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August 2013 Muskoka’s Business Newspaper Since 1997
Starting a business – see p. 8
By Sandy LockhartTouchstone on Lake Muskoka in
Bracebridge, has been sold and thenew owners plan to add 56 newlakeside condominiums on theproperty.
Sequel Hospitality InvestmentsInc., a division of Sequel Hotelsand Resorts, has entered into a pur-chase and sale agreement forTouchstone on Lake Muskoka, a$35 million boutique Muskokaresort and condominium develop-ment.
“Sequel will use our expertise toenhance Touchstone’s alreadystunning setting, refined architec-ture and upscale accommodations,presenting this resort gem to awider audience,” says Anne Lar-cade, CEO of Sequel HospitalityInvestments and president andCEO of Sequel Hotels and Resorts.Larcade, of Huntsville, foundedSequel Hotels and Resorts in 2005.
“Touchstone will compete inter-nationally as a top-tier resort proj-ect,” says Robert McLaughlin,president and chief operating offi-cer of Sequel Hospitality Invest-ments. “Sequel Hospitalitysecured Touchstone Resort at wellbelow replacement value whichfits nicely with our investment cri-teria.”
McLaughlin says Sequel’s pur-chase brings new vision andopportunities to Touchstone.
“Existing Touchstone condo-minium owners will benefit fromthe economies we create, and
CLASSY CLOTHES: Dean Smales and his father (and co-worker) Jack celebratewith a new jacket, provided by a supplier and made entirely from red duct tape.
By Chris OcchiuzziPort Carling could soon be home
to a Tim Hortons franchise after asite plan application went throughthe Township of Muskoka Lakesplanning committee on July 15.
Tim Hortons would be the tenanton a property located at Bruce Wil-son Road and Medora Street. BruceWilson Road Holdings Inc. is theowner of the property and has sub-mitted the application.
According to the application,
plans for the property include theconstruction of a 2,800 square footrestaurant building with drive-through service. In addition to the 40seats inside the building, the propos-al includes 16 patio seats next toBruce Wilson Road.
Parking would be in the rear ofthe building and access would comefrom Bruce Wilson Road. Approxi-mately 30 per cent of the subject siteis proposed to be landscaped openspace, which is distributed along the
perimeter of the site and in parkingislands.
“The site plan application thatcame to planning committee thisweek met and exceeded every con-dition required to build on that lot onBruce Wilson Drive,” says planningcommittee chair Brad Burgess. “Theonly area which committee mem-bers have any input is the style(architecture) of the building. Werequested a Muskoka brand, rather
See TOWNSHIP - p. 11See SEQUEL - p. 11
Tim Hortons set for Port Carling
Celebrating 25 yearsMore condosplanned
northcountrybusinessnews.com
Canada Post Agreement #40025080
More ApplauseThe well-known toystore moves from theWharf to downtown
See p. 2
Trillium opens Following last fall’sfire, the resort is busy
See p. 2
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By Corey WilkinsonIn June another Applause
Toy Store was on the move,this time to downtownGravenhurst. The storemoved from their previouslocation at the Graven-hurst Wharf to a newbuilding, much liketheir Bracebridge loca-tion did several monthsearlier.
Their new location isat the corner of BrockStreet and MuskokaRoad. The location was for-merly the home of IDA Phar-macy before a fire destroyedthe building in August, 2011.Applause is the first tenant ofthe recently rebuilt building.
“It’s great to be a part ofthe downtown revitaliza-tion,” says Jenny Thomas,who owns the business withher husband Jake Thomas.“We also loved being at theWharf. It felt like our cottagelocation, and we enjoyed oursix years there.”
Applause Toy Stores havethree locations in Muskokaand opened their location inGravenhurst in 2007. TheirBracebridge location movedto a new home in the down-
town earlier in the spring. “It’s been quite the year
with two big moves,” saysThomas.
Applause Toy Stores werefounded by the couple in2004 and now operate storesin Huntsville, Bracebridgeand Gravenhurst.
Being downtown hasallowed Thomas to join thelocal Business ImprovementArea (BIA), something shehas wanted to since openinga store in Gravenhurst.
“We really wanted to be apart of the BIA,” she says. “Ifeel it is so important for thecommunity to have a strongBIA.”
The new store is alsowheelchair accessible.“The response fromour customers has beengreat,” says Thomas.“It’s a central locationthat is walking distancefor most people.”
Applause will run aseries of children’s
workshops all summer long,including tie-dye T-shirtworkshops every weekdayfrom 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“We want to offer more tothe community,” saysThomas.
The store is open sevendays a week with extendedevening hours during thesummer.
“I really think it is impor-tant to have extended hoursto cater to people who workall day,” says Thomas.
By Sandy LockhartAlready 10 weddings have
been held at the TrilliumResort & Spa in Port Sydneythis year.
They re-opened in lateApril following a fire in theirmain lodge in September2012.
“The building had to begutted to the bare bones fol-lowing the fire,” saysinnkeeper Robert Henry. Thebuilding that houses the din-ing room, registration andlounge areas was rebuilt andredecorated.
“We tried to make someoperational changes,” saysHenry, adding most guestswill recognize the space asupdated and redecorated butwith the same rustic feel.
A new space was created
upstairs, and that large roomcan be used as a meetingspace or a room for the brideand her attendants to getready before a wedding.
Henry says the foyer waschanged to create a grandentrance with a little more“wow factor.” The entry nowhas a high cathedral ceilingand beautiful slate floor.
While the resort wasclosed, Henry says they usedthat time to paint and refreshsome of the other guestaccommodation cabins andthe Trillium Spa.
“Definitely, we are in abetter space right now,” hesays. In addition to newwalls, floors and neededconstruction, improvementsalso include new furnishingsand décor and upgraded air
conditioning.The resort is busy, and the
spa and restaurant are bothopen to guests who makereservations. Another 11weddings are booked forlater this year.
“We already have 24 for2014 and people are callingabout 2015,” he says, addingthey also spent time duringthe closure attending wed-ding shows.
Henry says the changeshave been very well receivedby the guests.
“First and foremost, wewant to make sure ourreturning guests are still hap-py,” he says. “We are smallenough, we pay attention tothat detail. We recognizedour guests and they recog-nize us.”
www.NorthCountryBusinessNews.com2 August 2013
Applause opens in centre of Gravenhurst
Trillium Resort better than ever after 2012 fire
TOYS GALORE: Beth Grixti and Jenny Thomas have more for chil-dren and families and their new large store in Gravenhurst.
INN IS OPEN: Robert Henry welcomes guests at the rebuilt lodge.
“It’s great to be part of the downtown revitalization”
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August 2013 3www.NorthCountryBusinessNews.com
By Matt Driscoll The international launch of
Mercedes-Benz flagship S-Class automobiles drew hun-dreds on international gueststo the region throughout mostof July.
The Muskoka airport wasgiven a temporary makeover,complete with a test drivetrack, to help showcase thenew Mercedes to an anticipat-ed 700 guests, many of whomare foreign journalists.
“So far everyone has beenvery impressed with Torontoand Muskoka,” said JörgZwilling, the manager ofevent communications withMercedes-Benz on site at theMuskoka Airport in July.“They love the beauty of thenature and the laid backlifestyle.”
