CAROL SWEEZEY (LAFRANCE) Agente D’imm / Sales Rep inside 360-8123 pager BI-MONTHLY MARCH 2011 Your Neighbourhood Realtor

REALTY LTD. 264-5364 Brokerage business www.crworks.com/carolsweezey A CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PUBLICATION Timmins celebrates inaugural Young Professional Awards

Four individuals and one local For Marriott, it’s all just part business received top honours at of the bigger picture: attracting the first ever Young and retaining qualified youth Professionals Awards, which and young professionals to took place on Thursday, Feb. 17 Timmins. “The Chamber recog - at Cedar Meadows Resort & Spa. nizes that young professionals The awards gala, organized by today can easily choose where the Timmins Chamber of they want to work and live. We Commerce Young Professional want to ensure that we are rec - Committee, celebrates the con - ognizing the best and brightest tributions that young profes - we have here, because they are sionals make to the business the community and business community and the community leaders of tomorrow.” at large. The Young Professionals Demand for the event sur - Awards would not have been passed organizers’ expectations. successful without the leader - “We thought we would be ship of the organizing commit - happy with 20 nominations. We tee, the support of the commu - received 45. The event sold out nity and the contributions of two weeks in advance. We sim - the sponsors, The Venture ply did not expect this over - Centre/Le Centre de développe - whelming response. However, it ment, Power shows us that an event like this Generation, Timmins Business is long overdue for our commu - Enterprise Centre, La caisse pop - nity,” said Kurt Bigeau, Chair of ulaire de Timmins and Far the Young Professionals Northeast Training Board. Committee and Timmins See page 3 Chamber of Commerce board Recipients of the first ever Young Professionals Awards are (left-right): Christopher McKay, Stéphane Gallant, for more event details. member. Tracey Potvin, Janna Cook and Bill Belanger, representing J.L. Richards & Associates Ltd. The organizing committee’s aim was to create an event by that features some of the ameni - Timmins to prospective for young professionals and young professionals, for young ties Timmins has to offer young employees.” entrepreneurs within the professionals. “Whenever possi - professionals and their families. The evening concluded with a Chamber network. ble, we used the services of “We wanted to make a state - post awards celebration, featur - According to Chamber young professionals, from deco - ment that there are great things ing the musical stylings of President Gary Marriott, it’s rators to the evening’s musical in our community for our young professionals Tom Oliver important that the organization entertainment. I think everyone young professionals and young and Steffany Venerri. work to engage young profes - was impressed with the calibre families, and this event was the The Young Professionals sionals. “From the Chamber’s of the evening, the nominees best place to launch the video,” Committee, an initiative of the perspective, having our young NOMINATIONS and our great recipients. They stated Marcel Pelchat, event Timmins Chamber of professionals host an event like all deserve recognition for the Nova Business Excellence Awards emcee and the driving force Commerce, has been active for this is a great opportunity for take place on contributions they make to our behind the video. “It will be approximately two years. Its them to recognize fellow young local economy and the commu - posted on the Chamber website efforts focus primarily on offer - professionals and entrepreneurs Thursday, April 14, 2011. nity,” stated Bigeau. and we encourage businesses to ing professional development who go the extra mile to give Nova nomination on page 2 The event also launched a use it as a tool to promote and networking opportunities back our community.” Timmins promotional video

ROSS, POPE & COMPANY LLP “Your End-to-End Computer Solutions Provider” 101 Cedar St. South Chartered Accountants Timmins ON P4N 2G7 Tel: (705) 264-9484 Fax: (705) 264-0788 101 Cedar St. South E-mail: [email protected] Timmins ON P4N 2G7 Tel: (705) 264-9484 Fax: (705) 264-0788 E-mail: [email protected] ROSS POPE INC. “Helping You Achieve Your Goals In Your Business Is Our Goal In Our Business” Consultants 2 - MARCH 2011 inside business

Nominations open! Chamber set to celebrate the Northern Lights of Business With awards season in full Community (over 30 employees) age — in fact, self nominations award category are indicated in Tickets for the awards gala swing, the Timmins Chamber of ® Service Excellence are encouraged by the organiz - the nomination guide. Be sure will go on sale soon. Commerce is proud to officially ® New Business (under 2 years) ing committee. However, cus - to indicate why your business open nominations for the 2011 tomers, colleagues, staff and deserves to win! Nova Awards, Timmins’ premier ® Marketing Innovation Achievement family members are all encour - Step 4: Submit your nomina - Should you have any ques - business excellence celebration. ® Young Entrepreneur (under 30) aged to submit nominations for tion by 5 p.m., March 11, 2011. tions or require assistance in fill - The Nova Awards recognize ® Business of the Year the businesses they feel deserve ing out a nomination package, the movers and shakers in (1-5 employees) the special recognition of a Interested in submitting Nova Awards Committee mem - Timmins’ business community. Nova Award. bers are available to help: Each year the Awards grow in ® Business of the Year a nomination? ® Gary Marriott at (6-49 employees) success and reputation. This Forms can be downloaded on 705-268-8600, or How complicated ® year’s awards ceremony takes ® Business of the Year the Timmins Chamber of Joel Bergeron at place on Thursday, April 14, at (50+ employees) are the nomination Commerce website 705-268-9988. the McIntyre Arena. The dead - ® Non-Profit Organization Award www.timminschamber.on.ca. line to submit nominations is packages? Please send all completed ® Apprenticeship Award Businesses are encouraged to March 11, and finalists will be The nomination packages are submit their nomination forms nominations by mail, fax, e-mail announced March 31. ® Environmental Award easy to complete. before the March 11 deadline! or hand delivery to: ® Aboriginal Partnership Award Step 1: Pick the award catego - ry (or categories) for which you Nova Awards Categories: ® Best Place to Work want to submit a nomination. Do I need to be Selection Committee Awards will be given to busi - Step 2: All nominations must a member to win? C/O Timmins Chamber of Commerce nesses in the following cate - have questions #1 to #4 P.O. Box 985 gories: Who can nominate? Businesses do not have to be Timmins, ON., P4N 7H6 Anyone can nominate! Often answered. ® Business Contribution to members of the Timmins or fax: 705-360-1193 it may be the business owner or Step 3: Answer the additional Community (1-30 employees) questions in the nomination Chamber of Commerce to be manager that is best equipped to nominated or to win. or [email protected]. ® Business Contribution to complete the nomination pack - form — the questions for each Chamber presents budget recommendations on finance and economic affairs

