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lO-The Canadian Champion, Tuesday, January 22, 2002 L vRepairman making name for himnself after dlock re-creation that Germans said couldn't be donc By STEVE L.BLANC The Champion For Thomas Jolie, it's ail about timing. That's because the soft-spoken repairman spends his days ensur- mng docks and watches keep tic- tic-ticking along - domng so from a small second-floor storefront on Main Street. After years as an apprentice in Toronto, M. Jolie brought bis trade to town in 1980. Since then, his expertise and attention to detail has put him in good stead with the community. Those quatities also landed him a unique opportunity a little over two years ago with long-time acquaintance Mark Bradley of Bronte Street's Bradley Woodworks. At the time, M. Bradley was looking to re-create the Seth Thomas No. 2 Regulator - a popular weight-driven, eight-day rail- way dlock used between 1860 and 1951 - that hie feit railway hobbyists and former railway employees would be eager to obtain. The problemn was, a flood in Connecticut - where the dlock was originally built - had destroyed the plans. Even after a company in Germany- the world's leading manufacturer of dlocks - announced the time piece couldn't be duplicated, Wi. Bradley feit otherwise and called on the local repainnan to back up biS claim. Mn. Jolie picked up the gauntiet and- though design info and pata were scarce - had the taak completed in just a few months. More than 500 of these re-created dlocks have been solti so far and accordmng 10 M. Bradley, the market is far fromn exhausted. "It's to Thomas' credit that this project succeeded. A huge German manufacturer said it couldn't be done and here a little guy from Milton docs il," hie said. Added M. Jolie, "11 waa definitely 2 challenging and rewarding experience and the royalty cheques keep coming ini." The local repairman is also Uic one called upon whenever Uic Main and Martin street dlock tower needs a little fmne-tuning. But it's regular dlocks and watches Uiat keep him busy, and 10 keep business comn- ing takes a flair for meticulous work. Be said, "tt's an exacting, precise sort of thig. That's what drew me to il (watch/clock * see LOTS on page 16 Region hosts seminar on business with U.S. vCIBC celebrates 125 years today The Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in Milton is celebrating a milestone today, marldng 125 years of business in town. To celebrate Uic occasion, Uic bank is holding a day of special events. "Were having an open house and ribbon-cuttnng wiUi Mayor (Gord) Krantz," said Christine Sarte, branch manager, adding Uic public is welcome to attend. "We're set- ting up a display of pictures dating back to when Uic branch first opened until now." The branch first opened in 1877 as Uic Bank of Hamnilton. lu 1924, Uic franchise amnalgaxnated wiUi Uic Canadian Bank of Commerce and adopted its namne. After Uic Canadian Bank of Commerce merged wiUi Uic Imperia] Bank of Canada in 1961, the franchise adopted Uic CTBC namne. lIn an effort to improve business exports to Uic United States, Halton Region is host- ing a series of seminars called 'Exporting in the Third Millennium'. The kick-off seminar - 'Doing Business in the United States' - will bning togeUier a variety of experts (a public accounting tiro, advertising agency, trans- portation logistics company and banking establishment) to speak to local business operators about their opportunities lin the Amnerican market. "The seminars are designed to help cur- rent exporters improve their practices and to give those seeking 10 export the touIs they need 10 develop a sound business and marketing plan," said Javier Lopez, small business/export consultant for the Halton Regional Business Development Centre. "'Me opportunity to leamn from expert professionals who assist Canadian compa- nies t0 export is a major benefit of Uic semn- mnar series." Doing Business in Uic United States will be held February 27 at the Halton Regional Centre (1151 Bronte Rd., Oakville) fromn 8 t0 10 a.m. The seminar costs $30. To register or for more information, con- tact the Halton Region Business Development Centre aI (905) 825-6000. ext. 6300, or on-line at www.baltonbusi- ness.com. F R EE SALT!' (Five 36kg bags) and FREE INSTALLATION When you buy a Cullgan Water Softener eAA~Q~bv623 MAIN ST. EAST, MILTON (905) 878&2474