Social media tweeps were atwitter in December when micro-blogging giant Twitter rolled out hot new features. Slimmed down and buffed up, new Twitter introduces business-minded expansions, including network-building tools, media embeds and—at long last—the Twitter brand page. Ready to make the twitterverse work for you?

Connect with new tweeps
The aptly-named Connect tab organizes your Twitter conversations, tracking your interactions and mentions. This page also features Twitter’s upgraded “Who to Follow” box, which recommends contacts who share your interests, industry and connections. Each suggestion identifies your shared connections to help you to keep your lists organized and spam-free. Networking is the name of the game and Twitter wants to make it easy.

Discover the Twitterverse
Putting the “blog” in “microblogging,” the innovative Discover page offers users instant access to the Internet’s hottest stories. Browse web-wide tweets by category in one central hub. Discover does more than gather trending topics and hashtags; it tailors those trends, stories and webpages to your individual network and location.

Tweet-volution
Tweets now pack more punch, automatically displaying stats on retweets, replies and favourites. The handy buffer button—the app that allows the post-dating of tweets—perches right beside the retweet button. Finally, Twitter knows tweeple need their media fix: image and video content can now be viewed within each individual tweet.

Embeddable tweets
Seeking accolades for your product pages? Want reliable sources to include for your latest article or blog post? Twitter’s new embed function anchors tweets to your webpage—complete with live links and media—quicker than you can say “copy-paste.” Embedded tweets enjoy custom styling, with position, size and text wrap options. The best part? Embedded tweets include live follow, retweet and favourite buttons, allowing your traffic to follow you on Twitter without even leaving your website!

Brand-new brand pages
Following in the footsteps of Facebook and Google+, Twitter’s sizzling new layout invites businesses to build their official home in the twitterverse. Brand pages are public, meaning they show up in search rankings and can be visited even by non-twitterers.

Showcase your success and cement positive first impressions by pinning your favourite, top-value tweet to the top of your feed. This tweet automatically shows up first on computers and smartphones alike. (Did I mention Twitter’s brand pages are mobile-optimized?) In addition to customizable backgrounds, brand pages boast a custom header, which can pull double-duty as a product link, news page or promotion.

Brand pages can embed media on their page and within their tweets, and research already suggests that video-heavy sites are attracting major traffic. Need inspiration? Check out Twitter’s 21 original brand pages, including Coca-Cola, HP, and McDonalds.

Tweet your heart out
It’s time for businesses to make their mark in the twittersphere. Fine-tune your brand page, grow your network and add your voice. And remember: Twitter is all about conversation. If you build it, they will come; to seal the deal, make sure you’ve got something to say. Happy tweeting!

Check out Twitter’s handy new keyboard shortcuts:

F – favourite a tweet

R – reply to a tweet

T – retweet

M – send a direct message

N – create a new tweet

L – close all open tweets

J – go to the next tweet

K – go to the previous tweet

Space Bar – page down

/ – search

Twitter overload? Press “Shift” and “?” for a pop-up list of all keyboard shortcuts.

References:

https://twitter.com/#!/CocaCola

https://twitter.com/#!/HP

https://twitter.com/#!/mcdonalds

Held on the last Thursday of every month in rotating local municipalities, the Creative Social aims to connect creative people to discuss opportunities for collaboration and new business in Durham Region.

The first Creative Social took place on January 26 at 7 p.m. at Tin Mill Restaurant in Uxbridge. The next event will take place on Thursday, February 23 in Whitby at the Station Gallery. Tickets are $10 and include light snacks and a beverage. The event will include networking opportunities, entertainment, as well as presentations by local creative entrepreneurs. Doors open at 7pm. Tickets now on sale at whitbycreativesocial.eventbrite.ca Key speakers include Donna Raetsen-Kemp, CEO of Station Gallery and professional photographer Leif Petersen.  Performances by folk star Patrick Dorie and contemporary dancer Haley McPherson (as seen on So You Think You Can Dance Canada).

“I am excited to collaborate with local creative entrepreneur, Dana Jackson, to bring the Creative Social to Durham Region,” says Kerri King, Tourism Manager. “Since 2009, our community has shown its enthusiasm for creativity through the Art of Transition movement. The Creative Social is the next step for the continued development of Durham’s creative economy.”

