We recently asked a range of “movers-and-shakers” and leaders in our business community for their opinions, reflections, predictions and expectations. Many responded. Some were too busy. Some wrote long essays. Some sent a few salient points. Thank you to all who participated. Please watch for a reminder email next November.
As 2007 draws to a close, we at MB Magazine wanted to take a look back and beyond. This year has been exciting, challenging, rewarding and interesting, to say the least. 2008 should be even more interesting…
During November 2007, Markham Council heard from more than 3,600 people through “Click with Markham”, an innovative online public consultation process. As we move forward on these community issues, Markham Council is guided by the opinions of our residents.
We gathered the opinions of our residents and business people on six priorities – Growth Management; Transportation/Transit; Environment; Municipal Services; Parks, Recreation, Culture and Library Master Plan/Public Safety and Diversity.
On the business side, earlier this year, business and community leaders came together for a conference to help develop a 10-year plan for the Town, built on a competitive economy driven by innovation. We’re working to attract more businesses to Markham, especially in the fields of life sciences, bio-technology and creative industries. The updated strategy will be before Council in early 2008.
Some of the many successes in 2007 included the launch of new bike paths as part of what will be a 400-kilometre network connecting with other York Region municipalities and the City of Toronto. Markham will open a state-of-the-art bocce facility at the Centennial Community Centre in early 2008, there will be new, lit, artificial turf soccer fields built and the Town is developing its first cricket pitch.
Markham is one of the country’s fastest-growing communities and, I believe, one of its most successful. We have a forward-thinking growth strategy that is creating liveable neighbourhoods where everyone, regardless of their background, can feel – and be – truly at home.
Frank Scarpitti
Mayor, Town of Markham
As 2007 comes to a close, I can reflect on this new term of Council. We have started a number of new and exciting initiatives which have been aimed at celebrating the diversity of our community including hosting our first Chinese New Year, Nowruz and Eid celebrations.
As well, this year we began hosting special public presentations at Council meetings, hoping to share information and engage the community in new ways. We find ourselves ending off the year with the launch of People Plan Richmond Hill, an initiative that will help us develop both a Strategic Plan and Official Plan with the help of the community.
And as we look forward to the New Year there is much to celebrate with the grand opening of the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts. The challenges for the year ahead continue to be how we balance the need for services with keeping tax rates low, but I am confident that 2008 will be another great year in the Town.
Dave Barrow
Mayor, Town of Richmond Hill
The highlight for Markham Executive Suites Inc. was the commitment that we made to growing our business in Markham. In January 2008 we will be opening an additional location at Warden and Highway #7 in the HSBC building and look forward to continuing to provide furnished and serviced offices on flexible lease terms. We are pleased to be located in the heart of Markham. We look forward to working with many of our friends and meeting our new neighbours as we settle in our location.
Elizabeth Dawson
Markham Executive Suites
Retirement from the Mayor’s office in Markham has been an easier adjustment than I ever imagined. The secret to retirement is “DON’T RETIRE”. One month at home after I retired was all I could take. I searched out an office, hung up my shingle as a consultant, and just kept on working... though not at the pace I once had.
Now I am assisting businesses and people who want to work with municipal or provincial government. With my experience on the other side of the desk, I know how to interact with government so I can help people succeed.
Life is what we make it. I have had an exciting professional and political life. Now it is good to value my personal time which allows me to do some business and charitable work as well as enjoy family and friends.
Don Cousens
Retired Mayor of Markham
We’ve seen some interesting developments through 2007. Residential homes sales were extremely strong with unit sales up from the year before and prices continuing to rise at a moderate rate. The demand for new and used homes will continue to be strong for 2008. It is most interesting to note the high activity in the condo market. In spite of the many years of growing sales, buyers are still lining up to purchase new releases. With our strong Canadian dollar and the possibility of a decrease in interest rates in the near term, this bodes well for the real estate market through 2008.
Lesley & Arthur Divers
Re/Max Classic Properties, Inc.
