Chase Marketing

Ontario Construction Report June 2011 Issue

2011-06-22T20:48:00.000-04:00

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GTA Construction Report June 2011 Issue

2011-06-22T20:47:00.000-04:00

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Mixing a hobby with work

2011-05-19T09:27:00.003-04:00

The best thing about my non work related interests is they are starting to connect with what I do on a daily basis with my job. This cause and effect is making my job feel more like another hobby then something I need to do.

In 2009 my two sons started up a program called KidzCanHelp.ca with a two of their friends with the goal to collect new and used hockey equipment for kids in Bosnia. From there the program has grown to support several local programs in the Niagara Region and have started to expand to northern Ontario.

Since I work for a group of newspapers targeted to the construction industry, using this as a vehicle to get more attention to the program did not really fit. Back in December 2010 I thought of a way to start the connection by hosting a “Construction Night in Niagara” event with the Niagara Ice Dogs. Tickets would be sold and members of the local construction association would participate in between period shoot out and get to celebrate the fact they are truly building our homes and places to work. The event went well for the first year and raised over $150 for KidzCanHelp.ca and better yet I was able to promote the event in the paper for several months and include an article in our April issue, I made the connection.

Last week Aecom in Guelph had found a posting online about an equipment drive KidzCanHelp.ca did last December for Ogoki Post in Northern Ontario and saw an opportunity to help. Aecom supports hockey programs for Northern Ontario and thought they could tie in a fundraiser with a hockey challenge event they were holding and were able to raise $1300. The money raised is being donated on KidzCanHelp.ca to Minor Hockey Foundation – Ontario for their Let’s Learn Hockey Program which provides 35 plus kids each year with brand new equipment and pays for their enrollment into hockey programs.

Aecom is in the construction field, I work in the construction publishing business and my work with KidzCanHelp.ca program allowed me to connect with a client I can develop a relationship with for new business. When a hobby generates results for your job, it truly does not feel like you are working!

A perfect storm of opportunity with Social Media

2011-04-12T14:13:00.002-04:00

A perfect storm of social marketing happened the first few days of April as I attended the Ontario General Contractors Association (OGCA) Symposium in Blue Mountain which seems to resulting into some clear measureable business results!

The first piece of social marketing came from a posting of Mark Buckshon’s Construction Marketing Ideas Blog with a reference to his trip to Blue Mountain, from his post came a message from rep at a construction management company to check out a project of theirs in the Town of Blue Mountain since we would be in the area. A 10 minute detour resulted with me meeting the site super and tweeting a picture of the project. A quick email follow up to the rep from the construction management rep has resulted in a feature profile for our June issue

As the OGCA Symposium started I was tweeting references to events that were going on, our sponsorship and posting tweets from some of the surroundings. In doing so a quick search resulted with me connecting two separate construction companies one from Niagara and the other from London. Early conversations with both who I was able to meet up with face to face has also lead to some future projects to profile in the upcoming months.

My twitter account is linked to my facebook account so the references to the Town of Blue Mountain project was viewed by one of the sub trades who is working on the project and even bragged about the great work he is doing. Another contact in the safety training field was inquiring if there were any safety trainers as sponsors, in fact there wasn’t so a marketing opportunity is in the works for him for the next OGCA Symposium in 2013.

In all my time of using social networking I have not seen so many messages in result of my postings. The event, the timing and projects all connected with several contacts all at once creating that perfect storm. The unique aspect was the ability for me to make face to face connections with most of those who did reply within hours of the messages. The others I will be meeting with in the next few weeks, social marketing has not replaced the face to face meetings I always have, and in these cases social marketing started the conversations.

Ontario Construction Report April 2011 Issue

2011-04-11T23:41:00.000-04:00

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GTA Construction Report April 2011 Issue

2011-04-11T23:38:00.000-04:00

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Barrie Construction Association Publication

2011-04-05T16:46:00.002-04:00

I am proud to be producing the 2011 Barrie Construction Association Publication and look forward to a new and improved version from previous years!

For 2011 we have increased the circualtion form 1,000 copies to over 4,000. We will be running the BCA Publication in the August issue of the GTA Construction Report as a special section to showcase the association, the members and the Simcoe County construction industry.

the marketing has just been launched and you can participate in this special publication by calling me 905=228-1151 or sending me an email chase@cnrgp.com

Spring 2011 - Canadian Design & Construction Report NOW ONLINE!

2011-03-22T20:51:00.003-04:00

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Publishers Viewpoint GTA Construction Report

2011-03-15T21:20:00.001-04:00

There is a new benefit being offered with the subscribers of the GTA Construction Report that will pay for itself only after a few months of use.

The annual subscription rate of the GTA Construction Report is only $49.95 (plus HST) per year which gets you 12 issues in print as well as an electronic subscription you can share in your office or with clients. Starting in April when you sign up for a new subscription or do a renewal of an existing one you can save 10% each month off of the cost of MERX Monthly Private Construction service offering you more leads and information about potential business opportunities. A subscription to the GTA Construction Report will pay for itself and provide you many new opportunities to bid on business within the first two months.

This new benefit is part of our goal to continue to provide additional value to our readers on top of the monthly building permit reports we provide along with McGraw-Hill/MERX Construction Data in every issue. On top of the lead information found in the printed and online report you can now access the additional leads through MERX Monthly Private Construction Service 24 hours 7 days a week.

We are also becoming your source to post request for tenders or bidder Announcement starting at only $150 per ad. You “Requests” posting includes listing in the printed edition, our online edition as well as a special email announcement to your monthly e-newsletter version of the report sent out featuring your ad. The same rates apply to job postings you may have for your business as well.

If you are interested in getting a printed subscription we are offering a special of two subscriptions for only $75 (plus HST) where you will get one the GTA Construction Report sent to you and another can be sent to another location such as second office or a client. Or you can elect to subscribe to the Ottawa Construction News if you do work in Eastern Ontario and gain access to the McGraw-Hill/MERX data published there.

To get your subscription to the GTA Construction Report send me a quick note by email chase@cnrgp.com or call 905-228-1151. You can pay by credit card or we can invoice you.

Ontario Construction Report March Issue

2011-03-15T21:19:00.000-04:00

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March Issue of the GTA Construction Report

2011-03-15T21:17:00.000-04:00

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Proud Member of the Orillia & District Construction Association

2011-03-10T17:09:00.001-05:00

The worst words to use when trying to solve a customers issue...

2011-02-18T16:17:00.004-05:00

One of the very first things I taught as a trainer back in my days of the lovely field of Call Centres was to never try to solve a customers issue/problem/concern by starting off with the statement, "What you will need to do is..."

This will often cause the friendliest of customers to go off the deep end with a tirade of "Who do you think you are for telling me what to do..." The "What you need to do is..." statement can only be beaten by "I can not do that!" as a response to a customers request.

Customers are not part of your company or trained on the inner working of how things are suppossed to be done. When a problem does arrise you need to make them your friend when you try to help. Change the two statements above into the following and you capture a much more pleasant response.

"What you will need to do is..." becomes "I can help you made the needed changes today..."

"I can not do that!" becomes "Let me see what I can do..."

The key is to turn the negative into a positive. You are 9 times out of 10 going to get the customer to do all the work or lower their unattainable expectations of a solution by simply showing empathy. With the negative or positive wording of your reponse you are saying the exact same thing, the only difference is your customers impression of your help.

The above came flooding back to me today as I tried to help a customer pay his invoice to us by having it split between two of his companies. I was told by out admin staff "We can't do that..." I work for the company and can't get a compromise, imagine the customers reaction if he had called my admin person and heard that. In the case where a customer is looking to pay you for services provided you need to be flexile on how you get your money and making the customer feel good.

Let's see if the customer pays...

GTA Construction Report Feb 2011 Issue

2011-02-16T23:03:00.001-05:00

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Ontario Construction Report Feb 2011

2011-02-16T23:02:00.000-05:00

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Feb 2011 Publishers Viewpoint

2011-02-16T22:55:00.000-05:00

This past month I attended the Barrie Construction Association Annual General Meeting and was re-elected to the board for a new two year term. The difference this time compared to when I first joined in 2009 is I have an idea of the things I want to tackle.

