues, please subscribe to my quarterly e-newsletter, “The Carr Report.”
GARY CARRHALTON REGIONAL CHAIR
CHAMBER GROUP INSURANCE
New Employee? WATCH THE CALENDAR CAREFULLY!
May / June 2012 19
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If you’re a group plan sponsor, what’s the one day-to-day situation you want to avoid? Typically, it’s dealing with ‘late applicants’. They are employees who miss the normal window for joining your benefi t plan. Once the original employees are signed up for coverage, it’s easy to forget there are limits on enrolment for the people who subsequently join your company. Typically, new staff must work full time for you for 90 days before they are eligible for benefi ts. Once that waiting period has been met, though, the clock starts ticking. The completed application must be in the plan’s hands within the following 31 days. What happens if you miss the deadline? Later requests for coverage require a more detailed application. The employee will have to answer health questions, and may be asked for additional medical evidence of good health or simply declined for coverage. Even if the application is approved, there will be a delay in starting coverage and benefi t limits. For example, the Chambers Plan caps the amount of dental expense late applicants can claim in their fi rst year of coverage. Late applicant status can also occur for
employees who have ‘waived’ health or dental coverage because the spouse has benefi ts through another group plan. If that coverage ends, your employee has 60 days to opt back into your full program. Once that window passes, any request for the outstanding benefi ts will be considered a late application. So, when a new employee joins your fi rm, note the date. Mark your calendar for a week or so before the end of the 90 day qualifying period. That will ensure you avoid the extra work – and possible disappointment – of a late application.
Benefi t Facts presents topical information to help you manage your employee benefi ts. Brought to you by your Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan® agent, representing Canada’s largest group plan for small business.
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ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS
Accessibility Standards For Customer Service
20 May / June 2012
The Accessibility Standards for Customer Service (Ontario Regulation 429/07 under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005) applies to all public, private, and non-profi t organizations that provide goods or services, either directly to the public or to other organizations in Ontario and that have 1 or more employees. This includes consultants, manufactures, and wholesalers as well as other businesses and professional services. What you need to do depends on how many employees you have. On January 1, 2012, the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service came into effect for all Ontario businesses and organizations. There are two things you need to do. 1. Create your plan 2. Train your staff Information on how to develop your plan and train employees can be found at www.ontario.ca/accesson. This website will guide you to the resources that fi t your company size. For organizations with 20 or more employees, the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario has developed a resource tool called “Accessibility Standard for Customer Service: Getting Started Guide for Employers, Organizations with 20 or more Employees”. Who Developed the Standards?The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 required the Minister of Community and Social Services to establish an Accessibility Standards Advisory Council. The Council is mandated
to advise the Minister on the development of accessibility standards, and develop educational campaigns to help private and public sector organizations, and the general public, understand the goals and requirements of the Act. Members are appointed by the Minister, and include a cross section of leaders from the disability community, and private and broader public sectors. What Happens If I Don’t Comply?The governments’ fi rst goal is to help organizations meet their accessibility requirements. Staff at the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario is available to help you meet your commitments with educational tools and templates that will make it easier for you to understand what you need to do and how to do it. Organizations that do not comply with this legislation could be subject to monetary penalties and fi nes. Approximately 1.85 million people in Ontario live with a disability, representing 15.5% of Ontario’s population who are active participants in the public and private sectors. The goal of the AODA is to make Ontario accessible by 2025. Through province-wide accessibility standards, you can improve accessibility by identifying,
removing, and preventing barriers within your business. For more information on how to comply with the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service, visit www.ontario.ca/accesson. For tools and resources, developed by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, visit www.accessibilityworks.ca.
By: Carole Sharp, Chair, Milton Accessibility Advisory Committee Darren Cooper, Coordinator, Accessibility, Town of Milton
ATTN FELLOW CHAMBER MEMBERS!We’ve put together a fun-filled weekend of thrills and spills for you all.
