Professional Documents
Culture Documents
february/march 2009
magazine
The People
Quotient
Recruit and retain
the right team
Inspire your employees
$3.95 CAN
www.hamiltonchamber.on.ca
f e b r u a r y /m a r c h 2009
9 The people puzzle
The right team + the right ground rules = success
5 President’s message
6 Editor’s message
7 Chamber updates
8 News
departments 11 Hamilton Economic Summit
12 The real deal with Neil
15 Diversity in the workplace
16 Market perspective
18 Making the case
22 In the loop
24 From the rooftop
25 Upcoming events
26 Around Hamilton
On the cover: Laura Markey, Bay Gardens’ marketing director,
in the company’s new high end hotel-like funeral home.
Photograph by Daniel Banko
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President: Tyler MacLeod, Dundee Securities Corp.
President Elect: Ruth Liebersbach, Hamilton Bulldogs Hockey Club
Vice President: Richard Koroscil, Hamilton International Airport
Treasurer: Paul Gibel, MacGillivray Partners
Director at Large: Mike Foley, Trinity Development Group Inc.
Secretary: John Dolbec, Hamilton Chamber of Commerce
Past President: Len Falco, LCM Associates
DIRECTORS
Monique Biancucci, ArcelorMittal Dofasco Inc.
Suzanne Carpenter, Corus Radio Hamilton
Neil Dring, Grand River Sachem
Andrew Furgal, BMO Bank of Montreal
Peter Ipema, Newalta Industrial Services Inc.
John Knechtel, Bick Financial
Nick Markettos, McMaster University
William Oates, William Oates Chartered Accountant
Kim Piper, CB Richard Ellis Ltd.
Demetrius Tsafaridis, Steelcare Inc.
COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS
Ambassadors Club: Jill Genno, Rogers TV Listings
Ancaster Division: John Knechtel, Bick Financial
Business Development: Jay Higgins, Beau Monde Productions
Chamber Connections: Norm Grey, W. Norman Grey Consulting
Community Development Committee: Aurelia Tokaci, SISO
Settlement & Integration Service Organization
Dundas Division: William Oates, William Oates Chartered Accountant
Glanbrook Division: Neil Dring, Grand River Sachem
Government Affairs: Judi Partridge, Corporate Community Relations
Human Resources: Rosanne Lasowski, ArcelorMittal Dofasco Inc.
Past President’s Council: Len Falco, LCM Associates
Little Green Tree Ltd.
Science,Technology & Innovation: Paul Lakin, KPMG
Transportation: Dan Rodrigues, Little Green Tree Ltd. Publisher: Daniel Banko
ADMINISTRATION Editor: Laura Jackson, Hamilton Chamber of Commerce
John Dolbec, Chief Executive Officer Associate Editor: Marie Verdun
Carl Alexis, Network Systems Administrator Creative Director: Ali Khamis
Richard Allen, Hamilton Economic Summit Secretariat Art Director: Lynn Brenner
Don Crossley, General Manager, Sales & Marketing Photography: Banko Photographic
Patricia Dieryck, Events Administrator Vice President of Sales & Marketing: Daniel Rodrigues
Beverley Fehrman, Advertising Manager Sales Associates: David Banko, Kimberly Hoover
Laura Jackson, Communications Coordinator
Karen Hall, Office Manager Panorama Magazine is published bi-monthly on
Forestry Stewardship Council Approved Paper.
Casey Johnson, Public Policy Consultant
Jo-Ann Orth, Manager, Special Events & Promotions
No part of this magazine may be reproduced without
Darlene Schroder, Membership Sale & Services Coordinator
prior written permission of the publisher.
Diane Stephenson, Member Support Services
Jan Watts, Controller, G.M. – Administration
© Copyright 2009 Little Green Tree Ltd.
