A Rock N' Rostie Christmas

We would like to send out a big thanks to everyone who came out to our Rock N' Rostie Christmas parties. Both events were practically overflowing with holiday spirit. The swinging keyboard stylings of Michael Danckert helped to set a perfect upbeat holiday mood that encouraged several of our guests participate in a good ole’ fashioned Christmas sing-along.

It was nice to see so many smiling faces enjoying the delicious refreshments and great music; we consider ourselves very lucky to have such a terrific group of friends.

Part of what makes The Rostie Group so special, is the wonderful relationship we share with our tenants. During events like these, it really feels like we are all part of one big very happy family. It is going to be hard to beat this year’s events, but we sure are going to try!

See you in 2010,

The Rostie Team

Videoconferencing Goes Mainstream

Business Week recently published a very interesting article detailing the growing worldwide popularity of videoconferencing. Cisco and Logitech, as we as other emerging tech companies, are quickly developing low-cost videoconferencing solutions that appeal to both home and business users. These developments seem to suggest that video conferencing will soon become an integral part of our daily lives as an invaluable global communications tool.

According to the article...

"Yet seemingly overnight, companies including Cisco Systems (CSCO), Logitech International (LOGI), and several lesser-known startups are engaged in a flurry of dealmaking aimed at grabbing more of the market and bringing the technology into more businesses and homes. Cisco on Nov. 16 upped to $3.4 billion its bid for market leader Tandberg (TAA.DE), hoping to win over investors who said the Oslo, Norway-based company is worth more than the initial $3 billion offer. Cisco may also introduce a videoconferencing product for consumers at the Consumer Electronics Show in January, BusinessWeek has learned. And in its largest-ever acquisition, PC accessories giant Logitech said on Nov. 10 it will pay $405 million for LifeSize Communications, a maker of high-end high-definition videoconferencing gear. Shares of Polycom (PLCM), the last remaining videoconferencing pure play, have risen 12.5% since Oct. 28, on hopes it may be the next to be bought.

The deals underscore a growing sense that videoconferencing is finally ready to go from an exotic luxury to an everyday part of business life. Thanks to increased broadband capacity, corporate networks can now better handle bandwidth-hogging videoconferencing sessions. Scores of consumers and businesspeople have sampled low-end options such as those offered by Internet-calling provider Skype, and millions of people now carry powerful laptops and smartphones with the processing power needed to join conferences from anywhere. Cisco has helped increase visibility for videoconferencing by heavily promoting its TelePresence technology, recently in a self-mocking product placement on NBC's 30 Rock."


To read the complete article, click here

Green Meeting Tips

When it comes to the environment, the old adage "every little bit helps" definitely rings true. At the Rostie Group, we have found that even the smallest modifications can have have huge benefits for both the environment and our pocketbooks. As a provider of meeting room space and other event planning services, we take an active role in ensuring that we always advocate the most eco-friendly meeting options. Below our some simple steps you can take to "green" your next meeting.

GREEN MEETING TIPS

Reduce Waste
1. Print on both sides of all paper whenever possible for promotional materials and handouts.
2. Minimize automatic distribution of handouts – allow attendees to order copies instead.
3. Provide reusable name badges.

Plan to Recycle
4. Provide recycling stations for paper and recyclable beverage containers in meeting areas.
5. Cardboard and paper should be collected in exhibit areas.
6. Food vending areas provide opportunities for recycling cardboard, beverage containers, steel cans and plastics.
7. If reusables are not used, encourage use of recyclable beverage containers.

Conserve Energy, Reduce Traffic
8. Turn off all unneeded lighting. Take advantage of naturally lit meeting and exhibit spaces.
9. Encourage mass transportation options with phone numbers and Web addresses for route planning.
10. Coordinate shuttle service to take advantage of mass transit.

Food Service and Lodging
11. Plan food service needs to avoid unnecessary waste.
12. Seek out food service vendors who buy locally and recycle.
13. Donate excess food to charitable organizations.
14. Consider use of reusable (washable) food service items.

For more information about eco-friendly meeting options visit http://greenmeetings.usfi.com/

Pure Med Spa - My experience with BriteSmile

Dec 1, 2009 - So after years of complaining about my teeth and hundreds of dollars in over the counter teeth whitening products, I decided to look into some of the new professional products offered through the burgeoning Med spa industry. Now in reality, I am not a "Spa" person. I only recently became aware of these Med Spas through a friend who had laser hair removal done at a Med Spa in Hazleton lanes (Yorkville). She described it as a place for beauty "tune-ups", as they offer Botox, Dysport, Velashape (for cellulite) and all kinds of facials.

After some investigation on pricing and quality of service I decided to take the leap and visit the Hazleton Lanes Pure Med Spa location in Yorkville. My friend had a good experience with the hair removal and Pure Med Spa operates the largest chain of Med Spas in North America so it made sense. Pure Med Spa just introduced a new teeth whitening system to Canada called BriteSmile. The treatment lasts an hour and from the reviews, works amazingly well.

