NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021
LEWIS COUNTY, NY THE NATURAL CHOICE
HELIA CAPITAL CANADA’S NEWEST PATIENT CAPITAL PARTNER
WORKSPACE CHAOS DE-CLUTTER YOUR SPACE TO HELP GROW YOUR BUSINESS
ENJOYING THE SEASON SEVEN TIPS FOR STAYING SOBER DURING THE HOLIDAYS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT TARA SLONE
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE JUNO-NOMINATED VOCALIST, ACTOR, PRODUCER & TELEVISION PERSONALITY
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Editor’s Spotlight It is hard to believe that we are into the last few weeks of 2021 and what has been another difficult year for most businesses because of the pandemic however entrepreneurs are finding new and innovative ways to keep their busi - nesses open and for getting their products and services into the hands of their customers. With the help of organizations like Lewis County Economic Devel - opment, businesses are not only surviving, but they are growing and expand - ing in these difficult economic conditions. We chat with Brittany Davis, Jenna Kraeger and Cheyenne Steria of the Lewis County Economic Development team to find out why Lewis County, which is nestled in the scenic Black River Valley region of Northern New York, has been the natural choice for doing business for well over 200 years, and what the LCED Team and its partners are doing to keep it thriving for another 200 years. The launch of Helia Capital is incredibly timely, considering the recent influx of start-ups, entrepreneurial innovations, and businesses the world has seen, during the current pandemic. Many are seeking to bring their venture to the next level, and the Canadian patient-capital firm is hoping to foster long-term relationships with purpose-driven businesses seeking full-proof expertise and advice, on how to grow their business sustainably and successfully, now and for the future. Tara Slone is in the spotlight this month as we had the opportunity to chat with her before she hit the road for this season of Rogers Hometown Hockey to talk about her professional journey. Spoiler alert, no one is more surprised than Slone herself about where her career path has taken her, and she is excited at what the future holds and the opportunities that are out their. As we end another year, it is time for reflection to keep us focused on our personal and professional growth. So, we thought it would be great to look at how de-cluttering your workspace could help grow your business. Plus, with the holiday season now here, it is important to remember that we all have different ways of celebrating the season, and for some, their personal reflec - tion might involve making a few life changes as we head into a new year, so Lee-Anne Richardson of Sober City gives us seven tips for staying sober during the holidays. As always, we want to thank everyone that made this issue possible, and we look forward to sharing more stories about successful businesses and brands, while spotlighting the people behind making it all happen as we close off 2021 and head into 2022.
MANAGING DIRECTOR Rod Gregg EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Lee Ann Atwater COMMUNICATION, RESEARCH & ADMIN Tristyn Gaudette Ashley Tanner Brooklyn Vantslot CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Janice Buckler Megan Callahan Diane Cook Shannon Ferguson Calli Gregg Taylor Evans Hendrix Lennie Kaplan Mark Milke Ceiledh Monk Dan Monk Ryan Myson Teresa Siqueira Elizabeth Spencer
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SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021
Entrepreneurs are finding new and innovative ways to grow their businesses and get their products and services in the hands of custom - ers with the help of organizations like the Lewis County Economic Development. With this help businesses are not only surviving but they are thriving in these difficult economic conditions. We chat with Brittany Davis, Jenna Kraeger and Cheyenne Steria of the Lewis County Economic There are many differ - ent holidays celebrated between late November and early January and chances are, you will be invited to participate in some sort of holiday festivi - ties. However, it does leave some feeling like they don’t belong at a party because they are sober and being without their usual social lubricant of alcohol to “get through” a social event can cause them a lot of distress. Lee-Anne Richardson of Sober City share seven ways to prepare for the holidays mentally and phys - ically as a sober person. What’s in the Spotlight on the cover 10 LEWIS COUNTY, NY THE NATURAL CHOICE TARA Development team to find out why the Lewis County, which is nestled in the scenic Black River Valley region of Northern New York, has been the natural choice for doing business for over 216 years and counting. ENJOYING THE SEASON 7 TIPS FOR STAYING SOBER DURING THE HOLIDAYS HELIA CAPITAL CANADA’S NEWEST PATIENT CAPITAL PARTNER 24 86 SLONE JUNO-NOMINATED VOCALIST, ACTOR, PRODUCER & TELEVISION PERSONALITY in the spotlight 104
04 WHAT’S IN THE SPOTLIGHT 08 UPCOMING EVENTS 22 SPOTLIGHT ON INDUSTRY 44 CONTRACTOR’S CORNER S#*t Happens 50 DESIGN OF THE TIMES
Occupied Home Staging 101 – Part Two
56 CANADA’S ENERGY SECTOR
What helps pay for your family allowance and child benefits – oil and gas taxes
58 FACEBOOK FIRESTORM
Pot versus Kettle, both boil water
60 SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS 66 2021 ULTIMATE CRAFT COOLER What we were grabbing out of the cooler this Summer 76 SPOTLIGHT ON INNOVATION 78 DENTURES FROM THE OIL SANDS? YOU BET! Technology under development could produce minerals used in consumer products from tailings waste 80 ACADIA REFRIGERATION & AIR CONDITIONING (1997) LTD Trusted for Expert & Honest Service for over 50 Years 90 SPOTLIGHT ON HEALTH & WELLNESS 92 HOLISTIC HEALTH Food Sensitivities 94 CHANGING SPACES Is it Time to Upsize Your Living Space? 100 PERSONAL HEALTH & WELLBEING A PSA for all the People Pleasers out there 108 MOM TO THE RESCUE I’ll Keep Doing Things For My Kids They Can Do For Themselves
