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New Development

New riverside community features abundant parkland and stringent architectural controls

Kitchener - Hallman Construction has launched a prestigious new residential development in one of the Kitchener area's most beautiful naturescapes. The community, named Riverwood, is located along the eastern edge of Kitchener, along Zeller Drive and is nestled against the shores of the Grand River.

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National Inventor Competition

Engineering Students Win National Design Contest

Guelph - A team of University of Guelph engineering students has won a first-ever national competition for up-and-coming inventors sponsored by the James Dyson Foundation. Their creation was a single-handed bicycle braking lever that was inspired by a nine-year-old girl with a disabled hand.

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Energy - Landfill Gas

An unique fuel cell plant using landfill gas will produce energy for a Finnish housing fair

Suvilahti, Vaasa, Finland - Wärtsilä will deliver an unique fuel cell unit producing electricity and heat to the Vaasa Housing Fair site in Western Finland in next summer. The fuel cell power plant is based on planar solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology. The plant is estimated to be the first of its kind in the world.

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Tourism Wine and Food

Rocky Mountain Wine and Food Festival debuts in Banff

BANFF, AB - The Rocky Mountain Wine and Food Festival bursts into Banff May 30th and 31st, pairing an intoxicating food and wine event with the powerful landscape and pure alpine air of the surrounding peaks.

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Investing in the Future

Transcontinental invests $20 million dollars in Montreal facility

MONTREAL - Transcontinental announced plans to invest $20 million in state-of the-art equipment for Transcontinental Interweb Montreal, its South Shore printing facility, ensuring that it will continue to provide customers with top-quality newspapers and commercial printed products, including catalogues and magazines.

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Environment - US Fine

N.H. Based Manufacturing Company Faces $125K Fine for Environmental Violations in South Hadley, Mass.

Boston, Mass. - A Hudson, New Hampshire-based company that manufactures digital plates for the printing industry faces a combined fine of $125,678 for environmental violations related to a chemical spill at the company's South Hadley, Mass. manufacturing facility.

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Financial Demutualization

Unity Life policyholders approve demutualization sponsored by Foresters

98.9% of Eligible Policyholders Voting on Proposal Say "Yes"

MISSISSAUGA - Unity Life of Canada policyholders voted to approve the company's proposal to undergo sponsored demutualization at a special meeting of eligible policyholders held in Mississauga.

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Tax Tips - For Students

Some tax planning tips for students
by Parvez Patel

Waterloo - You can claim a 15.25% non-refundable tax credit for eligible tuition fees paid to universities, colleges, and other educational institutions in Canada, or certain other institutions. Once you qualify, the full amount of your tuition fees will be eligible for the credit.

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US Recession

US recession to impact Africa says IMF Chief
By Lea-Lisa Westerhoff

ABUJA - The US recession will have a "significant" impact on growth in the world’s poorest continent Africa, International Monetary Fund (IMF) chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn said.

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Health Care

Government challenged for its "shameful asbestos policy"

OTTAWA - A number of environment, health and labour groups are challenging the Canadian government to stop promoting the interests of the asbestos industry and instead help the growing number of Canadians who are suffering and dying from asbestos-related disease.

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Food services and drinking places

Food and Drinking places see Decline in Month to Month Sales

Statscan - The total seasonally adjusted sales for the food services and drinking places industry was estimated at $3.8 billion in December 2007, down 1.2% compared with November.

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Morning Column

Communication Tips to Click with Your Client
By Dianna Booher

Prospects size you up personally while making their buying decision. "Are you credible?" "Competent?" "Interested in their situation?" The following tips will help you avoid the blank stare of disengagement.

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State of the City

Waterloo Mayor Brenda Halloran Delivers 2008 State of the City Address

Waterloo - Ladies and Gentleman, greetings and on behalf of the City of Waterloo welcome to the 2008 Waterloo State of the City Address. I would like to take a moment and recognize my fellow members of Council who were able to join me today, Councillors Vieth, Freeman, Whaley and d’Ailly.

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Financial - Loss

CIBC announces $1.46 Billion Loss in first quarter of 2008

TORONTO - CIBC announced a net loss of $1,456 million ( $1.46 billion) for the first quarter ended January 31, 2008, compared with net income of $770 million for the same period last year. Diluted loss per share was $4.39, compared with $2.11 diluted earnings per share (EPS) a year ago. Cash diluted loss per share was $4.36(1), compared with cash diluted EPS of $2.12(1) a year ago.

