DOING BUSINESS IN Markham CANADA’S HIGH-TECH CAPITAL

2018 | TWO

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEWS Markham to be home to North America’s largest ‘super stage’ Plans are underway for the development of a $100-million studio complex near 14th Avenue and Kennedy Rd. – including the largest film, TV and digital soundstage of its kind in North America. foster career development. a major economic driver for us, Mayor Frank Scarpitti joined creating high-quality jobs and a the owners at the hub for talent and innovation,” International Film Festival to the Mayor noted. To learn announce the project in early more, visit firststudiocity.com September. “This studio will be

Celebrating homegrown talent! From shooting hoops at Milliken Mills High School, to going neck-and- neck with Usain Bolt at the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics, Markham’s own Andre De Grasse has risen to fame around the world. Now, he has a street named after him in his hometown. “Andre’s accomplishments have earned him a rightful place in the history books, and now his name will forever be a part of our city’s landscape,” said Mayor Frank Scarpitti at the dedication. “Andre’s love for our community is strong. He has established the Andre De Grasse Mayor Frank Scarpitti (left) joined First Studio City founders Frank Sicoli Family Foundation as a way to empower youth and help them reach and Markham native Dominic Sciullo (centre) and Vincent Ke, parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Culture, Tourism and Sport, to announce their full potential.” the project at the Toronto International Film Festival in September. Andre became the only Canadian to win medals in all three sprint events at a single Games. He burst onto the scene the previous he 400,000-square-foot enough to accommodate two summer, winning the 100m and 200m events at the 2015 Toronto First City Studio complex major Hollywood-style produc- Pan Am Games. T will attract all levels of tions as well as several simul- media productions, housing taneous, mid-size features. more than 20 sound stages of The 70,000-square-foot “super different sizes, plus extensive stage” alone would support a Olympic silver medalist backlots, offices and support blockbuster movie project. Andre De Grasse joined services on 15 acres within Markham Movieland also Mayor Frank Scarpitti the 14th Avenue employment plans to make the facility a and well-wishers at the district. hub for film and innovation, street-naming ceremony Markham Movieland is to providing unique experiential in Downtown Markham be designed by Quadrangle learning and state-of-the-art this September. Architects with the goal to media technology. It will work open in 2020. When it’s com- with area high schools, Seneca pleted, the facility will be large College and to

Markham is home to Canada’s second-largest innovation ecosystem. Markham Mayor We have the diversity of talent and culture needed for large-scale film and television productions, and the lowest industrial and commercial taxes in the GTA.

www.business.markham.ca Markham’s net-zero plan targets major energy reductions The City of Markham is undertaking an ambitious municipal energy plan with the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 through several innovative projects.

aid out in a report entitled building standards, retrofitting Lead consultant for the plan “Getting to Zero,” the existing buildings, greening is Sustainability Solutions L plan’s three core goals are vehicles and encouraging resi- Group. Among other recom- to decrease local energy con- dents to engage in active trans- mendations, the group notes sumption, switch to low-carbon portation – from taking public that land-use patterns can help renewable energy sources and transit to walking and riding reduce GHG emissions without increase local energy genera- bicycles. One project will study major capital investment. This Meeting at the Markham Civic tion from renewable sources. the impact of charging electric includes making appropriate Centre are Satoshi Matsushita (left), The primary focus is on the vehicles on the province’s use of increased building densi- Executive Officer & Group Presi- transportation and building electricity grid, with increased ties to encourage working and dent, Global Strategic Planning sectors, challenging Markham – charging stations available to living within walking, cycling & Marketing, Mitsubishi Electric Corp. from Japan and Graham and Markhamites – to find sus- aid users in the study area. and transit distances. Seaman, Sustainability Director, tainable, non-fossil fuel sources Another proposes to create a “Our target is more aggres- City of Markham. Markham’s 2017 and carbon offsets to achieve net-zero neighbourhood of 400 sive than the provincial and business mission to Japan kindled net zero emissions by 2050. homes anchored by a district federal goals,” notes Graham Mitsubishi’s interest in the City’s Net The plan is based on 2011 geothermal energy system, Seaman, Markham’s Director Zero 2050 objective. figures. helping to set up a framework of Sustainability and Asset Opportunities to reach this for national net-zero construc- Management. “We think it’s tainly need our community on target include developing new tion standards by 2030. very achievable and we cer- board to help us out with this.”

