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H2R Business Solutions

We’re H2R Business Solutions. Trying to navigate a sensitive HR issue? Unsure how to handle a termination? Have an employee returning to work after time off for mental health issues?

Or maybe your business is experiencing employee or team conflict issues, having difficulties remaining compliant, or finding recruitment and retention challenging.

H2R Business Solutions is here to help!

We work primarily with small- to medium-sized businesses across Southwestern Ontario and beyond to manage their human resources functions.

How Can We Help You?

As our name suggests, we provide support from Hiring to Retiring (H2R) and everything in between.

This includes:

  •  Assessments
  • Compensation, benefits, and payroll
  • Disability management
  • Employee handbooks
  • Employee relations
  • Employment contracts
  • Employment legislation
  • Harassment investigations
  • Health & safety
  • HR audits
  • Leadership, training, and executive coaching
  • Mandatory online compliance training modules
  • Online training modules such as mental health in the workplace; diversity, equity & inclusion; respect in the workplace; generations in the workplace; and more!
  • Pay equity
  • Performance management
  • Policies and procedures
  • Recruitment and executive search
  • Strategic planning

How Do We Work With You?

Because no business is “one size fits all,” we strive to offer flexible access to HR services that accommodate your particular needs and budget.

After all, you are unique, and we respect and value that when it comes to services, packages, and pricing. We offer several options so you can choose what best fits your business.

Starting your HR department from scratch?

For a flat monthly rate, you can outsource your full HR department to us. We’ll handle all HR-related projects and challenges for you, so can focus on what you do best – running your business!

Looking for occasional support?

Receive unlimited virtual or on-site access to our team whenever you need, as you need it, with our pay-as-you-go plan.

Need part-time help to cover a temporary absence?

Then ask us about our interim assignments and part-time HR services, where we offer on-site and virtual services for whatever length you need, from half a day up to four full days per week. We also provide coverage for short-term leaves in existing HR departments, including sick and parental leaves.

Know you need help, but don’t know where to start?

Talk to us about an HR audit, where we thoroughly analyze where your HR compliance stands. We’ll guarantee that your policies, procedures, and practices comply with employment legislation by providing solutions to fill any gaps and doing the work to close those gaps.

About Us

H2R Business Solutions was founded in 2016 by President & CEO Jill Zappitelli. What started as a modest dream to provide HR support to a few small businesses in KW and surrounding area has grown to accommodate a wide variety of businesses across multiple industries mostly within Southwestern Ontario.

H2R has grown to be a team of almost 30. Jill was honoured to be named “Woman of the Year – Entrepreneur” in 2021, an award which she is extremely proud and humbled by.

We focus on only providing solutions that mitigate risk, guarantee legislative compliance, and thoroughly consider the wellbeing of you and your employees. It’s all about relationships for the H2R team.

Everything we do revolves around our guiding principles:

  1. Integrity: We honour our commitments to our clients and always follow through.
  2. Action: We tackle every assignment with a sense of urgency to find the solution you need–ASAP.
  3. People: A business can’t succeed without productive employees. Our people-first approach means we find practical solutions that consider the impact on your team’s morale.
  4. Stability: We curb risk in your business practices to promote stability for you and your employees.

Building dependable relationships with our clients is crucial. We’re proud to say that 95% of our business comes from referrals, which affirms the positive impact we have on the success of the companies we serve.

Are you frustrated with the amount of time you’re spending on HR functions and want help? Learn more about us, our services, and how we can help your business on a fractional basis. Contact us at admin@yourh2r.com or visit us as yourh2r.com to book a free consultation.

Porsche Centre Kitchener-Waterloo

New Porsche Centre Dealership

Policaro Group is excited to announce the debut of Porsche Centre Kitchener-Waterloo in May 2024. Sitting on three acres built to 75,000 square feet, the new dealership will be Policaro Group’s second Porsche franchise, alongside its Porsche Centre in Oakville. You’ll find the new centre at 1705 Victoria Street North in Kitchener, just off the Conestoga Parkway.

“Recognized for its innovation and technology, Kitchener-Waterloo and surrounding areas were an ideal region to expand our Porsche operations,” said Policaro Group CEO, Francesco Policaro. Porsche Centre Kitchener-Waterloo will provide personalized retail experiences in automotive.

