Fredericton Chamber of Commerce - Insight May/June 2015

CREATIVE DIRECTION AND DESIGN PRODUCED BYEMERGE DESIGNS

PUBLISHERSteve Boulter - Emerge Designs

PRINTERKKP Fredericton

PROJECT MANAGERWendy Morrell

ADVERTISING CONSULTANTWendy Morrell

PRESIDENTJoseph O’[email protected]

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERKrista [email protected]

POLICY & RESEARCH MANAGERMorgan Peters [email protected]

EVENT MANAGERStacey [email protected]

Director/Directrice, the Hive / la Ruche Business Immigrant Mentorship Program /Programme de mentorat pourentrepreneurs immigrants Intercultural Business Incubator /Incubateur d'entreprises intercultural Janet Moser [email protected]

OPERATIONS &COMMUNICATIONS MANAGERWendy [email protected]

MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT& MARKETING MANAGER Christine Little [email protected]

CONTRIBUTORSKrista RossStacey MurrayMorgan PetersJoseph O’DonnellMatt SymesChris SchnareAngela Chang

Insight is published by Emerge Designs.

All content, copyright © 2015, Fredericton Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved.

This publication may not be reproduced, all or in part without written consent from the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of all content in this publication, however, the publisher nor the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce will be held responsible for omissions or errors.

Please address all editorial and advertising inquiries to the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 275, 364 York Street, Suite 200, Fredericton, NB, E3B 4Y9, Canada. The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce is not held responsible for the loss, damage or any other injury to unsolicited material (including but not limited to manuscripts, artwork, photographs and advertisements). Unsolicited material must be included with self-addressed, overnight-delivery return envelope, postage prepaid.

The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce will not give, nor rent your name, mailing address, or other contact information to third parties.

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Fredericton Chamber of CommercePO Box 275, 364 York Street Suite 200, Fredericton, NB E3B 4Y9Tel: (506) 458-8006 Fax: (506) [email protected]

Twitter - @fton_chamberFacebook – facebook.com/frederictonchamber

President’s Message

CEO’s Message

Chamber WelcomesNew Members

2015-16 NB Budget Summary

Advocacy Update

Hijack Your Health

Youth Employment

Serving Up BusinessOpportunities at theCanada-Wide Science Fair

Performance Excellence - Are You Moving Fast Enough?

Member Pro�iles

Member Referral /Chamber Events

The Buzz

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285 Canada Street, 3rd Floor, Fredericton, NB, Canada E3A 4A3

Ph: 506.999.3332 Email: [email protected]

www.emergedesigns.ca

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Performance Excellence -Are You Moving Fast Enough?

InsightMay - June 2015

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Joseph O’Donnell, President

ur country truly provides an abundance of opportunities for businesses, both seasoned and fledgling, to succeed. Consider that one in ten Canadians own a business, and among the more than 1.1 million businesses in operation, over 830,000 are run by entrepreneurs. It is a testament to the collaborative dynamic of governments, business leaders, financial institutions, and sheer entrepreneurial drive that the country is home to such a thriving population of businesses.

As with years past, the Fredericton Chamber hosted the State of the Province event in January which offered valuable insights on what to expect from the provincial government in the year ahead. On April 1st, representatives of the Fredericton Chamber attended a post-budget breakfast with Minister Melanson to review the details of the provincial budget.

Representing over 950 businesses in Fredericton and surrounding areas, the chamber tirelessly and enthusiastically advocates on their behalf to ensure a healthy, sustainable local economy. However, the greatest benefit to a chamber membership is realized through a two-way relationship. In other words, a business gets out what it puts in. Perhaps now is the ideal time to evaluate your level of involvement and resolve to “put more in” to “get more out.” Here are some simple, but effective, ways to get more out of your membership in the upcoming year:

• Attend the monthly events, including Business After Hours, Business over Breakfast and Presentation Days. Recently we have been delighted to receive presentations from Siemens Canada and TransCanada Pipeline. Both of these projects have the opportunity to generate significant revenue and opportunity for our members.

• Join a committee. Members who volunteer for the chamber consistently say it adds value to their business and expands their network.

• Share your business announcements.

• Follow, and engage with, the Fredericton chamber on social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to help gain visibility for your business.

Whatever your business goals, or aspirations, the Fredericton chamber offers a fresh opportunity to realize your company’s potential.

Respectfully submitted

Joseph O’Donnell

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May - June 2015

Krista Ross, CEO

Insight

recently had the opportunity to participate in a program hosted by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce to experience an in-depth series of meetings, information sessions and tours from the Alberta government, energy companies, businesses supporting the supply chain and other stakeholders. Another nine chamber CEOs from across the country were also on the tour along with representatives of the national chamber. Many things impressed me about the tour and the information we learned including: (1) the volume of opportunities available to businesses across the country to support and be involved in the energy sector as it relates to the oil sands; and (2) the focus of the companies on the safety, the environment and the reclamation of properties.

The OpportunityThis tour to Northern Alberta showed me not only how important the oil sands and the energy sector generally are to our national economy, but also how we should be working towards having more of these opportunities here in New Brunswick. Obviously, our province already benefits from the economic impact of the Alberta oil sands, but developing our own resources would not only give us a bigger piece of the natural resource pie, but also give us the opportunity to keep our young people in the province and maybe even bring some home! Related, I am also one of the members of Ignite Fredericton’s Natural Resource Task Force. This is a group of stakeholders from the community working to advance the area’s natural resource priorities. We are also working to help our member businesses find the opportunities for their businesses relating to near term projects in the natural resource sector.

In the next few weeks you will also see the Fredericton chamber collaborate with the Canadian chamber on another project - Canada’s Resource Cities. The average person probably doesn’t see Fredericton as a hub of natural resource activity, but we hope that this project changes that perception! From engineering firms to construction companies to environmental protection and so much more, Fredericton contributes to natural resource development in many ways - and can play an even bigger role once some of the projects on the horizon are in full development!