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Environment Award

Lowe-Martin named Most Environmentally Progressive Printer in Canada

OTTAWA - The Lowe-Martin Group was presented with the GOLD AWARD for Most Environmentally Progressive Printer in Canada at the 3rd Annual Environmental Printing Awards, held on February 27, 2008 at the Palais Royal in Toronto.

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Tax Tips - Tax Havens

CRA: Income Earned Abroad Is Taxable

OTTAWA - The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) would like to remind taxpayers that they must report their worldwide income from all sources, both inside and outside Canada.

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Security and Prosperity

Joint Statement by Ministers Responsible for the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America

OTTAWA - In preparation for our leaders' meeting in New Orleans on April 21-22, we, the ministers responsible for the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America (SPP) met in Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, to review progress on the five priorities identified by leaders in Montebello and to discuss cooperative approaches to common challenges and opportunities.

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Digital Ontario

U of G Hosts Digital Ontario Symposium

Guelph - Incorporating high-speed Internet into the lives of Ontarians is the focus of the Digital Ontario symposium running March 5 and 6.

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Expanding Ontario's Global Reach

Ontario Government Helping Ontario Businesses Compete In Global Markets

OTTAWA - Ontario wins when the province's companies succeed in the global economy. This is the message Minister of Small Business and Entrepreneurship Harinder Takhar brought to members of the province's business community February 28, 2008.

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2008 Federal Budget

OPP Needs 500 new officers: OPPA

BARRIE - The President of the Ontario Provincial Police Association (OPPA) says he is looking forward to working with the Provincial Government to ensure the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) gets its fair share of 2500 officers promised in this week's federal budget.

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Health and Safety

Jail for Kitchener man who obstructed Ministry of Labour inspector

TORONTO - A Kitchener plumbing contractor was sentenced to seven days in jail and a fine of $3,000 for pushing a Ministry of Labour health and safety inspector visiting a Toronto construction site.

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Innovation in Service Industries

Study 2003: Innovative exporters and intellectual property regimes in selected service industries

The changing composition of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development economies, and the rapid growth of trade in services have placed the role of services and services innovation into policy debates on innovation.

Thursday February 28, 2008

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2008 NAFTA

Harper should join US call to pull the plug on NAFTA, says Council of Canadians

OTTAWA - Finance Minister Jim Flaherty's announcement yesterday that the Harper government would allocate $29 million toward "a stronger North American Partnership" is out of step with growing calls in Canada, the United States and Mexico to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement and pull out of the Security and Prosperity Partnership, says the Council of Canadians.

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Morning Column

The Great Escape: Developing an Exit Strategy
By Thomas E. Houck

There's a common question on the minds of entrepreneurs when they think about retirement: "How can I eventually get out of my business and not lose my shirt?" The answer is simple: Develop an exit strategy a few years before your desired retirement, and simply execute it.

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USA Community Disclosure

Failing to Provide Community Disclosure Information Yields Penalties for 11 Companies

Boston, Mass. – Eleven companies based in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts and Rhode Island will pay EPA a penalty for failing to submit chemical inventory reports on chemicals present at their facilities, under terms of settlements recently reached. March 1 is the next deadline for submitting chemical inventory reports.

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Environment Resource Management

Why the eco-doomsters are wrong
By David Seymour

This February marks 10 years since the death of Julian Simon, the provocative thinker and aprofessor of business administration at the University of Maryland and a Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute, who refuted the notion that society would collapse as finite resources run out.

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Media

Maryam Sanati appointed to position of editor-in-chief at Chatelaine

TORONTO - Maryam Sanati has been appointed to the position of editor-in-chief at Chatelaine. Sanati, who has been with Canada's leading women's magazine for more than 18 months as Deputy Editor, steps into her new role at Chatelaine on the eve of its 80th anniversary celebrations.

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Financial

Survey finds one in five working Canadians who have access to employer-matched savings programs do not take full advantage of benefit

TORONTO - A recent survey by Sun Life Financial found that nearly 40 per cent of employed Canadians have access to employer-matched savings programs, but one in five are leaving this "free money" on the table.

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Heritage

Heritage awards presented at Regional Council

Waterloo Region – Ontario Heritage Trust and Heritage Canada Foundation awards were presented at Regional Council Wednesday evening.

