Established Thunder Bay Business Renewed
THUNDER BAY, ON ---- October 31, 2010 --- Mile and Brian Gendron are all smiles for their Grand 
opening of Tools Wood, a business that caters to woodworkers located on Victoria Ave. The Thunder Bay business has been known to wood workers for decades but that was under the original management team. When it came time for them to retire the future of the business seemed less than certain, that is until Brian and Mile Gendron purchased the business.
In the space of one month the couple have managed to open the doors to the public on Sept. 1st, find and order stock, and organize their business. Saturdays Grand Opening sale had many one day only prices, and by mid afternoon the Gendron’s were wondering if there would be anything left to sell for Monday morning. 
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CANADA’S LONGEST RUNNING ABORIGINAL BUSINESS AWARDS
THUNDER BAY ON: October 26, 2010 ---- Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund (NADF) hosts its 20th annual Business Awards today at the Valhalla Inn in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
Held in the heart of ‘Small Business Week 2010’, this exciting event celebrates and honors the achievements of existing Aboriginal businesses in Northern Ontario while promoting Aboriginal economic development through entrepreneurship.
“It is very encouraging to witness the growth of the NADF Business Awards every year,” said NADF President and CEO Harvey Yesno. “What began as a small event with just two categories and seventeen guests has blossomed into northern Ontario’s ultimate networking event. It’s a wonderful way to showcase the brightest minds in the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal business community and we are happy to be able to carry on tradition with this event.” read more.....>>
Is Wind power a benefit to Resident of Thunder Bay?
THUNDER BAY, ON ---- October 17, 2010 --- In a Globe and Mail story titled "When it comes to power 
in Ontario, we’re in the dark" Power expert Tom Adams may know more about this subject than any other living being. And he’s steamed. Ontario’s rates, he says, have already surpassed the U.S. average and are headed for European levels – “just because of public policy.” read more.....>
Scrap $1 billion Loan to Vale
TORONTO: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) is calling on the federal government to scrap a $1 billion loan 
announced today by Export Development Corporation to Vale Inc. of Brazil. CTF Federal Director, Kevin Gaudet, said “if corporate welfare worked at creating jobs, every Canadian would have two by now. This loan should be scrapped and fast”.
Gaudet said, “why are Canadian taxpayers lending precious money to a firm that says it already has so much excess cash”.
Vale is a multi-billion multi-national corporation headquartered in Brazil. Their Financial Statements for 2009 reveal a very profitable net income of $5.5 billion (U.S.) down from $13.5 billion and $12.6 billion in the two prior years. On September 23, 2010 Vale announced a share buy-back program for its excess cash. read more......>
Far North Act Will Impair Our Economy
THUNDER BAY, ON ----- October 3, 2010 --- Harold Wilson President of the Thunder 
Bay Chamber 
of Commerce explains how the Ontario far North Act will impair the the Economy of North Ontario and Ontario Minister of Natural Resources-Linda Jeffrey disagrees.
Far North Act Will Impair Our Economy – by Harold Wilson
Harold Wilson President of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce explains how the Ontario far North Act will impair the the Economy of North Ontario and Ontario Minister of Natural Resources-Linda Jeffrey disagrees read more......>
Layton urges drop taxes on home heating before snow falls
OTTAWA – October 3, 2010 ----- New Democrat Leader Jack Layton today is calling on Stephen 
Harper to give hardworking families a break and immediately remove the five percent HST/GST from home heating before the snow falls.
“I’ve crisscrossed this country more than once, you know – and I see people struggling right now, more than I’ve ever seen,” said Layton. “I’m asking Mr. Harper to put partisanship aside and work with me to do the right thing.”
Speaking today at the party’s federal council meeting, Layton said Stephen Harper has broken his promise to make life more affordable for Canadians, but New Democrats are willing to work with the Prime Minister to help seniors and working families as they struggle with heating bills this winter. read more.....>
NAN SLAMS PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT FOR LACK OF CONSULTATION
THUNDER BAY, ON: September 30, 2010 ------ Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Stan 
Beardy is slamming the Premier of Ontario for announcing the appointment of the Province‟s Ring of Fire Coordinator. During a stop-over in Thunder Bay today to speak to a Northern Ontario delegation, Premier Dalton McGuinty announced that Dr. Christine Kaszycki would assume the position to oversee issues pertaining to an area known as the Ring of Fire – located in NAN territory.
