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PSAC’S SCOTT VAN VLIET ADVOCATES A CANADIAN BRAND FOR ENERGY

I NDUSTRIAL SECTOR A BRIGHT LIGHT IN CALGARY

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STORY TITLE // SECTION

Supporting the visions of entrepreneurs one story at a time.

Volume 27 | Number 4

REGULAR COLUMNS

9

The Canadian Economy is in Trouble

By Frank Atkins

10

It’s Time for the Alberta Government to Exercise Some Fiscal Fitness

By Amber Ruddy

12

Words Are Great – But We Need Action

By Cody Battershill

CONTENTS COVER FEATURE

30

Canadian Made PSAC’s Scott Van Vliet advocates a Canadian brand for energy

By Melanie Darbyshire

ON OUR COVER: ABOVE: SCOTT VAN VLIET, CURRENT CHAIR OF PSAC. PHOTO SOURCE: EWAN PHOTO VIDEO

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Rethink Government, Reduce Your Tax Bill

By Colin Craig

87 97

Leading Business The Calgary Report Current developments for Calgary Telus Convention Centre, Tourism Calgary, Calgary Economic Development, and Innovate Calgary

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Marketing Matters

By David Parker

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Supporting the visions of entrepreneurs one story at a time.

Volume 27 | Number 4

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THIS MONTH’S FEATURES

22

he Keys to Succeeding in T the Workplace Out with the old, in with the new?

By Erlynn Gococo

CONTENTS COMPANY PROFILES

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By Dan Boucher, Director of Research, CPHR Alberta

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Industrial Sector a Bright Light in Calgary Vacancy rates fall and absorption rises

By Mario Toneguzzi

Altitude Communications

Innovative Company with its Head in the Cloud

Energy Saving Products Ltd.

Celebrates 35 Years

59 68 71

Calgary Interiors

Celebrates 55 Years

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94 6

Is Pay Equity Legislation Coming to Alberta?

APRIL 2018 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

Investing In Real Estate

By Colleen Wallace

Access to Specialists With long wait times, what can patients do?

By Erlynn Gococo

Business Walks the Walk From oilfields to recycled mattresses

By John Hardy

Finally! Fore Calgary 2018

By John Hardy

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THE CANADIAN ECONOMY IS IN TROUBLE // FRANK ATKINS

The Canadian Economy is in Trouble

BY FRANK ATKINS

I

should be used to this by now, but each time another government moves to mess up the economy, I am once again astounded. To say that the third budget from Trudeau the Junior is harmful for the economy is an understatement. It is as if this government does not have any idea how the Canadian economy works. The fact that either the current government does not understand how the economy works, or does not care, is reprehensible.

The Canadian economy is fundamentally no different than any other (non-communist) economy. What makes it go around are millions of transactions by millions of people.

I have long been a strong believer that this means it is impossible to micromanage the Canadian economy. Instead what is needed is a consistent set of rules that fosters confidence in the economy. Some of those millions of transactions involve business investment, which is essential for any economy to keep operating in an efficient manner.

Instead of fostering an environment that encourages business investment, we seem to be setting a course which actually discourages investment in the Canadian economy.

According to the Conference Board of Canada, among a group of 17 industrialized countries, Canada now has the second lowest level of business investment as a share of GDP. The central problem stems from an absolute refusal to set any timetable for a return to a balanced budget. This in itself undermines confidence in the economy. But it also weakens the economy. Budget deficits have already led to the need for more revenue, which has led to an increase in taxes. The fact that we are adding to the federal debt at an alarming rate means that more tax increases will occur in the future. How quickly we forget the terrible state that Trudeau the Senior left the economy in when he finally limped from office.

THE CENTRAL PROBLEM STEMS FROM AN ABSOLUTE REFUSAL TO SET ANY TIMETABLE FOR A RETURN TO A BALANCED BUDGET. THIS IN ITSELF UNDERMINES CONFIDENCE IN THE ECONOMY. BUT IT ALSO WEAKENS THE ECONOMY. Of course, it does not help that many of the provinces have raised the cost of doing business in Canada by also increasing taxes as well as imposing new regulations on carbon emissions and raising minimum wages, all of which make Canada look like a poor economy to invest in. It also does not help us that the United States has instituted tax reform that now makes the U.S. a more attractive place to invest.

So, instead of helping the Canadian economy, what have we done? The current government spends a lot of time obsessing about gender equality and income redistribution.

In a recent article in the National Post, Conrad Black lamented about Canada’s slipping stature in the world. Mr. Black nicely summarized the problems by stating, “Costumed navel-gazing, endless debate about daycare and robotic repetition of the pieties of gender equality were not what inspired the builders of this country, and will not get us to the place of excellence where we belong.” I am reminded of the saying that Nero fiddled while Rome burned. In Canada, Mr. Trudeau navel gazes while the economy deteriorates.

Frank Atkins is a senior fellow at the Frontier Centre for Public Policy.

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // APRIL 2018

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IT’S TIME FOR THE ALBERTA GOVERNMENT TO EXERCISE SOME FISCAL FITNESS // AMBER RUDDY

It’s Time for the Alberta Government to Exercise Some Fiscal Fitness

BY AMBER RUDDY

T

he Alberta budget, The Path to Balance, offers a long and winding road to balance the books when a short straight line would do the trick. Similar to losing weight, the government must step on the scale, set targets and make disciplined decisions to curb their appetite for spending.

IN RECENT YEARS, THE PROVINCE HAS BEEN DOWNGRADED BY SEVERAL CREDIT-RATING AGENCIES. THE MAIN

New survey data from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) shows that four out of five Alberta entrepreneurs think the 2023-24 time frame to balance the budget is not soon enough. In fact, more than half of small business owners want to see the provincial government back in the black by 2020.

CRITICISM HAS BEEN NOT HAVING A

In recent years, the province has been downgraded by several credit-rating agencies. The main criticism has been not having a concrete plan to get the books balanced. The budget tabled by Finance Minister Joe Ceci still lacks a tangible plan to actually stop the red ink beyond relying on optimistic projections for economic recovery.

LACKS A TANGIBLE PLAN TO ACTUALLY

There is a disconnect between this budget and the expectations of small business owners, as government debt and deficit is ranked as the second biggest concern for small business owners in Alberta, second only to the growing tax burden.

There is no shortage of ideas on how to balance the books on a more expedited basis. Ninety-three per cent of Alberta business owners want the province to reduce existing spending by shrinking the size of government (i.e. not replacing retiring workers) and freezing public sector wages.

According to CFIB’s Wage Watch report, Alberta government employees make a 17 per cent premium on their total compensation, including wages, salary and benefits, compared to those working the same jobs in the private sector.

CONCRETE PLAN TO GET THE BOOKS BALANCED. THE BUDGET TABLED BY FINANCE MINISTER JOE CECI STILL STOP THE RED INK BEYOND RELYING ON OPTIMISTIC PROJECTIONS FOR ECONOMIC RECOVERY.

Addressing the behemoth of rising government operational spending would provide the biggest opportunity for savings.

This typically makes up half of the government’s total spending. Alberta now borrows to simply keep the lights on.

That simply can’t continue.

Small business owners know that today’s deficits and debt are tomorrow’s taxes. Businesses are expected to balance their budget on a regular basis, why can’t governments?

It will take discipline for the government to say no to its own insatiable spending appetite, but balancing the budget is the healthy fiscal choice.

Amber Ruddy is the director of provincial affairs for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. She can be reached at amber.ruddy@cfib.ca. Follow her on Twitter @aruddy.

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distinguished business leader A W A R D

In celebration of the 2018 recipient

Guy J. Turcotte Founder, President and CEO, Stone Creek Resorts Inc.

Thursday, June 21, 2018 Hyatt Regency Calgary Imperial Ballroom 5:30 p.m. reception 6:30 p.m. dinner Tickets: Haskayne.ucalgary.ca/DBLA2018

Presented by:

WORDS ARE GREAT – BUT WE NEED ACTION // CODY BATTERSHILL

Words Are Great – But We Need Action

BY CODY BATTERSHILL

T

here’s a reason more than a hundred volunteers gathered outside Liberal MP Kent Hehr’s constituency office in late February in support of the Kinder Morgan pipeline expansion project.

I CAN’T HELP FEELING OUR SUPPORTERS AREN’T ALONE. THE

They weren’t there just for the cold, windy weather. These grassroots supporters of a vibrant resource sector showed up on the sidewalk because they’re tired of the lack of action from the federal government in advancing the pipeline project.

CALGARY RALLY IN FAVOUR OF

Sure, the prime minister, during a visit to our province earlier in the year, stated he’d ensure the Kinder Morgan expansion project “gets built.” But many observers wonder exactly what actions the PM is taking to deliver on that promise. According to many who turned out, it just seems like a lot of talk.

MEDIA OUTLETS INCLUDING TV,

Meanwhile, the clock is ticking. We’re approaching 500 days since this critical infrastructure project gained federal approval. That’s 500 days of selling fair trade Canadian oil and gas into the U.S. market – our only available option – at a deep discount from world prices. And it’s 500 days of depriving the rest of the world of our superior product, developed to the best environmental standards on earth.

But according to the folks who turned up at the Calgary rally in favour of moving the pipeline project forward, the obstructionism simply has to stop.

I can’t help feeling our supporters aren’t alone. The Calgary rally in favour of pipeline construction garnered coverage from eight different media outlets including TV, radio, print and online stories. Passersby proudly showed their support through friendly waves and the honking of horns.

And a common theme we saw in so much of the positive feedback following the event was the idea that such a rally

PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION GARNERED COVERAGE FROM EIGHT DIFFERENT RADIO, PRINT AND ONLINE STORIES. PASSERSBY PROUDLY SHOWED THEIR SUPPORT THROUGH FRIENDLY WAVES AND THE HONKING OF HORNS. should have happened a long time ago, and that more should be planned soon.

On that score, we also held a very successful rally in Vancouver in March that attracted great media coverage.

Why? Because we think there’s a silent majority right across the country that’s tired of being misrepresented by the forces of “no.” Canadians are starting to speak up and to express their views on key issues related to jobs, the environment and Canada’s prosperity.

Canadians see the pipeline project is part of that prosperity.

And passionate, enthusiastic individuals and families like the ones who showed up at the Calgary rally are more than happy to carry that message to government.

Cody Battershill is a Calgary realtor and founder/spokesperson for CanadaAction. ca, a volunteer organization that supports Canadian energy development and the environmental, social and economic benefits that come with it.

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RETHINK GOVERNMENT, REDUCE YOUR TAX BILL // COLIN CRAIG

Rethink Government, Reduce Your Tax Bill

BY COLIN CRAIG

G

overnments are not known for being cost-effective organizations due to a number of perverse incentives – politicians putting politics before rational decisions and powerful employee unions pressuring politicians into signing lucrative contracts to name just two.

Here are a couple ideas that tweak the traditional government model and could save taxpayers money while creating new opportunities for local businesses.

First, governments should take a page out of former Indianapolis mayor Stephen Goldsmith’s book and proceed with something called “managed competition.”

Instead of getting into a fight with city unions by just outsourcing a service to a private company, managed competition involves helping current government employees to craft their own bid and compete with the private sector for the work.

For example, when Indianapolis opened its pothole repair service up to competition, Goldsmith had the city’s accountants help the city’s pothole repair crews draft their proposal. They knew they would have to really trim the fat if they were to stand a chance bidding against private sector firms – so that’s exactly what they did.

The city employees put in a bid that proposed cutting a sizable amount of management overhead while reducing work crews significantly. In his book, The Twenty-First Century City, Goldsmith notes the city’s pothole repair employees won the tender and ended up reducing costs by 25 per cent while productivity skyrocketed by 68 per cent. Just think – none of those benefits would have

materialized if it weren’t for Goldsmith introducing competition into the mix.

Ultimately, this competitive model saved his city over $400 million while improving services. Some government services were ultimately outsourced, but government employees won many bids as well.

Another tool that can help drive savings within an organization is gainsharing – an incentive program that rewards employees for coming forward with ideas that save money while maintaining output levels.

For example, after gainsharing was introduced in the State of Maryland, the highways maintenance division decided to stop paying a firm to haul away pieces of scrap highway signage that state employees had gathered at their public works yard. Instead, the state began selling the materials to a metal recycling company – raising $15,000 in revenue. These funds were then split between the employees and the state.

One can easily see how this idea could work well at reducing costs in government. For example, some employees could decide to rent out a smaller office space or utilize a workfrom-home model, renting meeting rooms as needed. Some divisions may decide to offer buyouts to employees, reducing staff complements down to more efficient levels. As long as the division maintains its output, it really doesn’t matter how many staff do the work or where it is done.

If you like the idea of easing your tax burden, try asking your local politicians to explore these cost-saving ideas.

Colin Craig is the Alberta Director for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation

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APRIL 2018 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

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HOUSING MILLENNIALS // URBANOMICS

HOUSING MILLENIALS TARGETING THE HOMEBUYER

BY JOHN HARDY

C

hange is a crucial and constant fact of business life.

Adapting to change is vital.

Of all the basic and subtle variables Calgary-area builders and developers must always consider – like the economy, migration, consumer confidence and location – shifting demographics may be a more subtle and tricky (but just as important) factor to manage.

According to the vague definition of demographics, baby boomers are now in the 54 to 72 age range. For more than 30 years, the wants, likes and needs – and clout – of their dominant generation was the pulse of business.

Although still a sizable and influential group, and despite clichés about investments, nest eggs and accumulated wealth, today’s boomers are not nearly the consumer or employee target demographic they once were.

There has been a shift: technology, retailers, car dealers, builders and developers are now focusing on millennials – the 25 to 35 year olds with new values, new attitudes and new perspectives.

“Millennials are now driving the bus!” says Phil Soper, president and CEO of Royal LePage. “Their values, their priorities and their sheer numbers will drive the fashions, the foods, movies, culture and lifestyles for decades to come.”

They are a significant target for business in general and a particularly vital factor for Calgary’s housing market.

Soper is respectful but blunt: “The housing market could not survive on boomer transactions.”

According to the most recent StatCan Housing in Canada

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report, millennials have a lower home ownership rate than boomers did at age 30. The report charts that, in 2016, slightly more than 50 per cent of millennials (who lived on their own) were owners. That number compares with 55.5 per cent of boomers in 1981.

The StatCan report and last year’s Royal LePage housing survey both show that, while generational outlooks about home ownership are similar, financial factors, circumstances and types of housing are significantly different.

“We call it ‘market pull’ and the trend and the numbers show that 87 per cent of millennials would like to buy a home,” Soper notes. “That aspect is fairly similar to what it was with boomers and stems from an emotional connection to tangible things. Real estate property is the only asset that appreciates.”

The findings jive with a recent millennial home ownership survey by CIBC that suggested 86 per cent of millennials consider home ownership important in providing a sense of personal freedom.

“It’s a documented fact that real estate is now the largest industrial sector in Canada. And millennials are driving a different trend when it comes to the types of housing.”

In 1981, more than 44 per cent of boomers lived in a singlefamily home. By 2016, only 35 per cent of millennials lived in a single-family home; they are more likely to live in a multi-family condo or apartment than boomers did at the same age.

The Royal LePage survey also highlights that Calgary’s younger population (the average age in the city is 36.4)

HOUSING MILLENNIALS // URBANOMICS

SOPER OFFERS THE 1981 FLASHBACK TO 21.5 PER CENT MORTGAGE RATES, UNDERSCORING THAT WHILE TODAY’S MILLENNIALS HAVE THE OPTION OF LOW MORTGAGE RATES THAT THEIR BOOMER PARENTS COULD ONLY DREAM ABOUT, THEY DO EXPERIENCE NEW AND DIFFERENT HOUSING SPEED BUMPS THAT BOOMERS NEVER ENCOUNTERED.

owns more real estate than similar age groups in Canada.

“It is evident in markets like Calgary and Vancouver,” Soper explains, “that particularly the 25 to 30 ‘peak millennials’ are gravitating to condo living, and single women are the largest cohorts of property purchasers.

“We expect that demand from this demographic will put additional pressure on entry-level housing, while investment properties will be used to supplement the limited inventory of purpose-built rental buildings. Like the boomer generation did, when millennials start having families, their wants and needs shift toward backyards and suburbs.”

While millennials plan to own a home, the variables and circumstances of home ownership have changed, sometimes drastically.

35 per cent already own a home, while another 50 per cent are renting and 14 per cent are living with their parents.”

In many urban Canadian markets there are new issues to deal with, such as limited inventory and high home values while more affordable and available home ownership in the suburbs impact aspects like job choices and commutes. And Canada’s new, tighter mortgage rules are making it harder for some millennials to buy into the market.

As a result of Calgary’s job market, the economy and consumer confidence, home ownership continues to be a unique challenge for many millennials.

Soper offers the 1981 flashback to 21.5 per cent mortgage rates, underscoring that while today’s millennials have the option of low mortgage rates that their boomer parents could only dream about, they do experience new and different housing speed bumps that boomers never encountered.

Emphasizing that the in-demand types of homes may be in transition, Soper adds, “While peak millennials are becoming increasingly inventive in their quest for home ownership, careful attention to urban planning could help to alleviate some of their constraints. A focus on vertical living and developing larger, affordable condominiums in urban markets would enhance supply and offer longterm appealing solutions to millennial buyers in search of affordable property.”

“Many millennials choose to rent, or live at home with parents, as part of a savings strategy,” he points out. “About

Some things never change. “Ultimately, housing adjusts to what people will pay,” Soper says with positivity.

ABOVE: PHIL SOPER, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF ROYAL LEPAGE.

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // APRIL 2018

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THE

Turning Points Fundraising Gala Generating community awareness It’s about caring, understanding, support and awareness. In Calgary, and throughout North America, there is an urgent, ugly and often denied fact of life known as family violence and abuse.

This year, Calgary’s 24th annual Turning Points Fundraising Gala will create awareness and celebrate the courage and determination of Calgary families who are striving to live free from family violence and abuse.

“Unfortunately, it continues to be an issue in our city,” says Kim Ruse, executive director of the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter, the organizers of the vital Calgary special event. “It crosses all neighbourhoods, age groups, religions, ethnicities and economic backgrounds.”

She acknowledges that, while community perception is changing, there are still some lingering myths and stereotypes – particularly the assumption that only certain types of people experience family violence and abuse and that it doesn’t happen to just anyone.

“It impacts the entire community and is a serious problem.

Everyone needs to be involved to help find a solution. It’s well documented that family violence and abuse has no boundaries. Victims come from all walks of life, cultures, income levels and educational backgrounds,” she points out.

Another common misunderstanding is that the problem is always physical. It is not! “Abuse is more than hitting and slapping. It can be emotional, verbal, financial and sexual.

It happens in many forms, all of which are serious, harmful and unacceptable.”

Although the situations are all too ugly and real, and even though the conversation and community consciousness is happening, there is still stigma and shame attached.