Doxim powers customer engagement in financial sectors Since 2000, Doxim has scaled up its business to serve more than 1,800 clients across North America. Doxim’s unique Customer Engagement Platform helps banks, credit unions and wealth management firms address their digitization and operational efficiency challenges.

oxim helps its clients stay solutions that help digitize ahead of disruptive processes and engage consum- D consumer and market ers along their entire journey trends. In the early 2000s, the with their financial institution. original mission was to help Doxim’s unique Customer financial institutions transition Engagement Platform includes Doxim CEO Chris Rasmussen welcomes Mayor Frank Scarpitti at the from a “paper-only” world to account opening, loan origina- company’s Canadian headquarters in Markham. an omni-channel future where tion, CRM, campaign manage- consumers had the choice of ment, content management, live in York Region. By head- Branham300 lists. “Doxim’s client onboarding quartering in the heart of the purpose is to transform experi- and more. region’s tech hub, Doxim has ence – the experience of our Doxim employs ensured access to great talent clients, their end customers, 500+ people across to power its continued innova- their staff and our employees,” eight locations in tion. said Chris Rasmussen, CEO North America, The company has received of Doxim. “We are proud of receiving printed or electronic with 20% of staff working at numerous awards recogniz- our success on the journey to documents. Since then, Doxim its Canadian headquarters ing its rapid growth, includ- achieve this vision.” For details, has continued innovating, and in Markham. In fact, half of ing rankings on the Growth visit doxim.com today offers a full range of SaaS Doxim’s Markham office staff 500, TechnologyFast50, and

Markham Thri ves 2018 | TWO Optimizing network solutions for over 35 years NDA is helping telecom providers worldwide increase the efficiency of their business through its specialized network optimization applications.

DA’s story began in 1983 ers. Working with NDA, they in Unionville, in a room have been able to decrease N of founder Baris Dortok’s quote turnaround times, home. Soon, with the aid of increase quoting efficiency three scientists he employed, and decrease sales administra- the team developed its first tive costs. NDA’s platform network optimization applica- is integrated to each telecom tion and called it AUTONET. user’s front and back office ap- AUTONET proved to be a hit plications to further streamline with all corporations with large operations. Initially focused on enough networks, as it would the North American market, Senior staff guiding the ship for NDA include (from left): Alex Dortok, Man- significantly cut their network NDA has now expanded to ager, Business Development; Mirela Tudorancea, Technical Director; Baris costs. In the following years, meet the needs of international Dortok, President; Evelyn Dortok, Director, Operations; Hing Wong, Senior as technology expanded, a web providers in Europe and the Developer; Albert Lam, Senior Developer; and Desiree Dortok, Director, application was developed Far East. Customer Solutions. to provide optimal solutions NDA attributes its success to directly to telecom carriers. its commitment to customer cific needs while taking advan- in Markham. For more infor- Today, telecom companies satisfaction and experienced tage of the core functionality mation, visit ndacorp.com rely on NDA’s software plat- staff, who have worked with that has evolved through the form to optimize, configure NDA for an average of 15 years by customer feedback. and generate quotes for their years. Every implementation is The company celebrates 35 business and wholesale custom- adapted to each customer’s spe- years of operating successfully

