November 2012 Edition

Simon B. CotterWinner of “Canada’s Comedian of the Year” award, Simon B. Cotter’s comedic talents have been featured on the Comedy Network, an Evening at the Improv, and the “Just for Laughs” comedy festival. He’s hosted his own comedy special on CBC and has had guest appearances on a number of shows including Open Mike with Mike Bullard, and CBC’s Comics. His popularity with corporations and associations is due in part, to his rejection of going for the cheap laugh based on vulgarity, race, or gender. Instead, Cotter is a storyteller delighting audiences with his razor sharp wit and unique perception of life’s day-to-day events, and many absurdities.

$100. per person, tax included.Payment required with reservation. 300 seat limitRSVP to Barbara at 326-4424 or email barbara@orillia.com

2012 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Kathi ShropshireMeridian Credit UnionMark GoodeMark Goode Mortgage Man- Dominion Lending CentresJed LeveneGeorgian Bay Financial IncKellie BeasleyHGR Graham Partners LLPPat Lassaline, Lewis, Downey, Tornosky, Lassaline & Timpano LLPChris Pauze Grant Thornton LLPSusan Lang

John AtkinsonDavid CarsonPeggy FoleyDennis LeeCraig MusilJoy Skinner

Mariano TulipanoSteve Van Kessel

Linda Young

Atkinson Group & Life InsuranceCarson Funeral HomesMeridian Credit UnionLaclie Guardian PharmacyBest Western Inns OrilliaIndustrial Park CollisionDowntown ComputersParry AutomotiveKICX 106/The Dock

Mariano TulipanoFrank Cappadocia

Peter HeadKevin Wassegijig

Elisabeth RileyStephanie Stanton

Wendy TimpanoGini Stringer

Mary O’Farrell-Bowers

Downtown Orillia Management Board Lakehead UniversityOrillia District Construction AssociationCasino RamaOrillia Soldiers’ Memorial HospitalOrillia Manufacturers’ AssociationCommunity Development Corp.Doctor Recruitment & RetentionGeorgian College

Dwight EvansIan Crichton

John O’DonnellBrenda Ingersoll

Tony Madden

Oro-Medonte TownshipTownship of Severn Ramara Township Chippewas of RamaCity of Orillia

Kim PriceBarbara LeithDoug BunkerBrenda GunnLucy Stewart

Executive AssistantAdministrative AssistantEvents CoordinatorTourism CoordinatorSales Representative

The 123rd Annual Dinner is being held at Fern Resort on Thursday January 17, 2013. Incoming President Jed Levene has finalized details for the entertainment portion of the evening and looks forward to welcoming members and their guests. Invitations will once again be sent via email as another small step in consideration of the environment. You are encouraged to make your reservation well in advance for this very popular Chamber of Commerce event. There are only 300 tickets available & we sell out quickly.

The deadline for submitting Business Achievement Award nominations is fast approaching. The event is held the last Thursday in February, attendance is approximately 250 and the recognition of being an award recipient is highly regarded in the area business community. The selection committee does not want to overlook any worthwhile nominees and appreciates input from our membership. Keep in mind that you can nominate your own business and you are also welcome to nominate a business who is not a chamber member. Sponsorship opportunities are available to all members and offer great visibility for your business.

The final special event of the year coordinated by the Chamber of Commerce for the community is the Santa Claus Parade being held this year on Sunday November 18th at 1:00 p.m. Support in the way of band sponsorships & parade donations from chamber members is integral to the success of the parade. There is a substantial expense associated with the implementation of the parade. Big Brothers & Big Sisters will be doing a food drive during the parade. As we all know there is an ever increasing demand on all food banks. We would also like to thank members of the Kiwanis Club for coordinating the bucket brigade every year. Committee members are: Bill Price, Don Scott, Doug Bunker, Eleanor Tinney, Jan Phillips, Joan Kavanaugh, Jeremy Stones, John Cook, Pat Lassaline, Peggy Foley, Phyllis Atkey, Const. Wanda Pierce.