PANORAMA MAGAZINE
Published by Little Green Tree Ltd. in co-operation with
The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce
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cornerstone we tackle.
fees; labour issues and public transit. The So I’m always baffled when governments,
Chamber has also thrown its hat in the organizations or people who lobby for
ring supporting the discussions on no policies and regulations stifle and
increases in EI premiums, acceleration of intentionally impede ethical business
corporate income taxes, an increase in growth, and then act shocked when there
basic personal exemptions for taxes, is no money in the coffers. This is not
Harmonization of GST\PST, tangible the shocked attitude of the prefect in
infrastructure investment locally and red Casablanca, who really did understand the
tape reduction in government. We have criminal element circling around him. No,
been called upon to present our views of it is a lack of understanding of, on the one
the economy and updates on the business hand a seemingly complex, interconnected
environment to council. We supplied our social system or on the other, a pretty
municipal and provincial politicians with simple concept. Either way, some just
business climate survey data that was don’t get it. The money comes from
readily applauded and deemed exceedingly us — businesses and those people
helpful by our elected officials — those employed by said businesses. This holds
same officials that we continue to build true for all levels of government. Until the
relationships with, sometimes on polite United States, Alberta or Mississauga start
but clear disagreement.Your Chamber to pay our bills, I would say it is pretty
has met with the provincial finance important that taxes are collected. The
minister, our local member of the federal Chamber and its members understand this.
Conservative government, the premier I do not know why it proves so dastardly
and local members of the Ontario Liberal elusive to some.
party. We also have regular meetings with
the mayor and members of council. Everyone wants a wealthy, prosperous
community that offers social programs
This abbreviated list represents the last and cultural and recreational
few months, with much thanks to all our opportunities. Hamilton strives for this
committee volunteers who have helped ideal, but sometimes fails to prioritize.
to achieve such a robust portfolio of (Cue the Chamber!)
accomplishments. Of course, nothing can
be done without the support of the Board This is why the Chamber exists, to
of Directors. Thank you. speak on your behalf. As a matter of fact,
notwithstanding the current recession,
But why? Why does the Chamber work your chamber continues to grow, with net
so hard and flourish in its travails? Because membership up 4% year over year. This is
business is important. And it’s not just due in large part to the fact that our
important, it is “the economy”. I do not members agree on one simple thing — not
want to wax poetic or get too only do businesses need a voice, they need
philosophical, but sometimes we have one that is powerful... your Chamber of
to move to “30,000 feet” or even Commerce. Congratulations, it’s working.
“100,000 feet” to actually get back to
the ground level. Thanks and cheers. P
An excerpt from the presentation to the Ottawa 2009 Business Climate Survey: Members are
Economics: Pre-budget Event on Budget 2009 optimistic about economy
January 15, 2009 An analysis of the 2009 Ontario Business Climate Survey reveals
that respondents are concerned about the Ontario economy, but
From Perrin Beatty, president & CEO of the Canadian believe the provincial government should provide taxation and
Chamber of Commerce regulatory relief in order to help business weather the storm.
In the Canadian Chamber’s view, the 2009 Budget needs to While over 80 per cent expect the performance of the Ontario
be based on realistic assumptions about Canada’s economic economy to be somewhat or much weaker in 2009 than in 2008,
performance and provide fiscal stimulus that is timely, targeted, a majority of respondents are far more optimistic about the
temporary and cost-effective. It must also focus on measures future of their own companies, with 55 per cent believing that
that not only stimulate the economy now, but also lay the they will perform the same or better next year.
foundation for long-term growth.
OCC moving forward in India
The government must not be in denial about the recession’s
Foreign markets present enormous business opportunities for
seriousness. Certainly there are measures that it should
Ontario companies. One of those key markets for the Ontario
undertake in the short term. But it also needs to convey the
Chamber of Commerce (OCC) is India.
confidence that things will get better, and make it clear that
the measures we take to respond to the crisis today will help The OCC is organizing a trade mission to India between the end
us be more successful tomorrow. of March and the beginning of April 2009, for 10 to 15 companies.
In addition to allowing people the opportunity to be more
A Canada-U.S. Agenda For a New Administration current about the available opportunities, this trade mission will
January 16, 2009 focus on India’s energy and infrastructure sectors.
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce believes that the For qualifying companies, the OCC will be able to assist with the
re-elected Government of Canada and the new U.S. cost under Export Market Access, its 50/50 cost sharing grant
Administration now have an opportunity to reinvigorate their program. More info is available at: http://www.exportaccess.ca
long-standing partnership while strengthening their physical
and economic security. Sales tax reform aids consumers, government
and business: Report, January 22, 2009
Closer collaboration should address the economic downturn,
Supporters are rallying behind a comprehensive report on
the global financial crisis, acknowledge our systemic integration,
sales tax reform in Ontario, as one of the most effective
increase Canada-U.S. security, facilitate our integrated
ways to combat the economic challenges facing the province.
manufacturing supply chains (and the 10 million jobs they
Prepared for the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, the report
support), secure our mutual energy supply, and create an
demonstrates that Ontario households, businesses and
environment conducive to innovation; fuelling future prosperity
government will all benefit from reform of Ontario’s sales tax.
for our children.
