The post Winners Announced: 2024 Business Excellence Awards Gala appeared first on Chamber of Commerce KW.
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Award Category |
Winner |
Business of the Year (Over 50 Employees) Award | MTE Consultants |
Business of the Year (11-50 Employees) Award | REM Web Solutions |
Business of the Year (1-10 Employees) Award | W Design Co. |
New Business of the Year Award (Under 2 Years) | The Poop Valet Pet Waste Removal Service |
Community Builder of the Year Award | Westmount Signs & Printing |
Employee Engagement Award | Dillon Consulting Limited |
Environment and Sustainability Award | Meal in a Jar |
Health & Wellness in the Workplace Award | Waterloo Regional Police Service |
Service Excellence in Hospitality/Tourism Award | St. Jacobs Market District |
Innovation Award | Conestoga College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning |
Michael R. Follett Community Leader of the Year Award | Tony Giovinazzo (Activa) |
Non-Profit/Charitable Award | LiftOff Black Innovation Hub |
Volunteer of the Year Award | Conrad Lovell (RBC Dominion Securities) |
Young Professional of the Year Award | Ediz Kemal (Tone-Gar Group of Companies) |
MTE Consultants has established itself as a premier provider of engineering consulting services for over 35 years. Their sustained growth, averaging a remarkable 12% year-over-year growth since 2006, reflects a robust business model and strong client relationships. Notably, in 2023 their Kitchener office alone contributed to 50% of business, highlighting a significant Regional presence. Employee satisfaction is also extremely high with a low turnover rate and annual employee survey scores consistently surpassing 85%. Client retention also remains a core strength, with 89% of business attributed to existing clients. MTE Consultants’ commitment to proactive leadership is evident through their support of educational institutions and active involvement in industry organizations, with over 20 team members contributing their expertise to various committees and board roles. Furthermore, their dedication to corporate citizenship is admirable with over $150,000 donated to charitable causes in 2023 alone.
REM Web Solutions has offered a comprehensive service portfolio spanning web design, development, and digital marketing over the past 23 years. Their WebWizard platform empowers clients to manage digital content effectively, reflecting a commitment to innovation and proactive leadership. They pioneered Software as a Service (Saas) solutions before the term existed, revolutionizing customer support in the industry. Despite being a small business, REM Web Solutions has achieved remarkable growth, boasting 140% revenue increase between 2023 and 2024. REM Web Solutions’ dedication to employee satisfaction is evident through initiatives like a 4-day workweek. Their corporate citizenship is exemplified through pro bono work for non-profit organizations and involvement in community initiatives.
W Design Co. Creative Branding House was previously known as Lesley Warren Design Group. But after 16 years, was rebranded to better reflect its evolution. With a focus on future growth and succession planning, the company offers expanded services alongside its signature boutique experience. Committed to employee well-being, W Design Co. provides a range of benefits and perks, including Cowan Group Benefits Plan, flexible work hours, and a pet-friendly office. Their collaborative and inclusive culture fosters creativity, professional growth and, and equal opportunities for all team members. Client satisfaction remains paramount, which is evident by a 100% retention rate for tier-one clients and a stellar net promoter score of 81. Financially, 2023 marked a record-breaking year with a 48% increase in sales and impressive margins. W Design Co. demonstrates a strong commitment to social responsibility and environmental sustainability. Providing a 10% discount for not-for-profit clients, they’ve saved partners approximately $22,000 in 2023. They are actively involved in community and chamber events, and often sponsor local initiatives.
The Poop Valet Pet Waste Removal Services, founded by spouses Rick and Sherry Couchman, began as a part-time endeavor, blossoming into a thriving pest waste removal service. Inspired by a backyard campfire scene in 2022, Rick envisioned a unique business solution after observing family dogs. Recognizing the scarcity of similar services in Canada, he embarked on establishing a professional pet waste removal company. With the recent addition of part-time employees and projected 2024 growth, their impact extends beyond business. The Poop Valet Pet Waste Removal Services tackles community cleanliness, responsible pet ownership, and supports local charities. In their first 13 months of business, they accumulated over 50 recurring clients, showcasing rapid growth and financial success, projected to exceed $80,000 in 2024. Engaged in local initiatives, they uphold integrity and contribute to community well-being. Despite personal struggles with mental health, Rick’s resilience and dedication not only transformed his life but also made a positive impact on the community, championing mental health awareness and donating to local charities such as Partners with Paws and the Jersey Girls.
Westmount Signs & Printing has built their business around supporting the community they live and work in. Their belief in community involvement as a social responsibility drives everything they do. In 2023, alone, they sponsored over 100 local organizations, providing nearly $50,000 in financial and in-kind sponsorships to non-profit organizations and charities. This substantial investment directly empowered various community-focused initiatives, including educational programs such as literacy workshops, STEM initiatives, and after-school tutoring programs. In addition to in-kind sponsorships, they also focus on collaborating with other local businesses Their belief in community involvement also extends to their team members, with their Employee Volunteering Initiatives. They also prioritize environmental responsibility, with sustainable practices and investing in eco-friendly processes. Westmount Signs & Printing views their success not only as a measure of their business achievements but also as a reflection of the positive change they contribute to the community.
Dillon Consulting Limited, with more than 1,100 employees, are committed to fostering a culture of continuous learning and development, with an investment that surpasses the national average per employee. In the last fiscal year alone, Dillon Consulting allocated substantial resources to training and career development. They offered a diverse range of programs such as the Early Career Development (ECD) program, which provides enriched learning opportunities to new staff, and offers peer networking. Dillon Consulting’s initiatives, like the Innovation Incubator and the Dillon Innovation Award, empower employees to contribute creative solutions to meaningful problems, further fostering a culture of empowerment and entrepreneurship. They also actively promote diversity, equity, and inclusion through ongoing training, and reduce employment barriers and support underrepresented groups. Their commitment to employee ownership, wellness programs like Emotional Intelligence training, and flexible work arrangements has established them as a leader for Employee Engagement.
Founded on the principles of innovation and sustainability, Meal in a Jar has revolutionized the food industry with its convenient and eco-friendly Meal in a Jar service. This Canadian company has garnered widespread acclaim for its commitment to providing fresh, ready-to-eat meals delivered directly to customers’ doorsteps, all while prioritizing environment responsibility. Their dedication is evident in their choice of eco-friendly packaging, opting for recyclable glass jars over plastic, reducing plastic waste and minimizing environmental impact. Also, their zero-waste philosophy, exemplified by producing meals only when orders are received, significantly reduces landfill contributions. By locally sourcing ingredients from farmers and producers, Meal in a Jar not only supports sustainable agriculture practices but also reduces carbon emissions related to transportation. Their focus on natural ingredients, such as using Greek olive oil in their in-house made sauces, promotes healthier food options and environmentally friendly farming practices. Meal in a Jar sets a high standard for sustainability in the food industry.
The Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) stands as the seventh largest police service in Ontario. With a commitment to public safety and community partnership, the Waterloo Regional Police Service extends its dedication to the wellbeing of its 850 sworn officers and 375 civilian professionals. Understanding the unique challenges of policing, the Waterloo Regional Police Service prioritizes the health, safety, and wellness of its members, and recognizes the direct impact on the community they serve. In addressing physical health, they provide comprehensive fitness facilities, regular classes led by professionals, individual coaching, challenges for a healthy environment, ergonomic support, and rigorous safety measures. For mental health, they offer dedicated Wellness Unit, Peer Support Team, Wellness App, Respect in the Workplace Unit, and psychological support services. Furthermore, initiatives promoting work-life balance include flexible work plans, family assistance programs, tuition reimbursement, and quiet reflection spaces. In 2023, the Waterloo Regional Police Service “Wellness in the Workplace” survey had a remarkable 95% approval rate, indicating a strong satisfaction and support for the initiatives implemented by the Waterloo Regional Police Service.
The St. Jacobs Market District, is distinguished as the largest year-round indoor/outdoor farmers’ market in Canada and is a premier tourist attraction in Waterloo Region. It is an iconic community asset, and even more so recently, a bustling hub of activity. The St. Jacobs Market District hosted 24 special events in 2023 alone. The same year, they reached over 1.6 million social media profiles through organic Facebook and Instagram posts. The St. Jacobs Market District’s success is clear from its impressive visitor numbers, attracting over 1 million visitors annually, with approximately 57% of them traveling from over 40km away, reflecting its regional and national appeal. In 2023, the St. Jacobs Market District’s revenue surpassed $10 million, marking a significant milestone in its growth trajectory. Additionally, the St, Jacobs Market District’s contribution to the local economy is evident in its support of over 500 vendors, including 33 new full-time vendors.
At Conestoga College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning, innovation IS their service. They help their partners innovate and bring new ideas to life by connecting them with faculty, researchers, and students with the expertise and experience required to address their research and development needs. They help their partners access the experts and cutting-edge research infrastructure in Conestoga’s research centres and labs. By working with Conestoga College, partners can also access various funding opportunities that help cover the cost of collaborative research and development projects. Conestoga College is home to six applied research centres spanning science, engineering, business, and social innovation and two centres focused on entrepreneurship and commercialization. In 2023, Conestoga College ranked as one of the top 20 research colleges in Canada by engaging with 121 industry and community partners, starting 96 new projects, and providing paid research work experience to over 250 students. Conestoga College’s commitment to innovation is evident in its proactive approach to fostering a culture of creativity and entrepreneurship. Initiatives such as the Conestoga New and Emerging Research Grant (CNERG) and the newly established Centre for Commercialization emphasize the college’s dedication to innovation.
Despite the industry he works in, Tony Giovinazzo understands that community extends far beyond that of roads, sidewalks, and houses. It’s where you and others around you have a feeling of fellowship. Tony, and his team at Activa, believe in bringing life to communities… and feel it is incumbent on them to provide to Waterloo Region’s vitality through their support of organizations and business partners which are proud to call Waterloo Region home. Through his leadership as CEO, Tony Giovinazzo has been able to make a significant community impact, supporting affordable housing initiatives, and encouraging physical activity for current and future generations. They were even recognized for their community contributions, as the Community Builder of the Year Award Winner at the Business Excellence Awards in 2021. Outside of the office, he is a proud Honorary member and past president of the Kitchener-Westmount Rotary Club, he is a strong believer in “giving back to this great community”. Tony has volunteered his time to serve on the Boards of University of Waterloo, Family & Children Services of Waterloo Region, Sanguen Health Centre, the Economic Advisory Committee of Waterloo, and the Waterloo Regional Police Services Board, to note just a few. He was awarded a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition of his substantial volunteer work and commitment to the well-being of children. Tony has an accomplished professional background, a proven dedication to serving his community, and a focus on creating an engaging work environment as an employer of choice for his colleagues.
LiftOff Black Innovation Hub, a Black-led and Black-serving incubator, stands out through its support for Black entrepreneurs in Waterloo Region and Wellington County. LiftOff Black Innovation Hub has directly supported over 120 Black businesses, providing them with coaching, mentorship, and viable funding opportunities. In the past year alone, LiftOff Founders have received over $250,000 in funding from various sources. This support has not only empowered individual entrepreneurs but as a ripple effect, contributing to the economic development of the community. One LiftOff Founder they supported last year was Peter Pearse-Elosia of DigiMillennials who hosted AfroVibes, the highly successful, first ever African cultural festival in Kitchener.
LiftOff also focuses on youth development, by mentoring and training 2 students through the Canada Summer Jobs program. This proactive engagement with the younger generation aligns with broader societal goals and positions LiftOff as an organization invested in building future leaders.
In addition, the opening of LiftOff Black Innovation Hub’s physical location within the SDG Idea Factory provides a dedicated space for collaboration and community engagement.
Conrad Lovell’s commitment to helping others extends far beyond his role as an Investment Advisor at RBC Dominion Securities. As the current Chair for the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce, Business After 5 (BA5) Committee, Conrad not only plays a pivotal role in organizing events that facilitate networking opportunities and promote local businesses’ growth, but he actively encourages other committee members to do the same. He fosters an environment where creativity, collaboration, and dedication thrive. Conrad actively engages with other chamber members and is a champion for the community whether it is through his involvement with the Uptown Waterloo Business Improvement Area (BIA) Board of Directors, the City of Kitchener’s winter skating rink program, and his support in recruiting local family physicians. Conrad’s genuine passion for people is evident not only in his career trajectory, but also in his volunteer efforts, where he strives to make a positive and lasting impact on the lives of those around him.
As the General Manager at Tone-Gar Group of Companies, Ediz has demonstrated an unwavering passion for serving and protecting his community. He graduated with Honours from the Police Foundations program at Conestoga College in 2006. He started his career as a security guard, which evolved into a leadership role through hard work and commitment. His extensive qualifications, including certifications in tactical communications, conflict management, and more highlight his breadth of expertise in the security industry. Recognized as one of Canada’s Top 10 under 40 Young Leaders in the security industry by SP&T News, further solidified his reputation as a standout professional in his field. Under his guidance, the company has achieved a remarkable client retention rate exceeding 98%, and his emphasis on ongoing training and development has established a “Best in Class” standard within the Region, positioning the company as a leader in the industry. With the support of his life partner, and mentorship from Tone-Gar Group of Companies’ ownership, Ediz, a first-generation immigrant, has been able to reach his educational, personal, and career goals. He embodies the Canadian dream- a testament to the boundless opportunities for success and impact in a diverse and inclusive society here in Waterloo Region.
For further information contact:
Carolyn Marsh
Events Manager
Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce
519.749.6052
cmarsh@greaterkwchamber.com
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]]>The post Happy International Women’s Day! appeared first on Chamber of Commerce KW.
]]>Did you know that the journey for women’s rights in Canada has been a complex and often challenging one? While some women obtained the right to vote in a sporadic fashion, it wasn’t until 1918 that federal authorities granted them this right. However, even then, women were not considered “persons” until 1929. Moreover, until the Canada Elections Act was enacted in 1960, First Nations women could not vote unless they had lost or given up their treaty rights and Indian status. Despite these obstacles, women persevered, fighting for equality before and under the law, which was finally enshrined in the new Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms in 1981.
