MARKHAM BUSINESSES GOING GREEN Sustaining the Earth and the Bottom Line Pg 6

2 017 Spring Issue

Markham’s Exclusive Business Magazine

MARKHAM BUSINESSES GOING GREEN Sustaining the earth and the bottom line pg 6

The Way Forward: A Gridlock-Free Markham Requires Green Solutions pg 10

Remembering The Future Lives Here: Donald Cousens pg 5 The IBM Innovation Markham Mayor 1994-2006 Space pg 16

Listen and Earn: Amplify Your Business Through Podcasting pg 4 IN THIS ISSUE

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Docket No. File Name 070 2017_LaDifference_12 PUBLICAT ION:______The Voice Artwork supplied by CLOSING: Feb 17/17 Rolex Canada Ltd.- Advertising Department INSERTION DATE:______Spring 2017 Contact: Ana Catucci, Director STARTED: Feb 15/17 Email: [email protected] AD SIZE: Full Page COMPLETED: Feb 15/17 TRIM: 8.5”W x 11”D INK-JET PRINTOUT IS NOT A BLEED: THIS ADVERTISEMENT MUST BE USED ONLY n/a COLOUR-ACCURATE PROOF COLOUR: CMYK AND MAY HAVE BEEN FOR SPECIFIC PUBLICATION AND DATE, Rolex Canada Ltd., 50 St. Clair Ave West, To ronto, ON M4V 3B7, T: 416.968.1100 - F: 416.968.2315 REDUCED TO FIT PAPER. AND MUST NOT BE MODIFIED. INPublisher THIS ISSUE Richard Cunningham COVER STORY President & CEO

Editor Kathryn Willms 6 10 Colborne Communications

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Advertising information Christine Rogers Markham Businesses Going Green: The Way Forward: 289-844-3019 Sustaining the earth and the A gridlock-free Markham Cover and Feature Story Design: bottom line requires green solutions CS-Graphic Design Inc.

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© March 2017. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or copied in parts, or as a whole, without prior written permission of the Markham Board of Trade Publication Agreement Number 41245573

Markham’s exclusive business magazine published by: A Fairway to Do Business: The Future Lives Here: Tips for doing business on The IBM Innovation Space – the golf course Markham Convergence Centre

www.markhamboard.com

3600 Steeles Avenue E. C1 – Suite 105 Listen and Earn: Amplify Your Business Reading 18 Markham, ON L3R 9Z7 Business Through Podcasting 4 T: 905-474-0730 • F: 905-474-0685 Annual Business Excellence Awards 20 [email protected] Saying Goodbye to Donald Cousens 5 Markham Marketplace 21 The Shifting Landscape of HR Law 9 Markham Board of Trade’s Green on the Go Apps 14 Newest Members 22

2 017 WeSpring Issue are excited to introduce our new logo and branding for the Markham VOICE. It was designed to reflect and celebrate the community we serve. WeMarkham’s Exclusiveinvite Business Magazine your feedback at [email protected]. MARKHAM BUSINESSES 3 GOING Markham VOICE Spring 2017 GREEN Sustaining the earth and the bottom line pg 6

The Way Forward: A Gridlock-Free Markham Requires Green Solutions pg 10

Remembering The Future Lives Here: Donald Cousens pg 5 The IBM Innovation Markham Mayor 1994-2006 Space pg 16

Listen and Earn: Amplify Your Business Through Podcasting pg 4 Listen and Earn Amplify Your Business Through Podcasting

By Daniella Postavsky

wo years ago, podcasting exploded listen to podcasts at work, at the gym, or branded podcasts (like Tinder’s DTR). onto the scene thanks to the radio while commuting. Although pricier than podcast advertising, series “Serial.” Today, podcasts branded podcasts foster business-to- T – audio files that are distributed The Intimacy audience relationships and build trust in a online – are powerful tools to reach Ads within podcasts are unique compared brand in a way that other channels cannot audiences in a less intrusive but more to other mediums: they are spoken by replicate. The conversational nature of intimate way than traditional advertising. the podcast host, rather than by actors podcasting is inherently more intimate than Here are the top three reasons to use or outsiders, and, unlike other forms of print or video. podcasting to promote your business: advertising, are a continuation of the show As audiences continue to move away instead of an interruption. Podcast ads from traditional forms of media (like The Audience allow businesses to reach audiences in a cable and print news), podcasting offers Podcast audiences have grown steadily in the more intimate way and at a much lower cost businesses an exciting new marketing last four years. As of 2016, 36% of Americans compared to other media. opportunity. over twelve listened to podcasts for at least New to podcasts and want to see what all one hour per week. Podcast audiences tend to The Relationship the fuss is about? Try these business-themed be young (typically in their 30s) and usually In addition to advertising, many bigger options: The Sound of Small Business, Home have some form of higher education. They businesses are increasingly opting for Work, and StartUp.