The EnvironmentThe other major take-away from the tour was the universal focus on safety and environmental protection. Many people have a negative perception of the oil sands there is obviously an impact to be sure - there is some amount of risk for all development, but the question is how can we manage and mitigate these impacts. Each company, development site, work crew has safety and the environment top of mind at all times. The degree to which this focus is ingrained with every employee convinced me that the efforts being made to protect workers and the environment were legitimate and sincere (and not just for the tour).

Best of all? None of this is done because of altruism. Rather, we have gotten to the point where environmental protection is just a societal expectation and therefore an essential business practice. Altruism can came and go with particular individuals, but the public simply demands this behaviour from companies now and they have responded by making environmental management the starting point of their business plan. It is just second-nature to each and every company, which is then drilled into every employee.

Thank You!Since this is the last issue of the magazine before our annual general meeting in June, I wanted to say a big thank you to our 2014-15 board, our committee co-chairs and especially to our outgoing president, Joseph O’Donnell. Joseph has been an excellent steward of the Fredericton chamber, providing us with dedicated leadership, thoughtful insight and valuable mentorship to all of our staff, but especially me! I am also very much looking forward to working with our 2015-16 board of directors and incoming president, Stephen Hill of Matthews, McCrea, Elliott!

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Thatt Electrical Company Inc.31 Willowdale DriveWaasis, NB E3B 0V5Tel: (506) 292-7043Email: [email protected] Contact: Troy Hatt

Made By Elm City65 York StreetFredericton, NB E3B 3N2Tel: (506) 262-9735Email: [email protected]: www.madebyelmcity.caMain Contact: Sean Sullivan

My Canada Payday13632-108 AvenueSurrey, BC V3T 2K5Tel: (877) 730-8406Email: [email protected]: mycanadapayday.comMain Contact: Dale Evans

Wear Your Label Inc.469 King Street, Floor 2Fredericton, NB E3B 1E5Tel: (506) 440-4215Email: [email protected]: wearyourlabel.comMain Contact: Kyle MacNevin

My Backyard Living116 Mactaquac HeightsKeswick Ridge, NB E6L 1P2Tel: (506) 262-9273Email: [email protected]: www.mybackyardliving.caMain Contact: Shannon Clark

Nick Wilson Videography1278 Route 620 Estey’s Bridge, NB E3G 6K4Tel: (506) 470-9493Email: [email protected]: www.nickwilsonvids.comContact: Nick Wilson

Shahram Ghanbari30 Knowledge Park Drive, Suite 150Fredericton, NB E3C 2R2 Tel: (506) 478-8944Email: [email protected] Contact: Shahram Ghanbari

Liv9 Nutrition Inc.135 Otis Drive, Unit 117Nackawic, NB E6G 1H9Tel: (506) 471-2240Email: [email protected]: liv9.caMain Contact: Dan Pike

Condo-Link Services Incorporated1 Golf Greens Lane, Suite 211Fredericton, NB E3B 9T9Tel: (506) 455-9207Email: [email protected] Contact: Judy Orr

Products & Services:Condo-Link offers services and education for the condominium industry. -For potential buyers or mortgagees, we offer document reviews to help you make an informed decision on the purchase of a condominium.- For condo boards, we offer advice and services for the effective management of your condo operation.For professionals serving the condominium industry, we provide professional development sessions to bring you up-to-date on important cond-legislation. For complete details on services, information, and events - please check out our website at www.condo-link.ca

The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy(Fredericton Co-op)170 Doak RoadFredericton, NB E3B 5A6Tel: (506) 453-1324Email: [email protected]: themedicineshoppenb.caMain Contact: Mike Duffy

Roy Consultants364 York Street, Suite 201Fredericton, NB E3B 3P7Tel: (506) 471-9838Email: [email protected]: www.royconsultants.caMain Contact: Shawn Kane

Mallory Group Inc.305 University AvenueFredericton, NB E3B 4H9Tel: (506) 459-2964Email: [email protected]: mallorygroup.caMain Contact: Norah Mallory

Stephen MacGillivray Photography111 Hilltop DriveFredericton, NB E3A 2J3Tel: (506) 452-2829Email: [email protected]: atwphoto.comMain Contact: Stephen MacGillivray

Hello toourNewest


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New Members

Maritime Case Ltd.81 Timothy DriveFredericton, NB E3C 0E4Tel: (506) 455-2380Email: [email protected]: www.maritimecase.caMain Contact: Chase McGrath

Fresh Homes Construction41 Bayberry StreetFredericton, NB E3C 1L8Tel: (506) 471-6565Email: [email protected]: www.freshhomesconstruction.comMain Contact: Travis DeVries

FYA TV Inc.86 Prince William Street, Suite 300Saint John, NB E2L 2B3Tel: (506) 642-0872Email: [email protected]: www.fya.tvMain Contact: Owen Green

Pool Boy Inc.24 Gladstone StreetNew Maryland, NB E3C 1M3Tel: (506) 261-9152Email: [email protected]: www.poolboyinc.caMain Contact: Chris McBride

Scandimodern61 Carleton StreetFredericton, NB E3B 3T2Tel: (506) 455-7730Email: [email protected]: www.scandimodern.caMain Contact: Renee Losier

Lorikeet Entertainment Inc.438, 155 Lian StreetFredericton, NB E3C 0L9Tel: (506) 999-2696Email: [email protected]: lorikeet-entertainment.caMain Contact: Ashkan Radmand

Kings Landing FoundationPO Box 30032Fredericton, NB E3B 0H8Tel: (506) 459-4834Email: [email protected]: www.kingslandingfoundation.caMain Contact: Lynn Thornton

Dominion Lending Centres - Ryan Cain930 Prospect Street, Suite 201Fredericton, NB E3B 2T8Tel: (506) 440-2246Email: [email protected]: www.ryancainmortgages.caMain Contact: Ryan Cain

There are generally two ways to get a mortgage in Canada: From a bank or from a licensed mortgage professional. While a bank only offers the products from their particular institution, licensed mortgage professionals send millions of dollars in mortgage business each year to Canada's largest banks, credit unions, trust companies, and financial institutions; offering their clients more choice, and access to hundreds of mortgage products!

