Markham has saved millions of dollars over the past seven years, in part, thanks to a not-for-profit organization called Excellence Canada.

Now, the town is hoping to share this expertise with Markham businesses.
The town invited Markham’s business community to sign a charter last week containing business excellence principles, set out by Excellence Canada. The charter included agreeing to keep promises, be innovative, engage in fact-based decision-making and creating a safe and healthy workplace for employees.
‘thinking smart, working smart’

Markham’s director of economic development believes businesses that have signed the charter will reap benefits.

“They (other businesses) will discover productivity gains, it will generate savings. The old maxim of thinking smart, working smart,” Stephen Chait said.

American Express and Delta Hotels and Resorts were among the companies to sign the charter.
Excellence Canada has helped Markham tremendously, according to Mr. Chait. The town has saved millions of dollars the past six or seven years thanks to the involvement of Excellence Canada, he said. It did detailed reviews of the town, which led to improved processes and focus, he said.

The town’s move will take Excellence Canada’s principles and make them more widely available to small- and medium-sized companies and not-for-profit organizations, Mr. Chait said.

Excellence Canada was founded in 1992 by Industry Canada. It is an independent organization committed to advancing organizational excellence nationally. Formerly called National Quality Institute, Excellence Canada offers business development, such as coaching, mentoring and running seminars.

The Town of Markham has made an important move by partnering with Excellence Canada, said David Barnes, vice-president of communications for American Express.

“It is an important first step to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of businesses,” he said. “They (the town) have taken the step of promoting quality management and organizational excellence and promoting that to other businesses in town.”

Allan Ebedes is optimistic the town’s initiative will be successful,
“The results will be phenomenal,” said Mr. Ebedes, a Thornhill resident who is president and CEO of Excellence Canada. “It is a commitment, we are working together.”

Mr. Chait expects more businesses will get involved.