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February 23rd, Markham lost a pillar of its community with the passing of former mayor Donald Cousens. Flags at city facilities were lowered as people remembered On a man whose influence in Markham and York Region will live on. Cousens served as mayor from 1994 to 2006. He entered politics in 1981 when he was elected to the Ontario legislature. He went on to become Minister of Correctional Services, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Citizenship and Culture, and Deputy Speaker of the House. Prior to starting his political career, he had been an ordained Presbyterian minister, an officer in the Canadian Forces, as well as an executive at Honeywell Ltd. Cousens was also a longstanding member of York Regional Council and played a role in a number of important strategic initiatives that made the City of Markham what it is today. These include negotiating with IBM to relocate their research facility to Markham, helping to create Markham District Energy, and building the York Region Character Community concept. He also served as chair of World Vision Canada and helped to found York Technology Network (now TechConnex). For these and many other efforts, a public school as well as the Donald Cousens Parkway were named in his honour. In 2007, the Markham Board of Trade introduced the Donald Cousens Conservation and Environmental Leadership Award to honor one of Markham’s longest serving mayors in recognition of his outstanding leadership on tough local issues, including protecting the environment. But Cousens will be remembered for more than his accomplishments or the infrastructure that bears his name. He was known as an honest and generous man with a great sense of humour, one who was quick 7676 Woodbine Ave., Unit 10, Markham, ON, Canada L3R 2N2 to offer guidance and leadership. This, as much as anything, will 905-940-2378 ensure his enduring legacy.

5 Markham VOICE Spring 2017 MARKHAM BUSINESSES

Sustaining the earth and the bottom line

By Sophia Reuss

s the conversation around climate change continues to heat up around the province, businesses Aare being challenged to convert all the talk about sustainability into meaningful change. Examples of what this might look like are not hard to find. For Markham businesses, going green is an idea that has taken root. And although the approaches vary, there is a growing consensus: the future must be green. In 2011, the City of Markham officially adopted the Greenprint Sustainability Plan, which gave the city a target of 25,000 green jobs by 2020. Now just three years out from the 2020 deadline, Markham businesses are embracing the spirit of this commitment. For some, this means creating new green jobs to help meet the target. For others, it means instilling green values in their businesses, encouraging staff eco-initiatives, and building sustainable workplaces. Yet others have found the inspiration to create brand new types of businesses, born out of a desire to be part of the solution to climate change. The three companies profiled here – Alectra Utilities, EnerGreen Technologies, and Ripple Farms – have come up with different solutions for integrating sound stewardship of the earth with success in business.

6 Markham VOICE Spring 20172017 sustainability-themed week of activities, workshops, and fairs Businesses in Markham committed for staff called Green Week. It is organized by the company’s to sustainability will need to think volunteer green team, and includes everything from “lunch holistically and with vision. and learns” to high-profile speaking events and cultural or eight staff members agree to to charging stations for electric programming. share the cost of maintenance vehicles and bought several as Alectra also supports compa- and operation of a single vehicle. company cars. It is also working nies that create green products Alectra estimates that these ini- to bring microgrid technology by hosting a sustainability fair tiatives save around 450 tonnes to communities in Ontario. where staff can buy environmen- of emissions per year. Microgrids are scalable grids tal products – everything from But the employee engagement that allow customers to run off owerStream, a Markham- eco-cosmetics to laundry deter- initiatives form only half of the the provincial grid; they help Pbased energy company, gent and household items. “We’ll picture. Alectra is in the energy to provide electricity to smaller recently merged with Enersource, also show environmental-focused business, which has a significant populations, remote locations, Horizon Utilities, and Hydro movies and just generally try to impact on the environment. or communities with diverse One Brampton to form Alectra increase environmental aware- Alectra’s Director of External energy needs. Utilities, which distributes ness,” explains Karovnen. Communications, Eric Fagan, With an eye to the future, electricity to nearly one These initiatives are comple- says the energy sector is currently Alectra argues that going green million customers in Ontario’s mented by policies that encour- in a state of flux. “We’re going is a multi-faceted challenge Greater Golden Horseshoe age environmentally friendly through something similar to for businesses. Employee area. For the past seven years, behaviours on a daily basis. One what the telecommunications engagement initiatives alone Environmental Coordinator big piece is transportation. While industry went through 20 or won’t cut it. Neither will simply Caroline Karovnen has helped sustainable commute programs 30 years ago with cellphones.” taking advantage of emerging Alectra prioritize sustainability, tend to rely on available public He says emerging technologies technologies. Businesses and she argues that building transit options or bicycle-friendly “will ultimately give consumers, in Markham committed to awareness and developing infrastructure, Alectra has tailored whether they’re businesses or sustainability will need to think employee communities around its program to uniquely fit Markham. residential customers, more holistically and with vision. sustainability is just as valuable For example, staff are incentivized energy choices.” “Even as we go forward into as traditional “green” initiatives, to carpool by being rewarded To be competitive in this Alectra, we’re going to maintain like recycling. To that end, with underground parking. The environment, Alectra is embracing our focus on sustainability, every year in mid-April (around company also runs a van-pool the changes. In recent years, it conservation, and going green,” Earth Day), the company runs a program, where groups of seven has advocated for wider access says Fagan.

