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Supporting the visions of entrepreneurs one story at a time

Contents

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Volume 25 | Number 5

PUBLISHERS

On our cover…

EDITOR

Left to right: David Symons, Robert Spaetgens, Brian Corkum, Linus Murphy.

Pat Ottmann & Tim Ottmann John Hardy

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ART DIRECTOR

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CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER

www.businessincalgary.com

COPY EDITORS

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Jessi Evetts

ADMINISTRATION

Nancy Bielecki nancy@businessincalgary.com Melissa Arthur info@businessincalgary.com Denise Templeton denise@businessincalgary.com

REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS Richard Bronstein Frank Atkins David Parker Lonnie Tate

THIS ISSUE’S CONTRIBUTORS Dan Cooper Colleen Wallace Nerissa McNaughton Laura Bohnert Cassandra McAuley Andrea Mendizabal

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Supporting the visions of entrepreneurs one story at a time

Contents

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Volume 25 | Number 5

64

THIS MONTH’S FEATURES 26 • Urbanomics | Urban Development Discussion: The Redevelopment Challenge

Nimbys and other speedbumps | By John Hardy

44 • ByForestry in Alberta Laura Bohnert 64 • Calgary City of Opportunity tourism is hot and getting hotter

By John Hardy

67 • ByPlanes, Trains, and Trucks Dan Cooper 72 • Can The New Recycling too much recycling be bad?

By Colleen Wallace

COMPANY PROFILES 77 • 310-DUMP Celebrates 20 Years 83 • Danatec Celebrates 30 Years 87 • Amaranth Whole Foods Market Celebrates 20 Years

91 • ByGeneration Gapping the Game John Hardy

72

REGULAR COLUMNS 16 • ByA Hollywood Ending Richard Bronstein 18 • ByTheFrank Question of a Single Securities Regulator Atkins 20 • Investing in U.S. Vacation Properties?

Be Cautious!

By Lonnie Tate

100 • Leading Business 105 • Current The Calgary Report developments for Calgary Telus Convention Centre, Tourism Calgary, Calgary Economic Development, and Innovate Calgary

110 • Marketing Matters

By David Parker

14 • May 2015 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | businessincalgary.com

91

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A Hollywood Ending • Richard Bronstein

BY RICHARD BRONSTEIN

A Hollywood Ending

T

he answer to the California water crisis lies in Hollywood. The 1974 murder-mystery film “Chinatown,” starring Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway, had as its backstory the California Water Wars of the early 20th century that turned Los Angeles from a modest city into the great metropolis it is today.

The famed Mulholland Drive in the Santa Monica Mountains is named for William Mulholland, a city engineer who masterminded the series of aqueducts that brought (some say stole) precious water from the Owens Valley to L.A. Transferring water in southern California was a cause boosted

by Harry Chandler, son-in-law of Harrison Gray Otis, one of the founders of the influential Los Angeles Times newspaper.

The Chandler family also had the foresight to start buying raw land in the San Fernando Valley – how did they know the water was going to come? – and their newspaper became a vehicle to promote the real estate industry.

In the booming postwar period, the L.A. Times was headed

by Chandler’s son Norman, whose wife Dorothy Buffum Chandler was active in civic affairs and built the Los Angeles Music Center. The main auditorium is named the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.

So next time you are in L.A. visiting the tourist sites, remember that none of this would have been possible without the questionable dealings of early Angelinos to promote massive water diversion to the southern part of the state.

But with several years of severe drought in California and other parts of the American southwest, with some linking this to global climate change, the party may be over for L.A. The state governor, Jerry Brown, has recently ordered immediate and sweeping limitations on the use of water across all sectors of the economy. All water districts – except for agriculture – have to reduce water use by 25 per cent.

Many people are mad at the farming industry because it uses 80 per cent of California’s water supply.

But many others, if you read California media, are saying that, “We all knew this day was coming and did nothing to prevent it and have no idea what to do next.” Ah, the perfect movie plot – weather zombies are stealing our water and we’re all going to die unless . . .?

Although it is not our fight, yet, Albertans should pay

16 • May 2015 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | businessincalgary.com

some attention to how they handle the water crisis in California, because we may well be next.

Similar to California, snowpacks in the mountain ranges of Alberta and British Columbia are diminishing. A report by a University of British Columbia professor in the journal Nature Geoscience indicates that 70 per cent of the glacier ice in Alberta and B.C. could disappear by 2100 because of rising temperatures.

Loss of glaciers alone won’t cause Calgary to dry up because most of our water comes from rain and snowfall.

But less water from the Bow Glacier could change the Bow River from a prime cold-water trout stream into a warmwater bass-fishing river.

Water scientist David Schindler of the University of Alberta is the co-author of a paper for the U.S. National Academy of Sciences that talks about “an impending water crisis in Canada’s western Prairie provinces.”

Schindler says, “In the near future, climate warming, via its effects on glaciers, snowpacks and evaporation, will combine with cyclical drought and rapidly increasing human activity in the western Prairie provinces to cause a crisis in water quantity and quality with far-reaching implications.”

I’m not entirely clear how Alberta can develop a long-range water policy when we still officially believe that nothing substantial has to be done about carbon and climate change.

Apart from that obvious contradiction, we nevertheless need a mechanism of some sort to examine our looming water crisis.

I think on a large issue such as this – water is life after all – it must not degenerate into a political bunfight pitting farmers against developers and investors against politicians.

All the usual interest groups think only about the short-term horizon, how to make a quick return today.

That’s what the California Water Wars were all about – how to turn a dollar. And California is now in crisis because of that original sin.

What we need to promote a realistic adult conversation about water use is an independent, citizen-led roundtable.

The province of Alberta could advance this objective by appointing a Royal Commission on water.

Otherwise I see the jaded Jack Nicholson with that horrible scarred nose haunting our dreams. BiC

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The Question of a Single Securities Regulator • Frank Atkins

By Frank Atkins

T

The Question of a Single Securities Regulator

here was a brief public debate surrounding the creation of a single securities regulator in Canada. As with a lot of political initiatives, this debate quietly slipped into the background, leaving the impression that creation of the single securities regulator was a done deal.

Indeed, in a recent article in the Calgary Herald, Deborah Yedlin expressed the view that “the train has left the station” and this policy is a done deal – only the details need to be worked out. I think that we need to open up the debate, and think very carefully about the potential ramifications of this policy.

One of the major problems here is the conflict between politics and economics. It could be argued that this conflict dates all the way back to Confederation. The founding fathers envisioned a unification of regions, which would be a strong political alliance. The reality in 1867, which remains a fact of life today, is that Canada does not make a lot of sense from an economic perspective. This is somewhat to the European Union, which is a political union but a strange economic union.

The fact that we have a political union with diverse regional economies means that we need to have policies that exploit this regional diversity.

Regional competition is good, and can lead to new ideas and new products. However, this can only be accomplished if each region is allowed to raise capital in a manner that

suits regional needs. The investment banking sector is dominated by the major commercial banks and they are using their dominant position to crowd out independent investment bankers. This could lead (and some say this has already happened) to restricted access to capital by growing companies. If access to capital is

It seems to me that creation of a single securities regulator is one more political initiative designed to make Canada look like a homogeneous economic country. dominated by the major commercial banks, then this regional diversity is going to be stifled. This problem will be made worse by the creation of a single securities regulator.