Timmins Chamber of (LIB/Mississauga— for Northern Ontario; Commerce President Gary Streetsville), Kevin Flynn ® The importance of continued Marriott made a series of rec - (LIB/Oakville), Norm Miller re-investment in the North ommendations for the 2011 (PC/Parry Sound—Muskoka), through NOHFC. provincial budget to the Leeanna Pendergast Standing Committee on (LIB/Kitchener—Conestoga), “We are an organization Finance and Economic Affairs Charles Sousa that has been around since at Cedar Meadows on the (LIB/Mississauga South), and 1949, and we take our role as morning of Jan. 27. Peter Tabuns (NDP/Toronto— the voice of business very Timmins is one of the com - Danforth). seriously. So when the oppor - munities being visited by the The last time the Standing tunity presents itself, it’s very committee as it gathers sub - Committee on Finance and important that we provide missions from stakeholders Economic Affairs came to the provincial government before the drafting of the Timmins was in 2008. with the northeastern 2011 provincial budget. In his 10-minute presenta - Ontario perspective by shar - The Standing Committee tion, Marriott spoke to the ing some of the economic on Finance and Economic committee about: challenges, some unique and Affairs is empowered to con - ® Using energy as an economic some not so unique, facing sider and report to the House development tool; our member businesses,” stat - its observations, opinions and ® Far North development and ed Marriott. recommendations on the fis - the Ring of Fire; “It is my hope that the gov - cal and economic policies of ernment takes into considera - ® Land use planning and tion our concerns and that the province. The nine-per - the Far North Act; son committee is made up of our recommendations are members of provincial parlia - ® Alignment of provincial and reflected in the 2011 provin - ment (MPP) from all three federal environmental cial budget.” parties. Members are: Pat Hoy assessment processes; To obtain a copy of the (LIB/Chatham—Kent—Essex), ® The forestry industry and Timmins Chamber of Laura Albanese (LIB/York tenure review; Commerce’s presentation to The Standing Committee on Timmins Chamber of Commerce President Gary Marriott, pictured, made a series of South—Weston), Toby Barrett ® Mining Act regulation Finance and Economic recommendations for the 2011 provincial budget to the Standing Committee on (PC/Haldimand—Norfolk), development; Affairs, visit Bob Delaney ® The Proposed Growth Plan Finance and Economic Affairs on Jan. 27. www.timminschamber.on.ca. inside business MARCH 2011 - 3 Young Professional Awards recipients And the winners are ... Stéphane Gallant J.L. Richards & Associates Ltd. Young Professional Award (Male) Best Place to Work Award Sponsored by The Business Enterprise Centre Sponsored by Far Northeast Training Board A native of Timmins, Stéphane left the With a local representation of 25 peo - city for five years to pursue his education ple, J.L. Richards has a remarkable 19 at Laurentian University. Since his return, employees under the age of 40. It’s easy he has put his knowledge to work in to see why they are able to attract and local community and economic develop - retain this segment of the population: ment projects. the business promotes a friendly and Stéphane’s commitment to professional casual work environment that encour - development is apparent through his ages employees to maintaining work/life continued academic endeavors, which balance, participate in community include earning a Master of Business initiatives and grow professionally Administration and becoming a certified through training and development management consultant. He has not only opportunities. made a career of making Timmins and Here are just some of the things J.L. the region a better place to live, but also Richards offers to its employees: spends much of his spare time volunteer - treasurer of the Downtown Timmins BIA sites in northern Ontario; developing and ® flexible work hours to meet family ing for non-profit organizations such as (Business Improvement Association); she strengthening relationships between first needs, including flexible start and end the Red Cross and La caisse populaire. is vice-chair of the Timmins Crime nations, City of Timmins and the provin - times; Reduction Committee; and she has cial government. Chris volunteers his ® a policy against using cellphones to Here is what people who work with recently joined the Spring Ball time by serving as an advisory member Stéphane have to say: check work e-mail and remotely connect - Committee for the Timmins and District on the development of the Far North Act ing to computer work stations from “He is a strong advocate for services in Hospital Foundation. and by serving as a volunteer firefighter home; Northern Ontario, and especially for Janna also volunteers her time to in his home community. ® encouragement and compensation Timmins.” youth, giving presentations that focus on Christopher is the owner of W.C. for employees who pursue professional “It is our hope that he is recognized for the financial challenges of today. And as McKay Consulting Services. development activities, including train - the commitment to his community and if she is not busy enough, this young ing, certification and other educational for the selfless sharing of his leadership, professional has completed the first step Tracey Potvin initiatives; compassion, patience, business sense and necessary to obtain her pilot’s license. ® treating employees to an annual unerring kindness.” Janna is Branch Manager for BMO Young Professional Award “Spring Prom” at its office; “He has had such a tremendous impact Bank of Montreal in Timmins. (Francophone) ® performance-based bonuses; on our organization and in our commu - Commandité par: La Caisse populaire ® cross-training opportunities; ® nity that we forget how young he is … Christopher McKay de Timmins limitée and a commitment to promote from he makes the work he does look easy.” within. Stéphane is a Community Economic Young Professional Award (Aboriginal) Tracy a obtenu son Baccalauréat de To attract employees, J.L. Richards Development Officer for FedNor and is Sponsored by Ontario Power Generation l’Université d’Ottawa en 1995 et est dev - makes a conscious effort to look locally based in Timmins. enue comptable agréée en 1998. and engage Timmins students when they Christopher has demonstrated immeas - Elle est à l’emploi de Ross, Pope & are young. They do this by attending urable commitment to paying the way Company LLP depuis septembre 1995. career fairs, giving career day presenta - Janna Cook for young entrepreneurs from not only Compte tenu de sa maîtrise de la langue tions at local high schools, volunteering his home community of Mattagami First Young Professional Award (Female) française, elle offre des services en at engineering and science fairs, and pro - Nation, but also the community-at-large, français aux clientes et clients qui moting to students that there are great Sponsored by The Venture Centre/Le Centre where he continues to build and estab - recherchent une expertise en vérification, career opportunities right in their own de développement lish working relationships with the busi - en comptabilité et en fiscalité. hometown. Janna is an experienced, progressive ness community. Tout récemment, elle est devenue asso - Here is what J.L. Richards employees manager, a results-oriented leader who His genuine concern for the well-being ciée dans ce cabinet d’experts comptables have to say: consistently maintains a high quality of of his fellow community members has chez Ross, Pope, un accomplissement customer service and a disciplined man - led him to actively pursue and participate digne de mention et une attestation de la “I love working here because I’m given agement style. A leader in the local finan - in economic sustainability initiatives. A reconnaissance professionnelle qu’on lui the freedom to excel in my own disci - cial services sector, she has enjoyed graduate of Sault College’s Aboriginal accorde. pline, as well as venture into others. This increasing success, holding positions Resource Technician program, Chris has Demeurer active dans sa communauté gives me the opportunity to set and such as: Financial Service Manager over six years of experience in natural est une priorité pour cette jeune femme achieve greater goals than I ever could Trainee, Commercial Account Manager, resource management; this entrepreneur et sa contribution principale a été à l’or - have imagined.” Sales Leader and Branch Manager. and consulting-firm owner provides ganisme Credit Counselling Services of “With a young family at home, flexibil - According to one of her clients, “She has advice and guidance to First Nations and Cochrane District en tant que trésorière ity in hours is extremely important to been our sounding board for over eight First Nations organizations on a wide au sein du CA depuis 1999. Elle a me. I’m lucky to have an employer that years … an integral part of our financial variety of natural resource and land man - également occupé le poste de shares this value and goes the extra mile plan and instrumental in our professional agement issues. Among other things, his Présidente de l’Association des compta - to accommodate me whenever neces - success.” work has included: participation in the bles agréés du District de Cochrane, de sary.” A busy mother of three, Janna is also a negotiation of impact benefit agreements 2007 à 2010. J.L. Richards is an integrated engineer - tireless volunteer, making numerous con - with local first nations; the creation of an Tracey est présentement une associée ing and architectural practice offering tributions to causes that improve our environmental documentary on the chez Ross, Pope & Company LLP à services in architecture, planning and all community. She is president and past impacts of the mid- line radar Timmins. major engineering disciplines. 4 - MARCH 2011 inside business Make your business accessible to everyone Accessibility is a concept that may between the OCC and local chambers of rarely cross your mind, but for one in commerce and boards of trade in Ontario seven Ontarians, it is a constant concern. and the Accessibility Directorate of Barriers to accessibility can place substan - Ontario to help businesses comply with tial limitations on a person’s mobility, the Accessibility Standards for Customer independence, and quality of life. Service (customer service standard). The In 2005, the Government of Ontario customer service standard is one of five passed the Accessibility for Ontarians that will form part of the Accessibility for with Disabilities Act (AODA) in an effort Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). to break down these barriers and ensure In addition, the Ontario Chamber of that all Ontarians are able to access the Commerce has created a website businesses and services they require. (www.accessibilityworks.ca) to help The Government of Ontario has been Ontario businesses meet the new stan - gradually implementing changes in an dard. This easy-to-understand and user- effort to create an accessible province by friendly website has a compliance tool kit 2025. As of Jan. 1, 2010, all public sector and a link to a sample template from the organizations in Ontario were required to quality of life for many Ontarians. Are customers who rely on screen readers Ontario government that will help you comply with Ontario’s new Accessibility Making your business accessible will able to access your website? Have your with your first accessibility report. Standards for Customer Service; on Jan. 1, also ensure that no potential employees, employees been taught how to assist Be sure to stay in the know: check 2012, all businesses and non-profit organ - customers or clients are lost because they clients with disabilities? www.timminschamber.on.ca and the izations with more than one employee are unable to access to your services. Making your business fully accessible weekly Chamber Inside e-newsletter for will be required to do the same, regardless According to the Ministry of Community may at first seem daunting, but there are the next “Accessibility Works” workshop of whether or not your business caters to and Social Services, Canadians with dis - many resources out there that will help that the Ontario Chamber of Commerce the general public. In addition, businesses abilities account for $25 billion worth of you make sure your business will be in will be hosting in Timmins. The work - and organizations with 20 or more spending across the country each year. compliance with Ontario’s new customer shop on the customer service standard employees will be required to file an When considering how barriers to service standard. will provide the necessary information accessibility report in 2012. accessibility can be removed from your The Ministry of Community and Social and make it easier for business owners, According to the Government of business, keep in mind that these barriers Services website their staff, volunteers and contractors to Ontario, nearly 1.85 million people are not always physical. You may have a (www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/programs/ meet the training and other requirements across the province have a disability; this ramp or elevator access for customers or accessibility/) has information and tools under the new standard. number is expected to continue growing clients in wheelchairs, but do you have that will help get you ready for Jan. 1, With a little effort, you can ensure that as the population ages. Working towards procedures in place to accommodate 2012. your business is in touch with what is an accessible Ontario will improve the patrons with poor vision or hearing loss? Accessibility Works is a partnership required for an accessible Ontario. New tool to help you sell your business