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Climate Change

Developing Countries Are Hardest Hit From Climate Change

New World Bank report says that poorest countries and people will suffer earliest and most

WASHINGTON —The poorest people in the world’s poorest countries will suffer the earliest and the most from climate change, according to this year’s edition of the World Bank’s annual environmental review, Environment Matters.

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Global Healthcare

Drug-Resistant TB Is Spreading Around the World

A new survey by the World Health Organization (WHO) has found the highest rates ever recorded for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) globally are occurring today. This is the largest survey on drug resistant TB ever to be conducted, the data for which was collected between 2002 and 2006.

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Technology Launch

Celtel, EMS and RIM Introduce the BlackBerry Solution in Nigeria

Lagos, Nigeria; Dubai, UAE and Waterloo, ON - Celtel Nigeria Limited, Research In Motion (RIM) and Emitac Mobile Solutions LLC (EMS) launched the BlackBerry® wireless solution in Nigeria.

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Retailer Files for NOI

Actons olde Hide House files for protection under the BIA

TORONTO - Acton's famous olde HIDE HOUSE now with stores in Toronto and Vaughan, Ontario has filed an NOI (notice of intention to make a proposal to its creditors) under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act. The well known Ontario retailer, is hopeful that it can restructure its operations and continue to service the Southern Ontario marketplace from, at the very least, its flagship store in Acton.

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2008 Federal Budget

Canadian society needs to invest in leadership, not just academics

TORONTO - Unnoticed in Wednesday's budget announcement is the termination of an innovative undergraduate merit scholarship program run by the Millennium Foundation. Unlike most merit scholarships, which are granted simply on the basis of academic performance, Millennium's merit scholarships defined merit more broadly to include serving the community and leadership.

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Housing Market

Canadian housing market to remain strong, though builders' profits to weaken again in 2008

OTTAWA - After a 22 per cent drop in profits last year, Canada's residential construction industry can expect profitability to decline further in 2008, according to the Conference Board's Canadian Industrial Outlook: Canada's Residential Construction Industry - Winter 2008.

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Favour of Strike Action

Furious Steelworkers vote for strike against Westfair Foods

WINNIPEG - United Steelworkers' (USW) Local 9469 members are furious that Westfair Foods Ltd., a regional division of Loblaws Companies Ltd., has tabled a contract demand to invoke a three-tier wage system, which would cap wages and benefits of its lowest-paid employees.

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International Business Awards

Fifth Annual International Business Awards Seeking the Best in Business Worldwide

Awards to Be Presented in Ireland in September; Entries Accepted in Multiple Languages

FAIRFAX, VA - Seeking the best in business worldwide, the Fifth Annual International Business Awards marked the launch of its call for entries today with new categories and plans to host a gala celebration in Dublin, Ireland on 8 September.

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International Travel

Canadian travellers surged into the United States last summer, spending nearly $2.8 billion in the process, the highest amount on record for a third quarter.

At the same time, Canadians set another third-quarter record for overseas trips to countries other than the United States.

Statscan - Canadians took an estimated 5.8 million overnight trips to the United States between July and September 2007, up 12.0% from the same period in 2006. Their third-quarter spending south of the border was a 22.0% increase from the same three months in 2006.


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Philanthropy

Boston Pizza breaks all-time record and raises $536,000 for charity through 16th annual Valentine's Day fundraiser

RICHMOND, BC - Boston Pizza's 16th annual Valentine's Day fundraiser broke an all-time record by raising $536,000 for charity.

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Morning Column

Buying Trends – the Shift to Hassle-Free
By Jeff Mowatt

You may have noticed a shift in recent years in what it takes to satisfy customers. Customers are now making buying decisions less on the quality of an organization’s products and services, and more on the quality of the buying experience itself.

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Environment Resource Management

The Fraser Institute: Quebec Stakes Claim to Best Policy for Mining; Nevada and Finland Round Out Annual Survey's Top Three

TORONTO - Prospectors and investors looking for a stake in the mining sector should turn to Quebec, as La Belle Province is seen by mining executives as having the best policy environment in the world for investment, according to the Survey of Mining Companies 2007/2008, released by independent research organization The Fraser Institute.

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North America Free Trade Outlook

Free Trade Agreements: Issues and Outlook
by Frances B. Smith

Trade has surfaced over the past decade as one of the most contentious political issues—both internationally and domestically.