Race along a 7 leg, 24k obstacle/relay course. You’ll get a little wet and a little dirty, but we promise you you’ll have fun doing it!
Market your company through your team or as a vendor!Challenge your chamber peers for bragging rights!
All proceeds go towards our local charities!
52 TEAMS ENTERED48 SLOTS REMAINHURRY AND ENTER!
EXPAND YOUR SALES
May / June 2012 21
A common misconception about websites is that once you have a professional-looking design, you should focus on attracting more visitors. While there’s no denying a site needs traffi c, what’s the point if visitors never become customers? You don’t need more visitors. You need more visitors who “convert” into customers. The problem is that many businesses don’t track online conversions. This can be a costly oversight. Just as it is more cost-effective to keep an existing customer than attract a new one, optimizing your site for conversion yields a better return on investment than tech-niques that simply drive more visitors to your site. And once you have optimized for conversion, any subsequent investment in attracting more visitors will pay off expo-nentially. So, how do you do it?
STEP 1 The fi rst step in conversion optimization is getting a sense of where you stand today. To do so, there are a number of free and low-cost web analytics applications you can use. The information they provide will help you quickly determine your most visited pages as well as where visitors exit your site without taking any further action.
STEP 2 The second step is to think about your ideal visitors. Who are they? What do they
like? And most importantly, how do they buy? There is more than one way to do this. But you may want to create personas, which in essence are imaginary individuals. Personas will help you visualize the custom-ers you are targeting and help you with the design of your website, including its visual aspects, writing and calls to action. Some people are more logical and some are more intuitive. Personas will help you determine which type of writing and incentives reso-nate with the customers you want to attract.
STEP 3 Armed with statistics and personas, your third step is to determine the path you want
4 Steps To Improve Your Online Sales
people to follow on your website and make it easier for them to do tasks along the way. Make sure your forms require as little effort and thought as possible. Ideally, your calls to action should be aligned with content presented on differ-ent pages. For instance, visitors are more likely to subscribe to your newsletter if the subscribe button is placed next to a nice how-to article that showcases your expertise.
STEP 4 The fourth and fi nal step is to consistently test your assumptions and make incremental adjustments. This suggests that you should work
to optimize individual pages for conversion rather than trying to redesign your site all at once. If you change too many things at once, you won’t be able to determine which ele-ments actually helped boost conversion. So there you have it; four steps to help you improve your conversion rate. At fi rst, this may sound like a never-ending task, and in a way it is, because conversion optimization is a continuous process. But consider the re-wards. Sometimes even very small improve-ments, say, half a percentage point increase in your conversion rate, can translate into thousands of dollars. Looked at from that perspective, it’s well worth the effort.
Article provided by the Business Development Centre
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24-HOUR PERSONAL SERVICE
22 May / June 2012
Milton Fire Department and its fire suppression crews may be visiting your premises to conduct simplified fire safety audits, fire code inspections and preplanning tours. During a visit, firefighters will gather information to assist them in any future emergency responses to your facility and also to help answer or address any fire code obligations that you as the owner bear responsibility. Where a significant fire code issue presents itself, a formal request by the Fire Captain to our Fire Inspection bureau may be initiated. Further, an owner or representative of a property can initiate a formal Fire Code inspection by “request” for a Fire Prevention Officer by calling the Milton Fire Department at 905-878-9251.
During the inspection, the property owner will be shown the violations to the fire code, if any, and directed to correct these violations. A Fire Safety Inspection Report, Inspection Order, or other written recommendations will be provided to detail daily, weekly, monthly, and annual fire safety provisions and equipment maintenance requirements. The Fire Department and property owner can also work effectively together to resolve any compliance issue. In the case of any real or perceived fire and life safety emergency, property owners or their agents, representatives or employees are to call “911”. For more information – please call 905-878-9251 or visit www.miltonfire.ca.