For more information, and to register for the Durham Creative Social, visit www.creativesocial.ca.

Creative Social organizer Dana Jackson, Kent Farndale and Durham Tourism's Kerri King.

After decades of watching Queen’s Park handing out billions of dollars to other regions in the GTA for major infrastructure projects, new Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade President Gary Strange believes Durham Region is finally going to get its due.

“It’s our turn,” said Strange, an insurance broker and 30-year Pickering resident who took over the leadership reigns January 26. “We’ve earned the attention, we’ve earned the funding and we’ve earned the priority status.”

Of particular importance to Strange and his executive team are transportation issues, with improvements to Highway 401 and the long-awaited extension of Highway 407 front and centre.

“Transportation is two-headed monster out here but we’re seeing progress,” he said. “(Transportation Minister) Kathleen Wynne said in her speech to our members there is progress on Hwy 407, but we want to see some commitment that it’s actually going through.”

“And it’s not just the pavement to (Highway) 115. It’s the connectors – the north/south links – that have to be in place as well. Let’s get it done.”

Strange is encouraged by the fact the Provincial Government set a completion date for the 407 work, after back-tracking on earlier promises.

It was five years ago, in fact, when the federal and provincial governments declared the highway would extend all the way to Highway 35/115, with a completion date of 2013, much to the delight of local politicians and business people.

That feeling of goodwill didn’t last long, however, as Wynne’s ministry announced in June of 2010 the road would be built only to Simcoe Street in north Oshawa, with the rest of the road completed when enough money could be freed up to finish the job.

That announcement unleashed a firestorm of protest and nine months later a united front of business people, politicians and community leaders got its wish – the next phase of construction will take the toll road to Harmony Road, with an end date of 2015. The rest of the journey, promised the Province, will be wrapped up by 2020.

“This is the time to really push for this. We really need the highway out here and everybody recognizes that it has got to happen,” Strange noted.  “It’s time stuff happens out here.”

The fate of the Pickering Airport Lands is another issue that will demand some of the board’s advocacy attention this year, he added. “Our members are also very concerned about crime – both vandalism and fraud – as well as government assisted retraining of the employed and we will continue to ensure our voice is heard on these issues.”

As an insurance broker, Strange is no stranger to working with small and medium-sized businesses, which make up the bulk of the membership of the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade. He believes it’s those same business people who have to step up to make sure their voices are heard.

“We want to make sure our voice is strong. For that to happen our membership has to be involved, because they are the ones who are going to be driving this growth.”

Strange said he is fortunate to work with a strong team at the board, led by Executive Director Kathy McKay, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce ‘Executive of the Year’ for 2010.

“She is the glue that holds all this together and I don’t think we would be in the position we are today without her efforts.”

The Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade has experienced strong growth in recent years, with the membership increasing from 400-plus three years ago to more than 600 today and Strange wants to see that trend continue. He’d also like to see progress made on the board’s three year strategic plan.

“Our primary goal is to strengthen our brand through the execution of four key strategies: building business in the community; giving our membership a voice and advocating on their behalf; keeping our own house in order; and championing social and environmental consciousness.”

“A year from now I hope we will have achieved success in each of these areas and that we remain the voice of business in Ajax and Pickering.”

At least one Zellers outlet in Oshawa – and possibly two others – will carry the Target banner next year after the Minneapolis retail giant released its latest master list for its grand push into Canada.

Target – Walmart’s biggest rival in the U.S. – will welcome customers at Five Points Mall next summer, with hiring for 150 to 200 employees to begin later this year. The retail chain had already announced it will convert Zellers locations in Ajax (Durham Centre) and Whitby (Taunton Road Power Centre) to Target stores in 2013.

The Ajax and Whitby locations are expected to open March/April of next year.

A year ago Target purchased the leasehold interests in 189 Zellers stores across the country, with plans to open 125 to 135 Target outlets, most next year. Two dozen stores in Ontario are expected to open in 2013.

Leases at Zellers locations at the Oshawa Centre; at Kingsway Village (Townline Road and Highway 2); at Clarington Town Centre in Bowmanville; and at Pickering Town Centre were also acquired, but the company has not announced if those locations will become Target stores, sold to other retailers (39 leasehold interests have or will be sold to Walmart) or returned to the original landlords.