WORKSPACE CHAOS DE-CLUTTER YOUR SPACE TO HELP GROW YOUR BUSINESS It’s not a new theory that if you keep a tidy space around you, you will not only feel better, but your life and business will become stronger and more streamlined. Therefore, a neat office should mean a great business. I wanted to put this to the test as after a busy summer I recognized my home office (where I work from everyday) was just too much. Things were piling up and it was beginning to stress me out because this room was no longer speaking to me and quite frankly, it was distracting me from my work during the day. I was feeling the overwhelm and decided I needed to change it up. 62
When you watch someone on television, like Tara Slone, one often asks themselves if the person they see and connect with is the same in person if I were to meet on the street or are they in character on screen. Well, when it comes to Tara, she is the real deal, what you see, is what you get. We had the opportunity to chat with Tara before she hit the road for this season of Rogers Hometown Hockey to talk about her professional journey. Spoiler alert, no one is more surprised than Slone herself about where her career path has taken her, and as she looks forward to what the future might hold.
The launch of Helia Capital is incredibly timely, considering the recent influx of start-ups, entre - preneurial innovations, and businesses the world has seen, following the pandemic. Many are seeking to bring their venture to the next level, and the Canadian patient-capital firm is hoping to foster long-term relationships with purpose-driv - en businesses seeking full-proof expertise and advice on growing their business sustainably and successfully.
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SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021
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SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021
UPCOMING EVENTS
MEDICAL DESIGN & MAN- UFACTURING EAST (MD&M EAST) December 7th – 9th, 2021 Jacob Javits Convention Center | New York, NY USA Medical Design & Manufactur - ing (MD&M) East is the largest MedTech event on the East Coast, connecting one with thousands of engineers and executives, as well as hundreds of leading suppliers. It boasts to provide an opportunity to get hands-on with top products and the latest technologies in medical diagnosis. Thousands gather to gain critical knowledge and a better understanding of the latest industry innovations and emerging technol - ogies in the Business Services & medical diagnosis and research. For more information on this event go to https://www.advancedmanu - facturingeast.com/
WORLD OF CONCRETE (WOC) January 18th – 20th, 2022 Las Vegas Convention Center | Las Vegas, NV USA World of Concrete is the industry’s only annual international event ded - icated to the commercial concrete and masonry construction indus - tries. WOC features indoor and outdoor exhibits with the industry’s leading suppliers showcasing inno - vative products and technologies, exciting demonstrations and com - petitions, and a world-class educa - tion program. For more information on this event go to https://www.worldofcon - crete.com/
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW (CES) January 5th – 8th, 2022 Las Vegas Convention Center | Las Vegas, NV USA The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is the world’s gathering place for all those who thrive on the business of consumer technologies. It has served as the proving ground for innovators and breakthrough technologies for 50 years - the global stage where next-generation innovations are introduced to the marketplace. CES showcases more than 4,500 exhibiting companies, including manufacturers, develop - ers and suppliers of consumer tech - nology hardware, content, tech - nology delivery systems and more; a conference program with more than 250 conference sessions and more than 170,000 attendees from 160 countries. For more information on this event go to https://www.ces.tech/
THE TOURISM CONGRESS November 30th – December 1st, 2021 Westin Ottawa | Ottawa, ON Canada The Tourism Congress conference brings together industry leaders, professionals and influencers from coast to coast to coast under one roof. The congress is to be the voice of Canada’s tourism industry and improve its global competitive - ness as an international destination through leadership and advocacy. You’ll gain access to national and global industry insights, get relevant updates from your region and sector, and experience practi - cal sessions that give you the tools you need to move forward. For more information on this event go to https://www.tourismcon - gress.ca/
EAST PACK December 7th – 9th, 2021
PLANT & ANIMAL GENOME CONFERENCE (PAG) January 8th – 12th, 2022 River Park Hotel & Suites | San Diego, CA USA The Plant & Animal Genome Con - ference (PAG) brings together over 3,000 leading genetic scientists and researchers in plant and animal research, and over 150 exhibits, 180 workshops, 1200 posters and over 2000 abstracts. The Plant & Animal Genome Con - ference (PAG) is designed to provide a forum on recent devel - opments and future plans for plant & animal genome projects. Con - sisting of technical presentations, poster sessions, exhibits and work - shops, the conference is an excel - lent opportunity to exchange ideas and applications on this internation - ally important project. For more information on this event go to https://www.intlpag. org/2022/
Jacob Javits Convention Center | New York, NY USA EastPack is the region’s premier packaging event connecting pro - fessionals from companies like PepsiCo, Pepperidge Farms, and Mars with suppliers offering the latest packaging technologies, including a range of automation solutions, from semi-automat - ic equipment to sophisticated “smart” systems. The event will display products Packaging mate - rials, machinery, equipment, con - tainers, services, supplies, material handling, automation and controls and automated data management technologies. For more information on this event go to https://www.advanced - manufacturingeast.com/en/show- brands/epack
WANT TO HAVE YOUR EVENT IN THE SPOTLIGHT? Send an email 4 weeks in advance to production@spotlightbizmag.com with all the details of your event.
