Los Negocios Florecen en Toronto Los Negocios Florecen
Transcripción
Los Negocios Florecen en Toronto Los Negocios Florecen
Los Negocios Florecen en Toronto Marketing to Hispanics 5 Cultural Misconceptions Hispanic Business Awards Now in its third year! SUMMER 2011 Image courtesy of Santiago Ortega. in this issue 8 Los Negocios Florecen en Toronto By Alicia Bulwik 7 Marketing to Hispanics by Sergio Medrano As in any relationship, knowing and understanding each other is fundamental. In Marketing to Hispanics, Sergio Medrano warns you of five misconceptions that you may take into account when doing business. Being aware of these will put you right at the front of in his words, ‘the average North American Marketer’. In Social Media, Idalia Obregon, former president of the THCC, explains the relevance of social media and its power when communicating or doing any business. She stresses the importance of referrals, the most effective route to success when reaching a market. 10 Latin American MBA Alumini Network by Daniel Navarro 12 2010 & 2011 Events by Toronto Chamber of Commerce 13 Toronto Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Business Awards 14 A Successful Immigrant 16 Should I contribute to an RRSP, a TFSA or both? by Victor Nunez 17Exatec by Lorena Martinez 18 Group Benefits for Small Business by Monica Linares Canadian Hispanic Business Magazine Editorial Director Alfonso Mejia-Arias cover Photography Santiago ortega Distribution Sumattra art director diego casco photography maurico jimenez Managing Editor monica moreno design and layout casco design and communications address TORONTO HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 720 King st. w., Suite 523 Toronto, on m5v 3s5 copy editing gayle hurmuses Alicia Bulwik from the City of Toronto, Economic Development & Culture gazes into the future with Una Mirada al Porvenir, written in Spanish. This article will provide you with excellent business ideas for the coming Pan American Games, to be held in Canada in 2015. In Group Benefits for Small Business, Monica Linares advises on the advantages of group insurance, a good deal for those who have three or more employees. Group Benefits brings benefits both ways: Employers are able to deduct their employee benefit contributions as a business expense while their employees receive these same benefits either tax-free or tax-deferred. by Luis Araque Editorial Advisers Alfonso Mejia-Arias Monica Moreno Gerardo Mendoza Ivan Amezcua Clara Martinez Tangobyleeliana Randy George Alfonso Mejia-Arias Director of TALACAN [email protected] This month the THCC was granted a well deserved Certificate of Appreciation by the City of Toronto, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, in recognition of the work of all and each of its members in accomplishing our mission, Congratulations, THCC! by Idalia Obregon design intern jimmy wang che ming I am delighted to present to you issue number two of the Canadian Hispanic Business Magazine. The Toronto Hispanic Chamber of Commerce mission is ‘Bridging opportunities for Canadians and Hispanics worldwide’. This magazine represents the endeavors of the many entrepreneurs and professionals building that bridge. In this edition we offer you a varied selection of business and news topics related to the Hispanic world within Canada. Also, you will notice a huge visual change thanks to Casco Design, our design sponsor in this issue that created a modern and clear harmonic image. www.talacan.com 6 Social Media Contributors alicia bulwik daniel navarro idalia obregon lorena martinez luis araque maria elena figueroa monica linares sergio medrano victor nunez Letter from the editor Victor Nunez’ article helps you in understanding and knowing your investment options. Should I contribute to an RRSP, TFSA or both? highlights the pros and cons of these options and will make easier for you when deciding this important matter. And last but not least, the THCC Hispanic Business Awards is in its third year. Based on the past two editions we all forecast a continuing increased success this year. This annual event is quickly becoming a tradition and plans for this year started at the very end of last year’s gala event. Please enjoy this issue! Alfonso Mejia-Arias, Editorial Director Canadian Hispanic Business Magazine thcc.ca Our Sponsors: Los Negocios Florecen en Toronto MARKETING TO HISPANICS 5 Cultural Misconceptions HISPANIC BUSINESS AWARDS Now in it’s third year! ISSUE #2 JUNE 2011 summer 2011 canadian hispanic business magazine 3 Letter from chairma n of the board, THCC Letter from the president, THCC Dear THCC members and readers, Dear THCC members and friends, I am honoured to have the opportunity of welcoming you to a new era of the Toronto Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. In the nearly 10 years since this organization was born, many great things have been accomplished, thanks to the efforts and hard work of its founders, sponsors and countless volunteers. After three years serving the community through the Toronto Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and after getting involved in mining projects in Colombia, I requested the board of directors to find my replacement as President of this organization that I love. German Castano THCC, Chairman [email protected] German Castano is the Chairman of the Board of THCC in Toronto. Contact him at his email address or visit www.thcc.ca. When we, the volunteers of the THCC (Toronto Hispanic Chamber of Commerce), envision that this organization will become the bridge for everyone to use to reach the group of Hispanic Businesses in Toronto, we mean it. Among our most important and successful initiatives are: The publication of the Hispanic Business Magazine; the ongoing Education and Training seminars, which are free to our active members; the monthly Wine & Cheese networking events; and of course, the annual Hispanic Business Awards, where we celebrate the best accomplishments of our members in the preceding year. In the last three years, we have become an important presence at the Toronto business and Canadian political level: In 2010, the Hispanic Business Awards brought together over 120 attendees, including government dignitaries, corporate business leaders and entrepreneurs. During the event, we launched the new Visual Identity for the THCC, which symbolizes the Chambers’ highest goal – to be a bridge for opportunities between Canadian Hispanics and the World. • We organized and participated in more than 30 public events, where we were always wellrepresented by the presence of business men and women from a variety of backgrounds and ethnicities. • As representatives of the Hispanic Business community, we were invited to several meetings to hear and contribute on matters related to Free Trade between Canada and Latin America, immigration and national security. The THCC has grown steadily since 2003 and we have now established our presence by creating regular and successful events such as: • The Hispanic Business Awards, which is now an annual