One of the ideas I shared with the board last year was looking into exploring a name change of the association from the Barrie Construction Association to a regional name, The Simcoe County Construction Association. The association re-branding of the would reflect some of the changes it has taken on by putting a new focused effort into building relationships with local municipalities and institutions such as Georgian College and Base Borden. The expansion and re-branding would also include strengthening relationships with surrounding associations to create new potential for alliances and membership growth. It will be interesting to reflect back on how successful this idea may be and also examine any challenges that may pop up.

The next thing I will be tackling is our first initiative in publishing of a special issue of the GTA Construction Report with an insert of the annual BCA publication. In the past, a contract publisher produced a glossy magazine that circulated just 1,000 copies. I proposed to the BCA to produce a tabloid format publication, which would reach 4,000 subscribers with our printed edition as well as 75,000 additional readers with our online edition. On top of these copies, I will then produce between 500 and 1,000 copies in a high-quality version for the BCA to use for marketing to potential members and industry partners. I will start marketing the publication in March and look to have it all wrapped up and delivered to the BCA in time for the Members Day BBQ this September.

Over the next two months I will be attending several industry events that I hope to see you at. First up is the National Heavy Construction Show March 3 to 4 at the International Centre in Toronto. We will be publishing a special edition of both the Ontario Construction Report and the Canadian Design & Construction Report on the show. If you are attending as an exhibitor drop me a note so I can get some photos of your booth and an interview set up. Next up is that the seventh Annual OGCA Symposium in Collingwood March 31 to April 2. The Construction News and Report Group is a Gold Sponsor of this event. We will publish two special symposium issues of in March and May. If you wish to publicize your business or project to Ontario's most successful general contractors, please call or email me.

Jan 2011 GTA Construction Report

2011-01-20T13:36:00.001-05:00

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Jan 2011 Issue of the Ontario Construction Report

2011-01-20T13:35:00.000-05:00

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Jan 2011 Issue of the Ottawa Construction News

2011-01-20T13:34:00.000-05:00

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Winter 2011 Issue of the Canadian Design & Construction Report

2011-01-19T16:03:00.001-05:00

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Publishers Viewpoint Jan 2011 - Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T22:14:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year! Actually I've written this column a week before Christmas and a few days before I took off for a week's vacation to enjoy time with friends and family over the holiday season.

By the time you read this column, all of the turkey leftovers will be long gone , Christmas tree should be tucked away and I will be enjoying some cool electronics I discovered at Boxing Day sales.

The sense of urgency that everyone had for the end of the year is now replaced by the uncertainty of what 2011 holds in store for the industry. The difference I am seeing between December 2008 and in December 2009 is that people are actually busy. Busy by working on several projects and completing tenders for lots of available work. The uncertainty that I am seeing is if we should think about expanding again, or keep our business at current levels.
The second thing I am noticing is the abundance of new contract advertising in the publications, new subscribers and companies wanting to showcase their work. From reviewing the trends of the Construction Plans on display at the Barrie Construction Association, the transition from 2010 to 2011 show the most plans on display in more than years. Are we fully recovered from the 2008 depression? I think Canada is on the right track; our neighbours to the south have a lot of catching up to do.

Reflecting back on the past two years I can easily identify a few things that helped not only our company weather the rough economy but also start to grow is the focus of our internal culture. The culture is about building relationships, finding opportunities to meet people ace to face and sponsoring of great industry events. The social media age is upon us but the greatest benefit I have found it to bring is that the new media helps us to connect and communicate with new and existing customers. The social media age does not replace face to face meetings; it just allows ease of follow up and makes it easier to remain in touch.

Some of the new relationships I have started for 2011 are: The Ontario Sheet Metal Contractors Association special profile appearing in the February issue of the Ontario Construction Report, Media sponsorship of the second annual BIM Forum in Toronto www.insightinfo.com/bimtoronto and the fifth Bi-Annual Construction Labour Relations Forum in Toronto www.insightinfo.com/constructionlabour.

Watch for the third issue of the Canadian Design & Construction Report Magazine, our national publication, coming out in the next few weeks. The Winter Issue is a special “Awards Issue” with extensive coverage on the Wood WORKS! 2010 Awards and the 2010 Ontario Concrete Awards.

MERX

2010-12-24T11:14:00.002-05:00

Over the next few months you will notice expanded coverage, information and data from MERX. For over 15 years MERX/McGraw Hill has been our data partner for tender opportunities across Ontario.

Stay tuned for additional promotions and opportunities for MERX.

The power of "Thank you!"

2010-12-19T00:36:00.002-05:00

One of the very first new things I brought to my current role with the Construction News & Report Group was the use of a hand written "Thank you" card sent out to every advertiser I dealt with no matter the size of the ad. It is a simple "Thanks" for doing business with me and an invitation to them to let me know if I can ever help with generating interest in their projects or products.

Responses range from phone calls saying they appreciated the personalized approach or emails saying "Thank you" back. When new employees start with the company it seems this simple process is hard to start for them. They come up with suggestions for sending emails, getting mailing labels preprinted or other ideas that simply take away from the true intent, a simple yet effective connection to your clients. In some cases new reps will spend so much time either fighting the idea or trying to find a better solution they miss the point of how easy it is to write thank you. Some will stock pile the cards until the end of the month when writing our 50 plus cards truly becomes a chore. My method is simple, I write the note and send it out right after they confirm their order. The benefit is in some cases the card arrivess and gets the person to act on providing artwork or following up with me for more information. The note arrives with my business card and lets the person know they are not just a transaction but someone who is worthy of my extra little effort.

I also use this during the holidays, sending a greeting card with a small token of appreciation such as a coffee gift card. However these are not as unique as my personalized "Thank you" cards which I am guessing where probably the normal thing to do long before fax machines and emails took over.

My two sons ages 6 & 9, work a paper route together they started this past May. The youngest fills in from time to time due to sports, but they work together pretty well. I suggested to my oldest son he take the same approach for the holidays and write out a "Thank you" message in holiday cards and deliver them to his customers. I told him that the previous carriers probably did not do this unique jester and his customers would appreciate it. I told him they would feel good about him working for them and that the good deed could reward his efforts when the traditional Christmas tips would be handed out. I also told him the best thing he and his brother could get was customer satisfaction and a big "Thank you".

My son was thinking of the usual tip he he gets of $1 or $2 a every two weeks. He was a little reluctant to work with his brother filling out the cards, but he did it was little pushing from me. He delivered his cards with his brother this past Friday and woke me up early Saturday morning literally jumping for joy. He started off telling me that two of his customers had opened the doors today to say thank you to him and his brother for the card. In the normal life of a paper delivery boy the only time you see or hear from a customer is when he miss delivery or another mistake is made on your part. My sons were impressed people were actually waiting for them to arrive to say "Thanks". He then handed me two cards he had gotten from two other customers that thanked him and his brother for great service and delivering Christmas cards to them in the first place. In his other hand was $60 in tips he and his brother had gotten from the two customers who presented him Christmas cards. My oldest son said I was right that delivering the hand written cards would make his customers happy and he would get rewarded for his efforts.

The meaning behind this is that my initial efforts to send the card to thank my customers not only allowed me to connect with them in an unique way but the reward factor for me was always a possibility. The rewards have been repeat advertising, repeat profiles on companies and opportunities to develop relationships. The key though is not expect to win the lottery for your efforts. Give more then you ever expect to get back.

My sons joked about getting cards for all the holidays and events coming up such as Valentines Day and Easter. He told me he believes me know that people will appreciate the effort he put forth, the $60 in tips so far definitely helps. Now if I can only get the rest of the sales staff at the Construction News & Report Group to not think of the "Thank you" cards as a chore....

Publishers Viewpoint December 2010 GTA Construction Report

2010-12-08T01:48:00.000-05:00

December is the month of the year you want to take a few moments and reflect back on what you accomplished the past year, review the challenges you were faced and try not to get caught up on dwelling on what might have been. Sometimes the reflection period hinders your plans for the New Year.

2011 looks good so far to me, with new growth opportunities with our National Magazine the Canadian Design & Construction Report gaining more traction with each issue. Our next one will be out in January and will be focusing on “Awards” with some profiles from the recent Wood WORKS! Awards Gala in November as well as the Concrete Awards. The national publication has taken on more project profiles specific to architects which is an expanding market for me in comparison to the existing publications we have been doing for over 20 years. This new niche is very targeted and the magazine format seems to better suit the needs of the clients vs. the tabloid newspaper format.