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Marketing

Building upon the recent price reduction announcement, Volkswagen unleashes its latest Marketing campaign

AJAX, ON - Following up to last week's price reduction on almost all 2008 model-year vehicles, Volkswagen Canada announces the second part of its most recent value initiative: Autobahn for all. This latest campaign builds on the "German-engineering at value pricing" ideology that will familiarize buyers with the truly compelling reasons to buy a Volkswagen.


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Global Urban Report

Half Of World To Live In Cities By End 2008

UNITED NATIONS -- By the end of the year half of the world's population will be living in cities for the first time in history, the United Nations said in a report released on Tuesday.

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2008 Federal Budget

Retail Council of Canada's Reaction to 2007-2008 Federal Budget

Toronto – Retail Council of Canada (RCC) welcomed the prudent budget outlined by Finance Minister Jim Flaherty yesterday. RCC recognizes that the October Economic Statement included timely stimulus that will help the Canadian economy weather the uncertainties of the economic outlook.

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Traffic Control

NAV CANADA reports January traffic figures

OTTAWA - The traffic in January 2008 increased by an average of 6.5 per cent compared to the same month in 2007.

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2008 Federal Budget

"Canada no longer responds" to the needs of Quebec's Manufacturers and Exporters - Jean-Luc Trahan, President, QME

MONTREAL - Mr. Jean-Luc Trahan, President of Quebec Manufacturers and Exporters (QME), said he is disappointed by the different measures that were included in the budget announced by Federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty.

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Social Marketing

Marketers must harness the power of social media: Study

Multi-country study reveals huge growth potential for companies to leverage

TORONTO - Senior marketing executives in Canada, France, the United Kingdom and the United States say that the use of social media for corporate, brand and product marketing is not a passing fad, according to research sponsored by TNS Media Intelligence/Cymfony.

Wednesday February 27, 2008

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2008 Federal Budget

Disadvantage Canada for manufacturers and exporters

OTTAWA - The federal government may tout its budget as Advantage Canada, but for the nation's largest business sector, it's putting manufacturing at a competitive disadvantage.

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2008 Federal Budget

Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber Says Modest Steps Help Region

Kitchener – The 2008 federal budget was announced and outlined the government’s intentions for the upcoming year. Focal points included extension of the accelerated capital cost allowance for manufacturers, more investment in municipal capital infrastructure, and a commitment to reduce the federal debt.

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2008 Federal Budget

Ontario Minister of Finance Dwight Duncan's statement on the 2008 federal budget

TORONTO - The federal government missed the opportunity to partner with Ontario to strengthen economic growth. We wish they had listened more to what Ontario has been asking for.

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2008 Federal Budget

Federal budget announces important investments in developing and attracting talent

OTTAWA - AUCC welcomes the recognition in tonight's federal budget of the vital importance of investing in the education and skills of Canadians to ensure this country's prosperity and quality of life.

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2008 Federal Budget

Canada's CAs give B+ to federal budget

TORONTO - Canada's Chartered Accountants are giving the federal budget a solid B+ rating in these times of economic uncertainty.

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2008 Federal Budget

Federal budget delivers lower than low expectations

OTTAWA- "The Federal government set expectations low going into the budget, and they delivered lower than low expectations, said Paul Moist, national president of the Canadian Union of Public Employees.

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2008 Federal Budget

Budget 2008-Chemical Manufacturers "Disappointed"

OTTAWA - Canada's Chemical Producers found some positive news in Yesterday's Federal Budget, but are disappointed with the provision to extend the Capital Cost Allowance for machinery and equipment for three years, instead of five.

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2008 Federal Budget

2008 Federal Budget Reaction - Government misses golden opportunity to right economic wrongs

TORONTO - The United Steelworkers' (USW) National Director for Canada says Tuesday's federal budget offers little help for working Canadians facing an uncertain future.

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2008 Federal Budget

KPMG Highlights of the 2008 Federal Budget

KPMG - Finance Minister Jim Flaherty delivered the Conservative government’s third budget, projecting a surplus of $10.2 billion for 2007-08, which will be applied to pay down the national debt.