Location Location Location...
The location is tucked away in the upscale Hazleton Lanes shopping mall, known for top end designers and top end prices. I was very surprised to meet the owner (Jeff Nourse) who was visiting the location and overheard my concerns about pricing. I was relieved when told the teeth whitening package was on sale for $249 that day only.
It seems Pure Med Spa is running "today only" sales events at some of their locations where you can save a considerable amount of money.

Pure Med Spa Delivers

Okay, as for the treatment itself, I will just say that it is unobtrusive and not that painful. They use a patented Blue light that works with the chemicals to immediately affect the change in colour. In and out in under an hour and I really noticed a difference right away. In fact, I spent most of the morning grinning like a Cheshire cat so my fellow office workers would catch a glimpse. Normally I have sensitive teeth so I was dreading the reaction my teeth would have to Pure Med Spas treatment. Remarkably I felt no real pain, just some light sensitivity to cold water for the day but fine the next day.


I saw the owner again and he asked for my email address so that he can send some promotional material for 20 Bay, he seemed genuine in his passion for the industry and really went out of his way to make me feel better about being male and visiting a spa. I had a chance to speak with Jeff about how he got into the Med Spa business and some of the hills he had to climb in order to build the company, good story. I will post that next week so please check back if you are interested in becoming an entrepreneur or enjoy success stories.

So from my perspective the BriteSmile treatment works and my experience with a Med Spa was great.

There may be an opportunity for the Tenants at the Rostie Group to receive a discount on services, something we actively promote for our tenants so stay tuned!

~Glen R.

10 Common Meeting Personalities

At The Rostie Group, we always go the extra mile to ensure you have a positive meeting experience. Although we can provide you with first class meeting room space, full-service catering, videoconferencing, and a host of other services, the success of you meeting will still be highly dependent on the individual personalities involved in the proceedings.

The Globe & Mail recently published a very humourous article entitled the “The 10 Personalities that Can Help or Hurt your Meeting”. Anyone who has every participated in a lengthy meeting of any kind will likely be familiar with a least a few of the mentioned archetypes.

Click here to read the complete article

That Special Office Magic

Recent advancements in telecommunications have made it much easier for both employees and business owners to work from home. However, when making the transition to a home-based business model it can be difficult to recreate the same sense of focus, motivation and creativity, that is provided by a traditional office environment. Often, getting away from all the comforts of home can greatly improve productivity and job satisfaction.

Canada.com recently published an interesting article on the pitfalls of working from home; which provided some good insights into the benefits of the home/office divide. According to the article…


The idea of working for yourself at home sounds idyllic: no commute, no brown-bag lunches, no boss. But after four years of toiling out of his house, Jeffrey Gibson was going stir-crazy.

It's hard to network, and it's really hard to stay creative when you're at home," said the freelance graphic designer. "A couple of times I had to remind myself, 'I'm talking to my clients, not to my friends' because I hadn't talked to anyone that day. I was starting to natter."

Working from home is fine for a day here or there and it's free, he said, but you miss out on the small, incidental conversations that connect you to what's happening and the quick brainstorming sessions that generate ideas or job leads.

For small business owners looking to boost productivity, without locking into a pricey and inflexible long-term lease, an Office Business Centre can be an ideal solution. The Rostie Group offers businesses all the benefits of an exclusive office address at a fraction of a cost of traditional office lease. Our skilled receptionists answer all of your calls, and can perform a range of other clerical and administrative duties; saving you money on hiring additional staff.

For more information on making the transition to a full-service office business centre, please call either Jasmin or Tracey in our sales department at 416-214-1840, or visit http://www.rostiegroup.com/.

To read the complete Canada.com article, click here


'Tis the Season to Party!

It's a little over a month until Christmas, which, of course, means that Office Holiday Party Season is fast approaching. We here at the Rostie Group know that this time of year can be stressful for all of you hoping to have fun and make a great impression during the annual company shindig. But don’t worry, because we are here to help you celebrate the season in high style with several useful articles that will help you make the most of the out of the inevitable festivities. Click on the links below to learn useful tips on staying slim, sane, sober, and sensational during your Company’s next holiday party.

10 Office Holiday Party Landmines to Avoid (Eweek.com)

Just Behave Youself at Holiday Office Parties (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

Holiday Party Do's and Don'ts (Quint Careers)

Surviving the Office Party (About.com)

10 Healthy Holiday Party Tips (WebMD.com)

Office Christmas Party Tips for Men (Askmen.com)

The Best of Both Worlds

It is hard to think of a more ideal Toronto business address than 20 Bay Street; the wonderful location of The Rostie Group's Downtown business centre. This very unique area could be described as the exact spot "where the Financial District meets the Harbourfront". Our clients enjoy the convenience of and prestige of a Bay Street address, while also being treated to splendid views and attractions of Toronto's vibrant Harbourfront, which is constantly bustling with activity.