The international guestsarrived in Toronto and spent anight at the Four Seasonsbefore heading north in their2014 S-Class automobiles inwaves of 50. After stopping atthe airport for demos and
information sessions, theytook to the district roads for atour around the lakes and thenon to a Lake Rosseau cottagewhere the event concluded.
“We wanted to give themthe full Muskoka experiencein a condensed manner,” saidZwilling.
In addition to the interna-tional media, more than 100people worked with Mer-cedes-Benz on the project,many of whom, like Zwilling,came from Mercedes-Benzheadquarters in Stuttgart.
“The biggest challenge hasbeen the logistics,” saidZwilling.
The car itself, which willbe available in Canada in thefall, is the pinnacle of luxury.Although the price has yet tobe confirmed, Mercedes-Benz representatives at theevent said it will cost inexcess of $100,000.
“We put the claim out therethat this is the best car in theworld, and the reviews saythis is not an exaggeration,
this is the truth,” said Zwill-ing.
The car features 50 newinnovations, including heateddoor panels and armrests,heated and cooled seats, ninedifferent types of massage inall seats and four differenttypes of designer fragrancewhich can be circulatedthroughout the car. The car isalso the first on the marketthat does not use a singlelightbulb, and the engineersboast it has better fuel econo-my than a Smart car.
“This is the ultimate intechnology and fuel economy.This is rocket science,” saidZwilling.
The car is primarily chauf-feur driven everywhereexcept North America, saidZwilling, and as such, someof the best features are savedfor the passengers in the back.That includes independententertainment centres andreclining seats.
A test drive highlights thecar’s ability to go from zero to
100 plus km in just over fourseconds. The manufacturedbumps on the test trackshowed off the S-Class’sMagic Body Control system,which uses a forward scan-ning camera located in thegrill of the car to anticipate
upcoming road imperfectionsbefore signalling hydraulicpistons to adjust the suspen-sion accordingly.
That camera is in addi-tion to others mounted oneach of the side view mir-rors and in the back of the
car, which provides a 360degree view of the exteriorin one location.
While there are several dif-ferent members of the S-Classfamily, the S-550 is currentlythe only one set to be releasedin Canada.
CRUISING IN STYLE: The new Mercedes S-Class automobiles havebeen cruising the roads of Muskoka as part of an international launch.
Mercedes launch draws international audience
By Corey WilkinsonEvolution Powersports in
Huntsville is a new centrefor truck and powersportsaccessories in Muskoka.
The business opened inMarch, with a location onMuskoka Road 3.
Evolution PowersportsInc. was started by DougHopson, who saw a need fora local accessory dealer.
“Nobody is just an acces-sory shop,” says Hopson.“People were going all theway to Barrie for accessories.We thought there would bea market for a local optionfor accessories.”
Hopson started the busi-ness to follow his passion for
ATVs, after spending 12years in the log home con-struction business. He real-ized there was a market for afull accessory shop whileworking at Northern Upfit-ters, where he repairedATVs.
“It kind of snowballedfrom there,” says Hopson.
Evolution Powersportssells accessories for ATVs,trucks and snowmobiles.That includes trailer hitch-es, tires, rims and snow-plows for all makes andmodels. They can alsorebuild engines on snowmo-biles to keep them runninglonger.
Hopson says ATVs are a
great choice since they canbe used in three of the fourseasons, and all four withsome upgrades.
“They can even be used inwinter with a track system,”says Hopson.
Most of the accessoriesthat can be ordered fromEvolution Powersports canbe delivered next day.
Evolution Powersportscan repair ATVs and per-form routine maintenancelike oil changes, and installnew brakes and tires. Theyalso keep some of the mostcommon maintenanceitems in stock, such as fluidsand filters for a wide varietyof powersports vehicles.
Evolution Powersportscan also pick up your ATVor snowmobile and bring itto the shop to be workedon, for those that live in theHuntsville area and don’thave their own trailer.
“We want to offer bettercustomer service and havemore dialogue with our cus-tomers,” says Hopson.
Evolution PowersportsInc. is located at 741Muskoka Road 3 North andcan be reached at 705-787-8893.
“You will get somethingout of a call to Evolution,”says Hopson. “Whether itbe answers or price advan-tage, it’s worth a call.”
Accessories abound at Powersports
RUGGED RIDES: Doug Hopson startedEvolution Powersports to sell accessories.
From design to completion, simple to complex, you can depend on us to handle your project with efficiency and quality.
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OPINION PAGE www.NorthCountryBusinessNews.com4 August 2013
EDITOR’S NOTEPAD
After years of “mom and pop” businesses and inde-pendent entrepreneurs making up the majority of thebusinesses in Muskoka’s smaller communities, itappears changes might be in the works.
Tim Hortons is now ready to set up shop in Port Car-ling and it could just be a matter of time before similarfranchises follow in their footsteps.
The arrival of these businesses can either be viewedas a threat or an opportunity.
The fact of the matter is there is virtually no methodof stopping large corporations from setting up shop ifthey decide to do so. The zoning bylaws of the townsand townships stipulate a restaurant here and a retailstore there, they do not stipulate any restaurant excepta McDonald’s, or any coffee shop except a Starbucks.
The best that can be hoped for is to work with thesebusinesses to find something that benefits both corpo-ration and community.
Muskoka Lakes has taken a first step in the rightdirection by requesting Tim Hortons create a locationthat is built in a “Muskoka style.”
Bracebridge did the same thing several years whenTim Hortons proposed a new location on Taylor Road.The result was a building considerably easier on theeyes than a typical Tim Hortons. In fact, the companyliked their new addition so much they featured it inseveral commercials.
The same strategy has been employed in tourist areasfrom the towns along the Rocky Mountains in Albertato the quaint villages of Vermont.
These giant corporations are often willing to bendtheir standard design practices if it means getting a footin the door of a potentially lucrative market.
Muskoka’s communities should be watching closelywith the goal in mind of potentially rolling back someof the less attractive developments that already exist.
Development can be done with character. It simplyrequires municipalities with firm resolve and compa-nies that are willing to exercise flexibility.
Better lookingbusinesses
Muskoka Futures is developing aprogram to help our entrepreneursenhance their business managementskills.
While it is often assumed that thebiggest challenge for small businessis access to capital, we are seeingthat more and more businesses areseeking assistance to develop theirbusiness skills. Our research andconsultations have demonstratedthat while many entrepreneursestablish a business based on theirabilities to create a product or pro-vide a service, we should not expectthem to have developed all the nec-essary management skills for a suc-cessful business.
As the staff of Muskoka Futureswork closely with area businesseson a day-to-day basis, we see thatmany could further develop theseskills to strengthen their businesses.
As a part of this new program,Muskoka Futures is partnering withthe Muskoka Small Business Centreto build upon the success of theYouth INCubator program and con-tinue to provide assistance to youngentrepreneurs (ages 16 – 29).
This new youth entrepreneurshipprogram, with support from theMinistry of Economic Develop-ment, Trade and Employment’s(MEDTE) Youth Entrepreneurship
Partnerships (YEP) will create anatmosphere where young entrepre-neurs can come together to developcore business management skills,network, and have open peer-to-peerbusiness discussions, while access-ing the knowledge and experience oflocal mentors, business coaches andtraining curriculum.
