Collex Collision Experts of Brampton has converted its paint shop to a more environmentally friendly paint system that will reduce Collex’s air pollution emissions by 50 – 60%. Pictured, from left, Ashraf Ali, President Bill Strachan and Karl Strachan.

Collex has calculated that the switch to a more environmentally friendly paint system will reduce Collex’s air pollution emissions by 50 – 60%.

“We are very aware of the impact that paints, solvents and other chemicals used in the paint process can have on the environment,” says Bill Strachan president of Collex Collision Experts in Brampton. “That’s why we didn’t wait any longer. It’s done and in effect.”

We have improved our practices now to reduce additional air pollution as well as to help preserve the environment for generations to come. These new improvements alone will help protect our good staff that have worked with and have been exposed to these hazardous products.”

Strachan says Collex will not pass on the extra cost of converting to the new paint system to it’s customers but would hope additional customers would support Collex on these initiatives. I challenge my industry counterparts in Brampton and worldwide to take on the new waterborne refinish system as we were by the paint companies and Environment Canada.

Collex is now celebrating 30 years of business at the same great location, and continuously strives to stay ahead of industry standards. They are located at 322 Rutherford Road South in Brampton. (905) 457-9250.

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Brampton's Small Business Enterprise Centre celebrated 10 years of service to Brampton at a special event last month. Here, from left Harinder Takhar, Minister of Small Business and Entrepreneurship congratulates Cassandra Baccardax, Manager, Small Business Services at Brampton’s Small Business Enterprise Centre while John Martin, manager entrepreneurship and Youth Partnerships Entrepreneurship Branch looks on.

SBEC celebrates 10 years in business

Brampton’s Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) has been helping fledgling businesses for a decade and last month they celebrated the milestone.

"A decade is a long time in business," said Economic Development Director Don Eastwood, who was among local business leaders to celebrate.

The Small Business Enterprise Centre at 33 Queen Street W, first established as a joint project between the City of Brampton and the Province of Ontario. delivers a range of services to emerging business. Over the years SBEC has also partnered with Human Resource Development Canada (HRDC), the Brampton Board of Trade and numerous private partners including The Royal Bank of Canada, Microsoft and Bell.

Small business in Brampton accounts for more than 85 per cent of all businesses. In 10 years, SBEC has answered more than 140,000 inquiries and assisted with more than 26,000 small business registrations.

SBEC services include information, guidance and consultations, seminars and workshops, a referral program and a 24/7 call centre. Online business name registration through the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services is also available as is BizPaL, a new Web listing of all permits and licences required to do business by all levels of government are also available.

For more information visit www.brampton-business.com

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Businesses are taking a lead role in Brampton’s Spring Cleanup this year and your business is encouraged to take part. Put a team a together and help clean up litter around your property, in a local park or ravine or anywhere where there is litter. >click here to read on

It’s a great way to show your civic pride, respect for the environment and have some fun while doing your part to help keep our city clean and green.

Clean and Green Corporate Challenge, supported by The Brampton Board of Trade is Friday, April 25 from 2 p.m. on.

Downtown Clean Sweep is Saturday, April 26 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and invites participants to join local councilors in the Downtown Clean Sweep and then come to Duggan Park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a celebration.

Register your cleanup with Brampton’s Clean City Committee and they will provide gloves and bags and arrange for your garbage to be collected. Call 905 874 2828 or email cleancity@brampton.ca or visit www.brampton.ca

This is the 11trh year of Brampton’s Spring Cleanup. In 2007, the month long effort attracted 41,000 participants including businesses, community groups, schools and neighbourhood groups.

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