light bulbs, has helped some automation is often the EnerGreen can help you make of Canada’s largest companies next step for businesses an upgrade you’re already take these steps. President Sean committed to going green. planning to make while taking O’Leary says that going green This makes facilities “smarter” advantage of government can start as simply as choosing by ensuring that heating rebates and putting in a more a different light bulb, referring and cooling systems do not energy-efficient system,” to lighting as “a low-hanging run at inopportune times he argues. fruit”; with some simple and by automating energy EnerGreen has deep roots changes, it can help businesses consumption. in the Markham business save anywhere from 60 to 90 While the steps involved in community, and recently percent of their energy costs making facilities sustainable retrofitted the lighting at the or usage. What he says isn’t as can appear daunting – and Markham fairground. “Now n the energy business, simple is navigating the gov- costly – O’Leary encourages when I go to the fair I know Iachieving sustainability ernment rebates available for businesses to see these changes how much energy is being dovetails nicely with the retrofits. EnerGreen has been as part of the ongoing process saved,” he says. “It’s neat to see industry’s goals and evolution. designed to help businesses of upkeep and maintenance. our product in a place I’ve been But for many businesses, address this “major hurdle.” “Wherever you have going to since I was a kid.” the initial steps required to “Rebates can be relatively com- a maintenance upgrade, go green can be difficult to plicated processes for the more working with a company like Continued on page 8. discern, and may even appear complicated jobs, so EnerGreen financially unviable. simplifies that and wraps it EnerGreen, an energy- all up into one package,” The initial steps required to go solution company that manu- O’Leary explains. factures 120 different products, After lighting retrofits, green can be difficult to discern... including energy-efficient LED O’Leary says that building

7 MarkhamMarkham VOICEVOICE SpringSpring 20172017 entrepreneurs and incubates startups, they created Ripple “We’re really trying to bring the farm Farms. Based in the Evergreen Brickworks in Toronto, it is to the city, to get people to understand Canada’s first urban farming unit. how their food is actually made.” Ripple Farms uses aquaponics – the combination of aquaculture, or the raising of fish, and food supply chains while Bourne and Hebor have hydroponics, or soil-less growing helping communities realize the thought a lot about what it or Steven Bourne and – to grow plants in a closed-loop potential of urban agriculture as means to go green, and how it FBrandon Hebor, the team system. The vertical farming populations rise. is changing the face of business. behind Ripple Farms, going unit loses water only to the “We’re really trying to bring “It means valuing your business green is not the eventual goal, it processes of evapotranspiration the farm to the city, to get people for much more than just a dollar is the driving force and energy and nutrient uptake, which to understand how their food is value on a spreadsheet, and behind their business. The makes it considerably more actually made,” Bourne says. understanding the intricate and two young entrepreneurs left resource efficient than traditional Furthermore, it cuts down interrelated social relationships traditional business jobs in larger techniques. on transportation costs. The that can be created through corporations to create a new “Our main goal is tackling Ripple Farms team is hoping to business,” says Bourne. social enterprise that they hope food security on a global scale, drastically reduce the average It’s a lesson that many Markham will transform the way we eat. but we’re getting our start right food-to-plate distance, which is businesses are already embracing. When Hebor and Bourne here,” Bourne explains. Ripple currently around 400 kilometres. Going green is about more than graduated from Seneca College’s Farms’ techniques grow organic “I think there could be some adapting to new guidelines or Green Business Management produce at a higher density real benefits to local business taking advantage of rebates: it’s program, they wanted to create than traditional farming; the in the Markham area, and a new way of thinking about a business that integrated team intends to sell their wares restaurants especially, who value, profit, and the ethical role sustainability “not only into what to chefs and retailers, the “real might be interested in partnering of business. With change on the we do but in how we do things.” change-makers in the industry.” with us to see decreases in their horizon, many businesses are Working with Seneca’s HELIX The advantages of this type of transportation costs for food positioning themselves to be on program, which supports young farming are myriad. It localizes importation,” Bourne notes. the crest of the green wave. T:7.5”

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9 Markham VOICE Spring 2017 THE WAY FORWARD A gridlock-free Markham requires green solutions

