Posts

The Rostie Group now offers Social Media services!

We are pleased to announce a new line up of services that we will be offering. You can now have our experienced marketing team coordinate your social media activities. We can work with you to customize social media plans that will meet your unique requirements. We are here to make social media marketing simple for you!

 

New-Rostie-Group-Services---Sep-24--3

Thanks for my Sight Night – 25th Anniversary of the Eye Foundation of Canada

Thanks for my Sight Night

The Rostie Group is a proud supporter of the Eye Foundation of Canada and would like to invite you to the EFC’s annual Gala – Sight Night! Our very own Charles Anderson recently travelled to India for a pioneering eye surgery and we want to bring attention to and support the Eye Foundation of Canada. Eyesight is often taken for granted but it is something quite precious that we must acknowledge and support. Charles will be speaking at the Eye Foundation’s Sight Night about his journey and we would love to invite you to attend.

WHY?

  • Sight preservation does more to maintain the quality of our lives than anything else.
  • The number one cause of blindness in adults is diabetes.
  • The risk of getting cataracts severe enough to restrict driving ability by age 80 is almost 100%.
  • Vision is precious to each and every one of us.

WHERE? Montecassino Woodbridge (140 Jevlan Drive)

Sight Night

Antipasto Bar – 6:30 PM
Dinner – 7:30 PM
Open Bar
Silent Auction & Raffles
Music & Dancing
Tickets: $125.00 per person

The Eye Foundation of Canada (EFC):

  • EFC has raised community awareness by organizing The Toronto Glaucoma Initiative (TGI) and “Sight Days with the Blue Jays” in collaboration with CNIB. EFC has also sponsored several in-house ophthalmic research studies and funded external research grants in diverse areas of ophthalmology.
  • Since 1991, EFC awards summer scholarships to outstanding medical students to encourage them to pursue academic careers in ophthalmology. A joint western EFC branch was established in Calgary and Edmonton in 2012 to better serve the Prairies and British Columbia. To date, over 30 of Canada’s leading ophthalmologists owe their start to your generous donations to EFC. In fact, Sight Night and other EFC efforts have raised over $1,000,000 to preserve eyesight! To continue its success, The Eye Foundation of Canada needs your support at Sight Night 2014. Sight Night is an opportunity to meet interesting people over a delicious meal with entertainment.

The tickets can be purchased here!

sightnight india

Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum! – Talk Like a Pirate Day

talk like a pirate

Toronto’s Waterfront Workspace and Conference Centre was under siege by buccaneers for International Talk like a Pirate Day! There was plunder from sunken ships in the lounge, including a treasure chest filled with sweet treats for all. Our team was dressed in their best pirate attire while practicing their “Yars!” in good spirits.

Speaking of good spirits, the winner of our Funniest Pirate Joke Contest is Phil from PMC Specialist Recruiting Solutions! Check out his joke after the jump!

Why did the pirate have red eyes? Because he had too much seaweed!

A jolly good time was had by all!

The Rostie Group ranked as 1 of top 10 Virtual Office Solutions by BlogTO

banner5Rostie Group
Rostie Group is located down at the foot of Bay St., at Queen’s Quay, at 20 Bay St. Their virtual services include a “live receptionist,” mail handling, and meeting room and office space. Plans range from $69 per month, which includes use of the address for mail purposes, fax and courier services, all the way to a more comprehensive package at $199 per month, which includes phone answering, access to the lounge area and meeting rooms, and presentation and office supplies.

 

Visit BlogTO For the full article.

logo

Quick Facts about Green Retrofitting

Contributor: Mahtot GebresselassieICL Project Management Solutions

Green retrofits are becoming more popular than new green construction. They are a less risky investment because there is no cost to build the main components of the building. Green retrofits are also more efficient in that they use minimal to no new natural resources to construct the components of the building.

green-retrofit-graphic

Weather Beacon at Canada Life, at 330 University Avenue, Toronto. The green upgrade from incandescent light to LED (light emitting diode) is to reduce energy consumption.  Click here for photo credit:  LeftRight 

This article explores quick facts that will help you better acquaint yourself with green retrofitting. We recommend that you review the table below to appreciate fully the benefits of green retrofitting by understanding buildings, their consumption of resources, and their effects on humans and their surroundings.

 Table

Click here for source.

What are some of the green aspects of buildings? Physical building components, design of the buildings, systems of operation, and interior spaces.