During the summer, Tourists from around the world visit Toronto's renowned Harbourfront to participate in an array of exciting events and activities. Few other business locations can offer this same sense of discovery and excitement. There is nothing like stepping out of the office on a balmy summer day to feel the warm summer breeze wafting off the lake, or ending your work day early to hop on the island ferry for a delectable taste of urban tranquility.

Notable area attractions include Centre Island, Ward's Island, The Harbourfront Centre, Union Station, The Air Canada Centre (Home of the Toronto Maple Leafs), The Island Airport, and The Toronto Ferry Terminal.

Below are a couple of very informative videos outlining many of the notable attractions in and around the Queen's Quay area. You can actually see our building at the 0:14 point of the second video (it's the tower in the exact middle of the shot).



10 Reasons to Love Airport Executive Offices

Lately our blog has featured a lot of coverage of our 20 Bay Street offices, but our Airport location also deserves some blog love. Below is our special tribute to The Rostie Group's Airport Executive Offices located at 2810 Matheson Boulevard in Mississauga.

Top 10 Reasons to Love The Rostie Group's Airport Executive Offices
1. Close to Pearson International Airport
2. FREE PARKING!
3. Friendly staff
4. Easy access from all highways
5. Close-knit tenant community
6. Located in Mississauga's thriving high-tech district.
7. Videoconferencing equipped meeting rooms
8. On-site technical support
9. Awesome holiday parties
10. Lots of great hotels and restaurants nearby

For more information about our Airport Executive offices, please call Jasmin or Tracey at (416) 214-1840, or visit http://www.rostiegroup.com

The Many Benefits of Telepresence

As we prepare for the arrival of The Rostie Group's state-of-the-art Telepresence videoconferencing system, a common question from our clients is "What exactly is Telepresence?". Telepresence technology is one of those things that is much easier to show than explain. Once experience it first-hand, you will immediately understand why Telepresence has the almost limitless potential to change the way the world conducts business. Usually when a client asks us about Telepresence, we refer them to one of the many very engaging demonstration videos available online, however, Entrepreneur magazine has just published an article which also does a nice job of summarizing the many benefits this unique technology.

Below is a great excerpt from the Entrepreneur Magazine article...

"Have you ever tried to shake hands with a business partner sitting directly across from you, even though you know he's in his own office 2,000 miles away? Telepresence makes you want to do just that. It's no hallucinatory drug, though the sensory experience it provides via ultra-realistic, life-size videoconferencing does make it seem as if someone spiked your java. it's like interacting with a hologram from "Minority Report."

Telepresence is souped-up videoconferencing , complete with giant high-def screens, powerful codecs, multi-aspect cameras and enriched audio speakers. The gear is offered by companies such as Polycom, Cisco Systems, Tandberg, Lifesize Communications and others. Service packages are available from the likes of AT&T and other business providers that provide videoconferencing.

While basic videoconferencing has been around for decades, it never really took off due to clunky equipment, glitchy performance, poorly synchronized video and audio. It was nothing like meeting someone in person. Telepresence is as close as it gets.
The recession makes a pretty good case for telepresence: Companies need to cut travel costs but also need to keep globalizing to reach new partners and customers."


Click here to read the complete article

Also, check out this promotional video from Polycom. The Rostie Group will soon be installing a full-sized system similar to what you see at the 1:37 mark during the video.

Enjoy the View!

The Rostie Group's 20 Bay Street business centre boasts unbeatable views of Downtown Toronto and the Harbourfront. Throughout the year our clients are able to witness a plethora of eye-catching events from the cozy comfort of their offices.

Two of our favourite window gazing opportunities are the Canadian International Air Show and the Toronto Nautical Festival.

Below is a recent video that will give you an idea of some of breathtaking sights we are lucky enough to witness when Tall Ships make a visit to yearly Queen's Quay Harbour in late June. It is not even Winter yet, and we are already getting nostalgic for summer!

How Many We Serve You?

We hope you enjoy this fun little tribute to our recent Halloween festivities.

David Suzuki Embraces Telepresence

Lately, it seems like almost everyone is jumping on the videoconferencing "bandwagon". The economic and environmental benefits of this invaluable technology are so impressive, that even world famous environmentalist David Suzuki has taken advantage of its versatile capabilities in order to reduce his carbon footprint and l0wer organizational overhead costs. Mr. Suzuki plans on having a cutting-edge Cisco Telepresence unit installed at his foundation headquarters in the near future, and has nothing but positive things to say about this innovative technology. According to a recent Globe and Mail article...

"Using a facility at the University of British Columbia, he's been making video presentations around the world without leaving his hometown - including an appearance screened simultaneously at four different campuses of a Melbourne university.

In December, his foundation will go further, installing TelePresence, a high-end video-conferencing system from Cisco Systems that mimics an in-person meeting. "When I saw TelePresence," Mr. Suzuki says, "the illusion was very real. The people seemed to be right there. Now I turn down 95 per cent of [travel] requests."

A green icon like Mr. Suzuki has a unique need to maintain a small environmental footprint, but businesses are increasingly taking similar measures, driven by the desire to cut travel costs and save employee time as much as be good to the Earth.