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Manufacturing Quarterly Results

Magna announces fourth quarter increase of 8% and 2007 results

AURORA - Magna posted sales of $26.1 billion for 2007, an increase of 8% over 2006. This higher sales level was achieved as a result of increases in our North American, European and Rest of World production sales offset in part by reductions in complete vehicle assembly sales, and tooling, engineering and other sales.

2008 Federal Budget

Tory budget fails to deliver on election promise

No change in capital gains policy

OTTAWA - The Canadian Real Estate Association is disappointed that a plan to introduce deferral of capital gains taxes and the recapture of capital cost allowance were not included in Yesterday's federal budget.

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2008 Federal Budget

Federal Budget Takes Major Positive Steps to Support Transit

OTTAWA - The Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) is delighted that Yesterday's Budget commits significant new support to invest in public transit infrastructure.

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2008 Federal Budget

Federal Budget Delivers National System of Student Grants - Replaces Unaccountable Private Foundation

OTTAWA - Students welcomed the creation of a national system of grants, announced in Yesterday's Federal Budget. The grants program is being introduced as the Millennium Scholarship Foundation mandate comes to an end.

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Quick Acquisition

Averna acquires substantial Mindready assets in Four Weeks

MONTREAL - Averna, one of the fastest-growing tech companies in North America, today announced the acquisition of substantially all assets of test solution provider Mindready Solutions Inc., a move that will expand Averna's RF and communications product portfolio, reinforce its leadership in test engineering, establish a footprint in the European market, and provide solid engineering management and business practices to Mindready clients.

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Morning Column

Seven Simple Strategies to Kill Cravings
By Dr. Leslie Van Romer and Dr. Narinder Duggal

Americans are well-aware of common addictions: smoking, caffeine, alcohol, prescription pain medications, sleeping pills, and of course, illegal drugs such as cocaine and heroine. However, most of us are blind to this country's biggest addiction of all: Food. The shocking truth is that too much weight now, kills more people than cigarette smoking.

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Education - Meaning Reversal

Ontario's Colleges Must Stop Charging Illegal Ancillary Fees Now

TORONTO - In reaction to the announcement that Colleges Ontario is responsible for the Obay viral advertising campaign, students are calling on Ontario's public colleges to "obay" the law.

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Private and Public investment

2008 Capital investment in Canada is expected to remain robust this year, exceeding even the pace of growth of 2007.

Total investment in non-residential construction and machinery and equipment is expected to reach $250.1 billion, up 6.8% from 2007, according to a sample survey of 28,000 businesses and governments. This increase will be higher than the 4.7% gain in 2007.

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2008 Economy

Scotiabank Forum Predicts Another Healthy Year Ahead For Canadian Real Estate Markets

TORONTO - Canadian real estate markets remain remarkably buoyant, especially in light of the deepening housing downturn in the United States and the generally softening conditions in most other advanced economies globally, according to experts who presented today at Scotiabank's Canadian Real Estate Outlook and Trends Forum 2008.

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Media - Online Content

Online magazine Suite101.com goes global with launch of German site

Vancouver-based online magazine begins international growth with launch of a site in Berlin. 140 German, Austrian and Swiss freelance writers welcome the chance to publish online for payment.

BERLIN and VANCOUVER - Suite101 Media today announced the launch of its German-language general interest online magazine at www.suite101.de.

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Human Resources - Workforce Myths

Study Debunks Five Common Workforce Myths

Stress, Technology and Bosses Not Always the Enemy

TORONTO - Some of the most pervasive beliefs about the workforce have recently been challenged by findings from Towers Perrin's Global Workforce Study - among them, that workers are highly stressed, that they resent the demands of new technologies and that they dislike their bosses.

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2008 Federal Budget

Road to fairness veers off course

TORONTO - Fairness in Canada has advanced no further with Federal Budget 2008, according to the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

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2008 Federal Budget

Health Gone Missing?

OTTAWA - Canadian Medical Association President Dr. Brian Day says that Yesterday's federal budget was a missed opportunity to invest in a number of key, top-of-mind issues for Canadians. Access to quality health care - particularly the growing shortage of physicians has gone missing from federal priorities.

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2008 Federal Budget

Federal budget: little on offer for post-secondary education

OTTAWA - The Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) says Yesterday's budget lacks any coherent vision for post-secondary education and research.


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2008 Federal Budget

Small budget misses big picture

OTTAWA - The minority Conservative government has let Canadians down with a budget short on the vision and leadership needed to address the most pressing issues of our time, says the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA).

