In The News

As reported by Science Daily, a team of University of Toronto scientists have discovered how to substantially reduce the cost of solar energy. The breakthrough could mean a proliferation of the already inexpensive technology.

"The researchers have invented a solar panel that uses inexpensive nickel in the place of gold, One of the most promising technologies for making inexpensive but reasonably efficient solar photovoltaic cells just got much cheaper. Scientists at the University of Toronto in Canada have shown that inexpensive nickel can work just as well as gold for one of the critical electrical contacts that gather the electrical current produced by their colloidal quantum dot solar cells."

"The change to nickel can reduce the cell's already low material costs by 40 to 80 percent, says Lukasz Brzozowski, the director of the Photovoltaics Research Program in Professor Ted Sargent's group. They present their research in the July 12, 2010 issue of Applied Physics Letters, which is published by the American Institute of Physics (AIP)."

"Quantum dots are nanoscale bits of a semiconductor material that are created using low-cost, high-throughput chemical reactions in liquid solutions. Since their properties vary according to their size, quantum dots can be made to match the illumination spectrum. Half of all sunlight, for example, is in the infrared wavelengths, most of which cannot be collected by silicon-based solar cells. Sargent's group has pioneered the design and development of quantum dot solar cells that gather both visible and infrared light. They have reached a power-conversion efficiency as high as 5 percent and aim to improve that to 10 percent before commercialization."

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original source Science Daily

The Huffington Post interviews Debbie Baxter, VP of Corporate Sustainability for the Toronto-based company LoyaltyOne. Baxter has spearheaded a number of green initiatives at LoyaltyOne--a company that advises business on customer loyalty prgorams--earning her two green awards in the past year. An excerpt from the interview:

"Tell me about some of LoyaltyOne's sustainability initiatives."

"We have a passionate environmentalist as leader (Bryan Pearson, President and CEO), and that makes all the difference. But much of what we do begins in a grassroots way: people suggest and we respond. All the things you might imagine, like a recycling program that diverts up to 90 percent of all waste, and an environmental fair to help people learn about the issues and green products and services.

We've partnered with local transit authorities so that employees can take public transit to work -- and when our people told us that meetings in the middle of the day meant they still had to drive downtown, we struck a deal with a local autoshare company, and now team members drive around in branded Smart cars. Plus, by the end of this year, 85 percent of our staff will be working in LEED certified spaces (LEED is an internationally recognized green building certification system, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council). Our Mississauga-based Customer Care Centre is a LEED gold building. And the solar system on its roof is the largest of its kind in Canada."

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original source Huffington Post

The Toronto Star writes on entrepreneur Gregory Allen, the founder of Gregory Allen Co. a successful Toronto-based men's clothing line. Allen, who launched his company in 2003, has made a name for himself by designing clothing that combines classic tailoring with a streetwear flair. Gregory Allen Co. is currently available in Toronto and Montreal but Allen has plans to expand his company both within Canada and internationally.

"Allen's customers vary widely in age. "When I started off it was anyone from 25 to 40," Allen says. Nowadays, his customers include both 18-year-olds who want custom-made shirts to match their sneakers and 50-year-olds who want to look hip."

"Regardless of their age, Allen's customers share a desire to be unique, the designer says. Clothing by the Gregory Allen Co. "is for an individual that likes to be different from the rest," the designer says. That's why Allen takes his time to ensure whatever he designs "is going to be something you wouldn't see regularly, something a little different from the norm."

"As his name grows, Allen's goals continue to evolve. A few years ago, his short-term goal was to get his pieces into a high-end store. With that accomplished, he is now focused on developing a plan for getting his pieces into boutiques across Canada."

"Eventually, he'd like to open Gregory Allen stores in other major Canadian cities. And his vision doesn't end at the border."

"My goal is to make a great international Canadian brand," he says. He hopes that like BlackBerry and outerwear company Canada Goose, Gregory Allen becomes a household name both in Canada and abroad."

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original source Toronto Star

The Globe & Mail writes on Toronto's  many "chefpreneurs"--not only renowned for their ability in the kitchen these chefs are retailers, host shows, and create their own brand of packaged foods.  