A December, 2008, report on "green IT" from Gartner Inc. points out that in some organizations, such as large global consultancies, business travel can produce nearly 50 per cent of the company's total greenhouse gas emissions."


Click here to read the complete article

Top Ten Tips for Budding Entrepreneurs

Robert Herjavec from CBC's The Dragon Den recently provided some very useful tips for aspiring entrepreneurs. Launching a successful business is no easy feat, but Mr. Herjavec confirms that all the blood, sweat, and tears are more than worth it in the end.

Click here to read the full article

Turkey Contest Winners!

GOBBLE! GOBBLE!

Congratulations to Eric Scoffield of Credit Risk Advisors and Melissa Lawrence of Sigg Canada; the grand prize winners of The Rostie Group's Your Virtual Butler Thankgiving Turkey Contest. Both Eric and Melissa received complimentary fresh turkeys that were delivered just in time for Thanksgiving dinner.

A big thanks to everyone who entered the contest; we had a truly amazing response. If you didn't win, no need to worry, maybe next year it will be you that gets to be thankful for a free turkey!

The Rostie Group Featured in CBC News Article

The Rostie Group was just mentioned by CBC News Money as one of Canada's top providers of virtual office solutions. Check out the link below to read the complete article.

Company's Services Aimed at Lowering Overhead for Small Businesses

Interesting Video about Office Business Centres

A business centre out of Stuttgart, Germany recently released this very informative video that does a great job of outlining many of the beneficial services provided by a full-service office business centre.



The Rostie Group's business centres in Toronto and Mississauga the majority of the services outlined in the video, as well as many more that aren't. For more information on The Rostie Group's meeting room and office rentals, as well as our virtual office packages and videoconferencing capabilites, please visit http://www.rostiegroup.com/

OBCA-CAN Wins LMN of the Year for 2009!

The Rostie Group is pleased to announce that the Office Business Centre Association Canada (OBCA-CAN) has been awarded OBCAI's Most Successful LMN of the Year award for the second year in a row.

The Most Successful LMN of the Year 2008 award is granted to the association that showed the most growth in 2009. Receiving the OBCAI Local Member Network of the Year Award for two years in a row is a significant achievement.

Although OBCA-CAN is still a “freshman” LMN, it demonstrated tremendous strength and unity amongst its members, and worked hard in promoting OBCAI membership throughout the year. One of the main reasons OBCA-CAN received this award, was for its great work obtaining a member benefit program with FEDEX, that was eventually extending to all members of OBCAI. OBCA-CAN's success in creating industry awareness within the Canadian marketplace was also noted.

Congratulations also go out to our very own Cynthia Rostie, who received the OBCAI Leadership Award for her excellent leadership and significant contribution to the OBCAI industry throughout the past year. She regularly went beyond the normal commitment as Co-Chair of the International Task Force and she volunteered many hours to help promote the Office Business Centre industry on a regular basis.

This has been a great year for OBCA-CAN, and we look forward to an equally as productive 2010.

For more information on OBCA-CAN, please visit http://www.obcacan.com/

Harvard Study Confirms Videoconferencing Benefits

A recent study by the Harvard Business Review has confirmed the importance of face-to-face interaction during business meetings. This study suggests that videoconferencing is perhaps the best alternative to traditional in-person meetings, because it allows for a greater degree of face-to-face contact, when compared to other virtual meeting options. If your company has not yet taken advantage of videoconferencing technology, you may be missing out on a great time and money saving meeting solution. To read the complete article, click on the link below.



Oktoberfest Party!

A big thanks to everyone who came out to The Rostie Group's First Annual Oktoberfest Party. The food was delicious, the beer was flavourful, and the turnout was even better than expected. We hope to see you all at next year's party (but don't forget your lederhosen!). Below are some fun videos from the party. Let’s all give Dave and Tracey a round of applause for their suitably authentic choice of costumes.



Executive Business Centres: Your Total Office Solution!

Here at The Rostie Group, we are proud to offer our customers the best overall value for their office rental dollar. When compared to restrictive long-term leases, our flexible pay-as-you-go terms offer businesses far more convenience and flexibility. Save money by paying only for what you need when you need it; it’s that simple. Why enter into a traditional long-term office lease, when one of our full-service business centres could offer you truly customized office solutions at a far more affordable price?

The Rostie Group’s business centres offer first-class office space on terms tailored according to your company’s unique needs. All of our offices are located in prime Toronto business locations, with easy access by both car and public transportation.

To learn more about the many benefits of making a move to The Rostie Group, please visit our website at http://www.rostiegroup.com/

Also, check out this recent article from Canada.com which outlines the many reasons why an office business centre are a very sensible option during difficult economic times.

August Events in Toronto

Summer is almost halfway over, but don't worry, there is still loads of warm fun to be had throughout the great city of Toronto. Almost every weekend there are free festivals, concerts, and performances taking place in our many diverse neighbourhoods. If you want to avoid the crowds, you might want to take a quiet stroll around Toronto's beautiful harbourfront, and enjoy a wonderful scenic view of the lake (Rostie Group customers experience this marvelous sight every day from their windows overlooking Queen's Quay).