2 Message from the Managing Director3 President’s Message4 Business After Five5 Welcome New Members: •OrilliaHyundai •InvestorsGroup •CrimestoppersofSimcoeDufferinMuskoka6 Business Achievement Awards

Sponsorship Opportunities6 Bizography7 Fast and Easy AODA Employment

Standard Compliance7 Anniversary Reception8 Benefit Facts: Are my prescriptions covered?8 Membership Milestones

“The most important tripyou may take in life

is meeting people halfway.”Henry Boye

Great Service, Great Savings: The Highwayman Inn & Conference Centre

Corporate Day Meeting Package*Continental Breakfast

*Lunch Buffet *Afternoon Coffee Break *Private Meeting Room

*AV Equipment & ComplimentaryWiFi$25.95* per person

Contact: Melissa McAndrews Group Sales & Conference Manager

705-326-7343 x.505sales@highwaymaninn.com

The leaves are falling and as we prepare for winter, another season at the port comes to a close. It was a very busy year for all the staff at the Chamber office and the port. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Susan, Kim, Barb, Brenda, Doug and all of the rest of the staff for all their hard work and dedication. This is Susan’s 20th Anniversary as Managing Director at the Chamber. Susan has done a terrific job. The staff makes my job so much easier to do. I really appreciate all that they do.

We had another great year at The Port of Orillia. Our docks not only look great but work even better than hoped. The new management software is up and running and working very well with new upgraded computers to ensure we are ready for our boaters. We did some wonderful upgrades in the washrooms including new coded locks for privacy and security. Our new security gates at the docks are up and are gaining a lot of positive comments from our out of town guests and locals alike.

As my year comes to the end as President I look back and am proud at what we were able to accomplish and the positive feedback we have received. I want to thank the executive board, our board of directors, and all of the volunteers that make the Chamber operate, without all of you none of this is possible. The Chamber helps so many people and organizations. You all should be proud of what you do. I know the many countless hours of volunteer

time away from your families, from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank-you. I would like to thank my wife Vicki and my son Mitchell for allowing me the time away, without your continued support, I would not be able to do the things I do. Thanks for being there.

I am going to miss being president of the Orillia District Chamber of Commerce, I know that I am leaving things in the great hands of 2013 president Jed Levene. Jed is going to make a great president. My past president Kathi Shropshire told me when I took over for her that the year would go fast and Kathi was correct. It has been an absolute pleasure being a part of the Orillia District Chamber of Commerce these past years, and I look forward to seeing the Chamber’s continued growth and success.

Sunday, November 18, 20121:00 pm, Downtown Orillia

One of the largest Christmas parades North of Toronto! Over 100 floats, bands & Santa himself celebrate Stories of Christmas.

Non-perishable food collection for Orillia Sharing Place Food Bank by Big Brothers-Big Sisters • Free Parking in Downtown lots

Business After FiveThe Business After Five in September was hosted by the Rotary Club of Orillia Lake Country at Rotary Place. With well over 100 guests in attendance, members had a great opportunity to network, as well as learn more about what Rotary has to offer. The club held a special draw for tickets to the Opening Night Gala of the Orillia Jazz Festival, and in doing so, raised 264 pounds of food for The Sharing Place Food Bank, and over $600 in cash donations. Wendy Lou Paquette of Hair Design Studio was the lucky winner of the grand prize.

The October Business After Five was held at Orillia Martial Arts Centre. Our hosts, Gerry & Cathy Campbell, provided a spectacular assortment of refreshments, hors d’oeuvres, and door prizes. The guests all enjoyed learning about the centre and the wide variety of services they offer. Christian & Kellie pose with the 264 pounds of donated food.

Nicole & Leigh from The Packet.Penny & Chef Marcel of Sixteen Front.

Welcome New Members

Orillia Hyundai has been in Orillia for over 2 years. From the time the company set up shop, they have provided consistent service to their existing customers as well as selling the latest in automobiles – not the least the Elantra, which was voted “2012 Canadian & North American Car of the Year”.