BIZ-2-BIZ TRADE SHOW
www.freshstartfoods.com
Gordon M McTavish & Associates Inc
Human Resource Consultants
Gordon M McTavish & Associates Inc is a full service Human Resource Consulting Company
providing human resource solutions for our clients.
615 Sunnyvale Cres, Milton L9T 4K9905-873-5772 • [email protected]
www.gmmctavishassinc.synthasite.com
G.T.A.Business Furnishings
OFFICE FURNITURE SALES SERVICE & REPAIRS
Relocation Services & Installations, Refi nishing & Refurbishing
145 Nipissing Road., Unit 2, Milton L9T 1R3
Phone: 905-878-4854Fax: 905-878-9224 Cell: 416-989-8707
gtabusinessfurnishing.com
PANEL SYSTEMSDESKSCHAIRSCOMPUTER WORKSTATIONSFILING CABINETSLOCKWORKRE-UPHOLSTERY
New, Used, Custom-Build and Design
L.A.L.M.SolicitorLEGALSolutions
869 Pearen Ave., Milton L9T 4Y7
BY APPOINTMENT
Offering mobileand tailored
legal solutionsfor you, yourfamily & your
business needs
Lilly A. Lo Manto M.A., LL.B, B.C.L.
Practice Areas• Corporate / Commercial Law• Wills, Estates & Trusts Law• Residential & Commercial Real Estate Law
Services• Notary / Commissioner of Oaths• Amicable Separation & Divorce Agreements • $100 + HST for 1-hour Consultation Fee
May / June 2012 23
6th Annual Trade Show The Milton Chamber of Commerce 6th Annual Biz-2-Biz Trade Show was held on April 17 at Country Heritage Park, Gambrel Barn. The trade show drew many exhibitors and guests. The Milton Biz-2-Biz Trade Show is a one-day business-to-business trade show for companies marketing and selling goods and services to other businesses. Attendees networked throughout the day and made new and exciting business connections.
PLATINUM SPONSOR
GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
Platinum Sponsor of the Biz-2-Biz Trade Show and host of the Business After Hours, Boston Pizza Milton
Milton Public Library booth at the trade show.
Gold Sponsor and supplier of the wireless Internet at the show, Bell World - WPCI.
Mukesh PhukelaReena PhukelaVaibhav Phukela Papillon Canada Inc.
Immigration ConsultantsMember of ICCRC
Phone: 905-567-2603736 Switzer Cresent Fax: 905-901-2260Milton, Ontario L9T 0H3 Cell: 416-606-9821Email: [email protected] Website: www.papcan.com
O’CONNORMACLEODHANNA LLP
Barristers & Solicitors
700 Kerr StreetOakville, Ontario L6K 3W5
T: 905-842-8030F: 905-842-2460
www.omh.ca
Contact: Hal Watson
FCGA, CPA, CFPWilliam J. Mercer, FCGA, CPA, CFP Blake Mercer, Hon BA, FCGA, C.Dir
Making it a Great Day
Rob ClarksonMANAGING PARTNER
Exclusive discount for Chamber members
905-875-1003
Offering a complete range of insurance & fi nancial
planning solutions
INSURANCE BROKERS INC.
Sales • Service • Parts Your Full Line Store
2012 Chevy Cruze2012 GMC Sierra
801 Main St. E., Milton Across from the GO Station 905-878-2355 www.wallacechev.com
• Practice restricted to Canadian and U.S. taxationon
• Unaudited fi nancial statements available
By Appointment
647-298-1339 • [email protected] Commercial St., Milton L9T2J3
Larry Stolberg CA, CPA, CFPTAX SPECIALIST
providing sustainable design solutionsfor the built environment
www.greenpropeller.com 905 878 2793
Architectural & building services
820 Nipissing Rd., Unit #1Milton, ON L9T 4Z9
Ph: 905-876-3114www.dsafurnishings.ca
DSAFURNISHINGSOffi ce Furniture
Quality furniture for Business, Institutions and HospitalityServing Milton and Community for more than 29 years.
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
