Algoma Central Corp. chief executive officer Gregg Ruhl says the company's efforts to support employees, such as Capt. Danny McCormick, means many of its workers spend their entire career with the company.
Algoma Central photo
Niagara College has been named a top employer in Hamilton-Niagara. Here are some of their equity, diversity and inclusion employee catalysts.
Niagara College photo
Algoma Central Corp. president and chief executive officer Gregg Ruhl.
Algoma Central Corp. chief executive officer Gregg Ruhl says the company's efforts to support employees, such as Capt. Danny McCormick, means many of its workers spend their entire career with the company.
In the wild, bears are mostly a solitary creature. But at Algoma Central Corp., the bear means family.
For the second year in a row, the marine transportation company that’s headquartered in Niagara made it onto the list of top employers in Hamilton-Niagara. Mediacorp Canada Inc. runs the Canada’s Top 100 Employers project each year, highlighting companies and organizations that treat their workers well within a variety of metrics that include financial, atmosphere and work-life balance.
Algoma Central Corp. president and chief executive officer Gregg Ruhl.
Metroland file photo
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There were 25 employers in Hamilton-Niagara recognized.
Gregg Ruhl, president and chief executive officer of Algoma, said there’s a motto within the company about having pride in the bear, referencing Algoma’s logo. And while it's not seeking recognition wit h itsemployee programs, it’s a good reminder it's on the right track.
“I'm certainly proud of it. I sent it to my mom. My wife sent it to our kids,” he said.
As working patterns evolve, Ruhl said Algoma has had to change, too. Because many of their jobs require specialized skills and knowledge, employees who stick around are gold.
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“Longevity of employees is important … we want people to come and stay.”
One area Ruhl said the company has focused on in recent years is diversity. And it’s paying dividends.
“We have a diversity of thought. We have a diversity of experience,” he said.
And that push for diversity and inclusion is something he said starts at the top.
“Personally I have grown in that area … I think, just because I'm the CEO, it doesn't mean I'm not subject to the same training and the same development. And I have come a long way myself.”
Ruhl said diversity and inclusion is an ethical and moral question, but it's also a financial decision. “It's nice to know that it's also good for business, for the bottom line.”
Niagara College was also selected as a top employer. Its commitment to health by providing subsidized access to an online fitness facility, a strong maternal and parental leave top-up program, and strong retirement support were listed as some of the reasons.
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Niagara College has been named a top employer in Hamilton-Niagara. Here are some of their equity, diversity and inclusion employee catalysts.
Niagara College photo
“Being welcoming, passionate, trail-blazing and student focused are special organizational strengths that make Niagara College such a remarkable place to work,” said college president Sean Kennedy in a press release.
“This recognition as a top employer is a testament to employee excellence and our institution’s commitment to inclusivity, professional development and collaboration.”
A new flower shop has opened in Beamsville. Mint and Magnolia celebrated the opening of its King Street location recently.
Jade Maloney started her company as a wedding florist in 2016, operating out of a rural studio. She now moves to the storefront in Beamsville, and will be stocking the shop with other gift items and doing fresh bouquets on Fridays and Saturdays. More will be offered in the coming months when spring arrives.
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Maloney is a graduate of the Canadian Institute of Floral Design and studied floral design at Niagara College. Most recently she studied under Steve Moore at a Sinclair and Moore workshop.
The shop is at 4943 King St., and is open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays. For more information, visit mintandmagnolia.ca.
GOOD VIBES IN FORT ERIE
Sticking with the floral theme, at the other end of the region, Fort Erie celebrated the grand opening of Green Vibes Floral Garden on Garrison Road.
The store specializes in unique gifts, florals, houseplants and trees. It can provide same-day service as well.
A new program with Downtown Association of St. Catharines will make life a little easier for people who have a hard-to-shop-for type on their list.
Downtown St. Catharines gift cards are now available and redeemable at dozens of locations, including food and drink establishments and retail shops. You could even use one to get dental work done.
Downtown gift cards can be picked up at the association office, 80 King St., Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or at mydowntown.ca. The website also provides a full list of stores and shops where the gift cards can be redeemed.
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