Business in Calgary Magazine - January 2021

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WALLACE & CAREY CEO PAT CAREY LOOKS FORWARD TO THE COMPANY’S NEXT 100 YEARS

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Supporting the visions of entrepreneurs one story at a time.

Volume 31 | Number 1

REGULAR COLUMNS

9 12

My Run For Mayor

By Brad Field

Memories Inn on Officer’s Garden

By Garth Mann

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Let’s Leave 2020 Where it Belongs

By Cody Battershill

CONTENTS

67 78

Calgary Chamber of Commerce Parker’s Pen

COVER FEATURE

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One Hundred Years Strong Wallace & Carey CEO Pat Carey looks forward to the company’s next 100 years

By Melanie Darbyshire

ON OUR COVER: ABOVE: WALLACE & CAREY CEO PAT CAREY. PHOTO SOURCE: EWAN PHOTO VIDEO

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By David Parker

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STORY TITLE // SECTION

Supporting the visions of entrepreneurs one story at a time.

Volume 31 | Number 1

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THIS MONTH’S FEATURES

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A Mental Health Pandemic Remote working leaving its mark on a ‘drained’ workforce

By Jamie Zachary

P ost-pandemic Financial Planning No On/Off Light-Switch Recovery

By John Hardy

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COMPANY PROFILES

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H ESCO

Celebrates 100 Years

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A lberta Independent Schools Serving students, parents and communities (with directory)

JANUARY 2021 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

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MY RUN FOR MAYOR // BRAD FIELD

My Run For Mayor

BY BRAD FIELD

S

ometimes it feels like yesterday, other times it feels like a lifetime since I started writing this column.

It began as a platform to discuss great business practices, leadership and the things I hold dear. As it evolved, a bigger idea was taking shape in my head.

At the time of print, you have likely heard my big news, I have officially announced my intention to run for Mayor. (If you haven’t, simply do a Google search: Brad Field Calgary and click “News”). I’m embarking on a new adventure, and as such, this will be my last column for Business in Calgary.

In a time of uncertainty for the whole world, I’m jumping feet first into the unknown. It is my love of our city and the desire to lead in a manner that our citizens deserve that has brought me to this decision.

They say life begins at the end of your comfort zone. I have learned in business that stepping out of your comfort zone is the best way to elevate yourself, your product, your people and your brand. But taking that first step isn’t easy, and you need a strong team around you that has your back. I have been surrounded in my career by people who challenge me, support me, complement my skill set, and keep me on my toes. The people on all those teams, not least of which are my family, have led me to today. I am forever grateful to them.

I am asked almost daily now, “So why are you running?”

Much of the answer lies in my business success and the joy of leading people toward a sense of shared purpose and important work to be done. Over the course of my career, I have created hundreds of jobs, and been responsible for thousands of pay cheques. I have felt the weight of being

responsible for keeping food on the table for my employees.

I know what it’s like to not take a pay cheque so that those I have hired can keep their jobs. It hasn’t always been easy, it hasn’t always been fun, but it has always been worth it.

I struggle when I hear people describe businesses as cold, heartless entities. Ninety-five per cent of Calgary companies are small businesses. They are typically led by a person who has worked tirelessly to build and create something that gives them an immense sense of pride, while also creating opportunity for others. The face of small business is the face of Calgary, and we need to clear a path for these people not only to survive but to thrive.

Business owners share a drive to build something. For me, that drive has morphed from the desire to expand a business to the desire to give back to my community. With the assets we have in Calgary – the talent, infrastructure and location – our opportunities are immense. But we need strong, inclusive leadership to realize them. Entrepreneurs know the feeling of leaping into the unknown. They felt the same nerves I feel now, and they know that it’s worth it.

While these next few months will be a whirlwind, I am taking with me the strength and courage of the Calgarians in our business community. I thank everyone who has sent me messages of encouragement and support. You have given me the backbone I need to run with this one. As I said in October, I’ll see you on the campaign trail.

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // JANUARY 2021

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ALUMNI JACK WILLIAMS After graduating from Webber Academy in 2011, Jack attended the University of Calgary to pursue his BA in Economics. He chose Economics because it’s a flexible degree that would give him an opportunity to explore a variety of different disciplines and industries, whilst also giving him a broad understanding of how the world and markets operate. roughout his degree, he had the opportunity to obtain co-op experience in sales, marketing, HR and project management with organizations such as Molson Coors and Suncor Energy.

One of Jack’s most memorable experiences is volunteering with the Canadian Olympic Committee at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England. He was hired to work as part of the logistic protocol team at the Canada Olympic House, which served as home-base to Team Canada athletes and their family and friends.

It was there that he met a couple of fr executives from Molson Coors who asked him to manage the entertainment and bar area, which was sponsored by Molson. “It turned out to be a great decision, as throughout the games I had the opportunity to meet notable people such as Prince Harry, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Kim Cattrall, countless Olympic athletes, as well as securing a part-time position for the next year and a half with Molson Coors,” he says. It was a special experience to be representing Canada in his birth country of England.

After leaving the 2012 Olympics in London, he had no doubt he wanted to eventually work full-time in the sports industry in some capacity. Upon graduation, he was offered a position as Account Manager with the Calgary Flames. His role was to manage and build a relationship with over 950 individual and corporate season ticket holder accounts and ensuring everyone had a positive experience with the Flames organization. Jack’s responsibilities also consisted of hosting game day/non-game day events, selling season tickets, group packages and premium experiences. “My favourite memory of working for the Flames was on any given game day just as they let the crowd into the arena, the smell of popcorn, pucks hitting the back of the boards as the players practiced, you could just feel the buzz and excitement building in the

air.” After a year and a half of working with the Flames, Jack took a risk with a career change to work with a close friend and Webber alumni, Robert Mereau, who founded a company called White Whale Analytics in 2015. “For me, I’d realized that although working in sports was a great experience, I wanted more - I wanted to challenge myself, learn lea new skills, put myself in uncomfortable situations and be a part of a team that could really make an impact,” he adds.

As the Head of Operations and partner at White Whale Analytics, a data technology company building AI and Analytics solutions that help businesses optimize their assets through data driven decisions, his role is to oversee the business operations. is includes everything from long and short-term strategy, project management, business development pr and sales to marketing, HR, finance and accounting. Within the first few years, the company has provided clients with custom software solutions, algorithms and workflows and transitioned to a product company, launching its very own end to end AI platform in 2018. e company’s compan solutions are being utilized in a variety of industries including energy, aviation, real estate, professional sports, health, wellness, and various non-profit organizations.

Getting an education at a high calibre school like Webber is something Jack is grateful for and does not doubt that without the help of his teachers and peers, he wouldn’t be where he is today. “One of the things I’ll always be grateful to Webber for was introducing me to my best friends. My closest friends at Webber are ar still my best nine years later.”

WEBBER ACADEMY Learn more at www.webberacademy.ca

MEMORIES - INN ON OFFICER’S GARDEN // GARTH MANN

Memories - Inn on Officer’s Garden

BY GARTH MANN

D

uring the 1930’s as young men stationed at Currie Barracks prepared themselves for World War ll, they wanted to have some enjoyment with pleasant memories before they were called off to war.

Flanders’ Fine Foods is now the new name for The Officers’ Mess, where these young men enjoyed the best home cooking while stationed at Currie Barracks.

The now-grown children of these Army, Airforce and Navy heroes recall the detailed stories about the quality of the dishes. Those were undoubtedly difficult times, but the Regiment’s telling of the many happy moments had at the Mess still garner a laugh.

The grown children have heard about the renovated Snake Pit with an old shuffleboard table that holds memories around those significant battles that involved Calgary’s First Princess Patricia Regiment.

The most popular space is the Officers’ Pub with the huge tree in the centre of the room, where patrons examine the artifacts of a different era in time.

after the royal couple spent their memorable time. Today the refurbished Suite is called “QE-ll – The Bridal Suite.”

Guests are amazed when they learn that the hardwood floors are original from the 1930s.

Prepare yourselves for enjoying many future days and evenings at The Inn on Officers’ Garden.

Adding to the story of this historic building is the night in 1951 when Her Royal Highness – Princess Elizabeth spent a romantic evening in the Officers’ Suite on the second floor with His Royal Highness – the Duke of Edenborough. A restful evening was needed before the next day when Mayor Don MacKay put on a real Stampede in October to entertain the young royal family.

Test your skills with games and activities in the Living Room and the Snake Pit while enjoying the red and white house wines or drafts and crafts.

Today, young couples are lining up to have their weddings in the Event Hall – and then enjoy a romantic evening 70 years

We prefer that you come to visit, however for drive through pick-up, call for Flanders Fine Foods favourites – 587-231-0011.

Calgarians now have meaningful history with enjoyment for all ages.

Make living fun again.

Dr. M. Garth Mann is the CEO of Manor Village Life Centers

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JANUARY 2021 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

Building community since 1946

LAND ROVER ROYAL OAK

JAGUAR ROYAL OAK

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LET’S LEAVE 2020 WHERE IT BELONGS // CODY BATTERSHILL

Let’s Leave 2020 Where it Belongs

BY CODY BATTERSHILL

B

y now you’ve read a few year-end reviews, and you’ve noticed an emerging trend. We all agree last year was worse than terrible. ‘Cataclysmic’ might be the better word.

Hundreds of Albertans succumbed to COVID-19 in this global pandemic, as have more than 12,000 Canadians. The global economy collapsed and dragged energy down with it as politics grew more polarized around the world.

But before we leave 2020 in the rearview mirror where it belongs, let’s remember the heroes who emerged through the year, and the positive developments amid the carnage.

First responders, healthcare workers and others on the front lines kept us safe and secure, fed, clothed and connected.

Those heroic individuals deserve our deep, sincere thanks.

We also applaud the great news that anti-COVID vaccines are on track and moving through their approvals, soon to be manufactured and distributed. There’s real hope, and we’re thankful for it.

Federal labour force reports began looking positive toward the end of 2020 as well. In Alberta, employment rose by 23,000 jobs in October (the latest available data at the time of this writing), representing the fifth increase in six months.

We only hope it continues.

And we’re thankful for the continued construction on TransMountain Expansion project, the approvals on Enbridge’s Line 3, and the continued green-lighting of LNG Canada. It’s good news.

For our own part, our membership and supporters have helped us grow through an incredibly challenging time. We’re grateful for their trust and their support.

In 2020 our organization distributed more than hundreds of thousands of Canada Action-branded stickers, buttons and lapel pins. We sold thousands of T-shirts and other merchandise, and our audience grew with more engaged Canadians from Ontario and Quebec, and across the country.

We led several rallies in early 2020, before being interrupted by the pandemic, and we participated in dozens of speaking events right across the country. We’ve developed strong new platforms to highlight First Nations and students to engage in the important energy and natural resource discussion.

In 2021 we’ll continue the focus on growing our online presence, our ad campaigns and our new website. And we’ll keep building our profile in national media both in French and English, through articles, interviews and – when it’s safe to do so - rallies.

Why? It’s simple: the natural resources sector is Canada’s economic lifeblood. Oil and gas alone has contributed a halftrillion dollars to Canadian governments since 2000. The globe will demand oil and gas for decades to come. Canada’s climate action and environmental leadership deserves a second, more positive look.

Finally, we’re humbled by the support we’ve received in our 10 years of activity, and we’re truly looking forward to a strong economic recovery, which includes our resource sector.

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

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OFF

THE

Jaguar Land Rover Royal Oak Paul Valentine, owner of Valentine Volvo, has partnered with the Wyant Group from Saskatoon for his newest venture, Jaguar Land Rover Royal Oak, which recently opened in the Northwest Auto Mall.

The Valentine family is well known in Calgary for community building and philanthropy. In an ever-changing business landscape, Paul has stewarded Valentine Volvo to outperform competitors locally and nationally by putting customers first. “Although opening a luxury dealership mid-recession and during a global pandemic has not been without its challenges, I am fully confident Calgary’s economy will recover. We’ve done it before, and we’ll do it again,” says Valentine, who is both partner and general manager.

Valentine and the Wyant Group invested close to $30 million into a modern, customer experience focused facility. It was designed by KSA Group Architecture of Saskatoon and built by Calgary’s Barjac construction, best known for its automotive industry projects.

“My grandfather started selling British Leyland products in Calgary in the early 1950s. Seventy years and three generations later, we’re back selling British automobiles.

It is really exciting to represent the Jaguar and Land Rover brands and to work with a team as accomplished as the Wyants. Our combined industry experience means we understand the changing nature of the business, the importance of service excellence and what it takes for longterm customer retention.”

Jaguar Land Rover Royal Oak was designed with the customer in mind with an eight-bay climate-controlled drive-

through for vehicle drop-off, a 25-bay service department, a car wash and detailing centre as well as barista stations. The innovative design includes an outdoor showroom located on the roof of the building.

As the newest addition to the Jaguar and Land Rover dealer network, Jaguar Land Rover Royal Oak represents an exciting future for premium brands in Alberta. With more than 70,000 square feet to distance in, you can browse for your next vehicle, pause to admire the rare, vintage Jaguars that are on display and get some shopping done in the boutique, all while enjoying a gourmet coffee. Book an appointment today, this dealership is worth exploring.

Together, the Valentine-Wyant team appear well positioned to radically alter Calgary’s automotive landscape.

ABOVE: VAUGHN WYANT AND PAUL VALENTINE..

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OFF

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The Season of Community Boosting In December, when Alberta’s second wave of COVID hit with concerns and cautions about health as well as additional provincial restrictions, Calgary-based national accounting and consulting firm MNP faced a dilemma. Planning for its annual staff Holiday gathering would need to pivot: it was simply not party time, for anybody.