What are some specific examples of green-ness? Proximity to transit infrastructure; building materials that have good insulation and low emission of harmful substances; alternative energy sources; double plumbing to use rain water or grey water; roof gardens; and interior garden walls.   Architects' Office

Retrofitted interior of Adamson Associates Architects Toronto Office, 401 Wellington Street East. LEED EB: O& M certified. Click here for photo credit.

What is green retrofitting? Remodeling or upgrading partially or fully occupied building interiors and exteriors with green elements and systems without interrupting the daily routines of the occupants. Green retrofitting can be done piecemeal, i.e. small-size green update at a time. However, comprehensive retrofits, though more expensive initially, are more effective over the long term as the coordination of green elements and systems results in their increased combined benefits.

What are the benefits of green retrofitting? Lower cost of operating buildings; improved quality of spaces, for example, through natural lighting; gain in floor area (in some instances) due to the replacement of bulky mechanical equipment and building materials with thin variety; improved corporate image in social responsibility; tax credits and government incentives; lessened impact on infrastructure; efficient use of natural resources; and lessened ecological impact.

Are new buildings greener than retrofitted? No. In fact, using existing buildings is more resource-efficient than new green construction; it doesn’t use new resources for the building components and the construction process. In addition, green retrofits are a safer investment than new green construction as there is no cost for the construction of the main components of buildings.

First Canadian Place                                               Before retrofitting                        After retrofitting

First Canadian Place, 100 King Street West, Toronto, ON M5X 1A9, Retrofitted building, LEED-EB: O&M. The marble cladding was replaced with green cladding. Click here for photo credit. LeftRight 

What are the disadvantages/challenges of green retrofitting? The initial cost of green retrofitting or building a new green building maybe high; there is an uncertainty factor in terms of what you might encounter inside an existing building (inside walls, roofs); there is no guarantee that building retrofits increase property value; industry professionals are not very well versed in greet retrofitting; the benefit of retrofitted buildings is in reducing operating costs once the relatively expensive retrofitting is done; developers need proof and there doesn’t seem to be a data a lot of data to support the benefits of green retrofits/construction; and potential liability issues could arise in a case of green retrofits not saving on operating costs.

Can retrofitted buildings Certified? There is a specific certification system, LEED EB: O&M, which means LEED for Existing Buildings: Operation and Maintenance.

McMichael

McMichael Canadian Art Centre, 10365 Islington Ave, Kleinburg, Ontario. LEED EB: O&M certified. Click here for photo credit.

 

This article was published originally on ICL Project Management Solutions blog.” 

Sources      

http://www.deloitte.com/assets/Dcom

UnitedStates/Local%20Assets/Documents/us_re_Dollars_Sense_Retrofits_190608_.pdf

http://www.westerninvestor.com/index.php/news/55-features/918-deep-green-retrofits

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/02/realestate/commercial/02deutsche.html?_r=0

https://www.esbnyc.com/documents/sustainability/uli_building_retro_fits.pdf

http://www.dcnonl.com/article/id48227/–expansion-of-ldquogreenrdquo-retrofits-expected

http://www.cagbc.org/leed/projectprofile_EN.aspx

http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/greenbuilding/basics.htm

http://greenliving.about.com/od/architecturedesign/tp/green_buildings.htm

http://www.epa.gov/greenbuilding/pubs/faqs.htm#1

http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1208381/iconic-canada-life-weather-beacon-goes-green                        

Men’s Fashion Week is coming to Toronto. Have you met TOM*?

Just Sultan - Toronto Mens Fashion Week

TOM* – Toronto Men’s Fashion Week is a celebration of the best in Canadian Menswear, showcasing established and pioneering menswear designers and brands. Toronto is the 8th Men’s Fashion week in the world joining the ranks of London, Paris, Milan, Florence, Singapore, Vancouver and Los Angeles.

TOM* will feature The Menswear Collections by the country’s most iconic and innovative designers, as well as top menswear brands and shops.  Among the many highlights is the launch of the EMDA- Emerging Menswear Designer Menswear Award, in partnership with the Toronto Fashion Incubator. The $10,000 grand prize winner is chosen from a group of 5 finalists, by a distinguished panel of judges on the final night of TOM*. The judges include Canadian designer David Dixon, Susan Langdon and Declan Eytan of Vogue Italia.

The centre has been bustling with activity as our client designer Sultan Sandur prepares to pre-launch his bold and playful men’s accessory line ‘Just Sultan’ at TOM*. It’s exciting to see all the work in progress. Be sure to check out some of the shows and the Just Sultan Pop-up Boutique from August 12-14, 2014 at the Fairmount Royal York! 

