MOVING FORWARDCOMMERCIAL FOOD EQUIPMENT DELIVERED WITH QUALITY CUSTOMER SERVICEPARTNERS IN DEVELOPMENT BUSINESSINFOCUSMAGAZINE.COMSEPTEMBER 2021Do You Currently Import Into Canada? Do You Have A Relationship With A Professional Customs Broker? If Not You’re Missing Out on Great Benets.• E commerce fulllment• Duty and GST quotes prior to import• Canadian and US customs clearances• Well versed with the importation of construction equipment (concrete pump trucks & machines)• Low value and courier shipment clearances• Credit terms • Consultations • Treat all our accounts like VIPs• Well versed with free trade agreements• Every shipment imported goes through an internal trade compliance to ensure proper duties and GST are being paid WHAT WE OFFER: At Parkwood & Cavanaugh, we are a small family-owned brokerage with BIG brokerage feels. Do You Currently Import Into Canada? Do You Have A Relationship With A Professional Customs Broker? If Not You’re Missing Out on Great Benets.• E commerce fulllment• Duty and GST quotes prior to import• Canadian and US customs clearances• Well versed with the importation of construction equipment (concrete pump trucks & machines)• Low value and courier shipment clearances• Credit terms • Consultations • Treat all our accounts like VIPs• Well versed with free trade agreements• Every shipment imported goes through an internal trade compliance to ensure proper duties and GST are being paid WHAT WE OFFER: At Parkwood & Cavanaugh, we are a small family-owned brokerage with BIG brokerage feels. EDITOR’S CORNERDo You Currently Import Into Canada? Do You Have A Relationship With A Professional Customs Broker? If Not You’re Missing Out on Great Benets.• E commerce fulllment• Duty and GST quotes prior to import• Canadian and US customs clearances• Well versed with the importation of construction equipment (concrete pump trucks & machines)• Low value and courier shipment clearances• Credit terms • Consultations • Treat all our accounts like VIPs• Well versed with free trade agreements• Every shipment imported goes through an internal trade compliance to ensure proper duties and GST are being paid WHAT WE OFFER: At Parkwood & Cavanaugh, we are a small family-owned brokerage with BIG brokerage feels. Do You Currently Import Into Canada? Do You Have A Relationship With A Professional Customs Broker? If Not You’re Missing Out on Great Benets.• E commerce fulllment• Duty and GST quotes prior to import• Canadian and US customs clearances• Well versed with the importation of construction equipment (concrete pump trucks & machines)• Low value and courier shipment clearances• Credit terms • Consultations • Treat all our accounts like VIPs• Well versed with free trade agreements• Every shipment imported goes through an internal trade compliance to ensure proper duties and GST are being paid WHAT WE OFFER: At Parkwood & Cavanaugh, we are a small family-owned brokerage with BIG brokerage feels. 3In this issue, author Jessica Ferlaino asks the timely question: ‘What makes a worker essential?’With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, those deemed “essential” spanned a broad range of sectors “con-sidered critical to the mainte-nance and preservation of public health, safety, security, and economic wellbeing,” Jessica writes. And while being on the front lines “meant vastly different things to workers in different professions… something of the same stress was experienced by the grocery store employee [and the health care worker alike].” This stress, and the apprehension that brought it on, was deter-mined by many employers to be worth a certain measure of compensation, and a patchwork of temporary wage increases and bonus programs popped up in major chains across North America. Many such schemes have since ended, however, and in many sectors wages have remained low even while vacancies remain unfilled, leaving many job-seekers feeling somewhat less than essential.“What the pandemic did,” Jessica writes, “was further highlight systemic inequalities and inefficiencies in the economy.” Some of us could transition easily to working from home; others were left without that choice. Some were well protected and sup-ported at work, and others less so. In Temporarily Essential – The Plight of Essential Workers in the Time of COVID, we take a closer look at the implications such a disruptive force can bring.Tim Hocken EditorSuite 300, 7071 Bayers Rd. | Halifax, NS | B3L 2C2 | CanadaP: 1-647-479-2163 | E: EDITORTim HockenDEPUTY EDITORJaime McKeeCOPY EDITORSThora Smith | Allister HavercroftCONTRIBUTING WRITERSJen Hocken | Nate Hendley | Claire Suttles | William YoungJessica Ferlaino | Pauline Müller | Robert HoshowskyCONTENT TEAM MANAGERTom EnglandSENIOR CONTENT MANAGERBrad Mike BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Erin Wells CONTENT MANAGERSAaron Ferguson | James Corbett | Coleman MerrySALES & MARKETING MANAGERLuke SimmsSALES TEAMPamela Taylor | Kayla Brown | Morgan CulpepperPRODUCTION COORDINATORChantal De BrouwerGRAPHIC DESIGN MANAGERSeverina GachparovaGRAPHIC DESIGNERSLaura Pratt | Ashley DowlingEbic Tristary | Yoana Ilcheva REGIONAL DIRECTORAdam CameronOPERATIONS MANAGERJonathan FisherCONTROLLERJen HamiltonPUBLISHERJeff HockenINSIDE SEPTEMBER MANUFACTURING, ENGINEERING & AUTOMATIONWORKFORCE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 4 Among COVID-19’s many new categories of reality are “essential workers”. They were the ones thrust into the front lines