In addition to providing resourcesto existing or newly establishedyoung entrepreneurs, this programalso targets other young individualsto provide them with exposure to theconcept of entrepreneurship as theyexplore career opportunities.
Over the coming weeks,Muskoka Futures and the Musko-ka Small Business Centre will beinterviewing young entrepreneursto get their ideas on the resourcesthey require, as well as their ideasfor effective program delivery toreach them and their peers.
The program currently plans toaddress a number of specific busi-
ness skills such as sales and market-ing, bookkeeping, and growing yourbusiness. It will also include a vari-ety of ways to access informationincluding peer-to-peer networking,mentors, on-line discussion forums,on-line learning, and interactiveworkshops.
Stay tuned as this and other newprograms are launched, as MuskokaFutures is working with area organi-zations and funding agencies to con-tinue to develop comprehensiveskills development opportunities tosupport businesses through start-upand growth phases, and to provideassistance to those businesses thatare struggling, and help turn themaround. By helping area businessesimplement new management skillsand procedures we expect to seestronger, more profitable businessescreating more jobs in Muskoka.
If you are a young entrepreneur,or know someone aspiring to oper-ate a business, and who could bene-fit from this new program or hasideas to share, please contact eitherDavid Brushey of Muskoka Futuresor Dave Connell of the MuskokaSmall Business Centre.
David Brushey – (705) 646-9511x220, [email protected] Dave Connell – (705) 646-9021,[email protected]
Squatters’ rights are alive andwell in cottage country! Here is arecent case.
John and George were neighboursin cottage country. Both used theirproperties as seasonal summer cot-tages. John claimed squatters’ rightsover 15 feet of George’s property.He argued that he and his predeces-sors in title had occupied the disput-ed lands for over 45 years. John’slands had been in his family since1926.
He testified that the disputedlands were used from 1932 to 1940when his parents installed a septicsystem for their cottage. He statedthat George’s predecessors neverobjected, at that time, that John’sfamily were using George’s land.
A water reservoir built by John’smother in 1951 was wholly situated
on the disputed lands. George’spredecessors again never objected toit being located where it was built.
From 1963 to 1996, John’s familyused the entire area of the disputedlands as flower gardens to beautifythe cottage property and they contin-ued to maintain the area by mowingthe grass and planting smaller gar-dens on the disputed lands.
The court held that John hadproved his case for more than 10years, which is the time periodrequired to prove squatters’ rights.The court found that John and his
family enjoyed “open, notorious,constant, and continuous use” of thedisputed lands from at least 1963until 1996 when the area was usedas flower gardens.
One issue in the case was whetherthe summer seasonal use of the cot-tage defeated John’s claim becausethe disputed lands were not occu-pied in the winter. The argumentwas that there was no “continuoususe” of the disputed lands. The courtconcluded somewhat weakly that,although John and his family onlyused the property as a summer cot-tage, they maintained the propertythroughout the year by, for example,visiting the property during the win-ter to check on it after severe winterstorms.
The law that was applied in the
Program teaches business skillsMuskoka
CommunityFutures
By David Brushey
Squatting in cottage country
North Country Business is published by CottageCountry Communications, a division of:
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Box 180, Bracebridge, ON P1L 1T6See SQUATTER’S – p. 5
Langeon Law
By Donald Lange
August 2013 5www.NorthCountryBusinessNews.com
As an entrepreneur or smallbusiness owner, the skills youbring to your endeavour willdetermine if you have abooming business or findyourself closing the doors onyour dream.
It is not sufficient to beskilled only in the area ofyour primary expertise, be itelectrician, plumber, book-keeper, appliance repairs, etc.You have to learn the otherskills that your businessrequires to make it successful.
It has been found that manyof the start-ups that fail do sobecause the owners lack theperipheral skills that keeptheir business on track. Someof the most important periph-eral skills are bookkeeping,marketing and sales. Ofcourse, you can always buythe skills rather than learnthem by hiring people to car-ry out those functions.
However if you’ve onlybeen in business for a shorttime, or going through a“tough patch” you probablydon’t have the funds to dothat.
The number one peripher-al skill you need is in the areaof sales. Your job as the headof your business is to generate
sales. Sales will bring in therevenue that will support youand your family as well asprovide the momentum tomove your business forward.We all know that nothingbreeds success like success.In our economy nothing hap-pens unless something is sold– either a product or a service.
The pressure to generatethose revenues will requirethat you develop a laser sharpfocus on your sales effortsand the development of yoursales skills. You will need toinspire, motivate and con-vince your potential cus-tomers/clients that theyshould do business with you.Your ability to deliver acoherent message confident-ly, with passion and enthusi-asm, will be of critical impor-tance.
Maybe you are looking foran investor to help fund yourproject. If so, then you willhave to articulate your con-cept in such a way that it cap-
tures the imagination of yourwould-be investor so that theywill buy in to you and yourdream.
If you want some basicknowledge in the presentationof a business, take time towatch Dragons’ Den’ andShark Tank on television. Lis-ten to the presentation andwatch the reaction of thedragons/sharks. Look beyondthe “entertainment” aspect ofthe shows and pay attention tothe questions they ask and theinformation they seek. It willhelp to formulate your ownpresentations.
This may seem a steep hillto climb, especially if you are
not sales-oriented. Do youfeel ill at ease talking withstrangers? Do you have diffi-culty expressing your passionand enthusiasm for your busi-ness? Then your answer maylie in hiring someone or tak-ing on a partner and lettingthem do the sales pitch. Thishowever will mean that youlose some degree of controlover the message being deliv-ered into the marketplace.
The good news is there aresome simple lessons that youcan quickly and easily learn,that will help you to buildyour sales confidence. Wewill cover those next month.
If you have any questions
By Chris OcchiuzziThe seventh installment
of the Huntsville/Lake ofBays Chamber of Com-merce fall signature event isreturning this year with anew headline act and anexcited title sponsor.
Girlfriends GetawayWeekend, which has takenplace annually in Novemberfor the past six years, willfeature Pat Benatar and herhusband Neil Girlado as theSaturday night headlinerand have Dr. DrewMarkham Dentistry as itstitle sponsor.
From Nov. 8 to 10, eventswill take place acrossHuntsville, including the Dr.Drew Huntsville MakeoverBig Reveal on Friday nightand Benatar’s concert onSaturday.
The Friday night fashionshow also returns and fea-tures local retailers takingthe stage. All three eventswill be held at the CanadaSummit Centre.
Last year the Big Revealwas included with the Fri-day night festivities andMarkham is happy to be tak-ing a greater role in the
whole weekend.He says when the oppor-
tunity arose to sponsor theentire Girlfriends GetawayWeekend, it was an intrigu-ing prospect. Markham saysit’s a great way to cross pro-mote Dr. Drew’s HuntsvilleMakeover and the other funevents taking place through-out.
“The exposure is alsoincredible for our practice aswe have women coming toHuntsville from acrossOntario, as well as hundredsfrom the local area partici-pating in events throughoutthe weekend,” saysMarkham. “But most of all,it sounded like a lot of fun.The chamber has alwaysdone such an outstandingjob with these events, andthe prospect of helping con-tinue to grow the event is awin-win for everyone. Wecan’t wait.”
