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Platinum Pools & Spas Grand Opening at the Eastcourt Mall in Cornwall Ontario – VIDEO

admin — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:47:00 +0000

Pictured from Left - Marilyn McMahon-Ayerst, MP Guy Lauzon, Mike Bedard, Mayor Bob Kilger

CFN – Platinum Pools & Spas held their grand opening Monday at their Eastcourt Mall location in Cornwall Ontario. Manager Mike Bedard talked about how his experience with Roy’s Pools gave him the knowledge and understanding of the business that he feels will amp up the industry in the area.

Service is his focus; and his long time customers can attest to the quality of his team of capable professionals.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eq1jyfzfMeQ

Mr. Bedard also presented a cheque to the Agape Centre at the opening.

He had the following to say about Platinum Pools & Spas:

At Platinum Pools we beleive service sells. We guarantee the lowest service rates and strive to ensure all of our clients are extrmely satisfied with all the services they receive. In doing so we beleive that our loyal clients will become our biggest advertisers and return to our retail store for all of their swimming pool and spa needs.

“It’s really simple, we provide great service for next to nothing and in return our clients tell everyone about us and keep coming back for all their products! But our service doesn’t end their, once in our store we offer free water analysis and free quaterly seminars to inform our clients of proper maintenance techniques and new technologies! And to top it off all or our products come with a hassle free guarantee! If the product doesn’t work as expected we will refund or give you additional products – free- without any hassle – guaranteed!”"

Everyone at Platinum Pools and Spas is truely dedicated to ensuring that all of our clients enjoy life in their own backyard! We love what we do and it shows!

Platinum Pools currently services and sells all parts, accessories and chemicals for most swimming pool and spa makes and models. They offer several different options of swimming pools including In Ground, Semi-In Groun or On Ground and Above Ground Pools. There pools are of the highest quality and standards mathced with with themost reliable and dependable equipment, such as pumps and filters, on the market. Platinum Pools and is currently home to Cornwall’s only Fiberglass Swimming Pool Installers.

The locally owned store provides a supportive environment that encourages allows all of its employees to support our clients and community on a continuous basis!

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Women Entrepreneurs of Cornwall & Area Annual Conference & Business Show – February 23, 2012

admin — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 23:48:09 +0000

CFN- The Women Entrepreneurs of Cornwall & Area are once again preparing for their annual Conference and Business Show to be held on Thursday February 23rd, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Best Western Inn and Conference Centre. Women of all ages and from all walks of life are invited to join us for an evening of inspiration, personal development and

Networking.Women in business will be on-hand to offer products, services, opportunities and resources.The Keynote Speaker is Elizabeth Manley, 1988 Olympic Silver Medalist, 1988 World Silver Medalist and three time Canadian Figure Skating Champion. An uplifting and compassionate speaker, Liz’s presentation will centre on overcoming life’s unexpected challenges and finding motivation to live a full and balanced life.Full Conference Pass Early Bird Rate is only $20.

Tickets can be purchased on line at www.powerofwomenconference.com or in person at Above & Beyond, 28 First Street West, Cornwall.

After February 10th, tickets are $25.For more information about the event, visit us at www.powerofwomenconference.com, and register early to take advantage of the early bird discount.

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Ezra Levant – Friend of China, but Foe to Canadians by Richard Komorowski – December 31, 2011

admin — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 16:42:50 +0000

Putting the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers above Canada

CFN - There are many economic gains to be made in exploiting the Tar Sands, and limited production could actually benefit Canada and go a little towards assuring our future in an increasingly uncertain world. But there are also many major short term gains to be made from exporting this oil to Asia, especially China.

According to Canadian economist Jeff Rubin (one of the few economists who actually understands economics and the role of energy), Canada is losing over $1bn per month in revenue, because they are selling the product at West Texas Intermediate price, rather than world price, as they would to China. However, even Rubin falls a little short on this one, as he fails to note that these companies pay very little tax anyway, compared to their income, and most of the profit leaves the country. Exporting oil to China would actually push Canada’s economy further down.