Innovation takes centre stage in Mayor’s MBT speech

icking off his annual companies in Markham are at speech to more than 500 the core of our changing world K business and commu- – from IBM, AMD and Huawei nity members, hosted by the to General Motors Canada, Markham Board of Trade in whose new Technical Centre May, Mayor Frank Scarpitti will support 1,000 employees, returned again and again to including 700 software engi- one powerful theme: Markham neers dedicated to creating the “Innovation drives fiscal success,” noted the Mayor at the annual MBT drives innovation, and inno- future car,” he said. business luncheon. “In addition to maintaining the lowest industrial and com- vation powers the Markham Using a one-on-one interview mercial taxes in the GTA, I’m proud to say we have robust reserves and are economy. format, the Mayor chatted with fiscally set to repair and replace the City’s assets for the next 25 years.” “Innovation is a process of leaders about why they chose developing new ideas. It’s about Markham and what they see creating new value and a new for the future. General Mo- Land Development & Invest- the apple of everyone’s eye.” way of doing business,” noted tors Canada VP Ken Kelzer ments, credits working with the The Mayor closed with his the Mayor. “Markham lies at believes Markham has a clear then Town of Markham to plan vision to make Markham a the heart of Ontario’s innova- capacity for innovation, as well and build quality developments magnet for global talent by cre- tion corridor, with more than as proven talent, great universi- within the Markham Centre ating a new talent hub with the 1,500 high-tech and life sciences ties, startups and innovative lands, starting in the late 1980s. private sector. “We need access companies based here generat- partners. “This is now the tip “Today’s Markham is the result to talent to thrive, to disrupt, ing 37,000 jobs. Markham busi- of the spear,” he noted. Chris of intelligent effort. In my trav- to innovate – to win in a global nesses span the world, and the Bratty, Remington President, els across Canada, Markham is economy.”

Markham Thri ves 2018 | TWO RESOURCES FOR MARKHAM BUSINESSES

he City of Markham you’re applying for planning just a Wi-Fi connection. The recently launched ePLAN, approval for a new project or system can also be publicly T a paperless, end-to-end, need a building permit for accessed to track and update automated system allowing alterations or a tenant fit-up, the status of a submitted de- businesses, developers and ePLAN allows you to upload velopment application. Access builders to submit plans for plans from home or office. ePLAN at markham.ca/ePlan review and approval. Whether Users need no special software,

Business continuity planning – the road to resilience

very day, businesses large loss of facility, loss of people. and small face disruptions It also builds resilience and can E that can directly affect their provide added assurance to operations, causing a loss of clients that goods and services money and reputation. With will be provided, even in times the frequency of severe storms of crisis. Similarly, if a business increasing in recent years, depends on a supply chain, it business owners need to think is a recommended practice to about how their business would require suppliers to provide be impacted by a power outage, their business continuity plans technology failure, flood, ice to prevent delays. storm or disease outbreak. While continuity planning Canada: publicsafety.gc.ca/ It is estimated that as much as Continuity planning helps a can be daunting at first, there cnt/rsrcs/pblctns/bsnss-cntnt- 40-60% of small businesses never business be ready to prevent or are several resources available plnnng/index-en.aspx. Public reopen after an emergency or mitigate a loss of service when to help. Visit these links. York Health Agency of Canada: disaster. any of various scenarios affect Region: york.ca (Emergency phac-aspc.gc.ca/influenza/bcp- their work – loss of technology, Preparedness). Public Safety eng.php

Benefiting from York Region’s water conservation programs

ince 1998, York Region target high water users of indus- has been offering water trial, commercial and institu- S conservation programs tional (ICI) facilities, which are to help meet increasing water typically the largest water con- demand across all sectors in sumers. The programs offer a one of Canada’s fastest growing water audit at no cost to an ICI York Region offers water equipment replacement incentives to businesses. regions. The Region has been consumer to identity custom- Annual water savings can total up to $4,000 depending on the type of ized water-saving upgrades and equipment replaced. associated incentives. Through the ICI Capacity Buyback Equipment Replacement Incen- ment by providing a rebate per Incentive program, more than tives program helps small- to unit replaced. Find more 300,000 litres of water have medium-sized ICI businesses info on York Region’s water delivering the ICI Capacity been saved daily. replace inefficient equipment conservation program at Buyback Incentive programs to The Region’s Water Efficiency with new water-efficient equip- york.ca/waterincentives

Markham Thri ves 2018 | TWO Markham delivered learning series on key global markets The City works closely with local business networks and all levels of government to facilitate trade channels that support two-way investments between Markham and targeted global markets – the U.S., China, Germany, Japan and India.