"For many people, Mark McEwan is best known as the chef of three high-end Toronto restaurants and for his behind-the-white-tablecloths television show, The Heat, currently in its second season on the Food Network. Next year, he will take on the role of head judge of Top Chef Canada."

"But this summer he marked his first anniversary as a retailer: McEwan Foods, a 22,000-square-foot gourmet grocery in North Toronto, has become a destination for those who want to recreate elements of the McEwan dining experience at home. There's the smoked salmon he serves at North 44 and platters of roast beets and braised short ribs like the ones on the menu at One. All stand out with the distinctive white and plum label that bears his name."

"I tell you, it was daunting," says Mr. McEwan, who is now eyeing a downtown outpost. "It was the hardest thing I've ever orchestrated."

"He may have the most square footage, but Mr. McEwan is far from the only Canadian chef adding to his already full plate. Marc Thuet has four Le Petit Thuet locations across Toronto, where artisanal breads and terrines are popular, and Vancouver's Vikram Vij sells packaged Indian meals from his Rangoli restaurant as well as at locations across Canada."

"�For Toronto's Eran Marom, it's not about brand but demand. This week, he is opening a counter at the front of his Toronto restaurant, Marron, where customers can buy kosher charcuterie during non-dining hours. The customer demand for his terrines, duck prosciutto and veal hams was too much to ignore. But he plans to grow small. "I'm not interested in big production; we're trying to slow down everything," he says, referring to the slow-food movement."

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original source Globe & Mail

The New York Times reports on the flood of Toronto-produced television shows that have been picked up by American networks. Three of CBS and ABC's summer dramas have been purchased from Canadian networks.

"American fans of scripted network television this summer can thank Canada."

"The deals with counterparts to the north started during the writers' strike in 2007-8, when networks in the United States were desperate for fresh material. At that time CBS picked up "Flashpoint," a police drama from the Canadian network CTV that is now in its third season and is shown in both countries."

"Until "Flashpoint," no Canadian series had also been shown in the United States since "Due South" in 1994 � and it only lasted one season in the states."

"Last year two Canadian imports, "The Listener" on NBC and "Defying Gravity" on ABC, both flopped. But the networks have tried again this summer, with "The Bridge" on CBS and "Rookie Blue" on ABC."

"Displaying confidence in the cross-border approach, ABC and its partner, Canwest Broadcasting, renewed "Rookie Blue" for a second season last week, although it has averaged only 4.2 million viewers in the United States. At that rating, the return on investment was sufficient."

"Ms. Boyce said she expected that Canadian shows, having found a foothold here in the summer, would eventually start to appear on the more-prominent fall schedules as well."

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original source New York Times

Scarpetta, the main restaurant in Toronto's newest luxury hotel, The Thompson, celebrated its official opening last week. The Huffington Post has published an "Open Letter to Toronto", from the man behind the famous restaurant, celebrity chef Scott Conant. In it Conant explains that the city's abundance of local food and thriving culinary scene made the decision to bring his restaurant enterprise to Toronto a no-brainer.

"...So there I was, Toronto. Eating some of the best culatello and prosciutto I've ever had, amongst thoughtful and kind people, I decided -- I've got to come to this city. It just made sense. Your people love food -- and that's really all I need."

"I know, I know, I'm an outsider. It's stressful enough opening up a restaurant around the corner from my apartment, and here I am in another country. Of course I'm worried, but at the end of the day, I simply try to make honest, delicious food. My other basic principle is to simply make the customer happy."

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original source Huffington Post

The National Post looks at the success of Smoke's Poutinerie; launched in Toronto only 18 months ago the fast-food chain of poutine restaurants is about to open its 10th franchise location.

"Anywhere where there are hungry university students, you will find Ryan Smolkin. "That's my feasibility," he says."

"The 36-year-old entrepreneur launched a fast-food chain of poutine restaurants in Toronto 18 months ago and the growth has been insatiable. "It just exploded on me," Mr. Smolkin says. "I was immediately in expansion mode."

"He says the problem isn't finding an appetite for his product, rather its finding money to fuel rapid expansion. Despite a track record as a successful entrepreneur -- he's launched and sold several companies, maintaining a spotless credit rating -- the big banks told him he was growing too quickly for them."