That decision is not expected until the fall.

In all, the company looked at 220 Zellers locations, explained Target spokesperson Lisa Gibson, and after “careful deliberations” narrowed that list down to 189.

“We took a thoughtful approach to determine which stores could be high-performing Target stores,” she said, adding that factors such as store performance, demographics, competition and market potential were among the factors in analysis used to decide which stores would “better achieve” Target’s long-term financial goals.

Approximately $10 million to $11 million will be invested to remodel each new store in order to bring the “full Target brand experience” to shoppers, Gibson said. The stores would be shuttered for six to nine months during the remodeling process.

Each Target location will employ 150 to 200 workers.

The deal with Zellers parent Hudson Bay Company (HBC) is worth $1.825 billion and gives Target an immediate foothold north of the border, all the better to take on Walmart for mass merchandising supremacy in Canada.

“It definitely made it a lot easier,” noted Gibson. “It gives us an opportunity to have a really strong presence in Canada quickly.”

The deal was finalized only after Target reached a settlement with Toronto apparel magnate Isaac Benitah’s (Fairweather) for naming and branding rights in Canada.

Target, which has been locked in a decade-long fight over the ‘Target’ name – Benitah operates 15 ‘Target Apparel’ stores in Canada – was forced to reach a deal after losing a court bid last June.

Benitah agreed to cease use of the Target mark by January 31, 2013. Terms of the settlement were not disclosed.

Target has also announced it will not acquire the pharmacies within the Zellers outlets it is buying. Instead it will use a pharmacy franchise model for its Canadian stores, with the Target-branded store pharmacies owned and operated by individual pharmacist owners.

A bidding war is expected to erupt among drugstore retailers such as Shopper’s Drug Mart and Rexall for the coveted customer prescription files not acquired by Target. Those prescription files are valued at $2 million to $5 million each.

The remaining 84 Zellers stores that are not included in the Target transaction were rejected primarily because they’re in smaller towns or marginal neighbourhoods. Included on that list is the Zellers store at Simcoe Street and First Avenue in Oshawa, in the appropriately named Zellers Plaza.

The neighbourhood has been devastated by job losses during the past decade or so – Knob Hill Farms (late 2000) and Pittsburgh Glass Works (2009) – and the plaza itself has also seen migration, with Swiss Chalet moving west to newer digs on Stevenson Road, also in 2009.

The Zellers store on Simcoe Street South will continue to operate while HBC “reviews its options” for the site. Target, meanwhile has plans in place to “make it easier” for current Zellers staff to apply for jobs but Gibson cautioned there will be no guarantees of employment.

Durham Region residents interested in working for Target are encouraged to visit www.Target.ca/careers to learn more about job opportunities.

Most Canadians recognize Arlene Dickinson as the female force on CBC Television’s popular show “Dragon’s Den,” holding her own as she competes for deals with her powerful male co-stars. This marketing expert is also owner and CEO of Venture Communications (recognized repeatedly as one of the 50 best-managed companies in Canada), and she has been ranked as one of Canada’s Top 100 Women Entrepreneurs by PROFIT magazine for the past seven years. In 2011, she published her first book, Persuasion: A New Approach to Changing Minds. An information-packed resource for businesspeople, the book is also a handy guide for anyone who wants to persuade others to do everything from taking out the garbage to accepting a million-dollar marketing proposal.

Startlingly frank, Dickinson delves into personal stories to illustrate the points in her book. From accounts of her troubled marriage to various mistakes and triumphs she experienced as she built her career, her honesty is refreshing. Her major focus is on “principled persuasion” — using “authenticity, honesty and reciprocity” – a noble goal that in my opinion, more organizations should embrace.

Avid readers of books about business will recognize ideas from many past self-help titles, from Dress for Success to Co-opetition, How to Connect in Business in 90 Seconds or Less, and How to Win Friends and Influence People. Although she hasn’t reinvented the wheel, she has packaged business success lessons in a fresh way, with humorous and touching personal anecdotes.

In Persuasion, she doles out timely and time-tested advice guided by a logical, easy-to-follow table of contents. Recurring themes throughout include trusting your gut instinct, staying true to yourself, the importance of being prepared, positive self-talk, owning up when you make mistakes, and listening more than you talk. I’m particularly fond of her section that addresses requests for freebies from family, friends and even clients. As a business trainer, I share her concern for how difficult it is to say “No” in these circumstances, and I appreciate the tactful suggestions she gives for how to handle them.

The overriding theme of the book is integrity; as evidenced on “Dragon’s Den,” Arlene has strong feelings about being honest and upfront in both business and personal dealings. In a business world that has gotten ugly in so many ways, she reminds readers of the beauty in focusing on win-win scenarios that enable both negotiators to benefit. She titled one section “Check your ego at the door” — an often-used business phrase that remains valid, especially today when so many companies are struggling under short-sighted, compartmentalized decision-making that glorifies one stakeholder to the detriment of another.

Dickinson’s messages are realistic and optimistic, as well as reassuring. Her point that “high achievers are mistake makers” is a mantra that successful entrepreneurs understand.  Her book is ideal for beginning marketers who have not heard it all before. It’s also helpful to seasoned business professionals who need a kick-in-the-pants reminder about ethical persuasion practices that can help them achieve their goals.

The only disappointment with the book for me is the cover. In the book’s content, Arlene stresses being yourself when negotiating and avoiding “hyper-focusing on your appearance.” She is honest about being 54 years old, which I admire. Yet in her photo on the cover, her face is so made up/touched up (not sure which) that she looks like a computer graphic. I could take her advice on being yourself more seriously if the photo wasn’t so movie-star glamorous. She is, after all, a beautiful woman, even with a few wrinkles. But I guess that’s marketing, and maybe the photo helps persuade people to buy the book.

Dorothea Helms connects people and ideas, and can be reached at writer@wsws.ca

Jody used her skill and innovation to build a socially conscious, multi-million dollar business.  Jody graduated from the International Academy of Fashion, Merchandising & Design, receiving the President’s Pin for academic excellence and the Retail Council of Canada’s Award for most promising student. In 1988, from her one bedroom apartment, Jody utilized her work experience and developed a business concept called The Bargains Group.

The Bargains Group is Canada’s favourite discount family clothing wholesaler of discount promotional products, $2.00 t-shirts, .50¢ socks, accessories, personal hygiene products, gifts, towels & linens, toys and over 4000 other items at up to 80% off.

In 2001, Jody was awarded the Rotman Canadian Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award in the innovation category, R.O.B Magazine and The Globe and Mail named her one of Canada’s ‘Top 40 Under 40’. In 2010,  Jody received the Humanitarian of the Year Award from the Promotional Product Professionals of Canada. Other awards received include the Toronto Board of Trade-Chamber of Commerce 2005 Business Excellence Award, Kaufman Community Award at the Young Entrepreneurs Organization World Conference in Montreal and most recently received the Women of Influence Local Hero Award!

In addition, Jody has been a two-time finalist for the FLARE Magazine Volunteer Award. Jody is a true humanitarian. She continues to organize and coordinate “Project Winter Survival” which is dedicated to providing GTA’s homeless and less fortunate with “survival kits” and  provide warmth and essential supplies needed for survival on the streets during the winter season.

An invitation is extended to women across Durham Region to participate in the Connect.Women event Wednesday, March 21, 2012. It’s a chance for women in business to come together to celebrate, inspire and be empowered through a keynote presentation, panel discussions, exhibits and more!

Event Details:
March 21, 2012
12:30pm-6:00pm
Tosca Banquet & Conference Facility
$55.00 (plus HST)
Includes lunch, wine & cheese reception.

Panellists include: Marissa McTasney, Moxie Trades, Christine Elliott, MPP Whitby-Oshawa, & Betty Penny, Appsmaker Canada.

In the January through March are prime season for icy conditions and that means you are taking on extra risk as a business or property owner. Slippery walkways result in a great deal of insurance claims each year, but if you aren’t properly covering your own tail when it comes to slip and fall lawsuits, you could find your profit margin cooling off very drastically.

If you don’t have coverage and don’t understand what your liability is regarding property maintenance, you need to stop by Durham’s most specialized commercial insurance brokers, Roughley Insurance Brokers.