“The Premier of Ontario continuously talks about this so-called „new relationship‟ with First Nations and yet again he unilaterally makes a decision without consultation with NAN First Nations,” said NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy. “We are disturbed that the Premier can express his willingness to create a true partnership and yet leaves us out of this critical process. We need to ensure that our objectives and our plans for anything in our territory are adequately represented. We should have been a part of the selection of the person to fill this critical position.” read more......>
TBCC PLEASED WITH CHANGES TO EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE
THUNDER BAY, ON ------ September 30, 2010 ---- As the biggest and most important businesses constituency in the country, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and its network across the country issued a resounding call to action in the wake of proposed changes to the Employment Insurance (EI) program, and plans to increase EI premiums by the maximum allowed under federal legislation. The Voice of Business was heard loudly.
Last night, members of Parliament defeated Bill C-308 — a bill that would have added over $2 billion to the costs of the EI Program, increased work disincentives, hindered labour force mobility and constrained job creation. Today, the government announced it will be scaling back planned increases in EI premiums read more.......>
ECO over their head when it comes to Forestry
THUNDER BAY, ON ----- September 30, 2010 --- Environmental Commissioner’s Office in over their 
head Modern forest management proves difficult for ECO to understand
In order to set the record straight, the Ontario Forest Industries Association (OFIA) is responding to several inflammatory and incorrect statements made by the Environmental Commissioner’s Office (ECO) in a media release dated September 22, 2010.
“Many of the ECO statements are a gross oversimplification or are outright just misleading”, says Jamie Lim, President and CEO of the OFIA, adding “you really have to wonder where they are sourcing their information”.
Of particular concern is the ECO attempt to erroneously paint natural resource sectors, including forestry, as ‘status quo’ or ‘business-as-usual’ sectors that have remain unchanged for 150 years. read more.......>
We’re a Fresh Store!
THUNDER BAY, ON ------- September 26, 2010 ------ With their daughters holding on the red ribbon, 
Dan and Dave Stezenko prepare to cut the ribbon officially opening their new Quality Market. During the preliminary speeches one invited guest after another praised the brothers for being inspiring entrepreneurs, for being leaders rather than followers, and for being a part of the community.
I toured the new store, located right beside the Tim Hortens on Golf Links Road. It is indeed a new store as opposed to another store. Rather than a corporate developed model which should work in a city like Thunder Bay, the brothers developed their own concept of what a successful food store could and should offer its customers. To start with the store is strategically located on what will become one of the city’s main traffic arteries. read more.....>
City Acquiring South Core Properties and Contract for DSSAB Building Awarded
THUNDER BAY, ON ---- September 24, 2010 – The City of Thunder Bay are acquiring a number of south core propertys including the Inntowner Hotel which is located across the the new TBSSAB builing the construction contract was award earlier in the week.
As part of the City's strategic plan to invest in the revitalization and development of the downtown, City Council has authorized the acquisition of several properties in the South Core.
In addition to the anticipated construction of the Consolidated Courthouse and the District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board (TBDSSAB) buildings, the acquisition of these properties will contribute to parking, and could, in the future, be used for redevelopment purposes, advancing the City's objectives to improve the vitality of the downtown. read more......>
TBRII Makes its Mark
THUNDER BAY, ON ---- September 22, 2010 -- It is a good thing to be invited out to a press conferance 
and witness something good in the making. While it was established not that long ago the Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute is beginning to make its mark on the international scientific community, and in so doing establish Thunder Bay as a place of expertise in the scientific community.
Dr. Rui Wang likes being associated with TBRRI. He says “you must have imagination to be a research scientist” and “Many people in the city do not even know we are here!” One of the things that Dr. Wang (Vice President of Research, Lakehead University) is its ability to work with global partners. He asks the question, “Why Thunder Bay?” There are many reasons why a scientist would find out city attractive as a work place. His first item on the list is the motivating environment. When it comes to research some of the very best people from around the worlds are gathered here to work on specific projects, Like medical imaging technology. The small but effective research team has the ability to get things done, Wang says. read more......>
THUNDER BAY CHAMBER TO ATTEND 3rd READING FAR NORTH ACT
THUNDER BAY, ON ---- September 22, 2010 --- Harold Wilson, as the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce President and the Chief Operating Officer of the Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce (NOACC), will be at Queen’s Park in Toronto on today where the Provincial
Government is expected to approve 3rd Reading of The Far North Act, which will
effectively pass the legislation.