It seems to me that creation of a single securities regulator is one more political initiative designed to make Canada look like a homogeneous economic country. As with almost all policies of this sort, there will be what is politely referred to as unintended consequences that will not be good for

18 • May 2015 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | businessincalgary.com

the Canadian economy. One perfect example of this type of policy is the system of transfers that we generally refer to as equalization. This policy is designed to help regional economies that are referred to as “have-nots.” The reality of the policy is that we have created subsidy dependent regions.

So, the question becomes, why is the federal government pushing so hard for this policy? I cannot help but think that the federal government’s central objective is not to implement a new policy in the financial sector, but rather to implement some sort of constitutional structural change.

The federal government may be once again trying to implement a policy designed to make Canada look like a homogenous political union. That is, the federal government may be deliberately putting bad regulatory structure ahead of good regulatory policy. This will inevitably lead to another equalization-type economic result, where potential economic gains from exploiting regional diversity are buried under the political desire to appear to have a strong political union. From this perspective, creation of a single securities regulator will ultimately be compared to equalization, hindering economic development at the expense of political desires. BiC Frank Atkins is an associate professor of economics at the University of Calgary, and research chair, finance and capital markets, at the Frontier Centre for Public Policy.

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investing in U.S. vacation properties? Be Cautious! • Lonnie Tate

BY LONNIE TATE

Investing in U.S. Vacation Properties?

Be Cautious!

I

condominiums are microcosms of Congress. People run for t is no secret my wife and I spend six months a year the board, raise money for campaigns, run on platforms and in Palm Springs. We love it. We bought in 2008, have polarize their positions. They even talk about acting in a lost some of our capital and we will likely lose some bipartisan way. Don’t believe me? Ask any snowbird friend. more upon exiting. And we would not change any of our But this is America you say. There are laws; it is a democracy decisions in getting to this point. where fairness and equity matter. Practically speaking, it does We have acquired a great set of new friends. The Americans for the five per cent, much less so for the 95 per cent. are a friendly lot and the people at the Desert Princess (where In California, the state has codified much of its common our home is) are no exception. We have gravitated towards law in a variety of acts. Condominiums are subject to the folks like us and there are a ton of them. They are the vast Davis-Stirling Act – part of the California Civil Code. Seen majority of people at our community (as they are in most in the light of simplifying common law wisdom, it is pretty communities in the Palm Springs area). good. The language is readable, almost conversational.

But … were we starting into the process today, our view and Score one for the common man. approaches would be quite different. For starters, we would But, because the civil code is a gathering rent. Extended rentals are available in of common laws, there are no penalties virtually every community. Give or for breaking the law. Hard to believe, but take a little, renting for six months Have you just had true. Remedy of injustice lies with civil is in the ballpark of 12 months of litigation. Have you just had an “aha” carrying costs if you purchase the an “aha” moment? moment? Now you know why litigation is same property. such a big part of California life.

Flexibility is the key. The big Now you know why Let me go on. A litigator acquaintance advantage is you keep your capital in of mine tells me (in so many words): you your jeans. If the world goes sideways, litigation is such a big snowbirds are mush-balls. A bunch of your capital is in good pockets. The namby-pamby homeowners who show inner workings of most California part of California life. up for a while … get worked over … get desert condominiums are (at best) worked up … and then leave … only to treacherous. You won’t go far wrong come back next year. Without persistent, if you work on the concept that all dedicated effort, snowbirds are not in the desert long enough managements are poor, but some are better than others. to effect change (i.e., if the lifers get it wrong, you have to When shopping, you will not be able to tell the difference. sue the turkeys and that takes time and money).

And even if you find a good one, there is always the My litigator friend will tell you that Canadian snowbirds inevitability of change. are particularly vulnerable. They are visitors to the country Here is how it works. All these places are run by lifers – and have little status. Moreover, they are Canadians used between 20 and 30 people who live in the community year to legal practices and protocols of Canada. They are neither round and they care. They will be less than five per cent aware of nor tough enough to withstand the rigours of of the population and control nearly 100 per cent of the American political and legal life. decision-making. They will be well-meaning in a pejorative So … be cautious. What you see will not be what you get way. The 95 per cent who are snowbirds are welcomed back and you probably do not understand how to remedy that. every year – a necessary evil - somebody has to pay.

Oh! Did I say my wife and I look forward to being back in They are often part of the five per cent who run the the desert next season? BiC U.S.; think about Congress and how well it runs. Most 20 • May 2015 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | businessincalgary.com

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PROFILE

Helping Calgary’s Most Vulnerable

By David Parker

A

nn McCaig was apologetic for being a couple of minutes late for our appointment to discuss her involvement with RESOLVE; but there was good reason as she had to attend to a couple of young people as chair of the Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre (AARC).

McCaig is one of Canada’s most prominent leaders in the not-for-profit sector. She is generous with her time supporting many good causes including the Calgary Health Trust, where she currently serves as chair of the board. She also chairs the Calgary Stampede Foundation and recently gave leadership to a successful campaign for the Stampede which surpassed its goal of $100 million by raising $131 million for several priorities including a new Youth Campus.

An obvious question was: why she did not hesitate in giving even more of her time to join the cabinet of RESOLVE in its efforts to solve Ann McCaig, one of Canada’s most prominent leaders in the not-for-profit sector a societal issue that cries out for action? Her immediate response was, “How can you say no to this campaign? Homelessness is an issue that affects us all and, if we don’t help, then who will? It’s not was the coming together of the nine agencies and their someone else’s problem.” volunteers who, by working together, can do so much more McCaig is very proud of her Tisdale, Saskatchewan roots than their individual efforts. but Calgary has been home for over 40 years and she works She says she loves the word RESOLVE because it makes hard to make it a better place. And she well understands a clear statement that the problem can – and will – be that eradicating homelessness will go a long way to make solved. She is thankful in so many ways to the committed Calgary a safe, friendly and livable city. involvement of her other cabinet members, who have shown Her involvement with AARC has exposed her to many such good leadership in explaining and promoting the cause vulnerable adolescents and she appreciates that people are and who have been so generous with their donations. She kinder and more creative when they are respected and feel cites, in particular, the provincial government and the valued. group of Calgary homebuilders who have each donated $1.4 She says RESOLVE helps put people in homes while also million in response to the need. helping to remove the stigma of homelessness, and causes McCaig says, “I love being involved with RESOLVE people to rethink stereotypes instead of passing quick because it directly helps those most vulnerable. It makes a judgment on others. statement about what Calgarians value and the fact that we One of the key factors that got her enthused about RESOLVE back up our words with appropriate actions.”

RESOLVECalgary.ca

RESOLVE is a partnership of nine leading social service agencies with one simple goal: building affordable rental housing for 3,000 homeless and vulnerable Calgarians. We’re working directly with government, business and community leaders to put roofs over heads and end homelessness in Calgary.

Learn more at RESOLVECalgary.ca

We’d like to recognize our Cabinet of business and community leaders for helping make RESOLVE a reality.

Honorary Patrons: Dick & Lois Haskayne Steve Snyder Betty Ann Smith

Alan Norris, Chair John Brussa Trevor Daroux Stephanie Felesky Randy Findlay Charlie Fischer Jim Gray

Bob Hamilton Tim Hearn Craig Hill Ken King Sam Kolias Ann McCaig Grit McCreath

Bill Sembo Michelle Thrush Mac Van Wielingen Chris Wallace Jay Westman

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| BUSINESS IN CALGARY May 2015 • 25

URBANOMICS | Urban Development Discussion

The Redevelopment Challenge NIMBYs and other speedbumps |

D

BY JOHN HARDY

espite the direct and indirect impact of the recent oil price broadsides, in many ways Calgary continues to boom and is nationally and internationally acknowledged as a dynamic city. It is respected for its stable economy, as a business centre, a head office hub, a magnet attracting more than 30,000 new residents every year as well a hot draw for Canadian and international tourism.