event in the city of Toronto • The very successful monthly wine and cheese event I had the honor to represent the THCC and its members, not only In Toronto but also at events in Winnipeg, Calgary, Vancouver, Montreal and Ottawa. Internationally, we have made our presence known in the USA, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Colombia and Venezuela. Diego Casco THCC, President [email protected] Diego Casco is the President and Creative Director at Casco Design Communications Inc. in Toronto. Contact him at [email protected] or visit his website at cascodesign.ca. I am very pleased to see how the new President, Mr. Diego Casco, jumped into action with a plan targeting the increase of membership of the THCC by offering a value package that benefits all Hispanic Business in Toronto. I am happy to continue serving as Chairman of the Board of Directors, a less time demanding role that will allow me to maintain my liaison with the THCC, and to contribute to the development of this young organization. Best regards, New THCC Identity Hispanic Business Awards, 2010 To make this possible, we are asking for your support in helping the Chamber to grow, a growth both in size and maturity. As a valued member and friend, we invite you to activate your membership. With you on board, we will meet the following objectives: • Expanding the membership to 500 by the end of the term. To achieve this objective, we have created a new membership structure, which will better suit our members’ needs • Establishing strategic corporate sponsorships and alliances, beneficial to all members • Increasing public awareness of our organization by elevating our profile, making The Chamber recognized in Toronto, Canada and abroad, both in the private and public sectors • Promoting and developing the Hispanic Business Awards to even greater heights • Redesigning and re-structure the website, thcc.ca, adding useful features and resources, including a member’s directory, which represents great exposure for our members • Establishing a monthly electronic newsletter, to keep members and stakeholders engaged and informed What’s in it for you? There is great value in being a member of the Toronto Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Together, we hold the opportunity to: German Castano, Chairman Toronto Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Hispanic Business Awards, 2009 Great times are ahead for the Toronto Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s members. With our new Board of Directors, we have armed ourselves with a set of exciting new objectives for this 2011-2012 term, objectives that will not only help the organization to grow, but will carry it’s members with it in that growth, leading to greater things for us all. THCC.ca Website Hispanic Business Awards, 2010 • Be part of a fast growing network of professionals in Toronto…but more than a network, a cultural think-tank for mutual growth and development • Connect with other members, fostering new business relationships leading to your own success and the success of the community as a whole. • Enjoy special pricing for THCC’s Wine and Cheese and other future Networking Events. • Market yourself, your business and your products to an ever-growing network. • Listing for you and your business in the THCC’s Members Directory section of the thcc.ca website. • Access to great membership exclusive incentives and group discounts We are confident, committed, and full of energy. We are working hard to take this organization to the next level, and we want you to be part of it. We invite you to join the join the Toronto Hispanic Chamber of Commerce by visiting our website at thcc.ca. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Diego Casco, President Toronto Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 4 canadian hispanic business magazine summer 2011 summer 2011 canadian hispanic business magazine 5 Business marketing On Social Media… Marketing to Hispanics If you don’t get into it, you can either retire, or die. 5 Cultural Misconceptions by Sergio Medrano BY Idalia Obregon W The common use of Latino includes people from Latin America, including non-Spanish speaking countries like Brazil and Haiti. The term Latino is positive and widely used. Latino: When referring to mixed gender groups and men. Latina: When referring to women. Copyright All rights reserved by Patrick Huber hile attending a conference on innovation in the Digital Kingdom of California, USA, I became a bit more familiar with and more inclined to stop resisting social media as I did in the past. As they say there, “If you don’t get into it, you can either retire, or die”: Although these words may be overstating matters a bit, this is almost the reality that we now live in. But what if I’m not the type of person who likes to “share” all the things I like, or I do, or I think, or I will think… hmm… do I have to retire? Or die? Really? You hear it everywhere: “You have to get into it, this is how business is driven now, mainstream marketing doesn’t work anymore, etc.,” but if you are like me, running a service business on topics that are not necessarily “hot”, working with older people that sometimes don’t even want to use email. I feel like “How the heck am I going to use social media for my business? Ah!” Perhaps the best thing I learned in this conference is that you can define Social Networking as ‘a referral group of people that you have at your hand’s reach, that you can trust’, it is word of mouth, you can rely on them in getting info, advice, good deals, etc. Okay, I can get how this can be easily applied to consumers, to productbased companies—but not my line of business. You may also have a social network in your job, which helps in larger corporations where management may need to know what their employees want, like, or are interested in. Social networking is also very applicable for service companies, either big or small (like mine!), because it is a great way to make recommendations about a service, or explain an opportunity. Press releases are less effective now, seldom trusted, as it is only publicity made by and for a company. You cannot implicitly trust them, but you can trust in your ‘social network’. It was very interesting how this conference specified the creation of a new era with a ‘digital class’; meaning it will not only be the rich, the poor, or the elites, but a digital class, that will influence us to adapt to their standards. If we’re in the business of targeting those people, then we have to adapt. Yes, there is still a significant group of people who are not too keen in those technologies, but according to the speakers of 6 Knowing your audience will improve your marketing strategies. this conference, they’ll have to adapt too, it’s the way of the future. Also in the arena of social networks is the booming industry of video games, where one level is free (freemium), banking on that 10-15% of people who will upgrade. That’s where the money is. Facebook’s best clients are women between 50-60 