Videoconferencing Applications are Growing!

Video conferencing has been around for quite awhile now, but advances in technology have made this a very attractive option for anyone looking to lower travel costs and expand their global reach. Recently, access gotten much more affordable and picture and sound quality has improved so much that many industries are taking advantage of the benefits of video conferencing. Video conferencing can allow you to have a real-time conversation with someone across the world, while still being able to see facial expressions and body language. This has been especially useful in mental health services, where patients can be put in touch with the best doctors and psychiatrists available without actually having to travel to hospitals and clinics. The benefits of videoconferencing in the telemental health industry can be read in a recent Time Magazine article found here.


The Rostie Group offers many videoconferencing solutions at both its Downtown and Airport locations. We have conducted interviews, board meetings, press conferences, and even birthday parties through videoconferencing. Videoconferencing is the best way to connect with multiple clients around the world in seconds, without having to step foot in an airport. To find out more about The Rostie Group’s videoconferencing abilities, please visit our website.

April Events in Toronto

Spring has finally sprung, which means warmer weather, longer days, and lots of exciting events throughout Toronto. April is great month to get out and experience all the unique sights and sounds that this wonderful city has to offer. Below is a listing of just some of the events you can look forward to during the coming month. Special thanks to About.com for supplying the content for this list.

Thursday April 1st - Saturday April 10th, 2010
Images Festival Showcases independent film, video and other time-based media.

Thursday April 1st - Monday April 5th, 2010
Easter Weekend Brunches, egg hunts, sunrise services and the a parade mark Easter in Toronto.

Saturday April 3rd, 2010
Harry's Spring Run-Off: Harry Rosen-sponsored 8k and 5k runs at High Park to fight prostate cancer.

Wednesday April 7th - Sunday April 11th
ReelWorld Film Festival: Racially and culturally diverse film and video from Canadian and international filmmakers.

Friday April 9th - Sunday April 11th, 2010
Toronto Postage Stamp Show: The Canadian Stamp Dealers' Association brings dealers, clubs and collectors to the Queen Elizabeth Building, Exhibition Place.

Friday April 16th - Sunday April 18th, 2010
British Isles Show Canada: Vendors will bring the "best of the U.K." to the Queen Elizabeth Building at Exhibition Place.

Saturday April 17th - Friday April 23rd, 2010
Sprockets International Film Festival for Children: For young film-goers and their families (ages 3 and up).

Saturday April 17th - Sunday April 25th, 2010
Toronto Jewish Film Festival: Films from local and international Jewish filmmakers.

Friday April 23rd - Sunday April 25th, 2010
The Green Living Show: Kicking off with the Green Toronto Awards ceremony, the Green Living Show will continue to showcase green products and ideas at the Direct Energy Centre at Exhibition Place throughout the weekend.

Saturday April 24th, 2010
Trees Across Toronto: Volunteer to plant trees and help Toronto reach its goal to double the city's tree canopy by 2050.

Thursday April 29th - Sunday May 9th, 2010
HotDocs Canadian International Documentary Festival: A large festival screening documentaries and hosting various industry events.


Are you as Strong as You Could Be?

On Monday, March 22nd, The Rostie Group will be hosting a free Lunch N' Learn at its 20 Bay Street location. You can either bring your own brown bag lunch, or purchase one on-site for only $5.00 (lunch includes a sandwich, a drink and a snack).

This week's guest will be...

Paul Weston
from
Coach Plus


Presenting...
"Are you as Strong as you Could Be?"

Identifying and Developing Individual Strengths, and Those of your Team

It has often been said that achieving a little success prevents us from achieving much greater success. So how can you accomplish more as an individual, and how can we get more from the people around us?

Come to this one-hour workshop and learn how to uncover and build on your hidden strengths, which, combined with those of your colleagues, will help build your team towards achieving even greater goals.

Workshop Agenda:
- Why we focus on weakness
- Contagious vs Contained Leadership
- Self Assessment Study
- Building a Team for Success


Paul Weston Biography:

During a 26-year military career as a Royal Marines Officer, Paul Weston served in over 50 countries in support of United Nations and NATO operations. As well as his command and staff duties, he specialized in Leadership Development, and on leaving the military in 2005, immigrated to Canada to build a consultancy with the Oakville-based company ‘Coach Plus’.

His skills and experience have been utilized by over 400 companies around southern Ontario and Michigan, and in addition to consulting on Leadership and Management Skills training, he is also in demand as a keynote speaker and motivational coach.

Registration and Location Details:

This seminar will be taking place in The Pacific Room (20 Bay Street, 11th floor)from 12:00-1:00pm. To ensure seating, please arrive at least 10 minutes in advance. To RSVP please contact dnoble@rostiegroup.com, and mention whether you will be bringing your own lunch, or wish to purchase one at the seminar. If you will be purchasing a lunch, please also note your sandwich preference, options are Turkey, Tuna, Assorted, Ham, or Veggie.

The Oscar Contest Winners Are In!

The 2010 Academy Awards have come and gone in a flurry of glitz, glamour, and as always, a big surprise here and there. The second annual Rostie Group Oscar Contest was a great success – many thanks to all tenants that submitted ballots. The response was even bigger than last year, and some of the entries were astonishingly close. Here is a list of our 2010 winners:

Drum roll, please…

1st Place: Allison Melnick from HRG Recruiting (18/24 Correct!)
· Proud winner of a Night at the Movies for two, including tickets, drinks, and popcorn

2nd Place: Craig O' Neil from Exinda Networks
· Winner of two movie passes

3rd Place: Rob Dewar from Sigg Canada
· Winner of one movie pass, and was the Top Scorer at our Airport Location!



Thanks again for entering!

Free Tax Planning Seminar

On Monday, March 8th, The Rostie Group will be hosting a free Tax Planning Lunch N' Learn at its 20 Bay Street location. A complimentary lunch will be provided courtesy of the speakers.

Guest speakers will be...

Lyle Van Every, Chad Relf
& Daniel Constantine
from
The Investor's Group

Presenting...
"Tax Planning for Business Owners"

This seminar will focus on common tax issues and solutions for business owners. The presenters will review tips and best practices to help you ensure that your business is tax efficient both now and when you decide to sell it. This seminar will be an informal and interactive presentation of what can often be challenging business concepts.

Some Topics Include:

-Creditor protection of business and personal assets.
-“Eligible vs. Ineligible” dividends.
-Estate Freezes / Small business exception.

RSVP and Location Details:

This seminar will be taking place in the The Muskoka Room (20 Bay Street, 12th floor) from 12:00-1:00pm. To ensure seating, please arrive at least 10 minutes in advance.

To RSVP please contact
dnoble@rostiegroup.com, and mention whether you will be bringing your own lunch or enjoying the complimentry lunch provided by the presenters.

Rostie Group Oscar Contest

Hurray for Hollywood!
The Rostie Group's Oscar Contest is back. Just pick up a ballot from reception and predict the winners of Sunday's Academy Awards. You could win a night at the movies for two (with popcorn and drinks), a Blockbuster gift card, or Cineplex movie passes.

Completed ballots must be submitted to a receptionist by March 5th at 5:00pm. Winners will be notified by phone or email the following week.