To accommodate the solid growth in the economy and the migration, the Calgary region is also proving to be a boom for residential and commercial development. And primarily due to Calgary’s Municipal Development Plan (MDP,) the city is also proving to be a hotbed of redevelopment.

Calgary’s MDP, also called Plan It Calgary, is a complex but specific policy document passed by council in 2009, integrating the city’s MDP with the Calgary Transportation Plan (CTP). It details how Calgary will evolve, develop and adjust to accommodate about 1.5 million more people in the next 60 years.

Plan It is laced with many sustainability and environmentdriven goals and targets. While it does include some single-family, inner-city suburb subdivisions, the prime focus is overwhelmingly on rapid-transit expansion and high-density development, especially near LRT stations. But some developers have concerns that the city’s original target of implementing Plan It over a 60-year period has been accelerated, creating a severely limited lack of approved land.

When it comes to targeted re development – the Plan It strategy for creating density in established areas the members of Calgary’s Urban Development Institute (UDI), representing a majority of Calgary’s residential developers,

26 • May 2015 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | businessincalgary.com

are urging discussion and resolution of some key issues: necessary infrastructure; levies and development charges and who should pay for what; and the complex and contentious issue of zoning which enables high-density development.

“Especially in the downtown area, Calgary must provide choice and affordability,” says the focused Trent Edwards, COO of Brookfield Residential Alberta. “Across North America there is growing market interest in urban and inner-city lifestyles and Calgary has a younger but diverse demographic and a growing demand for inner-city development.

“The problem is, we don’t have the supply to meet the demand. The challenge is implementing the details. Plan It Calgary has a vision but not a road.”

Jaydan Tait, vice president of Calgary infill communities with Brookfield Residential Alberta, echoes the positive but sometimes frustrated positon of some Calgary developers.

“Calgary is experiencing an exciting evolution in the way people choose to live, work and play in our communities.

More and more people and businesses are looking to live and be located closer to the urban core. More people are craving the amenities offered by living closer to downturn and a more diverse urban lifestyle.

“This market evolution is aligned with the City of Calgary’s overarching vision for a more compact urban form. Essentially, many people are saying they will forgo the suburban style for a more inclusive urban lifestyle. We see this as a return to a more traditional and sustainable way of living espoused by people for thousands of years.

“In fact, we are driven to design all of our communities, whether suburban or urban, based on the principles of

While it does include some single-family, inner-city suburb subdivisions, the prime focus is overwhelmingly on rapid-transit expansion and high-density development, especially near LRT stations.

charges and restrictive zoning –must be resolved if Calgary’s MDP can ever be achieved.

He compares Calgary’s redevelopment issues to Edmonton and other cities which have found an answer. “We need a Calgary solution. Maybe a catchment-based approach.

Maybe a levy structure created by a math formula to determine what are the required hard and soft costs. The province and the city must share some costs. Then the city, maybe based on front footage, could charge a consistent levy to every developer.

“Maybe ‘tax incremental financing,’ like the city’s East Village project, is interesting and worth looking at.”

And then there’s zoning. The city and UDI Calgary do agree that, particularly for the high-density redevelopment that is spelled out in Plan It, zoning is not only vital but a complex issue that is often a dragged-out and messy problem. A basic fact is that creating high-density, multi-family use redevelopment in established, inner-city areas requires zoning changes which (so far) the city is either slow or reluctant to tackle.

Most developers avoid the touchy but real zoning can of worms referred to as NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) when various issues can trigger some community and local politician pushback and NIMBY protest.

The height of a new building. The proposed use (like multi-family). The colour of the façade. Parking.

Even the roof pitch.

The classic Calgary example about draggedout NIMBY complications is the years of reviews, arguing, objections, forums and acrimony about the zoning bylaws to allow secondary suites in Calgary.

Whether it’s levies and development charges, making the system consistent to determining who pays, zoning and re-zoning, affordability and choice, some things never change.

Ultimately all things redevelopment, as all things Calgary, come down to the vote of 15 councillors.

But one factor is undisputable. “Developers and the Jaydan Tait, vice president of Calgary infill communities city must work in partnership,” Jaydan Tait says. BiC with Brookfield Residential Alberta

inclusiveness, variety and completeness,” he says. “Calgary is very good at designing, building and developing comprehensively designed master-planned suburban communities. We have far less experience doing this in established existing neighbourhoods.

“Plan It tells us we should do it, which Brookfield and other developers wholeheartedly want to do, but it does not inform us, the city and other community members how to do it. The city is struggling with how to make the inner-city vision a reality, including who pays for what.”

Tait speaks with positivity and refers to the irony that Calgary has a vibrant group of people who are craving the very lifestyle inherently championed by Plan It, but who are missing a concise road map devised about how to achieve it.

“Because of this, great opportunities to create inner-city complete communities that would be the envy of our city and our future residents are being missed.”

Edwards is also enthusiastic about the Plan It strategy to boost inner-city development but points out that the various municipal obstacles – like permits, levies, development

Trent Edwards, COO of Brookfield Residential Alberta

businessincalgary.com | BUSINESS IN CALGARY May 2015 • 27

Boosting Family Businesses The smarts, savvy and risks of traditions

F

or 30 years, the Canadian Association of Family Enterprise (CAFE) has been bringing families in business together, creating a forum to share knowledge and experience with the goal to build success in family enterprise. The Calgary chapter of CAFE has been in operation for 24 years, and CAFE Calgary’s unique mission ‘to support and encourage family business through education, advice, understanding and tolerance of those whom the business embraces’ has benefitted local family businesses by facilitating events that foster peer connections and the sharing of resources.

country. Stats and figures are unanimous. The health, strength and success of family businesses is critical to the stability of the Canadian economy.

Unlike huge empires like the Shaws, Molsons, Westons, Bentalls, Irvings or the Bronfmans, small to medium-size family businesses may not share giant dynasty challenges, but can share real-world family business issues.

The opportunity for advice, sharing information, comparing problems and solutions, communicating and networking are invaluable aspects of managing a Calgary family business.

The discouraging bad news, and the vital need for a resource like CAFE Calgary, is that for basic business and countless other reasons, fewer than 30 per cent of Canadian family businesses survive into the second generation, 12 per cent are still viable into the third generation and maybe three per cent of family businesses are still in business by the fourth generation or beyond.

A family business itself is of course unique unto itself – the particular dynamics of each business will not be the same – but the concept of strategies to work towards building and growing a successful business target the commonalities: the blessings, curses, challenges, sibling rivalry and frequently fragile feelings that impact day-to-day function and long-term future.

“There are many members of family businesses who deal with business problems but often feel isolated, assuming that only they face those challenges and situations,” says Todd Coleman, CAFE Calgary volunteer chair, and vice president, succession planning, Prairies Region with BMO Private Banking.

“In fact, many of the issues and problems are fairly common and universal with family businesses.”

The good news is that between 80 and 90 per cent of all businesses in Canada are small to mediumsize businesses – the vast majority being family owned – employing about six million people across the

CAFE members and other experts who offer guidance and advice to family businesses underscore the many positives – like family identity and pride, strong company culture, values and traditions – but they

Todd Coleman, CAFE Calgary volunteer chair and vice president, succession planning, Prairies Region with BMO Private Banking

The CAFE Calgary Awards Gala in March featured excellent presentations from this year’s two finalists, Kaizen Automotive Group and Nick’s Woodcraft. Following the presentations, the 2015 FEYA recipient, Kaizen Automotive Group, was announced by our judges. CAFE Calgary FEYA recipients are also eligible to be considered for the national CAFE Family Enterprise of the Year Awards.