Take a few minutes and come out to meet Sam Scavuzzo, the new General Manager, and our sales and service staff.

www.orilliahyundai.ca705-325-3352

The Barrie-Huronia Region and the Orillia Division Office of Investors Group are committed to building strong and lasting client relationships by providing complete and distinctive financial planning solutions.

We deliver products and services through a strong network of consultants who combine institutional credibility with entrepreneurial spirit to meet and exceed client expectations.

Blake Hunter – Regional DirectorRichard Fenton – Division Director

705-327-5593www.investorsgroup.com

Crimestoppers is a successful civilian non-profit organization bringing together police services, media, and community to fight against crime.

705-325-1646www.crimestopperssdm.com

Orillia Hyundai Investors Group Crimestoppers ofSimcoe Dufferin Muskoka

Mark November 21st in your calendar, when Happy At Home Support Services will be hosting at Couchiching Golf & Country Club. This will be the last Business After Five of the year.

In addition to delicious hors d’oeuvres, building tours and great door prizes, these successful events continue to be the best networking opportunity in Orillia. RSVP by calling 705-326-4424, or email barbara@orillia.com.

Rotarians Erin, John & Scott. Rob & Jessica of Sunshine Carpet & Flooringwith Paul of Sheridan Seating.

Jed Levene is a founding partner with Georgian Bay Financial Inc. The firm consists of 5 financial advisors and 3 support staff. Georgian Bay Financial works with clients to form a financial plan related to areas of income generation, capital & family protection and preservation.

Jed has his designations as a Certified Financial Planner, Chartered Life Underwriter and Financial Management Advisor and is working towards graduation in 2013 with an MBA from Dalhousie University specialized in financial services.

Georgian Bay Financial services clients from Toronto to the Muskokas however their main focus is in Orillia and area.

The financial planning process followed by Georgian Bay Financial is very simple and client focused. The dominant thesis towards financial planning is that products are simply a means to an end; if there is no goal attached to a specific product then why have it? We feel working with an advisor should always

be about the plan, and not the products.The planning process helps to answer

some very fundamental questions that individuals and businesses tend to avoid addressing such as: What do I need to protect? When would I like to retire and how much will I need each month? What is the best way to implement an employee benefits plan to attract and retain key-people?

All members of the team at Georgian Bay Financial have a long-term background in financial services boasting a combined total experience of 134 years of combined experience. This assists the group in providing a high level of service and knowledge related to a variety of financial planning needs.

Having been very active with the chamber, we have seen the great opportunities that are available to entrepreneurs and professionals in this community. We are honoured to be a part of it and always look forward to giving back.

Bizography

Award Categories:• Leadership in Training

• Marketing and Promotion

• Company Expansion

• Entrepreneurial Initiative

• Site Enhancement – Renovation and Upgrade

• Site Enhancement – New Construction

• Customer Service

• Technological Advancement

• Regional Economic Development

• Business Start-up

• Green Award

• Hats Off

• Strengthening Our Communities

The Orillia District Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the Thursday, February 28, 2013 Business Achievement Award presentations.

These awards provide recognition to companies in Orillia and Area who have excelled in business. This is a great opportunity for the business community to join in celebrating the achievements of these recipients. This high profile event provides excellent promotional opportunities for the sponsors to directly target the event attendees with the following recognitions:• Opportunity for sponsor to present an award• Sponsor’s logo on promotional material• Sponsor’s name used in media releases• Opportunity to distribute sponsor’s promotional material at the event• Sponsor acknowledged during the event• Sponsor logo on event programme

Event Sponsorship - $800.00 • Award Sponsorship - $200.00 Please contact Managing Director Susan Lang at the Chamber of Commerce office at 705-326-4424 to indicate your level of interest.

Fast and Easy AODA Employment Standard ComplianceBy now most of you will have heard about the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and its various accessibility standards aimed at creating a barrier-free province by 2025. One upcoming compliance deadline you should know about is for the Act’s Employment Standard.