A Destination for Porsche Enthusiasts

Destination Porsche follows Porsche’s Global Corporate Image Program and aims to create gathering places for the Porsche community in its dealerships. Destination Porsche centres are designed with flexible, timeless architecture, equipped with high-end technology for individualized communication, and offer Porsche customers the luxury and personalized experience they’ve come to expect from their favourite brand.

Policaro Group is grateful to receive a warm welcome to the area after being recognized for its innovation. Berry Vrbanovic, Mayor of Kitchener, said, “We’re delighted to see companies like Policaro Group, who are pushing the limits of the traditional automotive sector, find a new home in Kitchener.”

Supporting the KW Community

Policaro Group is interested in supporting growth here and has created over 40 new jobs at the Porsche Centre. Policaro Group also plans to support the community through its charitable organization, the Policaro Foundation.

The foundation was created in 2018 to support children’s health and wellness. It contributes to a wide variety of initiatives to help those in need, including local food banks and annual toy drives, and has a longstanding partnership with the SickKids Foundation to fund treatment for infants with heart conditions. Since its inception, the Policaro Foundation has donated over $1M to SickKids, in addition to the foundation’s other initiatives.

Policaro Group is invested in giving back to every community they conduct business with. Fostering a positive relationship with the people in Kitchener-Waterloo and the surrounding areas is an important part of Policaro Group’s expansion, and they consistently encourage their employees and customers to do what they can to contribute to community health and wellness.

About Policaro Group

With a legacy that goes back more than 40 years, Policaro Group is a leading premium vehicle dealer group serving the GTA and Southern Ontario, providing access to a wide range of both new and pre-owned luxury vehicles. Policaro Group has been awarded the prestigious Deloitte Best Managed Companies award two years running. This accolade is a testament to their unwavering commitment to excellence, innovative business practices, and remarkable leadership. Through a combination of strategic vision and operational excellence, Policaro Group has not only weathered industry challenges, but emerged as a beacon of success. This recognition solidifies their position among the best in the business and showcases their dedication to driving sustainable growth.

Access by Policaro is a program that redefines a customer’s automotive experience with an elevated standard of service, sales, and delivery. Some of the many enhanced services Policaro Group offers include at-home test drives, vehicle home delivery, complimentary valet service with courtesy vehicles, personalized online or in-dealership vehicle consultations, concierge service, meal with scheduled appointments, real-time, competitive trade appraisals and more.

As a family-owned and operated enterprise, Policaro Group sees the customer experience as the driving force behind its growth and overall success in the automotive industry. That’s why Policaro Group is dedicated to ensuring every customer interaction is valuable and surpasses expectations.

Over four decades ago, Policaro Group was brought to life from the minds and aspirations of three brothers. Since then, it has become a multifaceted enterprise that challenges conventional business practices while being at the forefront of innovation in mobility, retail business, and software solutions.

With eight dealerships, Policaro Group offers access to seven luxury brands: Acura, BMW, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lexus, Porsche, and Volvo. Policaro Group has also established several other divisions to serve their client’s needs, including Policaro Motorsport, Policaro Performance, Policaro Leasing, and Motion Endeavours.

Looking to the Future

After the successful completion of their second Porsche Centre, Policaro Group shows no signs of slowing down. Looking forward, Policaro Group sees Niagara Region as the home of its next Porsche dealership.

For more information about Porsche Centre Kitchener-Waterloo, visit porschecentrekw.ca.

To learn more about Policaro Group, visit policaro.ca.

Heitech Software Solutions

Heitech Software Solutions, founded by seasoned IT veteran Tom Heiber in 2004, stands as a beacon of innovation and expertise in the tech industry. Initially launched as Tom Heiber Consulting Inc., the company has evolved into a comprehensive IT shop, offering an array of services focused on leveraging the latest in Artificial Intelligence (AI) to empower startups, small and medium-sized businesses.

Heitech Software Solutions specializes in custom software development, offering a unique blend of technology alignment with business goals. The company prides itself on not just meeting client requirements, but enriching them with expert suggestions for superior outcomes.

