It is uncommon that a business survives for 60 years. It is rare that it is owned and operated by three generations of the same family. Last week Gelderman Landscaping Services marked its 60th anniversary with a celebration at its Centre Road headquarters.

Launched by Dutch immigrant Jan Gelderman in 1955 (with just $7.14 worth of tools and a 1948 Willy Jeep), Gelderman Landscape Services now has over 100 employees offering the complete range of landscape services (including snow removal). The company has a satellite office in Breslau (2012) and expanded into Guelph last year.

Founder Jan Gelderman was succeeded by his son Hank. The current owner – Nathan Helder – is Hank’s son-in-law who joined the company in 2006. Hank is the recipient of the FCC’s highest honour – the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Among those bringing greetings, congratulations and best wishes for the future were FCC Executive Director Arend Kersten as well as MP David Sweet, MPP Ted McMeekin, Ward 15 (East Flamborough) Councillor Judi Partridge, Burlington Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Keith Hoey and Executive Director Tony DiGiovanni of Landscape Ontario.

For pictures taken at the celebration, please click HERE.

MORE DAVE CAGE PICTURES

For pictures taken at the dinner honouring the retirement of Executive Director Dave Cage of the Stoney Creek Chamber of Commerce (see last week’s Members Only), please click HERE.

Pictures courtesy of Melissa at www.beecreativ.ca

ALL CANDIDATES DEBATE

In addition to the community All Candidates Debate at Waterdown District High School (WDHS) on Wednesday, October 7, 2015 beginning at 7:30 (in partnership with TV COGECO), the FCC will also host the Flamborough-Glanbrook federal election candidates in a more informal setting at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) located the Harry Howell Arena on Wednesday, September 23 beginning at 7:30 p.m.

This provides a more intimate, casual discussion/debate with the candidates for members of the FCC and their guests. Candidates Mike DiLivio (NDP), Jennifer Stebbing (Liberal) and David Sweet (Conservative) have all confirmed their participation.

If you would like to attend, please inform the FCC office via return email.

PLANNING DIRECTOR JASON THORNE

Thanks to Hamilton’s new Director of Planning and Economic Development Jason Thorne, there seems to be winds of change blowing through City Hall when it comes to reducing ‘red tape’ and streamlining the application process for new commercial and industrial developments.

In order to promote more industrial and commercial development, FCC Executive Director Arend Kersten has been leading the charge calling for a quicker, well-defined approvals process. He has continued his crusade for changes as a member of both the Open For Business Committee and the Government Relations Committee at City Hall.

Last Friday, Arend was invited to meet with Jason for an update on some improvements. Also at the meeting were Bill Janssen (Director, Strategic Services/Special Projects, City of Hamilton) and Norm Schleehahn (Manager, Business Development, Economic Development Department, City of Hamilton).

An impressive number of proposed improvements will be considered when the Open For Business Committee meets later this month. For instance, it used to be policy that a building permit application would not be considered until a site plan was approved for a new development. Now, applications for both will be considered concurrently, potentially saving proponents a considerable time.

Stay tuned!!