If you are a foodie, we highly recommend try some of the delicious cuisine in any one of our celebrated multicultural neighbourhoods. Find a sunny patio in Greektown, Little Italy, Chinatown, or Little Portugal, and soak up the rays while enjoying some truly delectable eats.

If none of the above recommendations sound like your “cup of tea”, you might want to try one of the following events and festivals happening in August. Much thanks to About.com for this very useful summary of events. Click here for their complete listing of worthwhile August happenings around Toronto.

Dream in High Park (Continues to September 6th)
Every year The Canadian Stage Company presents an outdoor staging of one of Shakespeare's works in High Park. In 2009 there will be performances of The Tempest every Tuesday to Sunday at 8pm. Admission is by PWYC donation ($20 minimum suggested) and free for children 14 and under. Remember that High Park is a big place and parking is limited, so whether you're driving or taking transit you should leave yourself ample time to actually reach the Dream site.

Rogers Chinese Lantern Festival (Until October 12th)
Visit Ontario Place for this Toronto tradition. Walk amongst 32 lantern sets plus enjoy entertainment, food demonstrations and a marketplace. In August, the Chinese Lantern Festival is open every night from 7pm-11pm. Tickets are $25 or $20 for children and seniors.

July 20 - August 2nd
Caribana Festival & Parade The final weekend of events includes the parade on Saturday and a festival on Sunday, which this year has been moved to Ontario Place.

July 30 - August 1
Irie Music Festival Free performances of reggae and world music will be on all weekend at Queens Park (the events originally scheduled at Nathan Phillips Square have also been moved to Queens Park due to the strike). Check out art and literature displays, dance performances and the children's area.

August 1 - 3
Artisans at the Distillery - Visual Arts Fair Visit the Distillery District on Labour Day Weekend to see and purchase visual works of art, including painting, photography and sculpture.

August 4-9
Dusk Dances in Withrow Park Visit Riverdale's Withrow Park for a pay-what-you-can evening of outdoor dance.

August 7-9, 2009
Taste of the Danforth Toronto's Greektown spills out onto the streets with entertainment and plenty of food. And if Greek food isn't your thing, don't worry. The diverse Danforth has plenty of other eats up for grabs during this weekend celebration.

August 21 - September 7
The Canadian National Exhibition Or The Ex, as it's usually called. Enjoy games, rides, the CNE Casino and of course the wide variety of shows that make the CNE an exhibition. Among this year's lineup are classics like the Horse Show and Rodeo, the IAMS Superdogs, and the Labour Day Weekend Air Show, plus the return of the RCMP Musical Ride.

August 22 - 23
The First Annual Toronto Shakespearience Festival The Driftwood Theatre Group presents this two day festival of performances, workshops, presentations, kids' events, a marketplace and more.

August 27 - 30
Toronto BUSKERFEST in Support of Epilepsy Toronto The St. Lawrence Market neighborhood it will be filled with street performers from all over the world. Be amused and often amazed by the humor and skills these entertainers bring to the table - er, pavement. The shows run between noon and midnight, and admission is by donation to Epilepsy Toronto.

August 29
The Underwear Affair Proceeds from this marathon will go towards the Edmond Odette Cancer Centre at Sunnybrook. With a focus on cancers that occur "below the belt", both the 5k and 10k marathon's welcome runners in their skivvies, or any other wacky costume. Of course, more traditional running wear is welcome as well - it's all for a good cause, after all.

Business Centres Flourish when Cash is Tight

During the current economic downturn, many companies are switching to full-service business centres as a cost-saving office alternative. The Montreal Gazette recently published a very article outlining the many financial and organizational benefits of office business centres.

To read the entire article, click on the link below.

Business Centres Flourish when Cash is Tight (Montreal Gazette Article)

The Rostie Group's Summer Kick-Off BBQ

Join us at Piazza Manna on Thursday, June 25th from 5-8pm, for The Rostie Group's First Annual Summer Kick-Off BBQ. Free Sizzlin' Eats, Live Music, Drink Specials, and MORE!

Small Business Social Media Strategies

The Globe and Mail recently held a very interesting panel discussion on the power of Internet social networking for small businesses. Below is a link to the first segment, which covers Twitter, a relatively new, but very valuable way, to increase online-awareness. Check it out to learn some great ways to create a strong web-presence for your small business.

Small Business Scoial Media Strategies (Globe & Mail)

Videoconferencing in the News

Due to a number of high profile factors, Videoconferencing has received a great deal of positive media attention in the last few weeks.

The worldwide H1N1 (Swine Flu) outbreak, has led to the cancellation of many international business trips, leading several companies are utilize videoconferencing as a affordable and effective alternative.

Earth day (April 22nd) encouraged many businesses to reduce their carbon footprint by "going green", and one of the best ways to do so is by using videoconferencing technology to cutback on unnecessary travel.

