Aurora Chamber Updates from Judy Marshall, CEO - December 2014

NETWORKING – THE KEY TO BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS

Many of our members tell us that networking is a big part of their marketing plan. That’s a good thing as the Aurora Chamber of Commerce provides many opportunities to do just that! Networking has to be more than the shake of a hand and your name and information about your business. It’s a continuous stream, once the first contact is made.

A recent article on networking published in the Small Business Section of the Toronto Star begins by saying: “If the thought of working a room makes you work up a sweat, you’re far from alone.” I know that when I attend an event, where I don’t know anyone and want to make an impression, it takes me a few minutes to enter the room and tell myself I can do this. I do it because it is my job to constantly be “on,” make a good impression and speak to people about the value of the Chamber. I find it easier to walk into a room where I know someone, perhaps, a Chamber event, but it is never easy.

I am like 20 percent of people who are born with a natural tendency to be shy, according to research published in the journal Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience. For those who know me, you are likely thinking, “She isn't shy!” because I show an aura of confidence. I fool others, but not myself.

In the article the author refers to Donna Messer, a networking guru who says, “love it or hate it, making those key relationships is crucial to starting and sustaining a small business.” I agree.

Let’s talk about technique.

One of the skills I struggle with the most is effective listening. Usually I am nervous, so rather than listening, I get the first part of the conversation and start thinking about how I am going to respond. Wrong!!!

Here are some tips I learned about listening from my college days – many years ago – that I have to constantly remind myself to do:

• Pay Attention
• Concentrate on what is being said, rather than what you will say when it is your turn.
• Ignore what is going on around you; look at the speaker directly.
• Give the speaker your undivided attention, and acknowledge the message.
• Show That You're Listening
• Use your own body language and gestures to convey your attention.
• Nod occasionally.
• Smile and use other facial expressions.
• Note your posture and make sure it is open and inviting.
• Provide Feedback
• As a listener, your role is to understand what is being said. This may require you to reflect what is being said and ask questions.
• Ask questions to clarify certain points. "What do you mean when you say?" "Is this what you mean?"
• Summarize the speaker's comments periodically. 

Networking isn't about collecting cards; it’s about exchanging information with people who really need what you have to offer. It’s about connecting with people and following up with the key people you met. Remember, it is better to have a diverse network than a large one.

Use your business card as a connecting piece. Stay organized when you are distributing them. Use one pocket for collecting them and one pocket for distributing. You shake with your right hand so once you receive the cards put them in your right pocket and put your cards in your left pocket. I always try to add a note to as many cards as possible immediately after the event to remind me who the person was or what we spoke about. This will remind me what to say in an email or personal note when I follow up. This is so important when developing a relationship! It will take time for people to build confidence in you and you need to invest in building relationships.

Final advice – be yourself, smile and work on a solid handshake!

Networking is hard work but . . . we have to do it and practice doesn't always mean the next event will be easier, but the skills will develop the more you participate.

WELCOMING NEW PEOPLE

There are some members who join the Chamber and immediately get involved. Then there are others who may feel unsure about what to do and feel uncomfortable walking into an event where there are only strangers. Helping new members feel welcome is everyone’s job – staff, board and other members.

Making a new member feel welcome is the first step in retaining them. Their first year is the best opportunity we have to lay the foundation for long-term loyalty. It is also the year that many members are likely to leave because they don’t feel welcomed and therefore have the perception that their membership is of little value. We hear often that people don’t continue with their membership because: they don’t feel welcome; there are too many cliques and they felt uncomfortable approaching the groups. There are some that say they came to an event, stood by themselves and went unnoticed.  

This is no one’s fault. It is absolutely natural that we want to surround ourselves with friends or people who are in the same line of work. However, inviting someone to join you is like an adventure. You get an opportunity to meet someone new and learn something new. Once they connect with others or get involved, they feel like they have joined a community.

We like Chamber members! We like to watch them grow and prosper and lean on each other when times are tough. We want to build an organization where everyone feels welcome. Sure we will lose members for various reasons and it is the staff’s job to find out why they left. They can help us make changes and even recruit new members.

How do you know someone is new? Watch for name tags with a blue ribbon that says, “New Member.” Introduce yourself and welcome them into your group so we can build a community with common goals.

THINK LOCAL FIRST!