when the economy was all but brought to a halt, responsible for the immediate needs of both economy and community.5BUSINESS IN FOCUS BIOMEDEVICE21 – 22 September, Boston, MABIOMEDevice Boston is the east coast’s must-attend regional event that showcases emerging technologies and trends from cutting-edge engineers, innovative thinkers, and business leaders who impact the progression of the world’s biotechnology. Enjoy live demos and uncover the latest technologies, solutions and market-ready products from more than 200 biomed suppliers, and connect with over 1,500 biomedical device engineers and buyers looking for new business ventures, products, and solutions.For more information INTERNAL BRANDING AND EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT22 – 23 September, Chicago, IL and onlineThe 5th Edition Internal Branding and Employee Engagement Conference brings together end-user experts who will share techniques and lessons learned on how to communicate and implement processes to maximize performance and productivity. This content-focused and inter-active program will afford participants the opportunity to learn from peers confronting challenges and solutions such as managing Return to Office/Work, amplifying Diversity Inclusion and Equity/Social Justice programs, and incorporating Total Wellness initiatives.For more information NATURAL PRODUCTS EXPO EAST22 – 25 September, Philadelphia, PAVirtual Extension kicks off 1 SeptemberNatural Products Expo East is focused on an in-person experience for product discovery, networking, and industry trend discussions, with the addition of online extensions as a resource for those who choose not to travel. The online aspect will be supported on the Natural Products Expo Virtual platform, where attendees can request meetings with exhibitors, view brands’ products and content within the virtual platform, and attend virtual tours and sessions.For more information and to explore all events supported by the Natural Products Expo Virtual platform.SPACE TECH EXPO6 – 8 October, Long Beach, CAReconnect with the space supply chain at the industry’s premier exhibition and conference. Join more than 300 specialist suppliers at America’s leading showcase of space technology and services. The free-to-attend exhibition will showcase the very latest technology from technical designers, sub-systems suppliers, manufacturers and components through to systems integrators for civil, military and commercial space.For more information ssue.CMA SHIPPING13 – 15 October, Stamford, CTPart of North American Shipping Week, CMA Shipping connects the North American shipping community worldwide. Focusing on bringing the industry together after the last two years, this year’s agenda will focus on the lessons learned and the opportunities that lie ahead as trade gets back on track with shipping leading the way. Enjoy presentations and panels across nine different tracks including The Human Element, Insurance, Greener Shipping, Bunkering, Legal & The Shipping Academy, as well as keynotes, shipping association panels and of course, the Commodore Debate.For more information visit: INDUSTRY EVENTS6Are you planning an event relating to North America’s growing Business Industry?To get your event listed in Business in Focus, please contact us at least six to eight weeks before the event takes place at or call 1-647-479-2163INDUSTRY NEWSGLENMARK AND SANOTIZE TO COMMERCIALIZE COVID TREATMENTGlenmark Pharmaceuticals and biotech firm SaNOtize Research and Development Corporation have jointly announced a long-term strategic partnership to manufac-ture, market and distribute a nasal spray COVID treatment in Asian markets. The nitric oxide nasal spray (NONS) proved to be a safe and effective anti-viral treatment to prevent the transmission, shorten the course and reduce the severity of symptoms in the first 24 hours of COVID infection. It can kill the virus in the upper airways, preventing its incubation and spread. The treatment was evaluated in healthy volunteers in Canada and the United Kingdom, and its use reduced the average viral load by around 95 percent in the first 24 hours and greater than 99 percent within 72 hours. WHY GOVERNMENT AID CANNOT BE BLAMED FOR LABOUR SHORTAGE‘Help Wanted’ signs are everywhere you go, and for some, it’s a breath of fresh air and a sign that the economy is returning to strength. To others, it is a reminder that one of the most valuable resources is in high demand. Many people have been quick to blame government assis-tance as the reason for the labour shortage: they feel that people are choosing to stay home and collect support instead of seeking out work. There are even calls to the government to expand the temporary foreign worker program. But the reality is, unemployment rates paint a different picture. According to Stats Canada, the unemployment rate in Canada is around 7.5 percent, a number that can easily be doubled to accommodate the underemployed or those who lost their jobs during COVID. There is a reserve labour pool to draw from, so why are jobs going unfilled? Grocery workers were considered essential during the height of the pandemic, given temporary hourly raises as such. During this time stores still made record profits, proving that higher wages are sustainable, but wages have since gone back to normal and jobs are going unfilled. Why should people work full-time hours and make the same as they would on govern-ment assistance? Where demand for labour is at its highest – hospitality and retail – wages remain historically low. Workers want better pay, more stable hours, decent benefits and improved training and safety standards, and businesses have had to respond by offering perks like signing bonuses. In a free market, when supply is restricted, goods and services become increas-ingly dear, and that is what is happening currently, but some business owners refuse to make wages, and low-wage posi-tions, more attractive. 