Even if you are already signed up for a policy that covers you for slip and fall accidents, bring it by Roughley to make sure that you are as safe as you think; you might be surprised at what you could still be on the hook if someone does hurt themselves on your property. Here are a few tips from Roughley to minimize your chances of landing in a slippery situation.

The best way to avoid being stuck on the hook for damages is to do your best to make sure your property is safe so nobody hurts themselves in the first place. Write a plan that outlines potentially dangerous areas on your property and how you are going to keep them safe. Have a routine of de-icing and safeguarding trouble spots and document each time you inspect them. Accurate record keeping goes a long way to proving that you haven’t been negligent. Even go as far as documenting the weather conditions each day and pay special attention in your log book to walkways and parking lots during the winter.

If you own a larger property, things get more complicated and maintenance work can be more then you can take care of yourself. You can hire a maintenance company to take care of it for you, but be sure that you get your contract reviewed by a lawyer or bring it in to Roughley Insurance so that you understand exactly what you are and are not responsible for.

Understanding your insurance needs is complicated and for a better understanding of what coverage your unique business needs, it is best to stop by Roughey Insurance Brokers and talk face-to-face with one of their brokers. Even if you aren’t insured by them already, stop by their office and get educated on what you need to manage the extra risk that comes with snowy weather. Give them a call at 905-576-7770 or visit the office at 1000 Simcoe St. N., Oshawa.

Mr. Strange was sworn in along with members of the Board’s 2012 Council, who took the oath of office administered by Durham Regional Chair Roger Anderson. The ceremonies were once again held at Deer Creek Golf Clubs in Ajax.

The Honourable Kathleen Wynne, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and Minister of Aboriginal Affairs was the guest speaker for the event.

“Congratulations to the 2012 council and to the Region of Durham for your work in boosting the economies of Ajax and Pickering. Our government is focused on creating jobs and stimulating the economy by working together with groups, like yours, to support independent businesses,” said Minister Wynne, addressing the roughly 130 attendees.

In his inaugural remarks, the incoming president praised the work of his predecessors and pledged to build on their legacy.

“It is my great honour and distinct privilege to serve as the 43rd president of the Ajax Pickering Board of Trade,” said Strange. “I will endeavour to live up to the high standards that those who have served before me have set.”

Strange said the Board will continue to speak out on issues that are important to the local business community such as transportation, the use of the Federal Airport Lands, Government assisted training of the employed, crime and more.

New additions to the Council include; Paul Przybylo of Walker, Head Barristers and Solicitors – who will serve as Corporate Secretary, Karen Snow of Intact Insurance and Chris Vale of CLH Designs. The new inductees will serve a three-year term. Returning Members of the Council include:

*   Donna McFarlane, Durham College
*   Denise Jones CA, Hobb & Company Chartered Accountants and Tax Specialists
*   Jason Cameron, BMO Bank of Montreal
*   Peter Forint, Wardell Professional Development
*   Ian McCutcheon, ServiceMaster of Durham
*   Joan Wideman, The Lenbrook Group of Companies
*   Bill Zolis, The Callery Group
*   Dave Johnson, Northstar Promotions
*   Mary Cunningham, Cunningham and Associates.; and
*   Rob Rock, Search Engine People

Strange struck a positive, forward-looking tone as he reaffirmed the Board of Trade’s mission and pledged to continue to work on behalf of the membership; the business community of Ajax/Pickering.

For additional information or to arrange interview please contact:

Nathan MacDonald
Communications Specialist
905-686-0883 ext 229
nathan.macdonald@apboardoftrade.com
www.apboardoftrade.com

About the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade

The Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade is the voice of the business community in Ajax and Pickering. Established in 1955, the 600-plus members represent an array of business sectors ranging from the service industry to manufacturers and distributors. The group’s advocacy and policy initiatives focus on issues relating to such things as economic development, healthcare, education, transportation issues, community and social development, environment, and energy.

To learn more about the Board, or to become a member, please go towww.apboardoftrade.com <http://www.apboardoftrade.com/>

Steve Curry, president and CEO of 411.ca, Canada’s Local Search Engine, has joined t

he board of directors of Grandview Children’s Foundation. Based in Oshawa, Ont., the charity raises funds for Grandview Children’s Centreand Campbell Children’s School, which help children and youth with special needs reach their full potential.

