Aurora Chamber Updates from Judy Marshall, CEO - April 2015

Thank you to Chamber Volunteers

It is just over a week since the opening of the Aurora Chamber Home Show. It was a great event because of our sponsors, the dedication and support of the exhibitors, volunteers who worked in the ticket booth and assisted in the Feature Areas, The Optimists who ran the Chamber Pub and Grill and the unstoppable enthusiasm and energy from staff and committee members. The committee members include: Robin Taylor-Smith of The Partnership Network, Diane Buchanan of The Auroran, Janice Clements of Clements Interiors, George Hughes of Lifestyle Windows Inc., Bob Ince of The Auroran, Brian North of Ellis Studios and Jack Roeleveld of Jack’s Landscaping.

The Home Show and many other chamber events would never happen without people who give freely of their time and expertise. I mean this sincerely – we couldn’t do what we do without volunteers. Thank you for all you do for the Chamber and many other organizations in Aurora.

People volunteer for many reasons – to give back, feel needed, initiate change, be challenged, build a resume and on and on. Most of my volunteer work is giving back in terms of knowledge and experience by serving on non-profit and charitable boards of directors and committees. Earlier in my life, I volunteered with children and the youth at my church, schools, theatres and sports activities, places where my son hung out. I always saw the time I spent as an exchange – I was new to Ontario and wanted to get involved and they needed support to continue with their programming. I continued until my son moved on to other things (cars and girls).

Recognizing volunteers for their contribution to the Chamber has been on my priority list for a couple of years. It should be are an integral part of the Chamber as it shows how important their contributions are to the organization’s success. I have put it off citing time and lack of staff resources, but it is so important. I have often found that lack of recognition is the single most stated reason why people leave volunteer and, often, paid positions. We need volunteers and have to make sure we do a better job at recognizing them so we can retain them and attract new ones. Watch for further information.

Calling Volunteers . . .

The Chamber always needs volunteers to help out on an event-only basis, on committees such as the Advocacy and Government Relations and Membership and Marketing Committees and the Board of Directors.

The Chamber has a new challenge and we need you help! For those with great ideas and planning skills - we have to find, develop and execute a new big event, likely to be held annually in the fall each year. Interested? We want your ideas and participation. Please call me at 905-727-7262 or j.marshall@aurorachamber.on.ca

In case you have missed it . . .

On April 21, 2015, Google will change the way searches on their site are done. From that date forward, websites that are “mobile friendly” or “responsive” will be given a much higher priority in searches made from mobile devices such as tablets and phones.  Websites that are already mobile or “friendly”, claim that they have experienced an improvement of 40 percent or more in searches. Those that are not can anticipate a reduction of 45 percent or more in search results after that date.

As many as 90 percent of all Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMB's) do not have mobile "friendly" websites. In one US Study, it was found that SMB's there believe they are losing approximately $60,000 per year in revenue/sales while in the UK, SMB's believe they are losing $40,000 US$. This is before the change that Google will make in a weeks’ time. Very little data exists for the Canadian marketplace.

The Chamber has had some discussion with the Guild for Intelligence-based Commerce (GIBC) to find out additional information about how this pending change will affect Canadian SMB's in the GTA.  Contact your web master if you have questions. As we learn more, we will keep you up to date.

Training in Human Resources Coming Soon...

In response to requests from a number of members, the Chamber is scheduling a series on Human Resources. At this time, we are reviewing nine modules, each 1.5 hours in length that could be presented from May 2015 to March 2016 (nothing scheduled for July and August). The proposed topics include:

The Basics of HR Law Compliance: What you really need to know

Attracting Talent

Recruiting and Selecting Top Talent

Onboarding Employees to your Organization

Engaging your Employee Base to Drive Results

Managing Performance

Developing your Talent

Strategies for Retaining your Best and Brightest

Managing Terminations and Resignations

Let us know if you are interested. You don’t have to attend all the sessions; just those that are relevant to your business. We are working on the details such as price and location and would really like to find out if there still is an interest.

For further information . . .

A number of members have been asking me about the Ontario Government’s proposal to introduce a cap and trade system. I have tried to explain it but . . .  for more information go to the Ontario Chamber of Commerce Rapid Policy Update: How Cap and Trade Works.

Aurora Chamber Updates from Judy Marshall, CEO - March 2015

THE ONTARIO RETIREMENT PENSION PLAN - PART TWO

The Aurora Chamber of Commerce opposes the Ontario Retirement Pension Plan (ORPP) in its current format. We acknowledge that for those who do not have a workplace pension plan, there could be an under saving issue related to retirement. Like the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC), we question whether the government's solution is the correct or most effective one, most especially when there are so many small businesses struggling to survive as the cost of doing business in Ontario, continues to rise. These increasing costs are related to Workplace Safety and Insurance Board rates, increasing utility prices, ongoing regulatory burdens and every day operational expenses.


The Aurora Chamber views that the mandatory contributions to ORPP by employers and employees will not only reduce consumer spending but increase operating costs for those businesses and entrepreneurs who are already struggling financially.

The OCC reported that survey results reveal that, if the ORPP is enacted in its current form, 44 percent of employers will reduce their current payroll and/or hire fewer employees.