According to the Canadian Women’s Foundation, responding to violence and abuse costs the Canadian economy more than $7 billion annually in police, judicial and health-care resources. Statistics Canada says a woman is killed by her intimate partner every five days.

Close to home, the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter is on the front lines, providing hope and support to vulnerable Calgarians. The shelter served more than 15,000 clients last

year, and its 24-Hour Family Violence Helpline received close to 12,000 calls.

The April 26, Turning Points Take a Stand Against Family Violence and Abuse Fundraising Gala, at the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre, will not only increase awareness about family violence but generate funds for the crucial Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter programs and services that provide much needed support, services and information aimed at ending family violence and abuse in the Calgary community.

Programs include the Family Violence Helpline with professionally-trained counsellors answering questions and providing safety planning, counselling and support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year; the Emergency Shelter, with safe and secure accommodation, nutritious meals, basic essential items and referral services for women and children fleeing family violence and abuse; and community services counselling with emotional and practical support for women who may be experiencing family violence and abuse but unable or choose not to enter the Emergency Shelter.

On April 26, the Turning Points Fundraising Gala will be a special evening, featuring a superb dinner, silent and live auctions, fun raffles and truly inspiring stories.

For tickets and any information, visit www. calgarywomensshelter.com or call (403) 290-1552 ext. 410.

ABOVE: KIM RUSE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE CALGARY WOMEN’S EMERGENCY SHELTER.

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // APRIL 2018

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OFF

THE

Canada’s Global Energy Think Tank Session A subtle but vital dimension of the new Calgary is earning a reputation as a dynamic business market of innovators, entrepreneurs and now, disruptors – business professionals who are putting a bold new focus on the new ways of doing things.

Like Calgary’s high-energy business go-getter (and disruptor) Graeme Edge.

“My business partner, Rachel Maxwell, and I wanted to shake up the world of executive search business and we were interested in some of the changes which were happening in energy with respect to renewables and electric vehicles,” he recalls.

“We believed the global energy system was quickly entering an era of huge changes driven by a combination of powerful disruptive technologies, social and policy factors and a need to address carbon emissions and pollution at a global level.

“But at the time we were not seeing a lot of action to capitalize on these changes at a local level,” he adds.

About a year and a half ago, Edge attended a London conference of visionaries and entrepreneurs. It triggered a timely and exciting Calgary idea. Inspired by the seminars and presentations about the transitioning global energy system, he had a vision that it’s time for post-downturn and recovering Calgary to transition as a leader in the exciting, new global energy sector.

“We saw an opportunity to harness our network and skills in bringing people together by creating a global movement of energy and technology thought leaders who wanted to see a more collaborative energy narrative about accelerating exponential clean energy-related technologies and solutions.

“We don’t have all the answers on how we do this but we can improve the chances of this happening by bringing a diverse group of people together: an Energy Disruptors movement.”

Together with his wife and Energy Disruptors co-founder, Michelle Edge, they created a world-class launch event in Calgary.

“The name is bold,” he admits, “but we chose it because we are on the precipice of a significant shift in the global energy system.”

He explains that the idea wasn’t instantly embraced by industry. “Some people thought we were a threat to an industry which is the backbone of our province. But this is a positive opportunity to bring the best of the oil and gas industry to the table and try to reframe the discussion around energy.

“Fortunately, ATB Financial and Shell believed in our vision really early on and have been incredibly supportive in getting behind the Energy Disruptors idea.”

After much planning and co-ordination, the i’s are dotted, the t’s are crossed and the Energy Disruptors: Unite 2018 conference – a two-day Calgary special event – is all set to take place in the Big Four Building at Stampede Park on May 15 and 16, 2018.

The Energy Disruptors team has scheduled an unprecedented lineup of international and local speakers, including one of the world’s most inspiring and iconic change-the-world entrepreneurs, Sir Richard Branson.

“Ultimately, we believe we need to maximize the potential of our hydrocarbon resources in a responsible way, while also looking to invest in new disruptive energy-related technologies of the future,” Edge emphasizes with a passion.

“There is an opportunity for Calgary, Alberta and Canada to capture some of the top of the economic value chain as the world starts to move to distributed power, disruptive battery technologies, and the move in urban areas towards connected, autonomous, shared and electric vehicles.”

For more information and details about EDU2018, visit www.energydisruptors.com.

ABOVE: UNITE ORGANIZERS (LEFT TO RIGHT) MICHELLE EDGE, GRAEME EDGE AND RACHEL MAXWELL.

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BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // APRIL 2018

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THE KEYS TO SUCCEEDING IN THE WORKPLACE // HUMAN RESOURCES

The Keys

TO SUCCEEDING IN THE WORKPLACE OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW?

BY ERLYNN GOCOCO

T

here’s an old saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” With more new, “young” graduates entering the workforce, have the expectations and attitudes in the workplace changed? What are the secrets, old and new, to success and are the secrets of the past still relevant today?

Suzy Moutinho, a human resources administrator and one of Canada’s Top 25 HR Professionals for 2017, explains that it isn’t always the number of years a person has worked that ensures success. “Successful individuals come from a more diverse background,” she believes. So while some may argue that 20-plus years of experience in a certain field makes an individual more qualified, Moutinho says this is just not the case. “Personally, I think the key to success is having an attitude of curiosity and good work ethic as well as the ability and desire to learn different roles within and outside of the industry that an individual is working in.”

Moutinho observes that “younger” less-experienced employees sometimes have ambitious expectations of climbing the ladder very quickly or expect to be given key

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roles or promotions early on in their careers. “When I started my career, says Moutinho, “I was told that you needed to work your way up the ranks to truly succeed.”

PwC senior associate and “younger” employee Ryan Pernal says, “In dealing with ‘older’ employees I think there can certainly be differences in expectations and attitudes. Not necessarily in a negative sense, but people with years of professional experience demand more because of their personal experience and knowledge. As well, older employees are quite often more senior in their position, which certainly breeds some of that expectation. However, my personal experiences with older employees have been very positive.”

Pernal believes that an employee’s work environment and workplace culture combined with communication skills fosters expectations more than age.

When it comes to the secrets to success, Pernal says, “I’m not entirely sure what the past secrets to success are, but I assume a lot of it overlaps with what makes people successful today. To me, if you have technical capabilities,

// HUMAN RESOURCES

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work hard, are a good communicator and treat others with respect, then you will find success in whatever you do.”

Peter Fraiberg, owner of Grumans Catering and Delicatessen, echoes Pernal’s sentiments. “The keys to success in the workplace still ring true today as it did in the past,” he says “Work hard, be respectful to your peers and customers, and be the best you can be.”

The restaurant industry, says Fraiberg, brings a combination of young and seasoned veterans together. “The more mature employees seem to understand right away what it takes to get ahead while the younger ones want it now and don’t realize the patience and effort it requires to get ahead. What people today think of as great service is quite different from what I remember when I first entered the workforce. Detail is so important in what we do and many of the young ones just don’t have that same attention to detail.”

ABOVE: EXTERIOR OF GRUMANS, BRITANNIA LOCATION. INSET: PETER FRAIBERG, OWNER, GRUMANS CATERING AND DELICATESSEN.

APRIL 2018 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

THE KEYS TO SUCCEEDING IN THE WORKPLACE // HUMAN RESOURCES

“THE KEYS TO SUCCESS IN THE WORKPLACE STILL RING TRUE TODAY AS IT DID IN THE PAST,” HE SAYS “WORK HARD, BE RESPECTFUL TO YOUR PEERS AND CUSTOMERS, AND BE THE BEST YOU CAN BE.” ~ PETER FRAIBERG

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Some HR professionals believe it isn’t necessarily the expectations that have changed, but rather the attitudes, primarily as a result of modern technology.

Eleanor Culver, founder of Calgarybased Real HR, believes that “older” employees were tougher, complained less and kept their heads down more than the younger workers today. “In fact, there weren’t as many options, compared to today, to voice your opinion. The

Your name Here

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // APRIL 2018

25

younger employees now have many ways to express themselves beyond the office walls: Hello, Twitter, Snapchat, Facebook, Glassdoor, Reddit and Instagram.”

Today, according to Culver, we see more of the younger employees turning to social media, rather than speaking directly to their managers, to air their grievances. “They are polling their tribe on Reddit.

They aren’t complaining to their immediate family and a few dozen friends; they are tweeting to 1,216 followers. They are not filing a complaint with their HR representative; they are putting a scorched-earth review on Glassdoor or Yelp.”

Whether young or old, Culver lists six important key elements, which in her opinion, contribute to success: plan; embody integrity; know yourself; contribute; learn; and get over yourself.

Ross Marsh, president of Ross W. Marsh Consulting Group Inc., says, “One of the biggest differences I notice these days is speed or pace, whereas in the past there was an expectation that you had to ‘put in your time’ or ‘pay your dues.’ Today, in the era of technology and tech billionaires who amass fortunes before they are 30, younger workers have far less patience for those concepts.

“There are a number of key ingredients to success that still apply,” says Marsh. But these key ingredients – good manners,

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// HUMAN RESOURCES

a proper handshake, appropriate business attire, the ability to speak and the ability to write – seem less and less common today, he adds. “For me, I’ll take enthusiasm and a good attitude over experience. It doesn’t matter how much experience you have, if you are difficult or unpleasant with co-workers or customers you are bad for business.”

And what about work-life balance? Has this changed over the years, or has it remained relatively the same?

Depending on where you work and your role, says Pernal, the balance can be difficult sometimes. “I think the balance has moved more towards working hard – positions are becoming increasingly competitive and the workforce as a whole has become more educated. That said, success is relative to each person’s goals and their career is what they want to make it, so the balance will vary from person to person.”

Culver believes that, back in the day, it was easier to separate work from personal activities. “You left work at work because that is where it resided. Your computer and phone were attached to your desk. You could only take the work that fit in your briefcase home – and because it was on paper, that wasn’t much.”

Now, she says, everything competes for your attention constantly. “Successful workplaces co-create the expectations around when work takes priority and when your personal matters take priority with the understanding that sometimes one pops into the other.”

In the 35 years that Fraiberg has been in the hospitality industry, he says he has watched it evolve and change. “The addition of all the cooking shows, celebrity chefs and social media has changed the world of food, drink and entertainment.

In some ways it is better, but the reality is the hospitality industry is not just a job, it’s a lifestyle. But more than that, it’s a commitment. In order to succeed you must commit to be the best.”

Culver emphasizes, “What is required for innovation to happen is for us all to listen, really listen, to each other. Once we understand what each person in the workforce values, then we can start to foster success in each individual, in each company, and in turn the city as a whole.”

Bridging the gap between “young” and “old” isn’t always easy, but Marsh says, “Harnessing the knowledge and experience of older workers and the knowledge and energy of younger workers can lead to powerful outcomes.”

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IS PAY EQUITY LEGISLATION COMING TO ALBERTA? // CPHR

IS PAY EQUITY LEGISLATION COMING TO ALBERTA?

BY DAN BOUCHER, DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH, CPHR ALBERTA

P

ay equity is going to get a lot of attention this year. Politicians and courtrooms across Canada are rolling out legislation and judgments focused on wage discrimination. With the topic of pay equity making headlines once again, will Alberta’s government choose one more platform before the next election?

Six Canadian provinces have enacted pay equity legislation, with another three provinces mandating frameworks for pay equity negotiation for public employees. Alberta is the sole province without either. Much of this legislation isn’t new, either. Ontario recognized the 30th anniversary of its Pay Equity Act by introducing new initiatives around enforcement of the act late last spring. The Supreme Court of Canada is working on the file as well, with two cases currently before the court to address disputes related to Quebec’s pay equity laws.

Pay equity was a central theme to the 2018 federal budget, too. In announcing their intent to introduce pay equity legislation for federally-regulated sectors, the Government of Canada weighed in on the issue. The proposed legislation will affect over 1.2 million employees in the federal public service.

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IS PAY EQUITY LEGISLATION COMING TO ALBERTA? // CPHR

So what do you need to know if legislation is forthcoming from Edmonton? First, expect a different timeline than last year’s changes to the Employment Standards Code. While the changes were the broadest update to the code in two generations, introducing a Pay Equity Act would be an entirely new initiative. Even if the Alberta government used another province’s act as a model, consultations and other engagement would probably push the introduction of new legislation late into the fall. Implementation would likely require enforcement and hearing mechanisms, so more time would be required to set these areas up. In short, this needs to move slowly.

Second, you’ll need to look at job classes. This means that legislation will look at the duties and responsibilities of a job, not just the job titles, when comparing salaries. Parts of the legislation will define what threshold exists for a class to be defined as a “male job class” (currently 70 per cent or more of the employees in that role are male for Ontario) and a “female job class.” The legislation would need to define the processes to compare male and female job classes, too.

Pay equity legislation is unlikely to be enacted in Alberta before the next election.

However, risks to your company through civil lawsuits, decreased morale, recruitment challenges and more, provide good reason to evaluate your organization’s salary structure. Speak to a CPHR-designated HR professional to learn more.

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BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // APRIL 2018

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CANADIAN MADE // COVER

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CANADIAN MADE // COVER

Canadian MADE PSAC’S SCOTT VAN VLIET ADVOCATES A CANADIAN BRAND FOR ENERGY

BY MELANIE DARBYSHIRE

A

t a time when Canadian inter-provincial relations regarding oil and natural gas are fractious, the proposition for a national brand for energy that includes oil and natural gas might seem pie-in-the-sky. Indeed, the views of certain provincial governments – Alberta, B.C. and Quebec in particular – are deeply divided on Canada’s energy future. While one province needs and advocates increased exploration, production and national integration, others vehemently oppose it.

Nonetheless, a Canadian brand for energy including oil and natural gas is exactly what the Petroleum Services Association of Canada (PSAC) is calling for.

“First, it would help us get access to and grow the international markets,” explains Scott Van Vliet, current chair of PSAC. Van Vliet is also the founder and CEO of Environmental Refuelling Systems Inc. (ERS), a Calgary-based fuel management company focused on large, remote projects. “We also know that resource development and environmental leadership are inseparable; so how do we produce this responsible, safe and sustainable product and then in turn support the innovation, growth and jobs in – particularly – the middle class, from coast to coast to coast?”

Growth is, understandably, what PSAC wants and needs, given the last two-anda-half years of downturn. The latest oil-price drop and resultant recession hurt the petroleum service sector as it did the producers it serves. For example, PSAC’s membership – approximately 200 companies from across Canada ranging from pressure pumpers to manufacturers to water haulers – dropped by 25 per cent as a result of budget constraints, mergers and acquisitions, and insolvencies.

ABOVE: SCOTT VAN VLIET, CURRENT CHAIR OF PSAC. PHOTO SOURCE: EWAN PHOTO VIDEO

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // APRIL 2018

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CANADIAN MADE // COVER

“There has been a lot of carnage,” Van Vliet admits of the sector which employs approximately 640,000 blue-collar workers across Canada. “And a lot of consolidation. I don’t think the damage is completely done. There are still companies treading a fine line, even though things are improving now.”

For many of the surviving companies, including his own, Van Vliet says the latest downturn was an opportunity to coursecorrect. “It forces everybody to become really efficient,” he reflects. “You have to break your business down to the core and assess every piece because there’s no room left to support the waste or inefficiency which you can sometimes get away with when times are really good.”

For its part, ERS went from 130 to 65 employees at the bottom of the market. “We had to rethink and redefine who we were and find new markets for our product and services,” Van Vliet explains. “It’s been an absolute complete overhaul from front to back.

“The bad side of [the downturn] is that there isn’t margin right now in the sector to replace equipment that needs to be replaced,” he continues. “There isn’t near the R&D budget that is needed to continue to innovate, create new technology, new processes, intellectual property – all that stuff tends to get put on hold in a difficult economic climate.

We definitely see some stagnation in the industry.”

Depressed prices – exacerbated by steep discounts for western Canadian crude – hamper investment by producers, which in turn negatively impacts the service sector. “It’s a dramatic chain reaction,” says Van Vliet.

“And a lot of that is due to market access,” he laments.

“We’ve got one market – the U.S. – and they can dictate to us the price we’re going to get for our product. There’s no competition and it’s a huge issue.”

Worldwide demand, he adds, continues to rise every single year. “The consuming nations of the world desperately need natural resources to solve some of their energy, poverty and pollution issues,” he explains. “China and India are both great examples of that – they want desperately to have access to our natural resources, and are willing to spend billions of dollars investing in the sector if they knew that those

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resources could actually reach their market. And right now they cannot.”

The first priority, Van Vliet says, is to get our commodities offshore to world markets. “Once we can demonstrate that Canada is able to get infrastructure projects complete and access to world markets, I think that the investment will come back in spades into the oilpatch.”

Market access issues aside, Van Vliet is confident in the commodity cycle and believes prices will eventually rise. “We’re on that long, slow climb out of the ditch,” he says. “We’re going to see supplies tighten up and a shortage of product because we haven’t been reinvesting worldwide in exploration to the levels that we need to maintain our supplies.”

He argues that relations between producers and the service sector would benefit from an overhaul. “So that when commodity prices drop, you don’t see contracts torn up and thrown out the windows and service companies left to fend for themselves after securing long-term contracts. And conversely, when markets go through the roof, you don’t see the service companies gouging and taking advantage of the opportunity because the industry is short services.”

Though the sector is far from this reality, it’s a vision Van Vliet and PSAC advocate. It is also in line with PSAC’s call to create a Canadian brand for energy. “As a nation, as an industry, as a government, we need to have resource development. We are a resource-based economy, and we have got to get our resources to market; it doesn’t matter which resource you’re talking about. That means we must have access to the free market.”

To maintain standards of Canadian living – including universal health care, education and infrastructure – government tax revenues from resource development are unquestionably necessary. “It’s an absolute must if we want to maintain ourselves as a developed, First World nation.

Anything less won’t do.”

For Canada’s indigenous communities also, energy development presents ample opportunity. “The resource sector is the single-largest employer of high-paying indigenous jobs,” Van Vliet explains. “We work hand-in-hand with indigenous communities across the country. It’s a huge

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CANADIAN MADE // COVER

part of our business. I wouldn’t say we are perfect at it by any stretch of the imagination, but there’s a huge willingness to grow and learn and build those relationships and try and help communities prosper and benefit from resource development and extraction.”

While he’s optimistic that in time, market forces will prevail, Van Vliet recognizes the many headwinds facing Canada’s oil and gas industry. Foremost among these are regulatory and legislative burdens. For example, he highlights the approval process for infrastructure projects such as pipelines and climate change policies including methane reduction regulations as particularly troublesome. Another key issue for PSAC members is the lack of harmonization of regulations across the western provinces.

“These impact costs and competitiveness and ultimately capital investment by our customers, the E&P companies,” Van Vliet explains. “It makes us uncompetitive to other

jurisdictions and as a result, we’re seeing a tremendous carbon leakage right now.”