Kaizen Automotive Group 2015 FEYA Award Recipient

“Most of our family, including in-law spouses, are involved in some capacity in the business and that is a valuable and overwhelming positive,” she says with enthusiasm. “There’s not much sibling rivalry because we are spread out in the various dealerships and not on top of each other all day. Besides, we talk four or five times a day about issues, business and strategy.

“A key aspect of a family business is also an important aspect of our success: communication. We’re transparent. We’re not playing head games and it’s all about the business. And when we have our group management meetings, we’re careful to check our egos at the door.”

Father Rick Romeril, who started in the Calgary auto sales, rental and leasing business some 35 years ago, is active as the Kaizen Automotive Group president. As his VP daughter explains, “My father looks after the ‘the big picture.’”

Seated: Rick Romeril Standing (L to R): Kristin Romeril, Jeff Romeril, Nate Clarke, Kyle Romeril

“There are definitely positives and some challenges about managing a family-owned business,” admits the upbeat and personable Kristin Romeril, general manager of Sunridge Nissan and vice president, operations import, of the Kaizen Automotive Group, the family business that consists of CMP Auto, Shaw GMC, Sunridge Nissan, Country Hills Hyundai, Strathmore Ford, Okotoks GM, Okotoks Nissan and Summit Truck Rentals, Summit Fleet Management and Summit Leasing.

“Most importantly, our family business is a great way for me to keep in contact with my four children and their spouses. They are solidly grounded and genuinely terrific people. I love them, I enjoy them and I completely trust them to do what is best for our company,” the father, father-in-law and the president says with pride.

“Of course I realize that family businesses have positives and challenges. In our business it’s always about the customer experience. But we approach everything pragmatically. We know and respect each other. We make sure things don’t get emotional and we keep the lines of communication open.

“Communications, relationships and rules are the most important aspects of a family business.

And it applies to all staff, including family. Rules without relationships equal rebellion.”

Nick’s Woodcraft 2015 FEYA Finalist

Calgary’s Nick Lobello is a happy and a lucky man. At home and at work he is surrounded by family. For every day of his remarkable 49-year career, his tremendous, creative and unique skill and workmanship, his values, his integrity, his work and his passion have earned a solid and respected personal and professional reputation which evolved into a special and very successful Calgary family business.

“My dad is deeply rooted in high standards, loyalty and tradition,” says Lisa Lobello, his daughter and director of Nick’s Woodcraft, the third-generation family business producing custom woodworking for commercial and residential clients from custom homes to restaurants, golf courses, major shopping centres and corporate offices throughout Calgary.

The company has built its exceptional reputation with outstanding work like stunning ceiling panels, fabulous cabinetry, sprawling and elegant boardroom tables and commercial interiors, including the big circular, elliptical panelling on the ceiling of Chinook Centre “And he is sharp and business savvy to realize that while the old school way of thinking may be easier, the world changes and business must keep up with the times and be contemporary.

“Sometimes a multigenerational family business requires patience. My dad still has a little trouble with ‘being managed’ but although my brother Guy (who is the company VP) and I are making most day-to-day decisions, Nick usually makes most major final decisions. And as much work and time as it involves, he still checks every piece before it leaves the shop.”

The infectiously personable and squinted smile of 72-year-old Nick Lobello is brighter than ever, now that the third generation of his family is hard at work in the family business. While his son and daughter are Nick’s Woodcraft senior management, his two grandsons have also chosen to “pay their dues” and join the company.

For Lisa Lobello, the uniqueness of a family business is invaluable. “Not only as my dad but as president of the company, he has the

Seated (L to R): Connie Lobello, Nick Lobello Standing (L to R): Nick Lobello Jr., Anna Lisa Lobello, Mike Lobello, Guy Lobello

ability to instil enthusiasm and a sense of pride and purpose in everyone who works with us.

Sometimes communication can be a problem in family businesses but we’re fortunate. We deal with everything, honestly and together.

“As a family, we have the opportunity to motivate and lead by high achievement and communication and it allows us to transform ideas into success.”

On the common obstacle of the family business overlapping into the family’s family life, she explains that her family has found a happy solution.

“We have frequent family meetings for detailed business matters. For special family occasions, we try to avoid talking business. It gives everybody a break and it’s important for our mom.”

Coleman outlines that CAFE Calgary brings family businesses together to share those common experiences, acquire information and advice and also to realize that other people are dealing with the same issues. are also candid about some common family business challenges, like sibling rivalry, decision-making, a sense of entitlement and communication skills about business matters.

Coleman outlines that CAFE Calgary brings family businesses together to share those common experiences, acquire information and advice and also to realize that other people are dealing with the same issues.

“Our personal advisory groups (PAG) are the core benefit of membership and an invaluable tool to share business and family challenges in a strictly confidential setting with peers who experience the same challenges on a daily basis. CAFE provides the resources and support to navigate the complexities of family businesses.”

Jason Chupik is a committed and active member of CAFE Calgary, as well as president of Canyon Plumbing, the popular and respected Calgary family business.

Canyon Plumbing is also the winner of various entrepreneur awards and

is a past CAFE Calgary FEYA winner and National FEYA award finalist.

“My father and uncle started the business in 1978 and, 37 years later, we have grown to more than 200 staff and 13 are family members. So we know firsthand how valuable and worthwhile CAFE Calgary is,” he points out. “We have been on the receiving end of CAFE Calgary support and advice and it has been a tremendous benefit to help us deal with what it takes to efficiently run a family business and all about essential best practices.”

Jason Chupik, president of Canyon Plumbing. 2013 CAFE Calgary FEYA Recipient and 2013 National FEYA Award Finalist.

For all management, especially for family and aspects like succession and growth planning, it’s so important to have an expert resource like CAFE’s PAG groups and the good advice about understanding roles and responsibilities. It helps avoid common family business problems like entitlement. And CAFE Calgary does a super job at getting that kind of advice across.

“We not only have a family business but a business family,” Jason Chupik smiles.

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Convergint Technologies and Osprey Informatics Announce Strategic Partnership for Next-Generation Intelligent Visual Monitoring Solutions Chicago-based Convergint Technologies LLC (Convergint) and Calgary-based Osprey Informatics (Osprey) are partnering to bring the oil and gas industry innovative visual monitoring solutions designed for infrastructure security and operational efficiency. These solutions are powered by the Osprey Reach enterprise visual monitoring platform.

“As a leading integrator of open source and open protocol solutions, we seek partnerships with best-inclass solution providers such as Osprey,” says Brian Haw, director of national sales at Convergint. “We have a strong team of technicians that have expertise with installations in the extreme conditions found in oil and gas operations.”

Power and communications infrastructure challenges were once a barrier to the installation and use of videobased monitoring solutions in the oilfield. However, the Osprey Reach platform has been successfully deployed under the most challenging conditions. It’s extremely bandwidth-efficient, and as a cloud solution it scales easily and does not impact the corporate network.

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Communications are streamlined by providing customized incident reports.

Producers are using this visual data to confirm the operating status of assets and personnel to ensure regulatory

Photos courtesy of Convergint Technologies

requirements and safety compliance.

Osprey Reach also features a combination of powerful analytics and computer vision that can be easily managed to reduce false alerts. Communications are streamlined by providing customized incident reports.