Dr. Drew Markham Den-tistry is being joined by leadsponsors Soapstones, TVCogeco and Ticketpro. Oth-er partners of the GirlfriendsGetaway Weekend includeDeerhurst Resort, theDowntown Huntsville BIA
and Paradigm Events.Huntsville/Lake of Bays
Chamber of Commerceexecutive director KellyHaywood says it’s greathaving a title sponsor withso much energy and com-munity involvement.
She says Girlfriends Get-away Weekend continuesshowing steady growth andlast year the event attractedover 1,800 visitors toHuntsville and accountedfor almost $300,000 in totalvisitor expenditures to thelocal economy.
“This event has beenamazing for both the cham-ber and the community atlarge,” says Haywood.“Having a shoulder seasonevent which brings in almost2,000 visitors is a greatboost the economy at a timewhen it’s quite needed.”
With the growth of Girl-friends Getaway Weekend,new workshops and eventsare being added to the manyreturning features. Somehappenings include theHuntsville Curling Club’sGGW Bonspiel, a Jeff Sud-daby cooking demo, pluspre-fashion show and con-
cert dinners. Haywood says the week-
end attracts visitors to theHuntsville/Lake of Baysarea, promotes local mem-ber businesses and offers
guests an unforgettableexperience.
“Mothers, daughters, girl-friends and gal pals all cometogether for a great weekendcelebrating women,” she
says. “They leave their part-ners, kids and chores athome and come toHuntsville to relax, rejuve-nate and most of all, havesome fun.”
case is the law relating toadverse possession. Thejudge explained two scenar-ios where the law mayapply: “The first includesthose situations where peo-ple assert title by adversepossession arising from hisor her trespassing or squat-ting. These have beenreferred to as the “inconsis-tent use” cases. The use of
the trespasser is openlyinconsistent with the intend-ed uses of the land by thelegal owner. The second lineof cases involves scenariosin which title by adversepossession is obtainedbecause of a mutually heldmistake or ignorance as towho holds rightful owner-ship over a tract of land.”Which scenario applied toJohn?
Continued from – p. 4
Squatters’ rights
Entrepreneurs need many skillsPositivelySpeakingBy Brian Garvey
Girlfriends Getaway ready for seventh season
SHOULDER SEASON BOOST: The Huntsville chamber’s annual Girl-friends Getaway drew more than 1,800 visitors to the area last fall.
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For details on how you can nominate or participate in The Muskoka Awards, visit our websites:
www.muskokamagazine.com | www.whatsupmuskoka.com
The Muskoka Awards
...celebrating Muskokans who have made
outstanding contributions to the community
Platinum Sponsor
2012 Recipients
www.NorthCountryBusinessNews.com6 August 2013
August 2013 7www.NorthCountryBusinessNews.com
The Muskoka Awards are an opportunity to celebrate those who have made outstandingcontributions to the well-being of Muskoka and the lives of those who live here, permanently and seasonally.
The Muskoka Awards- showcase the efforts of those who have made a lasting difference - honour personal achievement- thank those who have championed causes that improve our lives
Awards to be presented Friday, September 20, 2013 at The Muskoka Awards Gala at The Rosseau, a JW Marriott Resort & Spa
TicketsTickets are available at a cost of $75 each. Table of 10 – $700. Ticket prices include applicable taxes.To make a reservation, call 705-646-1314 ext. 201
Nomination InformationIndividual Nominations: Individuals, who have been permanent and seasonal residents of Muskoka since September 20, 2011, are eligible to be nominated. Eligible individuals are open for nomination in one or more categories.
Group Nominations: For group or business awards, please see the specific criteria.
NOMINATION DEADLINE Friday, August 16, 5:00 P.M.
� Arts: This award celebrates individuals whose creativity, personal artistic achievements, support of the arts and/or leadership have had a significant impact on Muskoka’s arts community.
� Natural Environment: The natural environment is the underpinning of Muskoka’s much-envied lifestyle. Individuals nominated for this award will have shown through their actions what canbe done to lessen human impact on the environment. This award recognizes those who have shown a long-term commitment to preserving Muskoka’s well-being and have encouraged othersto practice good stewardship in the future.
� Community Advocate: Through words and actions, individuals nominated for this award will have championed a cause or activity that has improved Muskoka and/or the lives of its residents.
� Volunteer: Through their actions, individuals nominated for this award will have touched the lives of their fellow Muskokans and/or peoples in other parts of the world. Through theirleadership and example, they will have made a difference in the lives of others.
� Muskoka Businessperson of the Year: This annual award of distinction recognizes an individual who is an owner, manager or professional. Working in a business environment in the privatesector, public sector or a “not-for-profit” organization, the recipient will have distinguished himself or herself as a successful businessperson. Through leadership, innovation, business successand contributions to the well being of the business community at large, the recipient is deserving of recognition for overall outstanding achievement.
� Employee of the Year: This award recognizes an employee – working in a business environment in the private sector, public sector or a “not-for-profit” business – whose efforts have made asignificant contribution to his or her employer.
� Sports and Recreation: Through personal achievement, by providing leadership or by supporting the development of sports and recreational activities, the nominees for this award will haveset an example for others.
� Youth: Individuals nominated for this award are 25 years of age or younger as of September 20, 2013. The focus of this award is the recognition of nominees who have done one or both ofthe following:- made contributions to improving the community through volunteer service.- demonstrated an ability to have a positive impact on their peers.
� Muskoka Citizen of the Year: The individual selected as the recipient of this prestigious award will be chosen from all of the nominations received for the above-noted eight categories.Chosen at the discretion of the judges, the recipient of this award will be celebrated for their exemplary contributions to the people of Muskoka and/or the well-being of Muskoka.
� Muskoka Business of the Year - 1 to 14 employees: This award recognizes a private sector business with 1 to 14 employees that has demonstrated overall outstanding achievement, has acommitment to customer service, is an active contributor to the business community and has a physical address in Muskoka.
� Muskoka Business of the Year - 15 or more employees: This award recognizes a private sector business with 15 or more employees that has demonstrated overall outstandingachievement, has a commitment to customer service, is an active contributor to the business community and has a physical address in Muskoka.
� Community Organization: Nominees for this award will include volunteer organizations, associations, service clubs, religious groups, businesses or other non-profit groups that haveundertaken projects and programs that have had significant positive impact on Muskokans. Any Muskoka-based organization or group that has been in operation since September 20, 2011,is eligible to be nominated. To be considered Muskoka-based, the organization must conduct its main operations in Muskoka or be the local branch of a provincial, national or internationalorganization or group.
STARTING A BUSINESS
By Corey WilkinsonOver the next several
months, North Country Busi-ness is taking an in-depthlook at the steps required instarting a successful newbusiness. In this edition weexamine how to acquirefunding for a new business.
For those interested instarting their own businessone of the major stumblingblocks can be getting thefunding together to pursuethe business idea.
One of the most commonmyths is that there are lots ofgrants available to peoplelooking to start their ownbusiness.
“We get a lot of questionslike, ‘What grants are avail-able?’” says David Brushey,executive director forMuskoka Futures. “Theanswer is none.”
There are some grantsavailable for very specificbusinesses and industries,mostly for research startups.
“The number one thing todo is to have your own mon-ey,” says Larry Wilson,author of The Small BusinessPlanner. “The less you needto borrow, the better off youare.”
This still leaves a fewoptions available to thoselooking to start a business,including funding it yourselfor getting a loan from a bankor other lender.