This carbon leakage includes the import, into Canada, of over 750,000 bbls/day of oil from foreign sources with lower standards of health, safety and environmental protection and with higher GHG intensity. It also includes the export of capital, equipment and manpower to other producing jurisdictions, including the Middle East, Venezuela, Algeria and the U.S. For example, approximately 60 per cent of PSAC’s roughly 200 members work internationally as well as within Canada. “I’ve talked to a number of companies that are operating in those kinds of jurisdictions with capital from Canada – it just makes me shake my head,” Van Vliet laments.

“How could their ROI be better than in Canada, where we pride ourselves as being one of the best in the world?”

In addition to regulatory and legislative burdens, Van Vliet highlights the opposition, quite vocal in some ABOVE: RESPONSIBLE CANADIAN ENERGY. PHOTO SOURCE: SANJEL CORPORATION

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CANADIAN MADE // COVER

jurisdictions, to resource development in Canada. “Many of the naysayers have hidden alternative agendas, disguising themselves as environmentally-concerned,” he decries. “Environmental concerns are all of our concerns, and there isn’t anybody that’s operating in Canada who doesn’t have respect for the environment.”

He references the work of Vancouver’s Vivian Krause, who has investigated organizations such as Leadnow, their funding and mandates, and testified before a Senate committee on her findings. “She has found that in excess of $800 million has come in from largely producing nations to stop our resource development,” Van Vliet says.

Reasonability, he believes, will prevail, and he sees the conversation turning within Canada. “There’s a very loud vocal minority that are controlling the agenda,” he says. “But the majority of Canadians are for resource development and access to markets. They just want to know that it’s done safely, that we have a robust regulatory system in place, and that we’re not polluting and making problems as we go.”

He’s also encouraged by the federal government’s public support. “When we met with Prime Minister Trudeau

shortly after he got into office he clearly understood that one of the roles of a prime minister is to help ensure that our natural resources get to market,” Van Vliet says. “I think he understands it and I’m glad to see Minister Carr and others stepping up in the fight with B.C.” A Canadian brand for energy that includes oil and gas, PSAC believes, will be integral to Canada’s future energy security.

“We know that our responsibly-developed oil and natural gas, if gone to the world markets, will have a net reduction of global GHG emissions, while generating wealth and opportunity for all Canadians,” Van Vliet enthuses. “There are so many reasons why we think promoting a Canadian brand of energy has a lot of value, both at home and abroad.”

Despite the headwinds, Van Vliet sees a brighter future ahead, for PSAC, for Canada’s energy sector and for the country as a whole – the alternative is unacceptable. “There are people out there trying to turn Canada into a Third World country,” he says with conviction. “I cowboyed for many years – lived with no electricity, no natural gas, and I can do it again. But there are a lot of people in this country who would not fare well without our energy resources, including oil and natural gas. We’ve got to stand up and fight!”

ABOVE: RESPONSIBLE CANADIAN ENERGY. PHOTO SOURCE: TRINIDAD DRILLING RIG, JULY 2017, TRINIDAD DRILLING LTD.

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NEST

426 or 428 or 43 0 - ELE VENTH S TREE T NW

Three units to choose from, offering luxury in the heart of Kensington! this incredible, architecturally designed new executive tri-plex features outstanding, high-end fixtures & fittings, spectacular interior design (by Monica Stevens Interior Design) and a location second to none, perfect for those who appreciate walkability/pedestrian friendly living it is set on a quiet, tree-lined street just steps away from trendy shops & restaurants, Riley Pk, c-train & Bow River. Walk/bike to nearby SAIT, Jubilee auditorium for a concert, ballet or opera or to downtown from this inner city retreat with bedrooms (2 master suites) & 4 bathrooms, rooftop deck, city views & developed basement. Showcasing exceptional finishes thru-out if offers: Wolf & Sub-Zero appliances, Empire kitchen & bath millwork, Ann Sacks designer backsplash, Caesarstone counters, sitefinished white oak hardwood, European plumbing fixtures, 10” baseboards, 9 & 10’ ceilings, Legrand electrical outlets, ICF party-walls & foundation, heated garage & basement floor.

ROXBORO | $1,295,000

3048

FIRST STREET SW

Lovingly Restored Craftsman! Located in the heart of Roxboro, this home has been thoroughly and thoughtfully renovated for modern living. From the front porch the attention to detail and pride of ownership is apparent. A spacious living and dining room for entertaining guests. An open concept family room and kitchen are ideal for gathering the family. The kitchen features a casual dining area, large island, oak cabinets and granite counters. Adjacent to the family room lies a home office. Also on the main level is a convenient laundry and mudroom as well as two bedrooms and a bath. Originally a bungalow, a second storey master suite was brilliantly added to include a vast bedroom with sitting area and walk in closet both carpeted in wool. The ensuite free standing tub, subway tile and marble basket weave flooring echo the home’s era. From the private master balcony the lushly landscaped yard and terraced deck can be enjoyed. Beyond is the double detached garage. You will love this character family home.

c

403 870 8811 |

t

403 686 7800 |

www.SAMCOREA.COM

|

SAM@SAMCOREA.COM

MARKETING

RICHMOND | $1,195,000

2105

NINTEENTH STREET SW

A stunning renovation, worthy of a spread in Style at Home magazine! The jewel of Knob Hill, this ultra-chic 2-storey (no condo fees) is perched on the ridge with city views & a gorgeous, low-maintenance, walled “secret garden” with waterfall, extensive perennial plantings & a big deck, your own private oasis. Inside you’ll find extensive updates incl: kitchen (site finished with high-end appliances), bathrooms (incl. steam shower adjacent to gym), dark hardwood & porcelain tile, designer paint & lighting, plumbing & heating systems, custom window coverings, fireplace feature wall & extensive sitefinished built-ins! Plan offers chef’s kitchen w/ Thermador & Miele appliances, quartz counters & glass backsplash, living room w/modern fireplace, formal dining has a dramatic light fixture & city views, 2 bdrms upstairs including the tree-house inspired master suite w/ fireplace, sitting rm, amazing closet & spa bathroom. Lower lvl has gym, 3rd bedroom & spa bathroom with steam shower.

COUGAR RIDGE | $1,195,000

32

CO U G A R R I D G E L A N D I N G S W

Best of the best! Step into this bright, lock and leave townhome with breathtaking views of city, park and river valley.

Experience the serenity of nature from the spacious deck and easy access to pathways. Catering to a carefree lifestyle this home features high end finishes throughout, geothermal heating, and 3 underground heated parking stalls. The unique main floor master suite provides spectacular views, walk in closet, dual sinks, soaker tub, seated vanity and easy access laundry. Light pours into the vaulted living room and onto the feature fireplace from 1st and 2nd floor windows. The kitchen boasts upgraded appliances, granite counters, pantry and generous buffet with wine fridge. City/park views continue on the upper level from private den and open loft featuring a modern fireplace. Two more bedrooms with walk in closets, large full bath and second laundry facility complete the space. This wonderful home also includes a main floor office and fully developed basement.

DISCOVERY RIDGE | $1,085,000

75

D I S CO V E R Y R I D G E C R E S C E N T S W

Far from the hustle and bustle of the city in a park like setting, while still being close enough to amenities. A beautiful custom built 2-storey walkout with old world charm, featuring site-finished oak millwork, 5 gas fireplaces, and copper finished faux tin ceiling. The floor plan of the house welcomes guests with several areas for entertaining. The unique upper level has 3 bedrooms, in addition to the master, all with walk in closets, as well as a den and library, and an additional 5 piece Jack & Jill bathroom. The master bedroom features a cozy corner fireplace and ensuite with dual sinks, Jacuzzi tub, and dual head rain shower. The lower level provides additional space for entertaining with room for a pool table next to the wet bar, and access out to the patio connecting you to the intricate Griffith Woods park pathways. Views are easy to come by from various rooms in the home, with vistas of the distant mountains on a clear day from the master bedroom, and many of the rooms looking out to the yard and green spaces beyond. This home has space for everyone and could easily accommodate a large, busy family. With easy access to the mountains, this home truly feels like a cabin getaway in the city.

OUR EXPERIENcE IS YOUR ADVANtAGE

JUST ASK tEAM SAM YYc!

WORTH ®

YOUR HOME

FOR ALL IT’S

WEST SPRINGS | $975,000

23

W E S T P O I N T P L AC E S W

Family home with stunning oversized west facing yard - Located on a quiet cul-de-sac this wonderful home on a pie shaped lot is the perfect space for any family. The vaulted ceilings opening to the second level make the living room and kitchen a bright and welcoming place for everyone to enjoy. Casual meals are easily served at the island table in the kitchen, which also features gas cooktop, and a walk through pantry that leads into the laundry room and out to the garage. From the kitchen, the living space extends to the yard. This is the oasis you’ve been looking for, where you can relax and enjoy outdoor dining on the patio, and make s’mores around the fire pit. Upstairs, family movie night can be held in the inviting bonus room with built-in speakers and a cozy corner fireplace. The upper level also includes the master bedroom with ensuite, two additional bedrooms, and four piece bath.

MISSION | $875,000

#M06

318 T W E N T Y- S I X T H AV E N U E S W

Huge terrace + completely renovated suite! An amazing find, this positively stunning, fully renovated 1771 SF home comes with as much outdoor living area & inside and boasts your own (exclusive use) 1889 SF terrace. The interior was taken down to the studs, thoughtfully designed and completely rebuilt. It features porcelain tile & hardwood flooring (silver toned oak), custom cabinets, Caesarstone countertops, Swarovski crystal lights & cabinet pulls, custom order bathroom fixtures & a chef’s kitchen with imported cabinetry & high-end appliance package. The laundry is fitted with a steam washer/dryer. The spa-like ensuite (with free-standing tub, multi-head shower, designer fixtures, towel warmer) is your private retreat at the end of a long day. There are 2 bedrooms (one with murphy bed doubles as a den), sunroom, 2 bathrooms, 2 underground parking spots, large living & dining rooms. The building, across from the river & steps from trendy 4th Street shops/ restaurants, is one of Calgary’s most exclusive!

ASPEN WOODS | $850,000

29

A SPEN SUMMIT POINT SW

Get into Aspen! Here’s your chance to own in one of Calgary’s best neighbourhoods. Parents will love this home on a quiet cul-de-sac and its tasteful neutral palette. Picture a broad dining table accommodating the whole clan in the spacious nook. The generous kitchen sports stainless steel appliances, quartz counters, glass backsplash, abundant cupboards and a walk in pantry. Alongside, a family room with dramatic two storey stone faced fireplace captures your attention. A quiet study provides a spot for homework not far from watchful eyes. Moms will love the storage lockers in the mudroom and the organization they provide. Upstairs, a light filled bonus room with vaulted ceilings has access to a second storey patio for additional living space. Couples will appreciate the double sinks, soaker tub and large shower in the ensuite adjoining the private master bedroom. The schools, shopping, recreation facilities and proximity to the mountains are more reasons to get into this family friendly district.

c

403 870 8811 |

t

403 686 7800 |

www.SAMCOREA.COM

|

SAM@SAMCOREA.COM

MARKETING

CURRIE BARRACKS | $819,000

#201

T W E N T Y-T H R E E B U R M A S TA R R OA D S W

Jayman Built Luxury Living! 1529SF 2 bed, 2.5, boasting quality and design with $25,000 upgrades & 10 ft ceilings. Open concept feat. gourmet kitchen w/ upscale KitchenAid S/S appliances, 5 burner gas cooktop, BI convec. oven, quartz counters, Grohe faucets, Blanco sink, stunning full ht. backsplash, bkfst bar along w/ a spacious dining area flowing into the chic living rm. w/ gas fireplace. Rich hdwd flooring throughout, luxurious porcelain tile in the bathrooms w/ upgraded Moen & Kohler faucets. The master retreat has a spacious walk-in closet, 5 pc spa-like ensuite w/ floor to ceiling tile, freestanding soaker tub, dual sinks w/ glass shower. The 2nd bdrm. comes w/ its own 3 pc ensuite. An additional 2 pc. bath, laundry rm. and den! Completing this beautiful suite is a large corner private balcony w/ gas line. 2 titled underground parking stalls, titled storage unit w/ ample visitor parking. Located in the highly desired Currie Barracks. Minutes to downtown with easy access to Crowchild and Glenmore.

SOUTH CALGARY | $795,000

1822

T W E N T Y- N I N T H AV E N U E S W

Endless outdoor living space in the inner city! Enjoy city views and outdoor living throughout this home, with access outside on every level, including from the fully developed basement suite. The unique floor plan of this 2.5 storey home has the kitchen and vaulted breakfast nook at the front of the house, leading to a lovely front patio. While a raised dining area flows into the living room at the back of the main level with doors to the back deck. The second floor includes the master bedroom with a fireplace, and large windows, as well as a second bedroom or office, with access to a balcony. The bathroom’s large soaker tub looks up through overhead windows to the sky above, while natural light pours in from a large frosted window in the shower. The top floor is home to an additional vaulted bedroom with access to the rooftop patio.

The walk-out basement suite has large windows and leads out to its own covered patio, the space also features a bedroom, full kitchen, bathroom and laundry.

CURRIE BARRACKS | $795,000

116

V I C TO R I A C R O S S B O U L E VA R D S W

Executive living in Currie Barracks Brownstone! Welcome to this New York inspired home looking out onto Victoria Cross Park from large windows throughout. Entertain friends and family in your large dining room with your culinary creations made in the open kitchen featuring French door refrigerator, gas cooktop, granite counters and island. On warm summer evenings the brick patio in your private yard provides another venue for entertaining al fresco. Take time for yourself in the bonus room upstairs. Design this space to fit your needs as a media room or home office. Then retire to your secluded master bedroom loft on the top floor where you can dive into a novel in a cozy chair near the dormer windows or draw a spa-like bath in the soaker tub. The Master suite also features vaulted ceilings, dual vanities in the master bath and a walk in closet.When you aren’t enjoying the luxuries of your home take advantage of nearby parks, green spaces and the many amenities of developing Marda Loop

OUR EXPERIENcE IS YOUR ADVANtAGE

JUST ASK tEAM SAM YYc!

WORTH ®

YOUR HOME

FOR ALL IT’S

RICHMOND | $745,000

2415

T H I R T Y- S E CO N D AV E N U E S W

Scandinavian Design! Those with a fondness for minimalism will appreciate the muted tones, clean lines and sun filled rooms of this semi detached home. Welcome guests through the art glass front door and entertain in the living and dining room with views of the gas fireplace and graceful curved staircase. Beyond, you’ll find the well planned kitchen with raised breakfast bar, granite counters and stainless steel appliances. From here you can easily watch over the little ones in the bright and airy family room. A private half bath and dedicated mudroom leading out to the unattached double garage complete the well thought out main level. Upstairs, the vaulted master suite lets in maximum light. French glass doors lead to an ensuite with double sinks and a jetted tub. Two additional bedrooms, a bath and laundry complete the second floor.

Use the large developed basement for a media room or playroom. This is an ideal home for a young family located in a vibrant walkable community!

BELTLINE | $595,000

#630

72 0 T H I R T E E N T H AV E N U E S W

Refined living in the exclusive enclave of “The Estate” is yours to enjoy in this expansive 2 bedroom + den suite offering 2066 SF of beautifully appointed living space featuring new hardwood flooring & commercial grade carpeting, updated lighting, flat ceilings, cove mouldings, built-ins cabinetry (in living room & in den), french doors, renovated kitchen with centre island, granite countertops & stainless steel appliances and a large master suite w/ wooden shutters, big walk-in closet (w/ built-in organizers) & updated 5-pc ensuite bathroom with luxurious, heated tile flooring. There’s ample space to entertain: Spacious living room opens to dining area & is flanked on either side by french doors opening to a private den & family room adjoining the kitchen. Ideal for those who appreciate privacy (there are only 3 suites on this flr) & elegant surroundings this grand building offers 24-hour concierge, salt-water pool, huge outdoor entertaining area, newly renovated gym & direct access to Ranchman’s Club.

PALLISER | $449,000

108

OA K B R I A R C LO S E S W

Great value villa - The perfect home for those looking to downsize, while still having space to entertain. With a full living room and dining room separated by a two sided, floor-to-ceiling, wood burning fireplace this bungalow provides space to host groups of many sizes. An intimate gathering can be held in the living room, or Thanksgiving dinner with extended family in the dining room . The wonderfully high two-storey vaulted ceilings throughout the main level give the space an open ambiance and allow natural light to fill the home. Other features of this very well maintained home are the solid oak cabinetry, generous master bedroom, developed basement with recreation space, as well as the accessibility of the complex to surrounding amenities. The green spaces within BriarOak Estates provide a short and pleasant walk to nearby parks, supermarket, and leisure centre. The location of the neighbourhood is also very central with easy access to main roads and public transportation.

c

403 870 8811 |

t

403 686 7800 |

www.SAMCOREA.COM

|

SAM@SAMCOREA.COM

#TEAMSAMYYC PARKDALE | $439,000

#205

5 4 0 T H I R T Y- F O U R T H S T R E E T N W

Sleek inner city living! Located in well situated Parkdale, this modern two bedroom, two bathroom unit in a quiet concrete building is the perfect spot for young professionals or students. A short walk or pedal to Bow River pathways, restaurants and coffee shops; as well as easy access to the UofC, SAIT, and downtown are just some of the highlights of this optimal location! Welcome to this sunny, west facing unit that is priced to sell! The contemporary kitchen features granite counters, island, and stainless steel appliances, making it the perfect place to host friends before a night out. From the living room, open the doors to the quaint balcony to enjoy this additional living space, or make your way up to the buildings shared rooftop space with city views, patio furniture, and pergola. On lazy weekend mornings, enjoy breakfast in bed in the master bedroom with lovely, dual sink ensuite and walk-through closet. An additional bedroom, bathroom, and in-suite laundry complete the units many ideal features.

PATTERSON | $298,000

#1

2 2 6 V I L L AG E T E R R AC E S W

Fully Furnished Executive Suite! Attention first time buyers and rental property owners. This ideal two bedroom, two bathroom unit is a great option allowing you to easily step into home ownership or add to your real estate portfolio. The location of this unit within the complex couldn’t be better, directly across from the pool, hot tub, exercise room and tennis court. An upgraded kitchen includes an island with breakfast bar, granite counters and stainless steel appliances. There’s loads of pantry storage and a stacking washer dryer conveniently located near the kitchen. You’ll find a fireplace in the living room, an open plan dining area and a flex space perfect for an office. Each room features a dynamic downtown and park view. BBQ on the patio overlooking the city skyline and green space. This unit comes with one underground parking stall and has guest parking at the front door. There is also a generous additional storage unit. Getting around town is a breeze with easy access to Sarcee and Bow Trail.