n 2018, Markham’s interna- deep working knowledge and To date, Markham is home Export Development Canada’s tional program implemented experience of targeted interna- to over 200 foreign-owned Vice-president and Chief Economist I a series of learning events tional markets to share insights, companies, representing the Peter Hall examined global market focused on sharing intelligence forecasts and ideas regarding highest share of FDI in York trends, challenges and opportunities on key global markets to sup- the business climates, market (45% of total). More than for investment. port local businesses looking trends and effective market- 29,000 jobs generated by these to enter international markets. entry methods. companies represent 60% of employment. Life Sciences and The events were based on a The City runs an active all FDI employment in the Healthcare is the second largest partnership between the City international investment and region. ICT is by far the lead- industry cluster, followed by of Markham and key organiza- attraction program – part of ing sector of FDI in Markham, consumer products and Finan- tions including the Association the Global Markham priority representing about 50% of all cial Services. of Chinese Canadian Entre- of the Markham 2020 10-year foreign companies and FDI preneurs (ACCE) and Export Economic Strategy. The goal of Development Canada (EDC), Global Markham is to facilitate the Canada-India Business foreign direct investment (FDI) Council (CIBC), and Italian to equal or exceed domestic Chamber of Commerce of investment in new jobs in Ontario (ICCO). key growth sectors: ICT; Life Through panel discussions Sciences; Financial Services, and keynote addresses, the Professional, Scientific and Mayor Frank Scarpitti joined panel speakers and participants at the series brought together leaders Technical Services; Green City’s Learning Seminar Series, discussing opportunities and insights and representatives of ethnic Technologies; Education and about the India market. business groups who possess Health Care.

Leadership changes in Markham’s innovation ecosystem

ARVIN PRASAD is Commissioner, Development Services for the City of Markham. His exten- sive portfolio includes Planning and Urban Design, Engineering, Building Standards and Econom- ic Growth, Culture and Entrepreneurship. Arvin holds a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Urban and Region Planning and a Masters of Public Administration in local government. He is a professional planner with 25 years of progressive experience in policy and development planning.

MELISSA CHEE is the President and CEO of ventureLAB, a leading innovation hub in Markham, York Region. She is a visionary leader and successful tech entrepreneur, a passionate ad- vocate for innovation in Canada to advance our global competitiveness, women in STEM and other community impact initiatives. Melissa serves on NGen Canada’s board, leading Canada’s Advanced Manufacturing Supercluster. She earned an MBA from the University of Toronto with Honours and a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering from McGill University.

DR. RUI WANG joins York University as Deputy Provost to lead the Markham Campus planning and development. He comes from Laurentian University, and has held appointments at Lakehead University, University of Saskatchewan and Université de Montréal. His work has encompassed strategic planning, academic policies and programming, communications, enrolment management, student services and government relationships. He has worked closely with governments at all levels to foster strong partnerships and support local industry. Dr. Wang holds an MSc and MD from uni- versities in Xi’an and Shandong, China and a PhD in physiology from the University of Alberta.

Markham Thri ves 2018 | TWO Engineering local success with EXP Pursuing its mission to understand, innovate, partner and deliver, EXP provides engineering, architecture, design and consulting services in Markham and around the world.

ver its 112-year history, winning Stiver Mill renovation EXP has grown to over and restoration in 2014 and O 3,000 employees across conducted in-depth geotechni- more than 90 offices in North cal investigations for the Berczy America. In Markham, the com- Beckett parks. The company has pany is well positioned to lend repaired and maintained critical its expertise to virtually any infrastructure such as the Cor- EXP has provided engineering solutions for Markville Mall’s expansion, engineering project Markham- redevelopment and renovations for almost 20 years. ites need to live, work or play. Whether it’s designing new for the Markville Mall rede- as golf tournaments, charity building developments, expand- velopment and the mixed-use runs, bake sales and boat races ing transit capacity, updating community at Langham Square. to support a wide variety of ini- commercial and retail spaces Beyond the world’s built and tiatives. In all, we’ve raised well or building entertainment and natural environment, EXP also over $1.4 million for local chari- sports complexes, EXP has nell Community Centre and understands the responsibil- ties and foundations. Discover contributed to more than 500 parking garage. It also upgraded ity of being a good corporate more about how EXP helps projects that position our com- the Rougecrest pumping sta- citizen. It actively raises funds Markham thrive at EXP.com munity for future growth. tion. For the retail sector, EXP and participates in a variety of EXP completed the award- provided engineering services community-driven events, such