When preparing for the Holidays, remember to visit stores right here in Aurora and use services like local caterers, florists, cleaners, and restaurants. Take these important steps to continue to support our local businesses, our local economy, and our friends and neighbors.

Wishing you and your family time to create wonderful memories over the Holidays and a New Year full of peace, health and happiness.

Please note, the Aurora Chamber of Commerce office will be closed for the Holidays on December 24, 2014 and will re-open on January 5, 2015. 

Best wishes for continued success in 2015!

Judy Marshall, CEO

Aurora Chamber of Commerce

j.marshall@aurorachamber.on.ca

905-727-7262

www.aurorachamber.on.ca

Aurora Chamber Updates from Judy Marshall, CEO - November 2014

FINANCIALLY SPEAKING…

A follow-up to the Aurora Chamber's Annual General Meeting (AGM)

This article is long, but for those members who attended the AGM and had questions related to the financial statements, it is worth the read.

At the Aurora Chamber’s AGM held October 9, the financial statements as at June 30, 2014 (the Chamber’s 2013-2014 fiscal year-end), showed a deficit. Not many people heard the auditor say that the Chamber, despite the deficit, was financially sound. Few Ontario Chambers have a building that is mortgage free and a substantial amount of money set aside in reserve for emergencies or unplanned/unbudgeted expenses ($256,000 reported as at June 30, 2014). The Aurora Chamber is financially sound, but there is a lot of work that will have to take place over the next few years to ensure the legacy survives.

Budgeting 

Budgeting for most businesses, including non-profit organizations, involves a review of the priorities as set out in the strategic plan. Then, a review of issues that could affect the bottom line takes place, including membership renewal, sponsorship, event revenue, funds raised through non-membership revenue, and of course, all expenses related to achieving goals of the organization, plus salaries and the related expenses of operating a business. Best practice is to review the financial statements for at least three previous years before developing the current year’s budget. Finally, there is risk management, a review of the “what ifs” or what would the outcome be if . . .

The Chamber’s budget and financial status is reviewed monthly by me, a Finance Committee and the Board of Directors. Variances are expected in most budgeted areas, as it is rare that the assumptions made during the budgeting process become reality. This is due to unexpected economic trends that affect revenue streams for funders and sponsors, which directly influences the organization’s bottom line. And, there is always the potential for unforeseen circumstances that could affect events, such as “weather” and other challenges.

Even with an education directly related to the non-profit world, it was only after asking professors and auditors very basic questions that I began to truly understand and analyze financial statements. Possessing an ability to effectively navigate organizational finances is a good thing, as throughout my career I have been responsible for budgets ranging from the high millions to one million dollars and less.

Since arriving at the Chamber, a lot of changes have been made in how the financial aspects of the organization are handled and reported. I will clearly state that there were absolutely no questions about how funds were spent or the honesty and credibility of those in charge.

Review of Year-End 2011

The receivables (uncollected funds or funds owed by customers) were high, based on the Chamber’s annual budget. At some point, if outstanding invoices are unlikely to be paid (especially when they go back years) and if steps have been taken to obtain payment without success, they have to be written off. The Board accepted the first ‘hit’ in the 2010-2011 (year ending June 30, 2011).

That same year, revenue for the business directory collected in 2011 was deferred to the following year as the distribution date was changed. The Chamber reported an $18,545 deficit. It was a paper deficit to resolve outstanding issues. Financial policies and procedures were put into place for receivables.

Review of Year-End 2012

By the end of the 2012 fiscal year, revenue had grown by almost $90,000; there was a positive balance at year end.

Review of Year-End 2013

Yet another challenge . . . I have always struggled with the word ‘amortization’ that appears on most, if not all, financial statements. It is hard to understand, but is understandable! Amortization or the depreciation of assets is a non-cash deduction of owning business assets such as the building, parking lot, computers, desks and office furniture, etc. It is a non-cash expense that reduces the value of assets over time.

This also was the year Microsoft made major changes to its operating system and new computers had to be purchased. There was a $9,215 deficit due to a strategic planning session that was not budgeted. Amortization and the write off of computer equipment equalled $27,659, both non-cash items. The deficit was $36,874.