Tickets available at: www.tomfw.com/tickets

For more information about Sultan’s line ‘Just Sultan’, please visit: www.justsultan.com

Just-Sultan-Paul-Steward-Photography--10 

The job offer, or “I got what I wanted and now I don’t know what to do!”

Job offer

Contributor:  Pamela Inglis, Recruiter – Rostie & Associates.

There you are with an offer in hand – you’ve gone through however many rounds of interviews with your trusty recruiter by your side.  You’re all excited, you’ve closed the deal –  and now you’re not sure.

It happens all the time.  It’s what you do about it, and why, that matters.

This is when you have to take a deep breath and decide what you really want.  Your best friend can’t tell you, your parents can’t tell you, and your recruiter can’t tell you.  Much as we would like to!

You made the decision to pursue another opportunity for a reason (s).  Now you just have to remember what those reasons were.  Maybe you were no longer challenged in your current role, a bit bored?  Maybe your earning potential was limited?  Perhaps it was just time to make a change.  Whatever the reason, there was one.

From a recruiters perspective we obviously don’t want you to turn down the job, but, believe it or not, we don’t want you taking a job that’s not right for you.  That being said, we also don’t want to see you missing out on a fantastic opportunity because you’re feeling a bit nervous or unsure.

Now is the time to really think about what brought you to this point, where you see yourself going if you stay in your current position and where you think the new one may take you.

If, in the end, you decide to turn down the offer, your recruiter should be the first to know.  Of course they will be disappointed, and of course they will try to talk you out of it, but will respect your decision.  It is only right that you would speak directly with the client as well, they offered you the job, but by giving your recruiter the heads up, you allow them the opportunity to minimize “damage” with their client.

Don’t forget, your relationship with your recruiter should be long-lasting – not a one night stand.   So be up front and they’re sure to call you again…..

 

 

Client Testimonial – 1Go Media

1GO Media recently made The Rostie Group their new home. Here is what they have to say in this month’s edition of The Waterfront BIA’s e-Newsletter:

Client Testimonial from 1gomedia

Read the entire August 2014 Ripple e-newsletter here…

When a Recruiter Calls…

Randa logo

Contributor:  Pamela Inglis, Recruiter – Rostie & Associates

You know the call, as soon as you hear it’s a recruiter on the other end of the phone there’s a good chance that the first thing you say is “thanks, but I’m not looking”. Fair enough. The majority of the people we call are happy in their current role. But does that mean you shouldn’t take a few minutes to find out what they’re calling about? It may not be for you but perhaps you have a friend that’s on the market or maybe, just maybe, it’s your dream job.

It may not be the time for you to make a move, maybe not the right role, but why not take a few minutes and get to know us a little. Hopefully you’ll never be in the position where you have to find another job, but eventually you may want to. And we’ll be here…waiting for your call.

Construction Updates for the Waterfront Area and Southcore

Waterfront-Toronto

Waterfront Toronto was kind enough to update us about the  following construction advisories and road restrictions in the area and we would like to pass them on to you.

Construction News

Rees Street Intersection Re-Opening
The Rees Street intersection will re-open the morning of Tuesday, July 22.  Crews will continue working east of Rees Street to Lower Simcoe, pouring concrete for the new road base in preparation of the asphalt paving in the next two weeks.

New Roadway Construction
A traffic shift was implemented late last week which moved westbound Queens Quay traffic onto the new TTC right-of way from the Ellis-Don/RBC driveway, through the York intersection, and to the 207 Queens Quay west drive way. This traffic shift allows crews this week to begin excavations for both the north side (new roadway), and the southside curb lane (landscape and Martin Goodman Trail work), east of York Street.

Weekend Work: July 19/20
There will be crews working at several locations this weekend:

  • Rees Street to Lower Simcoe: Final details for intersection re-opening and continued sub-base and road preparations to Lower Simcoe.
  • Spadina Loop area: Overhead cabling work TTC crews.
  • Westin Hotel: Crews will be power washing and cleaning the granite pavers along the front promenade at the Westin Hotel this Saturday.

For information, please contact Robert Pasut, Eastern Construction at (416) 505-3073.