The report was released in Toronto and other communities
The full report can be viewed at
throughout the province. It can be found at
http://www.chamber.ca/article.asp?id=3
http://occ.on.ca/Policy/Reports/441
The
PEOPLE
PUZZLE
Combine clear HR strategies and the right
team members for success
Written by Laura Jackson
Photography by Daniel Banko
P
erception has it that only companies with many With appropriate HR policies in place, you can save your
employees require HR processes and policies. But business money by preventing major problems and legal issues,
Human Resource experts say this isn’t true. If a said Falco. But aside from legal issues, there are many other costs
business has employees, it should have HR strategies that can arise as a result of poor HR planning. Many businesses
in place. make the mistake of hiring employees who don’t fit into the
culture of their organization — a common misstep when there
“A lot of companies grow quickly and they don’t have a system is a sudden need to fill a vacant position.
in place. And they’ll usually experience a problem before they get
a wake up call,” said Len Falco, president of LCM ASSOCIATES. “It’s an emotional decision or a knee jerk reaction where an
employer doesn’t take the time to go through the process
But this doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to have a properly to ensure they are getting the right candidate,” said
comprehensive policy book. “It’s enough to develop some ground Falco.
rules,” he added. An HR consultant can educate you on what
your responsibilities are as an employer and help you implement “The key is job fit and culture fit. Hiring excellent people is
policies. about much more than excellent skill sets,” said Gay Miller,
vice-president of The PartnerFirm.
And your decision to hire either a consultant or a paid employee
will depend on the nature of your business and the size of your “It is important to structure a position so that the goals are clear
staff. HR consultants are often hired on a per project basis; and employees are challenged by their work.You need to create
however, the average cost in Hamilton is between $100 and an environment that people want to work in,” she added.
$150 per hour.
However, the current economic crisis may mean that businesses are more
concerned with trimming from their teams rather than to adding to them. But,
Miller believes an economic downturn can prove to be beneficial for businesses
and organizations. For example, it can provide an opportunity to gain an edge
over competitors. “Businesses should continue investing in their key people and
prepare themselves for the upturn,” she said.
Keeping employees happy is one sure way for businesses to save money and
reduce turnover. Many employees are satisfied when their work is recognized
and appreciated by their employer. “Everyone needs a pat on the back and it’s not
always about money,” said Falco.
Businesses can take advantage of organizations such as the Canadian Centre for
Occupational Health & Safety (CCOHS), located in Hamilton. The CCOHS was
established in 1978 to help businesses and organizations prevent injuries in the
workplace.
The CCOHS is readily used by businesses and organizations across the nation.
Last year, the CCOHS’ person-to-person Inquiries Service answered nearly 13,000
questions from Canadians pertaining to health, safety and well-being. And statistics
show that Ontarians used the service the most at 53.4 per cent.
Today, many businesses are turning to the CCOHS for more than health and
safety information. They are also requesting tips on how to implement work-life
balance into their organization.
“Employees look for more than just salaries, they look at the big picture. Work-
life balance is becoming increasingly important to employees,” said Eleanor
Westwood, communications manager at CCOHS.
The CCOHS is especially beneficial to smaller companies that don’t have the
staff to implement proper workplace health and safety procedures. And finding
accurate information can sometimes be overwhelming for small businesses, said
Westwood.
Hamilton’s economy: a
look back … and ahead
“An Economist is an expert who will in the McMaster Innovation Park, the announced relocation
of Burlington based technology company Trivaris and the
know more tomorrow why the things he groundbreaking of the Federal Government’s 140,000 square
predicted yesterday didn’t happen today.” foot CANMET Materials Technology Laboratory.