Last but not least; recent economic challenges have led to widespread corporate streamlining, and a very effective way to cut costs and improve employee productivity is by replacing traditional business meetings with high defintion videoconferences; which achieve similar results at a fraction of the cost.

Here are some interesting links which shed some light on the many benefits of videoconferencing...

Telepresence – “Not Being There in Style” – Grows as a Managed Service (IT Business Edge)

Stay Home and Work (Bloomberg Online)


For more great ways to cut costs and help the environment, visit the Rostie Group website at http://www.rostiegroup.com/

Make this Mother's Day Memorable!

Recession Buster Seminar Series

During this tough economic time, everyone can use some free expert advice. Currently Enterprise Toronto is running a free "Recession Buster Seminar Series", for more information or

The Office of the Future

What will the workplace look like in 2012?

Although that date is only three years away, many office innovations are currently being developed that could drastically change the way we do business. To get a glimpse of the office of tomorrow, check out the video below.

Go Green with Videoconferencing

With all the corporate cutbacks and restructuring as of late, there has been some concern that many companies will begin abandoning recent eco-friendly initiatives, in an effort to reduce their budgets. Fortunately, many environmentally-friendly business solutions can actually produce substantial cost savings, while also minimizing an organization’s overall carbon footprint.

Many recent green-themed articles have focused on the environmental and financial benefits of videoconferencing technology. Traditional business travel, whether it is by car, train, or plane, is not only costly, but also very damaging to the environment. By holding a meetings via videoconference, you can eliminate a lot of unnecessary business travel; drastically reducing the amount of harmful carbon emissions that your company releases into the earth’s atmosphere.

Not only is videoconferencing great for the environment, but it’s also affordable and convenient. By utilizing this wonderful technology, you can connect with clients and associates around the world in mere minutes; giving you a competitive edge during challenging time-sensitive business situations. With the development of immersive Telepresence technology, videoconferencing can now produce an almost flawless recreation of traditional face-to-face contact, allowing you to collaborate within a comfortable and productive virtual business environment.

The Rostie Group provides a range of affordable videoconferencing services to the Greater Toronto Area, to find out more, click here.

Below are some recent articles discussing many cost-saving and eco-friendly benefits of videoconferencing.

Top Advisor in Call for Smarter IT for Greener Business (Computer Business Review)

How to Go Green: It’s Easier than you Think(Boston Herald)

Can Videoconferencing Replace Travel? (Scientific American)

The Future of the Workplace: No Office (ABC News)

An interesting ABC news story covering the growing popularity of virtual office solutions. Virtual offices are a great way to cut costs and increase overall productivity. By setting up a virtual office you can often accomplish more, while working fewer hours; which allows for extra time to enjoy all of life's true pleasures.



Here is a story from CNN showing how virtual offices can reduce stress and increase your quality of life.



For more information on The Rostie Group's customized Virtual Office packages, click on the link below.

Save Time and Money with The Rostie Group's Virtual Office Solutions

Virtual Offices Can Help Your Business Save Money

The Vancouver Sun has just published an interesting article touting the many cost-saving benefits of setting up a virtual office. Companies of all sizes are implementing virtual office solutions in an effort to slash budgets during these difficult economic times. Renting long-term office space in a suitable location can be a very heavy burden on businesses, especially when you consider the high cost of facility maintenance and daily commuting.

At The Rostie Group, we offer full-service Virtual Office packages customized according to your unique business needs. Enjoy all the comforts of working from home, while still having access to a prestigious Bay Street mailing address, executive meeting rooms, and comprehensive administrative and technical support. At The Rostie Group, virtual office clients can have their phone calls answered by on-site receptionists, and all mail can be forwarded to one of our two convenient and high profile business addresses; so you never have to worry about your customers learning that you work from home.

Virtual offices continue to grow in popularity, and are an excellent time and money saving solution for businesses looking to take advantage of emerging 21st century work trends.

To learn more about The Rostie Group’s Virtual Office services, click here.

To read the complete Vancouver Sun article, please visit the link below

Launching a digital office can add up to real savings for cash-strapped businesses (Vancouver Sun)


Office Business Centres: A Global Solution!

The recent economic downturn has resulted in a noticeable increase in the demand for serviced office space. Throughout the world, major media outlets are running articles about the many personal and financial benefits offered by office business centres. During times of economic uncertainty, choosing serviced office space over a traditional lease, can save your organization a great deal of time and money, while allowing for increased operational flexibility.

Below are three recent articles about the growing worldwide demand for serviced office space. Although these articles originate from a diverse array of international sources, they all provide very similar insight about the undeniable value of office business centre services during times of economic uncertainty.

Indian Serviced Office Demand Grows in Times of Crisis (Property Wire, INDIA)

Serviced Offices are a Handy Option Today (Daily Monitor, UGANDA)

Serviced Offices Provide Flexibility in Good and Bad Times (Small Cap News, UNITED KINGDOM)

Growth Tips for Small Business

Even during these tough economic times, a small company can convey a "big business" image without spending big bucks. Business centres allow you to rent office space in a prime location, while saving you money through outsourcing many of your administrative and technical needs. By choosing a business centre over a traditional lease, you often get office space at a better location for a far more affordable flat rate. As an added benefit, many business centres have very flexible lease terms customized according to your company’s unique needs, so you never have to worry about locking into a risky long-term contract.