As a significant number of business Cheryl St. Amour, Director of the local economy by attracting new tal - owners across the north approach retire - Business Development and Expansion ent, contributing to business/job reten - ment, the topic of developing exit strate - for the Timmins Economic tion and growing the region’s small busi - gies and succession plans is becoming a Development Corporation is excited to ness sector. A great deal of interest has priority both for the business owners and see this initiative implemented in been generated from local businesses, the communities. If the business owner Timmins. realtors, business brokers and newcom - does not have family members interested “We understand that many business - ers. in taking over the business, the remain - es do not want to publicly announce Businesses looking to sell and realtors ing options are to find a buyer, or to just their business sale and would prefer to with current commercial listings are close the doors. quietly seek potential buyers. The encouraged to visit In an effort to assist business owners Business Immigration Attraction www.investnorthernontario.com/match make a successful transition, the Program is a great new tool that sup - to register for the program. Ontario’s North Economic Development ports our broader Business Attraction Subsequently, business immigrants in Corporation (ONEDC) has developed a and Retention and Immigration strate - the GTA will continue to be educated confidential web-based tool. This pro - gies. With this program we can give about the investment opportunities gram will match newcomers looking to greater exposure to businesses in our available in Northern Ontario and will invest in Canadian businesses directly community that are for sale, to a new be encouraged to provide their invest - with businesses for sale. As a result of this market of potential buyers, while still ment criteria for customized matching. new matchmaking tool, businesses in maintaining confidentiality for business received funding from the Ontario As this program evolves, communities Sudbury, North Bay, Timmins and Sault owners.” Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration across Ontario and Canada will have the Ste. Marie will have a direct lead to quali - In order to implement the project in under the Municipal Immigrant opportunity to implement the tool to fied business immigrants actively seeking each city, Ontario’s North Economic Information Online (MIIO) Program. assist with their local economic develop - investment opportunities. Development Corporation (ONEDC) This unique program will contribute to ment initiatives.