“There are a lot of pro-grams out there but it takessome research to go throughthem,” says Brushey.
There are many fundingissues to consider whenstarting your own business.
“The single biggest chal-lenge for small businesses isunderstanding your costs,”says Brushey.
Muskoka Futures is oneoption. It is aligned with 269other Community Futuresorganizations across thecountry, with 61 of themlocated in Ontario. They pro-vide their communities witha variety of services, includ-ing business developmentloans, technical support,training and information.
“We’re local and have a
www.NorthCountryBusinessNews.com8 August 2013
Experts offer funding solutionsOptions availablefor new, smallbusiness owners
FUTURE FUNDING: David Brushey from Muskoka Futures can help fund a new business.
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STARTING A BUSINESS August 2013 9www.NorthCountryBusinessNews.com
better sense of what willwork in the community,”says Brushey. “We try toinvest in things that will cre-ate more jobs in the commu-nity.”
Muskoka Futures can lendup to $150,000 to small busi-nesses in Muskoka, and lendabout $1 million eachyear to those lookingto start a new busi-ness. They also teamup with other Com-munity Futures fromneighbouring areasfor larger projects,which are able toaccess up to$500,000 in loans.
“It’s very muchlike going to thebank,” says Brushey.
Muskoka Futuresand other businesslenders tend to chargea higher interest rateon their loans toreflect the fact that they aretaking a bigger risk.
Muskoka Futures has adetailed application processthat includes having a busi-ness plan, a cash flow plan
and a personal financialstatement.
“One of our requirementsis a minimum of 10 to 25 percent personal investment inthe business,” says Brushey.“They have to demonstrate acommitment to the busi-ness.”
Another option is to visitthe Business DevelopmentBank of Canada office inBarrie, which serves theSimcoe-Muskoka area. Thebank was founded in 1944
and has more than 100 busi-ness centres across Canada
The Business Develop-ment Bank of Canada is agovernment organizationwhose mandate is to helpcreate and develop small andmedium sized businessesthrough financing, subordi-
nate financing, ven-ture capital and con-sulting services.
“The one thingentrepreneurs need toknow is their bottomline,” says authorLarry Wilson.“Banks have a verylow tolerance forrisk.”
He advises entre-preneurs to create adetailed businessplan that includes afeasibility study.
“Be conservativewith profit forecastsand be liberal with
expenses,” says Wilson, whohas helped over 500 peoplecomplete business plans.
“Most businesses failbecause of poor financialmanagement,” says Wilson.
“You have to have someof your own money toinvest. No one is going
to lend you 100 percent of your needs”
STARTING SMART: Larry Wilson, author of The Small Business Plan-ner, has helped many businesses get up and running successfully.
Helping entrepreneurssucceed through
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Business Financing availableup to $150,000
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Call Tyler Lockhart, InvestmentConsultant, for more information on
Business Financing for start-up, reorganization or expansion.
www.muskokafutures.ca
(705) 646-9511 x2501-800-414-6570
STARTING A BUSINESSWhen it comes to getting
the funds to start a businessone of the most commonways is to borrow moneyfrom friends and families.This is known as “love mon-ey”.
“Even if borrowing fromfriends and family theyshould still be able to showthem a detailed plan,” saysWilson. That plan shouldinclude how they plan onrepaying that loan and theprojected expenses.
One option that someentrepreneurs resort to istaking out a second mort-gage on their home. Wilsonadvises strongly against thiscourse of action.
“It’s a very bad idea, youshould never take your num-ber one asset against a riskyventure,” says Wilson.
Another option is to findan equity investor for yournew business. These arepeople with extra moneythat want to invest in a busi-ness venture. This type ofinvestor can be hard to find
and typically in exchangefor their loan they willreceive a percentage owner-ship of the business.
“You’ll want to maintain acontrolling interest in yourbusiness,” says Wilson.
Self financing your ownbusiness if possible is stillthe best way of ensuringsuccess.
“You have to know yourstart-up costs, start-up costsare critical,” says Wilson.“A business that is under-funded starts people off inthe hole.”
Muskoka Small BusinessCentre can provide potentialentrepreneurs with a wealthof information on potentialsources of funding for theirbusiness idea.
“The business plan is keyfor any lender,” says DavidConnell, the manager of theMuskoka Small BusinessCentre. “You have to havesome of your own money toinvest. No one is going tolend you 100 per cent ofyour needs.”
www.NorthCountryBusinessNews.com10 August 2013
SMALL BIZ HELP: David Connell at theMuskoka Small Business Centre can help.
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growth of a four-season resortwill create new Muskokaemployment,” saysMcLaughlin.
Sequel’s expansion plansfor Touchstone will focus oncondominium development,presenting new layouts for anadditional 56 lakeside, wholeownership condominiumspriced from $229,000. Own-ers will have the option ofplacing their unit in the resortrental pool.
“While we work with theproperty team and existingcondo owners, as well as thelocal community, to research,plan and capitalize on Touch-stone’s potential, our focus ashoteliers remains offering that
escape for the senses that isalready a signature of Touch-stone resort,” says Larcade.
Sequel worked with thedeveloper of Touchstone,from demolition of AstonBeach Resort (which was pre-
viously located at the site)through design of the interi-ors, operation, for the firstnine months only, of theTouchstone property, strictlyas a third-party managementcompany. According to a
press release, Sequel had noprevious ownership interestand was not involved in anycapacity with Touchstoneover the last few years.
Touchstone Muskokaencompasses 33 luxurious
accommodations rangingfrom spa suites to 2,000 sq.ft., four-bedroom villas. It isalso home toTaste Restau-rant andTouch Spa.
L a r c a d efirst movedto Muskokafrom Torontoto assumerole of gener-al manager atDeerhurst Resort, whichincluded oversight of over$50 million, between expan-sion and refurbishment. Dur-ing that time, from 2000 to2004, she expanded the stafffrom about 350 to 700.
Sequel Hotels and Resorts
has done work all over theprovince. They providedadvisory and design services
on a $120m i l l i o nmixed used e v e l o p -ment inPort Dal-h o u s i e ,including a104-roomb o u t i q u ehotel and
conference centre, 35,000 sq.ft. of retail space and 80 con-do units.
During Sequel’s manage-ment, Chateau Beauvallon inMont-Tremblant was rankednumber one worldwide byExpedia.
than the proposed stackedrock face as shown in thepresentation.”
The building proposed tothe planning com-mittee is similar toother Tim Hortonsconstructed else-where in Ontario,the planning reportstates. However, itwas noted thebuilding is not typ-ical of what isdesired throughoutMuskoka (peakedroofs, exclusivelynatural materials).
A recent Tim Hortonsdevelopment in Bracebridgeis considered to be more con-sistent with design in Musko-ka. A comparison of the struc-tures below serves to furtherillustrate the point. Staffwould recommend the archi-tectural features be amended
accordingly.Staff told the planning
committee the Taylor RoadTim Hortons in Bracebridgeis an example of what the Port
Carling franchise could looklike.
While there were someconcerns from council aboutthe proposed building loca-tion and aesthetics, there wasno need for a public commentor circulation because theproposal complies with exist-ing zoning.
The proposal was dis-cussed for almost an hour,says Burgess, with the talkfocusing on traffic patterns,line-ups and building style.