By Kathryn Willms ome days it feels like there is to come up with a customized transportation cyclists, motorists, and even pedestrians no topic more contentious than plan for companies, taking into account coexist,” he says. A few years later, he led the transportation. Road tolls. Bike location, access to transit, and employee development of Toronto’s Cycling Master S lanes. Autonomous vehicles. preferences. The underlying principles are: Plan that provided the impetus for the The rising costs of infrastructure and make employees aware of their options, provision of city-wide cycling infrastructure. land, and growing concerns about global give them incentives, and make it easy. Richardson is a personal enthusiast of warming, mean that the intensity of these “Companies are more and more open to alternative transportation options. “I have conversations will only escalate. But the these ideas,” says Acting Manager of Smart three Presto passes,” he says with a laugh. picture isn’t all bleak. In Markham, and Commute Markham, Richmond Hill, He mentions that part of the reason for small cities like it, personal vehicles used to Wincy Tsang. moving to MMM was that the office was be the only way to get from A to B. Today, a One of those companies is WSP/MMM only 4 km from home, allowing him to bike growing number of transportation options, Group, an early adopter of Smart Commute. to work. The office is also well-served by combined with years of planning, are paying The engineering consulting firm provides public transit, and employees are encouraged off, and it looks like we might be driving – large- and small- scale transportation to take part in initiatives like carpooling or pedalling – our way to a brighter future. planning services to both the public and and Bike to Work Week. These programs The key to unlocking a future of healthier private sectors, including work on public contribute to employee wellness – a fact that people, a healthier environment, and less transit. Dave Richardson is a Partner in Richardson can attest to personally (“biking gridlock is simple: less cars on the road. the Transportation Planning Department to work is incredibly invigorating and … And Markham is making strides in this (as well as Chairman of the local Advisory I look fabulous in spandex!”). They also direction. For example, over 20 Markham- Committee for Smart Commute Markham, reduce reliance on non-renewable resources, based companies have used the services Richmond HIll). Richardson’s pride and and make good business sense, reducing the of Smart Commute. This organization, joy is the Active Transportation Group cost of buying land and building parking coordinated by Metrolinx in partnership within the department, which has written lots. “Green travel has become part of our with the municipalities of the GTHA, helps the guidelines in Ontario for the planning, business plan,” says Richardson, and he’s businesses encourage employees to commute design, operation, and maintenance of seen many other companies making the sustainably. By, for example, using Smart cycling facilities, including pavement same decision. Commute’s online ride matching tool, which markings, signage, and end-of-trip facilities As businesses jump on board, and allows employees to log on to a company such as parking. This work is “full circle” for commuter attitudes adjust, there is an account to set up carpooling, offering Richardson; one of his very first projects after increasing need for the infrastructure that incentives such as preferential parking for joining MMM was the design of bike lanes makes sustainable commuting possible. ride-sharers, or adding facilities like bike on the Bloor Viaduct for the City of Toronto. As Tsang points out, it’s difficult to ask racks. Smart Commute surveys employees “That really proved to me that you can have someone to bike to work where there are

10 Markham VOICE Spring 2017 no bike lanes. And people are more likely to take transit if it fits their schedule and location. “We always talk about first mile, last mile,” she says. “How do we get people to the nearest transit, so it’s easier for them to make the choice.” It’s a challenge the City of Markham is both aware of and embracing. The current city plan sets out to pursue land-use strategies that encourage transit use and create urban environments that allow for active transportation. One of the key initiatives is to require new developments to provide a transportation demand management strategy, in which they outline the road. Luey sees a promising potential transportation how they will encourage alternative forms union between car sharing and autonomous decisions, of transportation. This may include bicycle vehicles. “The day when your Zipcar can Richardson parking, information displays for transit, come to you isn’t far off,” he says. Regardless reminds us that it car-share programs, and unbundled parking. of what the future holds, the vision is clear: is vital to always Meanwhile, the City has undertaken a to do away with the personal vehicle. But keep the larger number of cycling infrastructure projects to how realistic is that for Markham? perspective in make Richardson’s commute a possibility “I think very realistic,” says Luey. “With mind. “If we could for more people, including the Highway 7 York Region transit, with the Metrolinx get everyone to travel cycling track (to be completed this summer), availability and with a growing city-centric differently one day a a trail connecting Lake Simcoe and Lake mindset where people don’t need to leave week – say they took the bus Ontario, the Rouge Valley Trail (a 15km Markham, it’s entirely possible.” or cycled or carpooled or walked – that’s a pathway linking 16th Ave. and Kennedy Embracing alternatives to the single- 20% reduction in traffic. That would pretty Road to the Bob Hunter Memorial Park), occupancy vehicle could have a huge much eliminate congestion. People are really and cycling facilities currently being planned impact on not just the environment but on starting to catch on. We’re not expecting to for Rodick Road. gridlock, commute times, and quality of life change the world overnight, but every little Other companies are also stepping in to for all Markham residents. When making bit helps.” close the gap. As part of a province-wide expansion, Zipcar has recently moved into Markham, where they’ve placed two vehicles – one at the Markham GO Station and the other at the Upper Village condominiums on Markham Road. Marketing Manager Kristopher Luey says the move was motivated by an increased appetite for car sharing in smaller urban centres, which in turn has been driven by a proliferation of transportation options, including more transit. “Car sharing works well when there Specializing in Soft Adventure Travel is dependence on transit and an opportunity to do away with the personal vehicle,” he and exotic destinations says. In a place like Markham where most LET US SHOW YOU THE WORLD! people still have a vehicle, Zipcar currently We are a well-known travel agency in North York, and we work with all major suppliers to provide you sees a couple of distinct opportunities – as a with a variety of travel options. With over 50 years of combined travel experience and expertise, we second car replacement for families and as a vehicle for businesses (in lieu of company assure you the best travel advice, and value for money. cars and reducing dependence on taxis). We have travelled to 60 countries on all 7 continents. Yes, we have been there! “Vehicles sit idle 95% of the time,” says Let us help you make your dream vacation come true! Luey. “And there are a lot of drawbacks when you do own a vehicle. There’s 416. 510. 0015 maintenance, upkeep, depreciation, 170 The Donway W, Suite 217, and insurance.” Car sharing can create North York, ON www.travel-life.ca efficiencies by allowing people to access different types of vehicles depending on their needs, as well as having vehicles in a variety OFFER: of cities (Zipcar has 10,000 cars worldwide). Present this ad to TRAVEL LIFE when you book your next travel adventure with G-Adventures. Receive a $100 Travel Voucher which will be applied to your booking. Zipcar estimates that every one of their The voucher has no cash value and only one voucher per trip and customer. vehicles takes 15 personally owned ones off