Klub Khrome Inc.375 King StreetFredericton, NB E3B 1E4Tel: (506) 206-5582Email: [email protected]: www.klubkhrome.comMain Contact: Chase McGrath

Innovatia Inc.1 Germain Street, Atrium SuitesSaint John, NB E2L 4V1Tel: (506) 640-4723Email: [email protected]: www.innovatia.netMain Contact: Dave Grebenc

Adorable Chocolat395 rue MainShediac, NB E4P 2B1Email: [email protected]: www.adorablechocolat.caMain Contact: Ginette Ahier

C-Level Executive Solutions1801 Hollis Street, Suite 800Halifax, NS B3J 3M8Tel: (902) 440-6560Email: [email protected]: c-levelexec.comMain Contact: Kristina Shannon

Seheult Project Solutions Inc.804 Route 616Keswick Ridge, NB E6L 1T3Tel: (506) 470-6333Email: [email protected] Contact: Peter Seheult

Wendy LittleFredericton, NBTel: (506) 262-0377Email: [email protected] Contact: Wendy Little


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MembersNew Members

2015-16NB BudgetSummary

Tby Morgan Peters

he Brian Gallant Liberal Government delivered its much-anticipated first budget on March 31, 2015. Overall, the cuts were probably not as deep and tax increases not as intense as some had predicted, but all New Brunswickers are impacted in some way. Ministers Melanson and Boudreau have also been laying the groundwork for a much “tougher” budget for 2016-17 throughout the pre-budget process and the Engage NB program review, which has continued in the immediate aftermath of releasing this year’s document.

FinancesAs expected, the provincial debt will grow in 2015-16. The government is estimating a $476 million deficit, which includes the controversial $150 million contingency fund (if the fund is not needed, the deficit is expected to be $326 million). This means we are spending more than $1.3 million per day more than we are taking in as revenue.

Taxes and CreditsIncome Tax: The government created two new tax brackets at the top of the income scale. Individuals earning between $150,000 and $250,000 will now being paying 21% in provincial tax, while those earning more than $250,000 are at 25.75% (both up from 17.84%). Minister Melanson expects the province to increase its revenue by $30 million with these increases.

Fuel Tax: On April 1, 2015 gasoline increased by 1.9 cents/litre and diesel by 2.3 cents/litre.

Property Tax: The previously announced increase to commercial property tax (reverting to 2012 rates) is also expected to bring in $30 million to the government.

Tuition Rebate Program: The government eliminated the province’s tuition rebate program, saving $25 million per year.

Youth Employment Fund: The Youth Employment Fund (YEF) will compliment the existing One-Job Pledge. Under the YEF, eligible individuals between the ages of 18 and 29 can be matched with an eligible employer with the program paying the full-time salary for up to six months.

Small Business Investor Tax Credit: The SBITC, as promised in the Liberal platform was increased from 30% to 50%, with the maximum credit also being increased from $75,000 per year to $125,000. Overall, the credit is underused and is a good option for accessing capital. Consult with a legal or accounting professional and contact the Department of Finance for more details and to apply.

Home Renovation Tax Credit: The government announced, but provided no other information on a new Seniors’ Home Renovation Tax Credit. The minister has stated that details will be available in ‘the coming weeks.’

Dividend Tax Credit: The tax credit on dividends will be reduced from 5.3% to 4.0% (matching the current small business tax rate) retroactive to January 1, 2015.

Post-Secondary EducationOne of our biggest concerns heading into the budget, as reflected in our pre-budget brief, was our post-secondary institutions, which are key drivers of innovation, entrepreneurship and employment in New Brunswick and especially in Fredericton. The government chose to both freeze their contributions to PSE, while also freezing their ability to raise tuition. Many of the province’s commercialized innovations and start-up companies are coming from our post-secondary institutions - this is a both a short-term and long-term hit to the economy.

A more in-depth look at the budget can be found on the chamber blog. Complete budget details, including main estimates can be found on the Department of Finance .

2015-16NB BudgetSummary


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NB Budget


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by Morgan Peters

Budget ConsultationsThe Fredericton Chamber of Commerce’s staff, board and committees have been busying engaging in pre-budget activities throughout the first part of 2015. With a delayed federal budget due to “market instability” and a provincial pre-budget process doubling as a strategic program review, it has been an interesting process.

Provincial Pre-Budget BriefThe chamber’s annual provincial pre-budget brief was submitted to Finance Minister Roger Melanson in December 2014. On February 6, 2015 members of the executive and staff met with the minister and his staff to discuss the document in more detail. Minister Melanson was very engaged in the conversation and was familiar with the content. Much of the conversation revolved around the Engage NB strategic program review, as the government is combining the traditional pre-budget consultations with the program review. He made it clear that all New Brunswickers can expect some ‘pain’ in their first budget, but even more so in their second when the decisions and recommendations from the program review will be implemented. The minister also confirmed that this brief would be considered as part of the Engage NB process.

Engage NB - Strategic Program ReviewWith input from our membership through a brief survey, our Provincial Government Affairs Committee, as well as our board of directors, we were an active participant through the province’s strategic program review. In addition to the pre-budget meeting with the Minister Melanson on February 6, 2015, members of the chamber also attended the Fredericton program review stakeholder session on February 17, 2015 with Minister Victor Boudreau, who is tasked with leading the review.

Perhaps most significantly, we jointly submitted a document to Minister Boudreau in February with the Moncton and Saint John chambers. As our previous pre-budget submission is also being considered as part of the review, this document was an opportunity for us to tackle a number of other issues as well as a great chance to work collaboratively with the other two chambers on areas of common concern. The significance of the review to New Brunswick’s future also made speaking with a collective voice all the more important.

Federal Pre-Budget ConsultationMembers of the chamber staff met with Minister of State (ACOA) Rob Moore on January 21, 2015 as part of the federal government’s pre-budget consultations. Several other stakeholders were in attendance, including the mayors of Fredericton, Oromocto and New Maryland. We were supported by materials and policy positions from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and focused on items that were most relevant to our region. The national chamber’s full pre-budget documents can be found on their website at www.chamber.ca.