Review of Year-End 2014

This is the year end reported at the AGM held on October 9, 2014. There was a cash loss of $12,028 and amortization of assets at $24,416 for an overall loss of $36,444. The cash loss ($12,028) was due to lower than expected revenue from an event and unbudgeted staff training. However, even though revenue was down by $43,071 compared to 2013, overall expenses were also down by $40,258. The Chamber actually did very well with cost containment.

Staff Salaries

There was a question at the AGM related to staff salaries and why this expense was so high. My response is that salaries and staff benefits are a cost of doing business. After reviewing the results of a salary survey from other chambers, in many cases salaries of this Chamber are lower than others in Ontario. The staff at the Chamber is dedicated and talented. There is a cost for that!

FUTURE CHALLENGES

There are two major financial challenges for the Chamber during this fiscal year, July 1, 2014 - June 30, 2015.

1. Moving the Home Show from the Aurora Community Centre to the Stronach Aurora Recreational Centre (SARC). We have agreed to the move to keep the Aurora Tigers Hockey Team here. We have estimated that there will be at least $20,000 in additional expenses related to:
• Lack of parking at the SARC: Exhibitors will be moved to off-site parking.  A van or bus will be operating continuously during the hours of the show to an off-site parking lot.
• Traffic control: Police officers will be needed to direct traffic to and from Wellington Street.
• Increased advertising for the new location.
• Increased electrical, setup and layout expenses.
• Increased staff time, which is not calculated in the $20,000.
  
  It's a brand new show!
  
2. Changes to the Current Value Assessment of the Town’s property where the Chamber office is located, as determined by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC). Property taxes have increased for the taxation years 2012, 2013 and 2014, resulting in an unexpected expense of over $13,000. Steps are being taken to appeal MPAC’s decision. 

NEW REPORT FROM THE ONTARIO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE:

A Straightforward Guide to Ontario’s Debt and Deficit

This latest report from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) begs the question: Should Ontarians be concerned about the province’s fiscal situation?

Read How Bad Is It? What Do We Do About It? to learn more about Ontario’s fiscal situation and the steps the government can take to return itself to a path of fiscal sustainability.

LET US NEVER FORGET

This past weekend, on Remembrance Sunday, I laid a wreath on behalf of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce at the cenotaph. I beg everyone to remember those who served and those who lost their lives to give us the freedom that we have today.

Sometimes war doesn’t seem real until you see the motorcade escorting slain soldiers on the Highway of Heroes or view the tragedy as two soldiers are killed in Ontario – Corporal Nathan Cirillo and Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent. Both acts appear to have been deliberate by men who were recently drawn to Islamic extremism. On this Remembrance Sunday security in Britain was increased to protect against a terrorist plot that may have involved an attack on the Queen. 

Will life ever be the same again?

Judy Marshall, CEO

Aurora Chamber of Commerce

j.marshall@aurorachamber.on.ca

905-727-7262

www.aurorachamber.on.ca

Aurora Chamber Updates from Judy Marshall, CEO - May & June 2014

ONTARIO ELECTIONS – THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014

Please ensure you vote in the upcoming provincial election. Elections Ontario has an excellent website with valuable information: www.wemakevotingeasy.ca.

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) has published a booklet titled Ontario Election 2014 Business Priorities. In the preamble, the OCC states: “. . . the provincial government must focus on creating a business climate that is conducive to investment and growth.”  In order to restore Ontario’s competitiveness in the global economy they recommend (in consultation with the provincial chambers) the following:

·         Tackle the debt and deficit

·         Create a better business climate

·         Invest in critical infrastructure

·         Build a 21^st Century workforce

The publication can be accessed from the OCC’s home page at www.occ.ca. Update: Political Party Leaders have responded to the Ontario Election 2014 Business Priorities. You can read their response here.  

ONTARIO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The OCC is preparing resolutions to be presented at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting (AGM) that will be held in September 2014. Their objective is to support resolutions submitted by Ontario Chambers and to ensure support for resolutions that will affect all Canadian businesses.

OCC POLICY COMPENDIUM NOW AVAILABLE  

The 2014-2017 OCC Policy Compendium is now available. It includes 34 new resolutions that were approved at the Ontario Chamber’s recent AGM, with the exception of two resolutions that have been directed to the Board of Directors for review. 