"So, like a growing number of franchisors, he is turning to the private-equity market to seek growth capital."

"For the first time, I've started considering equity investment and alternative sources of finance," he says, adding the offers have been piling up. "I've been holding them back, but just in the last little while ...it's good timing."

"Private-equity firms, while still not the primary source of financing for franchise growth, are showing an increasing interest in franchising: It's relatively stable, the model has been proven and there is an opportunity for long-term cash flow."

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original source National Post

As reported by the Toronto Star, Toronto is on its way to becoming a hub of 3D film production. It is predicted that within two years almost every feature film will be made in 3D and a number of Toronto companies-including Don Carmody Productions, Cinespace Film Studios and Creative Post Inc.- have the expertise and facilities to fill the demand for content.

"With the Canadian dollar at par eroding Toronto's competitive advantage as a place to shoot, many in the industry are banking on 3D technology to restore its edge.Spending by U.S. film and TV production companies on locations in fell 25 per cent over a five-year period ending in 2008 to $79.4 million as the dollar soared to 94 cents U.S from 71 cents U.S., according to the Toronto Film & Television Office. Total spending was down 23 per cent year over year to $610 million, the Toronto office also reports."

"That trend reversed in Ontario last year after the government announced more generous tax credits. Total spending by the film and television industry jumped 41 per cent to $946.5 million, according to the Ontario Media Development Corp."

"Still, industry members say it will be critical to offer 3D facilities, expertise and training, as well."

"One of our major (film location) competitors is Detroit because they have massive, massive tax credits there. But they haven't done a 3D movie," says Don Carmody, executive producer, whose credits include Resident Evil: AfterLife."

"That means Toronto can offer something Detroit can't, including trained crew, sets, cameras, lighting and other 3D equipment."

"There are several areas where Canada is at the head of the pack or definitely in the mix," Carmody says. more generous tax credits. Total spending by the film and television industry jumped 41 per cent to $946.5 million, according to the Ontario Media Development Corp."

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original source Toronto Star

The Huffington Post has declared Toronto "the hot new destination for all things crazy, sexy, cool". The article points to Toronto's  mix of "trendy" and unique neighbourhoods--including West Queen, Ossington and Kensington Market--as the city's main draw. Toronto is also celebrated for embracing public art projects and for its diverse culinary scene.

"Although the Toronto skyline is dotted with a dizzying array of towering glass residential developments, it is the renewal of the once dodgy but now trendy West Queen, Ossington and King West neighborhoods that have visitors buzzing about the galleries, custom clothing boutiques, restaurants and specialty stores. As a reference consider these districts to be Toronto's Brooklyn."

"Moving further along you will discover the beating heart of the city lies in Kensington Market, Little Italy, Chinatown, Little Portugal, Greektown, and Little India. It is in these neighborhoods that you will see, feel and taste the vibrant mash-up of globalization and daily life coming together."

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original source Huffington Post

The New York Times Travel Section has given Toronto's Porter Airlines a rave review. The article commends the boutique airline for its comfortable seats, good service, proximity to downtown and flexible booking structure.

"Typically, short-haul commercial flights are something to be endured, not enjoyed. In the case of Porter Airlines, however, getting there is half the fun. The Toronto-based boutique fleet's comfy leather seats and seamless service come at the cost of coach but feel like flying private."

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original source New York Times

Total Telecom writes on Toronto's emergence as a global hotbed of mobile application development. Toronto is home to over 200 mobile-apps companies making the city "one of the world's biggest clusters of mobile-application [development] this side of Silicon Valley."

"Proximity to several schools with world class computer-science and design programs, such as the University of Waterloo and the Ontario College of Art & Design, is one reason for Toronto's emergence as a mobile-apps hub. Availability of public and private-sector funding is another, as is access to entrepreneurs and engineers who cut their teeth working at or with Blackberry maker Research In Motion Ltd.(RIMM), whose headquarters are just one hour west of Toronto in Waterloo, Ont."

"When RIM is in your community and you get a chance to work with them at an early stage in your career, it opens up a world of possibility in terms of understanding what you can do with smartphones," said Marlon Rodrigues, a University of Waterloo alumnus who worked at RIM on a student-placement program before co-founding Polar."