Exporting Western Jobs to Communist China

Why is it that Levant, his Conservative government, and his beneficiaries at the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers want to support the unethical communist Chinese regime, who only recently imprisoned two writers who dared criticise the regime? Giving China access to the tar sands oil puts Canadians, our land, and our seashores at risk. In the long term, we won’t even profit from the oil, except for the minimum in royalties and taxes Sinopec might eventually pay. The Chinese will get the oil for their cost of production, not for the world price most others have to pay, and they will also get all the profits from their operation. Not only that, it strengthens them economically against us, and the oil we ship over there will not be available to run our emergency services and military when OPEC (or perhaps simply Peak Oil) decide it’s time to bring us down.The major reason China controls the world economy is through its low labour costs, along with low shipping costs. However, as energy costs increase, making it more expensive not only to manufacture, but also to ship their goods, this advantage disappears. Eventually rising energy costs will balance China’s virtual slave labour costs, and the West, in spite of having to pay decent wages, will compete equally because we can use energy much more efficiently.Although Levant and the echo chamber of self-appointed science deniers do not want us to know about CO2 and climate change, burning tar sands oil in China will be even worse for the world’s future climate than burning that same fuel here. The reason is that here in the liberal-democratic West we are learning to use energy more efficiently. We are following Europe’s lead, by driving more fuel-efficient cars, insulating our homes so less energy is wasted, and looking seriously at the cost of energy and transportation in the bottom line business equation.

The Chinese, on the other hand, insulated from the liberal west by their extremist dictatorship, which allows them to flout all human and labour rights, are not feeling this crunch quite as hard…, yet…, so there is less incentive to modernise their own industry. On the other hand, the Chinese government, not being stupid, and having no real interest in the survival of the West except under their terms, are busy raiding the world for its remaining natural resources. Why is it, then, that the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers and their poster boy Ezra Levant want to subsidise the Chinese economy at the expense of our own? Surely having our jobs return from China to Canada and the West would be more beneficial to all of us than the relatively few that would be created around Fort McMurray.

Wishful Thinking

It is important to note, however, that, contrary to Levant’s wishes, Canada is no superpower, either economically, militarily, or in the energy world. Although it is true that Canada is the world’s sixth largest oil producer, we are nowhere even close to the three giants, Russia, the Saudis, and the US. With our 3.9% contribution to the world’s oil supply and consumption of 87.5m barrels per day, all that makes us is the third biggest midget, with almost no influence to control or decide anything once supplies start tightening up and demand becomes critical. What Levant also forgets is the forecast demand in energy. According to his friend and official CAPP spokeswoman Janet Annesley, world energy demand is expected to double by 2050, i.e. to about 175m barrels per day. Tar Sands production is forecast to reach 3.5m bbl/day by 2025. If somehow this figure could be doubled by 2050, to 7m bbl/day, this would leave Canada with still only about 4% control over the world’s energy pie.Of course, none of the oil companies believe that oil production could ever reach 175m bbl/day – there just isn’t enough economically recoverable oil left in the world (i.e. Peak Oil). As it is, world producers are struggling to keep pace with current demands of 87.5m barrels, and as reserves (and therefore the amount of oil that can be extracted) are inexorably declining, the task is hopeless, even with the Tar Sands. However, if Big Oil were ever to admit this fact, their share prices would tumble to nothing – Shell paid a considerable fine for overstating its reserves in order to keep its share prices high.Canada’s contribution will become almost as futile as trying to save the Titanic with a portable Wajax fire pump. On the other hand, using Annesley’s guess, Canada’s current 2.2m bbl/day oil consumption would double to about 4.4m barrels by 2050. If we build the right infrastructure, (i.e. a pipeline to the east), we could have enough to be self-sufficient for the eventual transition to sustainable energy sources, without having to turn to even dirtier coal, and perhaps also have some left over for our friends in Europe and the US.

Remember too that the Titanic set sail with too few lifeboats. Levant’s wish to sell our natural resources (at less than cost) to China would be akin to putting this country’s small number of lifeboats in a yard sale.