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2008 Federal Budget

Budget Measures Position Canada for Continued Growth: Investment Industry Association

OTTAWA - The Investment Industry Association of Canada (IIAC) commends the federal Minister of Finance on his responsible budget in difficult and uncertain times that preserves fiscal integrity and builds on the government's pro-growth productivity agenda.

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2008 Federal Budget

Canada’s Venture Capital & Private Equity Association Strongly Supports Budget 2008 Measures

TORONTO - Canada’s Venture Capital and Private Equity Association expressed strong support for certain measures contained in today’s federal Budget, particularly those designed to enhance Canada’s cross-border business and investment environment.

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2008 Federal Budget

Price Waterhouse Coopers report on the 2008 Federal Budget – Treading Softly - in Old Shoes

Minister of Finance Jim Flaherty presented the minority government’s third budget on February 26, 2008. Breaking with tradition, he had new soles put on his old shoes, rather than presenting the budget in new shoes, intending to demonstrate prudence in the face of economic uncertainty.

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2008 Federal Budget

Canadian Construction Association Describes Budget 2008 as "Hit and Miss"

OTTAWA - The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) described Budget 2008 as "hit and miss" when it came to the priorities of the Canadian construction industry. CCA reacted to the Budget as delivered by federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty in Ottawa today.

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2008 Federal Budget

CAW Post-Budget Release - Federal auto fund falls far short, CAW President says

OTTAWA - CAW President Buzz Hargrove commended the federal government for recognizing the importance of the auto industry to the overall Canadian economy, but condemned the small amount of funding allocated to the auto sector as "grossly inadequate."

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2008 Federal Budget

Federal Budget Will Increase Investment and Jobs in Canadian Railway Industry

OTTAWA - The Railway Association of Canada and industry suppliers welcomed Yesterday's federal budget announcement to increase the depreciation rate for new and re-built locomotives. The move could lead to as much as $300 million in investment by the industry over the next five years and as many as 6,000 jobs throughout the supply and service sector.

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2008 Federal Budget

Government of Canada delivers for cities and communities

OTTAWA - The following statement was released today by the President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), Winnipeg Councillor Gord Steeves, responding to the tabling of the federal budget in the House of Commons.


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2008 Federal Budget

Budget Leaves 1.5 Million Canadians in Housing Crisis

OTTAWA - When Minister Jim Flaherty stood to deliver the Conservative Government's 2008 budget today he left 1.5 million Canadians in desperate housing need on the outside looking in.

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Skill Development

Professional Development and Skills Training a Challenge for Many CIOs, Survey Shows

TORONTO - Providing employees with adequate skills training tops the list of staffing concerns for technology executives today, a new survey shows. More than a quarter (26 per cent) of chief information officers (CIOs) polled said providing adequate professional development and skills training for their information technology (IT) professionals is their greatest staffing challenge.

Ratified Agreement

Steelworker security officers win big contract gains with Canadian Corps of Commissionaires

OTTAWA - United Steelworkers' (USW) Ontario/Atlantic Director Wayne Fraser announced Tuesday that 120 security officers employed by the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires at 17 federal government sites have ratified a contract that gives employees a pension plan and extends benefits to part-time employees, with the employer picking up 100 per cent of the cost.

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Morning Column

Do You Know Who You're Selling to?
Alan G. Bayham

It happens over and over again. The sales representative delivers an outstanding presentation to the prospect. She not only knew all the facts about her product, but also all of her competitors. Her vocal skills were impeccable, and she portrayed professionalism and confidence. Her close was strong and affirmative.

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Marketing Excellence

City of Kitchener wins five 2007 MarCom Awards for excellence in communications, marketing and graphic design

KITCHENER - Winners of the 2007 MarCom Awards for communications and marketing professionals have been announced and the City of Kitchener has received five awards: two platinum, two gold and an honourable mention.

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Online Retail Revolution

iTunes Now Number Two Music Retailer in the US

iTunes Customers Top 50 Million

CUPERTINO, California—February 26, 2008—Apple® today announced that iTunes® (www.itunes.com) is now the number two music retailer in the US, behind only Wal-Mart, based on the latest data from the NPD Group*. Apple also announced that there are now over 50 million iTunes Store customers.