Producers are using this visual data to confirm the operating status of assets and personnel to ensure regulatory requirements and safety compliance.

All video and images are available via the cloud and readily accessible from any smart device at any time. “Industry will now have the same access to technology and security features that they have become accustomed to in their daily lives,” adds Haw. “We are thrilled to announce this partnership and look forward to working with the great team at Convergint,” says Michael von Hauff, CEO of Osprey.

“In addition to our strong strategic fit, Osprey and Convergint share a common focus – solving critical business problems for customers.” BiC

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For more information, visit: www.albertaexportawards.com businessincalgary.com | BUSINESS IN CALGARY May 2015 • 35

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Minas Brazilian Steakhouse Uniquely delicious and dazzling

Rick Titan

These two pages: Minas Brazilian Steakhouse kitchen and entrance.

Imagine ... that you can transform your life with a few techniques that will take you from: Bored to Fired Up!, Sad to Feeling Great, Clinging onto the Past ... to Completely Letting Go. How good would that feel?

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If you want to achieve a BHAG goal – this year! I’m here to tell you – You Can. Release blocking, limiting and/or sabotaging yourself – enjoy self-tailored affinities that build you up, empower you and efficiently move you ahead in your life. Rick Titan helps create massive personal gains in people just like You! Success – Your Success is – Never an Accident.

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ricktitan.com 36 • May 2015 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | businessincalgary.com

…the Minas staff and the friendly and efficient service, the decor and the overall atmosphere also get rave reviews.

From the minute you step into Minas Brazilian Steakhouse, it’s obvious that Calgary’s colourful, modern and newest hot spot is much more than just a new restaurant and a place to eat. It is a delicious and dazzling experience!

Minas Brazilian Steakhouse, at 136 2nd Street SW, is the superb achievement and lifelong passion of the dynamic Calgary couple, Nina Lopez and chef Jose Montes.

Whether it’s Feijoada, the sensational, long-simmering Minas specialty dish made with black beans, savoury cuts of pork and fresh herbs, or the Picanha (top sirloin), the Bife à Parmegiano (parmesan beef), the Costela (short ribs) or the Perna de Carneiro (leg of lamb), the Feijão Beans, the Arroz Branco (white rice), the various perfectly spiced and seasoned chicken dishes or the popular Peru com Bacon (turkey with bacon).

off the top • News

Or sipping on a Caipirinha, the Minas favourite with fresh lime muddled with sugar and Cachaça rum, mixed and topped with crushed ice and served in a double rocks glass.

Although the flavours, the perfection of the seasonings, and the Minas marinades and spices are the main ingredients that attract guests, the Minas staff and the friendly and efficient service, the decor and the overall atmosphere also get rave reviews.

The Brazilian steakhouse concept features an open barbecue station and an area where guests serve themselves or the tremendously popular Minas passadores expert carvers who make the rounds from table to table, carving from large skewers stacked with delicious and flavourful cuts of meat, served right at the table.

“Chef Jose has been living his one dream as an award-winning chef since he was 19,” says his spouse and

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businessincalgary.com | BUSINESS IN CALGARY May 2015 • 37

Corporate Portraits Lifestyle Photography Architecture & Interiors

DYNAMIC DUO

Jager & Kokemor offers unique professional corporate photography

I

that help underprivileged women get n the fast-paced world of modern into the workforce.” technology, images have never With an office in Kensington and a been more important. They are shared studio space in the East Village, everywhere – on TV, in magazines, Jager & Kokemor is regularly called on billboards and on computer screens upon to help interior designers and in offices and homes around the world. homebuilders showcase their product.

Today, companies across Calgary are However, they have assisted companies increasingly seeking the talents of in virtually every field and know what it Jager & Kokemor to help portray the takes to not only create great photos but image that they want – not only as a also to raise a company’s profile. reflection of their company culture and “Images are so important in this day professionalism but also to attract talent and age,” says Kokemor. “If companies in a shrinking workforce. use good quality images on their website, Jager & Kokemor was founded in 2011 it enhances the whole perception of the

by Stephanie Jager and Britta Kokemor company and can be a tool to attract new after the twosome met while pursuing Stephanie Jager and Britta Kokemor of Jager & Kokemor. employees. With the Internet being so their bachelor of design degrees – with a major in photography –at the Alberta College of Art and important today, it is critical to have good images to stand Design (ACAD). Long admirers of each other’s talent, they out from the competition.” knew they would be stronger together and have continued to grow their business with a focus on corporate, interior and To see more of Jager & Kokemor’s work, check out their website at www.jagerandko.com. lifestyle photography.

“We are both strong female entrepreneurs who are not afraid to try new things,” says Britta Kokemor. “We are also one of the only female duos in what has traditionally been a male-dominated profession. The feedback we have got from our clients is that we make people feel comfortable and at ease in front of the camera; they find us less intimidating, but very professional.”

Jager and Kokemor are also strong supporters of the local community. “As well as volunteering with Junior Achievement, we want to give back to the community and inspire other young females to follow their creative passions or their passions in general,” says Stephanie Jager. “We are developing relationships with school systems and different organizations which will allow us to offer our services to those who cannot afford it while also assisting organizations

People want a photographer that makes them look great.

That’s our job at Jager & Kokemor and we take it to heart.

info@jagerandko.com | jagerandko.com INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/jagerandkokemor TWITTER: www.twitter.com/JagerandKo FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/jagerandkokemor

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Minas Brazilian Steakhouse dining area and bar.

partner Nina Lopez, with lots of enthusiasm and pride. “And he is genuinely passionate about food. We met while we each worked at different Calgary restaurants and, since Jose is so familiar and talented with the authentic dishes and techniques of a Brazilian steakhouse, we wanted to make his other dream happen: to own his own Brazilian steakhouse.

“Since Jose is originally from Minas Gerais, one of the 26

states in Brazil, we felt calling it Minas Brazilian Steakhouse would better identify what the food and the atmosphere is all about.”

Lopez is a qualified industrial designer and was involved with the interior layout, the colours, the bold wooden chairs and accessories and the warm, good feeling of dining at Minas. BiC

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businessincalgary.com | BUSINESS IN CALGARY May 2015 • 39

Calgary Chamber Explores How Fiscal Discipline Could Positively Affect Alberta’s Heritage Savings Fund

HASKAYNE

MBA ‘‘

What attracted me to the Haskayne MBA was the opportunity to further develop both professionally and personally. The unique aspects of the program have given me a fresh and diverse perspective on business. I have been challenged to push past my comfort zone and as a result, feel ready to take on new endeavors and leadership roles with confidence.”

Lasha Haché, MBA‘16 Commercial Business Analyst Great Western Brewing Company Ltd.

The Haskayne MBA. Calgary’s MBA.

haskaynemba.ca

The Calgary Chamber has conducted an analysis of the resource revenue savings programs of three jurisdictions over the last four decades: Alberta, Alaska and Norway. The striking results of this analysis have recently been released in a new infographic.

Alberta’s poor discipline in saving for future generations is starkly on display, given that while Alaska and Norway save vastly different amounts of their resource revenue, both have dramatically outpaced Alberta given their commitment.

“Alberta actually has a framework for savings already in place, but our broken model hasn’t allowed us to follow it,” says Justin Smith, director of policy for the Calgary Chamber. “This research shows the need for Albertans to work together on developing a new Alberta Advantage; including a revenue model that will allow us to save much more of our resource revenue for future generations and the benefit of all Albertans.”