years old, and the game “Farmville” is the most successful among them. Games in social networks are the new soap operas of today, so don’t worry, you will find Betty La Fea in your wall. It is also interesting that social networks have seduced investors (both public and private) to the point that they don’t even want to look at the rest of the menu, the focus is “cash efficiency” with the rule of getting 10 times your money in 5 years. Investors are only interested in companies such as Facebook, Twitter, Groupon, etc, again the “digital sector”. This is why a few months ago 5 guys in their early 20’s sold a video game for $500 million to the largest video game company in the world. This attitude is a great reversal of the ‘burn rate’ mentality of the early dot coms. may be deceiving... this is why you have to check their ‘klout score’ (their measure of influence across the social web)… Ah… feeling overwhelmed already? I hear you, but still invite you to try this addictive and interesting game of social media. Hey, the worst that can happen is that you like it! Enjoy! Before you start selling to Hispanics make sure you know who they are. I work in Real Estate and in sales we learn as much as possible about our prospects before trying to get their business. I guarantee that a little culture goes a long way. I recommend showing respect for your prospects by getting your terminology correct. Nobody likes when others misunderstand their world. Understanding the following cultural misconceptions will help you be light years ahead of the “average North American marketer”. Everyone makes mistakes when it comes to the small things, but any effort will pay off. Idalia Obregon THCC, Vice Chair Idalia Obregon is the President and Founder of Exito Trade Consulting, an international management consulting and marketing firm. We’ve seen only the tip of the iceberg, but be careful as social networks’ recommendation canadian hispanic business magazine M arketing to Hispanics means that you are selling to people who speak Spanish, right? Yes and No. There are over 440 million people in the worldwide Hispanic market, but let’s assume you are starting by marketing to Hispanics in Canada and the United States only. summer 2011 1 ALL HISPANICS SPEAK SPANISH “Hispanic” refers to individuals who trace their origins to Spanish speaking countries, and originally Spain. Yes, it is possible for a “Hispanic” person to speak only English or French. Saying someone is Hispanic is much like saying that someone is Irish, German, or Italian. However, this cultural group is racially diverse, as it includes people from all Spanish-speaking countries. Don’t get confused with race. Hispanics come in all colors, shapes, and sizes. 3 SPANISH-SPEAKING MEANS “SPANISH” Just because someone speaks Spanish don’t assume that they are from Spain. “Hispanics” trace their cultural roots back to Spain but Hispanic Latin Americans have their own culture and nuance of language. In fact, the Spanish spoken throughout the world varies just like any other language. Remember that Spain makes up less than 10% of the worldwide Hispanic market. It’s much more likely that the Hispanics you encounter will NOT be from Spain (unless you are in Europe, of course). 4 ‘AMERICA’ MEANS THE UNITED STATES America is ‘the lands of the Western hemisphere, comprising the continents of North America and South America with their associated islands and regions’. It is common for people to say ‘America’ when they mean ‘United States’. ‘America’ refers to a continent, not a specific country. I’m not trying to debate this, and I know many people call the USA ‘America’, but if you are trying to make international friends, stop calling the USA ‘America’. Instead, say ‘United States’. 5 ALL HISPANICS ARE POOR As a demographic group in North America, it’s true that Hispanics have lower median income levels. On a worldwide scale, Spanishspeaking countries combined have about one quarter of the GDP of the developed world. Lower income and GDP does not mean that all Hispanics are poor. Just like in any other culture, there are poor, rich, and middle class Hispanics. Our world is full of brilliant, well educated, and affluent Hispanics. Hispanic Latin America has wealthy regions and booming business to rival anything I have seen in the developed world. Don’t assume all Hispanics are poor. MARKETING TO HISPANICS: KEEP LEARNING To start marketing to Hispanics you don’t need to be an expert. You should make an effort to learn about their language and culture, as these are essential to build relationships and close sales. If you would like to receive a list of free reports you can download online about this topic, please contact me at: [email protected] Sergio Medrano holds an MBA and works for Colliers International. You can contact him at [email protected]. 2 “LATINO” IS THE SAME AS HISPANIC “Latino” typically means someone with cultural ties to Latin America and does not refer to language. By definition, “Latino” includes people from countries that were once under Roman rule. summer 2011 canadian hispanic business magazine 7 Business Los Negocios Florecen en Toronto: Una Mirada al Porvenir By ALICIA BULWIK Image courtesy of Maurico Jimenez Alicia I. Bulwik MRAIC, MCIP, RPP, Senior Advisor [email protected] City of Toronto, Economic Development & Culture C on uno de los sistemas bancarios más sólidos del mundo, Toronto es la capital f inanciera de Canadá, en donde se encuentran las sedes de los cinco bancos canadienses más importantes y las del 90% de los bancos extranjeros con operaciones en el país. Toronto es una de las puertas de entrada más importante al mercado de América del Norte con acceso a los $15 trillones del mercado de NAFTA (“North America Free Trade Agreement”), con vuelos directos a la mayoría de las grandes ciudades del mundo y horarios de negocios que se superponen con Europa y la costa oeste de América del Norte. Su ubicación privilegiada en el corazón de una región de 5.4 millones de habitantes da acceso a un mercado de 180 millones de personas en un sólo día por ruta y a los centros urbanos importantes como New York, Filadelfia, Washington, Chicago y Boston en una hora de vuelo. Toronto es una ciudad/región en donde las oportunidades para realizar negocios son ilimitadas debido a su carácter de ciudad internacional, adonde llegan y se establecen casi la mitad del cuarto de millón de inmigrantes que llegan a Canadá todos los años, de todas partes del mundo. El 30% de los 800.000 habitantes de habla hispana y el 28% de los 300,000 de habla 8 Alicia I. Bulwik comenzó su carrera profesional y docente como arquitecta en Buenos Aires, Tiene maestrías y estudios de postgrado de las Universidades de Buenos Aires, Waterloo y Toronto. Ingresó al plantel profesional de la municipalidad de Toronto en 1986 en el Departamento de Planificación y desde 1999 integra el equipo profesional de la Division de Desarrollo Económico y Cultura. Su amplia experiencia incluye los siguientes sectores: alimentación, diseño, incubación de empresas, tecnología