For more great money saving and image boosting tips, check out MSNBC’s recent article about creating a big-biz feel for your small business.

Grow Without Growing Pains (MSNBC Article)

Chili Cook-Off Winners List & Pictures

A Big Thanks to everyone who took part in last Thursday's Chili Cook-Off!

Congratulations to the following winners...

DOWNTOWN LOCATION

1st Place (tie): John Anderson (Paragon Consulting) - 8 votes
Kim Popkey (The Rostie Group) - 8 votes

2nd Place: Al Haines (Rostie Tech Rescue) - 5 votes

3rd Place: Jerry Hynes (Fifth Third Bank) - 4 votes

AIRPORT LOCATION

1st Place: Stephanie Rodriguez (Vision Quest)

To check out "Hot & Spicy" (pun intended) pics from the Chili Cook-Off, please click on the link below...

Chili Cook-Off Pictures (Downtown Location)

Chili Cook-Off!

Think your chili is hot stuff?

Here is your chance to prove it!

The Rostie Group's 2nd Annual Chili Cook-Off is scheduled for Thursday, March 5th (12:00-1:30 pm) at both Rostie Group locations.

Bring in a batch of your spiciest and most delectable chili, to earn the respect of fellow gourmets while also competing for great prizes. Don't worry...even if you don't bring in your own chili, you are still welcome to sample and judge our contestants' creations.

And to add a little extra spice to the proceedings...EVERY GUEST GETS A FREE CORONA!
Our The Chili Cook-Off's are being held in the following locations:

20 Bay Street (Downtown): The Pacific Room, 11th Floor

2810 Matheson (Airport): The Galaxy Room, 2nd Floor

Don't miss out, It's guaranteed to be a "HOT" time!

And the Winner Is...

A big thanks to everyone who participated in The Rostie Group's First Annual Academy Awards Contest. We received a lot of great entries, and even had a tie for third place.

Congratulations to the following winners...

First Place: Ben Jennings (BigHand) - Night at the Movies for Two with Popcorn & Drinks

Second Place: Cam Seagram (XtronX) - Blockbuster Gift Card

Third Place (tie): Pauline Cornick (Lumira Capital) - Cineplex Movie Pass

Third Place (tie): Dinesh Krishnan (Zafin Labs) - Cineplex Movie Pass

Stay tuned for more contests!

Oscar Contest

Just a reminder to tenants of our 20 Bay Street and 2810 Matheson Road business centres, that you have until Friday, February 20th at 5:00pm to enter The Rostie Group's First Annual Academy Awards Contest. Simply predict the winners for each Oscar category, and return your ballot to reception. Ballots can be picked up at any Rostie Group reception desk and in the Rostie lunchrooms. This contest is open to all Rostie Group tenants, as well as their employees.

Prizes Include…

1st Prize: A Night at the Movies for Two, with Popcorn and Drinks
2nd Prize: Two Cineplex Odeon Movies Passes
3rd Prize: A Blockbuster Video Gift Card

HURRAY FOR HOLLYWOOD!

Update: Downtown Toronto Power Outage.

According to the latest reports the Power Outage affecting the Downtown Toronto Bay Street Financial District will be lasting, at least, several more hours.

The Rostie Group's 20 Bay Street business currently has full power, and be can used as temporary office space until your power is restored. We can answer your forwarded calls, set-up a videoconference, and provide computers with high speed internet. For more information call Kim Popkey at 416-214-1840.

We are located within five minutes of the affected areas, and can provide immediate assistance.

Power Outage in Toronto Financial District

High winds have caused numerous power outages throughout the Greater Toronto Area today, most notably in the Downtown Toronto Bay Street financial district. According to the latest details, RBC Centre, First Canadian Place, and The Toronto Stock Exchange are amongst the major corporate sites being affected. Unplanned disruptions like these can have very negative consquences for your business, especially when you consider the long-term ramifications of lost productivity and disabled communication with key associates and clientele. Next time a power outage or other unpredictable incident occurs, be prepared by having an appropriate emergency backup plan. Have your business up and running again in minutes, rather than hours or days!

When disaster strikes, The Rostie Group can provide temporary office space and business support services that will allow your company to make a speedy and seamless recovery. Our expert administrative and technical support staff are trained to help businesses deal with unexpected disruptions. Whether you need short-term or long-term office space during disaster recovery, or an IP Phone System that will allow all your employees to work off-site, The Rostie Group can implement timely solutions which will minimize downtime during costly disruptions. Our state-of-the-art facilities offer videoconferencing technology, hot desk terminals, easy access to public transportation, high-speed internet connections, mail forwarding, telephone answering, full-service catering and host of other services to help your company recover from unplanned and potentially debilitating emergencies.