According to the infographic, last year every Norwegian citizen became a rhetorical millionaire when their sovereign wealth fund exceeded 5.11 trillion crowns. Founded in 1990, Norway’s Government Pension Fund (GPF) is now the largest sovereign wealth fund in the world, paying out more each year than the total return of Alberta’s Heritage Savings Fund in over 30 years of existence. Similarly the Alaska Permanent Fund (APF) is over three times the size of Alberta’s fund, despite both being founded in the 1970s, producing significantly less oil and generating less revenue than Alberta.

To date, 100 per cent of Norway’s resource revenue is deposited in its GPF. In Alaska, 25 per cent of resource revenue is constitutionally required to be invested in the APF. In comparison, Alberta has had no consistent savings plan for its resource revenue, despite

40 • May 2015 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | businessincalgary.com

its boom-and-bust history. Oil production per year is substantially higher in Alberta than in either of the other two jurisdictions.

The figures show the importance of Alberta developing a new fiscal model that will allow the Government of Alberta to fund its priorities in a more stable manner, while also saving resource wealth for the long term.

The figures show the importance of Alberta developing a new fiscal model that will allow the Government of Alberta to fund its priorities in a more stable manner, while also saving resource wealth for the long term.

A carbon copy of the Norwegian or Alaskan model would likely not work in Alberta as there are inherent differences in the way each society operates. Nevertheless, there are clear benefits associated with rigorous fiscal discipline. Norway’s fund, like Alaska’s fund, is a priority while Alberta has been stunted by decades of neglect.

The Chamber believes the difficulty lies in establishing this as a priority.

In Alberta, the framework for savings is already in place, but the province needs to commit to its goals if it wants to see a fraction of the returns realized in other areas of the world. BiC

off the top • News

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distinguished business leader

DB LA

A W A R D

Join us in celebrating 2015 recipient

RONALD N. MANNIX

Chairman, Coril Holdings Ltd.

The Distinguished Business Leader Award honours individuals whose exceptional demonstration of vision and leadership, sound business sense and commitment to the community has marked them as role models for future generations of business leaders.

Thursday, June 18, 2015 The Westin Calgary Grand Ballroom and Grand Foyer 5:30 p.m. reception | 6:15 p.m. dinner Tickets:

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Presented by:

42 • May 2015 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | businessincalgary.com

Off the top • News

Bow Valley College Launches BMO Centre for Experiential Learning $250,000 donation from BMO leads to new centre that helps students gain real-world experience

“We are very excited

different in a good way.

about this innovative collaboration between BMO and Bow Valley College.”

David Allwright, dean, Chiu School of Business

Bow Valley College (BVC) and BMO Financial Group celebrate a new partnership with the launch of the BMO Centre for Experiential Learning on March 19, 2015.

Thanks to a generous $250,000 donation from BMO, the new centre will enable students in BVC’s Chiu School of Business to learn soft skills that cannot be taught in a classroom, and to acquire knowledge that can only be attained in an immersive learning environment. This experience will help graduates gain the skills employers want, and it will also give them a critical edge in a competitive job market.

“I’m really proud of the relationship BMO and Bow Valley College have built together and I’m excited to see how the BMO Centre for Experiential Learning at the Chiu School of Business will improve student learning and workplace integration in Alberta over the next few years,” says Susan Brown, senior vice president, Alberta and Northwest Territories at BMO Bank of Montreal. “The BMO Centre for Experiential Learning will focus

~ David Allwright, dean, Chiu School of Business on the critical decision-making skills and problem-solving abilities students need to become strong ambassadors for their workplaces. Together we are preparing students to communicate effectively and have successful interactions so they can be job ready when they graduate.”

The BMO Centre for Experiential Learning will promote greater engagement of industry and prospective employers, which will help to launch BVC graduates into their careers. The centre will focus on four main areas, including peer tutoring, a student development program, case competitions, community service learning and social entrepreneurship.

“We are very excited about this innovative collaboration between BMO and Bow Valley College,” says David Allwright, dean, Chiu School of Business.

“Our students will benefit from this enterprise as they experience real-world working scenarios, which will teach them such soft skills as interpersonal and intercultural communications, analyzing and problem solving in a team setting, and taking initiative in the workplace.” BiC

Victoria Vancouver Airport Burnaby Kelowna Kamloops accentinns.com

businessincalgary.com | BUSINESS IN CALGARY May 2015 • 43

Forestry in Alberta Harvesting in action

44 • May 2015 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | businessincalgary.com

y

Forestry in Alberta • Forestry Forestry in Alberta • Forestry

BY LAURA BOHNERT PHOTOS BY ALBERTA FOREST PRODUCTS ASSOCIATION

There has been a lot of emphasis on the oil and gas industry – an industry that currently has Alberta’s economy feeling a little uneasy. However, while the oil and gas industry may be experiencing a bit of a downturn, there is one industry that remains brimming with potential throughout Alberta – the forestry industry.

F Ron Sparrow, B.Sc., RPF, CPESC, principal forester, Trace Associates Inc.

orestry, according to the Alberta Forest Products Association (AFPA), a non-profit association that represents companies that are invested in forestry in Alberta, plays an important role in Alberta. In fact, after the oil and gas industry and the agricultural industry, the forest products industry is the third largest generator of GDP (gross domestic product) in Alberta’s economic sector, bringing in around $4 billion in sales each year. This should come as no surprise considering the range of Alberta’s forests. The AFPA reports that more than 60 per cent of Alberta is covered in forest, providing just over 30 million hectares of forested lands – “an area that’s a little bigger than the size of Japan,” reports Brock Mulligan, director of communications at the AFPA. Further, the AFPA has invested approximately $1.5 billion in new projects

It is the growing strength of the forestry

industry – its ability to remain stable when the

economy starts to shift – that is enabling such investment into economic diversification. strategy. “Here at Trace Associates, we’re an environmental consulting company. We diversified into the forestry sector three or four years ago,” he explains. “The goal is to service a wide range of sectors as a diversification strategy, so when there is a decline in oil and gas, we are still able to have a strong company.”

It is the growing strength of the forestry industry – its ability to remain stable when the economy starts to shift – that is enabling such investment into economic diversification.

“Alberta as a whole is part of a diverse economy,” Sparrow explains. “From 1984 to 1986 there was a decline in oil and gas, and from that point on, Alberta made it a policy to diversify.

They1.began OIL to&really GASfocus on forestry.

Alberta is 60 per cent covered by forests 2. andAGRICULTURAL the forestry industry is now within INDUSTRY the top four employers within Alberta, making it a significant pro3. for diversification.” ponent WhenPRODUCTS asked about the outlook for INDUSTRY the forestry industry in Calgary in particular, Sparrow comments that, “while forestry doesn’t play a domi-

TOP CDN GDP GENERATORS

FOREST

nant role within Calgary, which exists south of the forested areas of Alberta and contains few sawmills, forestry is still a strong sector within the province.”

“Forestry is a minor component for the economy in Calgary as a whole,” Sparrow explains, “but I can see that starting to change. The forestry industry would never match the oil and gas industry in Calgary, but it still continues to be strong and it forms an important minor component for Calgary’s economy. The forestry industry is still a focus of Trace Associates,” stresses Sparrow, “and we are still focused on continuing to grow it as a sector within Trace Associates.”

