Technology

Donald Champagne knows what keeps customers happy. Deliver what they want days and weeks ahead of the competition.

By IAN ROSS The head of NorWa Manufacturing and Distribution Co. knew two things when he launched his business three years ago: Northern Ontario forestry mills generate tons of wood waste and horses have a propensity to defecate - a lot.

By ANDREW WAREING An online listing of project tenders is proving an invaluable tool for Thunder Bay’s Tangent Stair Manufacturing with exports to the U.S. expected to expand considerably in the coming year.

By ANDREW WAREING For Granite Tops Inc., there was a whole market within three to six hour’s drive and a chance to grow. The question was how to tap into it. John Hakala, manager of sales and marketing for Granite Tops Inc.

By ANDREW WAREING Steve Matusch is co-owner of Ionic Engineering with Steve Reichle. Ionic Engineering specializes in automation and robotics in the mining sector.

By IAN ROSS Build upon what you do best and stay there. “Find a niche and do the best that you can do,” says Keith Robinson, co-owner of Souris River Canoes, an Atikokan builder of high-quality composite canoes.

By ANDREW WAREING Tony Marinaro, director of operations for Kish-Gon-Dug Canada in Devlin, Ont., says the $1,000 they spent on post cards to lawn and garden retailers in the U.S. is proving to have been a wise investment.

By RICK HOULE Tom Stephenson, café manager at Sault Ste. Marie’s Hidden Bay Café, has recognized the growing trend in laptop computer use and has added a wireless Internet connection to his establishment.

By ANDREW WAREING Even as Timmins’ future is starting to shine brighter with the glint of gold and nickel, there is no reason for the community to rest on its laurels.

Bernice Adkins, an 85-year-old step dancer in Sudbury, invented a device that allows for water to be discharged from a hot water radiator without spraying.