Next up in 2011 is our Gold Sponsorship of the 7th Annual OGCA Symposium in Collingwood. This relationship wit the OGCA has grown each year and has allowed us to connect with its members providing coverage on their projects and accomplishments. Clive Thurston and the team at the office provide us great editorial content, industry training information as well a great venue to market our publications.

What else does 2011 hold? Great question, the most important thing is the maintaining of existing relationships with local and provincial associations. The key here has been providing coverage and developing a relationship more about what I can offer vs. what I want from them. The associations are a great way to meet potential clients who in return become contract advertisers or provide great projects to profile.

What are your plans for 2011? Is your company expanding to a new region in Ontario or are you moving to a new province? What projects are you working on or awards have you received in recognition of your hard work? Share your news and projects and I can provide great coverage locally in our regional papers the GTA Construction Report or Ottawa Construction News, provincial in the Ontario Construction Report or nationally with the Canadian Design & Construction Report.

GTA Construction Report December 2010

2010-12-08T01:44:00.001-05:00

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Ottawa Construction News December 2010

2010-12-08T01:42:00.001-05:00

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Ontario Construction Report December 2010 Issue

2010-12-08T01:38:00.001-05:00

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GOHBA Impact! December 2010 Issue

2010-12-08T01:37:00.000-05:00

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Disconnect - Between the online and the real world?

2010-11-18T09:00:00.002-05:00

I was looking for an image today to highlight the sense of "Disconnect" I am sometimes get from doing business with the online community and dealing with the so called real world. Do the Google search and you will amused by what falls into the image category for the word. Now I am not discussing the virtual world when I say real world, but the one where you get to meet people face to face, share a drink and build a relationship.

In the company I work for the original model had been to hire people wherever they were and build a new market. That changed to higher them where ever they are and build an existing product and has since even evolved further to where our sales staff are becoming more centralized in our head office of Ottawa. Ironically I am the one who does the job posting and initially screening to locate candidates to test in our working environment. For the past 8 months the best candidates have been in or within an hours distance of Ottawa.

As our culture has changed my interactions with the new staff have been done by email or phone call all virtually. Not knowing people from face to face interactions does put a strain on relationship building as you can not really read someones tone from an email response or a phone call. At the start of October I was able to spend two days with the new team and this helped me fill in the missing aspects of the different personalities. Now the internal dealings of staff at a company can be much more intense then dealing with customers but it shows the value of actually meeting the person in the real world.

As for dealing with clients, sometimes the online world is a distraction to them between having to respond to emails or phone calls. I have found some of who I thought were the busiest people just find taking 5 minutes for a phone call or responding to an email to be a time waster, however if you meet them face to face you can spend several hours with them chatting over dinner and drinks. These clients embrace real connections vs. the online community.

The situation gets even more interesting as I am finding the younger generation ( I am only 35 and seem to be at the point where I am a bridge between the old and young, lol) the young 20 somethings are all about online interaction. Streamlining customer management to online platforms, generating sales using online forms and using social media to live their lives. Dealing with these clients is rather easy for me as i can manage 10 of them in the time it takes to manage a real world relationship. However when these online relationships are finished they feel more like an online transaction verses relationship building.

How do you get away from this online relationship building, find real world situations to connect. Trade shows, association meetings, industry functions or pay attention if your at a hockey rink and see someone wearing a construction jacket or hat. Ask them if they work at the company, ask if they are there watching your kids as you are. In most cases you just establish rapport with someone who is in the same situation as you. It is a little easier them sending an email in the dark hoping the reply.

Publishers Viewpoint - November 2010

2010-11-18T08:58:00.001-05:00

Only a few more weeks to go then it will be time for Construct Canada and the countdown to the end of the year begins. We will be exhibiting again in same spot as 2009 at booth #3027 December 1st-3rd and handing out our well received “Pin up” calendar that we partnered with Construction Workplace Safety Training owner Bruce Bolduc.

Construction Workplace Safety Training has been a regular contract advertiser in the GTA Construction Report for well over a year now and the opportunity to promote both of our companies took shape over several dinner meetings late last Fall. The idea was to cross promote and generate business for both companies with a unique item for a giveaway. It was well received by the mail patrons and even several women took them for their husbands or guys they worked with in the office. A somewhat Taboo item generated great interest and quick conversation piece with potential clients right on the spot.

Last year at our booth we had two young ladies on site to hand the calendar out to people passing by with copies of our publications, this year will attempt to have an autograph signing session in an effort to engage people at our booth longer then the quick grab and run scenario you sometimes see. We will also be collecting business cards for a door prize that will then help us with follow ups after the show. The autograph signing session will make for a great opportunity to also snap photos for our community news sections.

As with last years show I will generate a report showing costs associated with attending, report on the cost per lead and then tracking through out the year the revenue generated on average per lead generated. Approaching my 4th year in the company and industry, it is becoming harder to measure if a sale is directly linked to just the show or from a previous relationship generated at other events. Regardless the results show that the cost to attend is less then 10% of the revenue generated so it makes sense to be there.

Are you attending Construct Canada this year? Look for your free pass in both the printed issue as well as an electronic form you can download from our online editions at www.cnrgp.com

GTA Construction Report November 2010 Issue

2010-11-04T12:45:00.001-04:00

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Ontario Construction Report November 2010 Issue

2010-11-04T12:43:00.001-04:00

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Canadian Design & Construction Report Fall 2010 Issue

2010-11-04T12:40:00.000-04:00

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GTA Construction Report October 2010

2010-10-18T17:01:00.001-04:00

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Ontario Construction Report October 2010 Issue

2010-10-18T16:59:00.000-04:00

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Ottawa Construction News October 2010 Issue

2010-10-18T16:58:00.000-04:00

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Publishers Viewpoint - October 2010

2010-10-01T06:51:00.001-04:00

It has been a great month for new opportunities to start to flourish and repeat business to grow!

Starting next April I will be marketing a new contract for the Barrie Construction Association annual publication. We are looking to produce a 5,000 printed edition for the BCA with the special issue arriving across Niagara, Hamilton, GTA and Simcoe next August. The publication will become a great resource for promoting the industry leading events, dinner meetings and provincial issues the association is tackling. The publication will also showcase the 400 plus members highlighting their projects, products and services.

Later this month once the regional publications are out we will be putting the finishing touches on our second edition of our national magazine the Canadian Design & Construction Report (CDCR). We are happy to announce a new sponsor for the next six issues, ComFact Corporation. Check them out online at www.comfactcorp.com The second issue will show profiles on a National Award Winning Project located in Hamilton as well as some industry leading companies. You can viewthe second edition online at www.cnrgp.com For a subscription to the printed edition email me at chase@cnrgp.com For the December issue of the CDCR let me know if you are doing projects outside of Ontario. I can feature your company with sponsorship starting at $695 which includes an ad to promote your business, a full page profile on your company you approve and the ability embed videos or commercials in the special online edition.

The November issue of The GTA Construction Reportwill showcase our second annual Toronto Sheet Metal Contractors Association profile as well the fourth annual Sewer and Watermain Construction Industry article in our provincial publication, the Ontario Construction Report (OCR). You will also read our second annual profile on “Wood in Construction” in the OCR which showcases the expanding reintroduction of a great renewable resource into commercial construction. We are expanding the industry coverage to also look at the architectural wood manufacturing sector, our focus in 2009 was exclusive to wood trusses and engineered products. It is great to see these annual industry and association profiles again, based on the great coverage we provide them.

Publishers View Point - September

2010-09-20T13:27:00.000-04:00

With the end of summer arrives one of the busiest times of the year for me with travel, conferences and tight deadlines. This is the time of year where 4 months will fly by in a minute.

Up first in September is a trip to Barrie for four days to attend the Barrie Construction Association Board of Directors Meeting, followed by a joint dinner meeting with the BCA and Canadian Home Builder Association – Simcoe County with mayoral candidates. The last day of the trip should be the most fun with the Annual Membership Appreciation Day BBQ; I will be the guy cooking the food.

Into October I have a trip to Ottawa for our Annual Planning Session for the Construction News and Report Group of Companies and after several months I get to meet Jeff Melling our newest Account Manager and build some great rapport with the rest of the team. In the past year the focus of having reps across the province has changed and by luck our last two employees just happened to be based out of Ottawa where the head office is. With the new centralized workforce the good news for me will be quarterly trips up to our Nations capital instead of twice a year.