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For more information or to register your business call 705-492-8116 or visit: www.investnorthernontario.com/match inside business MARCH 2011 - 5 Chamber member and young entrepreneur wins NOBA award Congratulations to young entrepreneur and for marriage but for business as well. burgeoning service offerings. dominated industry, something of which Timmins Chamber of Commerce member They merged, and Pizzale Gardens and This faith paid off, with the company she is acutely and constantly aware. Krista Hedican. In October 2010, Krista won Landscaping was born. having since obtained the contract to Indeed, given her hands-on approach the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award at The company now employs 16 full- install three fiberglass pools for Cedar to the business, Hedican has found her - the 24th Annual Northern Ontario Business time staff through the summer months. Meadows Resort’s new Scandinavian spa. self tested by those who perceive her gen - Awards. What follows is a feature article This number sinks to six in the winter, This marks the first commercial pool der as an opportunity to talk down her about Krista and her business, Pizzale when snow removal becomes the priori - installation in the city in more than 35 prices. Gardens and Landscaping, which appeared ty. years. “That, for me, has been the biggest in the Northern Ontario Business Awards In the meantime, the growth of Pizzale This work is emblematic of Hedican’s challenge, I think,” says Hedican, who Souvenir Magazine. Reprinted with Gardens and Landscaping continues ability to defy expectations. This is partic - adds the experience has emboldened her permission. unabated. ularly true as a young woman in a male- as both a businesswoman and a person. Last year, Hedican partnered with Fun What began as a summer job en route Swim Pools Inc., a local company selling, to a career in nursing has blossomed into installing and servicing in- and above- a horticultural heaven for Timmins’ ground pools. This year, Hedican bought Krista Hedican. out the partnership and absorbed the From growing and planting flowers to company, inspired by her belief in its installing pools, the 26-year-old owner of ability to complement Pizzale Gardens’ Pizzale Gardens and Landscaping has her green thumb planted deep into every aspect of her flourishing business. “I really thought it would be a part- time thing for me,” said a chuckling Hedican, who runs the only local and privately owned garden centre in the city. “I didn’t really foresee that I’d be doing it full-time, but that’s eventually what I pushed to do. As much as some days I think “Oh my God, what am I doing?’, I also realize I pretty much have it made as Delivering what I get to work outside every day.” This young entrepreneur’s first brush you need WHEN with the business came at the age of 13, ourier you NEED it! when she began working as a summer Heart C student for Pizzale Gardens’ previous Gold owners to help fund her fondness for ski • same day service to • mail & banking service racing. After seven summers and an addi - Cochrane & Iroquois Falls • mine runs tional year at a rival landscaping firm fol - PATRICK CHONDON • 3 ton truck service • airport deliveries lowing the closure of Pizzale, the oppor - In October 2010, Krista Hedican, owner of tunity arose to snap up the property and Pizzale Gardens and Landscaping, won the • daily in-town services the 30-year-old name of her former Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award at the employer. 24th Annual Northern Ontario Business Barry 360-3327 Elaine 360-3586 As a 21-year-old nursing student with Awards. no business training, the idea of heading up her own garden centre seemed foreign to Hedican. Still, running something that could feed nicely into Davidson Earthscape Services, the landscaping firm belonging to her husband-to-be, Alex Davidson, proved too attractive a propo - sition to pass up. With start-up loans in hand and guid - ance from local business leaders, she pur - chased the four-acre site and associated building, whose upper floor she moved into as a cost-saving measure. Since then, she’s dedicated to doing things differently than the previous own - ers, growing everything but trees in her seven greenhouses. She’s also expanded the landscaping services, which now make up half her business through the installation of items such as ponds and fountains from Hearst to Sudbury. In 2009, the company secured a con - tract to provide product to the City of Timmins, the first time in 47 years it was awarded to a local greenhouse. Under Hedican’s watch, the company has also secured similar product and planting services contracts with the municipal housing authority. Partnerships with other local firms have taken root, leading to participation in a research project with forestry research firm Mikro-Tek to test the ability cattails to absorb toxic metals from for - mer mine sites. This level of local activity has led to such rapid growth that Hedican soon found herself competing for the same contracts as her husband. The two com - panies shared increasingly closer links, each being run out of the same property and making use of the other’s vehicles, despite using individual bookkeepers and marketing campaigns. In 2009, the two came to realize that “united we stand” is a mantra not only 6 - MARCH 2011 inside business Helping charities