2014 AURORA CHAMBER HOME SHOW

I feel like the Aurora Chamber Home Show was months ago rather than six weeks ago! It was a great success because of the dedication of so many incredible volunteers and exhibitors. We would also like to thank the staff at the Community Centre. They are absolutely amazing and always available to help out. Thank you very much.

The attendance was down this year due to the wonderful weather, devastating fire at the United Church on Yonge Street and an incident Saturday evening that closed Leslie Street. However, feedback from many exhibitors said it was one of the best shows of the season, as they met with quality “shoppers” rather than a large quantity of indifferent attendees.

During the Show, the Chamber collected donations for the Aurora United Church. Over $1,000 has been sent to the Church to assist with their re-building project. Thank you very much Aurora!

19th ANNUAL AURORA CHAMBER STREET FESTIVAL:

Sunday, June 1, 2014

Please join us THIS SUNDAY, June 1, for the Street Festival on Yonge Street in Aurora (between Wellington and Murray) from 11 am to 5 pm. It is a fun-filled event featuring over 700 vendors, including food and entertainment. Parking and admission are free. The weather forecast predicts a warm, clear and sunny day. Bring your whole family!

33rd ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC:

Thursday, June 12, 2014 at St. Andrew’s Valley Golf Club

There are still a couple of foursomes available for the Golf Classic. Please call the Chamber Office at 905-727-7262 or visit the website at www.aurorachamber.on.ca/golf-classic for further information. Hole sponsors are always welcomed and appreciated ($500 for a single hole sponsorship and $250 for two sponsors at one hole). 

TOASTMASTERS

Information about the Aurora Chamber Toastmasters has been circulated to all members who indicated an interest. We have proposed two potential dates for the initial information session: Wednesday, June 18 or Thursday, June 19 at noon (bring your lunch), 5:30 pm or 7:00 pm. If you are interested in learning more about Toastmasters please contact me to be added to our participant list. We can arrange an alternate date or time for the information session if required, based on feedback. Contact Judy Marshall at the Chamber office at 905-727-7262 ext. 33 or j.marshall@aurorachamber.on.ca.

Toastmasters is a world leader in communication and leadership development. Participating in this program offers many benefits to people in all walks of life, throughout their whole lives. As a result of participating in Toastmasters, you will:

·         Increase your self-confidence

·         Become a better speaker

·         Become a better leader

·         Communicate more effectively

Members of Toastmasters learn communication skills by working through the Competent Communications manual, a series of 10 self-paced speaking assignments designed to provide the basic foundation for public speaking. Leadership skills are developed by working through the Competent Leadership manual and assuming various club positions with mentors to help you develop the required skills. The decision to become a member of a Toastmasters Club will, in my opinion, be one of the best decisions you will ever make in terms of personal and professional development. Joining was one of the best decisions I have ever made!

For help on making business presentations, please visit Toastmasters International at www.toastmasters.org. Click on Business Presentations (left side of the page – blue printing). 

DON’T FORGET:

Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) comes into force on July 1, 2014. 

ARE YOU PREPARED?

The Chamber is hosting a final CASL workshop at the end of June (date TBD), before the legislation takes effect. Please visit www.aurorachamber.on.ca/events for more information.

2014-2015 BUSINESS DIRECTORY

CALLING ALL CHAMBER MEMBERS: 

Update Your Directory Listing by July 1, 2014!

The 2014-2015 Aurora Chamber Business Directory will be circulated to every Aurora household, business, and Chamber member in September 2014 – a distribution of 20,000. It will also be available to the world online.

Login at www.aurorachamber.on.ca to update your company listing before July 1, 2014 to ensure the most accurate information is represented. Search for your company at www.aurorachamber.on.ca/business-directory to review your current listing and determine if changes are required. Please note that members are responsible for ensuring their listing is accurate.

DOES YOUR BUSINESS NEED A FULL YEAR OF EXPOSURE IN AURORA AND BEYOND?

Advertise in our cost-effective Business Directory! There are a variety of opportunities to suit every need. Contact Judy Marshall at 905-727-7262 or visit www.aurorachamber.on.ca/advertising-directory for more information. Don’t delay, promote your business today!

We are looking forward to seeing you really soon. Being involved is how you will benefit most from your membership.