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Year in Review : We Grade Cornwall Ontario City Council and Management for 2011 – December 14, 2011

admin — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:04:36 +0000

CFN - Well City Council in Cornwall Ontario is done for 2011. The last official non-secret meeting was held Monday night and it was a full agenda! I thought it would be interesting to do a report card for the mayor, council, and key city management.

Mayor Kilger: B - In hockey parlance Mayor Kilger is a “Gamer”. In spite of his medical issues he’s battled and kept his hand on the rudder of the ship. While in politics people may not always agree with each other, and there may be partisan, and back door issues I have to respect anyone with grit who follows their vision and reaches for their goals.

While there are a lot of issues right now in Cornwall that ultimately lie at “Builder Bob’s” feet he is still fighting the fight.

City Councilors:

Denis Carr: C- Councilor Carr has his fingers in an awful lot of pies. The biggest pie is money for Councilor Carr who when not closing city pools is busy with Heart of the City, Centretown, and the Farmers’ Market. He has the longest tenure on council. With the Diane Shaye and other cases costing the city as much as they are there simply are not enough swimming pools to close to compensate.

Bernadette Clement: B+ – Ms Clement is in a key position to take the torch from Mayor Kilger as this most likely will be his last term in office. She’s still a work in progress politically in spite of her two council terms. She tries to please almost everyone. Her strengths are listening (when she’s available) and being truly as fair as one can expect from a politician.

She seems actually willing to not go with the flow and sometimes stand up for issues that may not be the most popular; in other words; she has principles. Weakenesses: Won’t let go of an issue at the right time (the gym issue from last term as an example) She’s had a good first year on council.

Maurice Dupelle: B The Rookie councilor who finally earned his spot after repeated tries has seemed overwhelmed at times, but has learnt much quickly, and is under the wing of Councilor Thibault. He’s taken criticism well, and doesn’t have to speak on every issue at council like a few others. It should be interesting to see how he performs in year two of his term.

Syd Gardiner: D Not sure what’s going on with Councilor Gardiner? He’s not been his normal self with tirades and profanities spouted in session? He apologized at the last meeting of the year; but I’m still not sure what for after reviewing the video?

Glen Grant: C Glen represents a certain constituency. He doesn’t swerve or deviate. His voting patterns are very clear. If the issue is regarding hockey or something the Guy Lauzon crowd agrees with he nods his head yes. If it’s counter…well. He does seem less feisty this year without sparring partner Mark MacDonald or its the nice new comfy seat.

Elaine MacDonald: D The veteran councilor and former school teacher still doesn’t seem to have recovered from her third place finish in the Provincial election behind Jim McDonell and Mark MacDonald. It’s also not clear as to what she stands for? Stating one thing and voting in another direction can be confusing; especially for her established base.

Of late she’s complained in council about Via Rail cutting service to Cornwall; a service that many in Cornwall can’t afford for travel any longer when available, but with her multiple pensions and council fees she can.

David Murphy: C Councilor Murphy uses his oratory skills as a broadcaster to occasionally stand up and make statements. He seems to be under Councilor Grant’s tutelage. He has not shown the promise that Councilor Dupelle has in his rookie season. So far it’s more “Style over Substance” for the rookie.

Leslie O’Shaughnessy: B+ Returned to office this year after a failed attempt at being Mayor; Councilor O’Shaughnessy has shined. Full kudos for being accessible, open; willing to listen and even change his mind and vote on issues. One of the most principled councilors on this team and a true asset to the city.

Andre Rivette: B+ People either really like or really dislike Councilor Rivette. Never shy from a fight or to help someone that reaches out to him if he believes in the issue. Not the most polished, but calls a spade a spade and then isn’t afraid to whack someone with it! Council would never be the same without one of his arm waving, paper shaking tirades!

Denis Thibault: B You never know where you stand with Councilor Thibault? Friendly; professional; and the best communicator of the group. Most of what Councilor Thibault does is never seen at council meetings. He enjoys the Elder Statesman role. On the times that he stands to speak what he says is usually dead on target. A strong voice in the back room.

City Management

CAO Paul Fitzpatrick: C- Is starting to take the heat on the Diane Shaye case; something that has blemished the City far and wide. Ultimately a CAO is judged on the city’s financial health and perception of success. While there are some real positives in Cornwall right now not many can be attributed to our CAO who has come a long way since working for Ed Lumley. The cost of these court cases and his 14% raise have not made him popular with many.