11 Markham VOICE Spring 2017 A Fairway to Do Business Tips for Doing Business on the Golf Course By Genevieve Chornenki summer approaches, it might be 2. Bring your best self. Golf is a revealing not be a pro golfer, but you can still time to consider leaving the game, and potential clients, partners, or follow the rules. Repair your divots. office and getting some work employers are watching you. How you Dress appropriately. As done! Many Markham business react to frustration or failure can be 6. Leave something of yourself behind – a people like to golf, and a lot of deals are very telling. Give them something to good impression, surely, but also your struck on the greens. But the wrong admire. contact information. Assess whether approach on the course can sink your 3. Go slow. “Doing business” doesn’t this is an opportunity to mention what chances of success. Here’s what to keep mean getting commitments or closing you are interested in and ask in mind. deals. Use tact and timing, and don’t permission to follow up. 1. Focus on people, not profits. Business push your business agenda. 7. Be generous. Look after the tab for flows from good relationships. Show a 4. Pick a course that everyone can enjoy. lunch, dinner or drinks. But go easy on genuine interest in others. Ask about Markham has many good options. the booze. One foolish gesture or their family; learn about their off-the- Relax and appreciate being outdoors. remark can undo hours of camaraderie course hobbies. Be curious. 5. Practise proper golf etiquette. You may and good conversation. ANNUAL GOLF DAY Networking • Food • Prizes Tuesday, June 20, 2017

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13 Markham VOICE Spring 2017 GREEN ON THE GO Four Earth-Friendly Apps By Jen R Albert Interested in becoming part of the green revolution but don’t know where to start? Whether you want to commute smarter, to take action, or to shop greener, these earth-conscious apps will put you on the path to eco-friendly living, and they might even save you some money along the way. Travel Green blancride (Android, iOS) blancride is the Greater Toronto Area’s premier rideshare app. It combines a user-friendly interface with a smart list of features, including a matching algorithm, cash-free payments, and an in-app rider- driver chat, to help you get around simply and affordably by connecting you with drivers going the same direction. The app is relatively new, so you might not be able to find the exact ride you need just yet, but with its elegant design and growing user base, blancride is poised to change commuting in the GTA and beyond. blancride.com

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14 Markham VOICE Spring 2017 Buy Green Connect Green Live Green GoodGuide (Android, iOS) #climate (iOS) Oroeco (Android, iOS) GoodGuide is humble in design #climate is a social app that helps A team of developers from Stanford, but powerful in concept; use your you connect with fellow eco-activists MIT, and UC Berkeley developed this phone’s camera to tap into a database and enthusiasts, stay up to date on eco-lifestyle app to help users track of thousands of common consumer environmental action points, and the environmental impact of their products. Each product page has mobilize followers and friends to consumer activities. The app taps information on ingredients, and create sustainable change. Stylish into your Mint.com account and links GoodGuide rates each product from and efficiently designed, the app your purchases to a smart life-cycle 1 to 10, using algorithms developed zeroes in on environmental categories assessment calculator that tracks the by environmental and health-science and locations, and provides a list of ecological impact from conception to experts to determine how health- trusted causes and institutions that disposal of products, services, and conscious and eco-friendly the you can contribute to and forward on investments. By providing stats and product is. This app will help you to your followers. #climate also lets connecting with other users, this app make greener purchases with just you track your successes so you can gamifies the way you spend your the scan of a barcode. know what waves you’ve made in the money in a fun and interactive way. B:7.5” goodguide.com tide of environmental change. oroeco.com T:7.5” hashtagclimate.org/#climate S:7”

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Pictured: Mechatronics Simulation and Demonstration Centre, Newnham Campus.