Calgary-boosting ingenuity kicked-in, combining MNP’s Support Local commitment with the idea of canceling the usual office party for their approximate 500 Calgary-based team members — they decided to spread the party around… and keep it all local!

It was late last summer when MNP’s Support Local campaign began as a reminder for Calgarians to “shop local”.

It emphasized a timely reminder that local entrepreneurs are their friends and neighbours; local people who support local causes and create jobs that underpin the Calgary economy.

“We can offer a lot in terms of helping our clients optimize their balance sheet and run a more efficient business,” Trevor Winkler, Regional Managing Partner of MNP Calgary points out. “However, this is about creating a large platform to advocate for local entrepreneurs and get people through their doors. And that’s the best thing we can do for them right now.”

And then the holiday season started, COVID or not. Early conversations were unanimously agreed that the annual MNP Staff Holiday Party was not an option. Channeling their entrepreneurial values, the firm quickly recognized an occasion to turn a short-term disappointment into a wide-reaching opportunity. “Our restaurant clients have seen an unimaginable decline in revenues which persisted even

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JANUARY 2021 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

after restrictions were lifted in June and got even worse in November and December,” says Winkler.

Most hospitality sector stats show that restaurants are a notoriously risky business category and, as a business generality, restaurateurs manage a tricky business model staying open with depressed occupancy and single digit margins. “We opted to use our holiday party budget to

OFF

THE

“WE CAN OFFER A LOT IN TERMS OF HELPING OUR CLIENTS OPTIMIZE THEIR BALANCE SHEET AND RUN A MORE EFFICIENT BUSINESS,” WINKLER POINTS OUT. “AND WE ALSO HAVE A LARGE PLATFORM TO ADVOCATE FOR LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS AND GET PEOPLE THROUGH THEIR DOORS. AND THAT’S THE BEST THING WE CAN DO FOR THEM RIGHT NOW.”

support local restaurant businesses by giving each of our MNP Calgary team members gift cards to enjoy specifically at various locally-owned (no chain) restaurants,” he explains.

The special touch was gift cards delivered with a personalized note on MNP’s internal online portal. It was not only an appropriate way to seasonally celebrate each team member, but also acknowledge the challenges of the 2020 season and boost local restaurant businesses with $75,000 worth of support. The exciting project quickly extended to MNP regions across Canada, which encompasses approximately 70 offices and 5,500 team members.

Since the ripple effects of COVID also took their toll on various causes and social services in Calgary, and community-boosting and giving back is at the core of MNP’s values, the company also donated $12,500 to the Calgary Salvation Army Kettle Campaign and hosted ambitious office holiday fundraisers to generate $30,000 and 500 pounds of food for the Calgary Food Bank.

LEFT: TREVOR WINKLER, MNP’S REGIONAL MANAGING PARTNER FOR CALGARY.

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // JANUARY 2021

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A MENTAL HEALTH PANDEMIC // CORPORATE HEALTH & WELLNESS

A MENTAL HEALTH PANDEMIC R E MOTE WOR KI NG LEAVI NG ITS MAR K ON A ‘DRAI N E D’ WOR KFORCE

BY JAMIE ZACHARY

M

ary Swaffield knew things needed to change.

Like many, the Calgary-based chief executive officer at the Alberta Mortgage Brokers Association (AMBA) and her five-person team switched to a work-from home model last March following government-mandated lockdowns due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Kitchen tables turned into makeshift offices. Video conferencing replaced meeting rooms. Business casual turned to, well, just casual.

It didn’t take long for the novelty to fade though as Swaffield discovered something all too familiar to many in the Canadian workforce.

“Honestly, the mental health of the team was starting to concern me,” she says. “By the end of mid-July, we were all acknowledging things weren’t going well. And any leader worth their salt knows that when your workers are in a bad place mentally, the work suffers.”

Naturally, the AMBA team all too eagerly welcomed a return to the office this past summer – only to again return home in the late fall as the pandemic’s second wave swept across the Prairies. This time though, Swaffield says they were prepared.

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“One of the mistakes we made the first time was focus just on the work,” she says. “We had strategies for getting the work done. What we didn’t pay enough attention to what was on the other side of it, which were the things that naturally happen in an office that don’t when you’re working remotely. The watercooler talk, so to speak.

“So we’ve put in place a lot more strategies to make it safer from a mental health perspective. We’re not excited about leaving the office, but we’re certainly feeling much more prepared.”

Swaffield and her team are not alone. A Mental Health Index report released last fall by human resources services and technology firm Morneau Shepell painted the picture of a mental health crisis as the pandemic gained steam heading into the New Year.

The score of -11.4 in October matched the lowest points from April 2020. It measures the improvement or decline in mental health from the pre-2020 benchmark of 75.

Given the prolonged period of increased strain, nearly half (48 per cent) of respondents reported needing some form of mental health support. Additionally, nine per cent of individuals reported needing support, but have not sought it.

A MENTAL HEALTH PANDEMIC // CORPORATE HEALTH & WELLNESS

This group has, by far, the lowest mental health score (-33.9).

Paula Allen, senior vice-president of research, analytics and innovation at Morneau Shepell, notes three main areas have affected Canadians’ mental health during this pandemic.

“The first is the extent of change. For many of us, it’s impacted so many areas of our lives,” she says. “Second is lack of predictability – not knowing exactly when this will end, what this will look like on the other side or what it will mean from an economic point of view. And the last is isolation. We’ve seen it as the second strongest driver in terms of people having mental health behind financial insecurity.”

“All of those emotional things are running in the background.

Some of us don’t realize it, but it’s still there. Some might get a little blue or a little angry or a little anxiety and then it will go away. Others are really overwhelmed by it.”

Subsequently, these factors are also affecting productivity, she adds.

“Workers might still be producing what they used to, but when we look under the hood it’s because they are working more hours. The actual productivity in an hour has been compromised. This is just a drained population.”

Andrew Szeto, director of the University of Calgary’s mental health strategy and an associate professor in the Department of Psychology, traces some of that lost productivity to a sense of not feeling grounded – the loss of identity that many Canadian workers have suffered.

“Work makes up a huge part of who we are. When you take that away and instead have us do that work from home, it has a large impact on our identities,” he says. “And for most of us, a lot of the people we interact with each day are

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A MENTAL HEALTH PANDEMIC // CORPORATE HEALTH & WELLNESS

colleagues. When you distance yourself from them, that has immense impacts.”

He says one of the ways workers can manage this plethora of change is to re-introduce some structure in their lives, whether that be regular hours or a dedicated workspace.

“Set up a home work station that’s separate from the rest of your living space,” he says, noting other things such as having the right tech stack and even proper ergonomics. “I know this idea of separation is easier said than done because you’re always going to bring work home or home to work but the more you can create a physical separation, the more it will help.”

Other mental health experts are encouraging employers to focus on better communication as a tool in helping their staff navigate this pandemic remotely.

“SET UP A HOME WORK STATION THAT’S

Karen Gallagher-Burt, director of community engagement at Calgary Mental Health Association Calgary, says to ask the not-so-simple question: How are you? No really, how are you?

LIVING SPACE,” SZETO SAYS, NOTING

“We need to smash the stigma around talking about your mental health. We should very much see it as just health,” she says. “Everyone has mental health. We often talk about how one in five struggles with mental illness in Canada. The reality is, five out of five has mental health. So it’s switching up some of that dialogue.”

Cindy Negrello, director of operations at CMHA Calgary, adds complementing any mental health strategies with common sense, such as promoting self-care and selfawareness.

“It’s about getting enough sleep, connection, nutrition and some sort of exercise. And then it’s about reaching out if you need help and not feeling like doing so means you’ll be judged or performance managed,” she says.

Gallagher-Burt also advocates employers be patient when expecting a turnaround. She compares this pandemic with any crisis response in that it will include six stages: Waiting for the event, the actual impact, a heroic stage, the honeymoon, disillusionment and, lastly, recovery.

“Disillusionment is what we’re going through right now – and it’s the longest phase,” she says. “Normally in a disaster,

SEPARATE FROM THE REST OF YOUR OTHER THINGS SUCH AS HAVING THE RIGHT TECH STACK AND EVEN PROPER ERGONOMICS. you can predict a year to 18 months to recover from a disaster. But with a mental health pandemic, we haven’t seen anything like this in a generation. Which means we don’t know when it will end and we don’t know what the world will look like afterward.”

In fact, Negrello anticipates it could take several years before things start feeling like normal again.

“An 18-month recovery is just the physical part – getting things back to regular operations. The mental health toll can take five years to recover from,” she says. “It took that long when dealing with the floods from 2013, and we’re still seeing the fallout from the Fort McMurray fires in 2016. This is going to be the very long term.”

Part of the University of Calgary’s mental health strategy has focused on getting people connected while also promoting self-care. The university converted its annual UFlourish mental health event from a week-long event to a month-long series of sessions, webinars and conversations.

ABOVE: ANDREW SZETO, DIRECTOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY’S MENTAL HEALTH STRATEGY AND AN ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR IN THE DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY.

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JANUARY 2021 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

AMJ CAMPBELL’S AWARD WINNING CERTIFIED MOVING SPECIALIST FOR SOUTH AND CENTRAL CALGARY Szeto noted more than 1,400 members from the school’s community took part in more than 40 events this year that included everything from walking challenges, baking and even an in-person and socially-distant line dancing event.

At AMBA, Swaffield and her team have introduced several strategies to outlast the ongoing pandemic.

They now start their days with a virtual coffee – no shoptalk allowed. They have also collectively agreed to get dressed in work clothes every morning.

Tara is a Moving sales professional and partner with AMJ Campbell Van Lines Calgary. She has been with AMJ since 2004.

AMJ Campbell is the largest moving company in Canada and the largest agency for Atlas Van Lines with over 35 branches across the country to facilitate your moving needs. If you are looking for a trouble free move from start to finish, Tara will ensure that all aspects of your move are met.

Tara has a strong customer service background of over 25 years focusing on providing the highest level of customer service.

She takes a very personal approach and builds relationships to take care of your belongings whether it is down the street, across the country or overseas. Many relationships are based on referrals from previous clients, friends and realtors. Over the years, she has received countless awards for exceptional levels of quality service through the TERI award program as well as Annual Sales Achievement Awards from both Atlas Van Lines and AMJ Campbell.

Tara invites you to Make your Best Move with AMJ

T ARA HARGREAVES Certified Moving Specialist

thargreaves@amjcampbell.com

Main: 403-273-1220 Ext 226 Direct Line: 403-204-6226

Cell: 403-397-7721 Fax: 403-248-7479

“It’s not by any means a policy, but it just puts us in the right mental state and helps us draw those boundaries,” says Swaffield.

They’ve also added fitness challenges where the team encourages one another to take part in some fresh-air activity every day, even if it’s just 10 minutes walking around the block and tracking the progress on Slack.

Aligned with that, they have also increased the company’s coverage for mental health support through their benefits plan – a change that Swaffield says was an “easy fix.”

“I find now, more than ever, a lot of my focus is on asking them what they need. What do they need to be successful? To be happy? To be healthy? Your team will tell you if you’ve created a culture where they are comfortable to do so,” she says.

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BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // JANUARY 2021

23

ONE HUNDRED YEARS STRONG // COVER

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JANUARY 2021 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

ONE HUNDRED YEARS STRONG // COVER

ONE HUNDRED YEARS STRONG

WALLACE & CAREY CEO PAT CAREY LOOKS FORWARD TO THE COMPANY’S NEXT 100 YEARS

BY MELANIE DARBYSHIRE

T

here are very few businesses in Calgary that can today boast a 100-year history. A past that includes the great depression, world wars, technological leaps and bounds and now, a global pandemic. The organizational fortitude, adaptability and ingenuity required to achieve a full centennial in operation is, without question, remarkable.

Just as noteworthy are the people who work in that business. Spanning several overlapping and distinct generations, their collective efforts have carried the company through the ages, building upon successes, learning from failures, all the while strengthening, deepening and expanding its roots. These individuals are, despite differences in time, place and role, one.

So is the case at Wallace & Carey Inc., one of Canada’s leading independent distribution and logistics companies, in operation since 1921. Headquartered in Calgary, Wallace & Carey today services more than 7,000 customer locations across the country, including some of the largest retail and theatre chains. Though the 2021 version differs greatly from that of 1921, the company’s past, present and future are intrinsically connected.

“We’re very proud of what we’ve accomplished over the last 100 years as a team at Wallace & Carey – we’ve built a strong network and a great team – it’s a legacy,” says Pat Carey, CEO. Carey is the third generation of his family, after his father

Frank and grandfather Larry, to lead the company. “It’s what got us here and what will get us through the next 100 years.”

Carey joined the company in 2003 (though he jokes that he really joined in 1977), became president in 2012 and assumed the role of CEO after the sudden death of his father Frank in April of 2018. He acknowledges it’s been difficult leading through the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown, but notes it’s not the first challenge Wallace & Carey has faced.

“When you look back to 1921, pick a disaster, pick a timeline, and we were in the middle of it trying to run a business while dealing with significant external pressure,” he says.

“While it’s not always easy, we know we’ll figure it out and get through today’s challenges the same as my grandfather got through the challenges of his time, and my father got through the challenges of his time.”

Deemed an essential service - with one of the most sophisticated and established distribution and supply chain networks in Canada - Wallace & Carey has continued in operation throughout the pandemic. “Many of our teammates just can’t work from home,” Carey explains.

“We’re moving products, loading trucks, and receiving products into warehouses every day. Without their dedication, we couldn’t make sure Canadians were supplied with necessary goods, so instead we’re focused on keeping our teammates as safe as we can.”

