“One of the biggest misconceptions about our industry is that many people think we make a lot ofmoney, or that it is easy. “Just serve a few people, and then have a chat and a drink…”, they think.But those people don‟t realize the long hours involved”, Merv says. “Not just in the restaurant, butalso the shopping, bookkeeping, training and management of staff - and all the other aspects ofrunning a <strong>business</strong>.”“And you have <strong>to</strong> do <strong>your</strong> home work. You have <strong>to</strong> know who <strong>your</strong> competition is, what <strong>your</strong> costsare and how much you can charge. It‟s not al<strong>ways</strong> possible <strong>to</strong> make a profit in the first year”, hecontinues.The main reason for Noreen and Merv <strong>to</strong> join the Centre Welling<strong>to</strong>n Chamber of Commerce is theTD Merchant Services. They are also considering hosting a Business After Hours event.“Unfortunately, because we work early mornings, we cannot attend breakfasts.” Other communityinvolvements include volunteering for the Elora Festival, billeting an Elora Festival Singer,Sensational Elora, The Centre Welling<strong>to</strong>n Rotary Club and the Elora BIA. They also promote manylocal events, or join them as a sponsor.The Up<strong>to</strong>wn Café is located down<strong>to</strong>wn Elora at 140 Metcalfe Street. You can contact Merv andNoreen Winter at 519-846-0553 or visit their website www.eloraup<strong>to</strong>wncafe.com.HOW MUCH HOMEOWNER’SINSURANCE DO I NEED?Every day people ask themselves, “How much homeowner‟s insurance do I need?” The answervaries, depending on each person‟s situation. Usually you should insure <strong>your</strong> home for its wholevalue, the actual building and all of its contents.In order <strong>to</strong> find out exactly how much <strong>your</strong> home is worth, you can have a builder or insuranceagent <strong>give</strong> you an estimate on its value. However, if you ever remodel or add on <strong>to</strong> <strong>your</strong> home, itsvalue will increase, and you will then need <strong>to</strong> purchasemore coverage.For any valuable possessions you have, you can purchaseextended coverage, <strong>to</strong> ensure those items are covered aswell. The best thing <strong>to</strong> do is take a room-by-room inven<strong>to</strong>ryof <strong>your</strong> valuables then keep this list somewhere outsidethe home, for example, a safe-deposit box.To determine if valuable possessions, such as TVs,stereos or computers are covered, or if you have any otherquestions about homeowner‟s insurance, contact <strong>your</strong>local insurance agent.Article submitted by Steve Lund, State Farm®Agent10 | w w w . c w c h a m b e r . c a
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