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Lifestyle in the Kitchen

Kitchen Parties are the New Dinner Parties

Canadian "eatertainers" on the rise

TORONTO - Nearly half of Canadians will be throwing dinner parties this winter, but not the formal sit-down gatherings of the 70s. This year twice as many Canadians say they'll have their next party in the kitchen instead of setting their dining-room table, according to a new national survey of 1,002 Canadians conducted by Research House for GE Appliances.

Tuesday February 26, 2008

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Executive Team Change

ARISE Technologies Corporation Announces Executive Team Changes

WATERLOO - The Board of Directors of ARISE Technologies Corporation announced the appointment of Bart Tichelman as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Current CEO Ian MacLellan will take on the new role of Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for ARISE and will serve as Vice-Chair of the Company's Board of Directors.

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Heritage Award in New Hamburg

The Regional Municipality of Waterloo to receive a Heritage Canada Foundation 2008 Achievement Award

Ottawa - The Heritage Canada Foundation and the North Waterloo Region Branch of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario (ACO) are pleased to announce that the Hartman Restoration Project in New Hamburg, Ontario will receive a 2008 Achievement Award.

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Education - Mobile Learning

Plans Unveiled To Boost Fair Trade and increase spending by 600%

"The [British] government has announced plans to dramatically increase investment in fair trade as the movement unveils an ambitious scheme to raise British spending on its products by 600 percent to GBP 2 billion in four years.

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Education - Tutoring Boom

Oxford Learning Anticipates Significant Franchise Growth in Western Canada

LONDON - Over the past decade, escalating competition, crowded classrooms, and busy extracurricular schedules have become top concerns for North American parents. So, it is logical that with the pressures facing children today, the market for learning centers has grown into a $4 billion a year industry.

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Manufacturing With New Partners

Samco Machinery Limited Capitalizing on Global Partnership

TORONTO - Scarborough-based Samco Machinery Limited has teamed up with Tata Ryerson Ltd., India to produce parts for the Nano, the new 'people's car.'


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Education Ontario Grade 7 & 8

Teachers Urge Board to Reconsider Boundary 2020

TORONTO - There is still time, opportunity, and compelling reasons for the Upper Canada District School Board to reconsider proposals contained within the Boundary 2020 process, says Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO) President David Clegg.

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Household Spending

Spending Growth in Alberta surpasses all Provinces, Ontario Growth Just Under 2%

Statscan - Household spending in 2006 continued to show the effects of the strong resource economy in the West. Spending growth in Alberta surpassed all other provinces by a wide margin.

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Environment Carbon Study

New Initiative Offsets Carbon Costs of Studying Abroad

Guelph - U of G's Centre for International Programs (CIP) is launching the "FairAir" initiative in an effort to help offset the carbon emissions of flights taken by students studying abroad.

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Education College Marketing Program

Provocative 'Obay' campaign addresses parental influence over the post-secondary education choices of their children

'My son started thinking for himself. OBAY put a stop to that.' Colleges Ontario 'Teaser' Ad

TORONTO - Students across Ontario can breathe a sigh of relief with the news that a new product, 'Obay', purported to stop them thinking for themselves, or about their future, isn't for real and won't be appearing in their parents' medicine cabinets anytime soon.

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Manufacturing 2008 Budget

Federal budget an opportunity to do the right thing say Steelworkers

TORONTO - The national head of Canada's largest industrial union says Tuesday's budget should be an opportunity to correct the devastation in manufacturing and forestry, as well as to take action to prevent the economy from falling into recession.

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Canada's Best

KPMG Named One of Canada's Top 20 Best Companies for New Canadians

TORONTO - KPMG has been recognized by Media Corp as one of the 'Top 20 Best Employers for New Canadians' for 2008. KPMG shares this honour with nineteen other employers from across Canada and is proud to lead their peers in creating a workplace that welcomes new Canadians, respects and celebrates diverse backgrounds, and provides opportunity to make the most of their skills, education and individual talents.

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Announcement

Hillsdale Enhances Its Core Offering, Hires Harry Marmer to Lead Institutional Investment Services

TORONTO - Hillsdale Investment Management is pleased to announce that Harry Marmer has joined the firm as Executive Vice President, Institutional Investment Services and Partner.

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2008 Tax Tips - Making the Most

Are You Making the Most of Your RRSP? Tax Tips for RRSP Season

TORONTO - Your RRSP can do much more than help you plan for your retirement-your RRSP can produce tax benefits that can be advantageous to you long before you retire. With the February 29, 2008, deadline for 2007 tax-deductible contributions coming up soon, KPMG offers options you may want to consider to help you get the most benefits from your RRSP.

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2008 Tax Tip Business Account

Did you know...

OTTAWA - That my Business Account is a secure and convenient way for businesses to access their Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) account information online? My Business Account offers business owners online access to their GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, excise tax, excise duty, and other levies accounts.

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Market - Analysis

NASDAQ Unveils Market Activity Replay Capability

New NASDAQ Data Product Provides 'Instant Replay' of Market Activity

NEW YORK - The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. announced the launch of NASDAQ Market Replay, an innovative data tool that provides an extremely powerful, NASDAQ-validated replay and analysis of the market.

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Financial - Generation Y

Focused On The Future: Survey Shows Financial Security Tops List of Gen Y Career Concerns

TORONTO - What career issues keep Generation Y professionals awake at night? When asked to name their chief career concern, one-third (33 per cent) of Gen Y workers polled cited compensation and benefits issues. The second most common response was finding and keeping a job, provided by 26 per cent of those surveyed; career satisfaction ranked third, named by 23 per cent of respondents.

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Immigration - City Success

New York Mayor Ties Globalization to New York City’s Ongoing Success

New York, New York — New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg told a group of World Bank employees Thursday that "the free, global movement of labor, capital, and ideas" was essential to his city's growth over the past 30 years.

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BioFuel - California

California to pump up access to biofuels
By Elizabeth Douglass

Los Angeles - Ben LeBeau pulled up to the Conserv Fuel station in Brentwood on a recent Friday and started filling the tank of his black Chevy Tahoe with a liquid rarely found in California - E85, an alternative fuel made of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline.

Monday, February 25, 2008

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Growth Through Amalgamation

The Co-operators and Addenda Capital Inc. Announce Agreement

GUELPH, ON and MONTREAL, QC - The Co-operators Group Ltd. and Montreal-based institutional investment management firm Addenda Capital Inc. ("Addenda") announced today that they have entered into an agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, Addenda will amalgamate with a subsidiary of The Co-operators.

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2008 Union Vote Rejected

UW Staff reject unionization

Waterloo - A vote by UW staff in grades USG 1 to 8 has turned down the opportunity to be represented by the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation. Official results posted February 22, 2008 by the Ontario Labour Relations Board

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Grand River Transit Strike Avoided

Region of Waterloo approves agreement with Canadian Auto Workers, Local 4304

Waterloo Region – The Region of Waterloo approved a one year agreement with the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) Local 4304 representing Grand River Transit/MobilityPLUS operators, dispatchers, fleet mechanics and service attendants.

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Marketing Coffee

Rrroll Up The Rim To Win(R) an all-new 2009 Toyota Matrix!

Tim Hortons customers have 35 chances to realize their full potential in this popular Canadian-built cross-over vehicle

TORONTO - Toyota Canada Inc. announced today that this year's grand prize in the Tim Hortons Rrroll Up The Rim To Win(R) promotion will be the all-new 2009 Toyota Matrix AWD with Sport Package.

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Appointment

Sandbox Software Solutions Inc. Announces New Staff Appointment

GUELPH – The software development firm, Sandbox Software Solutions Inc., announced Frday February 22, 2008, the appointment of John Slocket as the firms new Software Developer. Slocket is the fourth Software Developer to join the team since its inception in 2004. Slocket has built up an impressive résumé.

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Morning Column

Five Last-Minute RRSP Tips
By Devora Bellaiche

The deadline coming. February 29 is the last day to contribute to your RRSP and take advantage of 2007 tax deductions. Here are five last-minute tips:

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Wireless Communications

UW researcher receives provincial award to expand wireless communications

WATERLOO - A University of Waterloo researcher will lead a study on the future needs of wireless communications with a multi-million dollar award from the Ontario research fund.

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Growing Online Advertising

Interactive Advertising Revenues to Reach US$147 Billion Globally by 2012, According to The Kelsey Group's Annual Forecast

During the forecast period, global directional advertising revenues, comprising local search, print and Internet Yellow Pages, will grow to US$41.4 billion

PRINCETON, N.J. -- The global advertising market grew to just over US$600 billion in 2007, according to The Kelsey Group, the leading provider of research, data and strategic analysis on directional and interactive local media.