Judy Marshall, CEO

Aurora Chamber of Commerce

j.marshall@aurorachamber.on.ca

905-727-7262

www.aurorachamber.on.ca 

Aurora Chamber Updates from Judy Marshall, CEO - April 2014

AURORA CHAMBER HOME SHOW

The best Home Show in York Region is almost ready to launch. By the time you read this, Jack Roeleveld of Jack’s Landscaping will be moving a huge tree onto the exhibitor’s floor as well as tons of stone. He is building the Feature Area, one of the main attractions of this annual show. On Tuesday, additional landscapers will be arriving to create even more delightful and relaxing outdoor havens.

I would like to acknowledge the very committed volunteer committee that pulls this very important event together every year. I would like to acknowledge Robin Taylor-Smith - Chair, Diane Buchanan, Janice Clements, George Hughes, Bob Ince, Brian North and Jack Roeleveld working with Sandra Watson, Events Manager for the Chamber. You are quite amazing. We couldn't do this without you.

There are volunteers in the background too who will be supervising the move-in on Thursday and the move-out Sunday evening as well as those working as the “parking patrol,” in the ticket booth and Aurora Chamber display. The Optimist Club volunteers are back again this year with the Pub & Grill, providing a relaxing escape from the show while preparing and serving great food and refreshments.

Make sure you attend this great show and don’t forget to tell your family, friends, co-workers, and neighbours. For more information about the show, please visit our website here.

COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT PLAN FOR AURORA

A Promenade Community Improvement Plan (CIP) for the Aurora Promenade Area has been announced by the Town of Aurora. According to information released by The Town, the CIP Incentive programs were developed in consultation with the general public and local business and property owners. The CIP will promote private property investment in the Aurora Promenade to help achieve the vision and objectives of the area as outlined in the 2010 Town of Aurora Official Plan and Aurora Promenade Design Strategy.

A Community Improvement Plan (CIP) is a vehicle for facilitating revitalization and redevelopment efforts in a defined area(s). A CIP is a tool available to municipalities under Section 28 of the Planning Act that allows municipalities to establish grants, loans and other programs to encourage private sector investment in development and renovation projects which seek to improve areas in accordance with local goals and priorities.

Private property owners and businesses can take advantage of the financial incentive programs contained in CIPs to achieve a range of community improvement plans such as improving property façades and redeveloping property.

The Town announced the seven incentive programs contained in the CIP as:

1.       Façade and Signage Improvement Grant Program

2.      Building Restoration, Renovation and Improvement Program

3.      Development Charge Grant Program

4.      Tax-based Redevelopment Grant Program

5.      Heritage Property Tax Relief Program

6.      Environmental Site Assessment Grant Program

7.      Environmental Remediation Tax Assistance Program

Watch for further information. The Aurora Promenade Community Improvement Plan has been posted on The Town’s website.

THE AURORA CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Aurora Chamber of Commerce has changed and over the next five to ten years there will be ongoing change. The Aurora Chamber Board of Directors has altered the way they operate and some members and staff have mentioned that these changes are difficult to understand. They are unless you have worked or volunteered on a board in the non-profit sector such as with a chamber of commerce.

I have worked in the non-profit and charity sector for over 30 years and, in that time, have seen the role of boards change, or perhaps a better word is, mature. Whether the board is one that is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the organization, or one that has hired a senior staff person and adopted a monitoring role of the work of that person, they have the same responsibilities in their governance or leading roles.

The term “governance” comes from the Greek word meaning “to steer,” as in steering a ship or a company’s strategy. In any non-profit (chamber of commerce) governance may be defined as the exercise of authority, direction and control of an organization in order to ensure that its purpose is achieved. A model of governance is a framework within which to organize the thoughts, activities, structure, and relationships of governing boards.

The Aurora Chamber Board has developed into a more strategically focused governance board; there has been a shift in culture. The Board has moved from “operating” the day-to-day business of the Chamber to ensuring that there is long-term stability and plans for the future. This doesn't mean board members never talk about current activities, or volunteer at events, chair committees or ask where they can help out. They do that but spend much of their time with the following:

·         reviewing possible risks to the Chamber (What would happen if . . .) and how these risks could be resolved;

·         succession planning for the board and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO);

·         financial forecasting and monitoring;

·         policy development and ongoing review of these policies so the next generation of leaders have a path to follow;

·         developing terms of reference and setting achievable goals for committees;

·         annually reviewing by-laws;

·         reviewing the strategic, marketing and communication plans and monitoring the achievements;

·         developing relationships in the community and supporting the work of the organization and decisions of the board;

·         advocating to all levels of government on issues that affect the membership;

·         evaluating, monitoring and providing counsel to the CEO while holding that person responsible for managing all aspects of the organization within the Board’s defined policy.