LEFT: WALLACE & CAREY CEO PAT CAREY. PHOTO SOURCE: EWAN PHOTO VIDEO

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // JANUARY 2021

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ONE HUNDRED YEARS STRONG // COVER

He credits the more than 500 teammates across Canada with enabling the operation to continue to run smoothly.

“The response of the teammates wanting to serve their community or make sure food continues to get to the community has been second to none,” Carey praises. “We’ve not had any reason to shut a warehouse down because we have very high safety standards.”

Wallace & Carey has distribution centres from coast to coast: 10 that it owns or leases directly and eight through its Strategic Alliance Partnership. It delivers products to customers via 150 trucks. “With the infrastructure we’ve built over the past 100 years across the country, our teammates are in every postal code,” Carey explains. “With

our Strategic Alliance partners, we are perfectly located across the country to support our customers.”

Those customers include 7-Eleven, BG Fuels, Calgary Co-op, Federated Co-op, FreshSlice, Landmark Cinemas, Cineplex Entertainment, Independents and many other well-known retailers. “If you can buy it, use it, or eat it, we’ve delivered it,” he says. “Our customers look to us as a consolidator – they can come to us because they have a product or because they need a product. We take ownership of that product and resell it to them.”

For many customers, deliveries occur every day, such that items like milk are often fresher than at the grocery store.

ABOVE: PAT, CALEB, BRANDY AND RILEY CAREY WITH PUPPY MEKA. PICTURED IN THE BACKGROUND ARE LARRY AND FRANK CAREY. PHOTO SOURCE: EWAN PHOTO VIDEO

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JANUARY 2021 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

Prepare to file with confidence Make sure your tax strategy is as well structured as your business, with the knowledge and expertise of MNP’s Tax team by your side.

John Nygren, CPA, CA | 403.536.5541 | john.nygren@mnp.ca MNP.ca

ONE HUNDRED YEARS STRONG // COVER

“We give our customers the competitive advantage of our distribution system so that they can compete,” he continues.

The origin story of Wallace & Carey begins with Mr. Wallace, who moved to Canada from Oregon in the early 1900s and settled as a rancher along the Milk River in Southern Alberta. In February of 1907, while Mr. Wallace’s brother had travelled to town to get supplies, a great winter storm occurred, and the brother - who was feared dead - didn’t return for a week.

While the brother did eventually turn up, the episode prompted Mr. Wallace to open a general store, called R.W. Wallace Ltd., on his ranch, in order avoid future hazardous trips to town. He incorporated this store in 1921 and in 1927 sold the store to a Mr. Norman, who relocated it to Calgary.

Ownership of the business changed once more and then in the 1940s, Carey’s grandfather Larry was approached

by Mr. Wallace who proposed that the two men buy the store back. They did so under the agreement that when Mr. Wallace passed away, Larry could buy his half from the estate and the name would remain Wallace & Carey.

This is indeed what transpired and by 1950 Larry was the sole owner. The business, located in the Lancaster Building on today’s Stephen Avenue, operated as a general store.

By 1970 the young Frank Carey, then working in Toronto at The Robert Simpson Company, was eager to come work with his father in the family business. In 1971, Frank bought the business from his father.

Ten years later, Frank faced his own challenges. “When the 1980s credit crisis hit dad was, like so many other Albertans, bankrupt,” Carey reveals. “He had just sold the building downtown and had built our current building today [in the city’s northeast], but the person who had bought the downtown building walked away. The bank didn’t want it so dad ended up owning both buildings. He got creative and worked out a deal with the bank that allowed us to grow, and we did. And in the 80s we grew into Saskatchewan. We grew into Manitoba. We grew into Edmonton. And then in the ’90s we grew into B.C. and Ontario to support our customers’ growth in those provinces.”

During this time, Wallace & Carey began to ship products tobacco, confectionaries and other similar items - from its general store in Calgary to other, more remote convenience stores, in places like Medicine Hat, Lethbridge or Moose Jaw. “We became that hub of distribution to smaller towns and really grew in that way,” he explains.

In the 1990s and 2000s the company grew its distribution network and expanded into the theatre business by working very closely with Landmark Cinemas, based in Calgary, and Cineplex, based in Toronto.

TOP: DAN ELROD, PRESIDENT AND PAT CAREY, CEO. BOTTOM: SUZIE MLOTSHWA, ORDER ASSEMBLY SUPERVISOR, PAT CAREY, CEO AND KRISTA TOWNSON, ORDER ASSEMBLER (BACKGROUND).

PHOTO SOURCE: EWAN PHOTO VIDEO

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JANUARY 2021 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

ONE HUNDRED YEARS STRONG // COVER

WALLACE & CAREY HAS ALWAYS BEEN INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITIES IN WHICH IT OPERATES AND HAS SUPPORTED NUMEROUS CHARITIES OVER THE YEARS. IT WAS ONE OF THE ORIGINAL SUPPORTERS OF KIDS’ HELP PHONE IN CALGARY, PLAYING A LARGE ROLE IN GROWING THE NON-PROFIT OVER THE LAST 20 YEARS. “Dad built the business,” Carey reflects. “He created the kind of company that Wallace & Carey is today. We owe everything to dad. He was the patriarch. He was the face. He was the connection to the teammates. I’m grateful that he created a legacy for us but I understand that my role isn’t to replace him. My role is to keep us moving forward and do it my way – just like he did.”

A family-business through and through, Carey’s three brothers and sister, uncle, cousin and brother-in-law have all been part of the organization over the years. “The ‘family’ in the business are our teammates,” he says. “We have people who have been working with us for 20, 30, 40-plus years.

We have over 140 teammates who have been with us for 10 years or more.”

Empowerment is key, and all teammates are encouraged to propose (anonymously or not) ideas for improvement directly to Carey and the management team. “We believe that the person who is managing the shipping floor knows what changes are needed better than someone that sits in an office,” he says. “I think that sense of empowerment and team approach helps build the family feeling to the business.”

“We’re a very nimble organization,” he continues. “I know each and every one of our corporate customers and a lot of our independents. Because of our structure, we’re able to make decisions very quickly. We’re not bogged down by the bureaucracy of a big corporation.”

He notes however that Wallace & Carey enjoys the benefits of both types of organizations: the relationships and flexibility of a family-business, as well as the process and controls common to corporations. “I would put our fill rates [the rate at which customer orders are accurately filled] against anybody in the country,” he offers. “97.5 percent of the time our customers get what they order. COVID’s obviously been a significant challenge, but we’ve been able to keep that supply chain very efficient for our customers despite the challenges. We’ve remained competitive.”

While the competitive landscape has changed over time, Wallace & Carey enjoys a unique position today, the result of its lengthy history. “We have a number of assets, buildings and infrastructure across the country,” Carey reflects. “It wouldn’t make sense to build that today [given the margins].

But based on what we have, there’s infinite opportunity to expand into any business space or industry. We can move product from point A to point B more cost-effectively than anybody in the country. If you need to get a product to market, I know we can deliver it. It’s that simple.”

The pivot into movie theatres is an example Carey points to, as is the move into the distribution of cannabis: “We distribute that product to many retailers across the country.

We also work with manufacturers on importing cannabis products into the country and redistributing it to other distributors, what we call third-party logistic services.”

Wallace & Carey has always been involved in the communities in which it operates and has supported numerous charities over the years. It was one of the original supporters of Kids’ Help Phone in Calgary, playing a large role in growing the non-profit over the last 20 years.

The company supports the Canadian Legacy Project and Habitat for Humanity today, Carey says: “But coming up to the centennial, we’re looking at more ways to give back to our community. We are still working out details, but I think that gives us a chance to safely celebrate a big birthday, just in a different way.”

With 100 years behind it, Wallace & Carey is poised to begin its second century stronger than ever. “With the infrastructure that we have across the country we can help that manufacturer,” Carey offers. “We can help that upstart get to their customers faster than anybody. As a team we can capitalize on our infrastructure and look for some new horizons and opportunities to grow into.

I don’t know what the next few years will bring, but whatever it is, we’re ready.”

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // JANUARY 2021

29

POST-PANDEMIC FINANCIAL PLANNING // FINANCIAL PLANNING

Post-pandemic Financial Planning NO ON/OFF LIGHT-SWITCH RECOVERY

BY JOHN HARDY

“S

ome things never change” may be a financial cliché that has been redefined by nine months’ worth of COVID risks and money anxiety.

It is unanimous: 2020 was no ordinary year! Scrambling and dealing with the consequences of the pandemic was a major monkey wrench in the Canadian economy as well as the conventional basic of financial planning. Offices, factories, stores and restaurants were closed, staff were told to stay home – many without paychecks – and some unsure whether their jobs will still exist when the crunch is over.

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JANUARY 2021 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

POST-PANDEMIC FINANCIAL PLANNING // FINANCIAL PLANNING

Calgary consumers dealt with job loss and other unexpected broadsides and juggled savings. Alberta small businesses shuffled cash flow interruptions and operating costs.

Investors dealt with plenty of volatility and turbulence, and many re-thought their future and their financial plans.

Everyone was jarred by the realities of how fragile financial plans and financial security can be.

As financial planning Canadians review, assess, re-assess and maximize their 2021 TFSA and RRSP and GIC plans, the planning is trickier than ever. Some new aspects to consider include living longer and the unavoidable fact and wisdom that a longer lifespan requires additional planning. Mostly because emotional situations can lead to poor financial decisions, some facts of financial planning life – such as budgeting, credit, savings, debt management, mortgage deferrals and others – are vital.

And it’s been proven: money anxiety can and does impact grocery bills, housing, utilities and other necessities that still need to be looked after. Financial planning advisors caution that in response to the pandemic and the stress it has inflicted on people’s lives, many lenders have made changes and temporarily adjusted their lending policies. And some changes can impact credit ratings and do damage in the long run. They suggest keeping tabs on anything that impacts credit: like payment history, deferred payments, new credit accounts and amounts owed.

This year, more so than in others, the critical focus is on efficient but realistic financial planning for particularly small- and mid-size businesses, many of which have been abruptly impacted by dealing with the pandemic, lockdown interruptions in products and services, cash flow, strained operating funds and job losses.

Small business financial planning has become crucial, especially weathering the unique speedbumps of the past nine months. Annie Dormuth, Alberta provincial affairs director for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) points out that “the CFIB’s Small Business Recovery Dashboard shows only one in five of Alberta small businesses were making normal sales in the fourth quarter of last year. Bottom line is that on average, Alberta small businesses have taken on $119,500 in debt and simply don’t have the cash flow to really make their business profitable.

HOLBROOK NOTES THAT THE FINANCIAL FLEXIBILITY WHICH ENTREPRENEURS AND BUSINESS OWNERS HAVE IS MUCH LESS THAN IN OVER A DECADE. “THERE IS JUST NO QUESTION ABOUT IT, WHEN IT COMES TO FINANCIAL PLANNING AND RISK MANAGEMENT, SMALL BUSINESS IS EXTREMELY VULNERABLE,” HE WARNS. Nearly half (45 per cent) of our province’s small businesses say they are losing money every day their business is open.

“This is really putting small businesses in a vulnerable position with just over half (54 per cent) worried about their sales, given the slow recovery trends and cumulated debt. For 16 per cent of Alberta small businesses, this has put them in a situation where they are actively considering bankruptcy or winding down their business.”

ABOVE: WELLINGTON HOLBROOK, COO OF CONNECT FIRST CREDIT UNION.

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // JANUARY 2021

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POST-PANDEMIC FINANCIAL PLANNING // FINANCIAL PLANNING

She adds that last March’s initial shutdown of the economy forced businesses to quickly adapt and change their business models. For some, it was an easier transition, such as restaurants moving purely to delivery or curbside pickups.

However, many other businesses were not able to make this transition because their business purely relies on customers coming into the store.

To cope with the initial shutdown and prepare financial planning for second waves, the CFIB says 63 per cent of Alberta small businesses have undertaken risk management strategies as a result.

According to Wellington Holbrook, COO of Connect First Credit Union, the post-pandemic financial planning and operations management will be challenging. “COVID-19 has caused many business owners to be using their own personal savings to keep their business afloat. This poses a unique situations for Albertans in the sense that business owners have used up much of their resources and will be very sensitive to any further economic trauma that may be brought on by this pandemic.”

He notes that the financial flexibility which entrepreneurs and business owners have is much less than in over a decade.

“There is just no question about it, when it comes to financial planning and risk management, small business is extremely vulnerable,” he warns.

Financial planning for 2021 and beyond has unique factors that business owners must consider. “First is the reminder that cash is king! We all want to believe the worst of COVID-19 is behind us, but the truth is that there’s still a lot of uncertainty. For efficient financial planning, business owners should consider developing mid-term strategy to ensure they have the ability to generate liquidity to weather any unexpected future turbulence. This means not taking cash availability for granted and using strategies that can help convert other assets into cash, just in case.

“The other factor is that cash doesn’t earn much these days and it won’t do much good – until and if it’s needed.

Nobody knows exactly what 2021 will bring but we all know that those that have the ability to use cash to make needed investments at opportune times will likely come out on top.”

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Most private and business financial planning experts suggest that the recovery, when it happens, will not be a wishful-thinkingly and simple on/off ‘light switch’ recovery.

Dortmuth refers to recent CFIB numbers to underscore the reality that levels of uncertainty and changing public health orders have forced businesses to re-think their strategies and plan for the shorter-term rather than long-term goals and plans.

“About 41 per cent of Alberta small businesses plan to scale down operations with a plan to get back to normal,” she says. “Small business recovery at the current pace will take the hardest hit hospitality sector eight years to recover, with the average recovery of all industries expected to take close to 1.5 years.”

