Our Members in 2008!
Celebrating 5 Years of Opportunity and Looking Forward to Many “MORE”!
In 5 short years, the Grand River Chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals has brought worldwide professional educational and training opportunities to career-minded administrative professionals in the Waterloo Region.
This milestone is indicative of the effort and that has been made by the Grand River Chapter to strive to always achieve MORE: Meaningful educational programs, Opportunities for leadership/certification, Relationships/networking, and Enthusiasm for your career.
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Chamber Member Receives Special Service Award
Alden E. Gibson, a seasoned home inspector since the early 1990s, and founder of Inspections by Gibson, has been awarded the 2007 Special Service Award from the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). Gibson was recognized as a result of his efforts to unite the American and Canadian home inspection industries.
A man who is revered by his peers for “strengthening the bond between two nations’ inspectors”, this Chamber member is no stranger to note worthy achievement, having received this award previously in 2004. Gibson’s additional feats include recognition as the first Canadian to be elected to the ASHI Board of directors, and provincially he has held various leadership positions with the Ontario Home Inspectors.
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‘Best in Show’ for Local Manufacturer
The Sign Depot Inc. was recently recognized by the Sign of the Times magazine – an international publication focusing solely on the sign manufacturing industry. Competing with manufacturers from across Canada, The Sign Depot Inc. took home ‘Best in Show’ in the building sign category for their work on the Charcoal Steak House (Kitchener) entrance sign and third place for their work on the Gallery Indigena (Stratford) store front sign.
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Kitchener Hotel Voted #1 in Canada
Hampton Inn & Suites Kitchener was recently voted the #1 Hampton in Canada and 15th amongst 1,476 Hampton Hotels worldwide by their Hilton Honors Members.
Strategic planning, positive reinforcement and making customer service a number one priority has led this Hampton team to this outstanding national achievement. “I can’t keep track of how many wonderful comment cards we get about our staff,” says GM Siva Kiruddinan.
When asked what is next for Hampton Inn & Suites Kitchener, Natasha Janjevic, Director of Sales and Marketing, replied “to become the #1 Hampton in the world.”
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“Gourmet Made Easy”-ier – with 15 Times the Space!
Dana Shortt Gourmet Inc. is delighted to announce the expansion of their catering and food shop – to 15 times it’s original size. The added space will help transform what this local gourmet spot will be able to provide, giving them additional space to offer their fresh and frozen entrees, and expand their hot lunch counter among other services.
This expansion is demonstrative of the success that lies ahead for this 2006 recipient of the Chamber’s "Young Entrepreneur of the Year".
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Northwest Airlines Merges with Delta
Northwest Airlines Corporation and Delta Air Lines Inc. have announced their merger to create a new airline called Delta. With a combined enterprise value of $17.7 billion, Delta will be America’s premier global airline, providing customers with competitive fares and access to more cities worldwide than any other airline.
With three daily flights from the Region of Waterloo International Airport (ROWIA) to Detroit Metro, Northwest Airlines connects passengers to more than 900 cities worldwide. Passenger volumes have steadily increased and it is hoped that a fourth daily flight could be added if more people choose to fly from ROWIA.
Northwest Airlines also offers an incentive program to help small to medium-sized businesses manage their business travel and save money by rewarding them for travel. The Northwest/KLM Biz Perks program allows members to earn points that can be redeemed for a wide variety of valuable travel awards including complimentary tickets, First Class upgrades, WorldClubs passes, and much more. For more information on Northwest Airlines and the Biz Perks program, visit www.nwa.com.
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CEO of Canada's Technology Triangle Announces Resignation
After five and a half years as Chief Executive Officer of Canada’s Technology Triangle, John Tennant announced his resignation on April 12, 2008.
Canada’s Technology Triangle is a not-for-profit, regional economic development organization that works to globally market and enhance regional development activities to attract innovative businesses and entrepreneurs to the area.
Mr. Tennant is a member of the Prosperity Council of Waterloo Region, serves on the Board of the Accelerator Centre located at the University of Waterloo Research & Technology Park and serves as the Director of the Great Lakes Manufacturing Council, a bi-national organization to promote, enhance and preserve manufacturing. “John is a very effective promoter of the region and a great Chamber friend,” says Todd Letts, President & CEO of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. “He will be missed.”
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Local Community Foundation Wins Awards for Excellence in Communications
The Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation has been named a GOLD award winner for excellence in communications by the 2008 Wilmer Shields Rich Awards Program. Sponsored by the Council on Foundations, the awards program recognizes effective communications efforts to increase public awareness of foundations and corporate giving programs. The Foundation received the award in the ‘Special Report Category’ for their collaboration (with the Cambridge and North Dumfries Community Foundation) on the inaugural Waterloo Region’s Vital Signs report released on October 3, 2007. The report is an annual community checkup that measures key areas critical to Waterloo Region’s quality of life.
The Foundation also won a BRONZE award for their 2006 Annual Report in the ‘Annual or Biennial Reports Category’.
“We are extremely pleased and honoured to be chosen as winners in this prestigious awards program,” says Rosemary Smith, CEO of The Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation. “There are 111 awards being presented, and only three are being presented to foundations and corporate giving programs in Canada – what an accomplishment!”
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WRIEN Launches New Mentorship Partnership
April 2, 2008, marked the launch of the Mentorship Partnership Waterloo Region. As only the second program of this type to launch in Canada, Waterloo Region Immigrant Employment Network (WRIEN) and the YMCA Cross Cultural & Community Services were delighted to be partners in bringing this milestone to fruition.