SUNALTA | $195,000

#204

2 0 0 6 E L E V E N T H AV E N U E S W

Steps to the LRT! The Sunalta C-Train station, city centre, river pathways and restaurants of 17th Avenue SW are all just moments away, putting this one bedroom unit in the perfect location. Walk to local hot spots and your favourite boutiques, bike into work in the downtown core or spend your evenings enjoying beauty of the Bow River trails. Commute to the University, enjoy events at the Saddledome or zip to the south or north ends of the city easily on the C-Train. This second floor 495 square foot apartment with a balcony is positioned at the end of the avenue, away from traffic in a quiet pocket.

The kitchen’s updated appliances include an over the stove microwave and an under-counter European style washer/dryer.

The very desirable Sunalta Elementary school is just up the road for those looking to get into this school district. First time buyers or real estate investors looking to add to their rental property portfolio will appreciate the value this apartment style condo has to offer.

c

403 870 8811 |

t

403 686 7800 |

www.SAMCOREA.COM

|

SAM@SAMCOREA.COM

INDUSTRIAL SECTOR A BRIGHT LIGHT IN CALGARY // COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

INDUSTRIAL SECTOR

A BRIGHT LIGHT IN CALGARY VACANCY RATES FALL AND ABSORPTION RISES

BY MARIO TONEGUZZI

A

there was definitely increased activity in 2017 with many companies making decisions to grow their business as well as new companies coming into the market.

Perhaps rightly so as that particular sector is a good barometer of what’s happening in the overall city economy.

And quite frankly, it was a brutal couple of years for downtown office space following the collapse of oil prices in the latter half of 2014, leading to thousands of job layoffs in the corporate oilpatch and two years of recession.

“In the last half of the year especially there was some overall optimism in the market and that led to increased activity; and the biggest drivers were probably the distribution sector, the food industry and the tech sector. Those were the biggest drivers for growth if you looked at it from an industry standpoint. That resulted in a number of larger transactions,” says Mook.

But through all the pain and sadness in the commercial real estate market, there was a bright light in the Calgary region – a strong and healthy industrial real estate industry that saw total absorption, which is the change in occupied space, jump to a positive almost 2.5 million square feet.

The numbers for the market ended 2017 on a very impressive note. Vacancy overall dropped 0.5 per cent from the third quarter to 6.52 per cent, according to Barclay Street Real Estate research.

ll the attention and headlines in Calgary’s commercial real estate market have been dominated by the downtown office sector over the past year.

Jon Mook, executive vice president specializing in industrial leasing and sales for Barclay Street Real Estate, says overall

The vacancy rate has also dropped by 1.47 per cent since the beginning of 2017, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of decreasing vacancy.

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // APRIL 2018

45

INDUSTRIAL SECTOR A BRIGHT LIGHT IN CALGARY // COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

Also, net absorption in the fourth quarter of the year was a stunning 537,096 square feet, which was higher than the total absorption seen in both 2015 and 2016 combined.

“The leasing market was strong but then also anything that was over 100,000 square feet in size for sale for owner users . . . most of those buildings sold last year as well,” says Mook. “We had five or six transactions that were owner-user facilities that were plus or minus 100,000 square feet and we hadn’t seen that in the last two years combined.”

The most active market segment in 2017 was large-format distribution space which continues to attract interest from institutional investors and developers.

The year ended off with a huge announcement as Amazon disclosed it was going to take up 600,000 square feet for a distribution centre at the Nose Creek Business Park in Balzac, just outside Calgary’s city limits.

Although it isn’t the big news Calgary was hoping for in securing the corporate giant’s second headquarters in North America outside of Seattle, the distribution centre will have a big impact on the region, creating 750 new full-time jobs.

The new facility will join Amazon’s network of current fulfilment centres located in Ontario (Brampton, Mississauga and Milton) and British Columbia (Delta and New Westminster).

The company says employees at the Balzac facility will pick, pack and ship items ranging from aviator sunglasses to zebra costumes.

“We are excited to continue our growth in Canada and especially in the greater Calgary community where we’ve already received great community support,” says Glenn Sommerville, director of Amazon operations in Canada.

“Our ability to create more than 750 good-paying jobs with

ABOVE: NEW AMAZON FACILITY IN BALZAC.

46

APRIL 2018 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

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INDUSTRIAL SECTOR A BRIGHT LIGHT IN CALGARY // COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

BRENT JOHANNESEN, VICE PRESIDENT OF INDUSTRIAL SALES AND LEASING FOR CUSHMAN & WAKEFIELD, SAYS THE INDUSTRIAL REAL ESTATE MARKET RE-ESTABLISHED ITSELF LAST YEAR WITH MORE TRANSACTIONS AND MORE VOLUME OF TRANSACTIONS.

great benefits is the result of our dedicated workforce across the country who continue to raise the bar on operational excellence and customer obsession. Customers have seen the great work they do and we couldn’t be prouder of our ability to grow in Canada.”

In January, CT Real Estate Investment Trust reported Canadian Tire would take over a 625,000-square-foot distribution centre previously occupied by Sears in southeast Calgary.

The distribution centre “is strategically located, adjacent to CTC’s main distribution centre for Western Canada, and has direct access to the Canadian Pacific intermodal facility along with easy access to the Deerfoot Trail and Stoney Trail highways,” says Ken Silver, president and CEO of CT REIT. Lowe’s Canada also committed to 377,000 square feet of space at Oxford’s Airport Business Park.

Brent Johannesen, vice president of industrial sales and leasing for Cushman & Wakefield, says the industrial real estate market re-established itself last year with more transactions and more volume of transactions.

“There’s still a lack of urgency on either side of a transaction in 2017 but we saw enough volume and enough traction that people were reassured on where the market was both

on values and lease rates,” he says. “It seemed like most transactions that were happening were happening with either a discount or incentives involved; greater discounts and greater incentives than we’ve seen in the past.”

A report by Cushman & Wakefield says the larger bay segment – more than 50,000 square feet – drove the industrial real estate market in 2017. This size of bay accounted for 48.3 per cent of total square footage transactions. In fact, leasing activity in the fourth quarter was just over 1.8 million square feet, bringing the yearend total to about 7.5 million square feet – an impressive 40 per cent increase compared with leasing activities a year ago.

The dynamics of supply and demand of course affected leasing rates with the average net asking rent rising from $8.81 per square foot in the fourth quarter of 2016 to $9 per square foot in the fourth quarter of 2017.

Coming off a strong 2017, industry experts expect 2018 to continue to be a healthy one for the industrial real estate market. Strong underlying fundamentals are the reason that speculative development for 2018 will ramp up with numerous developers intending to break ground on new large distribution facilities in the spring, predicts Barclay Street Real Estate in its year-end market review.

ABOVE: BRENT JOHANNESEN, VICE PRESIDENT OF INDUSTRIAL SALES AND LEASING FOR CUSHMAN & WAKEFIELD.

48

APRIL 2018 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

INDUSTRIAL SECTOR A BRIGHT LIGHT IN CALGARY // COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

“This institutional confidence stems from continual interest from larger occupants organically growing their footprint, and a continual flow of new entrants into Calgary,” says the commercial real estate firm.

Just how strong is that interest?

Well, just under 2.2 million square feet of industrial real estate product is currently underway as developers jump in to take advantage of the good economic fundamentals for the industry – at the same time the city’s and the province’s economies are showing signs of rebounding.

Mook says most of the major developers are very bullish based on all the leasing that took place last year. And despite the fact much of that is speculative development, vacancy is still expected to continue on its downward trend.

“The year ended strong and started strong,” says Mook. “We

don’t see the dramatic up and downs that the downtown office market sees. Our market moves more like rolling hills. Right now it’s been very active since January. We think that will continue but we do think that some time in Q2 or Q3 it will likely slow but overall we think the market will end strong.

“We think it will be a good year. It won’t be as strong as last year in terms of change in vacancy or maybe even total absorption. We do see it as remaining positive.”

Cushman & Wakefield also forecasts the vacancy rate to decrease this year fuelled by demand for mid to large bays by fabricating, manufacturing and distribution companies that continue to cluster in the Calgary area due to the city’s proximity to major western markets.

“That’s encouraging,” says Johannesen.

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // APRIL 2018

49

LOCAL EXPERTISE

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY FROM

BARCLAY STREET REAL ESTATE

MATTERS

PRICE REDUCED!

FOR SALE IN CALGARY Office building on 16th Avenue NW Real Equity Centre 1716 16th Ave NW, Calgary

IDEAL FOR

OWNER USER

• 15-minute drive door to door from City Centre • North Hill Shopping Centre and LRT station easily accessible via pedestrian pathway • Upgraded roof-top air conditioning units, boilers and air compressors.

Improved lobby and elevator BUILDING SIZE: 27,421 sq. ft.

SITE SIZE: 8,741 sq. ft.

PRICE: $4,449,000

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

SOLUTIONS

CALGARY

EDMONTON

Dan Harmsen

George C. Larson

VICE PRESIDENT, ASSOCIATE BROKER

VICE PRESIDENT INVESTMENT SALES

dharmsen@barclaystreet.com d: 403-294-7165 c: 403-852-0403 p: 403-290-0178

glarson@barclaystreet.com d: 403-294-7182 c: 403-862-9432 p: 403-290-0178

Leasing

OFFICE, RETAIL, INDUSTRIAL

WWW.BARCLAYSTREET.COM

Sales

OFFICE, RETAIL, INDUSTRIAL, MIXED USE, MULTI-FAMILY, LAND

Property Management

F O R

S A L E

LOCAL EXPERTISE BARCLAY 2 0 2 0 - 1 STREET 0 0 t h A v e REAL n u e N EESTATE , C a l g a r y , AMATTERS B INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY DEVELOPMENT SITE FROM

FOR SALE IN CALGARY

2020 100th Avenue NE Calgary

Development site on 100th Avenue NE SITE SIZE:

• Nearly square site located in a highly sought after location surrounded by YYC Airport and numerous significant commercial real estate developments including hotels, retail, and industrial ZONING:

ZONING: I-G (Industrial General)

37.31 acres

I-G (Industrial General)

PURCHASE PRICE:

OFFSITE CHARGES:

$25,000,000 or $670,061 per acre

Estimated at $7,900,000 or $211,800 per acre

SITE SIZE: 37.31 acres PRICE: $25,000,000

CASEY STUART 403-828-8669

cstuart@barclaystreet.com

Casey Stuart

Jon Mook

VICE PRESIDENT

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

cstuart@barclaystreet.com c: 403-828-8669

jmook@barclaystreet.com c: 403-616-5239

JON MOOK 403-616-5239

jmook@barclaystreet.com

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

SOLUTIONS

CALGARY

EDMONTON

Leasing

OFFICE, RETAIL, INDUSTRIAL

WWW.BARCLAYSTREET.COM

Sales

Property

WWW.BARCLAYSTREET.COM Management

OFFICE, RETAIL, Bay INDUSTRIAL, 117, 4950 - 106th Avenue SE, Calgary, AB T2C 5E9 MIXED USE, MULTI-FAMILY, LAND

LOCAL EXPERTISE

INDUSTRIAL OPPORTUNITY FROM

BARCLAY STREET REAL ESTATE

FOR LEASE IN CALGARY

4404 – 14th Street NE Calgary

Industrial property on 14th Street NE

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

SOLUTIONS

CALGARY

EDMONTON

MATTERS

• High quality office existing in eastern half of building • Elevator shaft in place for mezzanine • Dock & drive-in with secure yard • Demised to accommodate 2 tenants AVAILABLE FOR LEASE: West Warehouse: 42,094 sq.ft.

West Mezzanine: 5,000 sq.ft. 89,188 sq. ft.

East Warehouse: 42,094 sq.ft.

Jon Mook

Erik Dobrovolsky

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

ASSOCIATE

jmook@barclaystreet.com c: 403-616-5239

edobrovolsky@barclaystreet.com c: 403-613-7161

Leasing

OFFICE, RETAIL, INDUSTRIAL

WWW.BARCLAYSTREET.COM

Sales

OFFICE, RETAIL, INDUSTRIAL, MIXED USE, MULTI-FAMILY, LAND

Property Management

LOCAL EXPERTISE

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY FROM

BARCLAY STREET REAL ESTATE

MATTERS

Queen Elizabeth II Hw

y

“THE EDGE” CONDOS

SUBJECT PROPERTY

1

16

QEII

East Lake Blvd

AIRDRIE HOME FURNISHINGS GENESIS PLACE

AIRDRIE TWIN ARENA

FOR SALE IN AIRDRIE

Big Springs Plaza 805 East Lake Boulevard, Airdrie

Retail strip centre located across Genesis Place sporting facility

• Strong mix of tenants.

• New roof in 2013 • Superbly located in a growing residential neighborhood.

• Serves the sporting population and benefits from its close proximity to Genesis Place BUILDING SIZE: 26,761 sq. ft.

SITE SIZE: 1.6 acres PRICE: Please contact

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

SOLUTIONS

CALGARY

EDMONTON

Kelly Carver

Kalinka Ivanova

VICE PRESIDENT, ASSOCIATE BROKER

RPA, CCIM, ASSOCIATE

kcarver@barclaystreet.com d: 403-294-7159 c: 403-804-4094 p: 403-290-0178

kivanova@barclaystreet.com c: 403-463-0805 p: 403-290-0178

Leasing

OFFICE, RETAIL, INDUSTRIAL

WWW.BARCLAYSTREET.COM

Sales

OFFICE, RETAIL, INDUSTRIAL, MIXED USE, MULTI-FAMILY, LAND

Property Management

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY FROM

BARCLAY STREET REAL ESTATE

FOR SALE IN HIGH RIVER

LOCAL EXPERTISE

MATTERS

1103 14th Street SE High River

Single-tenant automotive property

• Single tenant automotive property (real estate only), with long term lease in place • Located along Highway 2A, with easy access to Highway 2 connecting to Calgary BUILDING SIZE: 11,730 sq. ft.

SITE SIZE: 71,438 sq. ft.

PRICE: Please contact

George C. Larson VICE PRESIDENT

glarson@barclaystreet.com d: 403-294-7182 c: 403-862-9432 p: 403-290-0178

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

SOLUTIONS

CALGARY

EDMONTON

Leasing

OFFICE, RETAIL, INDUSTRIAL

WWW.BARCLAYSTREET.COM

Sales

OFFICE, RETAIL, INDUSTRIAL, MIXED USE, MULTI-FAMILY, LAND

Property Management

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY FROM

BARCLAY STREET REAL ESTATE

FOR SALE IN HIGH RIVER

LOCAL EXPERTISE

MATTERS

610 Centre Street N High River

HIGH RIVER TOWNHOMES

COAL TRAIL RESIDENCIES

2A

Cen t

re S tre

et N

SITE SIZE: 0.54 acres PRICE: $4,000,000

Dr hC ou ntr y

BUILDING SIZE: 4,100 sq. ft.

HIGHWOOD VILLAGE

Hig

Single-tenant carefree investment with national covenant

• Single-tenant carefree investment. National tenant • Located along Centre Street (Highway 2A) with a weekday average traffic flow of 8,020 vehicles.

George C. Larson VICE PRESIDENT

glarson@barclaystreet.com d: 403-294-7182 c: 403-862-9432 p: 403-290-0178

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

SOLUTIONS

CALGARY

EDMONTON

Leasing

OFFICE, RETAIL, INDUSTRIAL

WWW.BARCLAYSTREET.COM

Sales

OFFICE, RETAIL, INDUSTRIAL, MIXED USE, MULTI-FAMILY, LAND

Property Management

LOCAL EXPERTISE

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY FROM

BARCLAY STREET REAL ESTATE

MATTERS

88TH AVENUE PL :1 19 (49 5.21 ° 3 .90 m 0' ') 40 "

PL:17.01 m (55.80') 68° 12' 05"

RO

I

S

TY ER OP PR .22 57 E:1 LIN m ') .81 15 (5 " 05 2' °1 68

Unit 4, 8401 Resource Rd, Grande Prairie

• Built in 2017 • Excellent demographics • The property is readily accessible from resource Road with two points of ingress and one point of egress

RESOURCE ROAD

Single-tenant carefree / secure retail

Circle K at Railtown IRRIGATION HUT

FOR SALE IN GRANDE PRAIRIE

BUILDING SIZE: 4,450 sq. ft.

SITE SIZE: 0.78 acres PRICE: $3,900,000

George C. Larson VICE PRESIDENT

.

.

.

84TH AVENUE

glarson@barclaystreet.com d: 403-294-7182 c: 403-862-9432 p: 403-290-0178

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

SOLUTIONS

CALGARY

EDMONTON

Leasing

OFFICE, RETAIL, INDUSTRIAL

WWW.BARCLAYSTREET.COM

Sales

OFFICE, RETAIL, INDUSTRIAL, MIXED USE, MULTI-FAMILY, LAND

Property Management

LOCAL EXPERTISE

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY FROM

BARCLAY STREET REAL ESTATE

FOR SALE IN SPRUCE GROVE Prominent highway corridor hotel complex

MATTERS

Grove Motor Inn 240 St Matthews Avenue, Spruce Grove

• Superior upside potential • Highly visible location • Quick access to city core and major traffic routes SITE SIZE: 4.40 acres. Excess land – approximately 1 acre.

ROOMS: Main building (59,871 sq. ft.) – 47 rooms with 3 poolside rooms; detached motel – 48 rooms.

BANQUET FACILITY: Current capacity – 312. Expansion potential within the existing structure.

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

SOLUTIONS

CALGARY

EDMONTON

Doug Grinde

Murray McKay

VICE PRESIDENT

ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT

dgrinde@barclaystreet.com c: 403-815-0283 p: 780-463-3332

mmckay@barclaystreet.com c: 780-940-2100 p: 780-463-3332

Leasing

OFFICE, RETAIL, INDUSTRIAL

WWW.BARCLAYSTREET.COM

Sales

OFFICE, RETAIL, INDUSTRIAL, MIXED USE, MULTI-FAMILY, LAND

Property Management

INVESTING IN REAL ESTATE // RECREATION & INVESTMENT REAL ESTATE

INVESTING IN REAL ESTATE

BY COLLEEN WALLACE

C

ontrary to a popular myth and business analyst strategizing, there is no national real estate market.

From region to region, from area to area and in every possible way, factors and trends vary including cost and supply and demand.

Mortgage rates and rules are the only national standard.

According to the Real Estate Investment Network (REIN) – the influential Canadian group of real estate investors which conducts in-depth research about the latest economic and social trends – only certain, specific key small cities and towns in Canada are poised for increases in real estate values, while others will be completely missed by a boom.

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // APRIL 2018

59

Your Opportunity to Own

IN A YEAR-ROUND RESORT COMMUNITY AT RADIUM HOT SPRINGS With the Canadian Rockies to the East, and Purcell Mountains to the West, The Residences at Bighorn Meadows Resort in Radium Hot Springs is the perfect location to own a vacation home in a year-round mountain playground.

The Residences at Bighorn Meadows Resort are a collection of vacation homes for sale, boasting cozy interiors, fantastic views, and an abundance of recreational activities right at your doorstep. Whether you’re looking to own a vacation home for weekend getaways with the family, or purchasing as a rental income property, The Residences at Bighorn Meadows is the perfect investment.