15 Markham VOICE Spring 2017

Job # 17012 Filename SEN_17012_BIM4_Mechatronics1/2pageAd.indd Modified 2-23-2017 1:52 PM Created 2-23-2017 9:52 AM Station Daniel iMac

Client Contact Maria Wallin Publication(s) The Voice CMYK Minion Pro Gotham Art Director Jenn Ad Number None

Production None PUBLICATION Insertion Date None

Copy Writer None Bleed None INKS INKS PERSONNEL Production Artist E.O. Trim 7.5” x 4.75” SETUP Comments None Safety 7” x 4.25” The Future Lives Here The IBM Innovation Space – Markham Convergence Centre Opens at IBM’s Markham Headquarters

By Jen R Albert

There is much hub of offices as well as shared floor of its headquarters in the new location should allow talk today about communal workspaces that Markham that could easily tenant businesses to more “innovation,” are now home to members of be converted for the needs effectively connect with one T “collaboration,” and the MCC (formerly located on of these businesses. another, and co-location with more specifically “disruptive Warden Avenue). These According to Jeremy ventureLAB will provide them collaboration,” which creates a include entrepreneurs and Laurin, CEO of ventureLAB, the with a direct link to other new market and value network, small businesses, as well MCC was successful in its old strategic partners, including eventually displacing as partners such as the location, but they felt that funding agencies, researchers, established market-leading Markham Board of Trade and opportunities were missed experts, and business mentors. firms, products and alliances. To ventureLAB, one of Canada’s because of space limitations and According to Pat Horgan, build on this phenomenon and top incubators. While larger layout restrictions. “[We tenants of the centre will also Markham’s growing tech cluster, enterprises have set up wanted] to configure the space have unique access to technical IBM approached the Markham in contained offices, smaller physically in a way that allowed and intellectual resources Convergence Centre (MCC) to ventures use open-concept for greater collaboration,” says because of their co-location move into their new IBM workspaces, plugging their Laurin. “And, in addition to with IBM. “We have a whole Innovation Space. As members laptops into power cords that that, provide more space to community of experts in this of the MCC continue to set up in hang from the trees that form companies who want to building who are dying to help their new space in IBM’s a canopy in the common areas. interact.” small businesses,” he says. “We Markham headquarters, hopes Inviting outside businesses The additional space, as well anticipate … having meetups are high that the move will open into IBM’s headquarters is a as communal workstations, in that will allow for our experts doors to new collaborations and departure for the company, that the space will live up to its but one that Pat Horgan, VP name and foster innovation. Manufacturing, Development The new space on Steeles & Operations at IBM, says he Avenue East is part of the IBM hopes to see happen more Innovation Incubator (I3) going forward. The idea for Project, an initiative the the IBM Innovation Space – company has undertaken in Markham Convergence Centre partnership with the province came about after ventureLAB of Ontario to help fund small- and a number of small and medium-sized enterprises. businesses expressed their In a space that was formerly need for more space. He used for conferences and realized that IBM already had training, IBM has created a a space available on the ground

16 Markham VOICE Spring 2017 from IBM to sit down and chat small businesses after allowing with small businesses, and we’ll them to articulate their do more formal [meetings], individual needs. “We’re trying if they want, on specific to listen and ask ‘what is it that topics like cyber security or you need to thrive and do app development.” better?’” Horgan says. ventureLAB took on the role The broader vision of the of recruiting tenants for the centre is to help raise the profile space and found there to be a of businesses in Markham and lot of interest. “We had set a in the province as a whole, one-year plan for ourselves to ultimately aiming for growth in fully commit all the available the international sphere. “Our space. We did it in the first real challenge is to be globally month,” says Laurin. Although relevant on a stage where our tenants began moving in before companies can become scalable the holidays, the space is very and successful long-term,” new, and everyone involved is Laurin says. “Opportunities still working on establishing its like this one that we’re building culture and direction. When in Markham are right in the asked if there was a foosball wheelhouse of addressing that table on site, Laurin laughed concern. Close connection to and was quick to differentiate mentorship, relevant this enterprise from other well- partnership, and access to risk known hubs. “We barely had capital … are all available tables and chairs in when we under one roof.” INTRODUCING broke for the holidays,” says As one of the rare board of Laurin. “So we’ve really only trades to be co-located with been at this for a month. I think emerging businesses, Markham SPECIAL EDITION January / 2017 it’s really important that we let Board of Trade (MBT) sees great the space evolve. How it potential for partnership in the ultimately should be animated new space. “It allows us to Markham’s shouldn’t be prescribed by network and build relationships BE PART OF OUR SUSTAINABLE #1 source anyone. It should be a coalition with key partners, like York JOURNEY