The Timmins City Bingo Hall the local charities that benefit Richard Morgan, vice-presi - Each charity hosts a bingo Free Ontario Act took effect. is a place where people gather to from a portion of the bingo pro - dent of the association, says that every two weeks; at the end of Undaunted by this challenge, meet with friends, enjoy the ceeds. A total of 59 non-profit getting involved with the the month the profits are the Timmins City Bingo Hall opportunity to win some money organizations are currently regis - Timmins City Bingo Hall is an pooled and divided equally continuously seeks new ways to and support local charities in tered with the Timmins Charity easy way for charities to raise among the participating organi - boost attendance. In addition to the process. Although the bingo Bingo Association. money. zations. To get involved, chari - its regular games, the bingo hall hall has encountered challenges ties must apply for a licence periodically hosts special bingos. in its 15 years in business, with the City of Timmins and Its $100,000 game held the first with a dedicated staff and ONTH then wait for an opening. Only Saturday of every month has loyal clientele the Timmins EMBER OF THE M so many organizations can be recently been extended for an City Bingo Hall is still going JANUARY M accommodated at one time. additional eight months. The strong. After an opening becomes bingo hall also hosts holiday The Timmins City Bingo available, all that is required is games, one example being its Hall first opened on June 10, for a few charity representa - recently-introduced New Year’s 1995. Now, the facility runs tives — staff or volunteers — Eve game. 3-4 bingos per day seven days to help out at the bingo every Whether you are looking for a week — with extra games second week. Community an evening of friends, family, on the weekend, of course. organizations and schools also fun, a chance to take home Hall Manager Margeritte host fundraising bingos from some cash, or simply wish to Carpentor believes the oppor - time to time. support a local charity, consider tunity to socialize with friends Despite bingo’s enduring dropping by the Timmins City and neighbours — and a popularity, the Timmins City Bingo Hall at 251 First Avenue. chance to win some money — Bingo Hall has faced its share You’ll be glad you did. is what keeps patrons coming of challenges over the past 15 To find out more about the back. The social aspect is what years, including a drop in Timmins City Bingo Hall, call Margeritte herself loves most attendance after the Smoke- 705-264-9700. about her job: meeting new people and getting to know her Representatives from Timmins City Bingo Hall are presented with customers. January’s Member of the Month banner and certificate by Chamber She also enjoys working with president Gary Marriott (centre).

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Congratulations to February’s referrals. I am so thankful to Life office. ER OF THE MONTH Member of the Month: Smiles have such great clients.” Her current charitable EBRUARY MEMB for Life Dental Hygiene Clinic. Since its opening, Natalie has focus? A pan-northern F At Smiles for Life, owner had to grow the clinic staff to group called “Northern Natalie Levasseur is passionate meet her client demand. In May Knockers,” a group dedicat - about two things: the oral 2010, Natalie welcomed second ed to raising money for health of her patients and using Registered Dental Hygienist, breast cancer research. The her skills and success to help Jody Purificati. She and Jody group will be hosting a pub further causes that are close to have since been joined by office night fundraiser at the her heart. administrator, Kerry Newton. Victory Tavern on Feb. 25. March marks the second More recently, Natalie and her “I’ve lost two cousins to anniversary for Smiles for Life team have welcomed the addi - breast cancer, so this is a Dental Hygiene Clinic. In her tion of Kellie Monahan, a cause that is very close to first two years, Natalie says the Registered Massage Therapist, me. And as a business owner, biggest challenge has been mak - which has enabled her office to I believe with all my heart ing the transition from dental offer wellness services to her that we’ve got to give back hygienist to business owner. patients in a convenient way. and help those who are less “I’ve always wanted to work “It’s a trend I’ve seen in other fortunate.” for myself. So when the law communities. People enjoy the changed to allow Registered convenience of receiving multi - A personal approach Dental Hygienists to offer inde - ple services in one location. This pendent services (independent way, we can offer multiple to ultimate oral care of dentist), I knew I had to take health and wellness services at Smiles for Life Dental advantage of the opportunity.” Smiles for Life, and so far our Hygiene Clinic prides itself in However, the process was not clients are loving it.” being a prevention specialist: without its challenges. “You In addition to her obvious Natalie and Jody use their know the saying ‘If you build it, passion for oral hygiene and training and experiences as they will come?’ Well I built it, overall health, Natalie is dedicat - Registered Dental Hygienists to and it took a while for them to ed to contributing her time and provide clients with a compre - Smiles for Life Dental Hygiene Clinic was presented as February’s Member start coming … but they came,” skillset to charitable initiatives. hensive individualized laughs Natalie. For a number of years, she vol - approach, which includes taking of the Month. Pictured are (L-R): Chamber president Gary Marriott, Natalie Her most effective advertising unteered with “Nine Miles of time to listen to small details Levasseur and Jody Purificati of Smiles for Life, Steven Vachon, Timmins vehicle? According to Natalie, Smiles,” a non-profit healthcare and paying attention to the con - Chamber of Commerce Member Development and Event Specialist. “Word of mouth has by far been organisation that provides den - cerns of their patients. Services my best advertising medium. I tal care to underserviced areas in include teeth cleaning, teeth more. Insurance benefits are Clinic, visit have so many wonderful, loyal Jamaica. Photos of some of the whitening; protective sports accepted. Service Bilingue. www.smilesforlifedhc.com or clients that I am continuously children she has helped can be mouth guards; teeth desensitiz - For more information about call Natalie and her team at growing my client list through found throughout the Smiles for ing; pit and fissure sealants; and Smiles for Life Dental Hygiene 705-264-LIFE. 8 - MARCH 2011 inside business Curlers were on FIRE!