Bighorn Meadows Resort is unique in that it offers luxury and comfort while maintaining highly competitive pricing in a breathtaking area of the Columbia Valley.

The area is home to some of the most spectacular landscapes, pristine mountain and golfcourse views, world renowned hot springs, and an abundance of recreational activities. Situated on an expansive 9-acre site surrounded by the prestigious Springs Golf Course, Bighorn Meadows is a resort community that

provides the comforts of home while setting you worlds apart from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Whether it’s golfing, hiking, mountain biking, ATVing, white water rafting, boating, fly fishing, hunting, or swimming, all you have to do is step outside your door and let the adventure begin. The resort community is a short and breathtaking drive through the Rocky Mountains, and will be the ideal getaway for a restful weekend, or an action packed adventure with your family.

The Residences at Bighorn Meadows Resort are approximately 1100 square feet and designed for livability. The open floor concept, high ceilings, tall doors and expansive windows makes these vacation homes feel open and airy, with quiet tones of nature and abundance of natural light. Residents also have access to the resorts on-site amenities including a swimming pool, hot tub, playgrounds, fitness centre, meeting spaces, green space, and beautifully landscaped walking paths.

Priced from the low-$300ks, The Residences at Bighorn Meadows are built for multi-generational use and are worth the investment. Call our team today at 888-766-9637 or visit www.bighornmeadows.ca for more information.

A Resort Community of Vacation Homes with Rental Management Services On the Springs Golf Course in Radium Hot Springs, BC info@bighornmeadows.ca | 1-888-766-9637 | bighornmeadows.ca.

Building Resort Communities

LUXURIOUS OCEANFRONT VANCOUVER ISLAND VACATION HOMES The Residences at Sunrise Ridge are West Coast contemporary designed Homes in a waterfront resort community located on Vancouver Island in beautiful Parksville, British Columbia. Steps away from the surreal beaches with spectacular ocean views, the Residences at Sunrise Ridge offer a luxurious lifestyle suitable for year round living and vacation escapes.

Starting from the low $400ks for full ownership, these townhome offerings are one-of-a-kind properties on Vancouver Island.

The 64 duplex style spacious homes consist of open floor plans, customized interior design with high-end furnishings, and top of the line appliances; a true home away from home. Home owners will have access to amazing amenities such as a sun-soaked outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness centre, and private beach access.

Located just 37 km north of Nanaimo, this Vancouver Island Resort is situated in a spectacular natural

setting, surrounded by beautiful beaches, lakes and rivers. Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort is located above Craig Bay overlooking the sandy beaches and calming waters of the Strait of Georgia and is situated on 10.2 beautiful acres of property with peaceful surroundings and incredible landscapes. A short walk will take you to the endless beaches that Parksville is well-known for.

This perfect waterfront gateway offers everything you need for your dream vacation homes or rental investment property. Picture yourself spending the weekend with the family on the beach, watching the sunsets, or getting cozy fireside in your living room watching the tide roll out.

Don’t miss the opportunity to be a part of this amazing resort community on Vancouver Island. Call our team today at 1-866-81BEACH (2-3224), or visit www.sunriseresortparksville.ca for more information.

NOW PRE-SELLING New Waterfront Vacation Homes on Vancouver Island.

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Contact 1-866-812-3224 info@sunriseresortparksville.ca or visit www.sunriseresortparksville.ca to Register Today!

Building Resort Communities

INVESTING IN REAL ESTATE // RECREATION & INVESTMENT REAL ESTATE

RECREATIONAL PROPERTIES, 2018

T

he recreational property market is in transition.

While key factors like the economy and location continue to be vital considerations, in various ways, and particularly in the Calgary area, the generation shift has become an important aspect.

conditions, which lead to overall consumer confidence, coupled with lending criteria rules, impact values,” Ash explains. “After all, recreational property is a discretionary spend. It often feels negative market pressure more than other segments of the real estate market.”

Simplified: aging and retiring baby boomers are thinking about selling recreational properties that their families have enjoyed for a generation, while millennials are buying recreational properties for their young families to live the contemporary work-life balance that is a hallmark of their generation.

He notes the Alberta downturn has had an effect. “Since recreational property often has high equity levels, even in economic downturns, families are reluctant to dispose of the recreational property, as the majority understand that business cycles are cycles.”

“Given the general improvement in the overall Alberta economy, we see interest in recreational property staying strong,” says Elton Ash, regional executive vice president of Re/Max Western Canada. “But interest in recreational properties tends to be very specific in various ways.

People have a definite idea of what they want and they are generally willing to wait for what they are looking for to come on the market, rather than compromise and move on something that isn’t quite what they are looking for.

“An important aspect that is a constant: owning a recreational property should be viewed as a long-term ownership proposition.

“Demographics are certainly a factor in the overall demand,” he says. “Millennials are the largest generation and just now coming into their own as an economic force in real estate ownership.

“Studies and surveys have proven that millennials are as interested and motivated to own a home and a recreational property as previous generations have been.”

Some things never change, even when it comes to investing in recreational properties. “Overall economic

“The absolutely most important aspect of smart and sound real estate investing is due diligence,” says Jennifer Hunt, vice president of REIN. “Of course we look at fundamentals like economic health, the GDP which drives the other factors, and the way the economy impacts the rental market.

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APRIL 2018 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

Real estate professionals acknowledge that millennials may have different priorities about location than the boomer generation. While they tend to avoid timeconsuming long commutes to a recreational property, remote technology has redefined work, being productive and staying in-touch.

The shift in desirable recreational property locations may be gradual and, for now, Sylvan Lake, Canmore and the longer commutes to areas like the Shuswap and Windermere are the hot draws for Calgarians.

“Overall pricing trends will be similar in both Alberta and B.C., although the Okanagan and Shuswap areas will always see the greatest demand as Alberta and B.C. buyers influence both areas,” he points out.

“I think we will see a bit of a cooling trend from B.C. buyers as new real estate regulatory rules and stricter lending criteria is having a somewhat softening effect on all segments of the B.C. real estate market.

“But, given strong overall consumer confidence throughout Canada, with Western Canada fitting into that, recreational properties will remain of great interest,” Ash says with positivity.

“But people must do due diligence at the very basic level.

Everything REIN recommends and teaches is conservative.

Going slow to go fast is vital. The most common mistake is jumping in to the real estate investment world without doing due diligence and a market study. ‘Does this area have a future? What are employment opportunities? What is the five-year window?’”

A GREAT INVESTMENT

OPPORTUNITY IN AN ESTABLISHED COMMUNITY

Close to Fish Creek, trails, and commercial amenities

2 BED / 1 BATH 654 SQ FT

ONE LOW MONTHLY PAYMENT

TOTAL PRICE: $188,900.00 *

$1,099.06

Month +GST

MORTGAGE PAYMENT - $853.06 CONDO FEES - $246

Easy access to Deerfoot and Stoney Trails Within minutes of Seton Urban District VISIT OUR CRANSTON RIDGE SALES CENTRE TO LEARN MORE.

CRANFORD DR

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Approximate total based on 3.09% mortgage rate.

5 year term and 25 year amortization. * All prices shown before GST

CRANSTON RIDGE

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INVESTING IN REAL ESTATE // RECREATION & INVESTMENT REAL ESTATE

Although REIN is a solid source for thorough market research about most Canadian areas, real estate investing is inevitably at the mercy of timing – the timing of when to buy (and not buy) a rental condominium, an apartment or a town house. When prices are down, usually rents are as well.

“Supply and demand drive the Calgary rental market. It’s as simple and as complicated as that,” says Gerry Baxter, executive director of the Calgary Residential Rental Association (CRRA). “An excess supply of rentals means lower rates and Calgary has had an increasing supply in the past three years. As demand increases, for various reasons, rental rates creep up.

“Alberta has a more volatile rental market than other provinces because we rely so heavily on the energy sector.

Of course demographics and market values are important factors but the energy industry is such a huge driver of the Calgary economy and it significantly impacts migration.

When people leave the area, vacancies spike and that has a definite effect on the supply of rentals.

“Since the downturn, we now have an eight to 10 per cent vacancy rate. That’s high,” he adds. “On the positive side, it gives tenants a good choice of locations and costs.”

Comprehensive and accurate rental stats are always difficult to calculate because detailed tracking and market analysis can only be done for purpose-built (specifically built for rental) properties. Tracking the rental activity of individual investor-owned properties like condos and single-family homes is virtually impossible to calculate.

And the continuing surge in private condo properties is impacting (and confusing) the tracking of Calgary’s rental market. “In 1994, there were about 50,000 purpose-built rental units in Calgary,” Baxter explains. “Condo conversions whittled down Calgary numbers and we were losing 1,000 units a year to condo conversions. By 2013, Calgary was down to about 34,000 purpose-built rental units.

“AN EXCESS SUPPLY OF RENTALS MEANS LOWER RATES AND CALGARY HAS HAD AN INCREASING SUPPLY IN THE PAST THREE YEARS. AS DEMAND INCREASES, FOR VARIOUS REASONS, RENTAL RATES CREEP UP.” ~ GERRY BAXTER

“But the market is changing. There is confidence in the private sector to build and there are shovels in the ground. As of last fall, there are about 38,160 purpose-built rental units.”

ABOVE: GERRY BAXTER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE CALGARY RESIDENTIAL RENTAL ASSOCIATION (CRRA).

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APRIL 2018 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

ON TI 3 C E RU AS ST PH ON C

R DE UN

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INVESTING IN REAL ESTATE. // RECREATION & INVESTMENT REAL ESTATE

“WE NOT ONLY ADVOCATE DUE DILIGENCE BUT ALSO HAVING A PLAN B AND AN EXIT PLAN. IT’S ALL ABOUT PREPARATION AND CONSERVATISM. REAL ESTATE INVESTING HAS CYCLES AND THERE ARE DIFFERENT STRATEGIES DURING EACH CYCLE.” ~ JENNIFER HUNT

Hunt underscores the REIN approach to real estate investing. “We not only advocate due diligence but also having a plan B and an exit plan. It’s all about preparation

Bow River Estate - Canmore, Alberta Uncommonly large 3/4 acre parcel in a private, treed setting on the banks of the Bow River. Fabulous access to trails and downtown. Lovingly crafted to welcome generations to come.

8 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, triple garage, fully furnished.

and conservatism. Real estate investing has cycles and there are different strategies during each cycle. The methodology is identifying where in the cycle we happen to be at any given time. We try to capitalize on the boom, and prepare for the slump.”

She summarizes some of the key REIN principles about real estate investing: How? Use proven real estate investment systems, designed to decrease risk, increase cash flow and increase return on investment.

Where? Use only the most up-todate research to identify which areas to invest in, and which ones to avoid.

What? Certain types of real estate will do very well in different markets, while other types will sit vacant for months and drop in value.

When? Timing is critical! As with any major boom, it will hit different areas at different times with different impacts.

Camille Hemingson ASSOCIATE, RE/MAX ALPINE REALTY camille@alpinerealty.ca www.realcanmore.com 403-678-8137

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APRIL 2018 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

ABOVE: JENNIFER HUNT, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT NETWORK (REIN).

Golfer’s Paradise Resort Property Wilderness Club - $399,900 2,082 sq ft | Three bedroom New construction This home is located within the gates of Wilderness Club, Montana’s number one rated golf course. Constructed of Montana wood and stone, it’s a part of the natural landscape. Enjoy quiet evenings on your private patio with views of the mountains, golf course, pond and forest.

There is no better place to relax with your loved ones, maintenance-free and surrounded by endless recreation.

For More Information

Please Call: 403-837-9092

ACCESS TO SPECIALISTS // HEALTH CARE

Access

to Specialists

W I T H LO N G W A I T T I M E S , W H AT C A N PAT I E N T S D O ?

BY ERLYNN GOCOCO

A

ccording to Alberta Health, wait time is defined as “the time between when a patient and [specialist] decide that a procedure or diagnostic test is required and the date the procedure or test is performed.”

SRC now has over 50 specialists and two locations: one in Vancouver and one in nearby New Westminster. SRC also operates two satellite locations: one in Burnaby at Fortius and one in Whistler Village.

Wait lists have been a problem for decades and remain one of the most significant issues facing our health-care system. For example, Alberta Health’s Wait Times website indicates that the majority of patients can wait up to three months for a CT scan and up to 12 months for an MRI. If a patient requires a more complicated surgery, such as a knee replacement, they can wait up to 10 to 12 months (or more) from the date of decision to treat to the date of treatment.

The process to see a specialist at SRC is relatively easy: make a phone call or send a fax or email and “receive rapid access to world-class specialists.” No referral is required and the cost is reasonable, around $500, says Day.

So what can patients do and where can they go to see a specialist faster? In the past, according to orthopedic surgeon Dr. Brian Day, Albertans have generally gone abroad. “The author of a recent article in an Italian law journal described Canada’s health system as one designed for the very rich, who can afford to go abroad when they are in need of care.”

Day, a pioneer in arthroscopic surgery and sports medicine in Canada, established the B.C.-based Specialist Referral Clinic (SRC) in 2002 to address the lack of access to specialists right here in Canada. SRC accepts direct requests, “as long as we have the appropriate specialists,” says Day. The clinic claims to be one of Canada’s premier private health facilities where “Everyone’s a VIP at SRC.”

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APRIL 2018 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

SRC offers independent medical assessments, second opinions and IMEs (independent medical evaluations). Day says appointments can be booked in weeks not years. “SRC takes great care to ensure you are seeing the right specialist for the right problem.”

When necessary, the clinic can also arrange surgery at the Cambie Surgery Centre (CSC) which was opened in 1996 by a group of nationally- and internationally-renowned doctors and independent investors, guided by Day’s vision. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, CSC allows surgeons to utilize minimally-invasive surgical techniques that ultimately result in a faster recovery.

For sports and recreational activity-related injuries, Innovative Sports Medicine in Calgary offers, in addition to many other services, the Rapid Access Sport Injury Clinic which, according to its website, is structured to assess patients with acute (new), recreational activity or sport-

ACCESS TO SPECIALISTS // HEALTH CARE

GO WHERE THE

PROS GO

related injuries within 24 to 72 hours following an injury. Like CSC, patients do not require a referral from another physician and the program includes an evaluation and diagnosis by an experienced sport medicine physician. And there are no direct costs to patients – visits are covered by Alberta Health Care.

Surgical Centres Inc. operates seven clinics of which two are located in Calgary: Riverview Surgical Centre, specializing in plastic and reconstructive surgery, dental surgery, infertility surgery and podiatry; and Rockyview Surgical Centre, specializing in ophthalmology including FEMTO cataract surgery and Mohs micrographic surgery. The goal is to “give timely access to world-class surgeons who are using advanced technology.”

Dr. Ian Lo, a Calgary-based orthopedic surgeon, has dedicated his practice solely to the treatment of shoulder conditions and has pioneered several arthroscopic shoulder procedures – improving the quality of life of thousands of patients across Canada.

In addition to running his own private practice, Lo is affiliated with Gateway Health Solutions. Lo explains that with the exception of British Columbia, Canada’s health laws usually do not allow for private, medically necessary surgeries. “The option available to most patients wanting to avoid long wait times for orthopedic surgery is to travel to destinations outside the province, where private surgery is readily available. However, these patients often have difficulty coordinating local care before and after their procedure.”

Experts in sports injuries, our surgeons are chosen by many professional and elite athletes from around the world.

FLY IN, FLY OUT. Proudly helping Albertans for 20 years.

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• specialistclinic.ca

Gateway facilitates local and out-of-province orthopedic surgeries for Canadians and provides two options to patients seeking out-of-province surgery: 1) When

ABOVE: DR. IAN LO – ORTHOPEDIC SPECIALIST, PRIVATE PRACTICE AND GATEWAY HEALTH SOLUTIONS.

KNEE • SHOULDER • HAND & WRIST • FOOT & ANKLE • SPINE

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // APRIL 2018

69

ACCESS TO SPECIALISTS // HEALTH CARE

travel is required to access private surgery, Gateway usually provides local surgeons to travel with you to perform your surgery at the destination. 2) Surgeons at the destination facility are available to perform your surgery.

ACCORDING TO MARIANNE,

“Though Gateway is not the provider of medical services,” states their website, “they engage their network of medical expertise and facilities to coordinate diagnosis surgery and rehabilitation needs of Canadians who opt for private surgery.”

SPECIALISTS BECAUSE THEY WANT

Lo says Gateway provides a seamless continuity of care for patients interested in the value of timely treatment and private surgery in their province. They are committed to completing the circle of care for any Canadian opting for private surgery taking care of patient needs before, during and after the surgery. They are able guide patients through every step of the process, from initial assessment through to rehabilitation.

THE SPECIALIST WHO TREATED

Marianne*, a Calgarian who suffers from arthritis in her lower back and a ruptured disc, wanted to see an orthopedic specialist in the city, but was told the wait time would be around 20 months. “I was concerned that there was something I should be doing and didn’t want the problem to get worse.” Anxious to get answers and treatment sooner than later, Marianne decided to seek treatment outside of the province at the Spine Institute in Phoenix.

Marianne says the process was quick and effortless. “I called on a Friday and got an appointment for the following Tuesday – so less than three business days later. To facilitate the appointment, I brought a CD copy of my MRI from Calgary to Phoenix.”

The out-of-pocket expense for Marianne was $250 to see an orthopedic specialist, who happened to also be a pain specialist, and $350 to see a spinal surgeon. Of course, there was also the travel cost to the U.S. She says, “It was absolutely worth it. I got the information I needed in a very timely manner, faster than I would have if I had waited to see a specialist in Calgary.”

PATIENTS MAKE THE DECISION TO ACCESS PRIVATE HEALTH-CARE A FAST RESOLUTION TO THEIR MEDICAL PROBLEM. INTERESTINGLY, MARIANNE SAYS THAT IN THE CASE OF BACK ISSUES, MANY OF THEM JUST RESOLVE THEMSELVES TO AN ACCEPTABLE LEVEL WITHIN A YEAR. Marianne was pleased with her out-of-country treatment and says the specialist spent 90 minutes with her conducting a very thorough exam and assessment, reviewing her MRI, providing a detailed explanation of the issues with her back, discussing options, and what the potential benefits and risks were with surgery. “It was very thorough and I was really happy I made the decision to travel to the Spine Institute. I know people who have had their surgery done there and they were very impressed.”

According to Marianne, patients make the decision to access private health-care specialists because they want a fast resolution to their medical problem. Interestingly, the specialist who treated Marianne says that in the case of back issues, many of them just resolve themselves to an acceptable level within a year. In addition, the risks of surgery are high and the results are not always great. He also believes there are benefits to the Canadian system that forces people to wait.