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SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
JUNO-NOMINATED VOCALIST, ACTOR, PRODUCER & TELEVISION PERSONALITY by Lee Ann Atwater TARA SLONE
W hen I watch someone on television, like Tara Slone, I often ask myself if the person I see and connect with on the small screen is the same in person if I were to meet on the street or are they in character or playing a role on screen. Well, when it comes to Tara, she is the real deal, what you see, is what you get. Slone who was born in Montreal, raised in Nova Scotia and now lives in Ontario and is as genuine as they come. We had the opportunity to chat with Tara before she hit the road for this season of Rogers Hometown Hockey to talk about Spotlight: Tell us a little about yourself as there may be a few readers that might not know who you are and your ties to Nova Scotia? Tara Slone: Well, I was born in Montreal and moved with my Mom and my Stepdad to Nova Scotia when I was 7 years old. My family and I lived in Wolfville for about 4 years but ended up living in the Valley and I ended up going to High School in Halifax. I had a very short stint at Dalhousie, but eventually moved away for univer -
sity and ultimately ended up at Concordia back in Montreal. My Father still lives in Nova Scotia and lots of my friends either stayed or have moved away but have now come back home to Nova Scotia, so I still have a very strong connec - tion to the province. Spotlight: What do you like to do in your spare time when you are not in front or behind the camera if you have any? Tara Slone: Yeah I guess I don’t have a lot of
spare time these days although I did have a very nice summer and I did get the chance to spend some of it in Nova Scotia. For me it is really about relaxing because my life feels so busy and so frenetic so for me, I actually love to hang out with my daughter. She is actually at an age where she is nice to me, she is a preteen, so I am kind of holding my breath waiting for the teen years to drop, but I really do enjoy the simple things now. I enjoy being home, I enjoy listening to music. I really love to sing because that is my first love, and I don’t do it professionally anymore. I love
seeing friends for dinner and sitting outside since space has become much more of a priority for me than it ever was before. Spotlight: We understand that from a young age you wanted to become an opera singer. So what made you decide to leave a scholar- ship at Dalhousie University’s music program and head to Toronto to focus on acting and rock music?
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Tara Slone: I loved classical music when I was a kid. I was just drawn to it and I loved singing in choirs and my voice lent itself to that style very well. I started at a pretty young age taking voice lessons and did that all through high school and that was to be my career or at least I thought. But obviously when I got to Dal - housie it became really apparent to do a discipline like that you have to love some - thing deeply because it requires so much work and it is not an easy field to get into, to excel in and I just simply did not have the discipline at that age. I was 18 years old, and I wanted to be with all my friends doing fun stuff at my first year of university, so I moved my focus to theatre which is what I did at Concordia Univer - sity, but obviously music was in my blood and a rock career came calling fortunate - ly. I will always be grateful for the years of training that I did with classical voice because it taught me the importance, and the knowledge of how to use my voice properly. Learning how to properly warm up and warm down is really what kept me from never losing my voice on the road. I never missed a show or had vocal trouble so I credit it to that. Spotlight: Tell us about what led to you becoming the lead vocalist of the Canadian alternative rock band Joydrop? Tara Slone: Well I moved to Toronto, believe it or not, in search of acting and jobs in theatre and film, but again the itch I needed to scratch was music so I was looking in a weekly magazine, called Now Magazine, at the classifieds in the back of the issue, like they used to have and was hoping to find some people to play music with and there was an ad that said, ‘looking for a rock goddess in an already established band contact, Tony.’ So, I thought I guess I could be a rock goddess, I don’t know, and I called and really it was instant chemistry. I loved the guys, and I loved the music they already created. I knew that their style was some -
Photo Credit - Lisa MacIntosh
thing that I would blend in well with and could add to. Really it all happened incredibly fast and ran until the end of 1996 and in the summer of 1997, we had a record deal in play so we were very lucky. Spotlight: Some say that the breakup of Joydrop led to your appearance on television for the first season of the reality television
show Rock Star competing to become the lead vocalist for the Australian rock band INXS. But our research tells us that you were in front of the camera even before Joydrop formed. Can you tell us how your early experience in front of the camera led to your landing the co-host spot on Breakfast Television Calgary in 2010?