de la información y comunicaciones y energía renovable y tecnología verde. Actualmente está a cargo del programa de apoyo al sector de servicios profesionales y comerciales así como de iniciativas comerciales relacionadas con los Juegos Panamericanos del 2015. La Sra. Bulwik, quien domina el castellano, el francés y el inglés, participa en foros académicos y profesionales internacionales y escribe para distintos medios impresos. portuguesa en Canadá, viven en la región de Toronto. Este proceso migratorio sumado a la política federal sobre el multiculturalismo hace que Toronto se haya transformado en una de las ciudades más diversas del mundo, en donde se hablan más de 100 idiomas y en donde la mitad de su población nació en otro lugar. La diversidad tanto étnica como económica de Toronto facilita el florecimiento y crecimiento de negocios, ya que tanto sus residentes como sus empresas tienen conexiones con todas partes del mundo y hablan su idioma. Esta exposición a otras culturas, maneras de pensar, y de hacer negocios, hace que los Torontonianos estén abiertos a nuevas ideas y costumbres. Desde el punto de vista económico, Toronto posee una de las economías más diversificadas que ninguna otra ciudadregión en América del Norte. Sólo se compara con Chicago y Boston. Esta característica otorga a Toronto una ventaja significativa y una gran protección contra los “bajones” y “sacudidas” del mercado. Entre los sectores e c onóm ic os e st able cidos e n Toront o se encuentran: Ser vicios Financieros y Profesionales, Sector Médico, Biotecnología y Farmacéutico, Tecnología de la Información y Comunicaciones, Cine y Televisión, Turismo y Hospitalidad, Alimentación, Moda, Diseño canadian hispanic business magazine y Tecnología Verde. Estas son las condiciones que hace que Toronto ofrezca el clima propicio para el crecimiento de la actividad comercial, para la inversión y para el desarrollo de nuevos negocios. Prueba de esto son las 180,000 empresas establecidas en la región de Toronto, 83.000 de las cuales ubicadas dentro del perímetro de la municipalidad de Toronto. Toronto está reconocida globalmente como uno de los centros más importantes para la realización de convenciones y eventos culturales y deportivos de gran magnitud, gracias a su capacidad de albergar un gran número de personas y a la hospitalidad de su gente. Entre los eventos internacionales que eligieron a Toronto como ciudad anfitriona, se encuentran los Juegos Panamericanos del 2015, un evento que traerá a miles de atletas y visitantes de todas partes. Si bien faltan cuatro años, los preparativos ya están en marcha y las oportunidades de hacer negocios en áreas como infraestructura, turismo, telecomunicaciones, por ejemplo, ya empiezan a vislumbrarse. Además, hay otros sectores económicos que podrían beneficiarse de los Juegos Panamericanos del 2015, tales como: innovaciones tecnológicas ya sea en el área de las comunicaciones, informática ó energía renovable; diseño industrial; summer 2011 Business aplicaciones de software”; innovaciones en ingeniería, como por ejemplo el desarrollo y uso de nuevos materiales para instalaciones y edificios deportivos; transporte de bienes y personas; tecnologías de tratamiento de aguas residuales, desechos sólidos; calefacción, aire acondicionado; gerencia de instalaciones deportivas y otros sectores como por ejemplo la enseñanza de idiomas, en particular el castellano y el portugués. Más específicamente, entre las actividades u ocupaciones relacionadas con el tema de los deportes (listadas sin orden en particular) que pudieran beneficiarse de mega eventos deportivos como los Juegos Panamericanos se encuentran: nutrición, producción de alimentos funcionales, vitaminas u otros productos para la alimentación de atletas, podiatras, educación física, consejero de rehabilitación, fisioterapista, kinesiólogo, artista gráfico, imprenta, manufactura y/o producción de herramientas e instrumentos, productor de medios de difusión, diseño de modas, textiles, diseño industrial, estadístico e investigador de archivos, diseñador de carteles y anuncios en la vía pública, perito en contabilidad, periodista y/o comentarista deportivo, escritor, técnico de sonidos, gestor de equipos deportivos, vendedor de mercancías, médico especialista en medicina deportiva, editor, fotógrafo, abogado corporativo o con otra especialidad relativa a los depor tes inter nacionales, i nclu ido i n m ig r ación, a sistente legal, relaciones públicas e internacionales, prensa y publicidad, investigadores de tecnologías nuevas, entre otros. Además, deportes como los náuticos o polo, por ejemplo, ofrecen un sinfín de oportunidades para negocios desde la producción y mantenimiento de equipos y vehículos a innovaciones en la industria agropecuaria y producción y cuidado de equinos. En general, empresas ó individuos dedicados a éstas u otras especialidades relacionadas con mega eventos obtendrán el mayor beneficio si se planifican con tiempo como para madurar una idea innovadora que les permita tener éxito en un mercado muy competitivo. Dada la posición de Toronto dentro del contexto de globalización de las actividades económicas, es muy factible que los negocios que tengan un mejor futuro sean aquellos que contribuyan al desarrollo de la economía basada en el conocimiento, conocida en inglés como “the knowledge economy”. En otras palabras, se trata de una economía que requiere mano de obra altamente calificada en aspectos tecnológicos y científicos. El avance tecnológico de los últimos años ha sido exponencial, sobre todo si uno piensa que solo hace 10 años “Google” no existía y que no se hacían compras por internet. Estos cambios hacen que los métodos tradicionales de producción, distribución e intercambio de productos y servicios deban ser reemplazados por métodos más efectivos y actuales. Lo cual significa que tanto las empresas existentes como aquéllas por crearse deben tener en cuenta en sus planes la continua actualización de sus equipos e instalaciones como así también la continua actualización de su modalidad operativa con respecto a la realización de sus negocios, incluyendo la capacitación y actualización constante de su personal. La municipalidad de Toronto cuenta con uno de los departamentos más completos de servicios de desarrollo económico que se ofrecen en forma libre y gratuita a toda empresa ya sea pequeña o grande. Estos incluyen servicios de desarrollo sectorial, co-participación en programas con organismos públicos y privados ya sean sectoriales ó laborales, investigación económica, gerencia para la industria cinematográfica, servicios especiales para empresas pequeñas, incubación de empresas y ser vicios de retención y expansión de empresas, entre otros. Para obtener detalles sobre estos y otros servicios mirar el sitio web: www.toronto.ca/business. STRONG BUSINESS • STRONG CITY toronto.ca/business • [email protected] networking WINE & CHEESE NIGHT The perfect opportunity to promote you business and have fun networking! LAMBA: Latin American MBA Alumini Network by daniel navarro Benefits: T