The “Rink of Fire” fun - spiel was hot, hot, hot! as Timmins Chamber of Commerce members dressed the part and curled like the pros at its annual curling tourna - ment. The fun-filled event gives Chamber members the chance to network and participate in a physical activity in a relaxed environment. The funspiel’s Rink of Fire theme is in reference to the “Ring of Fire,” an area in Northern Ontario that is rich in chromite (a component of stain - less steel) and other minerals. The funspiel’s “Hottest Dressed Team Award” The evening’s top was given to the Hot Bikini Babes from Perfect prize was claimed by Settings. Members included Donata Watchdisbabe (Carole Gervais), Kip U.R. Timmins Animal Hospital, whose mem - The Timmins Chamber of Commerce Annual bers included: Emily Millson, Rene Eyesonice (Estelle Demers), Hot Tamale Curling Funspiel’s top prize was claimed by (Melissa Tarlton) and Iam Hottee (Christine Morin, Marty Paul and Mary Lindsay. Timmins Animal Hospital, whose members The team proudly accepted the winning Other red-hot winners: Castonguay). included: Emily Millson, Rene Morin, Marty ® brooms during the winners’ presentation Paul and Mary Lindsay. How Many Flames in the Jar guess - at the end of the evening. ing contest: Selena Duplin of Guiho Saw A BIG thanks! Second place was awarded to Team was given to the Hot Bikini Babes from Sales & Marine; Tembec, whose members were Susan Perfect Settings. Members included ® HOT Pot Draw (Hog Pot): Darryl The Chamber would like to thank the Thorne, Alan Thorne, Don Bazeley and Donata Watchdisbabe (Carole Gervais), Sarasin of Krazy Krazy Audiotronics; members of the organizing committee: Connie Buck. Kip U.R. Eyesonice (Estelle Demers), Hot ® Flaming Trivia: Rory and Philippi Sue Millson, Patty McGirr, Alan Thorne Twenty teams participated in the tour - Tamale (Melissa Tarlton) and Iam Hottee Greyvensteyn of De Beers Canada Victor and Rob Galloway; event sponsors De nament, with each team dressing up to (Christine Castonguay). Honourable Mine; Beers, Ontario Power Generation and reflect their interpretation of the “Ring of mention went out to Hot Tamales of ® Door Prize Winner: Don Bazeley of GoldCorp; and prize donor Timmins Fire Fire.” The “Hottest Dressed Team Award” Rehab Plus Rehabilitation Centre. Tembec. Department. Biz After 5 winner