The intersectionof Bruce WilsonRoad and MedoraStreet had previous-ly been designatedby the District ofMuskoka to includenew traffic lightsonce any developermade an applicationto build, he says. Aswell, the site planshows staging lines
for the drive through wouldaccommodate 14 cars.
“The applicant met all con-ditions of our ComprehensiveZoning Bylaw. . . for buildingon that specific lot,” saysBurgess. “He is to sendamended drawings withintwo weeks for our review andcomment.”
Sequel buys Touchstone, plans additionsContinued from FRONT
Continued from FRONT
SOLD: Anne Larcadeand Sequel have bigplans for Touchstone.
Township wants Tim Hortons to have Muskoka look
“Touchstone willcompete
internationally.”
By Chris OcchiuzziBy dedicating themselves
to good service and being apart of the community,Dean’s Home Hardware inPort Sydney reached a mile-stone this year.
Having first opened onMay 7, 1988, Dean’s HomeHardware celebrated its 25thanniversary and did so infine fashion with a three-dayevent taking place from July5 to 7.
Dean Smales, who startedthe business and has contin-ued to own it all these years,was extremely happy withthe turnout for the celebra-
tion. “It was great,” he says.Smales, who is from Port
Sydney, felt there was a needfor a hardware storeand opened it 25years ago.
At that same time,his father Jack wasretired. “He offeredto come and help mefor a week to get itgoing,” says Smales.“He’s never left. He’s82 years old andworks about 50 hours perweek.”
Smales appreciates thesupport from the communi-ty, over the years. “I
believed in our area . . . andI still do. It’s worked out,”he says. “We have to be very
grateful for the fact peopleare still coming to shop atour store. We’re busier andbusier every year. It’s a goodthing.”
Running a business forover 25 years in Muskokagives Smales a unique per-
spective on the changes inthe area over the years.
He says the main differ-ence he has witnessed is thepopulation growth. “The
population of Muskoka hasgrown quite a bit over thepast 25 years, so in turn,
there’s a lot morestores than there usedto be and a lot morechoices for people toshop at,” saysSmales.
Yet, with all thechoices being thrownat potential cus-tomers, they keep vis-iting Dean’s Home
Hardware for many of theirneeds.
Smales says they’vegrown in size from 1,800 sq.ft. in 1988 to 6,000 sq. ft. He
adds being part of the HomeHardware family helpedthem remain viable.
“We’ve expanded aboutfive times in the last 25years and we’ve joinedforces with Home Hard-ware, which has helped us alot in the sense of theamount of items we can pur-chase now,” he says. “Wehave a good advertising pro-gram and catalogues. Wehave the recognition of theHome Hardware brand.”
That, along with a reputa-tion for excellent customerservice, is Dean’s HomeHardware’s winning recipe.
25th anniversary for Dean’s Home Hardware
“I believed in our area...and I still do. It’s worked out.”
A DIFFERENT LOOK: Muskoka Lakes council says they would like aplanned Tim Hortons location to resemble this one in Bracebridge.
“The site planapplication...exceeded
every condition required tobuild on that lot on Bruce
Wilson Drive.”
August 2013 11www.NorthCountryBusinessNews.com
By Sandy Lockhart Arts at the Albion is a
new artists collaborative inthe centre of uptownGravenhurst.
The gallery, located inthe historic Albion hotel,will be open year round andan artist will be on site at alltimes.
Together, 20 artists fromsouth Muskoka are featuredin the space, designed byparticipating artist DavidDawson.
Throughout the year, theyplan to offer workshops,and even invite other artiststo display their work onoccasion.
Gravenhurst artist andjeweler Penny Varney, a co-ordinator of the project,
says the artists all workedtogether to get it open.
Other participating artistsinclude Annie Vietch, JohndeLang, Matt Church, DaveCureton, Linda Hrynyk,Maureen Haines, MargoGracey, Linda Kristin Blix,Hannah Lin, Gina Denne,Leslie Songer Terry, GlendaDavies, Pat Sheppard,Brendan Duggan, AmandaGreavette, Dale Durnan,Roberty Dykstra and Bon-nie Bews.
The gallery will be openseven days per week, withshortened hours on Sun-days.
The artists are happy togive new life to the historicspot. They have painted andrenovated the space whilesaving what they could. Thefloors, for example, havebeen refinished but some ofthe patina from the oldwood remains, adding a his-toric charm to the space.
By Matt DriscollChrista Benedict has
brought a lifetime’s worth ofjewelry-making experienceto the clock tower in Brace-bridge.
The new tenant of thelandmark location operatesthe Jibe Factory, specializingin handmade jewelry that isunique, wearable and afford-able. For the past 10 years,Benedict had been operatingout of her home studio nearBaysville.
“My studio was well offthe beaten path,” she says. “Iwanted a space that wasaccessible but I could stillwork there. I saw this spaceand right away I could pic-ture myself here.”
Benedict’s work primarilyfeatures stone, glass bead-work and wire. In addition toselling her pieces out of hernew location, she also sellswholesale to retailers acrossCanada and participates inmany arts and crafts shows,
such as the recent MuskokaArts and Crafts SummerShow in Bracebridge.
She builds the pieces her-self in the new retail space,and also does custom workand small jewelry repair.
Her store also featuresunique handmade items cre-ated by other artists fromaround Muskoka and acrossCanada.
“If I see something at ashow that I really like, then Iwant to promote it,” she
says. “There is such a greatarts community in Muskokaand they all support oneanother. It’s something I loveabout this area.”
Originally fromBelleville, Benedict firststarted her love affair withjewelry in high school, mak-ing beaded necklaces forfriends. Attending Algo-nquin College in Ottawa,Benedict says she was a fre-quent guest to a beadingstore in the ByWard Market,
where she would work onher creations.
She then moved to Toron-to and began selling herpieces at area craft showsand street boutiques.
“I got progressively betterand made more money,” shesays. “Then I moved toWhistler and it really tookoff.”
Studies in glass-beadmaking and silversmithinghelped refine her craft, andshe now offers courses to thepublic on jewelry-making inthe off-season.
Ten years ago she movedto Muskoka with her hus-band to be closer to familyand to embrace the vibrantoutdoor culture of the region.
www.NorthCountryBusinessNews.com12 August 2013
Arts at the Albion now open for business
Jibe jeweller makes glass and wire creations
ART SALE: A few of the 20 co-operative member artists display their work in front of thegallery in the Albion Hotel. Inside, guests will find everything from metalwork to oil paintings.
JEWELLERS DEN: Christa Benedict works onher latest creation in her Bracebridge studio.
Momma Bear’s marks grand opening
New attractionin the centre of Gravenhurst
SWEET TREATS: MP Tony Clement, Momma Bear’s owners Don and Susan Smith, MPPNorm Miller and Bracebridge Mayor Graydon Smith cut the ribbon on the new shop.
By Chris OcchiuzziAfter working with others
instructing yoga, MartinaKruger has broken out onher own.
Martina’s Muskoka Yogain Huntsville is Kruger’snew venture and she’s excit-ed about teaching the physi-cal, mental, and spiritualtechniques first developedin ancient India.
“It kind of came aboutunexpectedly, I worked withother yoga teachers andthen the door kind ofopened and presented itselfto me,” says Kruger ofteaching on her own. “Thisis your opportunity to goout on your own and createsomething that’s unique andthat’s part of your style andyour signature.”