ABOVE: LEFT: PRIVATE PATIENT ROOM AT CSC. RIGHT: DR. DAY PERFORMING SURGERY AT CSC. *PATIENT’S LAST NAME WITHHELD FOR CONFIDENTIALITY

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BUSINESS WALKS THE WALK // ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

BUSINESS WALKS THE WALK FROM OILFIELDS TO RECYCLED MATTRESSES

BY JOHN HARDY

A

lthough it has caught on as one of the trendiest business buzzwords, it continues to be complex – and is often bogged down in political and social contentiousness – as more and more businesses and industries are walking the walk of environmental stewardship.

As the list of eco-minded industries grow – from food and hospitality, retail, the gamut of consumer products and agriculture to ‘green financing’ and other B2B ventures and even mattress recycling – energy-driven Alberta continues as a world leader for dynamic environmental stewardship in the energy sector.

“Environmental leadership is critical for Canada’s oil and natural gas industry to become a global supplier of choice,” says Tim McMillan, president and CEO of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP). “Such policies should be developed with a balanced approach to attract

investment, spur innovation, grow jobs and advance the country’s competitiveness while reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs).

“Both Alberta and British Columbia have taken significant steps to address GHG emissions since late 2007. This balance will position Canada on the international stage to respond to global energy needs.”

Last year, the U.S. took a controversial step backward when it left the North American Climate, Clean Energy and Environment Partnership and abandoned its climate change commitments.

Canada is ambitiously and aggressively moving forward.

At the University of Calgary’s Haskayne School of Business, the Centre for Corporate Sustainability has become a globally-respected leader for enabling partnerships among

ABOVE: QUESTOR’S HIGH EFFICIENCY WASTE GAS INCINERATOR OPERATIONS IN EGYPT.

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // APRIL 2018

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BUSINESS WALKS THE WALK // ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

researchers, industry experts, government officials and community representatives to jointly generate dialogue, create best practices and disseminate knowledge to find balance in environmental, social and economic approaches in energy.

“A lot more companies are studying targets and trying to reduce their emissions,” says Dr. Irene Herremans, a professor in sustainable energy development (SEDV) at Haskayne. “Many energy companies are getting pressure from institutions and their peers, more resolutions are being set and there is a definite push toward compliance.

“Sooner or later, push comes to shove and industries are understanding what climate change is all about. There are a lot more board oversight and sustainability committees.

There is very positive momentum.” She adds if the board takes it seriously, compliance can make a real difference in a company’s performance.

standards and innovative technologies help define Canada’s leadership position.

“Innovation can break the link between energy growth and emissions growth, and Canada is showing the world how oil and natural gas can lead the way.”

In addition to industry and corporate action to be more environmentally active and responsible, Herremans explains the environmental stewardship focus often begins in the classroom. “In the SEDV program at Haskayne, we are educating students who have worked in the energy sector and many are getting jobs in the field of reducing GHG emissions. And we work closely with a lot of companies which come in to recruit students for environmental projects they want done.”

“A lot more companies are studying targets and trying to reduce their emissions,” she adds from experience. “And companies are definitely motivated by more than just complying with regulations. It’s often a matter of being motivated by social responsibility.”

As CAPP has underscored in various studies and proposals, energy industry investment is also a vital factor when it comes to environmental stewardship. “An ongoing commitment to invest funds into technology and innovation to allow substantial progression in a lower-emission energy system will generate more revenue for government, communities and industry,” McMillan explains.

McMillan enthusiastically points out, “Canada has one of the world’s toughest carbon policies based on both price and stringency and is also a leader in reducing methane emissions in the energy industry. World-class regulatory

“Responsible development grows the industry, which in turn grows the economy while innovation and technology offer opportunities for job creation. When it comes to policies and regulations, striking a balance is important. Cumulative LEFT: TIM MCMILLAN, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF PETROLEUM PRODUCERS (CAPP).

RIGHT: DR. IRENE HERREMANS, SUSTAINABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT PROFESSOR AT THE HASKAYNE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS.

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ALBERTA'S ELECTRONICS RECYCLING PROGRAM IS READY TO SERVE YOU. Old computers (including keyboards, mice, cables and speakers), monitors, printers, copiers, servers and TVs can take up a lot of valuable office and storage space‌ and it would be such a waste to throw them out.

Dropping off your old electronics?

How are electronics recycled?

Across Alberta, 370 municipal electronics recycling depots are ready to accept your old electronics.

Just go to www.albertarecycling.ca to find your nearest location.

Electronics are taken apart at the registered recyclers’ facilities and separated into glass, metal and plastic. These materials are then sent back into the manufacturing supply chain to be made into new products.

Worried about information still on your hard drive?

The Electronics Program requires registered recyclers to destroy all hard drives as part of the recycling process. They can also provide you with a Certificate of Destruction.

No time to drop them off?

Seven registered electronics recyclers provide pick-up service. Contact them directly to make arrangements. Their information can be found at www.albertarecycling.ca, or by calling Alberta Recycling at 1-888-999-8762.

If you would like more information visit www.albertarecycling.ca

BUSINESS WALKS THE WALK // ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

ALTHOUGH QUESTOR FOCUSES PRIMARILY IN OIL AND GAS, ITS EMISSION-REDUCING TECHNOLOGY IS ALSO USED BY OTHER INDUSTRIES, INCLUDING LANDFILLS, WATER AND SEWAGE TREATMENT, TIRE RECYCLING AND AGRICULTURE. costs undermine our international competitiveness at a time when our energy industry is already cost-constrained, and faces intense competition for global investment.”

Internationally respected, Calgary’s Questor Technology has been an industry leader in environmental stewardship for more than 20 years – before going green or clean was a popular, profitable or the regulated thing to do. The company manufactures and services high-efficiency waste gas incinerator systems and combustion and burner-related oilfield technologies mostly in Canada and the U.S. as well as projects in the Caribbean, western Europe, Russia, Thailand, Indonesia and China.

Although Questor focuses primarily in oil and gas, its emission-reducing technology is also used by other industries, including landfills, water and sewage treatment, tire recycling and agriculture.

“In 1999, everyone said I was crazy,” recalls Audrey Mascarenhas, the career engineer and dynamic Questor president and CEO. “We didn’t know much about emissions and climate change but we saw the black puffs of smoke and knew that something was not right. Most people wondered how taking all those gas streams and doing something about it can make any business sense.”

Fast forward to 2018 and Questor is a distinguished and innovative world leader in environmental stewardship. “With a focus on solid engineering design, our products enable our clients to operate cost effectively in an environmentallyresponsible and sustainable manner,” Mascarenhas says.

“The incinerators provide a safe, efficient, clean and reliable method of waste gas destruction that not only ensures protection of the environment but also provides customers with cost-effective solutions.”

She adds that any effort to impact climate change is a plus, but cautions that industry’s emphasis on CO2 emissions may be misleading. “One of our biggest concerns is how we handle waste gas and putting it into the atmosphere.

“Industry emissions are three to four times higher than we

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initially thought they were,” Mascarenhas admits. “But it’s important to understand that methane is over 80 times worse than CO2. Every time we put a molecule of methane into the air, it does more damage than CO2.”

The 33-year oil and gas industry veteran is upbeat and positive about environmental stewardship but she is also professional and blunt about Canadian progress. “I love Canada and I want Canada to be great. But there are lots of different camps and polarizing climate change conversations in Canada. I am very excited to see some areas, like Colorado, embrace effective and tough rules to improve air quality.

“For various reasons, Canada has delayed the compliance rules about methane emissions until 2025.”

Another Calgary bright idea is also an interesting and unique example of smart business combining with environmental stewardship. Shawn Cable, the Calgary-based former professional lacrosse player and supply-chain management student, noticed there were discarded mattresses – lots of discarded mattresses – being hauled off to landfill sites.

“It gave me an idea,” he says. “I told myself I may be crazy and realized that recycling mattresses could be risky, but the business plan made sense. I believed in it; I always wanted to work for myself and have an environmental impact.”

It’s how Re-Matt began in 2014. Disassembling discarded mattresses and distributing the components – foam, steel, cotton and wood – to local and regional recycling partners.

Today, Re-Matt business is booming as Cable and his partner, Ian Gregory, recycle mattress materials in Calgary and Western Canada with 15 staff members.

“Foam is the most valuable,” Cable explains. “It is ground up and turned into new underlay. Then the metal, the cardboards, the plastics and the felt.”

His inventive Calgary business may not be considered traditional environmental stewardship, but Cable enthusiastically points out, “We feel good about creating jobs, impacting the environment and diverting discarded mattresses from landfill sites.”

The Business of Social Media A blessing or a curse?

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ig business and small business have a common denominator: the impact of social media. Because social media – when used properly and effectively – is proving to be a boon to businesses of all sizes.

The tracking of social media use in business shows that it can be a blessing … or a curse. When it’s done strategically well and the business leverages various social media channels in the best possible way, it’s an invaluable business plus. When it’s overlooked, taken for granted or done poorly, it is a business liability.

The unavoidable reality of contemporary life is that clients, customers, suppliers and even the competition is on social media. Reaching them is a critical business opportunity.

“Social media can provide a quick snapshot into what is happening in your business and how your customers feel about you,” says Christine Buhr, an EO Calgary member and owner and CEO of Shakers Fun Centre. “Negative and positive reviews provide great insight on opportunities where the company can pivot to provide better service and value to customers.”

Dave Nolan, president of Studio Y Creations, an innovator and leader for designing and manufacturing three-dimensional displays, underscores the importance of social media in business. “We frequently use social media to offer customers a peek behind the curtain, with photos and video of our creation process,” says the EO Calgary member. “It’s much more than marketing; it’s a way for our online community to feel truly connected to our work and to our team.”

Shane Rennie, CEO of Rectangle Design – the Calgary-based design-build firm that specializes in modern renovations, additions and new home construction – and an EO Calgary member, is an enthusiastic social media-as-a-business-tool booster. “It gives a business personality. Instagram is my favourite; easy to use, a wide reach, and, for a business like ours (with lots of images of work) it makes perfect sense.”

Nolan also emphasizes social media’s business value. “Several members of our team contribute online content. It generates more quality content and stories from within the business.

When a customer can share an experience or positive reflection and when the brand is at the centre of that conversation, it can be magic.”

“We live in a day and age where every business and their team is under the microscope,” Rennie emphasizes. “Not only is social media an effective tool to promote the company, but it can be a forum for the public to discuss how the business conducts itself.”

It is an accepted fact that, in today’s business market, effective social media can make or break a business.

“It depends on the type of industry you are in but when it comes to hospitality such as our business it’s pretty critical,” Buhr points out.

“Unfortunately people and staff have bad days and customers can be unreasonable. Some don’t really understand the impact and damage their comments can cause. But customers are becoming more savvy and able to read between the lines.

“Social media is really forcing us to take a harder look and pay more attention to what is going on in our businesses.”

Contributing Members:

Upcoming Events: Apr. 4 • Leadership Breakfast Series Apr. 12 • Jesse Itzler, “Living with a Seal” Apr. 16-19 • Global Leadership Conference

Dave Nolan

Christine Buhr

Shane Rennie

president of Studio Y Creations

owner and CEO of Shakers Fun Centre

CEO of Rectangle Design

The international Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) is the respected, world-wide business networking group — with more than 10,000 members in 35 countries — where business leaders meet informally to brainstorm, compare notes, learn and share relevant discussions about business.

EO has 122 chapters around the world, including the Calgary chapter which is the fifth largest and one of the most active EO chapters in the world.

www.eocalgary.com

|

For membership inquiries: membership@eocalgary.com

Altitude Communications:

Innovative Company with its Head in the Cloud

W

hen it comes to communications technology, business leaders want it easy and reliable. That’s why they want Altitude Communications.

Altitude has been making complicated unified communications systems seem simple for clients since the company rebranded in 2010.

by Rennay Craats Photos by Riverwood Photography

Altitude got its start in 1995 as telephone equipment provider TNS Telecom, and Marshall Anderson worked for the company before branching into local line and Internet services. He returned to acquire controlling interest in TNS and merged the two ventures to create Altitude Communications in 2010. He shed TNS’s peripheral activities and focused on one unified communications package so that he and his technically-savvy, creative team could offer Albertans a unique product in a way no one else was.

“Our strategy for growth was just to get really good at one platform – it’s easier for the technical side to keep certifications high and technical ability strong; and from the sales and customer service side, if you focus on one thing, when somebody calls in you know how to help,” says Anderson, president of Altitude Communications.

Altitude has experienced great growth in the market, managing more than 18,000 end points in a variety of sectors across Alberta. It provides services that cover the different ways people communicate today – voice, video, mobility, collaboration, email, instant messaging – while helping businesses with their connectivity, whether that is Internet, on-site dial tone or wide area networks.

With its award-winning communications solution called Mitel (formerly ShoreTel), Altitude gives clients the tools they need to better engage with customers, integrate all of their applications and stay connected. Packages include everything

clients need, so from the connectivity to the phone on their desk to the application on their desktop, Altitude is the single point of contact that manages it all. And the company can service a wide spectrum of clients ranging from those operating on 30-yearold systems to the out-of-the-box early adopters eager to do business on the cutting edge.

A few years ago, a cutting-edge client approached the team looking for a cloud solution and Altitude jumped at the chance to collaborate. No existing options met the client’s needs, so Anderson decided to create his own.

“The client liked us and our product, so we just built something for them. It gave us an opportunity to have an anchor tenant in here and to really start developing the AltiSphere platform.

We’ve been running that for three years,” he says.

AltiSphere is a unique, fully-managed cloud or hybrid solution that puts everything clients want at their fingertips. Any communications application can be stored in the cloud, offering clients flexibility and customized solutions that perfectly suit their needs. AltiSphere is managed from one secure data centre, allowing for safeguarded information and easy upgrades without any downtime for clients. Despite the complexity of the cloud technology, it couldn’t be easier for AltiSphere clients.

“When they get the hosted AltiSphere solution, it’s basically your communication system as an application on your desktop – it shows all your contacts you’d need to call or IM with, retrieves your voice mails, and you can either have a physical phone or use a headset,” says Kelly Hopp, program manager at Altitude.

Whether Altitude clients choose to have all or a few applications in the cloud or to have their applications managed completely on site, the company provides the best ongoing supportive maintenance program to ensure everything in the system is up to date.

Marshall Anderson, president of Altitude Communications.

Altitude further supports clients through consultations and audits of existing services. The team evaluates a client’s communication costs and systems and recommends changes that can save them money and improve efficiency and service.

By getting to know the clients and their businesses, Altitude is able to offer them the best communications solutions, all in a tailor-made package.

“These days you need to improve the way internal communications happen but you also have to improve the experience of your customers,” says Michael McKenzie, account manager at Altitude. “If you can create efficiencies inside and create a better experience for customers coming in then you’re progressing on both sides of the table.”

Altitude Communications is driven to provide the perfect unified communications services by listening to clients’ challenges and integrating new technologies to address them. Thanks to its customized products paired with incredible customer service, Altitude has earned the reputation as an outside-of-the-box company with creative, innovative solutions. With AltiSphere and Mitel on offer, Altitude Communications is proud to dive deep into technology so clients don’t have to.

520, 2710 – 17 Avenue SE Calgary, Alberta, T2A 0P6 Main: 403.538.5555 | Service: 403.538.8888 | Fax: 403.543.2882 info@altitudecommunications.ca altitudecommunications.ca

Manufactured by Energy Saving Products Ltd. since 1983

TM

Energy Saving Products Ltd. turns 35 Hi-Velocity Systems heats up the market worldwide with a focus on service and innovation

By Nerissa McNaughton

L

eon Prevost, the founder of Energy Saving Products Ltd. and manufacturer of Hi-Velocity Systems, couldn’t let his customers down. In the early 80s, he had been working for an American plumbing/heating wholesale company as a Canadian distributor for one of their speciality products. When that company pulled out of the Canadian market, Leon’s customers were left in the cold. Undeterred, the entrepreneur took out a loan, turned his garage into a workspace, and started manufacturing a heating system of his own design. His customers quickly warmed up to the product, and in 1983, Hi-Velocity Systems was born.

Hi-Velocity is a forced air system that provides heating, cooling, fresh-air, humidification control, and air purification in any type of building. The specialty small diameter duct system easily fits into projects that struggle to accommodate a conventional duct.

By circulating air more efficiently with Hi-Velocity, indoor air quality is greatly improved.

“Leon later moved into a warehouse space in West Edmonton,” recounts Tim Prevost, Leon’s son and the Director of Business Development at the company. “He started attending conferences and conventions in the U.S., and in very short order, that market really took off for us. It wasn’t long before he outgrew the warehouse and began searching for a larger space.

“Leon’s childhood was spent in a small house just off of Yellowhead Trail and 129 Street, near the big grain elevator, in an area known now as Hagmann Estate Industrial. Naturally, his instinct was drawn to this area, and he made the decision to buy our building located just off Yellowhead and 124 Street.”

Then things took a turn for the worse.

Tim explains, “In January, 2009, our building burnt down to the ground and was a complete loss. This disaster happened to coincide with the large housing market drop in America. But within three weeks of the fire, we had not only re-located manufacturing, but we had also shipped our first post-fire order! Nothing was going to stop dad from keeping his company afloat. However, at the same time, we learned that we couldn’t rely on the U.S. market and needed to expand our business internationally. Now we have built a new manufacturing facility in our original location and sell our products on every continent worldwide.”

Hi-Velocity Systems | 35 Years

Tim and Daniel Prevost at ESP Manufacturing Facility.

Hi-Velocity Systems are seen in all types of dwellings and commercial spaces, and they are popular in parts of Europe and China, where commercial office building owners strive to provide cleaner air for their employees.

“We have always been at the forefront of new technology and ahead of our competition because we put a ton of resources into research and development,” Daniel Prevost, Leon’s youngest son and the Director of Operations. “We would not be able to do this without the excellent funding programs shared with us from the Canadian government. We are also incredibly grateful for Erni O’hara, our General Manager. She is directly responsible for the daily success of our operations. Her reliability allows us to focus on big-picture items, and that directly relates to our company’s growth.”

For the entire team, customer service is as important as the product.

Lo-Velocity Fan Coil, Hi-Velocity Fan Coil, and HE PS Air Purification System

tions in energy efficiency and indoor air quality. Leon and his wife Elaine, though long hinting at retirement, continue to play key roles in the day to day operations and events at ESP.

Hi-Velocity Fan Coil with Zoning Options.

“Being a family-owned company, we know that our bread is buttered from the fruits of our labours. We share that family mentality with all our employees and do the best we can to help them understand that our success relies on everyone’s effort.

You will find, from the starting position to the top, that everyone is proud of what we achieve on a daily basis,” concludes Tim, and he says to their many customers locally and abroad, “Thank you for being a part of our family.”

Manufactured by Energy Saving Products Ltd. since 1983

Hi-Velocity Fan Coil with Flex Duct.

“The feedback I receive the most from customers is that our level of support dramatically exceeds that of other companies in this industry. If you call us, you are going to speak with someone, and we thrive on supporting our customers all the way from the conception of a project to the final commissioning,” says Tim. This year marks Energy Saving Products’ 35th anniversary.