The forestry industry has become an important site for growth and diversification within the Alberta economy, and as more companies continue to invest in the industry’s innovative future, forestry’s potential for growth promises to hold a lot of potential for Alberta’s economic sector. BiC

businessincalgary.com | BUSINESS IN CALGARY May 2015 • 45

Forestry in Alberta • Forestry Forestry in Alberta • Forestry Forestry in Alberta • Forestry

AFPA control room

AFPA control room

12,000 AND 15,000 JOBS WITHIN THE INDUSTRY, DIRECTLY PROVIDES: 12,000 AND 15,000 JOBS BETWEEN: WITHIN THE INDUSTRY, THE FORESTRY INDUSTRY DIRECTLY PROVIDES: THE FORESTRY INDUSTRY

Regeneration in progress

and each of those jobs creates approximately 2.5 other jobs.

ALBERTA IS

and each of those jobs creates approximately 2.5 other jobs.

60% COVERED BY FOREST

between 2011 and 2015. These new strong, and this economic strength explains Mulligan. The forestry indusprojects within the forestry industry makes it extremely valuable for eco- try already affects approximately 50 explains forestry industhis diversity economicpurposes.” strength Over between 2011 andpower 2015.generation These newand strong, Alberta The communities, directly pronomic the Mulligan. include facility and AND FORESTRY INDUSTRY try alreadyviding affectsbetween approximately for eco- continues, projects within theTHE forestry industry 12,000 50 and 15,000 past few valuable years, Mulligan cogeneration, which involvesmakes burn-it extremely IS NOW WITHIN THE Alberta communities, directly pronomic purposes.” include power generation and facility jobs within the industry, and each of the industry has Over been the experiencing ing waste materials like sawdust anddiversity viding between 12,000 and approximately 15,000 past few years, continues, cogeneration, involves burn- Alberta’s those jobs creates 2.5 revenueMulligan increases.

In 2013, revenue barkwhich to generate electricity. jobsThis withinother the industry, and each of the sigindustry has been experiencing ing waste power materials like sawdust jobs. In total, the AFPA reports increases averaged at 14 per cent. generation has and increased ating permits,” Ron Sparrow, principal Associates has been assisting compa- wood waste products into electricity.” creates approximately 2.5 people are revenue bark to generate electricity.

Alberta’s approximately 40,000 followed In an 2013, average increase those of ninejobs that nificantly over the past fewrevenue years. increases. forester at Trace Associates, explains. increases nies in the assessment of pulp Partjobs. of Inthetotal, reason AFPA the forestry reports averaged per cent. mills This other power generation has increased sig- generates employed the by the forestry industry. per cent at in 14 2012.

“This healthy run for The forestry industry now “Trace Associates companies for the purpose of acquisitions.of nine that industry has been able to develop new people are nificantly over megawatts the assists past few years. – followed In 2011,40,000 the AFPA launched a protheaverage forestryincrease industry has allowed approximately us 442 of power enough an withforestry the application, gives guidelines However, Trace“This Associates has also projects isby thetheinterest and support of employed forestry industry. per cent in 2012. healthy run for The industry now generates to power three Grande Prairies – and to make investments into those new gram called Work Wild, which reaches related to emissions with –respect to begun to participate in some of the companies likeAFPA Trace Associates.

“Our In 2011, out the a proforestry industry has allowed us 442 megawatts of power enough to highlaunched school kids to talk about facilities.” most has come on stream in the last both air three and water, and assists– with more innovative sectors within the gram goal,”called explains “is reaches to play WorkSparrow, Wild, which make investments into those is new to power Grande Prairies and to careers within the forestry indusThe forestry industry also on a hir10 years, Mulligan reports. renewal forestry industry. “At Trace Associ- out a part in helping the industry itself to high school kids to talk about facilities.” most hasapplications.” come stream industry in the last try.

Since the program launched, ing path. There is a lot of new demand “Theonforestry in Alberta,” Trace Associates also assists with ates, we work closely with existing become innovative and progress.” the programs forestry indusThe forestry is also on 10 years, Mulligan reports. “is economically first-year relating to forfor industry skilled trades anda hirtruck careers drivers, within says Mulligan, the remediation sites that been ing clients pulpis mills in new orderdemand to help try.Sparrow notesprogram that one of the Since the launched, path.and There a lot of “The forestry of industry in have Alberta,” abandoned, or with the requirement of them innovate,” explains Sparrow. important opportunities that forestry says Mulligan, “is economically for skilled trades and truck drivers, first-year programs relating to forremediation within active sites. More “But we’ve also been focusing on the provides Alberta’s economic sector is 46 • May 2015 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | businessincalgary.com recently, Sparrow explains, Trace bio energy project – the conversion of that it forms a strong diversification

TOP FOUR EMPLOYERS WITHIN ALBERTA.

Forestry in Alberta • Forestry Forestry in Alberta • Forestry

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Ron Sparrow, B.Sc., RPF, CPESC, principal forester, Trace Associates Inc.

It is the growing strength of the forestry industry – its ability to remain stable when the economy starts to shift – that is enabling such investment into economic diversification. strategy. “Here at Trace Associates, Brock Mulligan, director of communications, AFPA we’re an environmental consulting company. We diversified into the forestry sector three or four years ago,” he explains. “The goal is to service a wide range of sectors as a diversification strategy, so when there is a decline in oil and gas, we are still able to have a strong company.”

It is the growing strength of the forestry industry – its ability to remain stable when the economy starts to estry– at Universitysuch of investAlberta shift thatthe is enabling and the Northern Alberta Institute ment into economic diversification.of Technology have seen two three “Alberta as a whole is part of aand diverse times the enrolment.

“These are both economy,” Sparrow explains. “From encouraging trends for the forestry 1984 to 1986 there was a decline in industry,” Mulligan. oil and gas,explains and from that point on, “The forestry industry Alberta made it a policy to provides diversify.a variety of careers,” Mulligan explains.

They began to really focus on forestry.

“It is a competitive industry, Alberta is 60 per cent covered byand for-it is invested environmental responests and the in forestry industry is now within sibility,thesotop youfour canemployers feel goodwithin about Alberta, it a significant proworkingmaking in the industry.” ponent One for of diversification.” the Alberta Forest Products When asked sponsors, about theTrace outlook for Association’s Associthe in Calgary in ates,forestry which industry operates out of Calgary, particular, Sparrow comments that, “while forestry doesn’t play a domi-

nant role within Calgary, which exists south of the forested areas of Alberta and contains few sawmills, forestry is still a strong sector within the province.”

“Forestry is a minor component for the economy in Calgary as a whole,” Sparrow explains, “but I can see that starting to change. The forestry indusParvez, Project Management try would never match the oil and gas industry in Calgary, but it still has noticed not only a growing continues to be strong and it forms strength in Alberta’s overall forestry Why MRU Continuing an important component for industry, but minor in Calgary’s economic Education?

Calgary’s The industry forestryas investmenteconomy. in the forestry • Learn tomorrow’s skills today industry well. is still a focus of Trace Asso• Connect with industry ciates,” Sparrow, “and we are Tracestresses Associates is involved in mulprofessionals tiplefocused aspectson of continuing the forestry to industry still grow itin • Small class sizes, big ideas around Calgary.

Trace Associates asand a sector within Trace Associates.”

• Flexible schedules - fast track, provides consultation to companies The forestry industry has become anin online, classroom the forestry including sawimportant siteindustry, for growth and diversi• Workplace learning mills and pulp mills, and they provide fication within the Alberta economy, environmental monitoring of soil, mtroyal.ca/conted and as more companies continue to water and air. Further, Trace Associinvest in the industry’s innovative 403.440.6875 ates plays a role in grant applications. future, forestry’s potential for growth “Pulp mills are given 10-year operpromises to hold a lot of potential for businessincalgary.com | BUSINESS IN CALGARY May 2015 • Alberta’s economic sector. BiC

The forestry industry is also on a hiring

path. There is a lot of new demand for skilled trades and truck drivers, explains Mulligan.