Stated Wilson, “Following my participation last week, it became clear that the
misinformation about what the Far North Act means was gaining momentum. We were
asked why we were against land use planning. Effective land use planning can continue
without the Far North Act. This is about withdrawing 50% of the Far North (21% of all of
Ontario) from possible development, and holding the rest of the area subject to an MNRled
quagmire. I am working until the last minute to identify how this incredibly significant,
harmful legislation will negatively impact our Northern economy and our business
community. We need the Government to be aware of how business investment will be
hindered and opportunities shelved.” read more.....>
Northern Networks Trade Conference (NNTC)
THUNDER BAY, ON ------ September 2, 2010 ----- Northern Networks Trade Conference (NNTC) is a 
cross-border, multi-national trade event. Business owners and Economic Development professionals from Northwestern Canada, Minnesota, and Wisconsin will have the opportunity to tap into the experience of trade representatives. This venue provides attendees the chance to discuss business ventures; plan strategic alliances; and build partnerships to maximize results. read more......>
High-speed Internet upgrades
THUNDER BAY, ON – September 2,2010 --- Local MP Bruce Hyer says Thunder Bay-Superior North 
communities like Dorion, Pass Lake, MacDiarmid, Armstrong, Nakina, and Marathon are slated for high-speed Internet upgrades following a Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) ruling Tuesday.
The ruling means the country’s largest telephone companies must allocate $733 million out of special ‘deferral accounts’ towards customer rebates and rural broadband. This includes $310 million rebated to urban home telephone customers, and $422 million to deploy broadband Internet service to 287 rural and remote communities. read more....>
The New Frontier
THUNDER BAY, ON ----- August 13, 2010 ---- The Honourable Linda Jeffrey, Minister of Natural Resources visited Thunder Bay as part of a visit at the request of Stan Beardy, Grand Chief of N.A.N. Just before her plane left for Toronto she made time for one on one interviews with the press.
She described her visit here as a get acquainted opportunity, and Stan Beardy personally introduced her to many of the Chiefs in our far north regions. Her travels included trips to Muskrat Dam and Martin Falls, all part of getting to know the land and the people and issues she will need to deal with as her ministry prepares Bill 191. read more.......>
NOMA OPEN FOR BUSINESS ACT” WILL HURT RATHER THAN HELP
DRYDEN ON --– August 6, 2010 ---- The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association is speaking out against a section of Bill 68: The Open for Business 
Act, 2010 that could further hurt the forest industry in Ontario. Bill 68 proposes to change the rigorous Crown Forest Sustainability Act to give the Endangered Species Act (ESA) higher authority when there is a conflict between an ESA agreement, permit or instrument and a previously approved Forest Management Plan. read more......>
Wheat Prices begin to soar Bread Pizza Up?
THUNDER BAY, ON August 6, 2010 ---- Wheat is something like water, we 
need it to survive yet we seldom wonder what will happen if we run out. In Thunder Bay, wheat is always quietly present in the background of our daily lives. Our grain elevators are a source of employment for many, and wheat in this sense dominates the skyline along our harbour. Ships from all around the world visit our port, often to pick up a load of golden grain. read more......>
Decision Making Process at City Hall
THUNDER BAY, ON ---- August 4, 2010 ----- The recent lengthy City 
Council meetings (new bus terminal in front of City Hall, renaming of waterfront streets, The Windmill Park process, etc.) might seem to indicate that something is amiss or that a disconnect exists between the citizens’ expectations and Council/Administration’s capacity to deliver timely and effective decisions. Some would say that it is a sign of growing rift on Council itself, or between Councilors and staff. That is the impression one may get by following the coverage of Council meetings, or by listening to the political pundits. read more......>
Genesis Genomics Renamed Mitomics
THUNDER BAY, Ontario, July 12, 2010 - Mitomics, world leader in research 
and development of mitochondrial genome-based products to improve clinical insight and therapeutic decisions, today announced that its shareholders have voted to change the company name from Genesis Genomics Inc. to Mitomics Inc., effective immediately. The change is being implemented as the company begins commercialization of the Prostate Core Mitomic Test(TM) based on its Mitomic Technology(TM) platform in the United States this year. read more.....>
Finding the Materials Rare Earth Elements
THUNDER BAY, ON --- July 3, 2010 ---- If you have ever gone for a ride in 
one of these machines, at Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre, you might not care too much about how it works, much less what it is made of. Chances are you are much more concerned about your medical condition and are grateful at last that you have had your scan. When you are ill time is of the essence. read more......>
HST Push gas to $1.13 per litre
THUNDER BAY – It’s official! As of today, life is less affordable because of 
McGuinty’s unfair Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), says NDP Leader Andrea Horwath.