The Board of Directors don’t lose power when their role is clearly defined rather, the CEO and the Board become partners in achieving what is best for the members and the organization.

What has really changed is the committee structure. The board has three committees in place – finance, governance and marketing and membership services committees. These committees help the board do their work. Other committees are operational such as those in place for the Home Show, Business Achievement Awards, and the Annual Golf Classic which help the organization accomplish their goals. If board members serve on one of the working or organizational committees, it is vital for them to recognize that they are not serving as a member of the board, but as a volunteer at the request of the CEO. Board committees provide monthly written reports and the activities of the operational committees are reported to the Board through the CEO’s reports.

There is a strong annual orientation in place for the board and educational sessions as well as ongoing monitoring of their meetings and activities. There is also an annual evaluation of the CEO to ensure delegated tasks and authorities meet board policies. The best practice is to do a full evaluation annually for the first three years of employment and move to every two, sometimes three years thereafter.

For this and every non-profit to respond to the challenges of the 21st century, good governance will entail ensuring their organizations don’t stand still, that they remain relevant and sustainable. According to the Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE), “Boards are responsible for the ‘life’ of an organization – their greatest legacy in the next decade will be to forge sustainable strategies and to help organizations transition.”

GOING FORWARD . . .

Look for another update next month and then a magazine, Chamber Connection, in June. We will send periodic updates over the summer months and will have another magazine delivered to you by mid-September.

Judy Marshall, CEO

Aurora Chamber of Commerce

j.marshall@aurorachamber.on.ca

905-727-7262

www.aurorachamber.on.ca 

Aurora Chamber Updates from Judy Marshall, CEO - February 2014

AURORA BUSINESSES UNCERTAIN ABOUT THEIR ECONOMIC FUTURE

Aurora businesses are feeling less certain about their economic outlooks compared to one year ago, according to a survey of 2,200 Ontario businesses (63 Aurora-based businesses) in Emerging Stronger 2014.  Emerging Stronger 2014 is a business-driven economic agenda released by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, the Mowat Centre and Leger Marketing. The report identifies the immediate steps that government and the private sector must take to enhance Ontario’s economic competitiveness and encourage job creation in the province.

“According to our recent regional economic outlook, Aurora businesses are uncertain what the next few years will bring,” says Allan O’Dette, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “While they are feeling slightly more confident in Ontario’s economy, they’re increasingly worried about their own economic prospects.

“There are actions that government and business can take to boost our economy and business confidence,” adds O’Dette. “But right now there is uncertainty in Ontario’s business climate, possibly as a result of potential changes to the pension system and rising energy costs.”

Among the survey’s findings for Aurora are:

• 64 percent of businesses are confident in their own economic outlook, 10 percentage points below the provincial average.

• 54 percent of businesses plan to expand in the next five years, below the provincial average of 58 percent

• 37 percent of businesses believe that Ontario’s economy is headed in the right direction, below the provincial average of 42 percent.

• 54 percent of the region’s businesses are confident in economy, 6 percentage points above the provincial average.

Read: Emerging Stronger 2014 for an overview of the responses from over 2,200 businesses in Ontario who were surveyed for this document.  The report identifies the immediate steps that government and the private sector must take to enhance Ontario’s economic competitiveness and stimulate job creation in the province. The full report will also give you the top 10 recommendations for 2014.

PREDICTING MINIMUM WAGE

Recently the Aurora Chamber of Commerce was contacted by the local media to comment on the increase in minimum wage and what it would mean to the general membership. Many media outlets predicted that the minimum wage would increase as high as $14.00 an hour. For many small businesses that would be devastating!

We contacted six members involved in the sale of products and services to find out what they thought of the potential increase. Most said, “It would be devastating.” and “I might as well close the door right now.”  The comments were all similar.

In June 2013, a Minimum Wage Advisory Panel was put into place to examine Ontario’s current minimum wage policy and provide advice to the Government on an approach for determining minimum wage in the future.