Roundtable with Matt DeCourcey and Scott BrisonOn March 19, 2015 we hosted a roundtable discussion with federal Liberal Party candidate for Fredericton, Matt DeCourcey, who was joined by Liberal Party Finance Critic, Scott Brison (MP, Kings Hants, NS). Mr Brison provided a brief overview of the broad points of the Liberal fiscal plan, which is focused on (1) rebuilding infrastructure; (2) Investing in people; (3) Investing in innovation; and (4) relationships - i.e. with the US President and Canadian Premiers. The roundtable discussion portion focused on fleshing out those four points as well as the participants expressing what government policies could help the business community in our region.

We have also reached out to Keith Ashfield, the Conservative Party of Canada candidate who has also agreed to participate in a similar roundtable in the coming months.

Advocacy

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HIJACK YOUR HEALTHChris Schnare, BScKin, Exercise PhysiologistFounder/Director Synergy Training Center Inc.


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SYNERGY

n today’s busy world, time can feel as though it moves at an accelerated pace. To-do lists get longer, distractions get larger, children’s schedules resemble that of a professional athlete, and a number of other tasks seem to consistently pop up throughout the day. Add these up, and it is easy to see that what was once time set aside for our health and wellness becomes much harder to come by.

Over the past seven years as an exercise physiologist and coach, I can say with confidence that most people reading this article, have at some point had to experience what I like to call professional competing demands. These demands can be temporary or constant, yet they exist and make up a large amount of what may have once been our free time, and in turn can lead us down a road the road to poor health.

So, there must be ways to combat this, right? Well, you are in luck. There are several health and fitness strategies, which I have been recommending to clients for years, and in a world bombarded with information overload, these simple strategies will give a clearer understanding of how to manage this issue, which is becoming increasingly common.

Give these a try, learn to implement them into your own life, and you will quickly see that optimal health and physical fitness is within anyone’s reach, you simply need the right strategies to help you get there!

Health & Fitness Hack #1: Treat the body as a system, and allow that system to work as a whole.

Think for a second about the thermostat in a heating or cooling system. When the room reaches a pre-set temperature, the thermostat triggers the full system to turn on in response to the stimulus provided (in this case, a change or shift in temperature above or below what the system is set for).

The human body is a lot like the example above. It has a threshold that needs to be reached in order to have a positive response. For someone struggling to find time to be more active or increase their physical activity level, it becomes even more important to find activities which will stimulate as many body systems as possible, in order to achieve greater results in less time.

A quick example would be using full-body resistance-training circuits for your muscular system, resting as little as possible in order to challenge your cardiovascular system, and using heavier loads each week to challenge your nervous system. All of which can, and should be done simultaneously. This is a simple example, which shows how to organize the time you do have in order to produce a greater effect.

To sum it up, move more of your body, move faster and make sure to increase the challenge or demand regularly. You will be happily surprised at just how effective this can be!

Health & Fitness Hack #2: During the day, move and move often.

Several years back, while attending a seminar, I heard a well-respected human movement coach state that movement is lubrication, and I could not agree more! If you sit all day, find yourself in the same position for extended periods, or experience consistent aches and pains, there is a surprising connection between frequent movement and pain reduction.

Small efforts to stand more often, reaching overhead after a period of sitting at a desk or driving in a car and performing short periods of stretching daily, can play a huge role in decreasing chronic aches and pains that many people experience on a daily basis. However you choose to do it, move and move often, your body will thank you!

HIJACK YOUR HEALTH

www.synergytc.ca


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Health & Fitness Hack #3: Take advantage of “insurance policies” for your health.

This one may at first seem odd, but stick with me here. When I mention insurance policies to my clients, it is merely a term that many health professionals use to explain the role that some basic and well-proven nutritional supplements can have to ensure you are covering your bases. Many scientific studies have shown that nutritional deficiencies can in fact be a major cause in the development of many adverse health conditions, diseases and other acute or chronic side effects that a diet lacking in necessary nutrients may have.

By including a few foundational health supplements into your daily routine, you provide a time efficient way of avoiding these nutritional deficiencies and allow yourself a sort of “health insurance policy”.

Some of the most widely accepted foundational supplements, which have stood the test of time among health professionals, include: omega 3’s, multivitamins, probiotics, and vitamin D. When used as recommended, these supplements will help address many potential deficiencies, in a safe and easy to implement way.

Health & Fitness Hack #4: Like many other things in life, outsource to make life easier.

Perhaps I am biased in this strategy, but without question one of the best things you can do to increase your productivity and results in the world of health, and physical fitness, is to hire a trusted and experienced professional to help you. We seek the help of professionals when it comes to our dental work, investments, vehicle maintenance and many other topics, so when it comes to how we manage our bodies it should be no different.

Outsource and seek out someone you can trust, who has the appropriate educational background, and who understands your own personal life demands. Together work to find a balanced approach, which allows you to receive the benefits of improved healthy lifestyle habits, while not taking away from your already busy life.

Balance is key, and going from one extreme to the other is never a good idea, and is often short lived. Be ready to adjust, allow room for chaos, and develop sustainable habits and routines.

The best approach or program is the one that you can stick to, so find your groove and stay within it!

Yours in health and performance,

Chris Schnare

Eby Morgan Peters

Youth Employment


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arlier this year, the New Brunswick government announced details of its promised Youth Employment Fund. The goal of the fund is to provide New Brunswickers between the ages of 18 and 29 (inclusive) with work experience to jump-start their careers in the province, increasing the chances they remain here for the long-term. From an employer’s perspective, the program can reduce the risk in hiring a young worker with little experience. Here are some of the notable criteria to use the program:

Individual Participants:Aged 18 to 29 years, a resident of New Brunswick and unemployed, underemployed or working fewer than 15 hours per week (and not be a full-time student);Have an employment action plan and be referred to the program by an employment counsellor or case manager;Not be an immediate family member of the employer or be an officer or director of the organization (or a member of their immediate family).

Employers:Must be located in New Brunswick;Priority is for private-sector organizations, but other sectors will be approved, based on the employee’s needs (such as non-profit, First Nations, government entities);Priority will be given to employees that express an intent to retain the employee after the placement period.