The company that started in a garage is now a thriving global enterprise that is making a difference in the HVAC industry around the world – and they are not content to stop there. The company continues to research and implement new innova-

TM

12615 - 124 Street Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5L 0N8 Ph: 780-453-2093 Fax: 780-453-1932 www.hi-velocity.com

OVER 40 YEARS OF CUSTOM MANUFACTURING WITH 2 FACTORIES IN ALBERTA (1975-2018) For Instabox it’s easy being GREEN (Please Recycle)

Congratulations

to Energy Saving Products on 35 years!

www.instabox.com Calgary: 1-800-482-6173 | Edmonton: 1-800-661-9949 Vancouver: 1-888-543-1113 | Saskatchewan: 1-855-269-4848

Nominations are now closed. Thank you to all who have nominated, and to the nominees who are part of this year’s program. We look forward to assembling another group of influential people from our business community who will be honoured for their contributions towards making Calgary a great place to live and work!

Business in Calgary will celebrate the 2018 winners at our 11th Annual Awards Gala. Our July issue will feature the Leaders and their companies.

Save the Date Wednesday, June 27th | 6pm To stay informed on details for our event, visit www.businessincalgary.com/leaders or email leaders@businessincalgary.com

Platinum Partner

Gold Partners

Official Airline Partner

MOVING. PICTURES.

GETS THE BIG PICTURE. It’s simple: your clients need to know your story. So trust Ewan. He’s a storyteller with elevated ideas and a down to earth approach. Ewan has the experience, creativity and insight to ensure your clients see the big picture.

Think big. Get more. Hire Ewan.

PHOTOVIDEO

ewan.ca ewannicholson

World of Choices connects high school students with professionals from a variety of industries, giving youth the opportunity to find out what it takes to land their dream job or even discover a new calling.

This career forum is just one of the experiential programs and events that JA offers to help youth build a successful future.

JA Southern Alberta A Member of JA Canada

F O U N D I N G PA R T N E R

WELCOME CONTRIBUTOR

PRESENTER CONTRIBUTOR

W O C TA L K CONTRIBUTORS

E X PA N S I O N C O N T R I B U T O R

LUNCH CONTRIBUTOR

B R E A K FA S T CONTRIBUTOR

CAREER SECTOR CONTRIBUTORS

CAREER MENTOR CONTRIBUTORS

Every young person can achieve success. With the support of volunteers and donors, JA Southern Alberta provides work readiness, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship education at no cost to youth in grades 5 -12

learn more at www.jasab.ca

FINALLY! FORE CALGARY 2018 // GOLF

Finally!

FORE CALGARY 2018

BY JOHN HARDY

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ith any luck, the blustery cold Calgary winds and dumpings of snow are now done, at least for the next six months or so.

Golf diehards and weekend warriors are over-ready with clubs, new balls and their favourite bits of equipment.

Driving range and swing conditioning has begun. And it’s time fore Inglewood, Shaganappi, River Spirit, the Hamptons, Bearspaw, Confederation Park and Priddis Greens.

clubs. Stretching legs, hamstrings, the back and shoulders (rotator cuffs). It’s all part of the “physics of the swing.” And it matters!

The golf swing has been studied by scientists and mathematicians. Respected Calgary-area golf pros, like popular coach Terry Carter, a 25-year member of the

Passionate golfers bristle at the mention that it’s only a game and selectively shrug off commonsense caution that, no matter how gung-ho and anxious to “get out there” and start the season, golf is athletics. And as with any sport, not listening to your body can be a mistake.

Kinesiologists explain that even the most relaxed and friendly golf involves about 500 muscles. To minimize post-game aches and pains, flexibility is a crucial part of the game. Regardless how casual or competitive, a proper golf swing is all about flexibility. When you’re stiff, you can’t go as far back.

Particularly at the start of the golf season, basic stretching is important. Loosely swinging two

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enjoyment

Your best day just got better.

Superb course conditions on 36holes with bentgrass putting surfaces.

connection

Your hub for family, friends, life.

Enjoy the unrestricted golf experience with equal access for all players.

ease

One of life’s great escapes. A fully inclusive Club featuring an indoor year-round private training facility.

excellence

An exceptional golf experience that intentionally aligns course excellence with Member service.

GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

403-931-3171 | www.priddisgreens.com

FINALLY! FORE CALGARY 2018 // GOLF

Belonging is closer than you think at

Professional meeting and catering facilities • Contemporary Clubhouse • Only 15 minutes from downtown Calgary • Stunning 300 acres • Indoor training facility • Engaging Golf Pros • Affordable Equity Memberships now available See you on the links!

Calgary’s Favorite Place For Curling and Golf.

•

Ask about our one year trial membership. www.silverspringsgolfclub.com

A Tranquil Escape In Downtown Calgary’s Backyard...

403.286.1456

jon@silverspringsgolfclub.com

excellence enjoyed

Priddis Greens Golf & Country Club Members enjoy playing at one of the most scenic and peaceful locations in Alberta. We set out in 1983 to offer an exceptional golf experience that intentionally aligns course excellence and concierge-style member service - all amidst a natural woodland setting that is second-to-none. Among the equity and trial membership options available, members find ease of access with no tee time restrictions or classifications on two great 18-hole golf courses. membership@priddisgreens.com | 403.931.3171

36 holes with 9 tees year-round training Unrestricted Experience

River Spirit Golf Club Annual Memberships Unrestricted Annual Member No Restricted Times Unlimited Golf 10 Day Advance Booking Guest Rates Power Cart Discounts Associate Members $2700 + GST & Society Dues

241155 Range Rd 34, Calgary, AB T3Z 2W4 (403) 247-4837 www.riverspiritgolf.com

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // APRIL 2018

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FINALLY! FORE CALGARY 2018 // GOLF

Canadian PGA and director of Calgary’s National Golf Academy, agree that a successful and consistent golf swing requires precise timing and mechanics, from the grip and position of the fingers to the position and movement of the feet. They emphasize that, at any moment of the swing – whether backswing, downswing or upswing – anything can go wrong that will throw off the whole body, resulting in a miss hit.

Allowing for common sense and technique, and acknowledging the two Calgary golf factors nobody can do anything about – weather and the economy – the 2018 Calgary season begins.

Golf is still the highest participation sport in Canada – despite iffy weather and two years of Alberta economy speed bumps – and with many popular private and public courses, Calgary continues to be a hot spot of Canadian golf.

Barry Ehlert, Calgary golf course executive, managing partner and owner of Windmill Golf Group, enthusiastically underscores, “The past 20 years have changed the game more than the previous 80 years put together. Equipment and technology have had major impact on the popularity of golf and made the game so much more enjoyable.”

Calgary golf courses – private or public – live or struggle with the basic measure of the business of golf: rounds played.

The six Calgary public courses – Confederation Park, Lakeview, Maple Ridge, McCall Lake, Richmond Green and Shaganappi Point – don’t have the revenue stream of memberships and therefore rely on green fee revenues of rounds played. As a result, weather makes it a hit or miss for rounds played.

“All things considered, last year was a reasonably good season,” says Greg Steinraths, the city’s manager of golf operations and sport and partnership development. “Weather-wise, 2017 was a sluggish start and tough finish. We had a loss of 67 weather

days but summer was phenomenal and we made up a lot of ground. There were 340,000 rounds played last year and, according to the numbers, Confederation Park and Lakeview were the most popular.”

Contrary to common misunderstanding, the city is not involved in most aspects of golf course operations and the six public courses are not ‘your tax money at play.’ “The only city involvement is the mandate that the public courses function on 100 per cent cost recovery,” Steinraths points out. “We must pay our own way. And we do!

“We rely heavily on customer feedback and staying in touch with our peers across the country,” he adds. “We are proud of our 98 per cent customer satisfaction and our primary focus is ‘what do families, juniors and seniors want from a value perspective?’”

After the heavy February and early March snowfalls, the city’s public courses are ready for the 2018 season, with one significant change. “McCall Lake will be closed for major construction, but will open in 2019.”

Ehlert’s excitement about Windmill’s newest Calgary golf jewel is palpable. The Phil Mickelson National Golf Club in the master-planned Harmony community in Springbank.

“It’s going to be spectacular. Building a golf course is more about art than science. Mickelson was on site for three days recently and his level of engagement and commitment is terrific. He’s so hands-on. He made some changes and enhancements.

“The construction should be all done by mid-year and then we let it grow in. The soft opening should be all set for – weather dependent – late-2019.”

He speaks with positivity and expertise about golf in Calgary.

“Whether it’s trends, the economy and cyclical changes like most businesses, golf has stood the test of time and 2018 will be exciting and strong.”

ABOVE: PGA LEGEND, PHIL MICKELSON AND BARRY EHLERT, MANAGING PARTNER AND OWNER OF WINDMILL GOLF GROUP.

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Leading Business APRIL 2018

Where creativity, technology and business collide

CalgaryChamber.com BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // APRIL 2018

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2018 Board of

Directors Executive Chair: Phil Roberts, President, Vintri Technologies Inc Vice Chair: Brent Cooper, Partner, McLeod Law

WHERE CREATIVITY, TECHNOLOGY AND BUSINESS COLLIDE

Past Chair: David Allen, Founder & President Situated Co. Treasurer: Wellington Holbrook, Chief Transformation Officer, ATB Financial

Directors Bill Brunton, Vice President, Habitat for Humanity, Southern Alberta Mike Williams, Executive Vice-President, Encana James Boettcher, Chief Idea Officer, Fiasco Gelato Desirée Bombenon, President & CEO, SureCall Contact Centres Ltd Mandeep Singh, Audit Partner, Deloitte Jason Hatcher, Managing Principal, Navigator Greg Garcia, President and CEO, Calgary Elite Roofing Brian Bietz, President, Beitz Resources Jenn Lofgren, Founder, Incito Mike Shaw, Vice President, Calgary Region Gas Distribution, ATCO Management Michael Andriescu – Director of Finance and Administration Kim Koss – Vice President, Business Development and Sponsorship Scott Crockatt – Director of Marketing and Communications Rebecca Wood – Director of Member Services Zoe Addington – Director of Policy, Research and Government Relations Leading Business magazine is a co-publication of the Calgary Chamber and Business in Calgary Calgary Chamber 600, 237 8th Avenue S.E. Calgary, Alberta T2G 5C3 Phone: (403) 750-0400 Fax: (403) 266-3413

Event details

Wednesday, May 2, 2018, 7:15 am – 5:18 pm BMO Centre – Hall E, 20 Roundup Way SE The origins of ONWARD

B

ack in 2016, the recession had Calgary in a chokehold, and our business community was mired in doom and gloom, unable to see beyond the next few months. It was a tough time for the city, one of the hardest in recent memory.

Businesses needed some inspiration for the future to shake off the funk, and spark some innovation. That’s where the impetus behind ONWARD was born.

As part of the Chamber’s 125th anniversary celebration, ONWARD was created to get Calgary’s business community thinking about what’s possible. It was our gift to the city. It was an epic day, one that resonated so well we felt like it was the yearly “kick in the pants” Calgary needed.

The decision was made right then and there: we would continue to invest in the future of the city and provide the inspiration businesses needed to grow, diversify and innovate by bringing ONWARD back for a mark II event in 2017.

In that second year, we upped our game to create an event that made business leaders think big and challenge everything. From AI and cybersecurity to the hyperloop and 10x-ing your business, we focused on global trends and innovation that would really blow your hair back.

As it enters into its third year, ONWARD has become known as an innovation-focused event that delivers world-class thought leaders to help entrepreneurs and their businesses become forward thinking.

But solid reputation three years in the making wasn’t enough. We knew we had to challenge ourselves to up the ante once again.

Challenge accepted

calgarychamber.com

ONWARD 2018 is a full-day, immersive innovation experience where creativity, technology and business collide. Boasting a world-class lineup of speakers, this year is all about tangible ways to pioneer new products, building cultures that crush competition and fostering creativity that pushes your business to a new level. This day will change your perception of the type of business you can grow in Calgary and take global.

What’s an immersive innovation experience? It’s a day you enter with an open mind, and dare to challenge growth, challenge creativity and challenge yourself.

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Alongside 1,000 of your fellow business leaders and peers, you’ll explore activation zones and form meaningful connections over shared experiences.

You’re probably thinking, “This all sounds great, Chamber, but that’s a lot of intangibles. How is ONWARD actually going to help me grow my business?”

Spending time with family. Staying fit. Getting sleep.

Pick 3.” Of those five things what would you choose?

Meet Randi Zuckerberg, founder of Zuckerberg Media, bestselling author, creator of Facebook Live and proponent of the entrepreneur’s dilemma.

Top five reasons to come to ONWARD • $100,000 worth of speakers (yes, that’s actually how much world-class speakers cost) that you can see for as low as $299.

• 1,000 attendees = 999 opportunities to find a new client, business partner or mentor.

• Structured networking and activation zones to help start the handshakes and get conversations flowing.

• Gain insights into the direction our world is going and be inspired.

• Ideas that will move your business forward and keep you one step ahead of the competition. Seriously, the ideas you get will be so good you’ll write them down, take them back to your team and action them the very next day.

Don Tapscott | Blockchain Guru

Co-founder of the Blockchain Research Institute and CEO of the Tapscott Group If you want to know about the impact of blockchain, Don Tapscott is your guy. He’s also a leading authority on innovation, media and the economic and social impact of technology, and advises business and government leaders around the world.

Speaker lineup

Raine Maida | Lyrical Storyteller

Randi Zuckerberg | Media Entrepreneur

Founder and CEO, Zuckerberg Media Have you heard of the entrepreneur’s dilemma?

“Maintaining friendships. Building a great company.

Acclaimed Musician, and Creativity and Technology Expert Lead singer of Our Lady Peace, Raine Maida is paving the way for counter-culture creators. If you’re looking for creative inspo that sparks new ways to tell your business’ story, this keynote is a must-see.

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // APRIL 2018

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WHERE CREATIVITY, TECHNOLOGY AND BUSINESS COLLIDE

DJ Sures | Visionary Roboticist

CEO, EZ-Robot You know what’s cool? Robots. What’s even more cool than that? Building your very own personal robot. DJ Sures made that possible for the masses with the creation of EZ-Robot, the world’s easiest and most powerful robot R&D, education and building platform, which enables anyone to invent and share science fiction-grade robotics. He’s shaking up the robotics industry and STEM education, one JD Humanoid at a time.

Graham Sherman | Craft Disruptor

Co-owner and Co-founder, Tool Shed Brewing A self-professed “high-level geek,” Graham Sherman is on the forefront of Calgary’s craft brewing movement. Scratch that. He’s leading the pack. If you want to know what it takes to grow a small business with humble beginnings into an industry juggernaut, kicking ass and taking names every step of the way, then this is who you need to see.

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Jim Love | Packaging Pioneer

Co-owner and Vice President, Cask Brewing Systems Inc. If you’ve ever enjoyed a can of craft beer, there’s a local Calgary business to thank for that: Cask Brewing Systems Inc. They invented micro-canning, and they’re supporting brewers worldwide. So what does it take to run a global business from right here in YYC? Meet Jim Love.

Andrew Gordon | Industry Vet

Manager, CRAFT Beer Market Back in 2011, the first CRAFT Beer Market opened its doors in Calgary. Now they’re spreading the craft beer gospel across Canada (with six locations and counting), and Andrew Gordon is a part of making that magic happen. He knows all about what it takes to enter a new retail market and build a community following that lasts.

Let’s get you back out on the road faster!

To view our inventory, visit drivingforce.ca

AMVIC Licensed

It’s all about the experience.

Chamber Member Spotlights The Calgary Chamber is proud to represent many Calgary businesses large and small; this month we are highlighting some of our industry leading members.

Blakes

As one of Canada’s top business law firms, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP (Blakes) provides exceptional legal services to leading businesses in Canada and around the world focusing on building long-term relationships with clients. They do this by providing unparalleled client service and the highest standard of legal advice, always informed by the business context. Many of Blakes’ lawyers are continuously recognized as leaders in their respective fields in the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory, Canada’s leading guide to lawyers. Serving a diverse national and international client base, their integrated network of 11 offices worldwide provides clients with access to the firm’s full spectrum of capabilities in virtually every area of business law. Whether an issue is local or multi-jurisdictional, practice-area specific or interdisciplinary, Blakes handles transactions of all sizes and levels of complexity.

For more information, visit blakes.com.

CPHR

CPHR Alberta is the professional association dedicated to strengthening the human resources profession and upholding the highest standards of practice. With 6,000 members in major cities across Alberta, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, CPHR Alberta is the third largest HR association in Canada. CPHR Alberta is the exclusive registration body in Alberta for the chartered professionals in human resources (CPHR) designation, which is the professional standard in Canada. The CPHR demonstrates HR expertise, experience and ethical management of today’s human capital.

CPHR Alberta is a provincial member of CPHR Canada.

For more information, visit cphrab.ca.

Tervita Corporation

Tervita is a leading Canadian environmental solutions provider with close to 40 years of operational experience. Their integrated earth, water, waste and resource solutions deliver safe and efficient results through all phases of a project by minimizing impact and maximizing returns. Their dedicated employees are trusted sustainability partners to oil and gas, construction, mining, government and communities. Safety is Tervita’s highest priority: it influences their actions and shapes their culture.

For more information, visit tervita.com.

Thanks

The Chamber thanks the following long-standing member companies celebrating anniversaries this month for their years of support to the Calgary Chamber, and their commitment to the growth and development of Calgary.

Member name

Years as a member

Calgary TELUS Convention Centre Miller Thomson LLP Big Rock Brewery Challenger Geomatics Ltd. Alan Hallman & Associates Inc. CAS Corporate Governance Services Inc. Chapel Rock Developments Ltd. D.T. Baird Business Consulting Ltd. Erich Mackenzie, Service Technician Travelodge Hotel Calgary International Airport Big Rig Towing & Recovery Natural Gas Exchange Adair Tree Care Ltd. Attainable Homes Calgary Corporation Bayer CropScience Inc. Celero Solutions Corporate Counsel Solutions – Kathy Pawluk Developmental Disabilities Resource Centre RC Purdy Chocolates Ltd. Rana Law Tanzah Holdings The Cellar TransCanada Western Saws Ltd.

45 30 25 25 20 15 15 15 15 15 10 10 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

Congratulations to Calgary TELUS Convention Centre for celebrating 45 years as a Calgary Chamber member.

QBI Investment Management

Quarry Bay Investments (QBI) is a leading real estate developer, focusing on the planning, development and redevelopment of quality, well-planned residential and mixed-use properties. Quarry Bay uses innovative technology, the most up-to-date construction practices and stunning architecture to ensure every project displays their commitment to high-quality standards. From concept to completion, the QBI team is a group of industry savvy-professionals who know what it takes to achieve success. With unparalleled support for visionary projects, they deliver what the project needs to succeed. Based in Calgary, QBI focuses on projects within Alberta and British Columbia.