Towards the end October I will be attending the Ontario Painting Contractors Association(OPCA) where Mark Buckshon the Publisher of the Construction News and Report Group will be a presenter. The event takes place here in Niagara so the commute will be rather easy. I am sure I am missing a few other events but thank goodness for my Outlook Calendar and my reminders.

Check out our newest publication the Canadian Design & Construction Report, a national magazine reaching over 75,000 readers across Canada. You can see the online version of the publication at www.cnrgp.com Out October issue will be out next month and I have a few sponsorship opportunities if you are looking to reach a national audience.

Chase is the Director of Marketing and Client Relations for the Construction News and Report Group as well as the Associate Publisher for the GTA Construction Report, Ontario Construction Report and the new publication the Canadian Design & Construction Report serving all of Canada. Chase also serves on the Board of Directors for the Barrie Construction Association and on several committees for the Niagara Construction Association. If you have any recommendations or suggestions on changes you would like to make for the papers please contact him toll free at 1-888-432-3555 ext 211 or email him chase@cnrgp.com or visit us online at www.cnrgp.com

Ontario Construction Report September Issue

2010-09-20T13:24:00.000-04:00

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GTA Construction Report September Issue

2010-09-20T13:23:00.000-04:00

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Enbridge Natural Gas Heaters

2010-08-23T11:22:00.002-04:00

August Issue of the Ottawa Construction News

2010-08-16T12:57:00.001-04:00

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August Issue of the Ontario Construction Report

2010-08-16T12:56:00.002-04:00

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August 2010 Issue of the GTA Construction Report

2010-08-16T12:56:00.001-04:00

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Publishers Viewpoint August 2010

2010-08-08T19:46:00.002-04:00

Hard to believe the summer has almost slipped away and I am starting my fall planning and looking forward to January 2011. Key though is to take some time to reflect and enjoy the moment.

Last week I received a package in the mail and was surprised to have to get a certificate and “Thank you” letter from the Niagara Habitat for Humanity. The past two plus years I have been providing Habitat free advertising space to promote requests for donations, recognizing industry partners and most importantly the 3 day “Blitz Build” put on with the support of the Niagara Construction Association and Niagara Home Builders Association. Habitat provides a worthy service to residents looking to be able to afford their first home and the construction industry is a huge supporter of this.

The key I have found dealing with the construction industry is recognizing the generous nature of everyone involved. From fueling our overall economy with growth and revenue generated as spin offs from infrastructure work, new home construction and the ever increasing commercial sector, the construction industry is one of the most if not most generous when it comes to supporting communities.

In Barrie the Build for Gilda’s a few years back saw the Barrie Construction Association and the Canadian Home Builders Association – Simcoe County build a home in 3 days and then donate the proceeds of the sale to Gilda’s who in turn used the money towards building Gilda’s Club, which again was supported by the same associations and members who then donated materials and labour to help complete the project.

As mentioned earlier members of the Niagara Construction Industry came together to build a home with Habitat for Humanity in less than 60 hours. I remember being part of the early meetings and discussions of having the two associations work together for the first time in their long histories and only hope that they can continue to find new ways to work together. What is the next project? Who knows but I am sure someone has taken notice of what they did and I look forward to supporting the idea.

As a member of the construction industry how do you support your local community? What ideas do you have to make where you work and live a better place? Share with me what you have done or are doing and we can provide coverage in the GTA Construction Report with editorial articles or supporting advertising messages.

One last plug for myself check out our newest publication the Canadian Design & Construction Report, a national magazine reaching over 75,000 readers across Canada. You can see the online version of the publication at www.cnrgp.com

Canadian Design and Construction Report - Summer 2010 Issue

2010-07-28T13:53:00.001-04:00

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The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) wants new Inspectors

2010-07-27T11:58:00.003-04:00

The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) wants new Inspectors to join its safety team in the GTA Area and across Ontario, including Ottawa, Sudbury and South Eastern Ontario.

ESA is looking for motivated individuals with an Electrician’s Construction and Maintenance Licence (309A), and at least 7 years of varied experience as a Journeyperson Electrician. You have sound knowledge of electrical theory, a background in customer service, knowledge of Windows, MS Office programs and e-mail, and a valid driver’s licence. As an electrical inspector, you are driven to positively impact electrical safety. You are responsible for inspecting electrical installations from start to finish, including: examining electrical drawings and inspecting installations to ensure electrical code compliance; advising customers; creating and maintaining inspection records; and investigating and reporting on electrical fires and accidents.

ESA’s team of 400+ engaged and committed safety professionals are driven by a mandate to improve electrical safety for the people of Ontario. We administer and enforce Ontario’s electrical safety regulations through the delivery of a wide range of services and initiatives that are supported by our safety stakeholders.

ESA offers a competitive salary complemented by a comprehensive benefits package and learning opportunities to grow your skill in electrical safety while working in a great team environment. For more information on these opportunities and to apply online by September 3, 2010 , please access the ESA website at http://www.esasafe.com/

It is great to give even if you do not get recognized!

2010-07-26T10:33:00.002-04:00

Each month the GTA Construction Report has provided space to Habitat for Humnaity Niagara to promote new programs or recognize industry leaders who donate materials, money or time to help build affordable housing for families across the Niagara Region. Our publication reaches key decision makers of both the Niagara Construction Association and Niagara Home Builders so the GTA Construction Report is hapy to help!

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS ENGAGED IN UTILITIES CONSTRUCTION (POWER, ENERGY & COMMUNICATIONS WORK)

2010-07-26T08:00:00.002-04:00

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS ENGAGED IN UTILITIES CONSTRUCTION
(POWER, ENERGY & COMMUNICATIONS WORK)

Nature of the Application
The Utility Contractors Association of Ontario Inc. has applied for accreditation as an employers’ association pursuant to section 134 of the Labour Relations Act, 1995 for certain employers engaged in utilities construction in the Province of Ontario in all sectors of the construction industry save and except the industrial, commercial and institutional sector.
This Application affects all employers of employees engaged in utilities construction for whom the Labourers’ International Union of North America, Ontario Provincial District Council or any of its affiliated Local Unions, that is Labourers’ International Union of North America, (LIUNA) Locals 183, 247, 493, 527, 607, 625, 837, 1036, 1059, 1081 and 1089 hold bargaining rights that operate or may operate throughout the Province of Ontario in any sector of the construction industry save and except the industrial, commercial and institutional sector.
Responding Party
The Labourers’ International Union of North America, Ontario Provincial District Council is the Responding Party to the Accreditation Application.
A hearing will be held at 9:30 a.m., local time on Tuesday, August 31, 2010 in the Boardroom at the Ontario Labour Relations Board, 2nd Floor, 505 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario.
You can determine whether your company is affected by inspecting the proposed list of unionized employers active within one year of the date of application at the following locations:
(a) Ontario Labour Relations Board
2nd Floor, 505 University Avenue
Toronto, Ontario
M5G 2P1
Telephone: 416-326-7500
(b) The offices of the Association
1075 North Service Road West, Suite 201
Oakville, Ontario
L6M 2G2
Telephone: 905-847-7305

(c) The offices of the Responding Party or its affiliated local unions
Labourers’ International Union of North America, Ontario Provincial District Council
Suite 700, 555 Burnamthorpe Road
Toronto, Ontario
M9C 3Y3
Telephone: 416-240-7254
(d) Affiliated Local Unions: Labourers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA)
Locals 183, 247, 493, 527, 607, 625, 837, 1036, 1059, 1081 and 1089.
These locations will also have a complete copy of the pleadings in this matter, copies of response forms and details of the bargaining unit (including its geographic scope and work encompassed by the application).
You may also access a copy of the Application and Response filed by the Union and any O.L.R.B. decision related to this application at the O.L.R.B. website:
www.olrb.gov.on.ca
Questions may be directed to France Poirier, Client Services Co-Ordinator, Ontario Labour Relations Board: (416) 326-7474.
All employers are urged to confirm whether they are or may be affected by this Application as no further notice of these proceedings will be given unless employers notify the Board, by filing a Form A-94, on or before August 18, 2010 that they are affected by the Application and wish to participate in this proceeding.