Services include:

  1. Custom Web & Software Solution Development: Crafting bespoke software tools aligned with business objectives. We build tailor-made websites and software applications that fit your business like a glove. Whether you need a new website, a customer portal, or a unique software tool, we make sure it aligns perfectly with what your business needs.
  2. AI Solutions & Services: From business analysis to AI-driven solutions, keeping businesses ahead of the technological curve. We use AI to help you make smarter business decisions, streamline your processes, and stay ahead of the competition.
  3. Technical Business Analysis & Consulting: Streamlining workflows, reducing costs, and boosting productivity. We analyze your business technology and offer strategies, alternate software and solutions to make your operations more efficient, saving you time and money.

The following is the unique offerings that Heitech Software Solutions brings forward:

  1.  Development of a Private AI Agent: An innovative project to create an unbiased, user-aligned AI agent, ensuring data privacy and security.
  2. Generative AI Expertise: Comprehensive understanding of generative AI, including evaluating AI tools for business efficacy. Not sure how to get started with AI and integrate it into your business? We can help.

Community Involvement:

KW Chamber of Commerce: Actively involved in hosting P2P seminars for local businesses.

Why Heitech Software Solutions?

Our mission is to deliver maximum value and performance at a minimal cost, harnessing the power of AI. We aim to transform how businesses operate, making advanced technology accessible and affordable.

For entrepreneurs and small business owners, partnering with Heitech Software Solutions means gaining a technology ally deeply committed to your success. Our understanding of the challenges faced by small businesses, combined with our expertise in cutting-edge AI and technology solutions, positions us uniquely to help you navigate the complexities of the digital landscape. We’re not just a service provider; we’re your strategic partner in growth and innovation.

Tailored AI-Driven Strategies:

At Heitech Software Solutions, we don’t just offer cookie-cutter tech solutions. We specialize in crafting strategies that integrate AI into your business model, enhancing efficiency, innovation, and competitiveness.

Deep Industry Experience:

Led by Tom Heiber, a tech entrepreneur with over two decades of experience, our team brings unparalleled insights from working with a diverse range of businesses, from startups to Fortune 500 companies.

Client-Centric Approach:

Our dedication to understanding and meeting the unique needs of each client sets us apart. We collaborate closely with our clients, ensuring our solutions align perfectly with their business goals and vision.

Cutting-Edge AI Development:

We are at the forefront of AI technology, developing private, unbiased AI agents tailored to business needs. This innovative approach offers our clients advanced solutions without the constraints of subscription models or data privacy concerns.

Generative AI Expertise:

Our proficiency in generative AI allows us to evaluate and implement the most effective AI tools for business enhancement. Whether it’s for marketing, research, sales, or growth, we know how to leverage AI for maximum impact.

Cost-Effective Solutions:

We understand the challenges of small businesses, especially in a tough economic climate. Our mission is to provide high-value, performance-driven solutions at a minimal cost, helping our clients achieve more with less.

To explore how Heitech Software Solutions can propel your business forward, visit our website or join us at one of our upcoming events through the KW Chamber of Commerce.

Graf Martin

Graf-Martin Communications opened its doors in 2008 with a big dream: to strengthen organizations committed to hope, generosity, and justice by providing integrated brand engagement strategy and implementation services.

We call it Marketing for Good.

From the very beginning, a humble acorn has been our inspiration. We value the strength it takes for a single acorn to push through the soil, reach for the sky, and flourish. We also know the potential for an entire forest lies within that tiny acorn. As the ancient English proverb says, “mighty oaks from little acorns grow.”

As we celebrate our 15th anniversary, we’re proud to say the agency has grown from an acorn into a mighty oak tree. We are honoured to be recognized as a 2023 Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year.

With dozens of strong brands built, hundreds of marketing strategies created and activated, and countless campaigns launched, that dream has come to fruition. Graf-Martin is the agency partner of choice for some of North America’s most impactful non-profit organizations, top-tier film studios, longstanding publishers, and values-based companies.

Graf-Martin is a WBE Canada-certified, women-owned enterprise. Our President, Ellen Graf-Martin, is honoured to be a 2023 inductee into Canada’s Marketing, Advertising, PR, and Communications Hall of Fame, and a 2023 CANIE Award Entrepreneur of the Year finalist.

And she loves good coffee.

We’d love to be your marketing partner, for good. Reach out to info@grafmartin.com, to arrange a virtual coffee with Ellen. She’d love to connect with you.