The mother of two firstbecame interested in yogaand its teachings of peacewhile in university studyingEastern religion and philos-ophy. Eventually she founda Hindu temple offeringclasses in Kitchener, whereKruger is originally from,and she began her journeyinto yoga.
“I just started going andit was awesome, it was soauthentic. It was medita-
tion, chanting and thenyoga,” says Kruger. “It justkind of snowballed fromthere. I took up a passion ofmeditation course. I didmore reading, I took morecourses.”
After moving to Musko-ka, Kruger went through ayoga teacher training pro-gram at Georgian College’sOrillia campus. She thenstarted teaching with vari-ous health businesses in theHuntsville area.
Now she rents a space atthe Love Tree in Huntsvilleand teaches weekly classes.She very much enjoysteaching the values and tra-ditions of yoga and hopes tobe able to offer more andmore classes in the nearfuture. Martina’s MuskokaYoga has a Facebook Pageand she’s working hard toget the word out.
“Just the sense of beingable to bring peace, relax-ation and a sense of well-being to other people,” saysKruger of why she lovesteaching yoga. “I’m notonly doing it for myself, andreaping the rewards of yogafor myself, but then beingable to teach others to buildthat within themselves.”
By Chris OcchiuzziThose wanting a full
nature experience whilecatching native brook troutare in luck.
Dwight’s Greg Betteridgehas started Dragonfly Guid-ing, which provides troutfishing day trips by canoeinto Algonquin Park lakesalong the Highway 60 corri-dor.
Having worked 34 yearsfor the Ontario Ministry ofNatural Resources, Bet-teridge retired in 2012.While with the MNR, Bet-teridge immersed himself introut research, managementand assessment in AlgonquinPark. He started DragonflyGuiding to share his knowl-edge and expertise with thepublic.
“I’m doing day trips theway they would have beendone back in Tom Thom-son’s day,” says Betteridge.“That is fishing out of acanoe. No motors. We trollreally simple lures. Littlespoons, sometimes plugs andsometimes really simple fliesand it’s a very successful andrelaxing way to catch trout.”
Betteridge says he’s defi-
nitely a catch-and-releaseguy, who has done so withover 90 per cent of the trouthe’s snagged. The only timehe has kept the fish was if itwas needed on a trip for sup-per.
Betteridge isn’t just start-
ing this as a business to makemoney, rather he wants tohelp educate people aboutthe importance of troutstocks.
“Algonquin is one of thelast remaining places in theworld that has native trout
lakes, which are in a lot ofcases untouched,” he says.“Particularly brook trout.Unfortunately brook troutlakes are very few and farbetween and that’s becausepeople prefer bass. Whenthey were introduced in thelakes along the corridor, suchas Smoke and Cache, thatwas the end of the brooktrout.”
Betteridge says he’ll betaking only one or two peo-ple out at a time and will beexclusively fishing for trout,no bass or other fish.
He says native trout havebeen decimated by the intro-duction of bass. Brook troutare very specialized, in termsof their needs and require-ments and they don’t com-pete well with other fish,says Betteridge. The fewerspecies in a lake, the bettertrout do.
“It is to basically give peo-ple relief from what every-one considers to be a veryfast paced and hectic world,”he says. “With trout, the guyI’m taking out tomorrowcould be releasing a fish thatthe guy next week couldcatch again.”
Balancing mind and body
Throwback fishing lures anglers
CATCH OF THE DAY: Greg Betteridge ofDwight knows trout fishing like few others.
PEACEFUL PRACTICE: Martina Kruger hasbrought her passion to a new business.
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www.NorthCountryBusinessNews.comVisit our website
August 2013 13www.NorthCountryBusinessNews.com
By Gravenhurst Chamber of CommerceIt has been an undeniably busy few months
at the Gravenhurst Chamber of Commerce. Chamber of Commerce offices across
Muskoka wrapped up a half-price campaignthat offered new members the opportunity tojoin a Muskoka chamber for half price.
It was a great success across Muskoka andmany businesses had the opportunity to takeadvantage of a great promotion with out-standing benefits. The Gravenhurst Chamberof Commerce is pleased to welcome the 13new members who joined during the sale.
The 20th Annual Gravenhurst Car Showsponsored by Canadian Tire Gravenhurst wasa smashing success this year.
The weather was on our side with a fantas-tic turnout: over 5000 people entered thegates this year between car registrants andspectators, over 500 cars were in attendanceand over 50 volunteers donated their time andmade the day possible. The day ended withaward-winning country music star Terri Clarklive on the Gull Lake Rotary Park barge.
Thank you to our sponsors who con-tributed to the success of the day: CanadianTire Gravenhurst, Northland Auto Repair,Sawdust City Brewing Company, Wayne’sTire Sales and A&A RV Rentals, Sales andService. Lastly, a huge thank you to everyonewho attended the event and made it such ahit.
Dockside Festival of the Arts sponsored bySawdust City Brewing Company is happen-ing Aug 16 through Aug 18 in Gravenhurstwith over 80 juried artisans, craftspeople andgourmet food vendors lining the perimeter of
the Muskoka Wharf Special Events Field. The three-day arts and crafts festival gives
locals and visitors alike the opportunity toexplore what artisans and craftspeople fromthe Muskoka region and across Canada haveto offer.
Our title sponsor, Sawdust City BrewingCompany, will be pouring craft beer, therewill be a splash pad available for children,prizes, gourmet food vendors, wine tastingand live music from local talent Sean Cotton
and his band Doghouse.Sawdust City Brewing Company, Boat
Rentals Canada and Gravenhurst Plumbing,Heating and Electric are sponsoring theevent, and admission to Dockside is $5 perperson. Children under 16 are free.
Vendor applications are still being accept-ed, for more information email: [email protected] or call theChamber at (705) 687-4432.
Contact your local Chamber of Commerce today
MUSKOKA’S CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE www.NorthCountryBusinessNews.com14 August 2013
Summer fun at Gravenhurst Chamber
BRACEBRIDGE1-1 Manitoba St.
705-645-5231, Fax: 645-7592
www.bracebridgechamber.com
GRAVENHURST685-2 Muskoka Rd. N.,
705-687-4432, Fax: 687-4382
www.gravenhurstchamber.com
HUNTSVILLE/LAKE OF BAYS8 West St. N., Huntsville
705-789-4771, Fax: 789-6191
www.huntsvillelakeofbays.on.ca
MUSKOKA LAKES3181 Muskoka Rd. 169, Bala
705-762-5663, Fax: 762-5664
www.muskokalakeschamber.com
PORT SYDNEY/UTTERSON AND AREA15 South Mary Lake Road, Unit 4, Port Sydney
705-385-1117, Fax: 385-9753
www.portsydneycoc.com
SOUTHEAST GEORGIAN BAY45 Lone Pine Road, Port Severn
Phone and Fax: 705-756-4863
www.segbay.ca
July 25The Huntsville/Lake of Bays Chamber ofCommerce July Business After Hours willbe hosted by The New Bickley Ford from5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Hors d’oeuvres andrefreshments will be served. RSVP yourattendance to the chamber at 705-789-
4771 ext. 21 or via email at: [email protected]
August 22The Huntsville/Lake of Bays Chamber ofCommerce August Business After Hourswill be hosted by Algonquin Animal Hos-pital from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. RSVP tothe chamber at 705-789-4771 ext. 21 [email protected].