Publisher Viewpoint July 2010

2010-07-20T23:20:00.000-04:00

I started off last month with an interesting question of “Who is Cathy Latimer?”

In one of my daily searches I came across a posting in the local St. Catharines paper in the "Letters to the Editor" section that caught my interest. With a little research I found the person who works for a local masonry company and found out that her original letter was started after she found out that at the end of 2010 she would be out of a job. I spoke with Cathy and she decided to submit her letter to the GTA Construction Report for our July issue and you will see her full letter and some local responses in the paper. Dialogue between the Niagara Construction Association (NCA) and Cathy has already taken place and I am working towards getting the NCA to provide some feedback for our August issue which is covering the Niagara Construction Industry.

As a member of the Board of the Barrie Construction Association we are dealing with the same issue that Cathy brings up about out of town contractors winning local jobs. In Barrie we have started to get dialogue going with the city and inviting them to speak at events. The long term goal is to make it so local contractors can have a leg up for public tax supported projects. The best argument I have heard to date is that local projects funded by tax dollars that have the work done by local companies is a better investment for the city or a region. Local companies pay taxes and hire local employees so any investment from city councils or regional governments on new construction see a very high return of the original cost of the project. Where as out of town contractors commute to work and spend their money in their cities. More coverage on this will be coming next month so stay tuned.

News of a completely different topic is with a new partnership with Real Estate Executives Inc has added an additional 23,000 plus readers to the online versions of our publications. This addition brings our total online readers to almost 75,000 per month across Ontario and Canada. Check out the Real Estate Executives site www.realestateexecutives.ca

Chase is the Director of Marketing and Client Relations for the Construction News and Report Group as well as the Associate Publisher for the GTA Construction Report and Ontario Construction Report. Chase also serves on the Board of Directors for the Barrie Construction Association and on several committees for the Niagara Construction Association. If you have any recommendations or suggestions on changes you would like to make for the papers please contact him toll free at 1-888-432-3555 ext 211 or email him chase@cnrgp.com or visit us online at www.cnrgp.com

Ontario Construction Report July 2010

2010-07-14T21:32:00.001-04:00

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Ottawa Construction News July 2010

2010-07-14T21:31:00.000-04:00

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GOHBA Impact! Summer Issue

2010-07-14T21:28:00.001-04:00

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GTA Construction Report July 2010 Issue

2010-07-14T21:26:00.001-04:00

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Ontario Construction Report June 2010 Edition

2010-06-10T08:39:00.001-04:00

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Ottawa Construction News June 2010 Edition

2010-06-10T08:32:00.001-04:00

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GTA Construction Report June 2010 Edition

2010-06-10T08:30:00.000-04:00

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Who is Cathy Latimer?

2010-06-08T13:27:00.002-04:00

I came across a posting in the local St. Catharines paper in the "Letters to the Editor" section that caught my interest.

As a member of the Board of the Barrie Construction Association we are dealing with the same issue that Cathy brigs up below about out of town contractors winning locla jobs. In Barrie we have started to get dialogue going with the city and inviting them to speak at events. The long term goal is to make it so local contractors can have a leg up for public tax supported projects.

Now I am trying to find who Cathy Latimer is and encourage here to get in touch with the Niagara Construction Association so they may take up the challenge. I have sent her posting to the General Manager of the Niagara Construction Association, who has then sent it on to her board. I will keep you posted if we find out who Cathy is and more importantly what the NCA does to help the next person who raises the issue and asks for help.

No support for local construction firms

As an employee of a local Niagara construction firm, I am outraged and appalled that many of our local construction projects are being awarded to out-of-town firms. Case in point, Bondfield Construction (Toronto) has secured at least three recent projects in St. Catharines (with area contractors bidding). The Standard then reports that city council recommends the out-of- town contractor use local forces -- it won't. Who pays the taxes for these projects? I do. Now I look forward to becoming one more person on the unemployment line because my city will not stand behind our local contractors and workforces. Shame on you St. Catharines and Niagara Region. Our community was once mine to enjoy. Now it is mine to watch die

Cathy Latimer

Publishers Viewpoint June 2010

2010-06-07T13:31:00.001-04:00

Make sure you check out the new extended “Hotels and Lodgings Directory” in the Ontario Construction Report this month. The test has been successful as you can see! In May I had 8 hotels signed up, now I have a full page.

Directories in our papers and in association buyer guides are for the most part a low expense purchase with high potential for return. What separates our “Product and Services” directories in all the papers are the amount of people who will be able to see your listing and some of the online benefits. A traditional association directory ad will cost you $500 and for that the association prints anywhere between 500 and 1000 copies of the Buyers Guide. Your ad is set for the year and can not be changed. The biggest down fall of an association directory is usually the only people who get it are members of the association who you have paid to network with already by paying a membership fee.

Our directories are published monthly and can be updated at anytime if you change your email address, move to a new location or if you wish to expand it. Our circulation gives you more bang for your buck with the GTA paper reaching over 4,000 subscribers each month with the printed edition. If I have not convinced you yet, our online edition reaches well over 50,000 readers each month and by including an email or web address in your directory listing you are only one click away from potential customers. The directories are targeted to professionals to the construction industry giving you a great local and regional audience to draw potential customers from.

In the next few months I will start experimenting with the next leading edge advantage our online editions offer, you the advertiser will be able to subscribe to have a video to play when someone views your directory listing online. I have also started to ad new advertisers to our existing directories with some new targeted marketing pieces with decent results so far.

Are you in our “Products and Service Directories” yet? If you would like to be, email me at chase@cnrgp.com or call me 905-228-1151 and mention my Publishers Coloumn and I will give you $100 off of your directory listing and a free front page ad in the Ontario Construction Report. Also check out the online editions of the paper at www.cnrgp.com and go to the “Current Editions” tab to check out the online versions of the directories.

What sets your company apart from the competition? What makes you the top choice in your field when it comes to being selected for the job?

2010-05-27T14:15:00.003-04:00

What sets your company apart from the competition? What makes you the top choice in your field when it comes to being selected for the job?

In the July and August issues we will be examining the leaders of many different fields of work related to the construction industry. I will be profiling companies who are setting themselves apart from the rest based on:

• Technology
• Skill & Experience
• Employees
• Desire to be the best
• Awards and Industry Recognition
• Ability to get the winning bid

If you are at the top of construction industry for your field I want to share your story. In the A Look at Industry Leaders special issues you can participate several ways to tell the story of your company or yourself. You can sponsor the article with a targeted ad showcasing your company, if you purchase a ¼ page ad size or larger I will provide you matching editorial space with an interview with you, key members of your team and even your clients.

You can have a two page profile or larger done that you approve from content right down to the layout. The feature could be your with the purchase of a minimum 1/3 page ad or I can work with you to create it at no cost by working with the different suppliers and trades in your field. I will only be accepting limited companies per trade and industry specialty per issue which means space is limited.

If you wish to participate please contact me by email chase@cnrgp.com or by phone 905-228-1151.

Testing, testing and more testing...

2010-05-17T09:21:00.002-04:00

This past month I launched a few new marketing tests to generate additional revenue and stumbled on some great topics of interest for my clients and readers of the paper.

First initiative was the launching of a special “Hotels and Lodgings Directory” in the Ontario Construction Report. The idea was generated from a relationship with a great client last year that spent several thousand dollars of their marketing budget to promote a group of hotels. I was given a copy of the group of hotels that were all a part of the advertising efforts and made sure they got their free subscription to the paper as an advertiser each month, but not to solicit them.

The client did not renew their advertising contract this year as they had moved to a larger online focus, but I was left holding the list of names of the people who participated in the co-op advertising a year before. Through a series of discussions with Mark Buckshon, the publisher and owner of the paper, we launched the Hotel Directory online in April with three contract hotel advertisers and I started to target the list of co-op advertisers from last year and generated $1,500 without picking up the phone. I will be following up this month with the rest of the list of co-op advertisers from last year and then start researching additional leads. Some of the revenue lost from the client not renewing has been recouped with very little effort.

Next up for new editorial themes was the launch of “Young Leaders” and the “Roofing Industry” in the June issue. Both are being tested to see if we can add them to our 2011 media schedule and so far they have both generated response for guest columns, interviews and advertising.