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“Being a member of Joydrop gave me the opportunity to do music videos and make lots of appearances on radio and on tv.”
Photo Credit - Shelagh Howard
Tara Slone: Being a member of Joydrop gave me the opportunity to do music videos and make lots of appearances on radio and on tv. Plus, I had done a bunch of acting so I had done some episodic television work in some movies so tv wasn’t so foreign to me. Although, I have to say being part of the show, Rock Star, in 2005 was extreme. Not only was it a major U.S. network show on CBS, but a Mark Burnett show (the guy behind creating and producing reality shows like, The Apprentice, Shark Tank and Survivor). So, it was at a whole different level for me and to be honest the whole thing was kind of blinding to me. It was a unique experience, and I know now that there is nothing that you can do to truly prepare you for being on a reality show like that or any one for that matter.
“ I know now that there is nothing that you can do to truly prepare you for being on a reality show”
Photo Credit - Anita Zvonar Photography
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Honestly Rock Star in itself did not do anything for my music career but it 100% opened the door for my television career. I hadn’t even contem - plated a career in broadcasting before that, but because I was the first Canadian eliminated, there were four other Canadians on that show out of fifteen contestants. However, because I was the first Canadian eliminated I became the go to for some of the Canadian entertainment outlets to talk about the show and weigh in on the remain - ing contestants so, I got to do a whole bunch of tv and I hosted a couple of things through that, which really openedmy eyes to potential opportu - nities and gave me some options when I decided that I wanted to move over into something differ - ent. So that show wasn’t what I expected it to be, but it really transformed what my life became. Spotlight: Interesting how that happens in life. Tara Slone: It is, I almost didn’t do that show and you know I really came very close to saying No so I am glad I did it. Spotlight: It has probably opened a lot more opportunities as well now when you are posi- tioned with projects, as you have that inner voice saying, what if I had of said no to Rock Star, it might not have opened your horizons Spotlight: Tell us about landing the Rogers Hometown Hockey gig and what it is like to travel across Canada, celebrating and having the opportunity to share local hockey stories? Why do you think the broadcast is so popular among viewers? Tara Slone: My first job on tv was at a very small station and it was focusing on entertainment and then I moved to the morning show, Break - fast Television, in Calgary which I did for 5 years which encompassed a broad array of topics. for other opportunities. Tara Slone: Yeah exactly!
I knew when I first went into tv that I didn’t necessarily want to stay in entertainment and I wanted sports to be a part of what I did in some way and I started to steer myself towards that and fortu - nately enough the Breakfast Television show was on City TV which is owned by Rogers, Rogers owns Sportsnet and so there was a connection there with programming communications. So, when Rogers Hometown Hockey was announced as a show, I read the press release and I thought that is something that I want to be a part of because I love hockey. I knew that I did not have the experi - ence to be a hockey analyst, or do the play by play in the booth, but I do love storytelling and that I wanted to be part of sharing hockey stories from local heroes from all across Canada. So, I actually sent an email and quite a compassionate letter to Sportsnet saying here is why I think that I should be part of this and spent three or four months trying to convince them that I was qualified for the job and ultimately was brought on board from day one. It has been a real gift to cross the country. It has been such a learning experience. It has been such a privilege to have people trust us with their stories, so I feel really blessed.
“ I knew when I first went into tv that I didn’t necessari- ly want to stay in entertainment and I wanted sports to be a part of what I did in some way and I started to steer myself towards that ”
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broadcaster, and he has an incredible memory. I mean he has been everywhere and tends to remember everyone and everything and that is really special to people. He makes people feel very special. For me there are some things that Ron does that you can’t learn because it is just Ron. I mean I am never going to have the kind of memory that he does. You just can’t learn that. I have certainly learned a lot by being curious and being engaged and Ron knows how to make people feel special. Obviously there really is no better education and he has been very kind to me. Spotlight: Can you tell us about your latest project, “Top of HER Game,” on Sportsnet? Tara Slone: Well, ‘Top of HER Game’ is currently on pause as we try to figure out what the next steps are. Top of HER Game is a female focused series with women in sports specifically from athletes to builders and role models of all kinds. It was, I hate to say it, but it was born out of the pandemic and the pause on live sports really highlighted for me the fact that there is no con - versation surrounding women in sport. We know that statistically only 5% of sport coverage is devoted to women’s sports. That data, kind of hit us all hard, but what was amazing was the program was created as an opportunity to focus on something new and it was only supposed to be six episodes but we have shot over forty now and the brand will continue and I just think it is super important to continue to talk about these stories and talk about the quality of sport, the athleticism and the systemic problems. I mean there is so much when you talk about women in sports that doesn’t get typically spotlighted in a mainstream way and we are looking to change that. Spotlight: Speaking of putting the spotlight on the lives and careers of some of sport and culture’s fearless females. What mentors did or do you have now? You inspire many, but who inspires you and why? Tara Slone: Oh wow, well I mean thinking that music was my first love, I looked up to a lot of singers and rock stars and so I would say my first role models in life were people like Chrissie