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original source Total Telecom

The Toronto Star feature entrepreneurs Erin Green and Marni Sky co-founders of the Toronto-based start-up Maven � Business Matchmakers. The company, which connects small businesses with highly skilled experts, was launched on June 1st and is already profitable. 

"Maven matches small businesses with highly skilled experts who can take a business to the next level. Maven's network of professionals features freelance consultants and boutique agencies in Toronto that specialize in a variety of fields including public relations, human resources, distribution, capital funding, and IT system management."

"Meeting with Green and Sky doesn't cost a small business anything. Maven earns revenue by taking a cut from the vendor side but only if a deal happens. "It's a win-win for our clients because it costs them nothing to tap into our network but for the vendors, it's a win-win too because they don't have to pay us unless they actually get a job," Sky says."

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original source Toronto Star

According to the Globe & Mail, Toronto may become the home of Radio City Music Hall's first satellite venue outside of New York City. While no deal is yet confirmed there is speculation that the famous New York theatre will become a tenant of Woodbine Live, the 81 hectares entertainment complex slated to be completed in Rexdale by 2013.

"The developers behind Woodbine Live, a massive entertainment complex slated to open in Rexdale in 2013, are in discussions with Madison Square Garden Inc. to open a theatre under the Radio City brand, sources say."

"If the deal goes ahead, Radio City would anchor the $1-billion Woodbine Live project, one of the largest and most ambitious urban developments in Toronto's history."

"The Woodbine Entertainment Group, which owns the racetrack and casino on Rexdale Boulevard near Highway 427, has partnered with Baltimore-based Cordish Companies to transform 81 hectares of underdeveloped land near the track into a new entertainment destination."

"If the Radio City deal goes through, the theatre is slated to be part of a complex that will include caf�s, nightclubs, a skating rink, heated outdoor sidewalks, a 400-metre canal, a 600-room four-star hotel, a 16-screen cinema and a 100,000-square-foot conference centre when it opens in three years."

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original source Globe & Mail

Inc. Magazine has named Torontonian Sarah Prevette one of North America's Top 30 entrepreneurs Under 30. Prevette, 28, is the founder of Sprouter. Launched last November, Sprouter is an online community that brings entrepreneurs together for socializing and tip sharing.

"Using a Twitter-like format, Sprouter is a place online where entrepreneurs can socialize, share tips, and ask questions in a rapid-fire, short-attention-span fashion. Users leverage the site for a variety of needs, from getting peer feedback on their product ideas to learning the best practices for developing metrics for sales teams, to gleaning insight from other founders on pitching specific investors, and requesting introductions to media, potential corporate partners or investors. "Users support one another, motivate each other and help with day-to-day questions or concerns," Prevette says."

"Fifteen thousands users had registered on the site as of February, the last time the company disclosed numbers, and two angel investors in Canada have invested in the business. Prevette plans to make money by selling ad space in its e-newsletter, Sprouter Weekly, and by making introductions between investors and start-ups. (The site will always be free for entrepreneurs, Prevette promises.) "

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original source Inc. Magazine

As reported by the Toronto Star a bike parking lot has replaced 2 on-street car spaces along Spandia Avenue. A space that formally served 2 vehicles now serves 16. The new racks, located directly out-front of the Centre for Social Innovation have been well-used by tenants and others since their installation early last week.

"As part of a city pilot project, two on-street car parking spots along Spadina have been converted into a small bike parking lot with two racks, each with eight spaces."

"It's exciting. It looks great. The racks were filled right away," said Tonya Surman, executive director of the Centre for Social Innovation (CSI), one of the tenants inside the building where the racks were installed Tuesday."

"You would get to the front of the building and try to park your bike before work, but couldn't find any spots at all. Every indoor rack was full. About 75 to 80 per cent of the tenants bike in the summer. So we requested more racks from the city."

"The CSI and a couple other organizations sent a letter to local city Councillor Adam Vaughan a year and a half ago, suggesting the conversion. The racks, Surman says, will be removed before winter, when demand decreases."

"It's a real look into the future, not just the cycling revolution in this city, but around the world," Surman said. "I drive my car in the winter. This is about people realizing how space and infrastructure need to be used in the new urban future."

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original source Toronto Star