he Lat i n A mer ican M BA Alu m n i Network (LAMBA) is a non-profit organization that aims to integrate Latin American MBA’s with the Canadian business community. Created by a group of Latin American MBA graduates, from top business schools in Canada, in response to the need from corporations and business schools to connect with professionals of Latin American background living in the countr y. The LAMBA network comprises more than 400 Latin American MBA graduates working in Canada today. With outstanding professional careers not only in their home countries, but also in Canada – 92% of members are either Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents. Ivey School of Business, Rotman School of Management, Schulich School of Business and HEC Montreal). LAMBA has organized and hosted a variety of events since its inception last year, beginning with its official launch event held in Toronto in November 2010. This event boasted an attendance of over 250 people, including MBA alumni and students, 30 VicePresidents of corporations across industries, representatives from the above mentioned business schools; and many diplomats including the Consuls Generals of Mexico, Mr. Mauricio Toussaint; Argentina, Mr. Julio Miller; Chile, Mr. Patricio Powell; Venezuela, Ms. Martha Pardo de Marquez; and Peru Deputy Consul General Mr. Jaime Sparks. LAMBA members benefit from access to professional networking events, career develOther events include LAMBA and CIBC opment opportunities, job leads, and seminars with business leaders. LAMBA partners will celebrate Hispanic Heritage; where CIBC’s reach an expanding network of professionals Hispano -Lati no employee association across different industries and access a tar- (HOLA) hosted a celebration of Hispanic geted recruiting base—47% of the LAMBA Heritage with LAMBA members; as well as alumni network have more than 10 years of the most recent event, The Latin MBA cycle working experience. As of today, LAMBA , a roadmap to a successful career in Canada. partners include 3 major financial institutions This event, held in Toronto on Wednesday, (Scotiabank, CIBC and TD Bank) and 4 of April 6th, was an opportunity for MBA canthe top Canadian business schools (Richard didates and graduates to interact with high ranked professionals, and receive advice with specific strategies to successfully enter the Canadian job market. The guest speaker panel for this event included high profile professionals such as: Barb Rosen (Program Director International Associate Development at Scotiabank), Francisco Sagredo (VP Finance, Planning and Analysis at Maple Leaf Foods), Sandy Somers (Partner at McCracken & Partners Executive Search), and Susana Cicic (Executive Director Specialized Credit at CIBC). LAMBA has also started to establish relations with related relevant media outlets, such as “Thinking Latino” (a communications platform that promotes the visibility of the Latin-American/Hispanic community). The organization’s first year has been exciting and successful; it was the beginning of a number of initiatives directed at connecting LAMBA members with the business community in Canada. Stay tuned for more events in 2011 designed to offer valuable connections and memorable networking opportunities to their members. Daniel is a member of The Latin American MBA Alumni Network (LAMBA), where he contributes in the Communications committee. For more information and how to join visit: www.lambanet.ca 10 canadian hispanic business magazine summer 2011 Host the next Toronto Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's Wine & Cheese Event. Be the featured business and get exposure through these popular and highly anticipate events. For more information please contact: Maria Elena Figueroa Director of Public Relation E-mail: [email protected] Phone: (416) 536-0676 • Direct exposure for you business • Invitees are selected based on your business offering • Re-connect with colleagues • Meet entrepreneurs Visit us at www.thcc.ca events THCC Business Awards THCC Events 2010 & 2011 Hispanic Business Awards Popular and highly anticipated THCC events. The Awards, our flagship event, is going into its third year this year. BCCTC and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce PUB Night 2010 & 2011 Our 5th Annual THCC & BCCC (British Canadian Chamber of Trade and Commerce) Pub Night on March 15th was very successful. Among our distinguished guests we welcomed Jonathan Dart, British Consul General Toronto and Director UKTI Canada, and Mr. Abdallah Castillo, Head of the Tourism Board Ministry of Tourism of Dominican Republic. BCCC’s previous president, Norman Morris greeted with a speech in Spanish, making us very proud to have him as a member and part of our Board of Advisors. Thanks to Norman for being a great supporter of the THCC. https://picasaweb.google.com/ 118004697307062976057/ HispanicPubNight# 4th Annual MBA Forum On March 9th, 2010 the Toronto Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, along with the UFSC (The Urban Financial Services Coalition), BBPA ( Bl a ck Bu si n e s s P r ofe s sio n a l Association) and NBMBAA (The National Black MBA Association) held the 4th Annual MBA Forum at the Marriot Hotel. Sponsors included: The Bank Financial Group and The Princeton Review: The Richard Ivey School of Business, Schulich School of Business and Rotman University, each presenting their MBA programs and unique value propositions. The schools representatives discussed career advancement, MBA preparation, and how their programs differ. Attendees had the opportunity to network with MBA Alumni and Corporate Recruiters and were given insights into Minority Scholarships and financing Options. Wine & Cheese—Gazoo Mobile On March 31st, 2010 Charles Price Newton Company hosted a Wine & Cheese event and presented his company GazooMobile. GazooMobile develops software for iPhones and Mobile devices using human resources in Toronto and in Peru. With more than 50 attendees and a great networking environment, the THCC also provided membership certificates to Gustavo Abello from Blue Orange and Ricardo Cespedes from Sun Life Financial. Wine & Cheese—Scotia Bank On May 20, 2010 Scotia Bank hosted a great networking event for newcomers. Hosted in the Radcliffe Room, Fabiola Sicard, Hispanic Markets Director, presented useful financial information for newcomers. She explained how newcomers could apply for a credit card, house mortgage, or a line of credit without having credit history in Canada. Scotia Bank has always been a great supporter of the Hispanic Community in Canada and of the Toronto Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. We would like to thank Scotia Bank for hosting this great networking event! Wine & Cheese—Casco Design The THCC was honoured to present Casco Design as new member on June 30, 2010. It was a festive evening and an opportunity for guests to meet and network, while enjoying great food and beverages. Among the attendees were members of the Canada-Finland Chambers of Commerce, Centennial College, BMO