!" $" %""&' ()*)+) ,-./0& 1-*"2 3*/)&-04' Everyone who attended JJ’s Ranch Business After 5 on Dec. 15, had their business entered 5&'/ )*+ 0*67 +-)80*+ 8-*"2 -' ) 9&0:+ into a draw to win a complimentary staff party for 30, including a hot midnight buffet, 8"8;"& 0< /!" -88-*' (!)8;"& 0< Karaoke with D.J. and Smart Serve-certified staff. The lucky winner was The Venture Centre/Le Centre de développement. JJ’s Ranch’s Leslie-Anne McKee presented the prize (088"&." )*+ 600=' <0&>)&+ /0 8)*7 to Roxanne Daoust (left), who accepted on behalf of The Venture Centre/Le Centre de 80&" 7")&' 0< >0&=-*? /0?"/!"&@ >>>@+";""&'.)*)+)@.08 développement. inside business MARCH 2011 - 9 New member profiles A Buyer’s Choice confiance en soi et l’estime de soi de nos leading financial products from other Signature Auto Sales clients. Le CFAF prépare également des financial institutions. London Life’s sub - Home Inspections adultes à entrer au collège et souvent cela sidiary Quadrus Investment Services Ltd. AUTOMOBILE SALES AND SERVICES est la réalisation d’un rêve. Nous avons offers 40 exclusive mutual funds under HOME INSPECTION Signature Auto Sales is your choice touché la communauté à travers chaque Quadrus Group of Funds. Northern Ontario pre-owned automobile A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspectors pro - personne que nous avons reçue. Cette For more information, call dealer. We carry a large inventory of used vide a complete range of home inspec - influence est difficile à mesurer, mais elle 705-264-2204 ext. 262 or visit cars, trucks, vans and sport utility vehi - tion services to ensure you can make est réelle. www.freedom55financial.com. cles from domestic and import manufac - your home purchase with complete con - Notre organisme espère servir la popu - turers. Our friendly and knowledgable fidence. Our well trained, professional lation de Timmins pour de nombreuses L’Express de Timmins sales team can help you find the perfect and dedicated inspectors do a thorough années, à jouer un rôle grandissant en vehicle. and complete inspection of homes and alphabétisation et en formation de base MEDIA Cars, trucks, minivans, 4x4, sales, other buildings. Our services, done once dans la communauté. Le 21 octobre marque le lancement du loans, financing in house, buy here, con - and done right, will give you the peace of Bénévoles: Le CFAF remercie tous les premier numéro du journal L’Express. vertible, old, newer, vehicle, S.U.V., com - mind you need when making such an bénévoles qui nous ont donné un coup Le5 Communications et son équipe sont pact, mid-size, full size, crossover, ext. investment. While no industry or legis - de main en partageant leurs connais - fiers d’offrir aux gens de Timmins un cab, crewcab, pickup, Ford, GM, GMC, lated requirement exists — like the rest of sances avec nos apprenants et nouvel outil de communication. Chers Dodge, Chrysler, Honda, Toyota, Kia, A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections’ prac - apprenantes; aidant les formateurs et for - francophones, chers francophiles, nous Jeep, used. tices, we set our standards very high. All matrices; préparant du matériel didac - vous offrons un moyen efficace de ren - Barry Petroski, Curtis Elvrum, Bob of our franchisees carry Errors and tique; siégeant au Conseil d’administra - forcer les liens avec l’ensemble de vos Barrette, over 75 years combines of sales Omissions and Liability Insurance, tion; offrant du soutien technique pour partenaires communautaires et de tisser experience. whereas many home inspectors are not nos ordinateurs; créant et mettant à jour des liens avec les membres du public. Les For more information, call insured at all. notre site web; néttoyant le Centre. membres de l’équipe du journal L’Express 705-360-5500 or visit For more information, call For more information, vous donnent rendez-vous tous les jeudis. www.signatureautosales.ca. 705-360-3799 or visit call 705-267-3222. Soyez à l’affut de ce qui se passe dans www.abuyerschoice.com. votre collectivité en lisant votre nouveau The Messenger Dr. Simpson Optometrist journal hebdomadaire. For more information, call COURIER SERVICES Amigo’s Britt OPTOMETRISTS 705-269-0011 or visit Professional courier service for all your — Ash Enterprizes Born and raised in Timmins, I started www.expresstimmins.com. needs. For more information, call TAVERNS out as an independent optometrist in 705-288-1366. Timmins in 1979. I presently work with Amigo’s nightclub. two other optometrists and I employ two Pencil & Mouse Design For more information, call opticians and five support staff. We do Timmins Learning Centre 705-360-1477. Restoration & Artwork comprehensive eye examinations, includ - EDUCATION ing testing for cataracts, glaucoma, and ARTISTS The Timmins Learning Centre delivers, macular degeneration. We provide glass - Pencil & Mouse Design, Restoration Centre de formation supports and promotes the following es, contact lenses and sunglasses. We also and Artwork is owned and operated by programs in the Timmins area: Adult pour adultes francophones provide vision screenings for local indus - Tricia Ferguson a graduate of the Fine Literacy, Adult Numeracy and Family try. Arts program at the University of EDUCATION Literacy. The Timmins Learning Centre is For more information, call Waterloo. Tricia is both a digital and tra - a community-based charitable organiza - Vision: Être un centre francophone 705-268-2020. ditional artist that can offer digital photo tion. We are a member of Employment important dans la ville de Timmins pour restoration, digital designs, funeral Ontario. We offer adult literacy programs, l’alphabétisation des adultes francopho - memorials and custom artwork. Freedom 55 Financial a homework club for children in Grades nes. Please take the time and visit her web - 1-8, the A+Book Club and Fee for Service Mission : Le Centre de formation pour site to look at all of the samples to see — Debbie Browne ESL tutoring. adultes francophones dispense de la for - which photo product/artwork suits your For more information, call mation de base aux adultes francophones FINANCIAL SERVICES personal needs. 705-268-8900 or visit www.learntlc.org. de Timmins; Joue un rôle de leadership Freedom 55 Financial is founded on Digital designs include: custom col - dans le milieu de l’alphabétisation et de the strength and stability of one of the lages; custom photo poster design; photo la formation de base des adultes; offre des most trusted names in the financial serv - memorabilia, including sports magazine Timmins Overhead Door services de qualité répondant aux besoins ices industry: London Life Insurance covers; trader cards and bookmarks; de la clientèle. Company. London Life has helped logos; advertising designs; memorial BUILDING SUPPLY CENTRES Conseil d’administration : Le CFAF est Canadians meet their financial security cards. Sales, service, installation of commer - régi par un conseil d’administration. Nos needs for over 130 years. Founded in Restoration services include: digital cial & residential doors, operators (cus - administrateurs sont des bénévoles qui London, Ontario in 1874, London Life photo restorations, digital photo tom sizes available), truck doors, springs gèrent les affaires de l’organisme au nom offers Canadians financial security advice enhancements and photo manipulation. and parts in stock. de ses membres. and planning through its Freedom 55 Artwork services include: custom For more information, visit Historique : Le CFAF est un centre Financial division. Our financial security graphite portraits of people and pets; www.timminsoverheaddoor.com or call dynamique qui ne cesse de progresser. Au advisors help clients identify their finan - mixed media portraits (acrylic and 705-267-5478. début, ce centre s’appelait le Centre cial security needs and goals, and estab - graphite); custom acrylic paintings; and ALPHA; maintenant c’est le Centre de lish a personal financial security plan to artwork for sale. Pizzale Gardens Inc. formation pour adultes francophones reach their goals. For more information, call Timmins (CFAF). Freedom 55 Financial offers London 705-235-3530 or visit LANDSCAPING Nos employées sont là pour aider des Life’s own brand of savings and invest - www.pencilandmouse.ca. gens à apprendre à lire, écrire et compter Complete Garden Center/Nursery. ments, retirement income, life insurance Trees, shrubs, flowers, perennials and ou s’améliorer dans ces compétences. and mortgages. In addition, our financial C’est notre rôle aussi de développer le R and S Distributor landscaping materials. Complete land - security advisors offer a broad range of scape services (lawn maintenance, fertiliz - WHOLESALE er/weed control, tree care, trimming, Distributor of Parmalat/Beatrice dairy installation, interlocking brick installa - and cultured products. tion, design etc.) For more information, call For more information, call The voice of business 705-264-9861. 705-264-5746.

Managing Editor: Keitha Robson (705) 360-1900 since 1949 Published by: E-mail: [email protected] Timmins Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 985, Timmins, Ontario, P4N 7H6 Editor: Heather Chertow (705) 360-1900 (705) 360-1900 E-mail: [email protected] Fax (705) 360-1193 Questions about a particular program? Interested in having a presentation www.timminschamber.on.ca Advertising Opportunities: Steven Vachon (705) 360-1900 about membership benefits for your staff? E-mail: [email protected] Contact Steven Vachon, Inside Business is an information package provided to members of the Timmins Chamber of Commerce and businesses at large. The positions expressed in by-lined columns are the opinion of the subject editor and do not reflect the position of the Timmins Chamber of Commerce unless specifically stated. The Timmins Chamber of Commerce assumes no responsibility for statements or Member Development and Events Specialist at 705-360-1900. claims made by advertisers. “Inside Business” is published 6 times per year by the Timmins Chamber of Commerce. Issue dates are January, March, May, July, September and November. Closing date is the second Friday of the previous month. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the publisher’s written permission. 10 - MARCH 2011 inside business Chamber board meets with MP

More than 40 people participated in the Chamber’s Lunch-N-Learn session, which took place at the Dante Club on Feb. 10. The Lunch-N-Learn speaker was Carmen Demarco, Manager of the Northeast Region for FedNor. Carmen spoke about FedNor’s funding programs for Northern Ontario businesses and economic development organizations.