Fast forward to the present day, and we witness the incredible achievements of women who have been inspired by those who came before them. One such inspiring Indigenous woman is Sage Paul, an award-winning artist, designer, and founding collective member and artistic director of Indigenous Fashion Week Toronto (IFWTO). Hailing from Toronto and a member of English River First Nation, Sage Paul is renowned for her work in fashion, costume, and crafts.
Another remarkable woman is Afua Cooper, the seventh and current Halifax Regional Municipality Poet Laureate. As an ambassador for poetry and literacy, Afua Cooper’s accomplishments are particularly notable considering the historical challenges faced by black women in education and literacy.
In the realm of sports, one cannot overlook the contributions of Hayley Wickenheiser, a Canadian sports legend and four-time Olympic gold medalist. Wickenheiser, an all-around hockey hero, played an instrumental role in shaping women’s ice hockey, even before the Winter Olympics had women’s tournaments, which began in 1998. In 2003, she made history by becoming the first woman to score a goal in a men’s semi-professional league. Her list of professional accomplishments is extensive, with Wickenheiser holding the title of Canada’s all-time leader in international goals, assists, and points. With 276 games with Team Canada under her belt, Wickenheiser’s legacy in Canadian sports is truly unparalleled.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let us honor the achievements and contributions of women past and present, and continue to strive for a more inclusive and equitable future. Go Canada!
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]]>The post Female Founder: (March) Cindy Cody appeared first on Chamber of Commerce KW.
]]>To learn a little more about the Scotiabank Women Initiative, and why they’ve chosen to sponsor this program, see the video below.
The next Female Founder we’re featuring is Cindy Cody, Business Owner/Entrepreneur, Leader of The Cindy Cody Team, RE/MAX.
With a sparkling personality and a zest for life, Cindy Cody has enjoyed success in the Real Estate industry that many aspire to achieve. Cindy prides herself in forming strong, lasting relationships based on honesty and integrity, not just with her family, but also with her clients and colleagues. Those who know Cindy are enthusiastic about referring her to others and continually seek her expertise. Cindy has been selling Residential and Investment Real Estate in the Kitchener/Waterloo and surrounding area for over 30 years. She is a highly respected individual in our area and if she says she’ll do something “SHE DOES IT”! She is true to her word.
To learn more about Cindy and her journey as a Female Founder, watch the interview below (or read the written format).
Tell us a little bit about your business.
I’m an entrepreneur like many of you out there and when I first got into the business 38 years ago… I was all excited to go help buyers and sellers, lots to learn lots of hard hours and lots of mistakes. I grew over the years into a business owner, a true entrepreneur and business owner and have built one of the top 50 teams in Canada.
What are some of the highlights of your entrepreneurial journey?
Along the journey I was a young mom and wanted to make a living and a life for my girls and our family on my own – I only had a certain education and decided that I could make an income to the level of how hard I would work and try to find an industry where it didn’t need a whole lot of schooling to start up but I knew I would put the effort in thus I got my real estate license.
I worked very hard for the first third of my career just by helping people buy and sell homes and learning and then I thought took entrepreneurial courses and coaching and understood that I actually owned a business if I chose not just being a real estate agent which I loved being, but you could also run a successful business and still help clientele and I actually really gravitated to that.
I built a team and along with that obviously there’s lots of learning; I learned how to manage people, I learned how to grow a business, I learned a lot by trial and error, I learned a lot about myself, and I found many ways in taking time to grow the business itself that I can actually help the client better than if I work totally on my own, which I’m very happy about.
What are some of your accomplishments?
Accomplishments over the years for me, I think I’ve built a good life for my family – we have a super happy team that have good businesses running. I know the level of service we provide the clientele that hire us and I’m at a nice point in my business now. I choose which parts of the business I love because we have a full team so when clients hire me and the team we all have our own unique things that we love to do in the business the most or specialize in, and we can better help the client and we enjoy it as well, so that’s fun.
What are some of the challenges that your business faced?
I think over the decades the main thing I find in helping challenges is just really getting skilled in having a strong mind – taking courses, reading, practicing, but if you’re mind is sharp any challenge you can get through, get over succeed at, delete from your business right whatever it is and then calmly you can go into what’s working & what’s not working.
Sometimes you have to reach out to other entrepreneurs in the same industry, other successful entrepreneurs saying, “hey have you ever dealt with this before? Could you give me some advice?”
I’m part of many chat groups that we discuss issues, we discuss new programs, apps, situations, people, you know all different things and I think it’s good to hear a number of answers and trial and error then you jump back in and try something new and sometimes you succeed and sometimes you run into another little stumbling block, but I think if your heart’s in the right place, you’re out there to help people number one, then rest it’ll all figure out.
What are some of the challenges your business faced during the pandemic?
So, the conversation is interesting, in real estate and running the business it was scary at the beginning and our business basically shut down immediately or pretty immediately. Everyone was scared, everyone was fearful of going into homes, homeowners did not want people in their homes, legally we had lots of documents, we needed to have buyers and sellers sign and obviously we set up sanitation little stations in the homes that we had listed.
So, being an entrepreneur and self-employed and a self-employed team business for self team the income kind of did the same thing right? It was an interesting time I’d say did it last like six months to nine months you know there’s a rough edge around those months, but people really got back to “I still want to sell” and “I still want to buy,” and we can put up with gloves or sanitizer and then obviously we’re totally back to normal now, and we don’t have issues anymore and I think the general public is used to washing their hands more and being cautious more.
Do you prefer the older or newer real estate market?
There’s no black and white answer there. I’d say many things were much harder back then because we didn’t have electronic and programs and things to help us. Many of us experienced agents have become much more like advisors now, which I love. Access to homes is easier now because you don’t have to pick up as many keys, etc. And the flow of what’s available, what’s sold like coming on and off quickly is interesting and real estate is much different. The structures are the same but purchasing homes and investing in real estate is much different; prices are much different, interest rates go up and down all the time, some rules are different especially around investors and investing. So, I’d say there’s no black or white I’d say in today’s standards I think the industry tries to keep improving.
Social media and different things around us don’t ask real estate professionals should we have this? Is this good for you? So, sometimes you know it’s extra work for us, sometimes there is a benefit to it, sometimes not. So, I guess as a business owner that is kind of the decisions, I have to make along the way like are we putting our money where it’s best for the client and for the business as well right?
What strategies do you use to grow your business?
Regarding growing the business, I think are a number of things. I’d say very early in my career I hired a strategic coach, and what this did for me was taught me how to be a true entrepreneur and how to build a business.
The other thing is I’m a huge relationship woman, I love one-on-one with people, I love speaking to groups, I love connection, I love being an advisor for my clients. Many of my clients are friends now right so relationships in being an entrepreneur you never can go wrong.
I know the social media age now many younger agents they try to have real relationships on social media and I think they do with some people right and I’m on social media as well, but I think it’s a different relationship and it grows differently once you meet in-person and once you start giving back to others and not always just charity it’s like how can I help you with your business? How can you get a little deeper with everyone, and I think that’s the whole answer to life right the deeper we can get with each other and even us as entrepreneurs how can we share, how can we help, how can we learn, and I think the growth the coaching trial and error, but always knowing okay what’s working? What isn’t?