The Mentorship Partnership Waterloo Region is injecting new life into building alliances between internationally-trained newcomers and experienced Canadian professionals. The prospects for this program’s ‘Shared Knowledge. Shared Insight.’ are already evident in the program’s 80 mentee/mentor matches - demonstrating that there are no limits to a program that is truly “making a world of difference”!
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Regus Business Centre
With the Mayor of Kitchener, the Regional Chair of Waterloo and representatives from local community organizations in attendance, the Regus Business Centre celebrated their grand opening earlier this year with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony. Guests of the ceremony were treated to a tour of the centre, giving them an idea of what Regus has to offer. For those who were unable to attend the ceremony, Regus is inviting you to drop by anytime for a tour of their new facility.
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BLG’s Waterloo Region Office has Expanded and Relocated
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) has moved to new office space in the Waterloo City Centre building in UpTown Waterloo. This move was a direct result of BLG’s recent growth. On January 1, 2008, the Waterloo Region office welcomed several new professionals namely Dave Shortt, Ken Hanbidge, Larry Richardson, Lorene Welch, and their staff, when the firm combined local operations with Shortt Hanbidge Richardson & Welch. Over the past several months, BLG has also welcomed two new intellectual property professionals, Neil Henderson and Mark Schisler. “Our move is the final step in fully combining the two operations to better serve the Waterloo Region business community,” said Rick Morelli of BLG’s Waterloo Region office. “The new office space, conveniently located in UpTown Waterloo, will be well-situated for clients and gives us the flexibility we will need to support our future growth.”
BLG’s Waterloo Region office is now located at Waterloo City Centre,100 Regina Street South, Suite 220, Waterloo.
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KW Oktoberfest ED Inducted into Festivals & Events Ontario Hall of Fame
At the 2008 Festival & Events Ontario Conference, Larry Blundell, Executive Director of the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, was inducted into the Festivals & Events Ontario Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame acknowledges leaders in Ontario's festivals and events industry who have accomplished ‘above and beyond’ achievements, have shown dedication to advancing the interests of the industry, and have earned the respect of their peers.
Mr. Blundell has been Executive Director of the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest since 1996, has served, in a volunteer capacity, as President of Festivals & Events Ontario, and has been a crusader for ongoing government and sponsorship funding support that is vital to Ontario's tourism industry.
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Pioneer Craftsmen Ltd. Celebrates 2008 Big50 Award
On May 5, 2008, at a gala dinner at the Remodeling Leadership Conference in Washington, DC, Pioneer Craftsmen Ltd. was recognized as a winner of Remodeling Magazine’s 2008 Big50 Award - an award given to remodeling companies that “epitomize the best practices for the remodeling industry,” (www.buildingonline.com). “We are very honored to receive this distinction,” says Marie Adam of Pioneer Craftsmen Ltd. “The award recognizes excellence, teamwork and leadership. We are privileged to be named to this select group of renovators.”
This family business is also celebrating 55 years of business and a move into their brand new facility. “These are very exciting times for us as we continue to serve our clients with passion and professionalism.”
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Celebrating 30 Years of Service
Grand River Personnel Ltd. Staffing and Recruiting was conceived in a morning revelation when Linda Dancey, in her own words, woke up with a thought – “I can do better”. Since 1978, Linda has nurtured a sense of ability and accomplishment in her colleagues, clients and those seeking the opportunity to apply their skills and experience in our community, through her work at Grand River Personnel Ltd. A celebration of Linda’s 30 years of accomplishment will take place, along with her colleagues, clients and friends, at The Pines on Thursday, July 31, 2008.
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Citizenship Award Recognition
Maria Alvarez, General Manager of the YMCA Cross Cultural & Community Services, was honoured with a Citizenship Award Recognizing Leadership in Diversity for her work in promoting diversity and assisting new immigrants across the region. The award marked the 60th anniversary of Canadian Citizenship and was handed out as part of a Citizenship Court welcoming 25 new Canadians.
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Provincial Leadership Award Recognition
Lutherwood’s Chief Executive Officer, John Colangeli, was presented with The Ontario Association of Non-Profit Homes and Services for Seniors’ (OANHSS) Provincial Leadership Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership, commitment to OANHSS and his management excellence.
Each year, OANHSS, a provincial association representing not-for-profit providers of long term care, services and housing for seniors, conducts a thorough nomination process across its entire membership to find the executive deserving of this award. “John Colangeli’s passion for excellence, his enthusiasm and his commitment to developing a strong and healthy community has inspired our Board and staff,” said Mark Huehnergard, Lutherwood Board Chair. “This award is deserved recognition of John’s outstanding leadership in all that he does at Lutherwood and in our community.”
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Introducing Maxwell's Music House
23 year old entrepreneur Paul Maxwell has unveiled Maxwell’s Music House, a new and comprehensive music facility, to the Tri-City area. Located at 220 King St. N., Maxwell’s Music House caters to musicians of all skill levels – offering lessons, jam spaces and group workshops designed to promote artistic growth and development. The facility also doubles as a venue, bringing live entertainment to the region. For more information on this new facility, visit www.maxwellsmusichouse.ca.
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Canada’s Perimeter Institute Appoints New ED
The Board of Directors of Canada’s Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics (PI) has appointed Dr. Neil Turok to the position of Executive Director. “We are extremely pleased to welcome Professor Turok to Waterloo. He is a world-renowned scientist of the highest calibre and provides tremendous research and leadership experience,” says Mike Lazaridis, the founder of Perimeter Institute and Chairman of the Board. “He is ideally suited to build upon Perimeter Institute’s considerable international achievements to date in scientific research and educational outreach as we move forward in our next, ambitious phase of development.”