On Thursday, Jan. 13, representatives from the Timmins Chamber of Commerce board of directors met with the federal member of parliament, Charlie Angus. Some of the items discussed with the MP for Timmins-James Bay included the federal perspective on “Ring of Fire” development, investment in the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission (ONTC/ONR) and various Chamber policies, including the alignment of environmental approval processes for businesses. Pictured with Mr. Angus is Gary Marriott, 2010-11 Chamber president (left).

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AUTO DETAILING SPECIALIST ADVANCED SECURITY & INVESTIGATION SERVICES Bonded & Licensed UNIFORMED SECURITY GUARDS • PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS Readers’ Choice: 2003-2004-2005-2006-2007-2008-2009 EMAIL: [email protected] tel: (705) 267-5547 cell: (705) 465-1195 28 Columbus Avenue fax: (705) 264-5547 pager:(705) 360-8441 Timmins, ON P4N 3H3 M.O.E. COMMERCIAL ACCOUNTING Professional Bookkeeping • Personal & Business Tax Returns M.O.E. = Profits 204-670 Airport Road, Timmins Phone: 268-4474 • Fax: 264-0011 Maurice E. Proulx email: [email protected] inside business MARCH 2011 - 11 An inside look at Northgate

Members of the Timmins Chamber of 2005, Northgate Minerals has since com - Commerce took the opportunity to get pleted a feasibility study, which outlined the inside track about one up and com - a 180,000 ounce per year gold mine with ing gold mine in the region. More than an initial 15 year life. Production from a 80 interested business men and women small open pit is anticipated to start in attended the Feb. 1, Inside Their Business 2012, lasting approximately two years, luncheon, featuring Ken Stowe, president during which time the underground and CEO of Northgate Minerals mine will be completed. Corporation. Northgate Minerals operates the Young Davidson Mine, located in Highlights from Matachewan, approximately 30 kilome - tres from Kirkland Lake. the presentation include: “We gladly welcomed Mr. Stowe to ® Young-Davidson has an initial 15- Timmins. His presentation provided a year expected mine life; great opportunity for our members to ® Over $1.5 billion will be invested learn about development at the mine towards operating capital costs during and to identify any potential business the life of the mine; Members of the Timmins Chamber of Commerce took the opportunity learn about opportunities also,” stated Timmins ® To date, Northgate has spent over developments at Northgate Minerals’ Young-Davidson Mine in Matachewan. Ken Stowe, presi - Chamber of Commerce president Gary $100 million on development; dent and CEO, pictured above, addressed a crowd of Chamber members at the Feb. 1, Inside Marriott. ® Of its present 80 employees, 20 are Their Business Luncheon. Northgate Minerals owns and operates First Nations; the Kemess Mine and the Young- ® 600 jobs will be created during a Davidson project in Canada and the two-year construction period; The Chamber hosts several Inside Their the region. Fosterville and Stawell Gold Mines in ® Young-Davidson will create direct Business luncheons each year to give Previous luncheons have featured Australia. Having acquired the Young- employment for 275 workers during life- members the opportunity to learn Eacom Timber Corporation and Davidson property for $18 million in of-mine. about the operations of businesses in Laurentian University. facebook The Timmins Chamber of Commerce is now on Facebook! Don’t forget to become a fan! Go to our website, www.timminschamber.on.ca, and click on the Facebook link to become a fan! 5)6/%&3 #": &--*05 -",& 5*..*/4 5030/50 4*069 -00,065 Professional, Safe & Reliable Air Charter Services

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Jump Start Congratulations international markets, creat - began commercial produc - ing and maintaining up to 17 tion at its Timmins mine. for kids to Millson jobs when the project is fully The mining rate at Timmins operational. Mine averaged 1,700 tonnes Congratulations to mem - To read the Ministry’s per day during December ber Dwayne Ouellet, of Forestry Service On Feb. 14, the Ministry of announcement, visit 2010 and approximately Canadian Tire, who is plan - news.ontario.ca/mndmf/en/2 1,600 tonnes per day for the ning a trek to Mount Everest Northern Development, Mines and Forestry 011/02/supporting-the-forest- fourth quarter, exceeding the GGOODOOD Base Camp! Dwayne is partic - industry-in-timmins.html. target rate for the Mine of ipating in this initiative in announced that Millson’s is a successful proponent in the 1,500 tonnes per day and association with Canadian supporting production levels Tire Jump Start, a communi - Provincial Wood Supply Lake Shore Gold Competitive Process, for above 10,000 ounces per ty-based program that helps month. NNEWSEWS kids in financial need. Visit which the ministry received officially To read Lake Shore’s press www.ctjumpstart.ca/ more than 115 applications. Millson Forestry Service in production release, visit dwayneouellet to show your cnrp.marketwire.com/cnrp_fil support for Dwayne. will manufacture fuel bri - Effective Jan. 1, 2011, Lake quettes for domestic and Shore Gold Corp. officially es/20110106-LSG106.PDF. TARGET ALL BUSINESSES IN TIMMINS by advertising here! Contact Steven Vachon to book your ad. [email protected] • 705-360-1900

Get to know your fe ll ow Cham ber mem bers at ou r Business Aft er 5 n etw orking eve nts

Se ptem ber 15 : Q92/EZ Rock Se ptem ber 29 : Th e Co-Operat ors Oct ob er 6: Porcupine Unite d Way Oct ob er 18 : Spa Grande Nat ure Novem ber 17 : Th und er Airli nes

Ja nuary 19: Timmins Family Hea lth Team Ja nuary 27: Timmins Learning Centre February 16 : On -Li ne Suppo rt (O LS) March 23 : Northern Coll ege April 20 : dB Hea ring Cli nic May 18 : Timm ins Fam ily YMCA Jun e 9: Ge orgian Res idence June 15 : Mem ber Apprec iat ion BB Q @ the Cham ber

a grea t way to build yo ur business netw ork while sh owcas ing yo ur loc ation, produ cts and servic es in a friendly and cas ual environment. To fi nd out about av ail able dates, contac t the Chamber by phone at 360 -1900, fax at 360- 1193 or e-mail at info @timm insc hamber.on.ca.