Placements:Must be for 30 hours per week for 26 consecutive weeks (up to 8 of the 26 weeks may be for training);Placement cannot displace a current employee;The position must meet the individual’s occupational goal as per their action plan.

For complete details, including contact information, visit the Department of Post-Secondary Educaiton, Training and Labour’s website here: http://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/post-secondary_education_training_and_labour/services/services_renderer.201375.Youth_Employment_Fund.html

Other Wage Subsidy Programs in New BrunswickOne-Job Pledge (GNB): This program is targeted towards hiring workers who have graduated from a post-secondary institution in the previous four years. The percentage of wage reimbursement for a recent post-secondary graduate is 70 percent of the wage up to $10 per hour, for a maximum of 40 hours per week. The duration of a subsidy for a recent post-secondary graduate is 52 weeks. The employee must be paid at least $14 per hour. More details can be found here: http://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/post-secondary_education_training_and_labour/services/services_renderer.201311.One_Job_Pledge_Initiative_.html

Workforce Expansion – Employer Wage Incentive (GNB): The Employer Wage Incentive program is a temporary wage reimbursement initiative meant to help establish permanent employment or annually recurring seasonal jobs. The rate and duration of wage incentive that are available depend on the type of employment that is created and individual employed, falling under three categories: permanent employment, annually recurring seasonal jobs and recent post-secondary graduates. More details can be found here: http://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/services/services_renderer.6935.Employer_Wage_Incentive_-_Workforce_Expansion_.html Working Together Program (Neil Squire Society): The Neil Squire Society (www.neilsquire.ca) is a not-for-profit organization that assists persons with physical disabilities acquire meaningful jobs through the use of computer-based assistive technologies, research and development, and various employment programs. Their Working Together Program connects job seekers with disabilities to employers by providing a wage subsidy for a minimum of six months to a maximum of one year.

Participant employers are required to “provide an individual with a disability a part-time or full-time employment opportunity with the likelihood of long-term employment and to maintain contact with the Neil Squire Society staff and provide feedback to assist in the individual’s professional development.” More details on the Working Together program can be found here: http://www.neilsquire.ca/individual-programs-services/workingtogether/

New Brunswick’sNew Youth Employment Fund

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May - June 2015

by Angela Chang

Insight13

Science Fair

here’s an early start to the tourism season this year, as the Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF) arrives in town, May 11-16. Five hundred students (grades 7-12) with the best science fair projects in the country will be in Fredericton, competing for close to $1-million in awards, prizes and scholarships. Parents, judges, teachers, students and interested visitors will be coming to Fredericton from across New Brunswick and Canada to view the projects and participate in various science activities, injecting an estimated $2.5-million dollars into the local economy.

The City of Fredericton has declared May 11-16 Science Week, and organizers are hoping the entire city will get into the science spirit. While the competition itself will be taking place on the UNB campus, there are lots of opportunities for local businesses to benefit from the added traffic CWSF 2015 will bring to the area.

“We want businesses to embrace the Canada-Wide Science Fair the way they embrace Harvest,” says CWSF 2015 co-chair Michelle McNeil. “We want to see science-themed storefront windows, Science Week themed products and services - maybe even discounts for CWSF participants.”

Relish Gourmet Burger is already on board - it will be serving a special Science Week-themed burger called The Big Bang.

“We look at it as an opportunity to drive business to our locations,” says owner Rivers Corbett. “With any event like this, you need to give some thought on how to build business from it. It’s about supporting community initiatives that are driving activity and bringing people to the area.”

Corbett says it’s also about celebrating the culture of innovation in New Brunswick.

“If we’re not encouraging and celebrating the innovative process, then we can’t push and move Canada and New Brunswick along,” he says. “I’ve come to discover the power of science when it’s partnered with entrepreneurship. When you bring those two powers together, great things can happen – right here in Fredericton.”

Local innovation will also be celebrated at CWSF through a unique event called Science at Work. New Brunswick businesses, organizations and researchers will be setting up hands-on, interactive displays of the science and technology they use in their jobs. The event will allow students, CWSF finalists and the public to use equipment, chat with professionals, and learn more about how New Brunswick is using science, technology, engineering and math to innovate and solve problems.

A successful CWSF could have a long term impact for local businesses - Fredericton has been shortlisted as a possible host for CWSF on a three year rotation. If successful, there could be a regular injection of science culture - and all its economic benefits - into the capital region.

“Conveniently, the decision on which cities will get to be the permanent hosts is happening after our event in May!” laughs McNeil. “One of our strongest selling points is Fredericton’s welcoming atmosphere and enthusiasm for events like CWSF, that they really own the city while they’re here. This is really a chance to show what Fredericton is capable of, as a community.”

For more information on how your business can get involved, email [email protected]

May - June 2015

Insight 14

As your community economic development organization, Ignite Fredericton can provide the rocket fuel to help you grow your business!

Our specialists offer free, confidential advice and resources on topics such as:

Marketing

506.444.4686 | [email protected] | www.ignitefredericton.com City of Fredericton Marketing Partnership

nning

IGNITE CHAMBER AD.indd 1 15-03-27 9:41 AM

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May - June 2015

by Matt Symes

Engage NB - Strategic Program ReviewWith input from our membership through a brief survey, our Provincial Government Affairs Committee, as well as our board of directors, we were an active participant through the province’s strategic program review. In addition to the pre-budget meeting with the Minister Melanson on February 6, 2015, members of the chamber also attended the Fredericton program review stakeholder session on February 17, 2015 with Minister Victor Boudreau, who is tasked with leading the review.

Perhaps most significantly, we jointly submitted a document to Minister Boudreau in February with the Moncton and Saint John chambers. As our previous pre-budget submission is also being considered as part of the review, this document was an opportunity for us to tackle a number of other issues as well as a great chance to work collaboratively with the other two chambers on areas of common concern. The significance of the review to New Brunswick’s future also made speaking with a collective voice all the more important.