and National Bank, government agencies and private sector companies. http://www.cascodesign.ca/news/ 12 canadian hispanic business magazine Wine & Cheese—Action Coach On September 29th, 2010 the THCC was honoured to present Guiseppe Arpino, Certified Business Coach (ActionCOACH). During this event, Guiseppe Arpino presented different ways entrepreneurs can benefit from having specialized guidance to successfully grow their business. ActionCOACH is the world’s #1 business coaching firm and executive coaching firm. Founded, in 1993, Brad Sugars and ActionCOACH started the business coaching industry and now boasts more than 1,000 offices in 32 countries. ActionCOACH has literally turned the old business consulting model into business coaching and executive coaching, a far more powerful, profitable and more affordable way for you as a business owner or as an executive to get help and mentoring to grow your company. City of Toronto grants THCC certificate of appreciation In an event organized by Community Outreach Worker Access and Diversity and Toronto Parks Forestry and Recreation along with the Toronto Newcomer Initiative on June 1st, 2011, several not-for- profit organizations were granted a certificate of appreciation, handed out by Mr. Ken Jeffers, Manager of Access and Diversity of the City of Toronto This recognition is an acknowledgment for the volunteers that support a wide range of activities whose objectives are to assist newcomers as they settle in this new country. The THCC is among these organizations and its mission is bridging opportunities for Canadians and Hispanics worldwide. summer 2011 O n October 27, 2010, THCC celebrated the 2nd Annual Hispanic Business Awards. We had the pleasure to be graced by the presence of numerous VIP’s from many regions. Among the over 150 guests in attendance, were the Consul General of Mexico, His Excellency Mauricio Toussaint and his wife; the Consul General of Chile, His Excellency Patricio Powell Osorio; Deputy Consul of Argentina Mr. German Dominguez; Deputy Consul of Mexico, Ms. Daniela Gil; and Mr. Abdalah Castillo Head of the Dominican Republic Tourism Board. Also in attendance was Mr. Ian Troop, CEO of the Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games. The event was also honoured by a letter from the Prime Minister of Canada, The Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper, congratulating the THCC on the work that we have have been doing and the “unique and admirable entrepreneurial spirit of Canada’s Hispanic community: hard work and determination combined with creativity and vision”. Our keynote address was delivered by our colleague to the south, Jeanette Hernandez Prenger, of our fraternal organization United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, who commended us on our success in growing the organization and the concordant success of our members. There was an entertainment program, a fabulous dinner, and the highlight of the evening, the release of the Awards. We congratulate again, both the nominees and the winners. To all the volunteers and sponsors that made it possible, Thank you! You have done a wonderful job. We look forward to working together again in the 2011 Hispanic Business Awards this coming fall. THCC 2010 Awards Toronto hispanic business awards 2010 Toronto hispanic business awards 2009 summer 2011 canadian hispanic business magazine 13 Business A Succesful Immigrant The new board of directors of the Toronto Hispanic Chamber of Commerce invites you to join. To achieve a better Canadian experience. Joining the THCC will provide you with exclusive benefits that will help your business grow. by Luis Araque C anada is a beautiful country with many opportunities for everyone. In order to achieve ones goals, it is essential to have a strategy and to take the right steps. This will help avoid major frustrations and the wasting of precious time. Many immigrants that come to Canada with credentials and education from abroad face a surprising reality. Before coming here, they were certain that their background and experience were going to be sufficient for finding decent employment that would give them a fresh start and a new and better life. However, once they realize that most Canadian companies don’t recognize their international studies and experience, they become very disappointed. The first line of this article would make no sense to them. • • • • • that will give you the chance to establish a reputation and develop references for potential job openings. It will also help you to expand your network of contacts. 3.It is vital for everyone in Canada to be confident and have a “sales person” character. You may have extensive education but if you lack the capacity to sell your skills in a job interview, you will lose precious opportunities. *Most reputable companies in Canada require that potential candidates for employment have a College Diploma. This is one of the most fundamental steps to start your professional growth. Contact us today for more information! Join the THCC today. Luis Araque THCC, Educational & Development [email protected] Luis Araque is a Education Consultant at Progreso Hispano. www.progresohispano.ca “it is essential to have a strategy and take the right steps” This disappointment, a lack of information and proper guidance, and the need to make an income leads many immigrants accept positions in survival jobs. These provide funds to pay the bills, but ultimately don’t offer good Canadian experience to obtain better employment opportunities in the future. Canada needs qualified people in different fields. However, the government cannot force companies to hire new immigrants. In light of this fact, it is essential for immigrants to quickly adapt and follow a strategy that will allow them to become successful in Canada. 2.If you choose to study, develop a list of companies where you would like to work. This will enable you to seek volunteer opportunities to obtain Canadian Experience while you attend school. This is a good strategy 14 canadian hispanic business magazine Photo by Joel Wan Chow Wah This adaptation process may consist of the following components: 1.Get to know the labour market and find out if your desired field requires a specific skill set. If so, you may have to obtain a Canadian certification or diploma*. Expand your network Foster new business relations Attend special THCC events Listing on THCC.ca directory Exclusive incentives & discounts summer 2011 Visit our website THCC.ca finance finance Should I contribute to Should I contribute to an RRSP, a TFSA or both? an RRSP, a TFSA or both? Comprehensive Personal Article Ontario 2010 Survey by lorena martinez Victor Nunez Consultant Understanding and knowing your options. by VICTOR NUNEZ T he introduction of the Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) represents the most important change to the way Canadians save money since RRSPs were launched in the The introduction of the Tax-Free late ‘50s. But the big question on many people’s Savings Account (TFSA) represents