Holbrook notes that, generally speaking, economists are expecting interest rates to stay low for the next year or two, which should create a positive environment for business investment and markets in the short term. He says this low rate environment might mean it’s a not a bad time for business owners to borrow and invest in the business. “One thing that successful people know is that they will typically invest when others see fear, and they harvest when others see greed – the good times.

Inevitably, recovery will come and when it does, those that have invested at a discount in the scary times will likely come out on top when the economy returns to some new kind of normal.

“The biggest challenge when it comes to effective financial planning strategy is our human nature,” he emphasizes.

“We’re hardwired to sell when we’re scared and buy when we feel good. Instead, we should be doing the opposite. If you can buy when it’s down, you’re investing when no one else is and bargains are going to be found. When people are nervous about the longevity of their business, they don’t want to invest more.

“The future wealth creators in Alberta recognize that, despite our current fears (and there are sure lots of worthy fears out there), Alberta businesses will find a way forward, opting for bold steps of investing and taking risks now, when some others are too nervous to do it.”

THE RESULTS ISSUE

MARKETING YOUR HOME

FOR ALL IT’S WORTH®

MARKET PREDICTIONS what’s ahead for 2021

REAL ESTATE GOALS

how to achieve your aspirations

JANUARY 2021

SALES SUCCESS STORIES

how does your home compare?

ASK SAM

Q

FIRST QUARTER REAL ESTATE MARKET PREDICTIONS FROM SAM COREA

Q: What are your expectations for the market for 2021?

Home Sales Will Pick Up as the Vaccine is Rolled Out As the light at the end of the tunnel gets closer, buyers will become more confident. Just as we saw in the summer months of 2020, there will be a rush of activity once restrictions begin to lift. I expect this to increase once a vaccination plan is set into motion. Consumer confidence will return and many will want to take advantage of the low interest rates. We have learned that it is safe to buy and sell real estate with proper precautions. As always, we remain focused on the health and safety of our clientele and will continue to maintain these adaptations as we move forward.

The Volume of Properties on the Market Will Increase in the Spring As Albertans were encouraged to reduce their social contacts in late 2020 many sellers decided to take their homes off the market. This resulted in a smaller inventory of properties available for sale. Typically, the spring real estate market gets very busy with new listings, but I predict it will be even busier than past years as these properties from 2020 are re-listed. It is to a sellers advantage if there are fewer houses for sale since there is less competition and less downwards pressure on prices.

My recommendation if you are planning to sell is to get your home on the market by February to take advantage of lower inventory and increased buyer activity.

CONTACT US TO GET YOUR COMPLIMENTARY COPY OF

THE HOME SELLER’S 30 DAY ACTION PLAN. Not intended to solicit properties already listed for sale nor intended to cause a breach of any existing agency relationship.

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A GALLERY OF FINE WESTHILLS AND INNER CITY HOMES FOR SALE

ELBOW VALLEY | $3,500,000

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MAJESTIC POINT

Unparalleled luxury and refinement! After a 2 year renovation by Gallagher Homes and with a beautifully designed interior by McIntyre Bills, this 5 bedroom seven bathroom home boasts over 7,000 SF of opulent living space. Any discerning buyer will appreciate the high quality finishings such as exotic marbles, semi precious stones, custom millwork detailing, ceiling coffering and antique lighting reproductions featuring raw crystals. You’ll find this home to be extremely inviting while still offering lots of intimate gathering spaces. In the luxurious French style kitchen there is everything you could ever need with two massive islands, marble counters & the ultimate appliance package. The enclosed patio is the spot for entertaining guests in front of the fireplace while you BBQ. Upstairs offers three bedrooms, including the stunning master retreat with a spa inspired ensuite and massive walk-in closet. The lower level features a spa-like heated indoor pool which helps make Calgary winters a breeze, exercise room, theatre room, bar and wine room. The level of detail and craftsmanship is second to none and truly is a must see!

SPRINGBANK HILL | $1,995,000

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This stately home offers unobstructed mountain views, refined design and a tranquil setting. You’ll be immediately impressed with the formal dining room. There is a welcoming living room with a grand fireplace and wood beamed ceiling. A large classic kitchen features granite, 6 burner gas cooktop and walk thru pantry. The generous master suite has an elegantly appointed ensuite w/ a claw foot tub. In the upper loft an office with a fireplace and a library with built ins provides the perfect place to work from home. Downstairs, the walk out basement contains 2 additional bedrooms.

There is also a fitness room, home theatre, wine cellar and bar. The family room is the perfect spot to gather around the fireplace or watch the game. Outside, the masterfully landscaped yard takes full advantage of the mature trees and serene surrounding. A screened upper deck and protected lower patio allow for extended outdoor enjoyment. This refined property is perfect for an empty nester couple or family with adult children.

SPRINGBANK HILL | $1,695,000

2783

77TH STREET SW

On the crest of the hill sits this handsome home with spectacular views. The open concept living room features a gas fireplace and access to an expansive deck. It adjoins the massive kitchen and sunny nook, the perfect place for watching the sunset. The kitchen is both practical and beautiful with a generous island and double sinks allowing 2 cooks to work simultaneously. Celebrate special occasions in the dining room. Watch TV from the second floor bonus room. The generous master suite features a fireplace, a sitting area, an office nook and impressive ensuite. Two additional bedrooms each contain their own ensuite and walk in closets. The walk out recreation room contains a bar, media area and cozy sitting room. There’s space for everything in the triple oversized garage. Double air conditioners ensure this home is comfortable year round. A private backyard is edged with trees, gardens and stone boulders. The mountain vista, the location and privacy make this a standout property in the neighbourhood.

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www.SAMCOREA.COM

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SAM@SAMCOREA.COM

RICHMOND | $1,099,000

2113

2 8 T H AV E N U E S W

Stylish and contemporary living in Richmond! Enter this bright, open concept home and instantly be impressed by the high end finishings. The dining room is highlighted by a double sided fireplace. The chefs kitchen boasts a large concrete waterfall island, custom lacquer cabinetry and top of the line stainless steel appliances. Entertaining is a breeze in the attached living room. One floor up, you will find two bedrooms with a bathroom, office and laundry conveniently located.

The top floor is an urban oasis completely dedicated to the master suite. A spacious master bedroom opens up to a rooftop patio with beautiful city views. Also included on this level are an ensuite featuring a double rain head steam shower and walk in closet. Head down to the basement where you will find a family room which is made for cozy movie nights & a fourth bedroom and bathroom - perfect for out of town guests! Enjoy the close proximity of the amazing shops, restaurants and amenities of the neighbourhood!

ALTADORE | $950,000

3907

19 T H S T R E E T S W

Tons of room for the entire family in this 3 Storey! Priced below replacement value, this immaculate, updated home offers contemporary finishes, hardwood floors, 5 bedrooms and 5 baths. The main floor contains a formal dining room, a living room with gas fireplace and a casual eating nook. The kitchen features a large island with seating for five, stainless appliances, a wine fridge, and granite counters. Highlights of the master suite include a built in bench seat flanked by shelving and a steam shower with multiple shower heads. Two additional bedrooms perfectly sized for kids, a bathroom with double sinks and a laundry room complete the 2nd level. The 3rd floor contains the 4th bedroom with its own ensuite and a large, sunny bonus room ideally used as a TV room, playroom or office. In the fully developed basement, a media room, bar, bedroom and bathroom would comfortably accommodate guests. The west facing yard has a pergola, patio, low maintenance perennial landscaping and backs a park and playground.

ALTADORE | $799,000

4102

16 A S T R E E T S W

It is rare to find a home with a walkout basement in Altadore. Plus, this corner lot is on one of the most sought after tree-lined streets in the district! Inside, a formal dining room provides lots of space for entertaining. The kitchen features granite counters, a big island to gather around, a corner pantry and stainless appliances. The living room has a gas fireplace, handsome built in cabinets and access to a deck overlooking the yard. Upstairs, the spacious master suite contains a 5 piece ensuite with a soaker tub, a walk in closet and Juliet balcony. Two additional bedrooms, a laundry and bathroom complete this level. In the walkout a large, bright family room has access to the yard through a convenient mudroom. There’s a fourth bedroom and bathroom perfect for guests. But the crown jewel is the custom built wine cellar! Other highlights include basement in floor heat, AC, irrigation system, heated detached garage, newer appliances and water softener. This warm, welcoming home is a one-of-a-kind!

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A GALLERY OF FINE WESTHILLS AND INNER CITY HOMES FOR SALE

KILLARNEY | $675,000

2615

26A STREET SW

This property on a quiet tree-lined street is ideal for a young family. The welcoming dining room is finished with wainscotting and a statement chandelier. From the central kitchen you can easily serve meals and keep a careful watch on the little ones. It features white cabinetry, stainless appliances, granite counters, a walk in pantry and wine bottle storage. The sun filled family room has a fireplace, built in cabinets and deck access. A convenient desk and bookcases are smartly designed making the most of the square footage. Upstairs, the master includes a 5 piece ensuite and walk in closet. A bathroom, 2 bedrooms and laundry complete this level. The fully developed basement includes a cozy family room with lots of storage, TV area and a fourth bedroom. Enjoy sitting under the retractable awing on the deck overlooking the recently landscaped west facing yard. This home has new carpet, an updated roof and is very well maintained. Perfect for a young family with a busy lifestyle close to the city core!

SIGNAL HILL | $649,000

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Upon entering you’ll be impressed with the soaring vaulted ceilings, new hardwood floors and huge windows framing the view of the serene backyard. Picture celebrating special occasions in the formal dining room. The open concept kitchen and living room means no one is left out of the conversation while dinner is prepared. The master suite has access to the deck and an updated ensuite. A second bedroom makes for a sunny office for working from home. The basement is fully developed with 3 additional bedrooms, a recreation room with a fireplace, a bar, bathroom and laundry. This area has lots of potential and could easily be converted into a media room, home gym or whatever suits your fancy. Step out onto the wide deck and take in south west sunshine. There’s plenty of room to lounge on an outdoor sectional and dine alfresco style. The sandstone boulder retaining wall provides shelter and an impressive backdrop to the mature trees and landscaping. Ideal for effortless one level living in the WestHills!

Killarney | $569,000

2230

26A STREET SW

This move-in ready, lovingly maintained home sits on a desirable tree-lined street. From the front porch step inside to be welcomed into the charming living room and its wood burning fireplace. The efficient, neutral kitchen and dining area have access to the low maintenance back deck and patio in the private, nicely landscaped yard. Upstairs, the master bedroom has a balcony overlooking the yard, access to the 4-piece bathroom and two closets. The second bedroom is quite large, perfect for kids or guests. Downstairs, a third bedroom and bathroom have been recently renovated and could easily be used as a family room or home office. Additional updates over the years include new roofing, windows, doors, kitchen and exterior paint. There is an A/C unit and an irrigation system. The oversized detached double garage has a porch, providing a pleasant place to sit on hot afternoons and is accessible via a paved back lane. This endearing property will appeal to a small family or professional couple.

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REAL ESTATE GOALS IS A NEW HOME ON YOUR NEW YEAR’S ASPIRATION LIST? HERE’S A HANDY CHECKLIST TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE THAT GOAL! DO YOUR REALTOR® RESEARCH

Review their marketing plan. Quiz them on their knowledge of the neighbourhood. Ask about how many houses they sell in a week or year. Get their commission structure. Then make a comparison.

SET UP A MEETING

Book a meeting to have your REALTOR® tour your home & provide a pricing strategy that is backed up by statistics and current data. Ask them for a list of repairs/updates that need to be completed before the house hits the market.

GET A PRE-INSPECTION

We recommend having your home pre-inspected so that if any issues are detected you can address them immediately. It’s best to handle minor repairs now so small items don’t result in big problems during final negotiations.

START REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE

Make all necessary updates and repairs. If you need help we’ve got a network of contacts that will have your house in tip-top shape in no time!

BEGIN DECLUTTERING

Remove all of the seasonal items you currently don’t need. Decluttering makes your home feel larger.

Consider renting a storage unit.

DIG UP SUMMER PHOTOS & PERTINENT PAPERWORK

Pull together photos that showcase the landscaping. Check to make sure your RPR is up to date.

TALK TO YOUR MORTGAGE BROKER

Before listing, talk to your mortgage broker and find out if there is a payout penalty if you sell your home.

Find out if you can port your mortgage over and make sure you are getting competitive rates.

HIT THE CALGARY REAL ESTATE MARKET EARLY

Don’t wait until spring when most new listings hit the market. Get a jump start on the competition and list early when there are fewer houses on the market and less competition. Also, school registration is in February/March, so get your house listed before families begin making offers.

YOUR HOME HAS A BETTER CHANCE OF STANDING OUT FROM THE CROWD IF YOU LIST EARLY IN THE YEAR. WE’VE GOT A COMPLIMENTARY STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO HELP YOU GET READY. GET IN TOUCH FOR YOUR FREE ISSUE OF

THE HOME SELLER’S 30 DAY ACTION PLAN!

CALL TODAY TO GET YOUR HOME IN OUR NEXT ISSUE

SAM STATISTICS OUR CLIENTS BENEFITED FROM OUR EXPERIENCE, SKILL AND MARKETING DOLLARS. THEY ENJOYED MORE EXPOSURE, MORE QUALIFIED SHOWINGS AND MORE OFFERS PRODUCING HIGHER SALE PRICES. OUR RESULTS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES.

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NUMBER OF HOMES SOLD

BY SAM’S TEAM IN 2020*

2.8

AVERAGE NUMBER OF HOMES SOLD BY CREB REALTORS IN 2020*

*among calgary REALTOR® members, the typical number of home sales was 2.8. SAM’s Team successfully negotiated 109 home sales and purchases in 2020 as of November 30th. That’s an accepted offer every 3.3 days giving the SAM Team the opportunity to hone their skills in a way that an agent who sells one home per quarter isn’t able to.