As the summer progresses, I will be looking to test out a few new editorial themes and some specialized directory marketing for our “Service Provider Directories” in both the GTA and Ottawa papers based on the larger groups of companies per listing. Will these earn $1,000,000 in one month? The answer is no, but each dollar will contribute to the expansion of our publications.

GTA Construction Report May 2010

2010-05-17T09:20:00.000-04:00

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Ottawa Construction News May 2010

2010-05-17T09:19:00.000-04:00

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Ontario Construction Report May Issue

2010-05-17T09:18:00.000-04:00

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"We don't need to do sales, we do bid work only!"

2010-04-21T11:24:00.002-04:00

I am currently working a major association profile and I have been taken back by a few comments from some of the members who say they do not need to do sales or marketing because they only do bid jobs.

One of the contacts said we get all of our work from winning with the lowest bid. If I had known the person better I would of said that logic is like trying to row a boat with only one oar. You will only end up spinning in circles and what happens if you lose your one oar?

What if tomorrow bid jobs disappeared and getting work relied completely on having relationships and connections, what would happen to these one trick ponies?

Survival in business means being able to adapt, test, fail and adapt again. You must be able to have a few different sources for work/revenue no matter what you do. Funny thing is some of the contacts fail to realize they are doing sales and marketing as part of being a member of an association like they are. Now the question remains are they passive members who pay their dues each year or are they active? Do they volunteer or attend events? Do they us the instant connection and common ground they have with all the other members? I hope so.

Ideally these contacts should divert 5% of the revenue generated from their bid jobs to being active members of an association, sponsorship of events and yes evening putting together a targeted marketing plan for web, print and direct mail.

Did you used to do only bid jobs in the past? If so did adapt and what caused you to change?

And the winner is.....

2010-04-16T18:09:00.002-04:00

It is almost time to announce the winners of the 2009-2010 Ontario Construction Report Readers Choice Awards and all the finalists are calling trying to get the results early!

In the June issue of the Ontario Construction Report we will have a special section recognizing all the winners and finalists from across the province in our most popular and most voted on Readers Choice Awards yet.

Their is no cost to entire your company into the awards and we will work with you to provide lots of great editorial coverage to celebrate the recognition you deserve. The nominations for the 2010-2011 Awards should be up and running in August so get ready to nominate the great companies you work with or even your own. If you want to get a leg up on the nominations you can send them to me now at chase@cnrgp.com

GOHBA Impact! April 2010 Issue

2010-04-14T20:23:00.000-04:00

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Ottawa Construction News April 2010 Issue

2010-04-14T20:22:00.001-04:00

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Ontario Construction Report April 2010 Issue

2010-04-14T20:20:00.000-04:00

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GTA Construction Report April 2010 Issue

2010-04-14T20:18:00.001-04:00

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Ontario Construction Report Hotels and Lodging Directory

2010-04-12T16:11:00.003-04:00

Next Month the Ontario Construction Report will be launching a new Hotels and Lodging Directory to serve the many hotels that target the construction industry for long term stays will projects are being completed in their service areas.

One of the most consistent type of advertisers have been hotels in the 20 year history of the publications and now a special section in the Ontario Construction Report will run monthly in the printed edition of the paper, in the online version which allows for direct links to the hotels websites and in a special section of our web site at http://www.cnrgp.com/ where the newest members of the directory will appear each month and special banner ads will also showcase special promotions.

In the GTA and Ottawa paper you can target local clients with our long running Service Providers Directory as well with services ranging from tele-com providers, building materials and contractors.

With the added benefits of our online publications and special sections coming to our websites the directories are truly becoming an effective and low cost marketing solution for many companies.

Do you want to join our Hotel and Lodging Directory in the Ontario Construction Report or target regional areas such as the GTA or Ottawa email me for more details: chase@cnrgp.com

Social networks - sharing everything even with your clients!

2010-03-29T22:34:00.002-04:00

Today I had a call with a client who laughed when I spoke about the my use of facebook during work hours. I said I had it on most of the day to get updates from existing clients and in some cases to even get messages. Turns out he uses it for the same thing.

facebook, Linked In and twitter to name a few have started to cross the lines of social networking vs. business networking. Are any solely used for one purpose or the other? The lines have blurred and so has the rules for using these.

Three years ago a potential employee had added me on facebook after her interview and the status updates started to follow, such as "Out late last night, hungover can't go to work." Other times this person would post photos of herself drinking or using some other types of recreational drugs. Long story short I did not end up hiring her, she told me that her personal life should not have affected my decision, without facebook it would not have.

Now since I have used facebook for personal reasons and crossed over to also include clients I make sure that what I share with them online is the same as if I was in front of them.

Now in some cases I have I found similar interests with clients from groups I have joined or even applications, these have allowed for further development of a relationship, none though are as effective as a face to face meeting. But I have foudn the face to face meetings to be a lot easier since we have established common ground well ahead of time with my recent harvest of crops on Farmville.

Have social networks and online business networking sites started to become blurred for you? What have you learned or seen happen to others that forget that social networks are just the same as an open window in your home?

March Issue of the Ontario Construction Report

2010-03-11T12:49:00.001-05:00

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March Issue of the GTA Construction Report

2010-03-11T12:47:00.001-05:00

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10,000 or 100,000 which do you prefer?

2010-03-03T19:49:00.002-05:00

Each month we produce around 10,000 printed copies of the Ontario Construction Report along with our regional papers the GTA Construction Report and Ottawa Construction News. Since 2007 when I started with the company the printed circulation has remained the same, however in the Fall of 2008 I had increased our monthly circulation by several thousand without printing one extra copy.

How did this happen? Welcome to the age of online editions of newspapers and magazines.

I was able to find an inexpensive page turning program online that had allowed me to meet one of my goal of increased circulation without increased costs. At first the technology was not appreciated by all, but like sending an email for the first time ever, using the online edition became very easy to do.

Now the Ontario Construction Report has readers in the US and across Canada. Companies with head offices in different provinces can now reach the papers and keep their finger on the pulse of the construction industry in Ontario. US based companies can also see how the better half are doing, especially for residential construction.

New products have started to be developed like the Design and Construction Report Magazine serving the US and the DCN Group established on Linked in. 90% of the publication reaches readers electronically but those who still want hard copies get them. What has separated us from the other start ups of online only publications is our solid foot hold in the printed real world where people can still touch, turn and get blank ink on their fingers. We have grown without sacrificing any of our existing circulation.

What lies ahead now for the Construction News and Report Group of Papers? How about taking the monthly readership from 10,000 of the printed edition to over 100,000 readers? In the next month you will see a new relationship that has been established to market our existing publications to over 100,000 readers each month. Taking the Ontario Construction Report to become a national publication.

Now here is where the fun starts. With the new 100,000 readers I can take the online edition of our paper one step further with the addition of an online exclusive section of the paper with content not available in our papers. The online product has been evolving fast and now we will have 100,000 new readers to showcase your products, services and companies to. Talk about reaching potential customers on a national and even continental basis, across Canada and the US.

Cool Logo!

2010-03-03T09:27:00.003-05:00

An advertiser from an article I am doing on STC Construction Group in the March issue of the GTA Construction Report submitted their artwork for the issue the other day and I have say it is the coolest logo I have seen in a while.

I am currently working on a logo for a side project of mine started up with my son and his friend called http://www.kidzcanhelp.ca/ The importance of a logo for a brand is huge as it captures people attention, clearly delivers a message about your company or organization and at the very beast draws out an emotional connection.

The Upper Deck Flooring logo reminds me of collecting baseball cards 20 years a go as a kid. As I work towards the logo for http://www.kidzcanhelp.ca/ I hope we can achieve something similar.

Does your logo appeal to people? Are you doing a new or redesign of a logo? Share your stories.

Are we on the path to recovery?

2010-02-25T13:57:00.002-05:00

Are we on the path to recovery finally? Has the industry rebounded and are profits returning?
I posted this comment on my LinkedIn status as well as on facebook and got two completely different replies to the question.

The first response was from a supplier of an industry product who said that the recovery had arrived. The dead calm of last January and February has been replaced by a sudden rush this year where she and I both were experiencing an influx of calls, opportunity and revenue.

The second response from Linked In was from a general contractor who agreed that the industry had picked up, however she warned that profitability had not. Further through the exchange I made an assumption that appears to be correct, many generals had taken on work to keep the doors open and business running with little profit above the costs of doing business.