Hyperion Sensors brings true smarts to power utilities In three short years, Markham-based Hyperion Sensors has developed a ground-breaking solution for the power utility sector, using optical fiber-based sensing.

or the first time ever, more than 250 entrants to join Hyperion’s solution gives the Ameren Accelerator pro- F the utility real-time data and gram for energy startups. The analytics about the health and company was also chosen as operational status of key power one of Canada’s 25 Top Up and grid equipment such as trans- Coming Information & Com- formers. Previously, utilities had munications Technology (ICT) access to little or no informa- companies by the Branham tion from inside the core of Group. Hyperion’s research and their multi-million-dollar asset. innovation focus has helped Hyperion’s revolutionary new it win awards from provincial solution can be deployed onto (OCE) and federal (IRAP) re- depth of industry experience Mayor Scarpitti join members of all high-voltage assets – from search grant programs. In 2018, make it unique among startup the Hyperion Sensors team in their transformers and switchgear to co-founder Anselm Viswasam companies. Markham’s excel- lab space at ventureLAB to learn underground power cables – was profiled by the Ontario So- lent innovation eco-system about the company’s impressive technology. making the entire grid “smart” ciety of Professional Engineers allows Hyperion to undertake from end to end. as one of four “Remarkable leading-edge R&D while also The company is earning Engineers” in Canada. benefiting from access to top- recognition on the global stage. Hyperion’s team of world- level technical talent. Learn In 2017, Hyperion beat out class engineering talent and more at hyperionsensors.com

6 Markham Thri ves 20172018 | ONETWO Genesys, world leader in customer experience technology, accelerates growth in Markham Innovations in the intersection of AI with customer experience are resulting in continued expansion in Markham for Genesys.

Genesys hosts the Toronto Tech Summit to explore breakthrough ideas for nternational software pioneer Paul Segre was named a 2018 experiences using technology. Genesys is a leader in cloud Glassdoor’s Top 25 CEO in I and premise customer Canada with a 96% approval experience (CX) solutions rating, a key reason Markham functional teams are working Cloud APIs. that enable more than 11,000 is the company’s highest-ranked on exciting artificial intelligence Genesys also hosts the To- companies in 100+ countries to global location. strategies and continuous ronto Tech Summit, providing provide customers with superior Genesys has become a improvements to an extensive attendees with a day focused magnet for top talent. Seasoned suite of products for enterprise on revolutionizing, modern- professionals, co-op students self-service and workforce izing and crafting incredible and graduates from top univer- engagement. Talented develop- experiences through technology. sities are drawn to this flourish- ers look forward to the Genesys Genesys brings together innova- experiences at lower costs. In ing company. Genesys provides Hackathon. Participants are pro- tive and knowledgeable speakers fact, Genesys has been named a supportive environment with vided with a robust set of tools, who provide insights into the a leader in the Gartner 2018 opportunities for innovative APIs and tutorials. Teams have emerging trends of technology. Magic Quadrant rankings for work and unparalleled career 24 hours to create an applica- For more information, visit the 23rd time. Genesys CEO growth. Collaborative, cross- tion using the firm’s powerful genesys.com

GL CloudConnect reflects a cloud-first strategy Cloud is the common thread to all of GLCC’s offerings, designed to help businesses realize new-found flexibility to move from the constraints of legacy technology.