It is going to be nice to get back on the road after this long break. I think people are really craving connection. Obviously, everything they do at this point has to be covid safe so it is not going to look exactly like it did before, but I think you know it is a really unique show and we tell the stories that you do not see on every other hockey broadcast so I am glad we get to do it again. I think the first thing is that everybody is proud of where they come from. Everybody from octoge - narians to hockey superstars and kids. I mean we are all proud of our hometowns and where we come from. I mean just the way I talk about being from Nova Scotia. So, to have that expressed out to the rest of the nation and you know we really do our best to share some of the aspects of all these communities. So that is what I think is the number one appeal of the show. I think the fact that it is a live event from the festival perspective and the broadcast perspective is really fun. We are able to focus on smaller, seemingly smaller things. We can talk about a senior hockey team from 1958 that won a cup, but it doesn’t get touched on in bigger NHL broadcasts, but I think people locally really appreciate that stuff because yeah, we are known for that, so I really think on a bigger scale it highlights peoples sameness at the same time as highlighting people’s differenc - es, if that makes any sense. You know, I think we have similar passion for connection, for hockey for rooting for and also for rooting against home - towns, for our countries, but then everyone is an individual and also wants to be treated as such and I think hometown hockey does a good job of combining all of these things. Spotlight: What is it like to work with a veteran sports commentator and iconic broadcaster like Ron MacLean? Tara Slone: I mean I don’t think calling Ron a legend is hyperbole at all. He has been doing this for over three decades and has become truly embrained in not just the hockey culture of this country, but I think the national identity we know. He is who he is for a reason. He is an icon because he is so good at what he does but also because he is so invested in people, and I think people see that authenticity. I mean he is an incredible
Hynde and Debra Harry and Annie Lennox, even Madonna. I didn’t really like Madonna when I was young, but I knew what she was doing was important as a woman. Then of course there are always tons of male musicians to look up to, Bowie for me was always a big one. I do think that it had to do with that he was just totally him. He morphed into a million different things. Personally, I am lucky I have a really great and supportive family. I mean I was always able to soak that in and always given a lot of wisdom. In the tv realm I would credit Michael Landsberg with quite a bit. Michael had a sports talk show called ‘Off the Record,’ I am sure you remember it was on the air for over two decades and I was on that show when I was in Joydrop. I was one of a few women that they would call rou - tinely to have a conversation about work even though I was a rock singer and I started actually doing some web consulting for them but again I was still a rock singer with no broadcast aspira - tions but when I started thinking of moving into broadcasting as a career Michael was the one who helped me compile my first demo reel, gave me lots and lots of great advice and continued to give me great advice throughout my career and not just about tv but Michael was very open about his journey with mental health and I had a period of where I had panic attacks on tv and was suffering from pretty debilitating nerves so he really helped me with that as well. I give him a lot of credit.
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we lost our record deal right when we were starting to take off so I mean that for all of us remains a huge disap - pointment because we had a ton of momentum and that will always be a what if. I mean I can’t say that I can express any disappointments in the way that my broad - cast career projectory has gone. I feel super fortunate and yeah I am crazy lucky. So I mean sure are there always things that I could have done differently, yes but I would say the record company thing was probably the biggest disappointment. Spotlight: We couldn’t end our conversa- tion without asking if there are any chances of another Joydrop reunion any time soon? Tara Slone: Well, up until a couple years ago we were doing one concert a year in Toronto, and we actually did get together this summer and started working on a new song, so I mean the chances are good. I think we would love to finish a few songs and put them out. We, three of the four of us, are still really close and are committed to keeping it alive to some extent.
Spotlight: What advice do you have for females or any readers for that matter when it comes to getting into the entertainment industry, whether it is in front of behind the microphone or camera? Tara Slone: I was lucky to learn on the job and I really think that was the best education but certainly there are so many fantastic school programs, but I think that times have changed to the point that if you are really interested in broadcasting I didn’t study is a huge part of it but I also think that we are in an era now where you can make your own content. I think that the world is maybe your oyster in a way that it didn’t used to be. Not everybody could pick up editing equipment twenty years ago but right now everyone has a smartphone so I would say if you were really looking to get into it start creating your own projects and content. Do a podcast, do social media stream, do something. Other advice I give is make sure you are passionate about it. I think that the key to connection and longevity in this business is curiosity and authenticity plus you have to be sometimes willing to go work in that place you know that isn’t necessarily a primary market. Lots of my colleagues have gone to places like Grand Prairie or Lethbridge and other small towns and markets all over Canada to get their opportunity in front of the camera. If you want to be in this industry, if you really think you want to be in broadcasting you have to really be dedicated to it and be passionate and curious about humanity. I would say this to anyone looking to get into any field, don’t be afraid to reach out to others, this is a very con - nected world and places like Linkedin and many of the other social media platforms allow you to connect with those in the industry. Don’t be afraid to ask somebody that you admire if they can chat with you. I am not encouraging everyone to do this, but I will be honest I get a bunch of unso - licited messages saying, “Hey I am a student in college I want to get into broadcasting, can we talk for 15 minutes” and most people I know will say yes. So, reach out, ask questions and don’t be afraid to ask for support in the media because it is nice to have different perspectives.