I have talked with many companies who had sharpened their pencils last year dealing with an increase in competition for jobs that would normally see 5 to 8 bidders explode to see 12 to 20 in some cases. Is the abundance of bidders going to disappear any time soon? I do not think so. Will the pricing structures of the jobs change? I think they will, as more work become available companies will not be so tight on the bottom line and allow profit to creep back in. Those who continue to price at only keeping the doors open will reach a breaking point and have to make a decision taking less jobs for the same amount of profit as doing double the work.

The recovery and profits are returning at different speeds across southern Ontario. As a member of several construction associations I see some are recovering faster then others that seem to be just hanging on. The strength of the region is being reflected in the number of members who are renewing as well as new businesses joining. The associations like many companies have to branch out into new areas and different ways to appeal to members while remaining a relevant.

Is your business starting to recover? Were you able to survive the last year and take the spots occupied by previous competitors who have failed? Share your stories and success in the next issue of the GTA Construction Report.

GTA Construction Report

2010-02-09T10:28:00.000-05:00

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Ontario Construction Report February 2010 Issue

2010-02-09T10:27:00.001-05:00

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Proud new member of the Orillia & District Construction Association

2010-01-23T14:40:00.002-05:00

This is my first year as a member of the Orillia & District Construction Association. After doing a great feature profile on the association last Fall I decided to join in the association and provide additional coverage on what is going on in the most northern part of my territory.

Only 20 minutes past Barrie where I serve as a director on the Barrie Construction Association Board, I look forward to spending more time in the area with trips to Orillia.

Watch for a great article in the February issue of the GTA Construction Report with Trevor Walker from the R & F Construction.

Family in Construction

2010-01-13T23:45:00.002-05:00

If you are a member of a family business, and work within the architectural, engineering and construction community, you have unique stories of how your business were formed, dealt
with changes in the industry and grown to where you are today; often seeing several generations involved with the day to day operations.

This special report on “Family in Construction” will look at the evolution of the industry for some companies over the several past decades with the changes in the education, technology and expansion.

We will showcase families businesses who are developing succession plans for the future and
others that are faced with the challenge of how to keep the business running as the original
founders start looking at retiring.

If you are a member of a construction family, you'll find this article insightful and useful. If not,
you will learn about the challenges these families faced and the opportunities for growing your
own business.

We welcome your news stories, opinions, and observations, and you'll find your advertising
message reaches a receptive audience, with 10,000 copies distributed across the province.
For more information, call Chase 888-432-3555 ext 211 E-mail: chase@cnrgp.com

Happy New Year!

2010-01-05T10:30:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year! The holidays have passed quickly and the short break in the work schedule has disappeared much like the Christmas trees in many homes across Ontario.

Last year at this time I was planning a trip to Quebec for the CHBA Awards, a couple days away at Ontario Forum for the OHBA and sitting on cloud nine. Problem was the recession was just about to catch up with the entire industry. What a difference a year makes with the dark clouds that were rolling in have almost disappeared. The great thing is as a company we survived and many new ideas thrived. The year was about measuring results and controlling spending.

The best launch in 2009 was our “Women in Construction” theme which has increased by over 100% already and we still have several weeks until deadline. A new introduction for this year will look at “Family in Construction” which will cover many business from builders to suppliers that are run by several generations of a family.

Other things that were successful for me in 2009 include new annual features with the Toronto Sheet Metal Contractors Association (TSMCA) Ontario Masonry Contractors Association (OMCA) and the Merit Open Shop Contractors Association of Ontario (MOCAO). Associations are a great place for me to provide coverage of events and begin to network new contacts for great companies and projects to profile. The key is to give more then you will ever ask to get back.

Some new changes for 2010 include new membership in the Orillia and District Construction Association as well the Hamilton-Halton Construction Association. One large association we were members of for more then 10 years is sitting on my desk either to be renewed or file away under “G”. I am weighing heavily what can I give the association and get back in return. A proposal for extensive coverage on monthly basis at no cost has not been returned. At the very least I was hoping for feedback on other ways we could work together. As the invoice goes unpaid I wonder if they will even contact us to find out why.

So as 2010 begins to gain traction I will continue to monitor new ways to increase business and to effectively network for new contacts and interesting stories. What do you have planned to launch during this period of recovery?

Jan 2010 Issue of the Ontario Construction Report

2010-01-05T10:28:00.000-05:00

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Jan 2010 Issue of the GTA Construction Report

2010-01-05T10:23:00.000-05:00

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November Issue of the GTA Construction Report

2009-11-12T08:58:00.001-05:00

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November issue of the Ontario Construction Report

2009-11-12T08:56:00.000-05:00

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Membership has it's privileges?

2009-11-02T11:20:00.001-05:00

Membership has its privileges, at least according to the many different reward programs I am a member of. Membership allows for exclusives deals, savings and the opportunity to gain access to things the normal public would not be able to get. Membership in Construction Associations should also provide this as well, right?

As we begin to wind down the 2009 year invoices for renewal are starting to come in from the different associations that I am a member of and instead of blindly renewing like in years in the past I have set down to review the cost and return for each. Two reasons for this is to be financially responsible as we come out of the economic slow down (I still hate to say recession) and also to gage if membership really has it privileges.

Some associations I am a member of are too big. The initial idea or concepts behind them was to allow for networking opportunities and ability to connect with potential customers and clients. Problem is with upwards of almost 3000 people in a room for some of the networking events you might as well be walking through Air Canada handing out your business card in an effort to find a new business partner. Quantity vs. Quality has to be measured.

Being in the world of publishing I am finding the big associations may not be the right market for me to be a member of. The formula and numbers I will be testing for 2010 is as follows:

- How easily can I connect with the Board of Directors to offer coverage of the association and events?
- How large are their networking events? 200 contacts vs. 3000
- Do I or can I offer value to the association?
- How involved can I get with the different committees and events?

I think a good association will do business with it’s members first or at the very least allows all members affiliated with a business opportunity the chance to bid. The worst thing an association can do is go outside of the membership and give business to a non-member. A good association will engage its members with regular surveys, questionnaires or actually call them to get their feedback. These are some of the other traits I will be weighing as I submit the invoices for payment.

What do you think are the qualities of a good association?

Open Forums for Feedback or Attacks of your "Brand"?

2009-10-30T20:02:00.004-04:00

Got an interesting error message that my DELL Inspiron 1501 Laptop Battery was nearing the end of its life.

The only great thing about this post is the ease DELL made it for me to go to their site to order a new one. The cost for a replacement battery, $165. Depending on sales of their laptops that is a third of a cost towards the purchase of a new one.

In reviewing their site I found their section which allowed customers to do ratings, the replacement battery feedback was a lowly 1.3 of 5. Even more shocking of the 121 reviews was the fact I could not find any feedback from a DELL employee.

In the service industry I am always open to feedback positive or negative about our products and respond within 24 hours of getting a comment. Our systems are not as elaborate at DELL for Customer Ratings, however if they were I would make sure I monitored them (not sensor them) and provide replies and follow up to help rebuild peoples impressions of our brand.

Now I am left with the choice to do one of the following:

- By a replacement battery from DELL for $165

- Go to a local retailer and get a comparative battery for $105

Or switch to a different brand of laptop.

Based on the Customer Ratings at DELL and the lack of customer and brand management by them I think I will look for a new solution. I wonder if I can get a deal on a MAC?

Scotiabank Hockey Tonight Contest

2009-10-24T00:22:00.001-04:00

Check out my son's hockey teams entry into the Scotiabank Hockley Tonight Contest.

Winning teams will be featured on the pre-game show, Scotiabank Hockey Tonight, before introducing Canada’s #1 hockey broadcast, CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada, to millions of hockey fans across the country. Winning teams will be chosen across 14 weeks starting October 19, 2009 (First selected team will be featured on November 7, 2009). Winning teams will be videotaped and photographed announcing Hockey Night in Canada at your local rink to appear on television and on this website and will receive a pizza party hosted by Scotiabank as well as an Official Hockey Night in Canada team towel.

With heart and hustle the St. Catharines Novice Warriors feature an exciting lineup of players who display a willingness to learn, and great determination to succeed.

Each player on the team displays team spirit by attending early morning practices to learn this great game of hockey. As early as we practice there are never any complaints, only smiles and warm greetings and helping each other to get ready. Just before the game players tell jokes as a way to relax and clear their minds.