The Chair of the Aurora Chamber Board supports the recommendation from OCC that local businesses strongly urge the government to revise its definition of "comparable" workplace pension plans. "There are other options for retirement savings," concurs Patricia Poulin-Ulbricht, "that need to be encouraged, but a plan that is a burden to small business is not the answer."

A Sunday, March 8 Newmarket Era story features reactions from The Newmarket and Aurora chambers of commerce to the current, proposed ORPP format.

If you would like additional information, the OCC and the Certified General Accountants of Ontario (CGA Ontario) partnered to consult with employers on these proposals. Read the report on this consultation that will provide you with additional information.

The Ontario Government has a document available on-line entitled Ontario Retirement Plan:Key Design Questions.


MOBILE FRIENDLY WEBSITES: NOT HAVING ONE COULD HAVE A HUGE IMPACT ON YOUR BUSINESS 

Did you know that effective April 21, 2015, Google will begin using a new algorithm to exclude websites that are not designed to be "mobile friendly". This will have significant impact on mobile searches worldwide just as these are predicted to surpass desktop searches in 2015. The Aurora Chamber of Commerce is doing research through one of its members and will have ongoing updates. Watch for them!

Judy Marshall, CEO

Aurora Chamber of Commerce

j.marshall@aurorachamber.on.ca

905-727-7262 Ext. 33

www.aurorachamber.on.ca

Aurora Chamber Updates from Judy Marshall, CEO - February 2015

ONTARIO RETIREMENT PENSION PLAN - PART ONE

There has been a lot of discussion at local and provincial chambers about the proposed Ontario Retirement Pension Plan (ORPP) introduced by the Ontario government in December 2014, with plans to establish it in 2017. Both employers and employees will be required to contribute 1.9 percent of wages to a maximum of $90,000 unless they have a “comparable plan” in place. A “comparable plan” has not been defined. This is concern for some of the Chamber’s membership, especially those involved with financial planning or members who are already contributing to a workplace savings plan. Contributions by the employer and employee would be mandatory and would be in addition to the Canadian Pension Plan (CPP) premiums.

The government will also introduce legislation on Pooled Registered Pension Plans (PRPPs) in 2014. These are a new form of tax-assisted individual retirement plans for workers without employer-sponsored pension plans.

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) conducted a survey and found that 72 percent of members feel that pension reform should be a provincial priority and 86 percent of members supported PRPPs that would be managed by regulated financial service providers. Only 23 percent said they could afford additional employers premiums.

If you would like additional information, the OCC and the Certified General Accountants of Ontario (CGA Ontario) partnered to consult with employers on these proposals. Read the report on this consultation that will provide you with additional information.

The Ontario Government has a document available on-line entitled Ontario Retirement Plan:Key Design Questions.

The Aurora Chamber is concerned about the impact the ORPP could have on small business. What do you think?

CHAMBER CONNECTION MAGAZINE

Watch for a big change coming with the spring 2015 issue. We would really appreciate your feedback. Some adverting is still available in this issue. Please contact Lorie Butkus-Hill at 905-727-7262 Ext. 22 or l.butkushill@aurorachamber.on.ca for amazing Annual Value Package deals.

THE CYCLE OF CHANGE

As a membership association, the Chamber is always looking for new ways to provide you, the members with value-added services and supports. Plans are being made to increase the educational opportunities to help you become an even better employee or employer. For example, late last year we met with a human resources firm that will be offering workshops this spring and fall to cover topics such as employee retention, conflict resolution, employment laws related to hiring and releasing staff, Ontario mandatory health and safety training and other subjects as identified by members. Do you have a topic related to human resources that you would like to learn more about? Let us know and we will try our best to fit them in.

The Chamber recently consulted with a small group of members to ask for their input and advice and to brainstorm ideas. The Chamber has been sending reports back to this group and will send the final report to all members in early March with a request for your input. We will listen and react to as many ideas as we can over the next few years. This is important information for the Chamber board and staff as we plan for the next few years and well into the future. We need your help!

Judy Marshall, CEO

Aurora Chamber of Commerce

j.marshall@aurorachamber.on.ca

905-727-7262 Ext. 33

www.aurorachamber.on.ca

Aurora Chamber Updates from Judy Marshall, CEO - December 2014

NETWORKING – THE KEY TO BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS

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

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

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

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

Let’s talk about technique.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WELCOMING NEW PEOPLE

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

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

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

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

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

THINK LOCAL FIRST!

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

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

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

Best wishes for continued success in 2015!

Judy Marshall, CEO

Aurora Chamber of Commerce

j.marshall@aurorachamber.on.ca

905-727-7262

www.aurorachamber.on.ca

Aurora Chamber Updates from Judy Marshall, CEO - November 2014

FINANCIALLY SPEAKING…

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

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

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

Budgeting 

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

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

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

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

Review of Year-End 2011

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

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

Review of Year-End 2012

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

Review of Year-End 2013

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

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

Review of Year-End 2014

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

Staff Salaries

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

FUTURE CHALLENGES

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

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

NEW REPORT FROM THE ONTARIO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE:

A Straightforward Guide to Ontario’s Debt and Deficit

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

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

LET US NEVER FORGET

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

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

Will life ever be the same again?

Judy Marshall, CEO

Aurora Chamber of Commerce

j.marshall@aurorachamber.on.ca

905-727-7262

www.aurorachamber.on.ca