I love building a structure for the business you know what happens when and we keep refining that for us and for the client right. So, there’s many aspects, but I’d say overall growing the business, knowing what isn’t working – correcting it, and relationships and getting coached, those are my three things.
How do you define success?
I think success is different for each of us. I know for me it’s family. We have a beautiful family, a happy family, a connected family, a healthy family. I’m blessed we have a happy team, a successful team, a caring team, I get to choose in my business what I love to do most right, and we live in Canada. I think we’re all pretty lucky to be here and we’re eating and breathing and the sun shining, and we all can we have so many opportunities that we have freedom and choice. I think that’s success.
What is your strategy to build teams and recruit talent?
I would say number one is referrals. I like to reach out in real estate to the managers at our office because they already know – maybe a couple good candidates that are thinking of joining a team, the managers likely would know how motivated those individuals are or what their work ethic is like. I think referrals or referrals even from clients you know that say hey I’ve got this great girl that’s you know very energetic, etc.
I think referrals for me over the years, I’ve even have had agents from out-of-town respect my business that have asked to have sent agents my way that have moved from different cities saying: “Cindy I think they would be great on your team.”
I had a few people search out our brand “The Cindy Cody team” and have searched out for things we do and reviews and different things. So, once you have a few individuals I find that awesome and I’m sure they are awesome anyhow, but related to real estate then I like to do their personality tests next to make sure that that’s aligned with our profession right and very important. I’ve hired a few wrong people and not wrong people, but they in my opinion were in the wrong profession. Then once we get them on board if we hire people, I like to have the “happy bus”, so I like a team that respects each other is happy all our mindsets are like clients we’re all willing to help each other grow together so that has to be a fit and sometimes you don’t know that until you have someone on board and you know are working.
What are some of the benefits of establishing your business in the Waterloo Region?
Waterloo Region is great. So, establishing a business here I can truthfully say to people I love living here; it’s clean, its family orientated, the downtown hubs are kind of becoming a “Mini Toronto” if you can say that. The transportation is fabulous now and things seem to be just getting better and better and there’s still wonderful nooks, crannies, subdivisions all over that you don’t have to live right central, but I think there’s lots of good opportunities for sports, for the arts here, for traveling quickly back and forth to the GTA. Many awesome restaurants, amenities, like anything you need is here, support, great hospitals right, but I find there’s a beautiful healthy vibe to the KW region.
What inspires you?
That’s easy. Do you know what inspires me? I love laughter, I love laughing, I love hearing other people laugh, I love making other people laugh. I’m kind of funny sometimes. I love seeing people happy, my family, the team, clients, strangers, other entrepreneurs. I love seeing people happy, I love making people happy, I love seeing people grow, I love seeing people be open to grow. I love when people ask questions because they have a thirst for knowledge.
What advice would you give to other aspiring entrepreneurs?
So, aspiring business owners, entrepreneurs, basically the three things again: ask others, have a sit down, and have lunch or coffee with other successful entrepreneurs in the business that you’re considering, and maybe several people. Once you do your personality tests make sure that who you are as a human being, not who you think you are, but you know these personality tests that show so much – see if they relate to the industry that you want to jump into, and then align yourself with others; a good team, mentorship, company, whatever it is. Align yourself with awesome people and an awesome support structure for growth.
What inspires you?
My kids are an inspiration I just want to make them proud, and I want to set a good example for them. I have two boys, so you know I want them to grow up with a strong independent female role model. My team are such a source of inspiration to me they are such an incredibly talented group of creatives and their commitment to their craft and their passion and enthusiasm it’s contagious. I learn from them every single day and I love it and I love seeing them succeed so seeing them kind of happy and proud of the work that they’re producing and feeling that I have in some way maybe contributed to that or helped them to get their work to that point that they’re really excited about it. I find that really rewarding.
What are some of your audacious goals?
One big goal we have for our team…Our prices are Kitchener-Waterloo prices here not Toronto/Vancouver prices. We are currently in the top 50 teams in Canada for our size of team, which we’re very honored. We would like to move that needle up to the top 10 so that’s our team goal. Our other goal is always to have a happy thriving bus of growth, but yeah, the Cindy Cody team and I have a pristine brand in the KW region, very reputable. I’m very proud of that.
We care, that is going to continue and hopefully we can move that needle up.
What’s your view on the housing crisis?
Housing crisis is a big topic and I’m not a politician or excellent at the topic, but I’ll give you my two cents. We do need more homes period, any size up spread out, spread them up, whatever needs to happen to make that happen. I find a lot of it probably is rules, regulations, permits because I believe there’s space in many communities where building can happen, and I believe there’s enough builders out there that don’t mind building and making profit.
You know the one thing that I heard is that the construction workers in that I believe, there’s a shortage a huge shortage of that, so you know if you cleared the road for rules, regulations, zoning all of that then you had builders that actually would agree to purchase lands or purchase properties to you build on or change the size or what the current structure looks like you still need that workforce to actually do the labor to make it happen. Again, I’m not sure, but what are the rules in regulations again at bringing or I don’t know the answer for that, but I’d say that would be one place for the government to look – how can we double the workforce or whatever is needed?
I find a lot of people say how’s the market Cindy? When will this all you know when are things going to be different? And we need more housing, so like in KW if you have 10 buyers and two properties available that’s a crisis like you know there’s not enough property right so there actually has to be enough property and I’m the one to help people sell and buy, so I’ll leave that up to the experts.
Where can we find out more about you?
Codygroup.ca is our website, and my email is Sold@cindycody.ca. Our main number is 519-746-5136. We are all on Instagram, and other social media as well.
*This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
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]]>The post A New Chapter for Dana Walton appeared first on Chamber of Commerce KW.
]]>It’s bitter-sweet to announce that after 13 years with the KW Chamber, Dana Walton will be moving on to a new opportunity. Dana will be joining one of our Member Businesses, Future Focus Inc., where she will be leading their Business Development team here in Canada and the US.
Dana first joined the Chamber in Spring 2011 for a summer placement as a Marketing & Events Assistant. Upon completion of the contract, Dana was hired on a permanent basis to support in the role. Later, Dana moved into Project Coordinator and Executive Assistant positions. With her natural leadership abilities, and experience and general understanding of the various positions and departments throughout the Chamber, Dana eventually took on the management of the Marketing Team, Business Development Team, helped spearhead Advocacy efforts, and contributed to the overall strategy of the Chamber as part of the Senior Leadership Team.
Although we’ll miss having Dana around the office everyday, we’re thrilled that she won’t be going far! Dana’s role with Future Focus Inc. will still see her attending Chamber events in the future.
We thank Dana Walton for her time with us here at the KW Chamber, and wish her all the best on her next Chapter!
Some of Dana’s favourite moments:
The Business Excellence Awards Gala feels like Christmas morning for me!
The most rewarding aspect of this role has been the invaluable connections with so many remarkable individuals, many of whom have become mentors and friends.
Our peer2peer groups have been a series of business case studies where I’m personally invested in the outcomes. I’ve also had the privilege to meet and work with amazing people within the Chamber team, our committees and through our programs.