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) submitted a document to the Panel in September 2013 called Predictable, Transparent, Fair on behalf of the member Chambers. At the end of January, the Government announced that they would tie future rate increases to inflation or the Consumer Price Index (CPI), as the OCC had recommended. In addition, the Panel recommended:

1.  Minimum wage should be revised annually, and a minimum of four months’ notice of any wage change should be provided.

2.  The Government should undertake a full review of the minimum wage rate and the revision process every five years. This review should be conducted by a panel of stakeholders and a neutral chair.

Shortly after reviewing the Panel’s report the Government announced that minimum wage would be increased from $10.25 to $11.00, effective June 1, 2014.

The Aurora Chamber, in media interviews, agreed with minimum wage being tied to CPI, but did express concern for about the increase in the rate to $11 an hour in the short-term. Although concerned whether some local businesses could sustain this increase, the Aurora Chamber acknowledged that it was a very positive move by the Government to give six months’ notice. The Chamber also expressed its uneasiness that businesses would have to re-focus their goals and financial predictions for the current year in order to meet the challenge of increasing wages.

WHAT’S HAPPENING LOCALLY?

CIP to Help Move Downtown Development Forward

The Mayor and Town Council held a public meeting at the end of January for the presentation of the draft Aurora Promenade Community Improvement Plan. Sierra Planning and Management has been retained by the Town of Aurora to prepare a Community Improvement Plan (CIP) for the Aurora Promenade Area.

The CIP has been designed to promote private property investment in the Aurora Promenade to help achieve the vision and objectives for the area as outlined in the 2010 Town of Aurora Official Plan and Aurora Promenade Design Strategy. According to the Town of Aurora’s website (www.aurora.ca/promenadecommunityimprovement), CIP financial incentive programs will help support the future development of the area as the ‘heart’ of Aurora - where the community “meets, interacts, celebrates, shops and entertains.”

A CIP is a vehicle for facilitating revitalization and redevelopment efforts in a defined area(s). A CIP is a tool available to municipalities under Section 28 of the Planning Act that allows municipalities to establish grants, loans and other programs to encourage private sector investment in development and renovation projects which seek to improve areas in accordance with local goals and priorities.

Please contact Fausto Filipetto, Senior Policy Planner at the Town of Aurora, at ffilipetto@aurora.ca or 905-727-3123 ext. 4342 for further information. This is a real opportunity to move the downtown area forward.

AuroraPromenade Community Plan - Draft 

Cultural Master Plan for the Town of Aurora

As CEO at the Aurora Chamber of Commerce, I am a member of the Cultural Master Plan Working Group. It was a very positive experience working with the group, consultants and members of the community at the visioning session held at the end of January.

The session was well attended and the excitement during the small group exercise was almost deafening. We could definitely tell that culture in Aurora is very important.

The Plan will establish a cultural vision for the Town as well as identify broader economic goals. It will contribute to realizing one of Town Council’s values that “is to continue to support a sustainable community that embraces a balanced quality of life including arts, culture and recreation.” Support and input from Chamber members is vital to the success of this plan. Watch for ongoing updates and visit: www.aurora.ca/auroraculture 

Don’t Forget: Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation comes into force on July 1, 2014

Did you know that you cannot add the names of contacts from the business cards collected at a Chamber event to your email list unless you receive prior consent from the individual?  Verbal consent can be given but you must keep a record of when consent was given. All electronic marketing messages will need to include information that identifies the sender and enables the recipient to withdraw consent. There are many other requirements of the Act, which I was not aware of even though familiar with the legislation. Compliance is mandatory and applies to commercial electronic messages (CEM). A CEM is defined as encouraging participation in a business transaction or activity, regardless of whether there is an expectation of profit.

The objective of the law is to bring into force legislation that is intended to deter spam and other damaging and deceptive electronic threats, including identity theft, phishing and spyware. (Source: Government of Canada, Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation)

The Chamber will be holding their second session on this legislation on May 21. Watch for further details. The fines for sending unsolicited emails are high. EVERYONE needs to attend! 

Judy Marshall, CEO

Aurora Chamber of Commerce

j.marshall@aurorachamber.on.ca

905-727-7262

www.aurorachamber.on.ca