Gold Line’s state-of-the-art Markham Data Centre is housed within the company’s Canadian headquarters. can readily be combined, either compared to foreign-based at once or in phases over time. companies who have only Headquartered in Markham, minimal support presence in L CloudConnect is the today’s technologies through a GLCC is 100% Canadian- Canada. Gold Line has evolved enterprise arm of the comprehensive portfolio built owned and employs more into a pioneering technology G Group of Gold Line (GL), around three distinct applica- than 250 people nationally. company with a stated mis- an international service pro- tions: communications, out- The company’s data centre in sion of, “Connecting you to vider and technology integrator Markham is compliant with what matters.” The company that offers cloud and telecom PCI and SoC2 security stan- views the cloud as an untapped solutions for small and medi- dards. GLCC also maintains growth opportunity and plans um-sized businesses, enterprise sourced customer care and data a redundant data centre in to continuing investing to ex- partners and clients, along with centres. While each GLCC Montreal. pand its portfolio and provide other value-added services. offering stands on its own for GLCC identifies its custom- more resources. For more, visit GLCC enables custom- addressing specific needs, they er-centric culture as a point glcloudconnect.com ers and partners to optimize are highly complementary and of real distinction, especially

Markham Thri ves 2018 | TWO Russell Aquatics realizes a shared dream Sparked by Markham’s Summer Company program, Russell Aquatics began as a backyard swim school in the spring of 2004 and has grown steadily ever since.

s students, sisters Kerri and Over the past decade, Kristi Kristi Russell became and Kerri have taught thou- A involved in the Markham sands of children the impor- Summer Company young tance of learning to swim. They entrepreneurship program, have grown the company to managed through the Markham include programs for all ages Surrounded by their enthusiastic staff are sisters Kerri and Kristi Russell Small Business Centre. and levels – from parent-and- (sixth and seventh from left), who co-founded Russell Aquatics with tot and adult swim to aquafit guidance from Markham’s Youth Entrepreneurship program. and certified lifesaving courses. Their staff of bright, enthusi- family interaction. the joy from the parents and astic instructors is passionate “Through all our growth,” students we’ve been blessed to about teaching these important explains Kerri, “it’s still true that know over the years. It’s incred- This program fueled the life skills. In the spring of 2018, nothing feels better than hav- ible when you are able to build love of business and entrepre- Russell Aquatics was pleased ing a parent come up and tell your dream from your passion.” neurship for both owners and to open a dedicated facility in us how our classes have given For offerings and schedules, encouraged them to create a Boxgrove, custom designed for their kids the skills they need visit russellaquatics.com business plan. swimming instruction as well as to avoid tragedy. We have felt

ABLE Innovations York U’s YSpace startups founder Jay Singh (second from left) is earn big boosts Three of the shining one of four contenders startups incubated in York University’s YSpace for a $250K technology prize being awarded in community innovation hub in Downtown Markham the N100 Power Panel are gaining high-profile attention for their work. competition.

ode connects foodies – wish. More than 200 influencers Food creates amazing social and some 20 businesses are on ers of Phyxable are representing is one of four finalists compet- N media content and people the platform now, with more in Canada in Israel’s Start JLM ing to win up to $250,000 in are driven to it, said Armin Far- the pipeline, Faraji said. Competition, which brings a biennial technology startup aji, co-founder of the Node app, Phyxable competes for together early-stage startup competition known as N100, launched and widely publicized Canada – Phyxable is an app founders from around the globe run by the Northumberland this summer. The app connects that provides users with action- to experience Jerusalem’s startup Community Futures Develop- micro-influencers with Ontario able, step-by-step video tutorials ecosystem. Phyxable is one of ment Corp. Competitors pitched restaurants. Instagram users with to fix chronic or acute, physical five finalists competing to win to the “N100 Power Panel” in more than 1,500 followers can pain. Taught by industry-leading the grand prize, with the winner September, and finalists made sign up to redeem “nodes” – free practitioners, the video solu- announced at Startup Canada investment presentations and food or drinks from restaurants tions empower people to fix Day on the Hill in October submitted business plans for in exchange for a post. Busi- their pain and prevent injuries ABLE Innovations short- review prior to the grand prize nesses pay a $100 a month and on their own, before stepping listed for $250K – Markham selection in November. can create as many nodes as they into a clinic. Now, the found- app developer Able Innovations

Markham is open for business. Department of Economic Growth, Culture and Entrepreneurship business.markham.ca

Markham Thri ves 2018 | TWO