$327,588

Sam Corea Instructs a Marketing Course at the University of Calgary every year.

dollars spent in marketing our listings.

Get our marketing machine working for you.

On average Sam’s team sold a house every 3.3 days

The average CREB REALTOR® sold a house every 132 days

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$1M

West Hills

40% Inner City

20% Other

Percentage of SAM Team sales per region of Calgary

Sam’s team had

the number of homes that Sam’s team sold over $1Million

+

40%

$98,093,051 in sales in 2020

FLIP THE PAGE TO FIND OUT HOW YOUR PROPERTY STACKS UP *Statistical information sourced from CREB.com, Sam Corea’s information sourced from his own 2020 data.

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INNER CITY OUR SUCCESS STORIES OF 2020 Altadore | $395,000

Sold at 96.2% of list price Bel-Aire | $1,495,000

Sold at 99.0% of list price after 11 days

Currie Barracks | $649,000

Sold at 98.6% of list price Garrison Woods | $710,000

Saved our buyer $30,000

Altadore | $675,000

Sold at 97.8% of list price Cliff Bungalow | $895,000

Saved our buyer $37,500 Currie Barracks | $888,000

Sold at 98.0% of list price in 3 days Garrison Woods | $950,000

Sold at 98.4% of list price

GET OUR MARKETING DOLLARS WORKING FOR YOU

Altadore | $709,900

Saved our buyer $9,900 Cliff Bungalow | $1,495,000

Sold at 97.0% of list price Garrison Woods | $649,000

Sold at 96.3% of list price Hillhurst | $1,540,000

Listed and sold to our buyer

MARKETING YOUR HOME FOR ALL IT’S WORTH®

Killarney | $650,000

Killarney | $775,000

Saved our buyer $20,000

Sold at 99.2% of list price Lakeview | $1,450,000

Mayfair | $1,699,000

Saved our buyer $179,000

Saved our buyer $100,000

North Glenmore | $849,900

Richmond | $950,000

Listed and sold to our buyer

Sold at 99.9% of list price Rosedale | $1,395,000

South Calgary | $864,000

Saved our buyer $24,000

Listed and sold to our buyer

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Killarney | $879,900

Saved our buyer $12,900 North Glenmore | $519,900

Sold for 96.2% of list price Richmond | $1,295,000

Listed and sold to our buyer Sunnyside | $649,000

Sold at 97.1% of list price

www.SAMCOREA.COM

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SAM@SAMCOREA.COM

WEST HILLS OUR SUCCESS STORIES OF 2020 Aspen Woods | $308,800

Sold for 96.3% of list price Aspen Woods | $850,000

Listed and sold to our buyer Aspen Woods | $995,000

Sold for 96.8% of list price Aspen Woods | $1,250,000

Sold for 94.8% of list price

Aspen Woods | $399,900

Sold for 96.3% of list price Aspen Woods | $850,000

Sold for 94.1% of list price Aspen Woods| $1,095,000

Sold for 93.6% of list price Cougar Ridge | $474,900

Saved our buyer $24,900

ASK US HOW MUCH YOUR HOME IS WORTH

Aspen Woods | $699,900

Sold for 95.7% of list price Aspen Woods | $950,000

Sold for 93.7% of list price Aspen Woods | $1,178,000

Sold for 93.2% of list price Discovery Ridge | $459,900

Saved our buyer $11,900

MARKETING YOUR HOME FOR ALL IT’S WORTH®

Discovery Ridge | $1,365,000

Patterson | $289,000

Sold for 96.0% of list price

Sold for 97.1% of list price Signal Hill | $389,900

Signal Hill | $469,000

Sold for 97.7% of list price

Saved our buyer $19,900 Springbank | $1,098,000

Springbank | $1,295,000

Sold for 97.7% of list price

The only sale in the subdivision in 2020 Springbank Hill | $695,000

Springbank Hill | $1,195,000

Sold for 91.6% of list price

Sold for 98.6% of list price

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Patterson | $1,050,000

Sold for 92.9% of list price Springbank | $795,000

Sold for 97% of list price Springbank Hill | $649,900

Listed and sold to our buyer Spruce Cliff | $299,900

Listed and sold to our buyer

www.SAMCOREA.COM

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SAM@SAMCOREA.COM

WEST HILLS OUR SUCCESS STORIES OF 2020 Spruce Cliff | $750,000

Sold for 93.3% of list price Strathcona | $629,000

Sold for 97.5% of list price after 9 days

West Springs | $1,250,000

Sold at 93.6% of list price

Strathcona | $519,000

Sold for 95.4% of list price Strathcona | $709,800

Strathcona | $575,000

Sold for 95.7% of list price West Springs | $575,000

Negotiated winning bid for our buyer Sold at 97.4% of list price after 16 DOM West Springs | $1,695,000

Sold at 97.9% of list price after 3 week

Wildwood | $1,195,000

Sold at 94.1% of list price

HOW DOES YOUR HOME COMPARE? FIND OUT! 403-870-8811

ASK US HOW MUCH YOUR HOME IS WORTH

LUXURY OUR SUCCESS STORIES OF 2020 Britannia | $2,999,900

Negotiated winning bid for our buyer

Springbank Hill | $2,495,000

Listed and sold to our buyer Only 2020 sale over $2M in WestHills

Chaparral | $1,995,000

Elbow Park | $1,850,000

Saved our buyer $40,000

Sold for 97.7% of list price

Aspen Woods | $1,470,000

Willow Park | $1,425,000

Saved our buyer $330,000

Sold at 96.1% of list price

Lakeview | $2,450,000

Saved our buyer $30,000 Elbow Park | $1,750,000

Saved our buyer $25,000 Willow Park | $1,275,000

Saved our buyer $75,000

GET IN TOUCH FOR A SMART MOVE

samcorea.com

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WHAT OUR FANS HAVE TO SAY

We asked Sam to sell our house because he had prior sales on our street. First meeting - he brought targeted market info, gave us tips and contacts to show our home at its best. He has a wealth of market knowledge, is honest, direct, supportive and fun. He listens and creates a trusted partnership.

- Craig

Sam was an absolute pleasure to work with for the sale and purchase of our homes! We were in a challenging situation and needed to make a move quickly and Sam did not disappoint. We had a solid offer in a week and were moved out and into our new property in less than 30 days - in this current market we couldn’t have asked for a better outcome.

- Lauren

Sam Corea is the best! He and his expert team helped me both buy and sell. He is an exceptional negotiator. A pleasant person to work with and knows the market well. I highly recommend Sam and his team.

- Beverly

We approached Sam & Alison for our first home purchase. We could not have asked for a more welcoming and patient team! They went the extra mile to make sure we fully understood the process and took the time to answer any and all questions we had. Would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a professional and knowledgeable real estate team!

- Jazmin

Chris is absolutely fantastic! I would highly recommend him. He is incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and enjoyable to work with. He is super responsive and makes you feel like his only client.

Throughout the process, I felt he really cared that I ended up somewhere that I would be happy with for a long-time and that I would have no issues down the road, and all at the right price!

- Ruhee

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE PHOTOS, INFO AND VIDEOS

MARKETING YOUR HOME FOR ALL IT’S WORTH®

SO VERY GRATEFUL

This year was like no other and we know our success is due to you. Our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and trust during these tumultuous times. We are deeply grateful for your friendship, loyalty and business. Your home is more important now than ever before and the saying “Home is Where the Heart Is” has even more meaning.

Whenever you need us, we’re here to help.

Sam Corea, Chris Fullerton, Alison Kallstrom and Jacqueline Corea SAM Team Re/Max House of Real Estate

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NEED TO GET YOUR HOUSE READY TO SELL BUT DON’T KNOW WHERE TO START? GET YOUR FREE COPY OF OUR GUIDE:

THE HOME SELLER’S 30 DAY ACTION PLAN. YOUR HOUSE WILL BE MARKET READY IN NO TIME. STRESS GONE!

GET THE FREE GUIDE!

SAMCOREA.COM HAVE REAL ESTATE QUESTIONS? TEXT OR CALL 403-870-8811

MARKETING YOUR HOME FOR ALL IT’S WORTH®

SERVING STUDENTS, PARENTS AND COMMUNITIES // PRIVATE AND ALTERNATIVE SCHOOLS

ALBERTA INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS:

SERVING STUDENTS, PARENTS AND COMMUNITIES

I

ndependent schools (referred to as private schools in legislation) have been part of the fabric of Alberta since the province joined confederation. In fact there are independent schools that have been operating consistently since the early 1900s. Over the years there has been incremental growth in the number of students attending independent schools, as well as expansion in the number and types of schools. This year there are over 40,000 students in Alberta who attend an independent school. This includes students who attend community based Early Childhood Services organizations, and students who are home educated but are registered with an independent school.

Parents choose to send their children to independent schools for many reasons. Some schools are operated with a special focus on students with specific learning needs. Others are built to offer a unique type of educational approach like Montessori or Waldorf. Sometimes parents choose a school that respects and supports their child’s faith and world view (like Sikh, Jewish, Muslim or Christian), or because they want their child to learn about their culture, or for a specific academic, athletic or other educational focus. This past summer the government of Alberta formally recognized the rights of parents to choose the education for their children by passing school choice legislation.

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // JANUARY 2021

49

SERVING STUDENTS, PARENTS AND COMMUNITIES // PRIVATE AND ALTERNATIVE SCHOOLS

For the past 50 years the government has also recognized that independent schools serve the public good by providing partial funding for students attending independent schools. This partial funding has allowed parents of diverse socioeconomic backgrounds to access independent schools; recent research suggests that in more than 80 per cent of independent schools in Alberta the average household income of the parents is slightly below the provincial household income average.

While the partial public funding helps, in order to be able to operate, many independent schools have to charge tuition. These fees will vary considerably depending on the kind of capital investments for buildings, teacher/ student ratios, extracurricular program activities and other program enhancements. Additionally, there are often other fundraising initiatives that are run to help alleviate the cost of operating a school. Some schools also offer bursaries to assist parents in managing the tuition requirements.

Parents from a broad socio-economic, cultural, religious and geographic background choose to send their children to independent schools.

Although each independent school is operated by its own school board, Alberta Education ensures thorough accountability measures are in place. Each year, the schools must submit an audited financial statement; this confirms that the public dollars the school receives are appropriately spent on the educational needs of the students. Most independent schools are accredited; to maintain this accreditation they must teach a program of studies that is approved by the minister of education, and they must hire Alberta-certified teachers. There is also regular on-site monitoring by Alberta Education staff, and schools must annually submit education results reports, and three-year plans.

Independent schools are also incredibly accountable to their parents; as schools of choice, there must be strong alignment between the needs of the student and the program being offered, or else parents will choose to place their child in a different institution. To ensure the school is meeting the needs of the child, there is often a heightened emphasis on collaboration and parental engagement in independent schools.

50

JANUARY 2021 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

ONE OF THE MOST POWERFUL ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS IS ALSO THE MOST BASIC. THEY SERVE A PUBLIC GOOD. EDUCATION, AT ITS CORE, IS ABOUT PROVIDING AN OPPORTUNITY FOR CHILDREN TO LEARN, GROW AND EQUIP THEMSELVES TO BE ETHICAL, ENGAGED AND INNOVATIVE CITIZENS. One of the most powerful arguments in support of independent schools is also the most basic. They serve a public good. Education, at its core, is about providing an opportunity for children to learn, grow and equip themselves to be ethical, engaged and innovative citizens. To ensure this occurs, Alberta Education surveys students, parents and teachers in all schools in Alberta each year. The results show that independent schools are very successful at meeting student needs.

During this past year, the pandemic has impacted the lives of all Albertans. For students in independent schools the shift saw similar challenges to the rest of the education system: switching to at-home learning in the spring, adjusting to new technologies, protocols for re-entry as school re-started in the fall. The value of independent schooling has only increased during this time. The close connection between the school and the home has allowed independent school leaders and teachers to make the required adjustments to learning in a way that fits the needs of their specific groups of students. The nimble and targeted response that independent schools have been able to demonstrate has ensured that the students in their care have continued to receive a high level of support as they navigated these uncertain times.

Independent schools are an integral component of Alberta’s excellent system of school choice.