“I think I learned it all comes back to the same thing. It all comes back to authenticity.”
Spotlight: What is the biggest lesson you have learned along the way in your professional journey? What was your biggest surprise? What was your biggest disappointment? Tara Slone: I think I learned it all comes back to the same thing. It all comes back to authentici - ty. Sometimes we all get caught up in needing to fit a certain mold, some way that we think we are supposed to be especially in broadcasting because there seems to be a broadcast voice and a broadcast look. For me it is about breaking the mold, it is learning about me and how I can evolve and that my individuality is my superpow - er. Honestly, it is everybody’s superpower in that we are not meant to be robots and I don’t think that people out there watching us and listening to us want robots, they want to connect with the real you. So, I think that is the biggest lesson for me that I still need to be reminded of every once in a while. I think getting into broadcasting at all was my biggest surprise as it really wasn’t an aspiration of mine. But now I still have pinch me moments when I am on the road and you know introducing a Toronto Maple Leafs game, and think to myself, like what the hell is this, it is like what world has this come to fruition, so I think that is the biggest thing for me. I don’t know about disappointing. I mean if you really want to go into sort of initial my time with Joydrop did not go or end the way we wanted it to. We had the rug pulled out because our record company was absorbed into another, and
“ I still have pinch me moments when I am on the road and you know intro- ducing a Toronto Maple Leafs game, and think to myself, like what the hell is this, it is like what world has this come to fruition,”
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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021
Spotlight on Industry Headlines
JOB SEARCHES RISE IN CANADA AFTER COVID AID WINDS DOWN
T he U.S. Department of Labor announced that Feder - al contractors will be guaranteed an hourly minimum wage of at least $15 in all new contracts with govern - ment agencies beginning on Jan. 30, 2022. President Joe Biden had signed the executive order lifting the hourly rate for federal contractors from $10.95 in April. The change is expected to impact some 327,000 workers, including food-service employees and nursing assistants who current - ly make less than $15 an hour. The order will also lead to the end of the tipped minimum wage for federal contractors, which is now $7.65 an hour, by 2024. MINIMUM WAGE FOR WORKERS ON NEW FEDERAL CONTRACTS ON THE RISE
T he number of Canadians searching for work jumped last month, just as pandemic-related government support pro - grams were wound down. The share of people actively looking for employment rose to 30% last month, up from 25% in September, according to a report published from an online survey of 4,000 Canadians aged 18 to 64 was taken between October 11th to October 20th, 2021. The increase was largely driven by unemployed workers who described their search as immediate. Among those looking for work, 39% characterized the situation as “urgent,” up from 32% in September.
HOME SALES ROSE IN OCTOBER
S ales of previously owned homes in October rose 0.8% to a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 6.34 million units, according to the National Association of Realtors. ales were 5.8% lower than October 2020. October of last year was the cyclical high in the market. The latest read on sales of newly built homes from Septem - ber showed a 14% jump from August. Builders continue to see strong demand, due to the low supply of existing homes for sale. Some of the largest national builders, however, have said they are slowing sales due to supply chain and labor is - sues. They are concerned they might not be able to deliver the homes on time. Realtors are now predicting full-year sales of over 6 million, which would be the highest number of sales since 2006.
RENT FOR SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES SURGED 10% IN SEPTEMBER R ents for single-family homes increased 10.2% nationally for the U.S. for September year over year, up from a 2.6% rise in September of last year, according to a new report fromCore - Logic. Improved job growth and sky-high prices in the for-sale housing market added to already strong demand for single-family rentals fueled by the coronavirus pandemic. While 93% of con - sumers said they believe owning a home is a good investment, according to a separate CoreLogic report, competition in the buying market is forcing more potential buyers to remain renters.
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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021
And while Lewis County is “Nat - urally” connect - ed to its historic economic roots – its agricultural and r e sou r ce - ba s ed abundance and productivity still does more than its share, fueling the trade and industry supremacy with a number of inter - national business - es setting up shop inside county lines. It is also a progres- sively “green com - munity,” with wind, water, and solar projects reshaping the idea of local opportunity in a county of roughly 30,000 residents. In the county, the population is spread out, with 27.80% of the resi -
THE NATURAL CHOICE LEWIS COUNTY, NY L ewis County is nestled in the scenic Black River Valley region of Northern New York, and is easily accessible from several major interstates, making it within a day’s drive from major Northeast cities, such as New York City, Boston, and Buffalo. Plus, it is only 40 miles south of the Canadian border. by Ryan Myson
dents under the age of 18, 58.40% are aged from 18 to 64, and 13.80% who are 65 years of age or older, with the median resident age of 37 years, according to census data from 2000. Part of the charm that makes up the communi - ties of Lewis County for those looking to live, work, and do business in the area, are the limit - less array of year-round attractions and activities that also draw many tourists to the area, which helps local businesses. Plus, Lewis County’s low cost of living, excellent quality of life ratings, and safe, friendly neighborhoods. These neighbor - hoods are home to many friendly and welcom - ing people who are proud to call Lewis County home, and the Lewis County Economic Develop - ment Team, are working hard to ensure that you and your business do too.