September 5The Huntsville/Lake of Bays Chamber ofCommerce September Business at LunchTime will take place at House by the LocksAntiques, located at 564 Brunel Road,Huntsville. This event will be co-hosted byChestnut Park Real Estate - Susan Brownand Schat Bakery. RSVP to the chamber at705-789-4771 ext. 21 or via email at:[email protected].
Events listing
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ROCKIN’ GRAVENHURST: The Gravenhurst Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for another Dockside Festival of the Arts.
MUSKOKA’S CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE August 2013 15www.NorthCountryBusinessNews.com
Welcome to our new chamber membersGRAVENHURSTMuskoka Rails Museum 705-646-9711Do You Know Jack? 705-687-3303Muskoka Marine and Rentals 705-687-0005Port-A-Mill Services 705-687-9312Summit Mortgage Services 705-645-8645Maryanne Marshall RMT 705-681-0751Muskoka Party Rentals 705-645-2600Signing As We Grow 705-687-1496OK Taxi 705-684-8294Hart of Muskoka 705-646-9077Sopher’s Landing Marina 705-687-8910Hair Energy 705-684-4222
BRACEBRIDGEBracebridge Printing 705-640-0045Drs. Bishop, Marshall & Associates705-746-7849Domino’s Pizza 705-645-7700In Home Personal Trainer Inc. 705-783-1787Islandview Builders 705-641-1432Lather, Lights & Scents 905-767-6881Mattresses of Muskoka 705-646-2557Mrs H’s Fish & Chips 705-762-4262Momma Bear’s Ice Cream & Sweets Inc. 705-646-9079Muskoka Party Rentals 705-645-2600
MUSKOKA LAKESMuskoka Ratepayers’ Association705-765-0022Muskoka River Property Ser. 705-644-0538Shambhala Meditation Group of Muskoka705-706-7919Stan W. Tait Jewellery 705-646-1454Summit Mortgage Services Inc. 705-645-8645The Computer Shop 705-645-5744The Healing Room Muskoka 705-706-1841The Workshop – Skin Care and Esthetics705-644-3276
SOUTHEAST GEORGIAN BAYD&C Paving 705-549-2190 Sheila Filipchuk 705-538-2448
HUNTSVILLEAir Miles Incentives 705-784-0851Dan Baird Cottages 705-789-9460Help Me Rhonda Cleaning Service705-783-9665The Well Known Company 705-789-1534Treetop Trekking 705-788-9000
PORT SYDNEY/UTTERSON AND AREADesigns For Living 705-380-6396 Jennifer Dutton-Munn, Century 21 CottageCountry Living Inc. 705-646-5595Treasures & Trophies 705-789-9255Happy Hounds Hairstyles 705-385-9587 Jeff Pearson HVAC Services 705-571-1697 The Pines, Mary Lake Cottages 705-385-3221Blackbird Boatworks Ltd. 416-707-0037 You-Nique Boutique 705-224-4000Artsy Pear Studio 705-385-1129The Creative Space 705-224-0061 Cottages on the Web 705-788-1801Client First Canada.com 705-349-1101 Bonnie’s Drop-Off and Daycare 705-571-6892Pinnacle Property Maintenance 705-380-1535Paterson Arts & Crafts/Painted Kids 705-636-0568 Suzuki School of Music 705-788-0027 Spa Muskoka/Arbonne-Ashley Stewart 705-380-1005 Always Handy Property Management 705-788-9792 Christian Clelland Photography Services705-385-0020 Melissa Bradbury-Sutton Group 705-788-1200Costco Wholesale 705-728-2350Muskoka River Property Services705-644-0538Business Computer Resources 705-789-5850Muskoka Limo 1-855-872-0239 Muskoka Party Rentals 705-645-2600 Agnew Masonry 705-783-1269Sharp Communication & Design 705-788-9482Shop Huntsville 705-571-4488Healthworks Chiropractic 705-787-1001
HELP SUPPORTYOUR CHAMBER
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Jacqui SemkowMuskoka Mortgage
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148 James Street, Bracebridge, ON
Call 705-645-1431
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Small BusinessFinancing• • • • •
Community DevelopmentGrants
At the YMCA Employ-ment and Literacy Serviceswe continue to move for-ward in our EmploymentOntario Services role, pro-viding support to job seekersand employers alike. We arehappy to report that our rela-tionship building with localemployers is working. Weare becoming the “go toplace” for hiring needs in thecommunity.
For those of you whom wehaven’t touched based withyet, let us introduce a few ofour services to you. Avail-able to you free of charge arethe following services:
1. Post job opportunitiesin our office, tweet and dis-tribute them throughout theDistrict
2. Match your job require-ments with the skills of oneof our clients
3. Provide employmentincentives where clients andemployers are eligible
4. Offer human resourcessupport
5. Information sessions ona variety of topics that alsoallow time for networkingwith other employers
What does this mean toyou? As Job Developers ourgoal is to generate employ-
ment outcomes by workingwith you, employers, to findemployees who are motivat-ed, dependable and ready towork. We do this by learn-ing about your hiring needsand about our job seekers,many of whom have greatqualities and skills for us, orthem, to market and pro-mote. We provide additionalsupports for job seekers whomay have challenges thataffect their ability to transi-tion and succeed in the workplace. In the end we hope tohelp build a healthy commu-nity by matching all jobseekers to employers. Weall need a sense of belong-ing, contributing and thesense of pride that comeswith securing sustainableemployment.
It is our goal to create thebest match to meet your hir-ing needs. What does this“best match” look like? It’sthe employee who will showup for each shift ready towork, a positive attitude andcompletes their tasks asassigned. Our commitmentto our clients, both you asthe employer and the jobseekers, is that we will doour best to make thesematches. In some cases wecan support this process by
offering wage incentivesduring training periods,mentoring on the job, job tri-als and job shadowing. Wework closely with theemployer to monitor theserelationships, offering sup-port and feedback toincrease the chances of suc-cess.
Information sharing on avariety of human resourcetopics is also available. Wedo this on an individual basisor in a workshop settingwhere networking with otheremployers adds a “real life”component to the discussion.Feedback has been excellenton this service – we haveemployers who are waitingto sign up for our next series.Great ideas are shared andeveryone benefits! You cancontact our office to obtain alist of the next sessionswhich will be taking place inthe fall. Or follow us ontwitter @huntsville_YMCA
Each and every day we areassisting employers and jobseekers through our match-ing services – we are helpingto grow a healthy workforcein Muskoka. Let us showyou how. We truly believethere is an employmentopportunity out there for alljob seekers.
Business Networking
Building relationships withYMCA is working
Brent McIntosh, Mary Ellen Fetterly and Eileen Lee are part of the team atthe YMCA Employment and Literacy Services location in Huntsville.
Looking fora Great Employee?We’ve got skilled candidatesready tomake an immediatecontribution to your business.Wage incentives may be available.
YMCA Employment Service - Huntsville60 King William Street705-787-0349
This Employment Ontario service is funded in part by the Government of Canada
Brent McIntosh – Employer Liaison
470 High Street, Sundridge, [email protected]
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ADVERTISING FEATURE www.NorthCountryBusinessNews.com16 August 2013