Grades 7-12

https://www.westislandcollege.ab.ca/apply

DIRECTORY // PRIVATE AND ALTERNATIVE SCHOOLS

DIRECTORY Airdrie Christian School

Bright Path Early Learning Inc

Calgary Mandarin School

Accredited / Eligible for Funding Preschool, ECS, Grades 1 - 12 77 Gateway Drive NE Airdrie T4B 0J6 Phone: (403) 948-5100 • Fax: (403) 948-5563 connect@airdriechristian.com www.airdriechristian.com

Early Learning Childcare 201, 200 Rivercrest Drive SE Phone: 1-188-808-2252 dkearns@brightpathkids.com www.brightpathskids.com

Accredited Grades 10 – 12 #110, 138 - 18 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 5P9 Phone: 587-718-8138 • Fax: (403) 228-5330 changclaire@yahoo.com

Calgary Academy

Calgary French & International School

Alberta Chung Wah School Accredited / Eligible for Funding Grades 10- 12 #270, 328 Centre Street SE, Calgary, AB T2G 4X8 Phone: (403) 271-8033 • Fax: (403) 288-8887 info@albertachungwahschool.ca

For students with learning difficulties Kindergarten - Grade12 1677 93 St SW, Calgary AB T3H 0R3 403-686-6444 admissions@calgaryacademy.com www.calgaryacademy.com/learnmore

Aurora Learning Calgary

Calgary Academy Collegiate

Accredited / Eligible for Funding Grades 3 – 12 Unit 137, 5305 McCall Way NE, Calgary, AB T2E 7N7 Phone: (403) 277-9535 Calgary.admin@sterling.education

Banbury Crossroads School Accredited / Eligible for Funding J/K,ECS, Grades 1- 6, Grades 7- 9, Grades 10 – 12 B1 #201, 2451 Dieppe Avenue SW, Calgary, AB T3E 7K1 Phone: (403) 270-7787 • Fax: (403) 270-7486 general@banburycrossroads.com www.banburycrossroads.com Offers Home Education Program Offers Home Education Blended Program

Bearspaw Christian School Accredited / Eligible for Funding Jr. K, Sr. K, Grades 1 – 12 15001 - 69 Street NW, Calgary, AB T3R 1C5 Phone: (403) 295-2566 • Fax: (403) 275-8170 info@bearspawschool.com www.bearspawschool.com

Bethel Christian Academy Accredited ECS, Grades 1 – 6, Grades 7- 9, Grades 10 – 12 2220 - 39 Avenue NE, Calgary, AB T2E 6P7 Phone: (403) 735-3335 • Fax: (403) 219-3059 tbetts@encountergod.org

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Accredited Preschool, Jr. K, ECS, Grades 1- 6, Grades 7- 12 700 - 77 Street SW, Calgary, AB T3H 5R1 Phone: (403) 240-1500 • Fax: (403) 249-5899 www.cfis.com

Calgary Islamic Private School Akram Jomaa Campus

For students looking for greater challenge, change and complexity in their learning Grades 5-12 403-686-6444 admissions@calgaryacademy.com www.calgaryacademy.com/learnmore

Accredited / Eligible for Funding Grades K-12 2612 - 37 Avenue NE, Calgary, AB T1Y 5L2 Phone: (403) 248-2773 • Fax: (403) 569-6654 info@cislive.ca Principal: Mr. Asad Choudhary

Calgary Chinese Alliance School

Calgary German Language School Society

Accredited / Eligible for Funding Grades 1 – 12 150 Beddington Boulevard NE, Calgary, AB T3K 2E2 Phone: (403) 274-6923 • Fax: (403) 275-7799 chineseschoolcalgarychinesealliance.org

Calgary Chinese Private School Accredited / Eligible for Funding K, Grades 1 – 6, Grades 7-9, Grades 10 - 12 128 2nd Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 0B9 Phone: (403) 264-2233 • Fax: (403) 282-9854

Calgary Italian School Calgary Italian School Accredited Language School Age 5 – Grade 12, Adults 416, 1st Ave NE Calgary AB T2E 0B4 Phone: (403) 264-6349 clcic@shaw.ca www.italianschoolcalgary.com

JANUARY 2021 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

Accredited Preschool - Grades 12, Adult Classes located at Bowcroft Elementary 3940 73rd Street NW, Calgary, AB T3B 2L9 germanlanguageschoolcalgary@gmx.com www.germanlanguageschoolcalgary.com/index.html Beatrice Binmore (Chair) Steve Zitterer (Secretary) Dagmar Blaettermann (Treasurer)

Calgary Islamic School Accredited / Eligible for Funding K, Grades 1- 6, Grades 7- 9 225 - 28 Street SE, Calgary, AB, T2A 5K4 Phone: 587-353-8900 • Fax: 587-353-8999 info.omar@cislive.ca Omar Bin Al-Khattab Campus

Calgary Jewish Academy Accredited / Eligible for Funding Nursery - Grade 9 6700 Kootenay Street SW, Calgary, AB T2V 1P7 Phone: (403) 253-3992 • Fax: (403) 255-0842 info@cja.ab.ca www.cja.ab.ca

A Leader in Learning Disabilities since 1979

Find Understanding Build Confidence Maximize Potential We teach the full Alberta Education curriculum to students in grades 3 to 12 with a diagnosed Learning Disability.

We provide a warm and welcoming learning environment. Small class sizes with specially trained staff provide individualized accommodations and supports to ensure that students succeed academically, emotionally and socially. Academics are supplemented with a wide variety of extracurricular activities.

Contact Us Today!

745 - 37 Street NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4T1 403-270-9400 foothillsacademy.org

DIRECTORY // PRIVATE AND ALTERNATIVE SCHOOLS

Calgary Quest School

Edison School

Lycée Louis Pasteur

Accredited / Eligible for Funding ECS, Grades 1- 6, Grades 7- 9, Grades 10 – 12 3405 Spruce Drive SW,. c/o Spruce Cliff Elementary Calgary, AB T3C 0A5 Phone: (403) 253-0003 • Fax: (403) 253-0025 info@calgaryquestschool.com

Accredited / Eligible for Funding ECS, Grades 1- 6, Grades 7- 9, Grades 10 – 12 Site 11, P.O. Box 2, R.R. 2 Hwy 2A, 1KM North of Okotoks AB T1S 1A2 Phone: (403) 938-7670 • Fax: (403) 938-7224 office@edisonschool.ca www.edisonschool.ca

Calgary’s Premier Private French School Preschool to Grade 12 4099 Garrison Blvd. SW, Calgary, AB T2T 6G2 Phone: (403) 243-5420 Ext 123 admissions@lycee.ca www.lycee.ca

Calgary Waldorf School

Equilibrium School

Accredited / Eligible for Funding Preschool, ECS, Grades 1- 6, Grades 7- 9 515 Cougar Ridge Drive SW, Calgary, AB T3H 5G9 Phone: (403) 287-1868 Ext 148 info@calgarywaldorf.org www.calgarywaldorf.org

Accredited / Eligible for Funding 707 - 14 Street NW, Calgary, AB T2N 2A4 Phone: (403) 283-1111 • Fax: (403) 270-7786 school@equilibrium.ab.ca www.equilibrium.ab.ca

Maria Montessori Education Centre of Calgary (MMEC)

Chinook Winds Adventist Academy

Foothills Academy

Accredited / Eligible for Funding ECS, Grades 1- 6, Grades 7- 9, Grades 10 – 12 10101 - 2nd Avenue SW, Calgary, AB T3B 5T2 Phone: (403) 286-5686 • Fax: (403) 247-1623 lmelashenko@cwaa.net

Accredited - For students with Learning Disabilities Grades 3 - 12 745 - 37 Street NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4T1 Phone: 403.270.9400 • Fax: 403.270.9438 intake@foothillsacademy.org www.foothillsacademy.org

Clear Water Academy

Halpern Akiva Academy

Accredited / Eligible for Funding/ Catholic Junior Kindergarten, Kindergarten - Grade 6, Grade 7 - 12 2521 Dieppe Avenue SW, Calgary, AB T3E 7J9 Phone: (403) 240-7924 admissions@clearwateracademy.com clearwateracademy.com

Accredited Nursery, Pre-Kindergarten, ECS, Grades 1 – 6, Grades 7- 9 140 Haddon Road SW, Calgary, AB T2V 2Y3 Phone: (403) 258-1312 • Fax: (403) 258-3812 office@akiva.ca www.halpernakivaacademy.ca

Columbia College

Greek Community School of Calgary

Accredited / Eligible for Funding Grades 10 – 12 802 Manning Road NE, Calgary, AB T2E 7N8 Phone: (403) 235-9300 • Fax: (403) 272-3805 Columbia@Columbia.ab.ca www.columbia.ab.ca

Accredited / Eligible for Funding Grades K - 6 1 Tamarac Crescent SW, Calgary, AB T3C 3B7 Phone: (403) 246-4553 • Fax: (403) 246-8191 admin@calgaryhellenic.com; greekschool@calgaryhellenic.com www.calgaryhellenic.com/Our-School

Delta West Academy

Janus Academy

Accredited / Eligible for Funding JK, K, Grades 1- 12 414 - 11A Street NE, Calgary, AB T2E 4P3 Phone: (403) 290-0767 • Fax: (403) 290-0768 www.deltawestacademy.ca

Accredited / Eligible for Funding Grades 1 - 12 2223 Spiller Road SE, Calgary, AB T2G 4G9 Phone: (403) 262-3333 • Fax: (403) 693-2345 contact@janusacademy.org www.janusacademy.org

Eastside Christian Academy Accredited / Eligible for Funding ECS – 9 Home Schooling Options 1320 Abbeydale Drive SE, Calgary, AB T2A 7L8 Phone: 403-569-1003 • Fax: (403) 569-7557 admin@eastsidechristianacademy.ca www.eastsidechristianacademy.ca Offers Home Education Blended Program

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Khalsa School Calgary Educational Foundation Accredited / Eligible for Funding ECS, Grades 1- 6, Grades 7 - 9 245228 Conrich Road, Calgary, AB T2M 4L5 Phone: (403) 293-7712 • Fax: (403) 293-2245 cheryl.steadman@khalsaschoolcalgary.ca

JANUARY 2021 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

Accredited / Eligible for Funding Toddler, Preschool, ECS, Grades 1- 9 2634 12 Ave NW, Calgary AB T2N 1K6 Toddler, Preschool, ECS 1721 29 Ave SW, Calgary AB T2T 6T7 403-668-8538 info@mmec.ca www.mmec.ca

Montessori School of Calgary Accredited / Eligible for Funding, A.M.I accredited Preschool (3-6 yrs), Grades 1- 6 2201 Cliff Street SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2G4 Phone: (403) 229-1011 • Fax: (403) 229-4474 admissions@msofc.ca www.montessorischoolofcalgary.com

Mountain View Academy Accredited / Eligible for Funding ECS, Grades 1- 6, Grades 7- 9, Grades 10 – 12 3915 34 Street NE, Calgary, AB T1Y 6Z8 Phone: (403) 217-4346 • Fax: (403) 249-4312 Office@mountainviewacademy.ca www.mountainviewacademy.ca

New Heights School and Learning Services Accredited / Eligible for Funding D.S.E.P.S. | ECS, Preschool (2 ½ - 6 years), Grades 1– 12 2521 Dieppe Avenue SW, Calgary, AB T3E 7J9 Phone: (403) 240-1312 info@newheightscalgary.com www.newheightscalgary.com

North Point School for Boys Accredited - Independent School that taps into boys’ natural curiosity and energy as a foundation for live-long learning.

Grades K-11 2445 – 23rd Avenue SW Calgary, AB T2T 0W3 Phone: 403-744-5214 info@northpoint.school www.northpoint.school

Je suis ingenieux...

Je suis

CFIS

I am innovative...

I am

CFIS

Today’s Education For Tomorrow’s Leaders Learn more at CFIS.com 700 77th St SW Calgary, AB 403.240.1500

Keely

– FROM JASPER, ALBERTA

I

originally decided to come to Shawnigan because of the Learning Centre, because I am dyslexic. It was exactly what I needed to help me with my academics and to prepare me for university.

The Learning Centre has such a positive way of thinking about learning differences. They strategize around individual needs, and support you with everything from taking tests to helping with homework. As a result, my grades are better than they have ever been. I used to be shy and embarrassed about my dyslexia, but now I feel confident and am able to advocate for myself. I used to be very reserved, and I wouldn’t ever raise my hand to answer a question or volunteer to read in class, but now I am willing to do all those things.

The outdoors are very important to me. I grew up in Jasper, Alberta, so I automatically grew up in the outdoors. I have loved being part of the Outdoors and Search & Rescue programs at Shawnigan. At this school, you get to take your learning to the next level and polish your skills. I did outdoors in my old school,

but it was super basic. Now, I am learning how to build a fire with a car battery and how to do high cliff rescues.

When I came to Shawnigan, my first unit in science was Astronomy. At the end of the unit, we went up to our campus observatory and I was mesmerized. My teacher then introduced me to the art of photographing and processing a night sky image. I worked on capturing the Orion Nebula and it took me about six months. I was very proud of that image. I completely fell in love with astrophotography – it is both science and art combined. I now mentor other students, and love teaching something I am so passionate about.

During COVID, I feel extremely fortunate to get to live in my boarding house with all of my friends. When I was home during school closures, I missed everyone so much, and I was definitely struggling not having that regular peer-topeer interaction. Shawnigan has made this campus so safe during COVID, and I feel like even though some things are different, life at Shawnigan continues very much the same as it used to and that’s because of the community we have. I feel very lucky to live here.