Lewis County, NY, offers some of the safest com munities in New York State to plant your family roots and watch them grow. Safe and quiet villages, with excellent school systems, and rec reational opportunities with engaging communi ties, are why Lewis County is the natural choice to live, work and play.
The area now falling in the jurisdiction of Lewis County, New York, has changed jurisdiction many times. Beginning as part of the originally enormous Albany County in 1683, then, after one of the many times that Albany County was divided, becoming part of Tryon County in 1772 (which was renamed to Montgomery County in 1784). Next, present-day Lewis County was part of Herkimer County in 1791, then part of Oneida County in 1798, and finally, assumed its current name and borders in 1805.
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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021
The follow - ing are high- lights from our conver - sation, which includes infor - mation about Lewis County E c o n o m i c D e v e l o p - m e n t ’ s i n c e n t i v e s for entre- p r e n e u r s and small b u s i n e s s , its Naturally Lewis brand, and how they are cham - pioning the growth of a c ommu n i t y where people want to live, work, build business and play.
Lewis County Economic Development’s forward thinking and relationship building, connects people, businesses, partnerships, and resources, to grow their county effectively and efficiently - by attracting new business to the area and helping those currently in the area grow and prosper. Spotlight on Business: We thought that we would start off our conversation getting to know a little more about the Lewis County Economic Development Team. Their pro- fessional backgrounds, and about their life outside of promoting Lewis County, if there is such a thing. Brittany Davis: While receiving my masters in organizational leadership from SUNY Potsdam, I was the assistant swim coach for the men’s and women’s teams at SUNY Potsdam. After that, I worked in the print and design industry for a few years, continued to coach swimming, spent a short stint in Colorado (which gave me a whole
new perspective and appreciation for Lewis County), and then was hired as the Marketing & Communications Specialist for LCED when I returned home. Cheyenne Steria: I’m kind of a native of the area moving here all the way from Jefferson County when I was six, said jokingly by Cheyenne as Jef - ferson County is right next door. I completed my undergraduate degree in math and business. I took a roundabout path to economic develop - ment through engineering related project man - agement, and financial roles within the manu - facturing sector. I eventually found my way into economic development through the Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Academy, and I just love it, obviously, and it’s something we kind of live and breathe in our office. Outside of work, I have three children under six years old. So that keeps me busy. I’m an avid outdoors person. I like to hike and mountain bike
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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021
and climb mountains. So, Lewis County is really a perfect fit for that because I can just jaunt off to do those things or I can do a lot of those things right outside my back door by myself if I need to. Jenna Kraeger: I was born and raised in southern Lewis County, went away for college, and gradu - ated with a degree in Business Management and a minor in Marketing from Cazenovia College. After college I worked for a startup distillery on St. Lawrence River doing events and marketing for about four years. I then moved to Rochester to start a new journey and found myself in the con - struction and technology industries doing associ - ation management work, which really inspired my love for economic development and workforce development. I am very grateful that I found my way back to Lewis County. My time away really gave me a new perspective on what assets are here and what opportunities are here - not only for people living here, but for businesses as well. “I am very grateful that I found my way back to Lewis County. My time away really gave me a new perspective on what assets are here and what opportunities are here - not only for people living here, but for businesses as well.” Spotlight on Business: What is the responsi- bility of the Lewis County Economic Develop- ment team? Cheyenne Steria: At the end of 2019, our former executive director got elected to county trea - surer and advised that he would be leaving the organization. At that time, Brittany and I were the only other full-time employees, so we, along with our board, went through a kind of reorganization project, which saw Brittany take over the role of executive director. Brittany is perfectly aligned to be the face of the organization as she is excel - lent with people and great at communicating our message.
As for me, I am less ‘peoplely’, so as director of finance and incentives, I’m happy to control our finances, make sure everything behind the scenes is working properly, read the fine print on pilots and other incentives that we offer, and to make sure everything is in line here. Which is a role that suits me well. In early spring of 2020, Brittany and I went through kind of a comprehensive hiring process. Brittany and I took assessments to see how we were together, to understand why we work together so well, and built our finding into our search for another team member to take on the Economic Development Specialist role. The successful can - didate would take on many of the marketing ini - tiatives that Brittany was doing before she was promoted to executive director, but also expand the role to include programming. We had, and still have, big visions for what we want our office to do. We went through the hiring process, and we’re so lucky to find Jenna, and that she was available and wanted to come back to Lewis County. She has been like the missing piece of the puzzle that fits perfectly. We were so happy to bring her on board, and it’s been an amazing journey ever since. Brittany Davis: Our 3-person team and 7-person board is responsible for the overall growth of Lewis County, making it an ideal place where people want to live, work, build business and play. We are responsible for creating partner - ships, connecting available resources, promoting Lewis County, and engaging in strategic funding development that both benefits the organization and our communities. We create programs, ini - tiatives, and policies to seek and lead new and existing development in Lewis County. “We are responsible for creating partnerships, con- necting available resources, promoting Lewis County, and engaging in strategic funding development that both benefits the organization and our communities.”