Ongoing Construction Updates

TTC Track Installation: Crews will continue final track work in the following areas:

  • Spadina to Yo Yo Ma Lane: Crews will continue with excavations and begin to prepare and form the sub-base for concrete and the installation of the remaining streetcar rails.
  • 85 Harbour Street to the Bay Street Portal: Crews have completed the final concrete pour and set of rails in this area. New TTC tracks now run from the Bay Street Portal through to 390 Queens Quay.
  • Shoppers Drug Mart to Peter Slip Bridge: This week, a small section of the TTC corridor has been exposed for TTC crews to install the rail lubricator pads.

Spadina Loop Reconstruction: TTC Overhead Cabling crews will continue their work to install the grid of cables in this area. Crews may work overnight shifts due to traffic constraints in the area.

Granite Installation and Parking Laybys:

  • Bay to York (southside): Last week, crews reached the area by the Scotiabank, and will continue to excavate for the new sub-drains, conduits, and silva cells in the service road. This work began at the southwest corner of Bay Street, and crews will continue to move west to the service entrance of 33 Harbour Square. The service entrance will remain fully operational during this phase of construction work.
  • York and Queens Quay: This week, crews will continue with the excavations at the northwest corner of York and Queens Quay. Work in this area includes the sub-base preparations, installation of tree trenches for two new/additional trees, and the electrical conduits for the new Astral Information pillar.  Crews will also begin to excavate the north and southside curb lanes. The northside work will start east of York Street to the York Ramp Parkette entrance where new catch basins will be installed. The southside curb excavations will start at the southeast corner of York, and the 77/99 Queens Quay condominiums, east to the 55/65 Harbour Square driveway entrance. Old street lights & poles will be removed and replaced with temporary poles on new permanent foundations. A pedestrian diversion path will be created around this southside work zone using the south curb lane. Access to all businesses will be maintained along this area.
  • 208 & 218 Queens Quay Driveway:  Crews have completed the granite installation of this driveway. This week, crews will continue to pour the concrete road base, followed by asphalt and road restorations between York Street and Lower Simcoe. The driveway will re-open once the road surface is paved.
  • Lower Simcoe to Rees Parkette:
    • Northeast corner of Lower Simcoe/Queens Quay: Last week, crews completed 100% of the granite paver installation on the northern portion of the sidewalk area, adjacent the Grill 4 U business. This included the placement of the ADA – Accessibility tiles at the sidewalk/curb interface. The area has now been fully reopened to the public.
    • Northwest corner of Lower Simcoe/Queens Quay: Crews will continue with the excavations for two traffic signal pole footings at this corner of the intersection.
    • 228/230 Queens Quay: The paver work continues at the Rees Street Parkette, where crews will continue with the infill of the second layby with granite pavers. This week, crews are expected to complete the installation of granite pavers in this area, and up to the property line of 250 Queens Quay.
  • Rees Street Parking Lot: Crews have completed the pour of concrete for the removable tree trench covers, and placed the planting soil in the tree trenches. Last week, crews also began to lay the new granite pavers in this area. This work will continue, and is expected to be completed in the next two weeks.
  • HTO Park East: Crews have completed the installation of granite pavers in this area from the Rees WaveDeck west to the EMS/Fire Station driveway. This area will be re-opened to the public once the final landscape details are completed this week.
  • West of Lower Spadina: Crews will continue with roadway excavations, layout, and sub-base preparations, and pour the concrete base structures. Some noise should be expected with these activities. The installation of granite pavers is scheduled to begin this week.

New Roadway Construction Underway: Crews continue rebuilding the new roadway on Queens Quay.

  • Bay Street to York Street: Roadway construction (service laneway) will continue on the southside.
  • York Street/Queens Quay: A traffic shift last week, moved westbound Queens Quay traffic onto the new TTC right-of way in this area. This week, crews will begin to excavate both north and southside curb lanes east of York Street.
  • York Street to Lower Simcoe: The concrete base slab between York and Simcoe will continue to be formed and poured, followed by new asphalt paving.
  • Lower Simcoe to Rees: Crews will continue with the concrete base road preparation which includes the form and pour of the concrete base slab in this area, in advance of the asphalt resurfacing.

Telecommunications Work:  Distinct Technical Cable Services crews (sub-contractor for Rogers, Cogeco, and Allstream) will continue work at the 350 Queens Quay/Beer Store and various other locations along the Queens Quay. All work will be performed behind jersey barriers/fast fence with no impacts to pedestrians or traffic.

For more information, please click here to read the complete notice or visit the project webpage – www.waterfrontoronto.ca/constructingqq: