King & Benton has become a catalyst for community good news
06/26/2006
BY CLAUDELLE BOUDREAU
FOR THE EXPOSITOR / BRANTFORD
If there's one thing that Steve Charest believes, it's that doing well in business doesn't mean anything if there isn't some kind of good that comes out of it. Lucky for Brantford.
Charest, who is the president and founder of King & Benton, a local development corporation,has played a significant role in the revitalization of several businesses and organizations.
Since its inception more than 10 years ago, King & Benton has had a strong local presence. The company is dedicated to strategic, sustainable development and responsible economic growth. This is clearly a company with a healthy social conscience.
"It is great to be successful in business, but I have learned that at the end of the day your success isn't measured by how much money you have," said Charest in a recent interview. "I had what you could call a 'life-altering' experience about four years ago when my father passed away; since then my motivation has been doing projects with a positive aspect that leave a lasting impression on the communities we work in."
The projects that King & Benton are involved in — from the transformation of local buildings such as the former Work Wear site (now the new YM-YWCA Family Program Centre) and an abandoned factory on Morrell Street (into a thriving business complex) to financial investments in organizations (the Brant County SPCA) and events (Brantford Canada Day Festival) — are all indicative of the company's emergence as a key player in our city.
The $4 million Morrell Street project took place over a six month period in 2005 and was the largest redevelopment project west of the GTA. It was touted by local press as a remarkable transformation, even prompting Counc. Larry Kings to call it a 'miracle'.
King & Benton is currently in advanced negotiations with international partners in the development of approximately 425 acres of industrial land. Located at Oak Park Rd. and Highway 403, it is one of the largest blocks of privately owned industrial land in Canada and will put Brantford 'on the global map', said Charest.
"This is a fabulous story for Brantford. It will assist us to ride fluctuations in the economy by having our own global presence. In my mind, this is an opportunity for Brantford to stand up and announce to the world 'we're back'. It's very exciting."
Charest's enthusiasm for the positive impact of the development on the city is yet another illustration of his belief in investing in the local economy. "This attitude is integral to the success of Brantford. We need to encourage business people and developers to invest in the community as a whole."
The not-for-profit redevelopment of the old Work Wear textiles factory into the brand new YM-YWCA Crosby Cable Family Centre is also a good illustration of this line of thinking. "I believe it's important to take a closer look at our young people today. To show them that it's vital that we connect as a society," said Charest.
Here, we take a look at some recent projects in which King & Benton has played a
pivotal role in acting as a catalyst for each organization's good news.
YM-YWCA Family Program Centre
If an emotional attachment is something that Steve Charest needs before getting involved in a project, it's no wonder he counts the redevelopment of the YM-YWCA among his 'favorites'.
"This is probably one of the most important things we've done," he says, noting his fond memories of attending the Y when he was a boy growing up in Kitchener.
The local Y, had been located on Queen St. for many years but the building was old and run-down. Charest, who became a board member a couple of years ago, was touched by the fact that despite its worn and tired appearance, you could still walk in and see that the spirit was strong.
"This was a place where you could see all kind of people, adults and kids of all ages and races, poor or wealthy, from broken backgrounds or stable families...all working together being led by kids who had gone through the same programs. I wanted to take
part in fostering more of that."
"The assistance of King & Benton on behalf of the Y was the stabilizing factor that we needed. It enabled the Y to move forward in a new building, with new equipment, and new programs that have been a great success," said YM-YWCA CEO Nancy Romanenko,in a recent interview.
King & Benton purchased the original Work Wear building at 143 Wellington St., and subsequently transformed the brownfield into a state-of-the-art facility complete with an Adult Wellness Centre with cardio, free-weight and selectorized weight machines as well as a brightly lit Children's Play Centre that boasts three large play structures with slides, tunnels and circular kids climbing wall and more. The $1.75 million dollar project now offers over 22,000 square feet of fitness fun for entire families.
What does the new Y mean to the community? According to Romanenko, it means that the organization is steps closer to living its vision to Build Strong Kids, Strong Families and a Strong Community.
"The interim Family Program Centre provides health, wellness and recreation for all ages and abilities--families, adults, kids, students and seniors are participating in record numbers. It has given us a vision of what will come in the future as the Y works toward building a full service YMCA as its permanent home in our community," says Romanenko.