For more information, visit qbiami.ca.

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Calgary TELUS Convention Centre

The Calgary TELUS Convention Centre is one of Canada’s most established and busiest convention centres. It’s innovative and up-todate products provides results and collaboration with partners to deliver unique solutions. Meeting spaces enhance social networking, promote interaction and bring together global leaders and thinkers. Come and be part of the energy!

For more information, visit calgary-convention.com.

CALGARY INTERIORS CORP.

The committed and happy staff at Calgary Interiors.

Custom and Quality Runs in the Family at Calgary Interiors

by Rennay Craats Photos by Riverwood Photography

T

oday’s consumers don’t expect their goods to last, as everything from dining room sets to dishwashers are intentionally built with a short lifespan. The old saying, “They just don’t make them like they used to” is very much the truth. Calgary Interiors Corp. has been slow to take up this trend of planned obsolescence and instead has continued with its 55-year-old promise to provide the highest-quality custom furniture and service to its residential and commercial clients.

Since Steve Wenzel started the company in 1963, the family has applied the same high standards to every furniture piece that leaves the shop. Over the years, they established a reputation for excellence that made Calgary Interiors a go-to shop for designers, contractors and private clients looking for craftsmanship and quality. When his sons, Jeff and Kevin, took over the business in 1998, they updated and changed aspects as a necessity but were careful to preserve the core of what made Calgary Interiors an enduring success.

Calgary Interiors Corp. • 55 Years • 1 93

Andrea Wilkie, Kevin Wenzel and Jeff Wenzel.

“Our number one objective is our quality and workmanship.

That is what we’ve based our business around,” says Jeff Wenzel.

The brothers grew up in the workshop, spending their weekends and school breaks learning to strip furniture and work the tools from the age of 12. Despite that early exposure, neither of the boys were initially sure they wanted to join the family business.

As they got older, the draw became stronger and both brothers tailored their education to support their goal of taking over Calgary Interiors. Kevin studied industrial design while Jeff earned a business degree, creating a great balance in the office; Kevin works on the commercial side of the business and helps in design and manufacturing, while Jeff supports designers on the residential side and lends a hand in upholstery and finishings.

Private clients and designers love to work with Calgary Interiors as well, knowing they are supporting a local, trustworthy company. Whether they are after a striking upholstered headboard or spectacular custom sofa, they know that Calgary Interiors can do it all.

The Wenzels pride themselves on being a custom shop. Clients often come in with a magazine featuring a dream piece, photos of a few different pieces that they want combined into one, or a simple sketch on a napkin, and they know Calgary Interiors will be able to reproduce it. With access to more than 50 fabric suppliers including a Calgary exclusive with Premier Prints, a line by television’s Property Brothers, there is something that will appeal to every taste and style.

“Working here with my brother and dad – it’s nice to come to work. We have the ability to do the things we want to do, the way we want to do them; the ability to create with the people we have working for us, who are part of the family too,” says Kevin Wenzel.

“We don’t call it custom because you can choose between five different fabrics like other shops. It’s custom in that you choose the kind of foam you want, the size of the arms, the length, the shape, the stain colour of the wood, the fabric. It’s completely custom,” says Jeff.

The staff of 14 share in the Wenzels’ philosophy of using the best materials to create an amazing piece of furniture, paying close attention to the smallest details and ensuring complete customer satisfaction. With 350 years of combined experience in the shop, the results are second to none. The company’s work graces iconic hotels including the Banff Springs Hotel and the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge as well as hundreds of restaurants including Bridgette Bar, Vin Room, Fergus & Bix, and Kinjo Sushi & Grill.

These custom pieces are completed in eight to 10 weeks, which is often quicker than many box stores can ship cookie-cutter pieces from their warehouses. And because Calgary Interiors is a local company, clients can come into the showroom to see the quality of the work first hand. They can sit on the sofas and chairs, talk to in-house designer Andrea Wilkie about their needs, see the different fabrics and wood options before making their choice, and they can even see their piece in various stages of production to ensure it is what they envisioned.

Calgary Interiors Corp. • 55 Years • 2

CALGARY INTERIORS CORP.

Zen & Ahmad happily working on restaurant benching.

While Calgary Interiors is best known for customizing furniture, now clients can also choose from the high-quality, beautiful pieces in the recently introduced original line, all designed by Kevin. The company is also launching its Quick Ship line of beds for clients who want quality and style but don’t need a custom design. Clients who fall in love with these unique showroom pieces from the new line can receive them more quickly and economically than custom. It’s just another way to better serve clients’ needs.

Calgary Interiors has been customer-focused for 55 years and the brothers learned early that the details matter. The staff treats every custom piece they are working on like it was commissioned by their own families. If it’s not good enough for their own homes, it’s certainly not good enough for their clients. After all, the Wenzels’ designs are built to last for decades, and they want to make sure clients are satisfied for just as long.

Doug Brown meticulously working on the details.

“We like making sure people are happy, down to the littlest detail,” says Kevin. “We want to grow but the growth of the company is from continuing to give people a great product and for them to know that the sofa is going to last 20-plus years. That is why everyone should come see us.”

Calgarians are coming to see them in droves. Customers, many of whom are repeat and generational clients, return to Calgary Interiors to get new custom furnishings as well as to repair or reupholster their existing pieces. Re-covering sofas and chairs with different colours and patterns is a great way to refresh the timeless designs and to get even more life out of these durable constructions. This eco-conscious choice saves clients money and keeps items out of the landfill.

Andrew Sallai making precision cuts in the wood shop.

“We have lines of fabrics and foams that are eco-friendly.

But the very nature of our business is eco-friendly because we’re reusing, refurbishing, rather than taking the sofa to the landfill,” says Jeff.

Calgary Interiors Corp. • 55 Years • 3

Kevin & Jeff creating a new design.

This family-owned company knows the value of well-built furniture and its clients appreciate the creativity and workmanship that go into every piece. The motto is ‘limited only by the imagination’ and given the incredible original designs and ability to bring a client’s vision to life, it’s fair to say there is no limit to what Calgary Interiors can do.

CALGARY INTERIORS CORP. 3635 Manchester Rd SE, Calgary, AB T2G 3Z7 Phone: (403) 287-8663 | calgaryinteriors.com

Dolyny Design would like to thank the Calgary Interiors family for the superior service they have provided over the years.

Congratulations on your family legacy and continued success.

JANE DOLYNY Interior Designer 403.519.1882 jane@dolynydesign.com

Congratulations Calgary Interiors on 55 years 7704-5th Street Calgary, Alberta T2H 2G3

Calgary Interiors Corp. • 55 Years • 4

403-253-3213 www.albertatablebases.com

FINDING THE PERFECT MATCH

Creating an amazing event takes more than a great space. It takes the right team of people, highly qualified and ultrasupportive, working with you to achieve a shared goal. It’s a collaborative approach that looks more like a perfect match of partners than a simple vendor / supplier relationship.

While it takes effort to find that perfect match, it’s so worth it in the end.

PLANNERMatch Today’s Match: 100%

Calgary TELUS Convention Centre 43 | Calgary, AB 80 committed staff 122,000 sq. ft. of event space 36 rooms, big and small 526 configurations (so far) I feel that the best approach is to be open. And to be perfectly honest, I’m looking for my ideal event partner, that special someone who’s willing to share the responsibility in creating an amazing event—someone who shares a take-charge attitude but can trust the right partner in working together.

Day to day, I love to have fun, to find excitement in unexpected and spontaneous things!

I plan out contingencies, but know that sometimes unexpected things happen. I am open and down to earth and create a positive atmosphere. I love people and enjoy hosting them and their events. I feel at home at the big and glamourous events with thousands of happy attendees but also enjoy the cozy and intimate gatherings of small business teams celebrating corporate milestones or planning out their next year.

I know I’m looking for something that most planners are looking for: a connection, a trusted friend who is as open and supportive as I am. There’s so much more to me than a shiny exterior.

My approach is simple and uncomplicated: dream big, help others and impact someone’s world. Great events are made by the people and the partners we find.

* PlannerMatch isn’t a real thing, but we think we’d be a good fit, dont you?

calgary-convention.com BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // APRIL 2018

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Calgary Companies Look to TAP Export Markets for Growth

BY STEPHEN EWART

T

aking on the world can be tough, especially in business these days, but Calgary Economic Development is here to help.

The arduous task of navigating complex global trade ecosystems can appear daunting and discouraging for any company. However, the recently launched Trade Accelerator Program (TAP) is offering a one-stop shop that will provide companies access to some of Canada’s top exporting advisers, resources and contacts.

With a structural change that reshaped the energy industry in Western Canada in recent years, many companies that had established a thriving business during the boom times are now looking to foreign markets for their world-class products and services.

Helping to create opportunities for local companies to succeed is one of the primary focuses for Calgary Economic Development.

It is one of the reasons for the enthusiastic support of this national effort by major cities to bolster exports.

Canada is a trading nation and our economy is largely driven by our ability to export and take part in global economic activity. The challenge of moving Canadian energy to lucrative overseas markets is a major issue the Government of Canada needs to address for the good of the entire economy but there are other sectors and countless companies – from large corporations to small businesses – that could also benefit from access to consumers elsewhere.

With almost 90 per cent of Alberta’s exports headed to the United States, there are opportunities for companies to look further afield for new opportunities. The growing protectionist trade sentiment in Washington also means it’s become critical for companies, even established exporters, to examine options beyond those next door.

The multistage process developed by TAP will provide handson training to companies during a series of workshops that assess potential markets for their products or services, as well as activating a strategy to enter the new markets.

The sessions offer practical advice as well as roll-up-yoursleeves and get-down-to-work training. The TAP program will help companies to: • Navigate the complex global trade ecosystem; • Leverage Canada’s resources on trade and investment; • Benefit from customized, face-to-face coaching and advice; • Become familiar with international best practices; • Develop and implement a new-market entry plan; • Achieve export readiness; and • Expand a global trade footprint to grow revenue.

The primary foreign markets for Calgary companies are the United States, Mexico, China, Japan, South Korea, India and Europe. Calgary Economic Development has participated in trade missions to all these locations to make inroads for our companies.

We see opportunities for companies involved in development of all forms of energy, financial services, technology, agribusiness, film and TV production, digital media transportation and logistics, biomedical, and manufacturing.

The first TAP sessions begin this spring with more to follow this fall. After that, the world awaits.

STEPHEN EWART IS A MANAGER IN RESEARCH AND STRATEGY FOR CALGARY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

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Tourism Calgary is Activating Ultimate Hosts Throughout the City

BY CASSANDRA MCAULEY

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ourism Calgary recently launched its 2018-2020 strategic plan, which is focused on harnessing Calgarians’ renowned reputation for warm hospitality – and as ultimate hosts – to make Calgary the ultimate host city.

Tourism Calgary’s strategy focuses the organization’s efforts into four pillars: marketers, advocates, hosts and activators.

As activators, Tourism Calgary works with the community to exemplify Calgary’s unique spirit by fostering a destination that is welcoming, innovative and offers shareable experiences for our guests. Visitors find it easy to be here and are unencumbered in their pursuit of unique experiences. The goal is to enable visitors to unlock the best version of Calgary by tailoring their experiences through itineraries that meet their needs, and providing better information online and offline.

Tourism Calgary also supports Calgarians who are hosting visitors, enabling resident hosts to be the best possible ambassadors for our city and region, ultimately leading to repeat visitation and economic contribution from guests.

Tourism Calgary has multiple programs aimed at engaging the city’s front-line hospitality community, and Calgarians. A key program for the hospitality community is the Calgary Frontline Experience Pass program. This encourages those with frequent interactions with visitors to become better ambassadors for Calgary by enhancing their knowledge of the city by experiencing first-hand attractions, tours and restaurants in Calgary. In 2017,

18 attraction and tour partners welcomed over 1,500 front-line ambassadors, who redeemed their passes over 2,700 times, between April and July. This program was recently recognized with Travel Alberta’s Alto Award for distinction in marketing partnerships, and will be continuing in 2018, launching April 9.

Many participants in this program go on to be nominated for Calgary White Hat Awards, which will be celebrated May 16 at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium.

Tickets to the annual event sell out quickly, and are available at visitcalgary.com/industry-members/.

To best support Calgarians and visitors through the busy summer season, Tourism Calgary mobilizes a team of Calgary experience specialists throughout the city to offer itinerary planning and experience suggestions. From May to September, the team can be found at the base of the Calgary Tower daily, or on #askmeyyc. In 2017, the team counselled a record 13,000 people and made over 48,000 industry referrals between May and August, receiving an AMMY Award from the Government of Alberta in recognition of visitor services excellence.

Later this year, Tourism Calgary will be launching a new educational program for Calgarians to get involved as ambassadors for our city. Stay tuned to visitcalgary.com for details.

Each year, over seven million travellers visit Calgary, contributing $1.6 billion in spending to the local economy. To learn more about Tourism Calgary, see visitcalgary.com.

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // APRIL 2018

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Niche Disruption: HIA® Canada’s Journey to Not “Change the World”

BY ANKUR DESAI

H

ome Investment Advisors (HIA®) Canada is “not here to change the world, just the real estate industry.”

Their niche disruption comes from a unique product called RealOffice360TM, a cloud-based customer relationship management software that provides real estate agents with a platform to add customer value after the transaction is complete.

HIA® started when founder and CEO Guy Mitchell, wanting his daughter to succeed in real estate, decided to create and implement a new business model for the industry.

Mitchell, acknowledging that a person’s home is often their most valuable asset, created a service that allows people to manage their property as an investment. The initial service bridged the gap between homeowners, their property and information on their property such as current personal property values and ongoing community market sales trends with real estate agents outside the point of sale.

After tracking user engagement and feedback during beta testing with 60 agents and 600 homeowners, the team pivoted the service to a client management product for agents to use in conjunction with the value add service for clients.

Mike McAra, COO, explains that they did not fully abandon their service, rather incorporated it into their newlylaunched product: RealOffice360TM. “While the service, philosophy and core ideology was sound, we found real estate agents were extremely busy dealing with active clients and active situations day to day that they didn’t regularly get a chance to engage with their clients on an ongoing basis.”

Now agents can use RealOffice360TM to visualize and manage their business in one place while integrating all of their client’s information across a suite of internal apps, and additionally augment the special HIA® service to their clients through a secure digital platform.

Recently HIA® was one of 10 companies accepted into the Canadian Digital Media Network’s 2018 Get There

program, allowing them to travel to Silicon Valley with other Canadian startups. McAra sees getting into such programs as validation for their hard work.

Get There allowed them to observe the innovation ecosystem in Silicon Valley and bring those learnings back to Calgary.

It also expanded their network and connected them to various strategic advisers in the valley who provided valuable information for their company’s growth.

“Whether we action all of it or not is up for debate. But we were able to draw upon that wealth of knowledge, which allows us to facilitate our goals,” says McAra. This includes moving their product beyond Calgary. After launching RealOffice360TM at the Calgary Real Estate Board Forecast in January, HIA® is confident in moving their product into new markets such as Edmonton, Vancouver and the United States. “We have a product that has the ability to go continent wide so now it’s strategically selecting where our markets are and where we go first,” says McAra. Learn more about RealOffice360™ at realoffice360.com.

To learn more about Calgary Technologies Inc. and how it’s accelerating Calgary’s innovation-driven ventures, visit calgarytechnologies.com.

PHOTO SOURCE: HOME INVESTMENT ADVISORS CANADA.

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WHERE

HAVE

WE BEEN ALL YOUR

LIFE?

When you find the right match everything makes sense. It’s like it was meant to be.

But where do you look? Where do you find the perfect match?

Sometimes… they’re right around the corner.

They’re often in your own neighborhood at the centre of it all. You’ve seen them before, but you haven’t noticed them. And if you’re looking for someone who’s there for you, to work with you through it all, then we might just be your perfect match.

calgary-convention.com

MARKETING MATTERS // DAVID PARKER

Marketing Matters

BY DAVID PARKER

Three pieces of sculpture named “Cultivate” have been unveiled at Harmony, the new Bordeaux Development and Qualico community just to the northwest of Springbank Airport.

The sculptures were design-built by Heavy Industries – a Calgary art and architectural design company specializing in design, fabrication and installing custom features that is enjoying being part of the marketing plans of a number of developers.

Harmony contracted Ryan Bessant, president of Heavy, to provide a significant piece of public art. The end result was a three-piece 27,000-pound sculpture that was designed by artist Dan Corson, a sculptor who has worked with Bessant on many other projects.

Heavy Industries is looking forward to the unveiling of another impressive piece of work: a sculpture that forms the entrance feature at the roundabout into the new ATCO Campus on 59th Avenue and Crowchild Trail SW.

AdFarm held a celebration at its office last month to congratulate founder Kim McConnell on receiving the Order of Canada.

Retired from his CEO role at the agency that remains solely dedicated to agriculture and agribusiness, McConnell is still involved as a strategic adviser but is busy with a number of corporations while also focusing on building public trust in agriculture and promoting the industry as one with a tremendous potential for young people to establish a career.

small businesses. Basecamp Resort is a Canmore company converting the former Bow Valley Motel into a newlyappointed Lamphouse Motel while eyeing a couple more projects in Golden and Revelstoke.

Karen Pearce, president of McCann West, who is responsible for both the Calgary and Vancouver offices of the national integrated marketing and communications agency, reports the firm has been chosen to lead the global launch for Tourism Vancouver’s destination brand.

Pearce has a dozen staffers in Vancouver but the 40 who work in the Calgary office will be very involved in executing the international launch campaign in target markets around the world.

Brandsmith has been elevating brands in diverse industries for companies such as Tourism Calgary, AltaLink and the Teatro Group. Teatro started as one flagship restaurant 25 years ago and now has seven locations in the city including the very popular Alforno Bakery & Cafe and Royale. And the team is also working with The Beltliner folks on branding two new restaurants to be opened shortly.

Parker’s Pick Lana Rogers PR is working with a couple of interesting new accounts. Wild Horse Capital Partners is a merchant banker specializing in investing, advising and raising capital for

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Brookline Public Relations winning Alberta’s Best of Business Award of Distinction by the Alberta Chamber of Commerce.

FOR EVERYTHING THAT CAN GO WRONG UNDER YOUR ROOF, THERE’S THE NUMBER THAT LIVES UNDER OURS. Fifty percent of businesses may never re-open after a disaster. That’s why knowing the easiest way to contact SERVPRO® is so important. Because the sooner you get in touch with us, the quicker we can start to minimize the damage, as well as the cost. Just contact SERVPRO of Calgary South or SERVPRO of Edmonton Southside to activate the cleanup team that’s faster to any-sized disaster. We’re a leader in giving control back to homeowners, property managers and even entire communities after the ravaging effects of water and fire. So whether you’re responsible for 1,000 square feet or 100,000 – it’s your decision to call on the very best. Your trusted, local SERVPRO professional.

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