Watch this video to learn more about how Graf-Martin Communications uses marketing for good – https://youtu.be/h0uSasgYbiI

Elby Professional Recruitment

Without the right team and structure, it can be difficult for your company to accomplish its goals. At Elby Professional Recruitment, we’ve been helping our clients hire the right people and improve employee retention for over a decade. We’re here to answer some common questions about how hiring has changed throughout the pandemic.

More employees are requesting a hybrid work structure. How can my company support that?

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve seen many businesses transition from in-person to fully remote or hybrid structures. Trying to be as flexible as your business allows to accommodate your employees can help improve employee retention. Hybrid may be the answer.

Start by reviewing the software and hardware you currently have in place. You may discover it won’t cost much—if anything—to transition to a more hybrid-friendly infrastructure. Factors like tech support and workflow management programs, for example, can make remote work much more manageable and efficient.

Remember to address your employees individually instead of as one large group. Communicate with each of them to find out what they need from both an in-person and remote environment.

I never thought it would be this difficult to find high-quality candidates. How can my company attract top talent?

Hiring is no longer only about you interviewing candidates: candidates are interviewing you, and you need to be prepared if you want to hire the best.

To attract top talent, identify your top qualities as an employer. Highlighting points like above-average pay, growth opportunities, or your strong workplace culture will help your company appeal to candidates. If you haven’t evaluated your pay scales in a while, download our annual salary guides. Links are at the end of this email.

Strong candidates will come to the interview with questions. To give them confidence that your company should be the next step in their career, you need to have answers. Consider questions candidates may ask during the recruiting process, including tough questions that test your company’s weak points.

You can only improve your hiring process and increase retention if you’re receptive to feedback. Ask candidates what they’re looking for in an employer and what your company can do to make them comfortable in your work environment.

While searching for these top candidates, how can I keep my business running when understaffed?

First, know that you’re not alone. An ongoing labour shortage in Canada has kept many businesses understaffed. To keep things running, prioritize tasks to help your employees focus on their most important goals.

Then identify and support your top performers so they can accomplish as much as possible. Combine this with maintaining communication with all your employees to collect feedback and possible solutions to their obstacles. If the workload is too much for your existing team to manage effectively, consider hiring a qualified temporary employee to fill the gaps.

Take note: helping your staff takes time from your job, which may rob you of time you could spend finding new talent. It’s a vicious cycle.

So call us! We can help you on the recruitment side so you can focus on your business.

What’s unique about Elby Professional Recruitment?

Based in Kitchener, we’re a specialized recruiting firm with three areas of focus: Accounting & Finance, HR & Office Administration, and Executive Search.

How are we different?

We look beyond the resume and job description to match candidates with compatible companies. We’re not an advertising company: we work with you directly to identify, qualify, and attract candidates with the specialized skills and backgrounds you’re looking for.

The first step in our process is to meet with you or members of your team to learn about your company culture, the demands of the role you’re looking to fill, and the ideal candidate profile. After this meeting, we’ll start our search right away as you continue to support your company. We may even find your first ideal candidate within a few days of our initial meeting.

Where can I learn more?

We’re happy to offer Chamber members these free resources:

Our salary guides for advice on setting fair and competitive wages that reflect the influences of job market trends and inflation:

Our best practices for your workplace, how to cut down your hiring timeline, and resume advice, are available by signing up for our monthly newsletter.

Free consultations and market insights: just give us a call (1-855-979-1297) or send us a message.

Any other questions? Visit our website at elby.ca or send us a message. We look forward to hearing from you!

 

Enova

Enova Power Corp. (Enova) was formed through the merger of Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro Inc. and Waterloo North Hydro Inc.

Enova began operations on September 1, 2022 and serves more than 157,000 customers across the City of Kitchener, the City of Waterloo, and the townships of Woolwich, Wellesley and Wilmot.

For more than 100 years, as two distinct companies, we have taken the privilege of serving our customers seriously. As Enova, this does not change. By keeping conversations flowing freely, we remain a responsive, trusted partner in electricity and safety. We maintain fair rates because we recognize our customers’ challenges. And, we work hard to understand the future needs of our customers so we can plan ahead to be ready when they are.

Why did Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro and Waterloo North Hydro merge?