I would argue that although many economists forecasted an One of the biggest “good news” stories in 2008, and one that
economic slowdown in 2008 – few, if any, envisioned the speed was seen across the country, was Canadian Business Magazine
and severity of the recession that now grips the throat of the rating Hamilton as the 3rd best city in English Canada and
global economy. Today there is no continent, country or city that the 7th best place nationally to do business in 2008. Many
is immune to its impacts. What is clearly evident is that some factors contributed to this ranking but at the top of the list
countries and cities have fared much better than the rest. are the continuing diversification of our economy, the City’s
efforts to provide seamless one stop customer service for
Is Hamilton one of those cities? The answer to that question business development, a financial commitment by city council to
is a very hesitant “no” and that’s because even though economic development, and an effective community partnership
Hamilton has been affected by job losses and layoffs in the with the Jobs Prosperity Collaborative.
manufacturing sector, Hamilton is by no means at the bottom
of the pile. Comparing Hamilton’s unemployment statistics (as In terms of looking ahead, there is no doubt that 2009 will be
of December 2008) to other manufacturing centres in Ontario, one of the most challenging economic years that Hamilton
our municipality remains below the Ontario average of 7.2% has faced in over two decades. Unemployment and layoffs
(Hamilton currently sits at 6.9%) and significantly less than are expected to spread far beyond the manufacturing sector,
London (7.2%), Kitchener (7.7%), Niagara (8.8%), impacting every aspect of our local economy from retail to
Oshawa (7.8%), and Windsor (10.1%). construction to the public sector. However, there still remains
room for optimism in 2009. The City has a number of large
If we look at the construction value of the City’s total building commercial projects currently in the development pipeline on
permits for 2008, including a fourth quarter that felt the weight top of the multi-million dollar redevelopments of the Centre
of the global slowdown, Hamilton surprisingly smashed its record Mall and the Mountain Plaza Mall. Within the next month,
in 2007 with a total construction value of over $818 million last there will be new industrial growth announced and the City of
year. The record growth was led by our residential, commercial Hamilton, along with the other levels of government, are planning
and institutional sectors. What is important to remember about on accelerating a number of major infrastructure projects in
that $818 million number is that it represents building permits order to stimulate economic growth in our local economy.
issued in 2008 which means that these new buildings will be
completed this year and will invariably involve hiring new staff, Finally, the Planning & Economic Development Department is
paying taxes and will require services to continue operations. working diligently to capitalize on the recovery that is forecasted
for the first or second quarter of 2010. These efforts include the
There were many other “good news” stories last year; stories completion of the Official Plan, the new comprehensive Zoning
that demonstrate that Hamilton’s efforts to diversify our By-Law, the Economic Development Strategy, the comprehensive
economy are being realized. Some of the highlights include Marketing Strategy, and the servicing of the Glanbrook and
Sunrise Metals that established a new partnership with the Ancaster Business Parks.
P
LUXElife
CELEBRATIONS
Bay Gardens runs with a new funeral home concept
Written by Laura Jackson
Photography by Daniel Banko
U
pscale, hotel chic and eco-friendly are not exactly and lighting, along with a projector and a camera so that services
what you’d expect from a funeral home. But it’s what can be recorded and projected online.
you will find at Bay Gardens’ newest location on
Hamilton’s East Mountain. Bay Gardens also offers its clients the option to create a ‘life
story’ — a compilation of photos and music on DVD. The life
The funeral home opened its second location on Rymal Road in story, played on an HD plasma TV inside the visitation room, is
Hamilton last August. Sitting on 3-acres of land, it has more than a unique way to celebrate lives. Each room is also equipped to
24,000 square feet of space, making it the city’s largest funeral accommodate personal iPods for those clients who prefer to
home. In fact, there isn’t any other home like it in Canada. play their own selection of music during visitations.
“There’s a reason why members of the funeral industry are To help its clients through the grieving process, Bay Gardens
coming here to tour our facility,” said Laura Markey, marketing offers a Bereavement Program, which includes an ongoing
director of Bay Gardens Funeral Homes. support group and online resources.
Designed to accommodate the needs and wants of local Aside from helping families, Bay Gardens is also committed to
residents, Bay Gardens has more than 200 parking spaces and the community. To help support Hamilton’s many community
the capacity to hold up to six funerals at a time. To ensure Bay groups, Bay Gardens has allocated a separate meeting space for
Gardens would be especially unique to Hamilton, it was designed non-profits to use free of charge. The investment, estimated at
using a waterfall theme, as a way to reflect the Hamilton area, $500,000, features a separate wing with boardrooms, washrooms
which has more than 100 waterfalls. and a small kitchenette.
The award-winning interior of the home features high-definition Although the facility has been getting a lot of attention, the staff
plasma TVs, fireplaces, an outdoor patio and beautiful furnishings, at Bay Gardens believes that top-notch service keeps them busy.
which all add up to a unique experience for clients. And it was
designed keeping the environment in mind, with recycled carpet “Our services are unparalleled in Hamilton. Beginning with the
throughout each room. The reception area has a two-story initial phone call and ending with our bereavement support
indoor waterfall, fresh floral arrangements, couches and courtesy services, we strive to accommodate our clients’ every need,” said
umbrellas at the entrance. Upon arrival, guests are offered freshly Markey.
baked cookies, coffee and specialty teas.