" The partnership between the Y and King & Benton is a truly inspiring story of thinking out of the box. They (King & Benton) are certainly role models as they live their values, support their community and its organizations and invest in the growth of our community and its residents," she adds.
Brant County SPCA
This is a great example of how King & Benton has stepped up to help an organization that was in many ways being 'overlooked'.
"The (current) building on Mohawk St. is in dire straits and in need of repairs," said Charest, whose company is donating the land on which to build a new shelter.
"The SPCA does wonderful things for animals and animal owners. It provides us with a great service and so this is something we can do to give back," says Charest, adding that he believes animals also play a strong part in connecting communities.
The gift, says local SPCA manager Robin Kuchma, is incredibly generous and will allow for many things to happen.
"Our building is old and outdated and we have outgrown the facility physically," explains Kuchma. "We deal with approximately 2,000 cats, between 700 and 800 dogs and 200 small pets (and even the odd chicken, goat and/or pot belly pig) yearly. The new location will give us the room to accommodate the animals properly."
The new shelter will be able to house larger pens and cages, and several more rooms for the animals. They also hope to build in an educational component to the new shelter, complete with an outreach program, which will involve the community greatly.
Kuchma believes that the cost to build a new shelter might be anywhere from $1.6 to $2 million. An advisory committee is in place and they are in the very early stages, having visited other shelters to get some ideas of what works well and what doesn't.
"For me, this is a dream come true. It was a blessing to meet Steve and to have the support of King & Benton," Kuchma said.
Canada Day
King & Benton became a naming sponsor for the 2006 Canada Day Festival after donating $25,000 toward the event. In a telephone interview, Robert McConkey, chairman of Brantford's Canada Day 2006 board of directors, says the financial contribution is about much more than money and calls the act a 'symbol' of support.
"King & Benton is very well-respected in Brantford and their declaration of support has had a very positive effect on the event," said McConkey. "As a result of their leadership, others have been motivated to jump on board as well. Their commitment means a lot to us."
McConkey is hoping this year's celebration will top last year's which in itself was very ambitious and hugely successful. The lineup for 2006 is quite impressive and the event promises something for everyone.
About 35,000 people attended last year's event, which was the first for the Brantford Canada Days Festival Association. "I think people were quite blown away. We're hoping that this year will attract even more people," he said.
The festivities will kick off with a Citizenship Celebration at Lorne Park from 10:30 to 11:15, followed by a celebration Walk by the newly named Canadians to Cockshutt Park for noon, where the rest of the activities will take place.
Highlights of the celebration include the Foods of Canada Pavilion (offering dishes from sea to sea including fare such as East Coast mussels or Prairie Buffalo!), Arts of Canada Pavilion (showcasing unique exhibits of various Canadian Artists), Young Canadians (an entire area with entertainment just for kids, including a Scouts Canada Climbing Wall, activity centres, the ever- popular jumpers and slides, face painting, clowns, balloons and more, the Molson Canadian Beer Garden (entertainment for the big kids!) as well as the Canadian MarketPlace, which will feature about 30 exhibitors.
There will also be a Guinness Book of World Records attempt to have the most number of people walking on stilts at one time.
Live entertainment is also a big draw with everything from local dance groups to well-known musical guests including The Murray Williams Band, On The House, The Bevy, Marissa Wilson, Michael Danso and Crowbar. The main feature, Lighthouse (a Canadian band known for such hits as Sunny Days and Pretty Lady) will take the stage at 10 p.m., and is expected to take the event to the top, says McConkey.
The evening will end with a much anticipated fireworks display.
"We supported this event because we truly believe in it," said Charest. "We live in the best Country in the world and who wouldn't want to celebrate that in one of its best communities."
Several other businesses have pledged their support either by making a financial or an in-kind donation.
Shuttle bus service will be available from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. from various locations throughout the city including the Civic Centre, City Hall, the former Canadian Tire parking lot and Assumption College.
For more information about the Brantford Canada Day Celebration, call 519-759-8702 or toll free at 1-888-759-8701. Online, visit www.brantfordscanadaday.com