In 2007 the Town of Markham created the Culture Department to engage citizens and strengthen the quality of life in Markham.
The Varley Gallery celebrated its 10th Anniversary and launched a four-city tour of art across Canada. Attendance at the Gallery grew from 41,000 to 50,000 through 2007. The Markham Museum’s attendance has also grown to over 50,000/year as they launch the Winter Festival complete with a new outdoor skating rink.
And, the Markham Theatre continues to headline great acts and will feature several new seniors’ initiatives in 2008. 2008 should be an exciting year on the cultural front in Markham.
John Ryerson
Director of Culture, Town of Markham
Since making a decision to accept only Employment Law files and becoming the first Employment Law Boutique in York Region, we have been able to brand ourselves as an Employment Law firm. Highlights for 2007 include continued contributions to such reputable Employment Law and Business publications as MB: Magazine for Business, Canadian Employment Law Today, Canadian HR Reporter and others. We enjoyed getting involved in a number of community and business events, such as the sponsorship of golf tournaments, sports teams and volunteer activities. The year was concluded by being selected by Canadian HR Reporter and included in the 2008 Canada’s Employment Lawyers Directory of top Employment Law Practitioners across Canada.
We look forward to 2008 being another year of education and work in a difficult and fascinating area of Employment Law.
Ron Minken
Minken & Associates Professional Corporation
For many of us the Canadian economy has been strong and good for business in 2007. Most industries fared well while others faced challenges. That may change in 2008. A conference of advisors to small and mid-sized businesses in the U.S. recently concluded that their economy will
get dramatically worse in 2008, which is bound to affect us later next year or in 2009. But I remain optimistic. The companies that get into difficulties delay too long before taking action and then have to react to a situation that’s already getting beyond their control. Adaptable, resourceful companies – the ones that recognize that there is a challenge and deal with it proactively – will remain successful by getting back to basics.
Jim Stewart
Principle of ProfitPATH Strategy Consultants
2007 was an incredible year! It’s inspiring to have so many students joining us at the Forward Motion Yoga Studio. Many of our existing students are adding a second and an even a third class to their weekly practice because yoga is working for them!
2007 allowed us the opportunity to speak at the local Running Room’s “learn to run” clinics, allowed us to introduce yoga into the Markham District High School’s “Yoga Club” as well as provided instruction to several figure skaters from the Markham Skating Club. Our Workplace Yoga program continues to be successful in helping employees find stress relief in the convenience of their own offices.
In 2008, we look forward to meeting new students and adding new and exciting classes to our existing schedule. Courses and workshops will be offered in meditation, restorative yoga, creative arts, nutrition and wellness.
Cheryl Ward
Forward Motion Yoga Studio
The ascent of the Canadian dollar has cast some grey clouds over Canadian organizations with operations in the USA and abroad. Margins continue to decline which necessitates closer watch of currency fluctuation and the ability to act quickly.
CBL Data Recovery stayed ahead of the curve. CBL took advantage of the flourishing South American and Asia-Pac economies where data dependency continues to increase. CBL established Taiwanese operations. CBL’s labs in China are primed for the influx of Westerners traveling with their laptops to attend the Olympics. And, the doors to CBL’s fourth American lab were opened to meet the demand for its services in the US southwest.
CBL is poised to take flight, spread its international wings and come to the rescue of computer users and their data around the globe.
Bill Margeson
Co-founder, President and CEO. CBL Data Recovery Technologies Inc.
The Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce had an exciting year in 2007 with our participation in the hosting of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting in York Region. The Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce was pleased to be awarded Accreditation by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. We are one of only ten chambers accredited in Ontario, and one of 53 accredited across Canada.
We are pleased to be working with our newly elected provincial representatives. We continue to work with our Federal Representatives and Town Council on issues that affect businesses and our community. 2008 will be great... lots of new ventures.
Leslie Walker, C.E.O.
Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce
2600 John Street, Unit 207, Markham, ON L3R 3W3 T: 905.475.5222 F: 905.475.6369