Clerk Denise Labelle-Gelinas: B Ms Gelinas gets a B for her grace under fire and being a huge team player for silently taking the hit in regards to the secret council meetings which violated the toothless municipal act. I don’t think too many people really believed the statement that this savvy vet of over 3o years “forgot” to notify the public for those meetings.

Economic Development Team: B - It’s got to be a tough job working in that office. I’m grading the team which for this purpose consists of head honcho Mark Boileau, Bob Peters, Candy Pollard, and Kevin Lajoie. With the new distribution centre’s on their way the score is artificially high for 2011. However are these a case of a job well done or as one person stated; “they ran out of space in Brockville to locate.”

Looking at the booming growth in nearby Valleyfield and Vaudreuil/Dorion Quebec and the $200 million dollars of development in Brockville there certainly is room for improvement by the Economic team in Cornwall. With Cornwall finishing 98 out of 100 in the CFIB (Canadian Federation of Independent Business) Communities in Boom report there are red flags about how the city is attracting growth and retaining its own businesses. The fact that the City of Cornwall has a quarter as many CFIB members as nearby Brockville which is half the size speaks volumes.

The downtown core, and crisis for small business in Cornwall would normally push the score down. The performance of Ms Pollard also pushes the score down as well; but this is just for 2011. Hoping that with a year under her and Mr. Lajoie’s belt in their positions that improvements come and a better grade given for 2012. One seed planted is the city is issuing press releases for new businesses that open in Cornwall.

Overall Grade: B- Cornwall is a city in transition. This current council and mayor are most likely in a Legacy position with the vast majority being over 65 (many over 70) come next Municipal election. Times are changing and the way things are done “successfully” change too.

If the goal is for Cornwall to grow; which it will, strong younger leadership will have to fill the mantle. In the meanwhile we have three more years of this group’s leadership. It should be interesting.

With the new bridge coming in and the huge swath of potential waterfront development coming down the pike this city could be completely different in 15 to 20 years. It’s the seeds that are about to be planted that will determine takes root in this River city.

You can post your non-inflammatory comment below.

The area’s best locally roasted Coffee’s!

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City to Come Back with Advertising Report Monday December 12, 7PM at City Hall – Some numbers and thoughts.

admin — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:05:07 +0000

CFN - So is the City of Cornwall Ontario using this report to council on advertising as a financial tool to control local media? It’s an interesting question and one I’ve been fielding now for over a month and I’m sure some of the city officials and council are themselves.

Some interesting numbers in the snippet from the report to be tabled at Council Monday night at 7PM. A bit misleading in a way as Cornwall Living is published via The Seaway News parent company Trans Continental.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CTb9UCI5KE

I think Councilor Thibault touched on something that resonated with a lot of you; that council should not be splintering media companies by medium. IE if a company trashes you on their radio station or newspaper then you shouldn’t be supporting their other divisions. The reality is that there really are no lines any longer between media. Incorporated media companies today use the internet just as much as print; radio, or television. There is no difference; there are only results.

What you’ll notice in the report is that the issue of Online Anonymity is dead because frankly as shared in our previous reports it’s something that truly can’t be legally enforced. It really is about moderation. Now if you read deeper into the report you’ll see that Mr. Peters is pointing to “past” comments and of course delves a bit into what is offensive and what isn’t? What is vulgar and what isn’t?

That’s quite a subject and one that I won’t enter here. The bottom line at the end of the day is what’s best for the City of Cornwall and its brand. And that question is a very important one and the only issue that should matter.

If you watch the report above you’ll see that Councilors MacDonald and Gardiner supported the original report; as did a few others. That’s scary. I can tell you as a media outlet I should not have to debate the definition of words with and defend our stories in nature I have over the last month or so. Following the lines of the new report the sneaky loophole is such that potentially every single possible offensive term or comment used would penalize a company.

Does that make sense? According to the last report; championed by some councilors the city would be prohibited by policy from advertising with the two most viewed news sites in this city; both of whom reach people not only inside Cornwall; but outside. Is that good for branding or is it simply financial bullying? I’m very proud that the Cornwall Free News supplied the most web traffic of any source to the City of Cornwall other than search engines or high priced Facebook ads. Sadly the results of the ad dollars spent by the city are not in the report. I think they should be because if the real issue is about the positive branding and exposure for the City of Cornwall Ontario that’s very very important.

After all, we are the only news media in this city with Cornwall in its name.

More on this after Monday night, but in the meanwhile feel free to contact the mayor and council by clicking HERE.

And if you support CFN and are near City Hall at 7 PM please come to the meeting and show your love.

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

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Inspire to Action – Gerry Visca’s The BIG Think Lands in Cornwall Ontario!

admin — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:04:07 +0000

CFN - The Cornwall Free News is proud to be a non-exclusive and non-predatory Media sponsor for Motivational Speaker Gerry Visca’s return to our fair city! Mr. Visca was the key note speaker for Biz Fest recently. He’s going to be holding two sessions with a capacity of 100 and a special Inner Circle group of 15!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kdIPfJ6quA

To register email Gerry@redchairbranding.com

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Motivational Speaker Gerry Visca Series on The Cornwall Free News – The Power of Goal Setting – VIDEO – December 5, 2011

admin — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 21:36:13 +0000

CFN - You have started to focus on what you want for yourself and your business. You have started to communicate it to your team and your industry at large.

Congratulations, now it is time to employ the power of goal setting in getting what you want out of life. The art of goal setting can be applied to all aspects of your business and your personal life. Make sure you consider the following when establishing your goals: Ensure that they are in line with your company’s overall mission.

A great way to approach goal setting is to collaborate with your senior team on a regular basis. To foster collaboration, buy-in, and to encourage a work environment where staff feel empowered to share their ideas with the team, employ an ‘open’ forum.

Use large sheets of paper or a white board and capture all answers, so all participants can ‘build’ and expand creative ideas. Ask a question: how many goals should we identify? This number really varies from business to business and person to person, and will fluctuate over time. However, your initial set of goals must be appropriate and fall in line with your overall mission and business plan. So let’s get started and help you define these goals.[Step 1]
Establish larger ‘parent’ goals first: I recommend setting approximately 10-15. For example:

1. Establish/Understand your ideal target market or industry.
2. Set financial goals per quarter.
3. Number of units to be sold
4. Marketing and Communication Goals such as…Building brand awareness.Once you have completed this exercise, establish sub-goals attached to each of these parent goals. Add milestones or sub-goals and the specific resources required to achieve these goals. Use a table-like format to help capture all your goals. When completing this exercise, ensure that your goals are specific, measurable and realistic. Specify a time limit for each goal.

Goals should include incremental steps or sub-goals and act as building blocks designed to reinforce one another, and that work towards the ultimate solution for your business. Once you have established your goals, review them with your whole team, one by one, stating them with enthusiasm and energy.

Visualize your goals as already complete. Review them on a regular basis with your team (daily, weekly and monthly). When you have achieved your goals check them off and don’t forget to celebrate your victories!When defining your goals include as a top priority, your ideal type of client or market. Stay focused! When goal setting, work towards your company’s unique ability to ensure the proper alignment between your unique abilities, and your goals.

I like to relate goal setting to how an architect prepares a set of blueprints. You are now well on your way becoming the architect of your own life. Develop YOUR PLAN and your STRATEGY as if you are preparing a detailed set of plans for yourself.

The following worksheets will help you define and establish your goals.

Your goals must be S.M.A.R.T.

S. You want to be [specific] and detailed when setting a goal.
M. Get as detailed as you can, for example: “I want to lose weight” is not as specific as: “I want to loose 30 pounds by March 31st , 2009.”This means that your goals should be [measurable], so that you or anyone else can measure the goal. If we continue with the same example of losing weight , you have the ability to track that goal as a result of the specified weight and the established timeline you have set for yourself.
A. Your goals need to be [achievable] so you believe that they are attainable. If you set a goal that is too large to obtain, you will feel that you cannot achieve it and that limiting belief will hold you back from manifesting the goal.
R. Your goals also need to be [realistic]. For example, if you set a goal too large, or too risky, such as wanting a $10 million dollar cheque within the month, you will get frustrated when that goal does not manifest . Think of goals as incremental steps towards getting you closer to your
overall vision.
T. The last criteria in setting S.M.A.R.T. goals, is establishing a specific [time frame]. Setting a time frame for each goal helps you monitor your progress and allows other people in your life to help and support you. Setting a time frame also encourages you to take action.