It is evident based how they carry themselves that they are building their character and self discipline through being part of a team. They wear their team jackets and jerseys with pride knowing that they proudly represent their city. Everywhere they go, you know they are loud and proud to be on this team. It is obvious that the game of hockey and dedicated coaches and parents have made these young players more confident, determined and respectful in their daily life.

It’s hard not to feel proud of a group of young players who already understand the meaning of team and sportsmanship as they tell each other “good game”, “great play” win or lose.

As the coaches of these young players we feel tremendous excitement when they try new things on the ice and succeed. Their eyes light up with a feeling that is hard to explain. We believe the St. Catharines Novice Warriors should be considered for the Scotiabank Hockey Tonight Kids.

Show your support by visiting the site here: St.Catharines Novice Warriors Team Entry

$11 Million Arena at Ridley College in St.Catharines

2009-10-21T12:42:00.006-04:00

Yesterday I took a trip not to far from home to snap some photos of the progress of the $11 million Arena being Construction by Brouwer Construction at Ridley College, I am looking forward to doing a feature profile on the project once completed. I had my new photographer with me, a fun a time.

My youngest son Noah who is 5, is very much intrigued by taking photos and actually won two awards last Fall at his schools Fall Fair. For Christmas he got a Little Tykes Camera and has been snapping photos like crazy. When I had the chance to go to the site I took him along and let him snap some photos using his camera and as I wrapped up I let him use mine and below are some of the photos he took.

Soon I will have to start giving him photo credit in the paper and next he will want to paid.

Building for the future

2009-10-11T21:04:00.001-04:00

Building for the future
A solar-powered house built by students from Californian univerisities is taking part in this year's Solar Decathlon

Magazines hit hard by advertising dollars

2009-10-10T22:40:00.004-04:00

Working in advertising sales it is interesting to see the struggles of many publications while I am not seeing such a big difference with ours. Our publications are targeted and support an industry that even when hit by hards times it still runs.

The next challenge that will lay ahead as we continue to dig out from this recession will be determing how we can deliver our news, articles and features on several different platforms. We have made progress this past year with the use of Yudu.com and their digital editions which have allowed us to almost triples circulation of regional titles and take them from being read just in Ontario but across Canada.

In a few weeks we will be holding our annual planning session and one of the biggest things I want to see incorporated into our coverage is video, both in the digital editions of our paper and the web sites.

Are you in the publishing industry? What are you doing to stay innovateive?

Are you an advertiser in the construction industry? What do you want to see happen with the evolution of newspapers and magazines?

October Issue of the Ontario Construction Report

2009-10-07T09:43:00.001-04:00

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GTA Construction Report October 2009 Issue

2009-10-06T10:09:00.002-04:00

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Teaching an old Lion how to jump through hoops!

2009-09-23T13:24:00.003-04:00

Part of my role with the Construction News and Report Group of Companies is recruiting new sales staff for covering our many different regions. The process of screening is different then what I had experienced anywhere before, but it is something that I myself completed when I was originally hired back in 2007.

The process which I can not divulge in complete details is set up to allow people to demonstrate their true knowledge of what we do and produce measurable results. The purpose is to weed out the candidates that are great fictional writers with resumes and find a truly great sales person.

I am finding that candidates under the age of 40 are happy to take up the challenge and demonstrate their skills. The other side of the coin is I am finding sales professionals over 40 take offence to our process and have heard the term "Jumping through hoops!" used several times.

How do I encourage these potentially great employees to play the game and take a leap of faith and do what they may think is below them? Most could probably pull out a Rolodex of business cards and demonstrate their ability to sell rather quickly, however like a fine wine they expect to be appreciated based on the vintage of their grapes or really in this case their experience.

The publisher and the owner of the company always asks the same question when these great candidates come along, "Why are they no longer there?" I am guessing in most cases performance slipped either based on the changes to environment or industry where they came from or more likely you can remove a higher ranking individual and with the savings in salary hire two people to replace them.

I posted the question to my publisher today about how we could handle these candidates differently. I proposed he take them on and coax them to demonstrate their skills. I think their may be an opportunity for establishing rapport better based on the amount of grey hairs on their heads as well as overall career experience.

How does your firm/company handle the hiring process when dealing with an older candidate?

Good times at the BCA BBQ

2009-09-21T10:49:00.003-04:00

This past Friday I got to cook up 100 or so steaks at the Annual Barrie Construction Association (BCA) Members Day BBQ. In the small print when you become the newest (and youngest) director you have to do the cooking. Can't wait to do some hazing of the new directors in 2011, lol.

Of all the work I did last week the 3 hours of running the grill at the BCA I actually accomplished the most. I had the opportunity to talk with Anita Stacey the President of the Barrie Construction Association about doing a profile on her for our February issue looking at Women in Construction. Soon afterwards Tara Christensen the President of the Niagara Construction Association stopped in to introduce one of there reps in the area. I also had the chance to talk with her about a profile as well.

I als had the opportunity to speak with another customer while there to set up a new 12 month advertising contract for our GTA Construction Report. A lot accomplished in 3 hours, but nothing that was high pressure. Just in normal conversation the seeds I had planted in an earlier email or phone call naturally came up to discuss. In this age whee virtual seems to have replaced the majority of travel I would have had to ade 10 years a go, in person meetings now seem more effective especially in a setting at a Construction Association where everyone is a member.

Do you say "Thank you" enough?

2009-09-11T10:55:00.003-04:00

Do we say "Thanks" enough any more?

One of the first things I started doing many years ago when dealing with clients was always to send a little "Thank you" card to all my clients via snail mail. I started this when I was 10 years old as a newspaper carrier and continue to do it today.

Oddly enough the past few months I have received either an email or phone call back from my clients saying "Thank you" in return that someone still does that kind of thing. As we have moved more to technology simple things like a lunch meeting, general follow up calls or even letters have been replaced by an email, even dreaded birthday cards are now being sent electronically.

I remember on my birthday the excitement I had waiting for the mail to arrive to get a card (I was hoping to get a $10 bill as well, lol) and I still see the same excitement in my children's eyes when they get mail. A simple "Thank you" note by mail is a nice break from electronic communication and a very easy way to make sure you clients have your business card and know that you do appreciate their business.

A "Thank you" note is a simple way to add a personalized touch with your clients and makes you stand out from your competitors.

Ontario Construction Report September 2009 Issue

2009-09-03T08:52:00.000-04:00

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GTA Construction Report September 2009 Issue

2009-09-03T08:49:00.001-04:00

visit this item., however.

Publishers View Point

2009-09-02T22:38:00.003-04:00

Where did the summer go? In the haze of the many golf tournaments I attended and construction events the summer slipped away almost as quietly as the “economic down turn” did.

I am not saying we will not have a few more days of summer weather to enjoy between now and the end October as I am sure a few companies are still struggling to recover. But as the colder weather moves in the hotter economic environment is fast approaching.

I recall this time last year people were waiting for the Canadian construction market to burst and when it did a lot of companies were preparing to go bust. Being in the newspaper and publication business I talked with a lot of people who were looking to be very cost conscious in 2009 and watch every penny that was spent. Early this year many people were waiting for work while others were busier then ever, why such two very diverse sides to the status of the economy?

The answer seems easy to see now. The busy companies were the ones who invested in training and development of their employees. They generally exceeded their customers’ expectations rather then just meet them. They were leaders in their field in one or more area. These areas included technology, networking, marketing and customer satisfaction. I like to think of the past year as the thinning of the herd. Like in the animal kingdom a lioness hunts down the weak and young prey first before they go for the strongest of the group. With a market that was so overwhelmed before everyone had work simply because the jobs needed to get done. When there was less work you could no get the best to do the job vs. the rest.

Now a lot of the younger or weaker companies that have survived had learned a few things from this little crisis we are leaving. Be innovative, in everything you do. From marketing, hiring, and retaining staff to nurturing your existing client base. Companies are looking at how they attract new customers and how to stand out from the rest. Today’s new environment means understanding social media and realizing the days of the yellow pages being enough to get your name out have disappeared.

How did you survive the past year? Did you seem a boom or bust in your business? What did you learn and how did survive or in some cases flourish? Share your story with me and we could do a profile on your business.