Federal Pre-Budget ConsultationMembers of the chamber staff met with Minister of State (ACOA) Rob Moore on January 21, 2015 as part of the federal government’s pre-budget consultations. Several other stakeholders were in attendance, including the mayors of Fredericton, Oromocto and New Maryland. We were supported by materials and policy positions from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and focused on items that were most relevant to our region. The national chamber’s full pre-budget documents can be found on their website at www.chamber.ca.

Roundtable with Matt DeCourcey and Scott BrisonOn March 19, 2015 we hosted a roundtable discussion with federal Liberal Party candidate for Fredericton, Matt DeCourcey, who was joined by Liberal Party Finance Critic, Scott Brison (MP, Kings Hants, NS). Mr Brison provided a brief overview of the broad points of the Liberal fiscal plan, which is focused on (1) rebuilding infrastructure; (2) Investing in people; (3) Investing in innovation; and (4) relationships - i.e. with the US President and Canadian Premiers. The roundtable discussion portion focused on fleshing out those four points as well as the participants expressing what government policies could help the business community in our region.

We have also reached out to Keith Ashfield, the Conservative Party of Canada candidate who has also agreed to participate in a similar roundtable in the coming months.

ew Brunswick faces a real crisis. As the peak of the Baby Boom nears retirement age, New Brunswick is forced to contend with succession planning for businesses that are reliant on owners (not systems), a population characterized by more deaths than births for the first time since these figures were kept, and low productivity in the private sector compared to the rest of Canada and the world at large. If you’ve read Richard Saillant’s “Over the Cliff: Acting Now to Avoid New Brunswick’s Bankruptcy” you’re aware of the bleak future this province faces if the status quo remains.

Private industry in this province needs to make a concerted effort to create more value. Organizations of all sizes need to improve, innovate, and grow by investing in their own performance. Ten businesses with the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce have taken their first steps on this journey with Symplicity Designs and their Performance Excellence workshop. Symplicity Designs’ five-day program (and two site visits) is designed to introduce organizational leadership to the principles, methods, and tools of Performance Excellence, an improvement philosophy for aligning the three parts of an organization – purpose, process, and people – by executing both IN (delivering everyday value to customers) and ON (improving form, fit, or function of how that everyday value is delivered to customers) the organization with a mind for continuous improvement.

Occupational Concepts, an occupational therapy firm owned by Nicola MacNaughton, is using the workshop as “wave 2” of their leadership development. Their customer-centric purpose is to help their clients “get back to living.” Nicola rolled out Performance Excellence 14 months ago. The Transformation has been substantial.

In 12 months, Occupational Concepts has completed six improvement projects that are all delivering value. Nicola and her team have changed the business’ culture. In one project, the field team increased the value-add hours they spent with the clients from 52% to 82%. “We knew the gap in value-add hours existed, we just couldn’t figure out a way to resolve the problem,” recalls Nicola. Symplicity believes in improving organizations through their processes. As the team at OC and Symplicity mapped the flow, it became clear that the bottleneck lay in report writing, scheduling, and looking for supplies etc… All areas that were not critical to the visit with the patient but absolutely vital to getting clients “back to living” faster. This one project allowed Occupational Concepts to increase the number of patients they can treat on an annual basis by 80%.

Today, our focus is to grow the seeds of excellence that have already been planted in Occupational Concepts’ Moncton office. A current project involves leveraging these gains at the firm’s satellite location in Bathurst. In doing so, Occupational Concepts is creating a Hub-and-Spoke healthcare model. It is this type of health care system – where the most expensive equipment and expertise is concentrated in hubs instead of duplicating these services in every municipality – which New Brunswick needs to cultivate if it is to avoid the fiscal cliff that Saillant warns us about. Occupational Concepts is well on its way to play its role in creating a better New Brunswick.

Nicola is just one of many business leaders who have worked with Symplicity Designs to improve, innovate, and grow their organizations. Occupational Concepts has moved from a struggling to survive to a business poised for profitable and sustainable growth in the health care sector. Understanding where to improve and how to get at the true constraints and barriers to your own growth is at the core of Performance Excellence. The problems are rarely where you think they are. Symplicity Designs is excited to work with other Fredericton Chamber of Commerce members ontheir own Performance Excellencejourneys.

PERFORMANCEEXCELLENCE -ARE YOU MOVINGFAST ENOUGH?

Insight15

Performance Excellence

Shahram Ghanbari

Gallery 78

I was born in January 1962. I’ve got my BS in physics from Tehran University, Iran. After some time I became interested in teaching English language. I entered the business of language training in 1988. I started studying linguistics, teaching methodology, testing, and syllabus design. I started my

own first language school called Sayee in 1993. In 1999, I was introduced to Mr. Christian Auge, TOTAL’s training manager in Iran, through a friend. This introduction changed my professional life and I got into the business of oil and gas training. Because of my experience in the language training, at first we started with language training and later we got into the specific oil and gas industry training in different disciplines. Later I decided to get into recruitment as well; therefore, I and my partners in the company decided to reorganize so that we can provide the multinational companies with the workforce they needed for their projects. In 2010, the sanctions were put in place and the multinational companies started to go out of Iran and that kind of business started to decline.

That was the time I decided to stop that business and dissolved the company. In 2007, I started another language school called Tehran Oxford with two branches in Tehran. Although I stopped the work in oil and gas field, the language schools are still going on.

Later I came to the idea that I should make another identity for myself so that I can work anywhere in the world without any restrictions. Therefore, I decided to immigrate and I chose Canada and New Brunswick as my destination.I have also studied a lot of courses on management, sales leadership, creativity, and personal success with some of the top trainers of the world. I’ve got four certificates from Brian Tracy International and I am a Brian Tracy Certified Sales Trainer. I received customer Delight Award in Middle East and North Africa from International Sales and Marketing Management (ISMM), a UK based organization, on the field of language training. I am a member of ISMM as well. In 2014 I attended a workshop with Jack Canfield and became a Jack Canfield personal success trainer.

I am married and I have two children. One of my passions has always been public speaking. So I joined the Midday Toastmasters Club to develop my speaking skills. My interests are psychology, philosophy, mysticism, and cosmology. I am also interested in playing table tennis.