Recreation, Culture & Library of the accelerator and all University and ventureLAB,” Programs Start on Page 35 for news, the partners.” says president Richard REGISTER SOON Summer Camps programming February 7

IBM, too, is hoping the space Cunningham. “At the same General Programs& Fitness February 14 and more! Swimming will develop in its own way, time, we bring to the table some February 28 with the larger company unique platforms to spread the helping allocate resources to word about the great things Promote that are happening here to the your services, business community and the Delivered to over products & consumer market.” MBT also 83,000 homes, brand with us hopes to contribute to the spirit four times of collaboration through a year! vehicles like the Women’s Networking and the Young

Professionals Networking Book Groups. “We want to your congratulate IBM for bringing Ad Contact Christine together all these exciting now! businesses,” says Cunningham. @416.571.3637 or “It’s the next chapter for the [email protected] high tech capital of Canada.”

17 Markham VOICE Spring 2017 BUSINESS READING

Greening Your Small Business: Green Giants: How Smart Companies How to Improve Your Bottom Line, Turn Sustainability into Billion-Dollar Grow Your Brand, Satisfy Your Businesses Customers — and Save the Planet by E. Freya Williams

by Jennifer Kaplan What do Brazil’s top beauty brand, America’s second-fastest-growing restaurant chain, Greening Your Small Business is the ultimate and the world’s third bestselling car have in resource for small business owners who want common? They are shattering the myth that to go green without going broke. If you want acting sustainably and building a billion-dollar to be cutting-edge, competitive, profitable, and business are mutually exclusive. Green Giants eco-conscious, this is the book for you. Filled with stories from small examines nine companies that are merging social responsibility with business owners of all stripes, Greening Your Small Business addresses wild profitability — and reveals the six factors responsible for their every aspect of going green, from basics such as recycling, reducing success, including: Iconoclastic Leadership that is fueled by deep waste, becoming energy efficient, and minimizing the IT footprint, to conviction and a rebellious streak; Disruptive Innovation that uses more in-depth concerns such as green marketing and communications, sustainability to spur the development of radically better products and green business travel, and green employee benefits. services; A Higher Purpose that ignites the company; and Mainstream Appeal with positioning and packaging stripped of the clichés that alienate the average customer. Evelyn Fok is the Community Librarian – Business & Employment at the Markham Public Library. You can email her at [email protected], or see the library’s website, markhampubliclibrary.ca.

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18 Markham VOICE Spring 2017 BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE MARKHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY

The New Entrepreneurs: The Profitable Hobby Farm: Building a Green Economy How to Build a Sustainable for the Future Local Foods Business by Andrew Heintzman by Sarah Beth Aubrey

In The New Entrepreneurs, author and venture No experience in farming? No problem! The capitalist Andrew Heintzman introduces a Profitable Hobby Farm gives you all the tools you burgeoning class of entrepreneurs who are need to launch a thriving hobby farm business. at the forefront of the green-tech economy. Using the author’s expertise and the motivating From forestry to water to agriculture and oil, experiences of other small farmers, the book Heintzman presents leading enterprises that are developing cutting- shows you how to prosper with a blend of strategy, marketing, and edge, high-profit, clean-tech products and systems for export to a vast money management. The Profitable Hobby Farm provides sound, friendly and rapidly expanding global market. Powerful, timely, and necessary, advice on making an initial foray into a local foods venture. A must- The New Entrepreneurs offers a fresh and visionary approach to read book for growing and selling local, sustainable foods. Includes redesigning our current economic system, one that uses the powerful a sample business plan, grant application, marketing and advertising forces within capitalism to act as a catalyst for change — and profit. plan plus other useful documents.

To download eBooks from the Markham Public Library, download the OverDrive app, then go to markham. bibliocommons.com, select “eBooks,” and click “Overdrive.”