The Employment Standard makes accessibility in organizations a regular part of finding, hiring, supporting and communicating with employees who have disabilities. The deadline for Employment Standard compliance is January 1, 2016 for large organizations (50+ employees) and January 1, 2017 for smaller organizations (>50 employees). By 2012, all organizations must provide workplace emergency response information and plans to employees with disabilities.

HRPA’s free AODA Employment Standard videosUnderstanding your compliance obligations doesn’t have to be difficult. The Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA) has made it easy to understand and simple to execute with the Harold Jeepers’ series of six short (five-minute) videos.

Set a date, invite your team to brown-bag it or order some pizza, gather around a computer and enjoy! The videos cover:

• Developing and Documenting Individual Accommodation Plans

• Keeping Accessibility Needs and Plans in Mind When Redeploying Persons With Disabilities

• Accessible Formats and Communication Supports

• Workplace Emergency Response Information

• Recruitment and Informing Employees of Supports

• Facilitating Return to Work

You can view the videos at www.youtube.com/user/HRPATV

Just watching the videos and following along with the CHANNELS compliance guide will put you and your team well on the way to AODA Employment Standard compliance.

The Harold Jeepers’ video series and guide are produced by HRPA as part of an EnAbling Change partnership with the Government of Ontario.

• Mayor’s Breakfast •Thursday, November 22, 2012 • 7:30 am

Best Western Plus Mariposa Inn & Conference Centre

There will be a question and answer period at the presentation.

$20 per person, RSVP to barbara@orillia.com

Anniversary ReceptionOn October 24, past presidents, board members and dignitaries came together to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Susan Lang in the position of Managing Director of the Orillia District Chamber of Commerce.

Pictured with Susan are fifteen of our Past Presidents:(from left) Jim Dykes (2005), Angelo Orsi (2007), Pat Thor (1993), Carol Cooke (2004), Mark Goode (2012), Lucy Stewart (1991), Susan Lang, Karen O’Coin (2008), Bill Adams (1997), Brian Crate (1995), Karen Woolcox (2000), Doug Downey (2009), Linda Murray (2002), Jack Keyzer (1992), Bill McLean (1998), and Terry McNaughton (1999).

We would like to share with the membership the company names of our long standing members, e.g. 10, 20, 25, 30 years, etc.Email barbara@orillia.com and advise her the year in which your business joined this Chamber of Commerce.

We would like to thank theOrillia Square Mall

for their continued supportof 27 years!

ARE My PRESCRIPTIONS COvERED?As government programs change their benefits, often reducing the coverage, it’s more important than ever to understand how your group insurance plan can provide a financial safety net – especially when it comes to prescription drugs.

All group health plans base their benefits on a list of eligible drugs called a formulary. Most insurance companies have several formularies available. This lets employers choose, from comprehensive plans that cover most prescription drugs to more restrictive plans where only certain types of drugs are covered.

Some group plans even let the employer add or remove specific drugs to control coverage -- and cost! For example, smoking cessation or erectile dysfunction drugs may be covered under some plans and not covered under others.

If you opt for the most comprehensive plan, one that includes all medications with a DIN (Drug Identification Number), your plan will allow over 10,000 items. Such plans are not common today because the cost of these plans is typically quite high. Today’s more typical formulary would cover drugs which, by law, require a prescription -- approximately 8,300 items.

With plan costs rising, many companies turn to “managed formularies” with cost containment features. For example, managed formularies may pay for generic drugs, but not the additional cost of brand name versions. Some group plans use a provincial drug listing as the basis of their coverage. These cover from 3,500 to 7,500 items. Privately developed formularies, such as Emergis’ “National Formulary”, cover between 6,200 and 6,700 DIN designated items.

Whichever formulary you choose, keep in mind that medications may have multiple DINs. That’s the case with a 200 mg tablet, a 400 mg tablet and a 400 mg time-release capsule, all with the same active ingredient. In some formularies, the 400 mg tablet may be covered, while the time-released capsule might not.

Too many choices? Your Chambers Plan agent can help you select the right formulary for your needs.