minds is whether they should contribute to a the most important change way TFSA, the tried-and tested RRSP,toorthe possibly Canadians save money since RRSPs even both? were launched the late Butquesthe Before sheddinginsome light‘50s. on their big question many people’s minds tion, let’s get aon firm grasp on some of the innate differences and similarities. Firsttoand is whether they should contribute foremost, both RRSPs and TFSAs a TFSA, the tried-and tested RRSPprovide or investors with the opportunity of tax- sheltered possibly even both? compound growth for investments held inside each plan. But unlike an RRSP, contributions Before shedding some light on their to a TFSA are not tax deductible, amounts can rst get a time, rm grasp question, let’s be withdrawn tax free at any and witherences on some of the di into drawn amounts are innate added back your TFSA contribution room the following year. Now that and similarities. First and foremost, we’ve unique characteristics, both established RRSPs andtheir TFSAs provide let’s get back to our original question: investors with the opportunity of taxWhich is compound best? sheltered growth for On a very basic level, looking at your pre-retireinvestments held inside each plan. ment and expected postretirement marginal Butrates unlike RRSP,you contributions to to tax canan provide with an idea how a TFSA are not deductible, best allocate yourtax investments. If you expect to be in a lower duringtax retirement, amounts can tax be bracket withdrawn free at contributing to an RRSP is generally more benany time and withdrawn amounts are eficial. However if in retirement, you anticipate being in a tax bracket that is equal or higher than your pre-retirement tax rate, the TFSA may be more tax-efficient. Hold on—not so fast. added back into yourtoTFSA Although it’s tempting settlecontribuon a simple rule-of-thumb, decision year. on whether you tion room thethe following should use a TFSA or RRSP is not that simple –Now your that advisor needsestablished to work withtheir you to conwe’ve sider the entire spectrum of let’s financial unique characteristics, getstrategies back at your disposal that could ultimately impact to our original question: your approach. Which best? Even ifisyou anticipate having a lower marginal tax rate in retirement, maximizing your On a very basic level, looking at your RRSP contributions may not always be the pre-retirement expected post-Since most tax-efficientand long-term strategy. retirement marginal tax rates can your RRSP withdrawals (directly or through Registered Retirement Income provide you with an idea Fund how (RRIF) to bestor an annuity)your increase your taxableIfincome, allocate investments. you those withdrawals may affect certain government expect to be in a lower tax bracket income-tested benefits and credits such as the during contribute to Credit. an Old Age retirement, Security benefit and the Age cial. RRSP is generally more bene On the other hand, if your expected marginal tax rate in retirement, is equalyou or higher However if in retirement antici-than during your accumulation years, contributing pate being in a tax bracket that is to your TFSA may not be the best approach either. equal or higher than your pre-retireFor example, RRSPs that are converted to a mentortax theafter TFSA be produce more RRIF anrate, annuity agemay 65 can cient. income that is eligible for the pension income tax credit, and thus qualifies for pension income splitting with your spouse. Other income splitting strategies such as the use of spousal RRSPs Comparing the TFSA to the RRSP Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) Contributions are fully tax-deductible Contributions are not tax-deductible Contributions can be made until the end of the year in which you turn 71 years of age Contributions can be made at any time with no age limit (for those 18 years of age and over) Withdrawals are taxed at your marginal tax rate Withdrawals are 100% tax-free 1% monthly penalty for over contributions 1% monthly penalty for over contributions Withdrawals could ect eligibility for income-tested government and credits Withdrawals will not ect eligibility for federal income-tested government and credits Unused contribution room is carried for war d indefinitely Unused contribution room is carried for war d indefinitely Withdrawals cannot be returned to the RRSP without using contribution room* Withdrawals will be added to contribution room in the following year. * except for repayments of withdrawals under the home buyers’ plan or the lifelong learning plan 16 canadian hispanic business magazine EXATEC could effectively distribute a portion of your taxable income to a spouse with a lower marginal tax rate in retirement, further reducing your tax bill and reducing the claw-back effect Hold on; not so fast. on your income tested benefits and credits. Although it’s tempting to settle on a So where does this leave us? simple rule-of-thumb, the may decision on Generally speaking, a TFSA be better whether you should usesuch a TFSA suited for shorter-term goals, as anoremergency saving for a –major RRSP fund is notorthat simple yourpurchase, advisince there isto nowork tax onwith withdrawals these sor needs you to and conplan withdrawals are added back into your sider the entire spectrum of nancial TFSA contribution room the following year. strategies your disposal that could However, forat long-term objectives, RRSPs are ultimately your approach. generally theimpact vehicle of choice since there are strong incentives to keep your money invested, Even if you anticipate a lower in the form of taxes and losthaving contribution room on the withdrawals from an RRSP. The TFSA marginal tax rate in retirement, maxican also be a powerful retirement savings tool. mizing your RRSP contributions may However due to the ease with which TFSA cientsavnot always be the most ings can be accessed (no taxes on withdrawals long-term strategy. Since or loss of contribution room)RRSP only witha discidrawals (directly plined investor who or canthrough resist theyour temptation to dip into their savings priorIncome to retirement Registered Retirement Fundwill fully benefit its potential as ayour source of (RRIF) or anfrom annuity) increase retirement income. Remember, there is no onetaxable income, those withdrawals size-fits-all solution. In fact, there is a multitude may a ectthat certain of variables must government be taken into considerts and credits income-tested bene ation. In many cases, the TFSA should be used as a complementary product, along with your t such as the Old Age Security bene RRSPs, theyCredit. both have their own advanand theasAge tages. Your personal savings strategy needs to take into other accounthand, your unique On the if yourcircumstances expected as well as your long-term objectives. marginal taxshort rateand in retirement is equal or higher than during your accumulation years, contributing to your TFSA may not be the best approach either. For example, RRSPs that are converted to a RRIF or an