In Thunder Bay the price a gasoline jumped to $1.13. Ontario Liberal Government now will bennifit every time the pump price goes up. Giving local MPP Michael Gravelle and Bill Mauro Liberal Government will bennifit at the expense of hard working people of Northern Ontario
“As we celebrate our country’s birthday, Dalton McGuinty’s present to families is an unfair tax that will cost them an average of $800 every year,” said Horwath. “Rather than making life more affordable for families struggling to get out of a painful recession, starting today the McGuinty Liberals are making it more expensive.” read more.....>
THUNDER BAY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SUPPORTS LOCAL TAXI COMPANIES
THUNDER BAY, ON ---- July 1, 2010 --- The Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce has learned of the June 29 decision by the Thunder Bay Police Services Board to deny a rate adjustment by local taxi companies to reflect the HST which comes into effect July 1. The Chamber requests that this decision be reconsidered.
Chamber of Commerce President Harold Wilson, stated “We understand that the three cab companies, which employ close to 250 drivers who are on commission, did not have the opportunity to fully present their case to the Police Services Commission, which is unfortunate.” read more....>
NOMA OUTLINES POSITION ON PROPOSED FOREST TENURE
THUNDER BAY, ON – June 29, 2010 ----The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA) has outlined its position on the “Proposed Framework to Modernize Ontario’s Forest Tenure and Pricing System”. The reform proposal outlines three main elements: 1) 
New Local Management Corporations; 2) Competitive Markets; and 3) A new revenue model. The Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry is accepting responses on the proposal until Tuesday, June 29th.
President Anne Krassilowsky commented, in a news release that, “NOMA recognizes that the views of our members are diverse in regards to some specific details of the proposal for Forest Tenure Reform; however, we are also confident that there are many principles that are commonly shared that are vital to the revitalization of the forest industry. We also encourage each municipality to express their views on this issue based on the best interests of their community.” read more.....>
GINOOGAMING FIRST NATION SEEKS WIND ENERGY PARTNER
THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO, CANADA - JUNE 28, 2010: Ginoogaming First 
Nation is offering a partnership with a wind energy firm to continue development of their 10-megawatt (MW) wind farm, located near Longlac, 350 km northeast of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.
Last May the installation of a meteorological tower (MET) on Ginoogaming's reserve lands captured wind data and today the one-year results have completed analysis providing the First Nation with valuable information for their first phase feasibility study. Wind speed is a crucial element in projecting turbine performance as the project moves to the second phase. read more.....>
Gravelle and Mauro make life less affordable: NDP
THUNDER BAY, ON ---- June 25, 2010 ---- NDP Finance Critic Peter 
Tabuns says the last thing Thunder Bay families need or want is a new tax on everyday essentials.
"The HST is going to cost Thunder Bay families $800 every year," said Tabuns. "Less money in the pockets of consumers will hurt small businesses, posing a serious threat to consumer confidence and the economic recovery."
Tabuns noted that a recent poll by Angus Reid found that 79 per cent of Ontario small businesses oppose the HST read more.......>
Nipigon Nylons Make You Smile
THUNDER BAY, ON ----- June 20, 2010 --- At one time wool work socks 
were common in all of the dry goods stores in Northern Ontario. They were warm, they could breath, they were good for work out of doors, and the socks were tough and durable just like our pioneers. It was not long before men and women alike owned a pair or two. The story goes that a group of women were at a meeting and they were all sporting a pair of northern socks, and the term “Nipigon Nylons” was coined. It has been with us ever since.