In addition to offering excellent services and a well-designed
Aside from offering state-of-the-art facilities, Bay Gardens facility, Bay Gardens is also affordable. According to Markey,
Funeral Home strives to meet its clients’ every need under one most people are surprised when they learn that the prices are
roof. The home has been designed to accommodate receptions, competitive with other funeral homes in the region.
with the option of having catered meals and beverages. To help
make the entire funeral planning process easier, Bay Gardens She adds, “Although Bay Gardens takes a very modern approach
sells items such as floral arrangements, caskets, urns and candles. to the funeral planning process, it remains committed to
The home can also accommodate funeral services inside the honouring individual traditions.” P
chapel, which holds up to 200 people. The modern chapel, though
traditional in its purpose, is equipped with automatic curtains
Chamber
committed to
diversity
The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce is committed to
reaching out to more businesses and ensuring that we
continue to support the changing demographics of our
community. Our goals is to provide current information and
resources to help our members stay abreast of diversity
efforts throughout Canada, Ontario and in particular, the
Hamilton community.
Turn to Panorama
Magazine to find the
perfect facility to host an
efficient business meeting
and outstanding dining
experience.
YOUR
Photography by Daniel Banko
H
uman Resources professionals agree that recruiting challenge whether current practices are the best thing to
and retaining staff, often in competitive situations, do,” she explains. “So being dissatisfied with the status quo is
requires going beyond basic employment elements great news for us. It shows that our employees care enough
such as pay, benefits and physical environment. to always want to get better. If we can make them feel that
their contribution is valued and recognized in a supportive
These factors are vital, of course. But they aren’t sufficient environment, it’s a win for them and it’s a win for us,” she says.
enough to ensure that employees will remain motivated and
committed to the organization over the long term. Other HHS’s goal is to work with employees for continuous
discretionary factors are needed to create a work environment improvement in both health care delivery and the work
where people feel they will succeed and enjoy job satisfaction. environment. This is no small order for an organization of nearly
Panorama spent some time with two Hamilton organizations 6,000 full-time and more than 3,100 part-time employees, as well
with proven success in their HR practices and policies. They as more than 1,700 physicians who practise at its hospital sites
shared some insights on how to go about keeping your across Hamilton.
employees happy.
Three local business leaders are creating a winning culture through HR best practices. (LtoR) Louise Taylor-Green, vice president of human resources at Hamilton Health
Sciences, Barbara Bradbury, vice president at AnswerPlus Inc. and Kevin Marshall general manager of Old Mill Restaurant.
AnswerPlus Inc.
Barbara Bradbury, vice president at AnswerPlus Inc., has a
surprising answer when asked why the 48-year-old call centre
has been such a success over the years.
Not that other staff are forgotten at the Old Mill, which
has 50 full-time and 75 part-time employees. They all enjoy
company-sponsored Christmas and summer parties and,
perhaps most important, are offered career-advancing
opportunities.
The Old Mill also sends its chefs to spend a month at the Fat
Duck, a three-Michelin-star restaurant just outside of London,
England. The company covers their room and board so they
can bring their international experience back to Ancaster.
“And we have a very positive work environment,” Marshall
says. “We have a core group of people who are very positive
and friendly. They help influence similar people as they come
into the company.” P
President’s Panel
The annual President’ s Panel took place on Wednesday, December 3, 2008
at The Waterfront Centre. The sold out event titled “Hamilton: Today and
Tomorrow” was presented by MacGillivray Chartered Accountants and
Business Advisors. Three guest speakers outlined business sector trends for
2009. Below are the three guest speakers and the Hamilton Chamber of
Commerce board of directors.
5. From left to right: Richard Koroscil,Vice-President, Hamilton Chamber
of Commerce; Howard Shearer; President and CEO, Hitachi Canada Ltd., 5
Aron Gampel,Vice President & Deputy Chief Economist, Scotiabank; Ruth
Libersbach, President-Elect, Hamilton Chamber of Commerce; Dr. Peter
George, President & Vice Chancellor, McMaster University; Paul Gibel,
treasurer, Hamilton Chamber of Commerce; and Tyler MacLeod, President,
Hamilton Chamber of Commerce.