“Steve not only has a passion for helping children with special needs, but also offers superior leadership and entrepreneurial skills,” says Vicky Earle, Executive Director – Grandview’s Children’s Foundation. ”His vision will allow us to strengthen and grow the foundation so that we can help more children. We’re very fortunate to have him.”

Curry brings extensive marketing expertise to the board, which will be an asset as the foundation looks to expand its base of donors. But his involvement wasn’t about filling a gap. “My family has supported the organization for years, and giving back is just something we do at 411.ca,” he says.

Giving back is a huge part of 411.ca‘s culture. As Curry puts it, “Part of being a great company is doing great things for others.”

About 411.ca
With offices in Toronto and Montreal, 411.ca is Canada’s #1 purely online directory service. Every year, more than 12 million visitors - nearly half of Canada’s internet users – found a person or business on 411.ca. With its savvy search box, candid reviews and reverse look-up feature, 411.ca is the fastest and easiest way to get the 411 in your neighbourhood.

About Steve Curry
Steve Curry is one of Canada’s most successful internet entrepreneurs. From his unfinished basement in 1999, he founded 411.ca as an online service that helps Canadians find people and local businesses. With Curry as president and CEO, the company has grown to more than 150 employees and nearly 20,000 advertisers.

About Grandview Children’s Foundation
Grandview Children’s Foundation is a registered charity that raises funds for Grandview Children’s Centre and Campbell Children’s School. The Foundation’s goal is to raise community awareness and funds. They believe every donation makes a difference; and upholds the highest standards through honesty, integrity, commitment and transparency. Its vision: To give children and youth with special needs the opportunity to dream, learn, succeed and belong…with you on their side, a whole world opens up.

Contact

Shernette Muccuth Henry, Marketing & Communications Officer
P: 905.728.1673 x2274
E: shernette.muccuth-henry@grtc.ca
www.helpourkids.ca

Shernette Muccuth Henry
Marketing & Communications Officer
Grandview Children’s Foundation
(905) 728-1673 ext. 2274
shernette.muccuth-henry@grtc.ca
www.helpourkids.ca

To give children and youth with special needs the opportunity to dream,
learn, succeed and belong
…with you on their side a whole world opens up

Help Our Kids!
Please support our $200, 000 Holiday Help our Kids Campaign

This award has only been presented to ten other recipients in the association’s ninety one year history. The “Wally Wood Award,” named in honour of IBAO Past President Wallce E. Wood, was created to recognize an individual who has dedicated themselves to the support and development of the independent brokerage system through tireless personal time and effort.  The recipient of this award exemplifies these same qualities and their many accomplishments achieved on behalf of their peers that have enriched the association.

“There is truly no better recipient for this award than Bryan Yetman,” stated IBAO CEO Randy Carroll. “In the past few years the IBAO has focused on making sure consumer interests were a top priority through changes such as auto reforms and also advocating a ban on the use of consumer credit scores to price home insurance.  Bryan’s leadership has been an integral part of our success and we are proud to present him with this award.”

Yetman is Vice President of Operations for First Durham Insurance and Financial in Pickering. “It’s humbling to receive recognition for your efforts from your peers.  I am pleased with what we have accomplished over the past 5 years. However, our success has come through the hard work of our volunteers, all of whom are brokers actively involved in our association and within communities across the province.”

While his tenure at IBAO has come to and end, Yetman’s involvement in the community will only continue to grow. Bryan recently joined the board of Directors for the Grandview Children’s Foundation, an organization that supports Grandview Children’s Centre to enable children with special needs in the Durham Region.

“Grandview serves over 4,500 children with special needs, but Durham is growing quickly and there are now over 1,000 kids on their waitlist.” added Yetman. “I look forward to having a lot more time to focus on helping reduce the waitlist and help Grandview’s kids achieve their best.”

“Brokers are known for their commitment to their community and Bryan exemplifies that trait to its fullest extent,” added Carroll. “While we will miss Bryan tremendously, we know his efforts will continue to enhance community organizations, like Grandview.”