S.M.A.R.T. goals reinforce your vision and work hand-in-hand with it. Your mind wants to find creative ways to bridge the gap between current reality, (your current situation) and your perceived or new reality (what you have visualized). Your mind cannot discern the difference between reality and your vision, especially when you already believe that it is true and achievable. This is why it is essential to visualize yourself in your new, fulfilling life on a daily basis. Focus on getting what you want as if you have already received it.

You must try and find creative solutions and stay focused on your end result. As you are reviewing your affirmations and your list of goals, your mind wants to close the gap. Through this process, great things will
start to happen. People and resources become attracted to you like a magnet. New ideas are conceived in your mind and opportunities arise as an attempt to creatively bridge this gap.

Be ready to act on these opportunities and take action!

Your Goal Setting Work Sheet

List (3) S.M.A.R.T. (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, timely) business goals that you want to achieve within the next 90 days.
1.
2.
3.
For each 90-day goal, I want you to list (3) next-best-actions.
1.
2.
3.Your goals will creatively strengthen your plan and work towards creating your ideal life.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRp_-8f3syk

To contact Gerry click his banner below to visit his website!

Gerry Visca is regarded internationally as Canada’s Creative Coach and ignites creativity and innovation within people and organizations. His one of the most diversified Creative Directors in Canada with over 15 years of experience and the Cornwall Free News is proud to be running a series of his articles in the upcoming period of weeks.

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Sue McConville’s Weekly Business Management Tip #10 – Taking Charge of Your Own Learning – Part 2, November 16, 2011

admin — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 20:03:24 +0000

Sue McConville

CFN - Last week I discussed workplace learning and the individual’s responsibility towards their personal growth and career development that adds value to both the organization and the individual.

Creating S.M.A.R.T. objectives which will provide you with tools to take charge of your own learning and own career.

Select: Look ahead two to three years. What is it important to your company’s success? What skills do you need to contribute to that success? Gather the information you need by talking to individuals in the company, read up on trends in the industry, and learn about the competitors. Then select your learning goal.

Map: You need a learning path and it requires time and energy to put together. Without a plan, your learning becomes accidental rather than strategic. A map will provide you with measureable progress. Create short, medium and long term goals. How long do you need to accomplish each goal? How will you know when you are successful?

Action: “Thought without action is useless”. Set your plan in motion. Start with your first specific goal. Can you complete it in one week? What is the next goal on the plan.

Review: Plan a meeting with yourself! Evaluate and review your plan on a regular basis. What have you accomplished? How did you accomplish it? When you evaluate what you have learned, the learning stays with you. Make any amendments that are required.

Target: Making use of your new skills and abilities, incorporate these and target your next learning goal. You will progress and discover strengths you did not know you had, and areas of development you were unaware of. Target your next learning goal.

The S.M.A.R.T. objectives are found in Calhoun W. Wick’s book – The Learning Edge.

Sue McConville and Associates provide individual, team and organizational coaching. We assist individuals, teams, and organizations with learning objectives. Contact us for more information.

Sue McConville and Associates
P.O. Box 686, Ingleside Ontario K0C1M0

Providing inspiring and meaningful coaching to transform your organization.

Email: sue_mcconville@bell.net
Phone: 613.537.2753
Cellular: 613.360.9538
www.SueMcConvilleandAssociates.ca

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Sue McConville’s Weekly Business Management Tip #9 – Taking Charge of Your Own Learning – Part 1 November 9, 2011

admin — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 16:30:52 +0000

Sue McConville

CFN - I have often heard from individuals who have started new jobs that the organization did not provide them with the training they needed to be, or feel, successful in their role. “I was thrown to the wolves” or “it was the sink or swim approach” are common phrases from those who feel unsupported or victimized when they are feeling overwhelmed at work.