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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021
Spotlight on Business: Let’s talk about the Nat- urally Lewis brand and marketing campaign? What is meant by Naturally Lewis? What does Lewis County mean to the three of you per- sonally? Cheyenne Steria: I feel a little bit out of my element on the marketing side. So, I will leave that answer up to our marketing gurus Brittany and Jenna. As for what Lewis County means to me personally, I’m the oldest one on our team. When I came back to Lewis County, through the Louis County Leadership Academy, I feel like the tide was starting to turn at that point nine years ago and it seems like there was kind of momentum shift from the negative ‘If he’s doing well, I’m doing worse, attitude” to something much more positive for the community starting with that class. It’s just been an exciting turn in the tide. I think we have younger, more motivated people looking to get involved, looking to do things and get creative. We’re a very historically traditional conservative community and that’s great, that’s our roots. And that’s what we can build on. But I think we’ve gotten much more creative in the way we’re thinking about things and the way we’re trying to attack things and move forward. And that’s exciting to me. I am not somebody who wants to start my own business necessarily and have to do the nights and weekends and all the other things that are part of living the entrepre- neurial life. But it’s exciting to get to be a little piece of other people’s journeys and get to help make that happen for them and help support what they’re doing. Brittany Davis: Naturally Lewis was launched in 2016 as the economic development brand for Lewis County. Our natural beauty, abundance of natural resources, makes Lewis County the ideal place to plant the seeds for business growth. The brand promotes community, supports busi - nesses and entrepreneurs, and is a platform that people and businesses have affiliated with when they do business in Lewis County.
“Our natural beauty, abundance of natural resources, makes Lewis County the ideal place to plant the seeds for business growth.”
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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021
Jenna Kraeger: Naturally Lewis really provides us with a platform to effectively market what assets we have available in the county, and what really makes it a natural choice to live, work and build business here. But more than that, it has really become a symbol of pride for our community - the stories that we tell really resonate with the people that live here and work here. When they hear about a business that has a new product, they’re genuinely excited for that business in the community as a whole, which is really fun to see that come to life. Personally, Lewis County has been a place with not only natural beauty and assets, but that sense of community, which is what really sets us apart. Unfortunately, it is not quantifiable. The best part is just telling those stories about the people that are doing amazing things and building the legacy of Lewis County for future generations. Spotlight on Business: It goes without saying the Lewis Economic Development Team is laser focused on promoting entrepreneurship. Can you tell us about some of the incentives for
Authority of the North Country, Lake Cham - plain-Lake George Regional Planning Board (LCLGRPB), and other regional partners. So basi - cally, the more businesses that we can connect with that are in the development or growth phase, we can help them navigate in the right direction or find the piece of the puzzle that can assist them with their project. We can show them what we can offer and can do for them, but it is extremely important that we talk with them and try to hone in on what will be the best for their particular situation.
entrepreneurs and businesses to set-up shop in Lewis County? Can you talk about Lewis County’s “DBA Lewis County” and what it is all about? Cheyenne Steria: So, as Naturally Lewis our office handles economic development, and one of our tools we like to say is that we’re an indus - trial development agency as well. And so, New York state allows us to grant tax incentives so payments in lieu of taxes. Pilots allow us to do property tax abatements for projects. We can also offer sales tax incentives, sales tax abate - ments and mortgage recording tax incentives. The IDA can’t loan their own money, but we’ve worked with USDA and other groups to set up a couple of loan funds that are revolving so all the monies paid back, both interest and principal, then get reloaned. We work with different grant programs, either through the state or sometimes local grant programs that we can connect busi - nesses with, as well as having a ton of regional partners, especially on the loan front. We work with North Country Alliance, the Development
Rates are available online, via the website and can be found on Airbnb, Tripadvisor, VBRO, G lamping H ub and Ho me A way.
Jenna Kraeger: With that list of incentives men - tioned, we’ve been a little creative with some of our programs as well. Thinking back to a couple months ago, we came up with a winter design challenge grant program that was all locally funded through the Pratt Northam Founda - tion and Lewis County itself to incentivize local businesses to be creative with new and existing outdoor seating. Such as adding firepit or truly anything that could bolster their business for the winter months throughout the pandemic. They of course must show that they were putting some skin in the game, but we provided up to $1,000 in matching grants to local businesses to get creative. On a similar note, regarding our new entrepreneurship program that we are launching
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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021
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