So the “Nipigon Nylons” refer to our heritage socks and not a local rock band. The concept for the modern concept was developed by Nipigon’s New Beginnings Circle, which is affiliated with the Paro Centre in Thunder Bay. Founded in 2000, the “circle” works to make their community a better place to be and live. The circle hosts two women’s networking dinners each year, and they are also responsible for the nifty display and photo booth in the Nipigon tourist pavilion where you can have your picture taken while sporting a genuine pair of “Nipigon Nylons”. Members of the New Beginnings Circle are Levina Collins, Patricia Dellaceccea, Tasha Sutton, Norma Fawcett, and Linda Harbinson. read more.......>
Thunder Bay Treasure Store
THUNDER BAY, ON ----- June 18, 2010 ------The Finnish Book 
Store/Kitchen Nook is located in the heart of the City’s most vibrant business district. The business has been in the Koskiniemi family since 1963 when Richard’s grandparents bought the present building. The business has been in the family ever since.
In the early days the store sold mostly books written in Finnish for the local immigrant population. With several boarding houses and a large Finnish population living in the near neighbourhood, this has turned out to be an excellent location for the Koskiniemi family. Today the business has changed a great deal from what it was. Yes you can still find a book written in Finnish, but there are many more books telling stories about Finland, or Finish culture but now written in English. The bulk of the Finnish immigrant population living in the city are now second and third generation. It is easier for parents to give their children a little Fin culture in the language they use at school. read more....>
Prepared for Growth
THUNDER BAY, ON ---- June 17, 2010 ---- Business has been good for Rob 
and Liana Frenette, President and CFO respectively of TBT Engineering Limited. When the couple took over Thunder Bay Testing in 1995 the company had two employees. To-day the company celebrated the official opening of their new engineering and corporate offices in the former Paterson building, located at 1918 Yonge Street, Thunder Bay.
Since that time the company has grown, and last year they issued about 150 T-4 slips for people who worked for them over the year. About 100 are full time employees, while the remaining fifty or so are part time employees or summer students read more....>
McGuinty Government Continues First Nations PST Exmption
THUNDER BAY, ON --- June 17, 2010 --- "I am thrilled and our people will 
be relieved that the point of sale exemption for First Nations will be continued within the HST framework. First Nations have worked tirelessly with Ontario and the federal government to make this a reality. The ability to achieve this reflects the great potential of the government-to-government relationship between Ontario and First Nations." – Angus Toulouse, Regional Chief
Under the 13% HST, purchases by Status Indians are exempt when purchased on or delivered to a reserve by a vendor or its agent. Ontario's treatment will extend this exemption 8% to eligible goods and select services purchased off-reserve — the same system that exists right now under the RST. read more.....>
Hyer Fights for Cell phone Users
THUNDER BAY, ON -– June 17, 2010 ----- Parliament needs to end repressive cellular phone network locks in order to promote consumer choice and to encourage much-needed competition in Canada’s cell phone market, says New Democrat Small Business Critic Bruce Hyer. The MP tabled the Cell Phone Freedom Act Thursday to ban “network locks” or “SIM locks” on new mobile phones sold outside of contract.
Because of an effective lack of competition in the Canadian marketplace, big wireless providers are not motivated to unlock phones, unlike carriers in most other countries. read more......>
Metrolinx and Bombardier sign contract for LRVs
THUNDER BAY, ON --- June 14, 2010 ---- Bombardier Transportation 
announced today that it has signed an agreement with Metrolinx for the exercise of 182 option vehicles, included in the June 2009 contract. The agreement is valued at approximately $770 million CDN ($745 million US, 617 million euros). Deliveries of these vehicles are scheduled to take place between 2013 and 2020. Under the agreement, up to an additional 118 vehicles could be ordered at a later date.
Thunder Bay - Residents of Thunder Bay and area now have a brighter future thanks to a contract signed between Metrolinx and Bombardier. read more.....>
Wind Turbines for Minnesota
Duluth, Minn.— August 16, 2010 ----- When the *BBC Ems arrived in the 
Port of Duluth marked a significant milestone for Minnesota Power’s wind development project that spans two states.
The BBC Ems is carrying wind turbine equipment destined for the company's 76-megawatt Bison 1 Wind Energy Center now under construction near New Salem, North Dakota. On board the ship are 16 nacelles and 16 rotor hubs that are integral components of the first phase of Bison. Manufactured at a Siemens facility in Brande, Denmark, the equipment was shipped from the port of Aarhus. read more......>