If you are one of those people, or if you are about to start a new job at a new organization, or a new role within your existing company, you can take charge of your own learning. The “I’m too busy” excuse, coupled with the belief that management is responsible for your development can sink your career. “It is your responsibility to take the time – make the time – to learn and develop your career in a way that adds value to the company as well as you personally.” The Learning Edge” by Calhoun Wick and Lu Stanton Leon.

The problem is that you often don’t know what you don’t know and you are not sure where to start. But, you do need to start somewhere!

The first step is to look at your own skill set. What are you really good at? What value do you bring to your workplace? What is it that you don’t know? What is frustrating you and why? What do you think you need to learn and why do you need to learn it? That is a critically important question to ask. Before you answer it you must understand what is important to your organization’s success in the next 2-3 years and from that understand what proficiencies you need to be a successful part of the company.

In the next article I will discuss creating S.M.A.R.T. objectives which will provide you with tools to take charge of your own learning and own career. If there is something in particular that you would like to know, send me a note and I will do my best to respond. I’d like to hear your questions and understand your challenges of workplace learning.

Sue McConville and Associates provide individual, team and organizational coaching. Contact us with your questions.

Sue McConville and Associates
P.O. Box 686, Ingleside Ontario K0C1M0

Providing inspiring and meaningful coaching to transform your organization.

Email: sue_mcconville@bell.net
Phone: 613.537.2753
Cellular: 613.360.9538
www.SueMcConvilleandAssociates.ca

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Old Boys Club Gets New Lease on Life as Latour Wealth Management Purchases Iconic Building in Cornwall Ontario- November 4, 2011

admin — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 13:01:11 +0000

CFN - Long Sault resident and president of Team Cornwall, Gilles Latour is helping breathe new life into one of Cornwall’s more distinguished addresses. Mr. Latour, purchased the century-old, two-storey, red-brick building at 42 Second Street East earlier this year.

“This building has a lot of history yet it is also perfectly suited for the future growth of our business,” said Gilles Latour. “Our offices are all on the ground floor, with ample free parking, and that makes it easier for our clients to visit.”

Latour Financial Group encompasses the separate businesses of Latour Wealth Management, a financial services company, and Mortgage Brokers Cornwall, an independent mortgage brokerage.

Previously located in leased premises on Water Street, the move to the Second Street office has given the company an opportunity to expand. Joining Latour Financial Group is Kim Ariagno, who will focus on Life and Group Insurance, while Stephanie MacKay joins Mortgage Brokers Cornwall as a mortgage specialist.

“We are very fortunate to welcome two very bright and accomplished individuals to the team,” said Mr. Latour. “We all have great confidence in Cornwall’s future and these moves help position the firm to meet the needs of what we see as a growing market.”

“This is very positive news for Cornwall on many different levels,” said Mayor Bob Kilger. “First, the new office is another milestone in the revitalization of our downtown, while the addition of new financial professionals gives local residents even more home-town expertise to help them succeed in their investments. I wish Mr. Latour and his team the very best in their new venture.”

Mr. Latour purchased the circa 1910 building in May of this year from the Cornwall Club, a long standing social club in the city. He hired architect Shawn Lawrence and designer Bob Pregent to help bring the building to current-day building codes as the social club will continue on as tenant on the second floor. Extensive renovations to the 3,800 square foot building were undertaken by local contractors Ray-Jans construction over the next six-months.

“We wanted to maintain as many heritage elements of the building as possible, yet still create a welcoming, comfortable environment that people expect of a modern office,” said Mr. Latour. “The City’s Heart of the City community improvement program gave us the incentive to invest in an older building rather than build from scratch.”

“I cannot imagine a better place to locate our offices. We are surrounded by fantastic restaurants and stores, and the waterfront is just two blocks away,” said Mr. Latour. “We look forward to adding to the area’s rich cultural and commercial history.”

About The Cornwall Club
The Cornwall Club was founded in 1886 as a social club for Cornwall business leaders. It has operated continually since that time.

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