DIRECTORY // PRIVATE AND ALTERNATIVE SCHOOLS

Phoenix Education Foundation Accredited Kindergarten (k), Home Education (1-12) BlendEd (1-9) Online (1-9) 320 19 Street SE, Calgary, AB T2E 6J6 Phone: (403) 265-7701 • Fax: (403) 275-7715 info@phoenixfoundation.ca Offers Home Education Program

Renert School Accredited/ Funding Available Grades K-12 14 Royal Vista Link N.W Calgary, AB T3R 0K4 Phone: (403) 291-5038 Ext 1800 KimRalstin@renfreweducation.org www.renfreweducation.org

Renfrew Educational Services - Child Development Centre Accredited / Eligible for Funding ECS for typical children and children with disabilities 3820 – 24th Avenue NW, Calgary, AB T3E 6S5 Phone: (403) 291-5038 • Fax: (403) 291-2499 renfrew@renfreweducation.org www.refreweducation.org Door-to-door bussing available

Renfrew Educational Services Park Place Centre Accredited / Eligible for Funding, ECS for typical children and children with disabilities ECS for typical children and children with disabilities 3688 – 48th Avenue NE, Calgary, AB T2E 6S5 Phone: (403) 291-5038 • Fax: (403) 291-2499 renfrew@renfreweducation.org www.refreweducation.org Door-to-door bussing available

Renfrew Educational Services Bowness Centre Accredited / Eligible for Funding ECS for typical children and children with disabilities 8620 48th Avenue NW, Calgary, AB T2E 6S5 Phone: (403) 291-5038 • Fax: (403) 291-2499 renfrew@renfreweducation.org www.refreweducation.org Door-to-door bussing available

Renfrew Educational Services Janice McTighe Centre Accredited / Eligible for Funding ECS for typical children and children with disabilities and grades 1-6 for children with disabilities 2050 - 21 Street NE, Calgary, AB T2E 6S5 Phone: (403) 291-5038 • Fax: (403) 291-2499 renfrew@renfreweducation.org www.refreweducation.org Door-to-door bussing available

Renfrew Educational Services Assessment and Therapy Services For children, adolescents and adults Assessment, Counseling, Treatment and Consultation OT, PT, SLP, Psychology, Assistive Technology / Minimal wait time Extended hours / Offered at any Renfrew location in the city and in-homes KimLaCourse@renfreweducation.org

River Valley School Accredited / Eligible for Funding Pre-Junior Kindergarten (3 years) - Grade 6 3127 Bowwood Drive NW, Calgary, AB T3B 2E7 Phone: (403) 246-2275 • Fax: (403) 686-7631 admissions@rivervalleyschool.ca www.rivervalleyschool.ca

Rundle Academy Renfrew Educational Services Thomas W. Buchanan Centre Accredited / Eligible for Funding ECS for typical children and children with disabilities and grades 1-6 for children with disabilities 75 Sunpark Drive SE, Calgary, AB T2E 6S5 Phone: (403) 291-5038 ext 1601• Fax: 403 201 8212 renfrew@renfreweducation.org www.refreweducation.org Door-to-door bussing available

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Accredited / Eligible for Funding Grades 4-12 4330 - 16 Street SW, Calgary, AB T2T 4H9 Phone: (403) 250-2965 • Fax: (403) 250-2914 contactus@rundle.ab.ca www.rundle.ab.ca For students with learning disabilities

Rundle College Primary/Elementary School Accredited / Eligible for Funding • K-6 7615 – 17 Avenue SW Calgary, AB T3H 3W5 Phone: (403) 282-8411 • Fax: (403) 282-4460 Email: contactus@rundle.ab.ca www.rundle.ab.ca

JANUARY 2021 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

Rundle College Society Accredited / Eligible for Funding Comminucations Department 7379 17th Avenue SW, Calgary, AB T3H 3W5 Phone: (403) 291-3866 contactus@rundle.ab.ca www.rundle.ab.ca For students with learning disabilities

Rundle College Junior Senior High School Accredited / Eligible for Funding • Grades 7 - 12 7375 - 17 Avenue SW, Calgary, AB T3H 3W5 Phone: (403) 250-7180 • Fax: (403) 250-7184 Email: contactus@rundle.ab.ca • www.rundle.ab.ca

Shawnigan Lake School 1975 Renfrew Rd. Shawnigan Lake , BC V0R 2W1 Phone : (250) 743-6232 www.shawnigan.ca

St. John Bosco Private School Accredited / Eligible for Funding ECS, Grades 1- 6, Grades 7- 9 712 Fortalice Cres SE, Calgary, AB T2A 2E1 Phone: (403) 248-3664 • Fax: (403) 273-8012 stjohnbosco@shaw.ca

Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School STS develops well-balanced students for a life of purpose by inspiring excellence in scholarship, leadership and character. STS offers academic excellence as Alberta’s only full, K – Grade 12, IB independent school. STS offers a rich learning environment where students can expect more, including: small class sizes, integrated learning, over 90 co-curricular activities, city-wide bussing and scholarships, in unique, rural surroundings.

RR 2, Okotoks, AB T1S 1A2 Phone: 403-938-8326 • admissions@sts.ab.ca www.strathconatweesdsmuir.com City-wide bussing. Small class sizes. 220-acre campus minutes from Calgary.

Tanbridge Academy Accredited / Eligible for Funding • K - Grade 9 178003 – 112 St. W. Foothills, AB T2S 0V8 (Corner of Hwy 22x and 53rd Street) Phone: (403) 259-3443 info@tanbridge.com www.tanbridge.com Bussing available

N

W

E

Leadership.

At Master’s, it’s more than a buzzword.

S

Introducing Imaginal Leadership In a world where change is happening all around us, we need strong leaders who see a better future and bring it to fruition with faith, hope, and love.

continue to work with international companies and think tanks. We have developed these experiences into a curriculum that specifically addresses innovation, design, collaboration, and futurism. We call this the Imaginal Leadership Program.

‘Leadership’ is not a buzzword at Master’s because we At Master’s Academy and College, we prepare our intentionally provide the environment, processes, and students to be Imaginal Leaders. Imaginal Leaders see, learn from, and create the future. They are the innovators, tools that the leaders of today and tomorrow need. inventors, and disruptors who transform our world.

Discover the Imaginal difference. Visit our website and book a tour today.

Since its inception almost 25 years ago, the mission of Master’s has been to create a breakthrough model of education and share it with the world. We are working in countries all over the world as more educators and schools see the Imaginal difference.

Throughout our history we have collaborated with global leaders in innovation and creativity; and we

masters.ab.ca

DIRECTORY // PRIVATE AND ALTERNATIVE SCHOOLS

The Chinese Academy Accredited / Eligible for Funding Grades 10 – 12, Saturday classes from Kindergarten to Grade 12. Classes held at: Sir John A Macdonald School, John G. Diefenbaker High School, St. Mary’s High School Office & Mailing Address: 191, 1518 Centre St.. NE Calgary AB T2E 2R9 Phone: (403) 777-7663 • Fax: (403) 777-7669 thechineseacademy@gmail.com “The largest heritage language school in Alberta.”

The Third Academy

Banff Hockey Academy Grades 7 – 12 • College bound hockey athletes Box 2242 Banff, Alberta T1L 1B9 Phone: 1-888-423-6369 • Fax: (403) 760-0868 registrar@banffhockey.ab.ca www.banffhockey.ab.ca

Calgary Christian School

Accredited / Eligible for Funding Grades 1- 6, Grades 7- 9, Grades 10 – 12 Bay 3, 510 – 77th Ave. SE Calgary, AB T2H 1C3 Phone: (403) 288-5335 • Fax: (403) 288-5804 info@thirdacademy.ca www.thirdacademy.ca

Preschool - Grade 12 Elementary Campus (Preschool - Grade 6): 2839 - 49th Street SW Secondary Campus (Grades 7-12): 5029 - 26 Avenue SW Calgary, Alberta Phone: (403) 242-2896 admissions@calgarychristianschool.com www.calgarychristianschool.com

Tyndale Christian School

Calgary Girls School

Accredited / Eligible for Funding ECS, Grades 1- 6, Grades 7- 9, Grades 10 – 12 28 Hart Estates Blvd. NE, Calgary, AB T1X 0L3 Phone: (403) 590-5881 • Fax: (403) 590-6998 tcs@tyndalecalgary.ca

Grades 4 - 9 6304 Larkspur Way SW, Calgary, AB T3E 5P7 Phone: (403) 220-0745 Judi.hadden@calgarygirlsschool.com www.calgarygirlsschool.com

Webber Academy Accredited / Eligible for Funding JK and Kindergarten, Grades 1 – 6, Grades 7- 9, Grades 10 – 12 1515 - 93 Street SW, Calgary, AB T3H 4A8 Phone: (403) 277-4700 • Fax: (403) 277-2770 hblake@webberacademy.ca www.webberacademy.ca

West Island College Accredited / Eligible for Funding Grades 7- 9, Grades 10 - 12 7410 Blackfoot Trail SE, Calgary, AB T2H 1M5 Main: (403) 255-5300 • Fax: (403) 252-1434 Admissions: (403) 444-0023 admissions@mywic.ca www.westislandcollege.ab.ca

Yufeng Chinese School Accredited / Eligible for Funding Grades 1- 6, Grades 7- 9, Grades 10 – 12 708 44 Avenue NW, Calgary, AB T2K 0J4 Phone: (403) 289-7876 • Fax: (403) 210-0261

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Alternative

Edge School for Athletes Accredited / Eligible for Funding Grades 4-12 33055 Township Road 250, Calgary, AB T3Z 1L4 Tel: (403) 246-6432 • Fax: (403) 217-8463 info@edgeschool.com Website:www.edgeschool.com

Glenmore Christian Academy Accredited JK to Grade 5, Grade 6-9 16520 – 24 Street, SW, Calgary, AB T2Y 4W2 (403) 254-9050 admissions@gcaschool.com www.gcaschool.com

Heritage Christian Academy Accredited / Eligible for Funding ECS, Grades 1- 12 2003 McKnight Boulevard, NE , Calgary, AB T2E 6L2 Phone: (403) 219-3201 • Fax: (403) 219-3210 www.hcacalgary.com

JANUARY 2021 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

Master’s Academy Accredited / Eligible for Funding ECS, Grades 1- 6 4414 Crowchild Trail SW, Calgary, AB T2T 5J4 Tel: (403) 242-7034 • Fax: (403) 242-3515 www.masters.ab.ca

Master’s College Accredited / Eligible for Funding Grades 7- 12 4414 Crowchild Trail SW Calgary, AB T2T 5J4 Tel: (403) 242-7034 • Fax: (403) 242-4629 www.masters.ab.ca

Menno Simons Christian School Accredited / Eligible for Funding ECS, Grades 1- 9 7000 Elkton Drive, SW, Calgary, AB T3H 4Y7 Tel: (403) 531-0745 • Fax: (403) 531-0747 linda.best@pallisersd.ab.ca www.mennosimonschristianschool.ca

Trinity Christian School Accredited / Eligible for Funding ECS, Grades 1- 9 #100, 295 Midpark Way SE, Calgary, AB T2X 2A8 Phone: (403) 254-6682 • Fax: (403) 254-9843 www.tcskids.com

Third Academy Independent Schools Innovates to provide Educational Choice for our New Normal

by Rennay Craats

S

ince 1997, Third Academy Independent Schools (TAIS) – now an Education System with four ‘schools’ – has provided programming choices for parents with special education needs. That includes students with learning disabilities, emotional/ behavioural concerns, physiological challenges including autism, and other medical conditions. These students’ needs are complex and parents come to Third Academy frustrated by lack of support previous. Third Academy provides small classrooms, specialized services, individualized programming, intensive supports, and a school-based team that understands students. TAIS’s vision: Student success.

Since 2016, TAIS has offered support to traditional home educators under the Willow Home Ed division.

This September, it expanded to include Shared Responsibility programming. This benefits families who are new to home education as the program is partially delivered remotely by an Alberta-Certified teacher and partially by the parent at home.

New for 2020-2021 is ursa: distance education programming for motivated students in Grades 1 through 12. ursa hired a team of experienced teachers and capped class size at 18, so students build strong relationships while receiving the attention and support they need to succeed.

“Distance Education is the new frontier in education.

No more crammed classrooms or rows of desks, no more ‘factory model’ of education. ‘Yes’ to programming flexibility tailored for each student,” says Mattu. “Every child deserves an excellent teacher with the requisite experience to deliver a quality distance education program.”

The global COVID-19 pandemic radically altered educational program delivery and Third Academy continues to innovate through it.

“When schools were required to close their doors, we were ready. After only one day we resumed instruction

through online and print-based delivery,” says Sunil Mattu, TAIS Executive Director. “We’ve adapted and offer new programming choices for the 1,700 students we serve.”

For families in Calgary, Third Academy continues to offer onsite programming with strict health protocols in place.

“To accommodate physical distancing and smaller cohorts, we’ve added a second campus for our special needs students. We can also provide a home-based learning program, either online or through print. It’s all about whatever works best for families while providing a quality education in a safe environment,” says Mattu.

This year, Mattu also established the LYNX program in the Bow Valley corridor. LYNX offers Distance Online programming for English Language Arts and Mathematics in the morning and cross curricular Social Studies, Science, Health, and Phys Ed experiential-based learning outdoors in the afternoon by an AlbertaCertified Teacher.

Third Academy Independent Schools continues to explore offering more innovative educational choices to Alberta families. In September 2021, they look forward to offering Early Childhood Services programming in the Calgary region. When asked about other new educational services, Mattu only smiles.

YOUR CHILD’S NEW CLASSROOM IS A BREATH OF FRESH AIR LYNX offers students in grade 6 through 9 an alternative to a conventional classroom. In this new normal, students will move beyond the textbook and physical classroom to visualize, experience, appreciate, and understand the world and their place within it.

Our program combines teacher-directed online instruction in Math and Language Arts with experiential learning in all other subjects.

Set in the Bow Valley, students join teachers and peers from all over Alberta with a maximum class size of 18 students.

Melanie Guest BKin BEd mguest@goursa.education | 403 688 6326 www.lynx.education

www.thirdacademy.ca

EXPLORE. CREATE. FLOURISH. PRESCHOOL - GRADE 6

At River Valley School, we cultivate and facilitate experiences that inspire and support academic excellence, creativity and personal growth for our students.

How we teach each student is based on who they are, how they learn and what engages them.

Book a tour and apply today!

WWW.RIVERVALLERYSCHOOL.CA

TEACHING BOYS curious, eager, & energetic

the way BOYS LEARN

North Point School for Boys taps into boys’ natural curiosity and energy as a foundation for life-long learning. A strong academic program is just the beginning – we fuel motivation through real-life learning, digital platforms, and outdoor adventure developing well rounded, self-motivated, independent learners.

WE SPECIALIZE IN Personalized Learning Active Learning Small Class Sizes Character Development

WE OFFER Enhanced Math and Science program through Financial Academy and STEM Academy Annual Business Fair PEP Hockey Academy Grades K-11 (expanding to Gr. 12)

www.northpoint.school

Environments & Experiences to challenge & engage BOYS

LEARN MORE

OPEN HOUSE ,

FEBRUARY 24 @ 7PM

BOOK A SCHOOL TOUR www.northpoint.school/admissions

The Calgary Chamber is the voice of the business community.