This merger is a natural fit. The two companies have been collaborating for several years on projects that benefit our customers and the communities we serve. As one, we bring new ways of thinking to our communities and partners. We are their go-to for evolving energy solutions; their smart friend is up for solving tough challengesAs Enova, we are ready for whatever the future may bring.

What does the merger mean for my service?

While our name has changed, our high standards of customer care and reliability have not. You can continue to rely on someone to be there to answer your questions when you have them.

No change to billing and payments at this time

It will take some time to combine our systems, so until that happens, please continue to pay your bill to the same electric utility you have been using the same account number.

If you were a customer of Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro, continue to pay your bill to Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro using your Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro account number.

If you were a customer of Waterloo North Hydro, continue to pay your bill to Waterloo North Hydro using your Waterloo North Hydro account number.

When this changes, we will give you lots of notice.

How do I get account information?

Through our online portal, we make it easy for customers to manage their accounts online. Customers can get real-time electricity consumption information, sign up for ebilling, and view past bills and payments in just a few clicks.

This is especially important when a business customer is targeted by scammers who threaten disconnection if payment is not made for an overdue bill.

Customers can quickly log on to confirm their current account status, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from anywhere they may be.

There are two separate portals: One for customers in Kitchener and Wilmot Township, and one for customers in Waterloo and the townships of Woolwich and Wellesley. You can find the portals on our website at enovapower.com/myaccount.

Where do we find information about power outages?

Enova boasts one of the most reliable electricity distribution systems in Ontario, but power outages can and do still happen. Our online outage maps provide updates and estimated restoration times on our website at enovapower.com/outages. You can also contact our customer care team at 226-896-1010 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., or follow us on Twitter for updates @enovapower.

Learn more about Enova at enovapower.com

 

Henson Shaving

We’re Henson Shaving. Our goal is to provide shavers with one razor for their lifetime. We build our razors with the materials, methods, and care to make them last so you can pass them down to the next generation.

What are Henson razors made of?

All our razors are plastic free. Instead, we use aerospace-grade aluminum for our AL13 and bare titanium for our Ti22. These materials are the same ones used in aerospace development, so you’ll feel the difference once you make the switch.

Why does a shave with a Henson feel different?

It comes down to blade support. A combination of the geometry design and the precision of the manufacturing allows us to minimize blade flex and chatter. It’s that blade movement that causes a lot of nicks, cuts, and irritation by other razors.

Who are Henson razors made for?

Anyone who wants a smooth, clean shave is welcome to pick up a Henson razor. Our products are built for everyone, regardless of gender or skin type. Whether you shave daily, weekly, or whenever you feel like it—you can depend on a Henson to get the result you want

Do you sell only to consumers?

We also partner with hotels around the world, businesses in the hospitality industry, and companies looking for an extra special gift for their employees.

Where are Henson razors made?

We’re proud to say all our razors are designed, manufactured, and packaged in Canada. Once a design is approved, it’s brought to life in an aerospace machine shop in Cambridge.

What about the blades?

You can pair a Henson razor with any standard double-edged blade. A pack of 5 RK Stainless double-edge blades are included with every razor purchase, and a 100-pack is available for about $12. We recommend changing the blade every three to five shaves.

All our blades are 100% recyclable and are manufactured and packaged in India. Once you use up your first five, you can purchase more blades from us or any other retailer. They typically cost about $0.12 each.

How long do Henson razors last?

If cared for properly, our razors can be handed down to the next generation.

Do you offer a trial period?

Our AL13 razor comes with a 100-day money-back guarantee. All products qualify for a lifetime warranty in the case of manufacturer defects.

How will a Henson razor change how I shave?

Even though our razors are made with the same materials that go into space, using them isn’t rocket science! When it comes to shaving technique, the main differences our customers have noted are that it’s easier to get the angles they need with a Henson and they don’t need to apply as much pressure compared to their old razors. So, even if you’ve got to shave at the last minute before an event, you can still get a safe, clean cut with a Henson.

Each product comes with detailed care and assembly instructions to help you get the most out of it. Once you become acquainted with your Henson, no hair will be able to get in the way of your perfect shave.

What countries do you sell to?

We ship to almost every region of the world. In 2021, we sent orders out to 120 countries. International retailers also sell our products in their stores, so if you try our razor, love it, and tell your friends, they can buy one, too.

Where can I find more information?

To learn more about how to up your shaving game, check out hensonshaving.com. If you’d like to receive more info about how our products are made, along with tips on shaving, sign up for our email list.

IRIS

IRIS in Uptown Waterloo is part of a vision care brand with 160 locations across Canada. At IRIS, we understand that each person has unique factors that influence how they use their vision, and choosing the right solution requires more than a prescription. A quick look inside our location confirms we recognize the importance of satisfying our clients’ unique fashion styles and lifestyles.

IRIS also understands the importance of attracting and retaining great employees, and that vision benefits can help.

So, great news, KW Chamber members are entitled to our Advantage Program. That means members, their employees and households are entitled to great value every day at our Waterloo location. Below, we’ve provided answers to some frequently asked questions about the program and other aspects of our business to give you a clear view of what we offer.

How can I sign up for the program?

It’s easy. Use access code GKWCC to fill out this simple form. Once your registration is submitted, you’ll receive an email with a link to your personalized offers.

Share this newsletter with your entire team.

What is the Advantage Program?

The Advantage Program was initiated 12 years ago to allow IRIS to connect with and offer unique benefits to core members of the community: education, healthcare, first responders and small/local businesses. We wanted to help make the decision to purchase quality eyewear easier.

Advantage members are entitled to $150 off every pair of prescription eyeglasses and prescription sunglasses. The value of the lenses must be $250 minimum for the pair to qualify. Also included are offers toward replacement lenses, contact lenses and non-prescription sunglasses.

The offers can be combined with Chamber benefits and any other extended health benefits based on the individual or spouse’s coverage and can be used as often as required.

Who can be a member? Is there a fee?

Anyone from the Chamber, whether you’re a part of a small, medium or large business—or a solopreneur —are welcome to join the Advantage Program. There are no fees to sign up or to be a member.

What does “high quality” mean to us?

 

Performance, durability, craftsmanship. Ultimately, it’s eyewear and vision correction solutions that make you feel your most comfortable, confident self. It’s products that meet your needs, activities, lifestyle and budget.

How do we ensure we provide you with quality vision solutions?

We choose to work with companies who produce lenses and frames that we can stand behind with our exceptional warranties. We offer a range of products, including the most current lens technologies, to meet every patient’s needs. Our eyecare professionals have extensive product knowledge, and will recommend what is best for your vision and lifestyle.

We engage our patients in the process of finding the right lenses and frames. By using a personalized patient iProfile that includes your prescription, eye health, activities, work and play, and day-to-day environments, we can recommend real vision solutions for your very real life. We offer precise Topology facial scanning to identify the best fit and style of frame to help in selection. That same scan, exclusive to IRIS in Canada, can be used to produce a custom-designed frame!

Is there any warranty? 

Our objective is to make you and your eyes happy. If you don’t totally love your new frames, you can exchange them for another pair within 60 days, free of charge.

Our best-in-industry, No Matter What warranty is included with every pair of glasses. IRIS will replace your frame and fully coated prescription lenses should they break or be scratched, for any reason, within one year of the original purchase.

Do I need to book an eye exam with an IRIS optometrist to use the Advantage Program?

We welcome all members from the Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce, their employees, and their employees’ household members. Bring your current prescription (not older than 24 months) or book an exam with one of our optometrists.

How can I learn more about IRIS? 

For more details about the Advantage Program or for information about services and appointments, you can connect with us using the method that works for you.

  • Call us (519)-725-3937 to book an appointment or speak with manager Darren Wilson.
  • Check out our full profile: IRIS Waterloo.
  • Fill out this contact form with your question.
  • Book your eye exam online.

If you’re interested in keeping up with IRIS news or learning some eyecare tips, check out our blog.

 

MetCredit

How MetCredit Helps Businesses Maintain Reliable Cash Flow

The single biggest cause of bad debt write-offs is failure to collect receivables soon after they become overdue. During unpredictable times, collecting becomes harder and the risk of non-payment increases. For business leaders and Accounts Receivable managers who struggle to collect overdue accounts, working with MetCredit brings relief and a renewed ability to focus on innovating and creating new revenue.

MetCredit is a collection agency specialized in the quick and ethical recovery of overdue receivables. Using its unique Solution-Oriented Recovery™ with proprietary AI algorithms and predictive intelligence, MetCredit is known for industry-leading performance in Ontario and throughout Canada, helping businesses maintain reliable cash flow while safeguarding their reputation and customer relationships.

Established in 1973, MetCredit works with businesses of all sizes, from mom-and-pop shops to Canada’s banking, retail and telecommunications giants. MetCredit reports unpaid debt and payments received to Transunion, Equifax and Dun & Bradstreet, as well as regional and industry-specific credit bureaus across Canada, with consequences for any who do not live up to their commitments. The result is faster payments to clients.

Clients can upload files for collection 24/7 and view their account status in a single place using MetCredit’s unique online collection assistant. The agency works on a no-collection, no-fee basis, covering all upfront costs and disbursements and deducting commissions only when a debt is recovered.

MetCredit is licensed and bonded to collect commercial and consumer debt in all Canadian provinces and territories — and offers a special discounted rate for Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce members.

Visit MetCredit.com or call their team at 1-888-797-7727.

CarefreeIT

Although CarefreeIT focuses on businesses in the insurance industry, we want all Chamber members to take their IT security seriously. As Waterloo Region’s go-to technology solutions provider, we have answers to common cybersecurity questions and useful tips for all aspects of your business IT.

Myth 1: An online survey that appears to come from a reputable company is safe.
Not necessarily. Hackers often copy the templates of legitimate surveys published by big brands, hoping you’ll complete them and hand over your personal information in the process.
You can spot fake surveys by looking for spelling and grammar errors, as well as suspicious URLs and email domains. If the survey asks for sensitive information, such as your SIN, account credentials, credit card, or banking information, it’s probably a scam.

Myth 2: Malware isn’t a problem for me because I have a firewall.
Malware (malicious software) attacks are growing in number and variety every single day. Did you know that a malware strain known as the Dark Watchman was just spotted in December? Only 8.5 kb in size, it hides in a ZIP file and spreads through emails. The Dark Watchman poses a serious risk to Chamber members who do business abroad—and your regular virus checker most likely won’t catch it.
Basic firewalls are not enough to protect businesses from these ever-evolving threats. Whether you make $100,000 a year as a small business or over $1 million a month as a large corporation, you should consider yourself a target. SMBs (small and medium-sized businesses) are at heightened risk since they are less likely to have the resources to invest in a solid security infrastructure, nor will they have the funds to recover after falling victim to an attack.

Myth 3: My company uses Macs. We don’t have to worry about cyberthreats.
Phishing, weak passwords, and data breaches can all damage your business’s security and reputation no matter what operating system you use. It doesn’t matter if you’re working on an iPhone or a Microsoft Surface—your devices, credentials, and financials can be accessed and compromised by hackers.

How can CarefreeIT protect my business?
Since 1998, CarefreeIT has been providing technology solutions to small and medium-sized businesses across Southwestern Ontario. With insurance industry expertise, state-of-the art security tools, and friendly, knowledgeable experts on our team, we take a comprehensive approach to IT care by working to quash threats and prevent system downtime before they interrupt your business operations.
In 2018, we were also the first and only managed services provider in Waterloo Region to develop a comprehensive cybersecurity solution—including 24/7 network monitoring—that is specifically tailored to the needs and budgets of SMBs.

Where can I learn more about business cybersecurity?
We have a few great options for you:

Read Playing Defense: Protecting Your Business from Cyber Threats in a Post Pandemic World, authored by CarefreeIT’s cybersecurity experts, John Balch and Aman Guliani. Click here to request your free copy.
Start fighting cybercrime with knowledge and action by signing up for our Cybersecurity Tip of the Week.”
Education is the best defense against today’s cyberthreats, and untrained employees pose the greatest risk to your business. Visit our website to register for six months of free end-user cybersecurity awareness training.

For more information on keeping your company protected, please contact us at 519-883-7815, or email us at info@carefreeit.ca

Simplify

Refrigerated Shipping for Final-Mile & Home Delivery

You may know that Simplify Logistics offers reasonably-priced, same-day, and next-day courier services. But you may not know the following about us:

We also offer full delivery services, including refrigerated service for final-mile shipping.
We grow with you. We offer less-than-truckload (LTL) delivery services to help you move smaller batches of product quickly and swiftly.

Take a quick look at these FAQs about some of our full delivery services.

What Goods Can You Transport?

We ship almost anything: produce, groceries, flowers, pet food, alcohol, meal kits…a quick call to our head office will let you know if we ship your product. The number is 226-979-6044.

Do You Offer Refrigerated Transportation?

Yes! We have you covered with our refrigerated cargo van service for final-mile shipping. A few examples:

From the farm to the food terminal or grocery store
From the dairy plant to the retailer
From the manufacturer to the consumer’s door, e.g., for a food prep company

What Sizes of Vehicles Do Have?

Our vehicles range in size from cargo vans to 26’ trucks, so we can transport loads of almost any size. If your cargo doesn’t fit on our cargo van, that’s okay! We can fit it on our 26’, less-than-truckload (LTL) truck.

Do You Also Ship Dry Palletized Loads?

Absolutely. We offer middle-mile and final-shipping of dry palletized loads in our 26’ truck.

Do You Offer Warehousing?

Also yes. Our professional and friendly staff will take care of your products at our Kingston warehousing facilities until they’re ready to ship. Why incur the costs of managing your own warehouse when you can hire experts to take care of these responsibilities for you?
In addition, we offer third-party logistics, so we’re more than happy to coordinate your shipping needs for you along your entire supply chain.

Do You Offer Special Pricing Options?

Of course. For customers who use our full array of delivery services—shipping, warehousing, and third-party logistics—we have special packages that will help you save money and give you peace of mind knowing that your shipping needs are being taken care of by experts.

Who Do I Contact?

To find out more, call our head office at 226-979-6044 or email Armend at aosmani@simplifyscs.com. We’d be happy to talk to you about your shipping needs and explain how we can take one more worry off your mind so you can focus on your business and what you do best.

GolfPlay

Golf is trending – Get your team together and tee up some fun!

Golf has long been an important networking and business tool, as it’s a proven way to strengthen existing business relationships or make new ones (i.e. networking in charity events like the Chamber tournament!). For that reason, it’s a competitive advantage to have your team comfortable with golf, and Golfplay is a great way to introduce some of the non-golfers on your team to the game and have a lot of fun at the same time. Golfplay is an upscale, golf entertainment venue in Kitchener, using the world’s best indoor golf simulator technology to provide an entertaining and incredibly realistic virtual experience – and there’s never anyone asking to play through! There are many different playing formats suited to both beginners and avid golfers, and Golfplay’s team is focused on ensuring that everyone has a great experience. For newcomers to the sport, it’s an easy, low-pressure introduction without all of the rules and etiquette of the outdoor game.

Golfplay’s simulator technology is impressive to say the least. Automatic ball teeing means there’s no need to bend over to tee up or to chase & pick up balls, and the swing platform actually lifts and tilts to provide realistic downhill or sidehill lies based on where your ball actually is on the virtual course. The simulated chipping and putting are very accurate and a lot of fun, with golfers having the option to just do the putting if that’s all they want to try! With 180+ courses to choose from, including challenging favourites such as Pebble Beach or PGA National, there are also many less-challenging courses, including a virtual one where golfers are hitting off cliffs and driving down canyons. Think of it as “bumper golf” for novices. With so many advanced features, it’s easy to see how their simulators have been ranked #1 in the world by Golf Digest for the last 5 years in a row.

Golfplay’s spacious interior with 9 simulator bays has a modern, contemporary feel that is well suited for hosting groups and parties such as:

● Team-Building Events and Skills Clinics
● Customer Appreciation Tournaments
● Holiday Parties
● Retirement Parties
● Fundraising Tournaments

During your round, Golfplay’s in-house kitchen serves up many options from their chef-crafted menu including their famous stone-oven pizzas. Their full-service bar has 12 beers on tap including some local favourites, as well as a large selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage options. There are several group food packages to choose from with gluten-free and vegan dishes available as well.

From interactive group fun and good music to excellent food and beverage options the Golfplay experience can’t be beaten! When you’re planning your next activity, whether it be a holiday party or team-building event, choose Golfplay!

For more information, contact Steve at steve.harris@golfplay.ca or visit www.golfplay.ca.

Golfplay looks forward to welcoming your group soon!