7INDUSTRY NEWSHOTEL CONSTRUCTION PIPELINE STILL ACTIVE, MARRIOTT LEADS THE WAYAccording to analysts with Lodging Econometrics (LE), in the second quarter of 2021, Marriott International led the construc-tion pipeline with 1,301 projects representing 170,847 rooms, followed by Hilton with 1,216 projects and 139,172 rooms, and InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) with 777 projects and 78,929 rooms. Development opportunities with these three franchises repre-sent a total of 69 percent of all projects in the U.S. construction pipeline, signalling their continued strength. In the first half of 2021, there were 472 new hotel projects and 59,034 new hotel rooms opened in the U.S. Marriott, Hilton and IHG represent 74 percent of those totals. Of the Marriott family of brands, Fairfield Inn is leading the way with 257 projects and 25,051 rooms followed by TownePlace Suites and Residence Inn. Home2Suites by Hilton is the leader under the Hilton umbrella with 379 projects and 39,584 rooms followed by Hampton and Tru by Hilton. Holiday Inn Express is the most active under the IHG name, with 303 projects and 29,055 rooms, followed by Avid Hotels and Staybridge Suites. These projects represent 20 percent of the total number of rooms in the U.S. construction pipeline. The U.S. also had 583 conversion projects representing 63,807 rooms in the second quarter of 2021. Best Western led the way with 116 projects and 10,289 rooms, 20 percent of the market total. Choice Hotels, Marriott and Hilton represented 61 percent of all rooms in the U.S. conversion pipeline, collectively. SQUARE BUYS AFTERPAY FOR $29BSquare, the financial payments company that is best known for its Cash App, will acquire Australia’s ‘pay later’ service Afterpay for USD$29 billion, making it Square’s largest ever acquisition and the largest acquisition of an Australian company. The all-stock deal is set to close in the first quarter of 2022. The companies will merge, a move that is expected to give even the smallest merchants the opportunity to offer ‘buy now, pay later’ services at checkout, dividing the total payment into more manageable installments. This is a more popular approach among the younger population which is averse to credit cards but also prefer e-commerce transactions, especial-ly post-COVID. Currently, 100,000 merchants and more than 16 million customers use Afterpay globally. 8INDUSTRY NEWSSHOPIFY SETS RECORD, SURPASSES $1B IN QUARTERLY REVENUEShopify Inc. is taking advantage of the e-commerce boom, as consumers continue to shop online despite the progressive reopening of the economy. The company posted $1.1 billion in revenue last month, the first time it exceeded the billion-dollar mark in a single quarter. Second quarter sales in the three-month period ending June 30 saw growth of 57 percent over the same time last year. Reported net income came in at $879.1 million or $6.90 per diluted share compared to $36 million last year of $0.29 per diluted share. Shopify expects revenue to continue to increase at a rapid pace as 2021 rounds out. A significant part of the growth is due to an unrealized gain of $778 million on Shopify’s equity investments including its stake in e-commerce company Global-E, which recently went public. It is also seeing growth in gross merchandising value (GMV) as the economy opens, which is a measure of the total value of orders facilitated by the platform. SUPPLY CHAIN DISRUPTIONS CONTINUE TO CHALLENGE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRYSupply chain disruptions, in particular a continued semiconduc-tor chip shortage, are plaguing the automotive industry, impact-ing everything from manufacturers to new and used dealerships and rental agencies as demand for vehicles continues to grow. Manufacturers fear it could be worse than originally anticipated, lasting into the fourth quarter or potentially even 2022. The shortage is the result of an increased demand for electron-ics. As people shifted to work and learn from home scenarios, the need for computers and other electronics grew, leading to a shortage in the market that has impacted automotive manufacturers in particular. As such, some automotive manu-facturers have had to cut back production, instead focusing efforts on larger, more profitable vehicle models. Unfortunately, production has not been able to ramp up as fast as demand for vehicles and other goods has grown. To appease demand, automotive manufacturers have been partially completing vehicles, leaving some components out temporarily for later addition. For instance, GM has cut back wireless cellphone charging options, smart mirrors and heated steering wheels for the time being, compromises most cus-tomers have no issues making. Quarterly earnings reports were revised down, as production cuts were worse than expected. Some companies fully eliminat-ed or withheld production and revenue forecasts for the third quarter because of the persistent challenges and uncertainty.9Next >