We double down on commerce and work with businesses to create catalysts for growth.

Connecting Commerce

E

commerce has gained immense popularity throughout COVID-19, with Stats Canada reporting a 99% increase in ecommerce sales from March to May in 2020. With many businesses facing closures or restrictions on capacity, ecommerce has given retailers the opportunity to increase revenues and continue sales during a period where they could have been restricted.

For small businesses, launching an online store can be daunting task, it takes time and you need to consider products, inventory, shipping, operations and technology.

Through a unique partnership with Helcim, and KPMG Enterprise, the Chamber is stepping up to help businesses

by building online stores and accelerate the adoption of ecommerce in Calgary.

This is a free program that businesses apply to, and once accepted will work with local students to receive a fully functional online store.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has eroded customer bases, threatened supply chains, and broken business models entirely,” says Murray Sigler, interim CEO of the Calgary Chamber. “But the creativity, grit and adaptability of our business community are unshaken. On the road to economic recovery, the Chamber will be there to support business

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // JANUARY 2021

67

every step of the way, alongside our partners, as we have done for nearly 130 years.”

Connecting Commerce will enable a local office furnishing store to streamline sales of a new product line, tailored for remote work. It will allow a social enterprise to expand its sales of boardgames designed to increase financial literacy in children. And it will provide a local spa with a new revenue

stream by selling hair and beauty products online. These are just a few examples and we look forward to sharing many more in the months to come.

If your business is interested in getting an online store, visit: calgarychamber.com/connecting-commerce for more information.

Survey: COVID-19 Impact on Business

O

ur business community has faced unparalleled disruption and uncertainty through the COVID-19 pandemic. To better understand the challenges they are facing and the strategies they are deploying to adapt, we conducted a round of public opinion research.

An overwhelming majority of businesses in Calgary saw their revenues decrease on average by nearly half, and had to reduce their workforce and/or reduce hours and wages.

To stay afloat, a majority of Calgary businesses leveraged government support programs such as the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy and the Canada Emergency Business Account.

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JANUARY 2021 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

And while most feel prepared for a second round of public health restrictions, most Calgary businesses believe Alberta’s economy is worsening. We do see Calgary’s entrepreneurial spirit shining through when we consider the next three years, with most businesses feeling somewhat or very optimistic about Alberta’s economic prospects.

One thing is clear. In times of crisis, businesses and government must work together. A majority of Calgary businesses gave all levels of government positive marks for the way they have handled the COVID-19 pandemic.

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HESCO: Still Agile at 100 The food service company always looks ahead to meet the industry’s changing and challenging needs

by Nerissa McNaughton

H

ESCO is a kitchen design and supply company that creates efficient, modern, eco-friendly food service spaces for restaurants, corporations, institutions, oil and gas camps, and hotels. Established in 1921, the company has consistently evolved to meet a changing market. As HESCO prepares to celebrate 100 years in business, the brand pivots again, taking on the new challenges ushered in by the pandemic.

Takeout containers and pickup stations for individuals, SkipTheDishes and Uber Eats drivers are just a few of ways HESCO is innovating and leading in the food service industry.

The story of HESCO began in 1921 when founder R.J. Talbot opened the doors to supply a growing restaurant sector in Edmonton with appliances, HESCO || Celebrating 100 Years

71

In 2015, HESCO expanded to Calgary in a move that Adam Ungarian vice president, sales calls, “an opportunity to diversify in two markets.” cleaning supplies, utensils and linens. Larry and Doris Ungarian and their son Adam bought HESCO in 2006 and expanded the business model to include designing and building commercial kitchens.

In 2015, HESCO expanded to Calgary in a move that Adam Ungarian vice president, sales calls, “an opportunity to diversify in two markets.”

“We have nine people in the Calgary branch there, including four designers and they are all very busy with a variety of projects, including projects in Banff and Vancouver,” says Ungarian. “The decision to expand to Calgary was an easy one as we were already doing a lot of work in the area. Our partner, Bryan Connell, had the opportunity to move there with his family and start up the branch with us. Having face-to-face communication and relationships with our clients is important, and having a presence in Calgary enables us to do this in southern Alberta.

HESCO || Celebrating 100 Years || 2

In 2017, Cory Wagner joined as president and spearheaded the implementation of technology that would make HESCO even more agile and customer-focused.

With projects that see them outfitting oil and gas camps, upgrading food service in daycares, providing outstanding design for corporate breakrooms, and – of course – transforming old and new restaurants and chains across western Canada, there isn’t a project

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HESCO isn’t willing to take on. Currently HESCO is renovating an airplane hangar into a banquet facility, among other projects that run the gamut from $20,000 to $5 million.

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Ungarian and Wagner feel both humbled and proud that HESCO has continued to grow even though the COVID-19 pandemic has been particularly hard on the food service industry. They credit this ongoing success to their ability to consult, design for, and provide 10:05:47 AM products for any industry, not just restaurants; HESCO’s ability to pivot; and the strong relationships they have carefully cultivated over the years.

WELL DONE!

“Our team stands out,” says Ungarian. “At the end of the day, food service companies sell a lot of the same products, so it comes down to relationships. You can make promises but if you don’t live up to your word, you lose customers.

Wagner agrees, adding, “Networking and communicating with the team and with customers is also very important to us, and are key components of our success.”

a Congr

tu

s n o i t a l

on your 100th

Anniversary!

One of the ways the company is proving its agility and responsiveness is how quickly it expanded its product line during the pandemic. In addition to supplying HESCO customers with face shields, masks, gloves, anti-theft hand sanitizing stations, and cleaning supplies, the company offers a line of ecofriendly compostable food packaging containers that keep food hot and fresh for takeout and delivery, while allowing the restaurant to remain committed to reducing landfill waste. This option is very much needed in a time when restaurants are doing everything they can to safely serve customers and keep their doors open, despite dining curfews and reduced seating capacity.

Calgary restrictions on indoor gatherings pushed many restaurants to not only reduce or close diningin service, but to create takeout menus and offer delivery. Despite working hard in the past to reduce

brownefoodservice.com

HESCO || Celebrating 100 Years || 4

Wagner agrees, adding, “Networking and communicating with the team and with customers is also very important to us, and are key components of our success.”

Congratulations HESCO Foodservice Ltd. on your 100 th year anniversary!

Cheers to another 100 years of successful business From everyone at Team WR Canada’s Leading Distributor of Food Store & Beverage Equipment Since 1946!

1232 - 36 Avenue NE

Calgary, AB

T2E 6M8

P: 888.443.1946

info@wr.ca

wr.ca

CONGRATULATIONS HESCO FOOD SERVICE ON 100 YEARS! NEW PRODUCT APPROVED FOR CANADA The Rubbermaid AutoFoam Enriched Foam Alcohol Hand Sanitizer formula dispenses Dye and fragrance free.

• Dispenses in a light, airy consistency • High-capacity refill delivers up to 2,500 doses • Kills 99% of germs • Active Ingredient: 75% (v/v) Ethyl Alcohol maintain hand hygiene.

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the use of plastic containers and cutlery, for many, the only option in keeping the doors open was to stock up on single-use wares. HESCO’s solution of biodegradable takeout containers and cutlery offers an affordable solution.

In addition to PPE, biodegradable takeout containers, and other items that help restaurants weather the storm of COVID-19, HESCO provides a variety of products that business owners can use to expand their services and offer increased safety to their teams. For example, an event planning company can purchase slushie machines to rent to families celebrating milestones at home. Daycares and other facilities

REVOLUTIONARY GREEN TECHNOLOGY LumeCel’s innovative green energy system is the next generation for all of Rubbermaid’s battery-powered washroom products.

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HESCO || Celebrating 100 Years || 5

“We cater to any market, breaking the mold of what people think we are,” says Wagner. “Everyone in any industry is a customer.”

benefit from dishwashers and fridges with safer coolants and chemicals.

“We cater to any market, breaking the mold of what people think we are,” says Wagner. “Everyone in any industry is a customer.”

With their finger on the pulse of the food service industry, Ungarian and Wagner are also aware of the ever-growing influence of the Food Network, Cooking Channel, and other shows that promote food and food service.

www.championindustries.com

Congratulations HESCO on 100 Years of business excellence!

Congratulations HESCO Food Service Ltd.

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Give Your Operation The Power To Succeed

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“What cooking channels have done is made the chef lifestyle sexy,” admits Wagner. “It has created a young and budding group of very talented, sophisticated chefs in our cities. When you look at the chefs now, they are in their early 20s and 30s; the industry has benefited from the younger generation getting into food service.”

Ungarian adds, “Everyone likes to eat, and many people want to open a restaurant. We see, understand, and respond to this influence.”

The new generation of chefs are very interested in being as efficient as possible while minimizing waste. To accommodate both longstanding and the newest influx of clients, HESCO recently purchased a fabrication shop to move the creation, innovation, and manufacturing of stainless steel appliances in-house.

Through its own facility HESCO works with chemists and engineers to reduce the amount of chemicals needed in its appliances, and to replace parts and liquid solutions with safer long-term options.

HESCO has had many successes over the past 100 years and continues to be the company of choice to take brands like JW Marriot, Chopped Leaf, The Canadian Brewhouse, and more into the future with sustainably run, efficient kitchens. Ungarian and 8:40 AMWagner are particularly proud of HESCO’s work on JW Marriot Edmonton ICE District, where project restrictions only allowed contractors on site during certain hours, and deliveries were only permitted in the wee hours of the morning. HESCO had the expertise to work within these parameters and deliver the project (a catering kitchen, two dining kitchens, bars) on time.

“We are currently building a massive food service facility for the Kitimat LNG project,” says Ungarian. “This project will service a 5,000+ person workcamp.”

www.celco.ca Give Your Operation The Power To Succeed

HESCO || Celebrating 100 Years || 6

Despite being busy with a variety of projects across an even greater variety of industries, HESCO finds

safest products and services, HESCO looks forward to another century of success.

Ungarian and Wagner conclude, “The future is about growth: growth in market share, growth of the core business, growth geographically, and growing into new segments.”

Learn more about HESCO’s history and exciting future by following the brand on Facebook and by visiting www.hesco.ca.

time to give back. Being community minded is of the utmost importance to the entire team in Edmonton and Calgary, which is why you’ll find HESCO employees and management volunteering, sponsoring events, collecting bottles for charity and supporting local food banks.

As HESCO gears up to celebrate 100 years, the brand proudly looks back on its roots. Talbot’s foresight in seeing how the restaurant industry in Edmonton would grow, the Ungarian’s vision of expanding into commercial kitchens and opening up a branch in Calgary, Wagner’s proactivity in moving up the company to a technological focus, and the many projects of all sizes provide a firm foundation for future success. With the fast move to biodegradables to help restaurants maintain low carbon loads while adapting to new industry needs, and with a variety of products and in-house engineering to provide best quality,

6023 - 4th Street S.E. Calgary, AB Toll-Free Phone: (844) 475-3300 Phone: (403) 475-3300 Fax: (403) 475-3302 Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm

www.hesco.ca

Congratulations ON 100 YEARS!!

from your friends at

HESCO || Celebrating 100 Years || 7

PARKER’S PEN // DAVID PARKER

Parker’s Pen

BY DAVID PARKER

I

’m a big fan of the several ‘Buy Local’ campaigns as a way of trying to help some of our hard-hit retailers, so the increasing number of people buying online is annoying.

I live on a fairly quiet street where COVID-19 has seen an increase in walkers going by – even without dogs – which is good. But so have the number of trucks delivering for UPS, Purolator, FEDEX and the like. No help for Calgary businesses.

Disappointing, as they are the ones who support our embattled charities.

A good example is Village Brewery that has donated more than $850,000 to local charities since launching 10 years ago.

Company Christmas parties didn’t happen but the good people over at MNP took that expense and gave it to its around 500 Calgary team members in the form of gift cards to be redeemed at locally owned restaurants. And also donated cash to the Salvation Army and food bank.

I’m all for supporting local although it’s a mistake for all of our giving to stay here. So many worthwhile organizations around the world are also much in need, and it does feel good to buy a goat for a family in Malawi. To get yourself a local feel try Calgary-based Operation Eyesight, HOPEthopia or CAWST.

Before Calgary we lived in a semi-detached home, so I had to learn a new word - duplex. Over the years it became “side-by-side” and now a new descriptor – “paired home.” Is that any better?

A little sad to see the Corral buried in a heap of dust as many must have good memories of being in the iconic building. My first recollection was as a wide-eyed young man outside the doors dancing around the Sun-Dance Tree with artist Dick van den Hoogen and members of the Blackfoot Nation thanks to my old friend Chief Ben Calf Robe of the bridge fame.

Glad I don’t have to use social media like Facebook, or blogs and podcasts, but I do understand the adverse effect they are having on other media.

It costs to keep Canadians in the know with information gathered by trusted journalists. According to an article by Diane Francis, while newspaper revenues declined 43 per cent between 2014 and 2019, Google increased 113 per cent and Facebook by 387 per cent. Yet they continue to link news articles with the use of uncompensated material.

Pocketing on the backs of journalists, which promoted a campaign of David Versus Two Goliaths.

Being always interested in words I’m fascinated as to why they disappear from language and new ones get added, but I fail to see why marketing is changing them so rapidly.

“Basements” have been replaced by “lower levels,” and I noticed a corporate appointment of someone named as Chief Brand and People Officer!

78

JANUARY 2021 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

Final Words Live simply, that others may simply live.

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