Inge and James Pataki opened Gallery 78 in 1976 to create a showcase for emerging and established artists, focusing primarily on Atlantic Canada, with emphasis on fine art from New Brunswick. Clients have trusted the gallery ever since to help build their art collections, beautify their spaces and find the perfect, original gift. Exhibitions change monthly with paintings, sculpture, original multiples, photography, fine craft and jewellery offered in a broad range of styles.

A second generation Fredericton business, Germaine Pataki-Thériault, with colleague Kim Bent, as well as family volunteers welcome you. They believe a gallery should be an enjoyable, comfortable place to visit, offering hospitality, great art and a fresh perspective.

Art is an inspiring, essential component of a home and work environment. For businesses, it enhances creativity and morale and reflects your company’s personality. Gallery 78 invites you to enjoy the multitude of benefits of living with art. As such, payment plans are offered for art purchases, as well as art leasing and art rental.

Gallery 78 also offers appraisals of fine art and rental space for corporate events, weddings, private parties and is a sensitive environment for memorials.

Drop in for a visit and an uplifting experience in the 19th century Queen Anne Revival manor we call home just steps away from the walking trail and the St. John River.

Open Tuesday – Friday 10 am – 5 pm,Saturday 10 am – 3 pm, Sunday 1 – 4 pm and by appointment. Or visit virtually at www.gallery78.com


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Member Pro�ile

May - June 2015

May 5, 2015HR Forum – The Top 10 Human ResourceRelated Risks You Need to Know AboutHeld at the Wu Conference Centre

May 7, 2015Business After HoursHosted by the Blue Door

May 8, 2015Performance Excellence – SymplicitySeminars

May 20, 2015Lunch & Learn – TwitterHeld at Kingswood Lodge

June 17, 2015Lunch & Learn –Business ManagementHeld at Kingswood Lodge

June 18, 2015Presentation Day –Enbridge Gas New BrunswickHeld at the FrederictonConvention Centre

June 23, 2015Business Over BreakfastHosted by Dynamic DentalHygiene Clinic

June 25, 2015Annual General MeetingHeld at the Delta Fredericton

May 22, 2015Presentation Day –Real Food ConnectionsHeld at the FrederictonConvention Centre

May 25, 2015Smart Skills For A Smarter CanadaHeld at the Fredericton Inn

May 26, 2015Business Over BreakfastHosted by Xpert Office Products Inc.

June 4, 2015Think Big, Act Small:How to Grow a Sticky BrandHosted by Wheels & Deals

June 4, 2015Summer Biz BashHosted by Wheels & Deals

June 11, 2015The Strategic Business OwnerHeld at Kingswood Lodge

Refer a business, if they sign up, you'll receive a $50 gift card from a chamber restaurant.

Insight17

Member Referral

- Troy Hatt, Thatt Electrical Company Inc. referred Chris McBride, Poolboy Inc.- Mike Erb, Photo 506 referred Sean Sullivan, Made by Elm City- Jeremy Deering, inTouch Printing referred Troy Hatt, Thatt Electrical Company Inc.- Judy Wood, J L Wood & Associates Inc. referred Judy Orr, Condo-Link Services Inc.- Dan Pike, Liv9 referred Mike Duffy, The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy (Fredericton Coop)- Joseph O'Donnell, National Bank Financial referred Peter Seheult, Seheult Project Solutions Inc.- Mark MacKenzie, Green Imaging Technologies Inc. referred Ryan Cain, Dominion Lending Centres- Troy Hatt, Thatt Electrical Company Inc. referred Travis DeVries, Fresh Homes Construction

For more information about our eventsvisit www.frederictonchamber.ca

Health & Fitness Hack #3: Take advantage of “insurance policies” for your health.

This one may at first seem odd, but stick with me here. When I mention insurance policies to my clients, it is merely a term that many health professionals use to explain the role that some basic and well-proven nutritional supplements can have to ensure you are covering your bases. Many scientific studies have shown that nutritional deficiencies can in fact be a major cause in the development of many adverse health conditions, diseases and other acute or chronic side effects that a diet lacking in necessary nutrients may have.

By including a few foundational health supplements into your daily routine, you provide a time efficient way of avoiding these nutritional deficiencies and allow yourself a sort of “health insurance policy”.

Some of the most widely accepted foundational supplements, which have stood the test of time among health professionals, include: omega 3’s, multivitamins, probiotics, and vitamin D. When used as recommended, these supplements will help address many potential deficiencies, in a safe and easy to implement way.

Health & Fitness Hack #4: Like many other things in life, outsource to make life easier.

Perhaps I am biased in this strategy, but without question one of the best things you can do to increase your productivity and results in the world of health, and physical fitness, is to hire a trusted and experienced professional to help you. We seek the help of professionals when it comes to our dental work, investments, vehicle maintenance and many other topics, so when it comes to how we manage our bodies it should be no different.

Outsource and seek out someone you can trust, who has the appropriate educational background, and who understands your own personal life demands. Together work to find a balanced approach, which allows you to receive the benefits of improved healthy lifestyle habits, while not taking away from your already busy life.


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The Buzz

by Stacey Murray, Event ManagerThe Chamber and some of our members have takenadvantage of some wonderful events so far this year!

On Thursday, March 12, 2015Massive Graphics hosted our monthly Business After Hours event. Those who attended this event learned that Massive Graphics has become a recognized leader in Large Format Digital Printing. Thank you to Aggie’s Catering for being the catering sponsor of this event.

On Wednesday, March 18, 2015Shawn Quinlan, Director of HR/Administration and Assistant General Manager at Skillsoft presented at our Lunch & Learn on Building Strong Teams. This was a very interesting presentation with lots of ideas on how to make your team stronger.

On Tuesday, March 24, 2015Science East hosted our monthly Business Over Breakfast event; those who attended had a great time exploring the facility. On May 11-16 the Canada-Wide Science Fair will be in Fredericton, for more details contact Science East.