Office Space for a New Age

The Financial Post recently published a fascinating article about the trend towards workspaces which better encourage creativity and employee collaboration. According to the article…

“"The idea of the corner office is the last thing the new generation of urban workers wants or cares for. They want opportunities to make eye contact and start spontaneous conversations, enjoy natural light, and work in a cheerful environment."

At the Rostie Group, we are constantly adapting our offices, team rooms, and meeting spaces to better meet the business needs of an ever-changing workforce. All of our meeting spaces and boardrooms are aesthetically and structurally designed to encourage effective communication and positive collaboration. However, we are always be on the lookout for new ways to make our workspaces as pleasant and productive as possible. If you have any suggestions, feel free to email them to dnoble@rostiegroup.com

To read the complete Financial Post article, please click on the link below.

Office Space for a New Age (Financial Post)


Free Rostie Tech Hour

Rostie Tech Rescue will be hosting its first ever Lunchtime Tech Support Hour on February 5th at 12:00pm. The Tech Support Hour will be held in the 11th floor kitchen of our 20 Bay Street location (WaterPark Place). This event is completely free, and open to all Rostie Group and WaterPark Place tenants. Our team of skilled techs will be available for the whole hour to help answer all of your computer or electronics-related questions.

Office Business Centres a Smart Alternative

The New York Times recently published a very interesting article that discussed the potential cost-saving benefits of utilizing office business centre services during difficult economic times. According to this article...

“Industry officials and observers say business centers — which vary widely in terms of furnishings, services provided and rents charged — are ideal for displaced or downsized businesses or start-up companies seeking space without long-term leases.”

Kathy Donohue, President of PowerSpace and Services echoes this sentiment, claiming that renting an executive suite from an office business center is a “very, very easy way to do business if you need only one or two offices…You don’t have to lay out capital; the infrastructure is set up; you can lock the door and not worry.”

Cynthia Rostie, President of The Rostie Group, and Chair of OBCA-CAN (Office Business Centre Association Canada) agrees that office business centres serve as an excellent option for money conscious businesses,

"With all the negative economic news as of late; I have noticed a signifigant increase in the number of small-to-medium sized businesses seriously considering the cost-saving benefits 0f making the transition to a fully-serviced office business centre. Leasing your own office space and hiring support staff is often a needless strain on company resources, especially when you consider the comparative value and simplicity of an office business centre alternative."

To read the complete New York Times article, visit the link below.

For Tight Times, Office Space on Flexible Terms (New York Times Article)

Betting On Telepresence

Forbes just published a great article on Telepresence videoconferencing technology; a state-of-the-art advancement in global business communication. Telepresence creates an almost flawless simulation of a traditional face-to-face business meeting, allowing you to interact virtually with associates and clients, while still maintaining a very “lifelike” meeting atmosphere. The Rostie Group looks foward to offering this amazing technology in the very near future.

Betting On Telepresence (Forbes.com Article)

Funny Cisco Telepresence Commercial

Recession Survival Tips for Small Business

The Rostie Group has always been committed to offering business support solutions that help save our clients both time and money. With all the negative economic news as of late, it is becoming increasingly important for businesses of all shapes sizes to begin developing "recession-proofing" strategies that will help better prepare them for the economic uncertainty which lays ahead.

Surviving a recession doesn’t necessarily require layoffs or salary cuts; even the smallest organizational change can have a very significant impact on your company’s bottom-line. Planning a big meeting? Try booking it at a business centre where an event planner comes at no extra charge. Videoconferences are another great way to save your company money. By holding a virtual meeting which utilizes videoconference technology, you can get all your international contacts into one room, without having to purchase a single plane ticket. And best of all, videoconferencing is also a great way to be eco-friendly!

If your currently leasing office space but finding it too costly for your current needs, try researching the products and services offered by executive business centres, like The Rostie Group. Often you can get fully-serviced premium furnished office space at a prestigious address, for a fraction of what you are currently paying in rent alone. By doing a little research and implementing creative solutions, you will be surprised to discover how much further you will be able to stretch your company dollar during these difficult times.

Below are links to some recommended articles which discuss “recession-proofing” strategies for small businesses. You will definitely want to add some of these tips and tricks into your Recession survival "arsenal".

Starting Up in a Down Economy (Inc.)

Protect Your Business Against Recession (Dunville Chronicle)

And Now for the Good News: Ten Bright Spots to Savor Amid the Economic Gloom (CFO Magazine)

Five Ways to Save Money (Layoffs Not Included)

Five Ways to Recession-Proof your Business (Scripps News)

Memories of 2008!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

2008 was an awesome year for the Rostie Group, and we'd like to send out a big "virtual hug" for all of you folks who helped make it so special. With the excitement of 2009 well underway, we thought you might want to take a visual trip down memory lane by checking out photos of some of last year's most unforgettable Rostie Group events. Click on the links below to see pictures from each event.

OBCA CAN Inaugural Meeting
Island Patio Party
Freaky Friday Halloween Party
Downtown Christmas Party
Airport Christmas Party
WaterPark Place Candy Cane Giveaway