I have two annual events that I look forward to each year. The first is Vine & Dine – it’s an incredible culinary experience, and I always enjoy the different pairings that the Chefs create.
Another favourite event is our Business Excellence Awards Gala. The BEAs are the Chamber’s version of Christmas morning to me. Everyone talks about the theme, the décor, and the incredible nominee business stories for months in advance- there’s so much build-up that comes from the planning and excitement each year. The best part about the BEAs for me though, is seeing everyone’s expression when they’re walking up to the stage and they realize that all of their hard work has paid off. I can’t think of the words to describe it, but that’s when it feels like Christmas morning to me- you’ve spent months of planning the perfect day and now you know that you’ve found the perfect gift!
For Membership questions and information, please email memberships@greaterkwchamber.com.
For Sponsorship information, please contact Heather Hutchings.
For Marketing & Communications information, please contact Carolyn Marsh.
To stay connected with Dana Walton, click here.
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]]>The post Celebrating Black History Year-Round appeared first on Chamber of Commerce KW.
]]>Black history in February is necessary. However, people should also act on their appreciation for Black communities in Canada throughout the year.
Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate Black Canadians, acknowledge historical wounds, and recognize that Black Canadians are an important part of our society. Beyond treating them as equals, Canadians can make the effort to support Black businesses, artists, and charities throughout the year — not just in February.
According to small business BC, Canadians should shop at small businesses to:
We asked Fred & Ida Wells – retired Canadian entrepreneurs what black history month meant to you as business owners? The former Waterloo African bakery owners said: “Some of the socio-economic disadvantages we faced as entrepreneurs in America effected our operation and led us to relocate and immigrate our skills to Canada where we felt nothing short of equality and respect for our operation”. We felt partially marginalized in America because of our skin colour, Ida said. Her family struggled with debt growing up which reflected negatively on her credit score and the opportunity to fund a successful operation diminished. “The inability to borrow and support our marketing strategy made it difficult to grow and prosper”. We moved to Waterloo in 1999 and ran Well’s Puffs bakery until 2009. We then decided to retire and focus on our family. Waterloo has been happily home for over 24 years.
In efforts to raise awareness, how can the community support African business owners in our community?
The challenges that many black business-owners face and continue to endure can be overcome. The good news is that you can do a tremendous amount to become a positive force. A great place to start is to seek out one black-owned business you can get behind and give them some business. Then, spread the word.
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]]>The post Nominees Announced: 2024 Business Excellence Awards Gala appeared first on Chamber of Commerce KW.
]]>14 awards will be handed out at the 2024 Business Excellence Awards Gala and nearly 130 nominees will be recognized. Winners won’t be announced or notified until that evening.
For more information or to purchase tickets for this event please visit our website or call 519.749.6048.
Today, the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the following nominees for the 2024 Business Excellence Awards in the following award categories:
New Business of the Year Award (Under 2 years)
Award Sponsored By: MAC LLP
Business of the Year Award (1-10 Employees)
Award Sponsored By: MNP LLP
Business of the Year Award (11-50 Employees)
Award Sponsored By: Miller Thomson LLP
Business of the Year Award (Over 50 Employees)
Award Sponsored By: University of Waterloo
Community Builder of the Year Award
Award Sponsored By: Heffner Lexus & Heffner Toyota
Employee Engagement Award
Award Sponsored By: Conestoga College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning
Environment & Sustainability Award
Award Sponsored By: Enbridge
Health and Wellness in the Workplace Award
Award Sponsored By: Gowling WLG
Innovation Award
Award Sponsored By: Scotiabank
Non-Profit/Charitable Award
Award Sponsored By: MTE Consultants Inc.
Service Excellence in Hospitality & Tourism Award
Award Sponsored By: WalterFedy
Young Professional of the Year Award
Award Sponsored By: PwC
Volunteer of the Year Award
Award Sponsored By: Bell Canada
Michael R. Follett Community Leader of the Year Award
Award Sponsored By: Equitable
The Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce is the largest accredited chamber of commerce in Ontario. The Chamber is dedicated to enterprise productivity and regional prosperity. Since 1886, it has been the voice of business in the greater Kitchener Waterloo area.
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]]>The post Execulink: Smart Telecom Strategies for Business Savings in 2024 appeared first on Chamber of Commerce KW.
]]>Welcome to 2024! As we step into a new year, it’s time for businesses to think smart, especially when it comes to managing costs. With a global economic outlook suggesting a more cautious approach to spending, it’s essential to focus on effective yet budget-friendly business strategies. Here’s how telecom solutions can play a crucial role in this endeavor:
Conducting regular reviews of telecom plans are more than just a check-in; they’re a strategy to ensure your telecom services are as dynamic and adaptable as your business. By staying on top of your telecom game, you’ll not only save money but also position your business to quickly leverage the latest in telecom advancements.
This process allows businesses to identify and eliminate overspending on outdated or underused services. By keeping track of usage patterns, businesses can adjust their plans to avoid excess charges, particularly for data and call limits. Regular reviews also uncover any unnoticed billing errors, ensuring that businesses pay only for what they use.
Staying updated with the latest offerings from telecom providers is another advantage of regular plan reviews. It enables businesses to take advantage of new deals, technologies, and service enhancements that could offer more value or savings.
Adopting cloud-based telecom solutions like Execulink’s Hosted Phone Solution and Cloud Contact Center, is a smart move for businesses seeking cost savings and operational flexibility. These solutions minimize the need for expensive physical hardware and infrastructure, leading to significant upfront cost reductions. In 2023, 92% of Canadian companies were using some form of cloud computing, highlighting its popularity for operational flexibility and cost efficiency. Their scalable nature allows businesses to only pay for the resources they use. Cloud services also reduce IT operational expenses by lessening the need for large in-house IT teams, thanks to included maintenance, updates, and support.
Furthermore, cloud-based applications enhance team collaboration and productivity, crucial for businesses with remote or distributed teams. They also offer improved energy efficiency, robust data security, compliance with regulations, and automatic software updates. All these factors contribute to a reduction in overall business costs while enhancing performance and agility. In essence, cloud-based telecom solutions offer a streamlined, cost-effective approach to managing business communications, making them an essential tool for modern businesses.
Automation in telecom systems like Execulink’s Cloud Contact Center, is crucial for businesses looking to boost efficiency and reduce costs. The infographic below illustrates some of the various forms of automation employed in these systems and how each contributes to cost savings:
These automated features collectively reduce the need for extensive manpower, cut down on labour costs, and increase operational efficiency. Their ability to handle tasks quickly and without error, coupled with scalability for fluctuating demands, makes automation a cost-effective solution for peak periods and slower business phases.
Overall, embracing automation in telecom solutions enables businesses to achieve significant cost savings while maintaining high standards of customer service and operational excellence.
Embracing remote work with effective telecom tools is a strategic move for businesses aiming to reduce costs and enhance productivity. This approach significantly cuts down on the expenses associated with maintaining physical office spaces, such as rent, utilities, and maintenance. With tools like high-speed Internet and VoIP, remote work setups enable employees to work efficiently from anywhere, thereby boosting productivity and reducing the need for commuting, which saves both time and transportation costs.
Adopting a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy can further reduce hardware and IT infrastructure expenses, as employees use their own devices. This flexibility in work location also serves as an attractive perk for talent acquisition and retention, potentially decreasing recruitment and turnover costs.
Moreover, remote work can lead to lower absenteeism, as employees are less likely to take time off for minor illnesses or personal matters. The scalability of remote work solutions allows businesses to quickly adapt to changing market conditions, offering a cost-effective way to manage operations.
Overall, supporting remote work with reliable telecom tools is not only a response to modern work trends but also a financially sound strategy, helping businesses to minimize overheads while maintaining high levels of employee productivity and satisfaction.
Securing your telecom solutions is essential for financial stability and reputation management. Effective data security shields against the high costs and reputational damage of data breaches. Complying with data protection laws further helps avoid costly legal issues.
Robust security measures reduce downtime from cyber-attacks, ensuring smooth business operations. They are also critical for maintaining customer trust, as losing customers post-breach can be financially damaging.
Investing in proactive security measures protects not only your data but also your unique business ideas and products. This approach is usually more cost-effective than rectifying issues after a breach. Additionally, businesses with strong security protocols often benefit from lower insurance premiums due to reduced risk.
In essence, prioritizing data security in telecom systems goes beyond safeguarding information; it’s a strategic business decision to minimize expenses and maintain long-term business stability.
For businesses in 2024, being agile and adaptable to market changes is a key strategy for cost efficiency. Agility allows businesses to respond quickly to market fluctuations, capitalizing on new opportunities or minimizing risks. This adaptability can prevent financial losses that might occur from outdated strategies or missing new trends.
An agile approach leads to streamlined operations and the elimination of unnecessary processes, resulting in significant operational cost savings. It also helps businesses avoid being locked into long-term strategies or technologies that may become inefficient, preventing wasted investments.
Being agile means being open to adopting new, cost-saving technologies and quickly adjusting to changing consumer demands, which enhances customer satisfaction and retention. Effective resource allocation in agile setups reduces wastage and focuses on areas with the highest impact.
Furthermore, part of being agile includes having contingency plans, such as strategies to deal with internet outages, which minimizes downtime and associated costs in case of unexpected disruptions. Overall, maintaining agility ensures businesses stay competitive, adapt swiftly to market changes, and manage their resources efficiently, leading to cost savings and sustained business growth.
As we navigate the economic landscape of 2024, it’s clear that smart choices in telecom can lead to real savings and better ways of working. By checking your telecom plans regularly, using cloud-based services, and taking advantage of automation, your business can cut costs and work smarter. These are the moves that will keep your business strong and competitive.
Looking to make the most of your telecom setup? Get in touch with Execulink Telecom to find out how we can help you save money and improve your business communications today.
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]]>The post Female Founder: (February) Lesley Warren appeared first on Chamber of Commerce KW.
]]>To learn a little more about the Scotiabank Women Initiative, and why they’ve chosen to sponsor this program, see the video below.
The next Female Founder we’re featuring is Lesley Warren, CEO & Creative Director of W. Design Co,.
Lesley is a passionate creative who has dedicated her life’s work to bringing brands to life. With over 25 years of industry experience from Graphic Designer, and Creative Director to Founder and CEO, Lesley has honed her craft in all facets of the design world. Her passion and integrity continue to foster growing and meaningful client relationships, while also making her a respected voice and trusted agency partner. Her pursuit to build and transform brands of any size in any industry has been the cornerstone of helping business and not-for-profit communities alike find success together, even in times of uncertainty.
Lesley won the 2015 Young Entrepreneur of the Year award from the Greater Kitchener Chamber of Commerce and has been nominated for others, including the 2017 Small Business of the Year Award. She is an active member of the Greater Kitchener Chamber of Commerce Women’s Leadership Committee, and the International Women’s Forum Waterloo Chapter.
To learn more about Leslie and her journey as a Female Founder, watch the interview below (or read the written format).
Tell us a little bit about your business.
W Design Co., is a full-service marketing and design agency dedicated to building brands and growing businesses. We support a range of clients across various Industries, we support clients with sales and marketing, collateral brochures, logo development. We’re getting heavy into the digital space these days so we’re doing a lot of web development, we’re doing video motion graphics, all kinds of cool stuff really. But we are traditionally a marketing agency.
How big is your team?
Currently we’re about eight full-time on our core staff, all of whom are trained with post-secondary education in the fields of marketing or graphic design, but we also have a really strong partner network so anything that we can’t offer in-house we have strategic partners in place to support like heavy backend coding, video production that requires a film crew. I mean we can do it all, but we’ll outsource various pieces as the demands of the project require.
What does your clientele look like?
We have a range of clients from startups that are looking for brand development from strategy straight through to their logo development and implementation. We have clients that are kind of midsize corporate accounts primarily B2B, but we also have some really large corporate accounts even U.S based, corporate accounts that are quite large in scale that we would support on kind of more of a day-to-day basis with sort of all of their sales and marketing support – we’d be kind of like an extension to their team we’d be their agency of record.
Tell us about your company’s history.
We’ve been around a while, it’s hard to believe that we’re on our 17th year. So, 17 years ago I started Leslie Warren Design. Initially it was just to have some flexibility in my schedule I was looking to raise a family, and was kind of tired of the big city crazy and I just wanted to create kind of an environment that was more sustainable for my growing family so that’s kind of how it came to be.
Why marketing?
So I’ve always been creative, I remember sitting in a guidance office in high school and kind of asking what am I going to do? The only thing I’m good at is art. I was an honor student in art, I took art all the way through high school I’m like what am I going to do with this? And it was a guidance counselor that that introduced me to graphic design and you know it was a practical application for an artistic skill-set and I think having been raised by a single mother you know I was raised to be practical so the idea of just being a fine artist – potentially starving artist that didn’t seem practical to me. So the combination of applying my artistic ability and a practical application like graphic design that seemed like a good idea to me so when I started college it was it was a natural fit.
I think at the end of the day you’re the only one that you can truly count on you. I was abandoned by my father so I think that also contributes to that fiercely independent – you know I will stand on my own two feet, and I don’t need anyone to help me.
I want people in my life, I want to share my life with people along the way, but to know that I don’t need them was important to me.
Which school did you attend?
I graduated Durham College in Oshawa. I graduated in 97’ from graphic design and from there I got into an agency right away in Toronto. I was really passionate about package design so I started at an agency one of the more reputable agencies downtown I focused on package design and brand development so I did that for about six years, and then it was kind of I was at a crossroads where I could stay in package design but it’s a very niche, very small market or I could diversify so I chose the latter and I got into a corporate job so I was working at a tech firm here locally that’s kind of what brought me to this area. I was working on the marketing team as their lead creative. Not really my vibe you know I stayed there a little bit, but an agency is kind of what I’m built for; I like the challenge, I like the speed, I like the diversity, you know I held a few design roles in various you know firms I guess from junior through to senior roles before I ventured out on my own in 2007.
What are some of the lessons you learned working in different agencies?
I learned a lot about what I don’t want to do. Agency is typically and I don’t want to generalize but my experience in agency it was very competitive, very – I don’t want say cutthroat but a little bit of it was high stress, high pressure, and I didn’t want that. I really, I felt that if I was ever in a leadership position, I would do things a little differently you know and I think that’s why our team is so collaborative. I don’t have walls and offices it’s open concept because I want people sharing ideas, I don’t want them working in a silo and hiding their work because they’re afraid to share their ideas because someone might steal their ideas. I want you to share and it’s not a competition we all work together, and I think that’s how we create magic.
What sets you apart from other marketing agencies?
That’s a really good question because I’m pretty modest and I struggle to kind of it’s not bragging but you know what I mean like I struggle with so how are we different? I think in general like a lot of the traditional marketing firms we offer a lot of the same services I mean quite honestly so how are we different? I think that we have a very strategy process I really believe that great strategy equals great design. I believe in purposeful design you know it’s not good enough just to create a pretty picture, why are we doing this piece in the first place? Who’s it for? How’s it going to be used?
I think it’s important to understand and have answers to all of those questions before you start a project and maybe that’s all of my years in as a train package designer that you know maybe I’m trained to think differently. I don’t know, it’s not to say that designers aren’t strategic in general, I’m just based on my observation some are some aren’t, but we have a very strategy led process we lead with strategy. I challenge my creative team you know why did you choose that color? Why did you choose that image?
I need them to rationalize and be able to stand behind their design and tie it back to the strategy so when we’re given objectives from a client and we’re given a project brief and we’re given their brand strategy, I need them to be able to ground that design with kind of concrete rationale for their choices.
What does the client experience look like?
I’m going to come back to that collaboration piece because while we’re extremely collaborative internally I would say we’re also very collaborative with our clients. So we work kind of like an extension to their team and I think as a boutique firm what maybe makes us a little bit different is our flexibility, and our willingness to kind of adapt to what the client needs do they need us to be fully involved and hold their hand through the process? We can do that, but maybe they don’t maybe they have a marketing role on their on their payroll and we can collaborate with their marketing team, and you know maybe we’re playing more of a support role. So I think we’re flexible in our approach.
Tell us about your volunteer experience on the Women’s Committee?
So, one of the first things I did when I went into business was, I joined the Chamber because I thought it would be a good way to build my network and connect with other professionals, peers I was looking at that support and mentorship and just looking to build my network I had to start somewhere. Through the Chamber there were great opportunities to get involved in, I joined a CEO Peer Group which has been amazing for again that support that mentorship it’s been great.
I got involved in the Women’s Leadership Committee, which again I’m very passionate about women in business, female professionals, I love to inspire or support in any way I can in that space. So being a part of the Women’s Leadership Committee has been amazing it’s been amazing to be surrounded by you know a room full of strong independent and tremendously inspiring women, so it’s been great personally I’ve made a lot of friends through these peer groups, but I’ve also again that inspiration and that mentorship and that support has really helped me on my journey. I’m also part of IWF which is International Women’s Forum.
I’m part of Growth Academy, which is another women’s professional group, so I’m quite involved in the community with a focus on women’s leadership.
What do you enjoy the most about owning your business?
Being an entrepreneur has definitely allowed me to have flexibility in my schedule, which again that’s what I set out to achieve in the first place and I have two boys, they have hectic schedules they’re hockey players they’re skiers, snowboards I mean life is busy so having that flexibility to be there for them when they need me has been amazing, but it’s also been really rewarding to kind of sit back and you know. I built this, I created this, and there’s just something very rewarding about that. Such a sense of pride and satisfaction. It’s fulfilling to know that I’ve created something and that I’m contributing to other people’s lives you know. I have a team who are employed, and that impact feels good.
What are some of the challenges that you faced?
I know I’m not alone in that navigating a small business through those Covid years it was something else you know as a small business specifically in the marketing space. Marketing budgets are typically the first budgets to get cut we’re B2B service-based company, so I had to shift my focus immediately to operational efficiencies. How can we cut cost so that we can weather this storm and ensure the viability of the business long term? That was my immediate focus and was my focus for probably a solid year until we came out of this and things were starting to look a little brighter, but it was tough some of the decisions I had to make and I didn’t win the popular vote, but that’s what needed to be done and it’s my job to ensure the integrity of the business, but I wouldn’t do anything differently we made it through and we’re thriving and things are great.
But I guess falling right on the heels of Covid my partner was suddenly and unexpectedly diagnosed with advanced stage cancer, he was only 46 so it came as quite a shock to us both and I had to shift my focus immediately to prioritizing his needs. So between you know countless appointments chemo radiation, multiple surgeries, and countless doctors appointments. I also had two kids at home that still needed me so trying to maintain some sort of normalcy for them and navigate their schedules and then there’s the business I can’t just take a sabbatical, I can’t just you know call in sick… The business must go on, so I had to figure out and prioritize on a daily basis just to try to maintain business as usual.
What inspires you?
My kids are an inspiration I just want to make them proud, and I want to set a good example for them. I have two boys, so you know I want them to grow up with a strong independent female role model. My team are such a source of inspiration to me they are such an incredibly talented group of creatives and their commitment to their craft and their passion and enthusiasm it’s contagious. I learn from them every single day and I love it and I love seeing them succeed so seeing them kind of happy and proud of the work that they’re producing and feeling that I have in some way maybe contributed to that or helped them to get their work to that point that they’re really excited about it. I find that really rewarding.
How do you recruit talent?
We’ve recruited a lot of young talent from Conestoga College, and it’s been a direct result of those portfolio assessments, the work term placements, so we’ve got a lot of exposure to young talent that way, and that definitely increases our talent pool for young talent.
When it comes to more seasoned talent I find that talent much more difficult to find and ultimately for me it comes down to fit. We’re a small agency, a small team, we’re a very collaborative team we’re very much a team that’s a family so it has to feel. We are a professional industry so there are prerequisites you must have graduated from an accredited post-secondary education with a Graphic Design Diploma or Bachelor of Graphic Design that’s a non-negotiable and then I’m looking at where/what your experience looks like and then I’m looking at your portfolio. Portfolios are subjective, very subjective, art is subjective, and I have very high standards so I can filter through applicants pretty quick that way.
Once we get to a meeting stage then we’re getting down to fit, I’m looking for that right culture fit I’m looking for that person that you know – our values are kind of aligned that you know they’re open to feedback and I don’t want to say coachable, but you know I think it is important that they can take feedback and learn and grow from it.
What are some of the highlights of your entrepreneurial journey?
Considering we started in the basement of my house it was a big highlight and accomplishment to move into the Bright Up Block. We were one of the first three tenants into the bright up we had a custom-built studio on the second floor and it really legitimized the business, it was it was a really big step – really scary step, but a really big step. In 2016, I purchased commercial real estate which is where our office is now in Waterloo. My grandfather he was an entrepreneur and he always encouraged me to own my own space, he would say as a small business you know that’s your second largest cost center, so if you can get into space you know it’s just better for managing operation overhead and you’re building equity, and you know all that business speak he would tell me. But that was a big accomplishment to be in a position that we could buy that I could buy commercial real estate. Then I guess in 2015, I won the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award so that was that was definitely a highlight. It’s always rewarding when as much as I don’t like being in front of a camera or getting up on a stage or you know I don’t like the spotlight, but it is nice when the agency – when we get recognized for our work and we’ve had clients that have put work you know design work that we’ve done through to various award competitions so that’s always exciting.
I guess most recently though we rebranded just in the Fall so we were we rebranded from Leslie Warren Design Group to W Design Co. It was something I’ve always I’ve been wanting to do for a while, and initially like I said I set out to do some freelance and raise a family it wasn’t really my initial vision to create a group and own an agency so I think that like our brand just it no longer aligned, the name no longer represented who we are where we’re going as a firm and as I look to the future and I look at succession, it made sense and it needed to be done, and I’m really excited that that we made it through the process.
Knowing what you know now, is there something you would do differently?
Not really, I’m a pretty methodical planner. I take calculated risks, I make informed decisions, I surround myself with trusted advisors, so I don’t know that there’s anything I would do differently. I know I’ve made mistakes along way, there’s no question about that, but you know I think my perspective on mistakes is as long as you’re learning from them and it was obviously probably a lesson, I needed to learn then it’s not really a mistake, it was a learning opportunity.
I’ve had a lot of learning opportunities and that’s contributed to my growth, but I wouldn’t change anything.
How do you define success?
Well very simply success to me it comes down to are my team happy? Are my clients happy in getting what they need? I think it’s important to keep an eye on financial performance – well that’s not everything, I think it’s a good metric that kind of quantifies that you’re doing the other two right so you know my team are so important to me and we’ve talked about culture and just ensuring that environment for them, but yeah if my team are happy and doing work that fulfills them that they’re feeling fulfilled and excited about what they’re doing and if I can support them on their journey and contribute to their growth that to me is success.
What are some of the benefits of establishing your business in the Waterloo Region?
I think Waterloo Region has such a great business community. It has a diverse business Community there’s lots of opportunity to get involved, there’s lots of events, and groups and there’s just so much going on that it’s just a great community to be involved with. A very welcoming community and supportive and that’s my experience anyways.
What audacious goals do you have currently?
I think as a small service-based company it’s not uncommon for me to be very owner-centric. The business is very dependent on me currently so what I aspire to is to have an agency, to build a legacy. I aspire to build a legacy – that will continue to thrive well beyond me.
Where can we find out more about your business or connect with you directly?
You can reach out to me personally at lesley@wdesignco.ca or you can check out our website at wdesignco.ca
*This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
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]]>The post Chamber Toastmasters – Gary Brown appeared first on Chamber of Commerce KW.
]]>Have you ever wondered how you would feel if your communication skills were improved? More importantly, how would you feel if your self-confidence was turned up a notch or two?
I know that feel that your communication skills are good and that you present as a confident and self-assured individual to your friends, colleagues and family members. But what does your inner voice say? Would this voice acknowledge that there is room for improvement?
You are probably aware that the vast majority of our communication occurs through non-verbal means such as body gestures, posture and appearance. Meaning is also conveyed with the tone of our voice and the pace at which we speak. Of course, words are important but they represent only a small fraction of how we communicate.
The Greater KW Chamber of Commerce started a Toastmaster Club about 10 years ago with the intention of offering a means that would help Chamber members improve their self-confidence through public speaking.
Toastmasters is a long-standing international organization that focuses on improving the following two essential communication skills:
– effective speaking
– active listening
The surprising thing that happens when the above skills are strengthened is that self-confidence soars.
I joined the Chamber Toastmaster Club about six years ago and I am delighted with the sharpening of my presentation skills. In addition, I’ve had the opportunity to meet some wonderful people who I call friends.
I’d like to invite you to attend one of our Toastmaster meetings as a guest. See for yourself. It might just be the nudge that puts you on the path to improved communication skills. The nudge that makes you feel good about yourself.
If this sounds like something you want to be a part of, please contact Lester Holley.
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]]>The post Navigating Blue Monday: Activities and Resources in Waterloo Region to Boost your Mental Health appeared first on Chamber of Commerce KW.
]]>Blue Monday, typically falling on the third Monday of January, has earned a reputation as the “most depressing day of the year.” While the science behind it is questionable, there’s no denying that the post-holiday slump, cold weather, and failed New Year’s resolutions can contribute to a collective feeling of gloom. Instead of succumbing to the January blues, let’s explore some activities and resources to improve mental health and turn Blue Monday into a day of wellbeing and resilience.
Get Outdoors:
We know it’s cold and gloomy, but being outside proves to be a simple yet profound prescription for nurturing mental health. Whether it’s a crisp walk through Victoria Park, skiing down the hills at Chicopee Ski Hill, or simply appreciating the stillness of a snow-covered landscape, getting outside provides a refreshing change of scenery that can lift your mood and alleviate the seasonal blues.
Explore Waterloo Region shares some fun outdoor activities in the region to partake in this winter.
Give Back:
Volunteering is a great way to improve your mental health. It provides a sense of purpose, social connection, and fulfillment. By contributing time and effort to meaningful causes, volunteers often experience a boost in self-esteem, a reduction in stress levels, and an enhanced mood. The act of helping others fosters a positive outlook and a sense of accomplishment, reinforcing your impact on the community.
Check out Volunteer Waterloo Region for a list of available volunteer positions around the region.
Prioritize Self-Care:
As the saying goes, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Self-care can look different for everyone, but it really boils down to taking time for yourself. This could be immersing yourself in a good book, squeezing in that 20-minute work out, or making sure you get a good night’s sleep. Prioritizing self-care helps recharge your mental and emotional batteries.
If you’re looking for something new to read, try browsing through the selection at A Second Look Books.
Start a New Hobby:
Starting a new hobby introduces elements of joy, creativity, and social connection, fostering a more positive and resilient mindset. Whether you’re exploring a long-held interest or discovering something entirely new, the benefits of cultivating a hobby extend beyond the activity itself, positively influencing various aspects of your mental health.
If you need some new hobby ideas, St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market is hosting New Year / New Hobby every Saturday in January.
Seek Professional Support:
Finally, consider reaching out to a mental health professional. Therapy, counseling, or support groups can offer valuable tools and coping strategies to navigate challenging times. Here are a couple organizations in Waterloo Region offering professional support:
Camino Wellbeing + Mental Health provides tools, resources and services that help people reach their full potential as they work to achieve their best wellbeing and mental health.
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Waterloo Wellington is a local branch of the nationwide organization dedicated to mental health advocacy and support. They provide a full care system for those with addictions, mental health or developmental needs.
This Blue Monday, let’s challenge the notion of it being a day of despair and instead transform it into an opportunity for self-care and mental wellbeing. Remember that you’re not alone, and support is available. Your mental health is a priority, and taking proactive steps can lead to lasting positive change.
Additional Resources and Support Services:
Health Line provides a list of mental health services and supports in Waterloo Region.
HERE 24/7 provides access to the addictions, mental health, and crisis services across Waterloo–Wellington.
Suicide Crisis Helpline is the Canadian Crisis Helpline. You can also call or text 9-8-8
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call 911 or go to your nearest hospital emergency room where crisis support is available.
The post Navigating Blue Monday: Activities and Resources in Waterloo Region to Boost your Mental Health appeared first on Chamber of Commerce KW.
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