® International Baccalaureate (IB) Business advisors with over 20 years of World School experience servicing various industries and providing personal services in: • Montessori Pre-School 18 months to 6 years Accounting & Auditing • Business Plans & Start-Ups • Estate & Financial Planning • Enriched curriculum Taxation – Personal & Corporate grades 1 to 10 Jack Eigenmacht • IB Diploma Programme B.Comm, CPA, CA, LPA, CFP grades 11 and 12 905.305.9722 x 228 Open House Dates: E: [email protected] Saturday, April 22 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, June 10 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. www.eigenmachtcrackower.com 345 Renfrew Drive • Suite 202 The $200 application fee will be waived for Markham Board of Trade members! Markham, Ontario L3R 9S9 TCMPS.com

19 Markham VOICE Spring 2017 MARKHAM MARKETPLACE

Exemplary Markham Businesses Recognized at Annual Business Excellence Awards By Sharon Clark-Koufis

he theme was James Bond 007. The For more information about MBT’s mission? To reveal the recipients of Business Excellence Awards and to 2016 Business Excellence the Markham Board of Trade’s 26th submit a nomination for 2017, visit Awards Recipients T Annual Business Excellence Awards. www.markhamboard.com. • Accessibility: RBC Royal Bank – Birchmount On November 20, 2016, that was done in style, & Enterprise with black tuxedos, stirred martinis, a casino, • Business Employer of Excellence: and even a chance to view up close one of Bento Nouveau Limited Bond’s most noteworthy gadgets, a Lotus • Community Relations & Cultural Enrichment: sports car. BDO Canada LLP From a record number of nominations, • The Donald Cousens Conservation & there were eight award recipients selected, Environmental Leadership Award: Times Group Corporation including Danny Fantini, owner of F.D.M. Contracting Co. Ltd., who received The • Entrepreneurship: Icon Digital Productions Anthony Roman Award. This award recognizes • Global Business Excellence: Redline Communications a community leader who successfully built their own business, helped other companies • High Quality & Service: Saint Elizabeth • Innovation: Everlink Payment Services Inc. succeed, created local employment, and Mayor Frank Scarpitti and The Anthony contributed to the community through Roman Award recipient: Danny Fantini, charitable and humanitarian efforts. Owner, F.D.M. Contracting Co. Ltd. “Over the past 26 years, the Markham Board of Trade has honoured more than 300 businesses and individuals with awards of excellence,” said Richard Cunningham, Markham Board of Trade’s president & CEO. “The 2016 recipients join an elite group of companies that have made Markham the location of choice for established and growing businesses in the G.T.A.”

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21 Markham VOICE Spring 2017 WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBERS!

Accountants CA Services Markham District Baseball Association REV Foodservice ULC revfoodservice.com Alphonsus & Associates, Chartered Markham Stouffville Denture Specialists Accountants markhamdentures.com Rock Spyder 4x4 alphonsusca.com rockspyder4x4.com Mathnasium of Markham Cenhouse Design mathnasium.ca/markham Rogers cenhousedesign.com rogers.com/business Neuro Health and Fitness Central Dental Limited neuroplay.ca Runaway Digital Media Inc centraldentalltd.com runawaydigitalmedia.com OR Computer Solutions Inc. Change Your Health ORComputer.ca S-M-L HomeStaging Services changeyourhealth.ca smlhomestaging.ca Padgett Business Services at York Charles Cooke Law PadgettYork.ca Shift Coaching Inc charlescookelaw.com shiftcoaching.ca Penwood Consulting Inc. Eshel Law Firm penwood.ca Sunlife Financial eshellaw.ca sunlife.ca/vish.jayaraman Professional Services Plus Inc. First Financial Controller Inc. psplus.ca TYMICO Canada firstfinancialcontroller.ca tymico.com Promax Print Group Green Pharma promaxprintgroup.com VIRTUAL Engineers green-pharma.ca virtual-engineers.com RE/MAX Prime Properties Homelife Top Star Realty Inc.,Brokerage remaxprimeproperties.ca Web Value Agency homelifetopstar.com webvalue.agency Refreshtek JB National Health Consulting Inc. refreshtek.com Wrap ID jbnationalhealth.ca wrap-id.ca To see the entire list of members and to learn about the value of membership in the Markham Board of Trade, visit: markhamboard.com THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Premier: Corporate: Title Sponsor:

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22 Markham VOICE Spring 2017 Rai InsuranceGrant Brokers BETTER COVERAGE, BETTER PRICE TM AUTO INSURANCE Automobiles Group Auto, Home Motorcycles Campers, Trailers, Motor Homes & Business Insurance Snowmobiles All-Terrain Vehicles As a member of the Markham Antique Vehicles Board of Trade you are eligible to take advantage of special insurance rates for your vehicles and HOME INSURANCE property. You may also qualify for further discounts - applied in Detached, Semi-detached and Townhomes addition to your group rate. Condominiums Seasonal Dwellings Markham Board of Trade members Rented Dwellings can also save on their business Watercraft insurance needs regardless of the Content insurance for renters size or industry. BUSINESS INSURANCE Commercial Property 905.475.5800 Commercial Auto Toll free at 1.800.561.6195 Commercial General Liability raigrantinsurance.com Errors and Omissions Directors and Officer’s General Liability [email protected] Surety Bonding

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