annuity after age 65 can produce income that is eligible for the pension income tax credit, and thus quali es for pension income splitting Victor Nunez is a consultant withfrom your spouse. Other income the Investors Group splitting strategies Financial Servicessuch Inc. as the use of spousal RRSPs could e ectively [email protected]. continued on next page summer 2011 T he alumni association of The Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education*, com monly shor tened as Monter rey Instit ute of Tech nolog y (Tecnológico de Monter rey), EXATEC Ontario Association, represents a large group of accomplished professionals and entrepreneurs with a vision to create personal and professional value through the power of networking. Every five years our association surveys its members to learn more about their professional life in Canada. In 2005, our survey had 218 respondents. During 2010, the same questions were used to evaluate the progress these professionals had made after 5 years. The results of this survey were presented to their members during an event sponsored by Scotia Bank. Here are some of the highlights of the 2010 survey: • 36% of the respondents have 2 to 5 years living in Canada • 33% of the respondents have 5 to 10 years living in Canada • 42% graduated from a post-graduate degree in Canada and 18% are currently studying • 48% have a Master Degree and 6% have a Doctorate • 91% of the respondents living more than 10 years own a property in Canada • 20% work in Technology, 15% work in Engineering and 10% in Marketing • Average incomes of the respondents are: 21% earn between: $50k to $70K, 21% earn between: $70K to $90K and 22% earn between: $90K to $120K. In conclusion: After 3 to 5 years, students graduated from Tec de Monterrey have a stable life in Canada. Most of these Hispanics chose to continue studying in Canada or gain a certification in their profession. Some of the most common challenges are: To find the first job, being away from their families, not having Canadian experience, the weather, making new friends, culture shock and language. Tecnológico de Monterrey is known for many things, including: Becoming the first distance-learning university in Latin America and the Spanish-speaking world, for having one of the top graduate business schools in the region, and for being one of the leaders in patent applications among Mexican universities. In Canada, Tecnológico de Monterrey has academic joint ventures with the University of British Columbia (UBC), Certified General Accountants Association of Canada, York University and others. Lorena Martinez is Category Specialist for Ls Travel Retail Books & Press and President of the EXATEC Alumni Association. [email protected] EXATEC Ontario is represented by Miguel Lopez and Lorena Martinez. If you would like to have more information, please contact us at [email protected] and lorena. [email protected]. *(in Spanish: Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, ITESM) Event sponsored by Scotiabank. business Group Benefits for Small Business difference to you and your employees, without breaking your budget. Group Insurance can offer a range of services and solutions to give you financial peace of mind and security. WHAT IS IN IT FOR ME? By investing in group benefits for you and your employees: • You can better attract and retain good people, which helps minimize costs associated with high turnover • You and your plan members have access to insurance at a reduced cost, compared to most individual insurance plans do not discriminate whether someone is healthy or not and/or whether someone is a smoker or not. For example, smokers will pay substantially more for individual insurance coverage than if they were a part of group coverage. And for former employees who have health issues, there is the very real prospect that they will not qualify individually and will be denied coverage altogether. Retention, low cost, increased productivity, tax deduction, inclusiveness! These are great reasons to consider getting Group Benefits for your business. • You help improve morale and increase productivity, by providing financial security and support for your plan members Photo by StefanG81 Group benefits are essential to businesses. G roup insurance is an arrangement to share the financial risk of health-related expenses among a group of people who pay into a fund or pool under one contract. With a group benefits plan, when a member of the group becomes ill or needs services, he or she is financially compensated by the plan, according to the terms of the contract. As the owner of a small business, with three employees or more, you can provide a group benefits package that could make a big • Employers are able to deduct their employee benefit contributions as a business expense while their employees receive these same benefits either tax-free or tax-deferred. If the same, or similar benefits were purchased by a former employee privately, this individual would have to pay with his or her after tax dollars, leaving fewer dollars in the pocket of the affected former employee. • Employers are able to buy employee benefits at a reduced cost from insurance companies, because the cost of administration and risk of loss/cost of paid out benefit for these providers is spread out over a number of employees who form the group. • Lastly and of crucial importance, the vast majority of employee group benefit plans Monica Linares THCC, Director of Education & Development [email protected] centennialcollege.ca by MONICA LINARES S erv i ci os Fi n a n c i e r o s p a ra E mpre sa rios ¿Está iniciando una empresa? Arranque con el pie derecho con el paquete bancario Scotia Running Start for business™, que ofrece una copia gratuita del software de contabilidad* QuickBooks EasyStart™1. Este paquete le ofrece todo lo que necesita para iniciar su negocio, incluyendo descuentos en servicios bancarios personales y para su empresa, así como otras ofertas especiales. Si desea aprovechar al máximo su dinero, desde el primer día, consulte hoy mismo con un representante de Scotiabank para La Pequeña y Mediana Empresa. * El software de contabilidad QuickBooks EasyStart es una promoción limitada hasta agotar existencias. El software QuickBooks Easy start es un servicio que Intuit Canada Limited ofrece en exclusiva. Intuit Canada Limited no es subsidiaria ni filial de The Bank of Nova Scotia. El banco The Bank of Nova Scotia no asume responsabilidad alguna por la entrega, contenido o funcionamiento de cualquier producto o servico QuickBooks. Promoción limitada. La Pequeña y Mediana Empresa Roberto Lopez 416-515-2114 [email protected] Gerente de Cuenta, Pequeña y Mediana Empresa Sucursal Bloor & Yonge 19 Bloor Street West Toronto, ON Canada M4W 1A3 ™ Marca Registrada de The Bank of Nova Scotia. ® Marca registrada de The Bank of Nova Scotia. ™1 Intuit y el logotipo Intuit, QuickBooks, QuickBooks EasyStart, entre otros, son marcas registradas de Intuit Canada Ltd. o de una de sus filiales, registradas en Canadá y en otros países.