On Monday, March 23, 2015the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce and the Fredericton Rotary Club co-hosted a luncheon with guest speaker Ferio Pugliese, President of WestJet Encore. Mr. Pugliese talked about the “WestJet Encore Effect”. WestJet Encore is a regional airline that is not afraid to mix it up with the competition. Within two years of the launch of WestJet Encore on June 24, 2013, the regional airline has grown from two aircraft serving five cities in Western Canada to 18 aircraft soon serving 31 destinations across Canada. In the twelve months after the launch of WestJet Encore in to new markets, traffic rose as high as 55 per cent while fares decreased as much as 40 per cent, introducing the “WestJet Encore Effect” into communities across the country. Mr. Pugliese talked about why he and the folks at WestJet Encore are working hard to bring lower fares and better choices to regional travel, and how the five secrets of the WestJet Encore culture and people-centric approach is putting them miles above the competition.

On Tuesday, March 17, 2015the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce hosted a Presentation Day with presenter, Kevin Maloney, Manager of New Build Pipelines in Ontario and New Brunswick for TransCanada. Kevin spoke about how current conditions are affecting the pipeline's progress and how chamber members can get work from the pipeline's construction.

On Monday, March 16, 2015the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce celebrated the 39th Anniversary of the Distinguished Citizen Awards, hosted at Crowne Plaza Fredericton Lord Beaverbrook Hotel by honouring three Distinguished Citizens, Mr. Peter Pacey,Mr. Kevin Pottle, and Mr. Mike Ross.

Congratulations to the three recipients!

Thank you to the event sponsors: Crowne Plaza Fredericton – Lord Beaverbrook Hotel, Fidelity Investments, Newcap Radio, Freeman Audio Visual, St. Thomas University, 6 Colour Copy & Printing, Ginger Design, Rob Blanchard Photography and Perfect Parties by Nancy.

Other Wage Subsidy Programs in New BrunswickOne-Job Pledge (GNB): This program is targeted towards hiring workers who have graduated from a post-secondary institution in the previous four years. The percentage of wage reimbursement for a recent post-secondary graduate is 70 percent of the wage up to $10 per hour, for a maximum of 40 hours per week. The duration of a subsidy for a recent post-secondary graduate is 52 weeks. The employee must be paid at least $14 per hour. More details can be found here: http://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/post-secondary_education_training_and_labour/services/services_renderer.201311.One_Job_Pledge_Initiative_.html

Workforce Expansion – Employer Wage Incentive (GNB): The Employer Wage Incentive program is a temporary wage reimbursement initiative meant to help establish permanent employment or annually recurring seasonal jobs. The rate and duration of wage incentive that are available depend on the type of employment that is created and individual employed, falling under three categories: permanent employment, annually recurring seasonal jobs and recent post-secondary graduates. More details can be found here: http://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/services/services_renderer.6935.Employer_Wage_Incentive_-_Workforce_Expansion_.html Working Together Program (Neil Squire Society): The Neil Squire Society (www.neilsquire.ca) is a not-for-profit organization that assists persons with physical disabilities acquire meaningful jobs through the use of computer-based assistive technologies, research and development, and various employment programs. Their Working Together Program connects job seekers with disabilities to employers by providing a wage subsidy for a minimum of six months to a maximum of one year.

Participant employers are required to “provide an individual with a disability a part-time or full-time employment opportunity with the likelihood of long-term employment and to maintain contact with the Neil Squire Society staff and provide feedback to assist in the individual’s professional development.” More details on the Working Together program can be found here: http://www.neilsquire.ca/individual-programs-services/workingtogether/


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The Buzz

On Thursday, April 16, 2015the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce and the Fredericton North Rotary Club co-hosted a luncheon with guest speaker Stephen Lund, CEO of Opportunities New Brunswick. Mr. Lund provided an overview of New Brunswick’s new economic development agency, Opportunities New Brunswick, its services, direction and his views on what is needed to drive our economy forward.

On, Thursday, April 16, 2015The Chamber Saint John Region, the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Moncton Chamber of Commerce hosted the Tri-City Chamber Business Expo. Thank you to all those who exhibited and attended!

On Tuesday, April 21, 2015Cinnamon Café hosted our monthly Business Over Breakfast event; those who attended learned about this unique café in the heart of Downtown Fredericton. The next time you have a coffee meeting, consider having it a Cinnamon Café.

On April 30, 2015in partnership with LearnSphere Canada the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce hosted a sold out session on Coaching & Mentoring - How to provide impactful feedback. Thank you toPierre Battah for putting on such a great session.

On Thursday, April 9, 2015FreddyLink hosted our monthly Business After Hours event. FreddyLink is doing very meaningful work by linking caring individuals in the community of Fredericton with children and families in need in villages in the COBOCOL and UDICC Area Development Programs in the central plateau region of Haiti through World Vision. Edwina’s Catering was our catering sponsor for this event and at request of FreddyLink’s created a Caribbean themed menu especially for this event. It was delicious!

On Friday, March 27, 2015the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce hosted their third Curling Funspiel at the Capital Winter Club! This was a sold out event, and those who attended had a fun filled day of curling and networking! Congratulations to the funspiel winners:

1st Place – Colour Pro Print and Design

2nd Place – Valley Graphics Ltd.

3rd Place – Scotiabank

Thank you to the Capital Winter Club, our curlers, our prize donors and our sponsors: Enbridge Gas New Brunswick, National Bank Financial, Valley Graphics Ltd., Delta Fredericton, Perfect Parties by Nancy, Allan Marshall & Associates Inc., OMISTA Credit Union, Tim Hortons, East Side Mario’s, Thatt Electrical Company Inc., Regent Mall, Boyer & Associates Ltd., Will Venator – Wheels & Deals and Wilson Insurance.

NUMBERS NOT ADDING UP?

OURS DO…SEE WHY WE’RE CANADA’S #1 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN FOR SMALL BUSINESS.Call Blair or Robyn Corey 458.0102 or Ryan Boyer 452.1891 to tailor a plan suited to your needs. See what the Chamber Plan can do for you! chamberplan.ca

Fredericton Chamber of Commerce - Insight May/June 2015

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Transcript of Fredericton Chamber of Commerce - Insight May/June 2015