47

Forestry in Alberta • Forestry Forestry in Alberta • Forestry

Regeneration in progress Regeneration in progress

ALBERTA ALBERTA IS IS

60% BY FOREST 60% COVERED COVERED BY FOREST TOP FOUR EMPLOYERS WITHIN ALBERTA. AND THE FORESTRY INDUSTRY AND THE FORESTRY INDUSTRY IS NOW WITHIN THE IS NOW WITHIN THE

ating permits,” Ron Sparrow, principal ating permits,” Ron Sparrow, explains. principal forester at Trace Associates, forester at Trace Associates, explains.

“Trace Associates assists companies “Trace assists with theAssociates application, gives companies guidelines with the application, guidelines related to emissions gives with respect to relatedairtoand emissions withassists respectwith to both water, and both air applications.” and water, and assists with renewal renewal Trace applications.”

Associates also assists with Trace Associates alsothat assists with the remediation of sites have been the remediation of sites that have been abandoned, or with the requirement of abandoned, with the requirement of remediation or within active sites. More remediation within active sites.

More recently, Sparrow explains, Trace recently, Sparrow explains, Trace

TOP FOUR EMPLOYERS WITHIN ALBERTA.

Associates has been assisting compaAssociates been assisting companies in thehas assessment of pulp mills nies in the assessment of pulp for the purpose of acquisitions. mills forHowever, the purpose of Associates acquisitions.

Trace has also However, Trace Associates begun to participate in somehas of also the begun innovative to participate in some of the the more sectors within more innovative within the forestry industry. sectors “At Trace Associforestry “At Trace Associates, we industry. work closely with existing ates, we work closely with existing clients and pulp mills in order to help clients and pulp mills in orderSparrow. to help them innovate,” explains them innovate,” explains Sparrow.

“But we’ve also been focusing on the “But we’ve project also been focusing on the bio energy – the conversion of bio energy project – the conversion of

48 • May 2015 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | businessincalgary.com

wood waste products into electricity.” wood products intothe electricity.”

Partwaste of the reason forestry Part of the reason the forestry industry has been able to develop new industry has been able to develop new projects is the interest and support of projects is the and support of companies like interest Trace Associates.

“Our companies like Trace Associates. goal,” explains Sparrow, “is to “Our play Sparrow, “is to itself play agoal,” part explains in helping the industry abecome part in helping the industry itself innovative and progress.” become innovative and progress.”

Sparrow notes that one of the Sparrow notes that one forestry of the important opportunities that important opportunities that forestry provides Alberta’s economic sector is provides Alberta’s economic sector is that it forms a strong diversification that it forms a strong diversification

Forestry in Alberta • Forestry Forestry in Alberta • Forestry

Ron Sparrow, B.Sc., RPF, CPESC, principal forester, Trace Associates Inc. Ron Sparrow, B.Sc., RPF, CPESC, principal forester, Trace Associates Inc.

It is the growing strength of the forestry It is the growing strength of the forestry industry – its ability to remain stable when the industry – its ability to remain stable when the economy starts to shift – that is enabling such economy starts to shift – that is enabling such investment into economic diversification. investment into economic diversification. strategy. “Here at Trace Associates, strategy. at Trace Associates, we’re an“Here environmental consulting we’re an environmental consulting company.

We diversified into the forcompany.

We three diversified into the ago,” forestry sector or four years estry sector three four isyears ago,” he explains.

“Theor goal to service he explains. goal isastoa service a wide range“The of sectors diversiafication wide range of sectors as athere diversistrategy, so when is a fication when there a decline strategy, in oil andso gas, we are stillisable decline and gas, we are still able to haveinaoil strong company.” to have a strong company.”

It is the growing strength of the forIt is the growing strength forestry industry – its abilityoftothe remain estry ability to starts remainto stableindustry when –theits economy stable theenabling economysuch starts to shift –when that is investshift that is enablingdiversification. such investment– into economic ment intoas economic diversification.

“Alberta a whole is part of a diverse “Alberta as a Sparrow whole is part of a diverse economy,” explains.

“From economy,” Sparrow “Fromin 1984 to 1986 there explains. was a decline 1984 to 1986 therefrom was that a decline oil and gas, and point in on, oil and gas, and thattopoint on, Alberta made it from a policy diversify.

Alberta madetoitreally a policy toon diversify.

They began focus forestry.

They began to really focus on forestry.

Alberta is 60 per cent covered by forAlberta is the 60 per cent covered ests and forestry industrybyis fornow ests and the the top forestry industry iswithin now within four employers within themaking top fourit employers within Alberta, a significant proAlberta, making it a significant proponent for diversification.” ponent forasked diversification.”

When about the outlook for When asked industry about theinoutlook the forestry Calgaryforin the forestry Sparrow industry comments in Calgary that, in particular, particular, Sparrow comments that, “while forestry doesn’t play a domi“while forestry doesn’t play a domi-

nant role within Calgary, which exists nant role Calgary, which exists south of within the forested areas of Alberta south of the forested areas of Alberta and contains few sawmills, forestry is and sawmills, is stillcontains a strongfew sector withinforestry the provstill a strong sector within the province.” ince.”

“Forestry is a minor component for “Forestry is ainminor component for the economy Calgary as a whole,” the economy in Calgary a whole,” Sparrow explains, “but Iascan see that Sparrow explains, “but I can seeindusthat starting to change. The forestry starting to change. forestry industry would never The match the oil and try would never match the oil and gas industry in Calgary, but it still gas industryto inbe Calgary, but itit forms still continues strong and continues to be minor strongcomponent and it forms an important for an important minor component for Calgary’s economy. The forestry Calgary’s forestry industry is economy. still a focus The of Trace Assoindustry is still a focus of Trace Associates,” stresses Sparrow, “and we are ciates,” stresses “and areit still focused onSparrow, continuing to we grow still focused on continuing to grow as a sector within Trace Associates.”it as aThe sector within Trace Associates.” forestry industry has become an The forestry industry has and become an important site for growth diversiimportant site forthe growth andeconomy, diversification within Alberta fication within the Alberta economy, and as more companies continue to and as more to invest in thecompanies industry’scontinue innovative invest the industry’s future,inforestry’s potentialinnovative for growth future, forestry’s potential for growth promises to hold a lot of potential for promises hold a lotsector. of potential for BiC Alberta’stoeconomic Alberta’s economic sector. BiC businessincalgary.com | BUSINESS IN CALGARY May 2015 • 49

From the drafting Table Up • Cover

From the Drafting Table Up S2 Plans for Continued Success

BY DAVID PARKER | PHOTOS BY EWAN NICHOLSON PHOTO VIDEO

T

here’s always a feeling of excitement in an architect’s office where people begin to work on the initial designs for their clients. Some go direct to their computer screens but others, like David Symons of S2 Architecture, still prefer to let their imagination flow through hand to pencil or felt pen.

He works in one of the few offices with a drafting table within reach of his desk.

Some architectural firms are cautiously optimistic in these troubling times; most with projects to keep them busy for a while as they continue with up-front work. But there is some concern over what they will face next year if oil and gas clients stay reserved or there is no capital expenditure released for big infrastructure projects or institutional buildings.

But S2 is confident and is always looking for architects and technologists whose abilities suit their current project needs and expected growth.

50 • May 2015 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | businessincalgary.com

From the drafting Table Up • Cover

Left to right: David Symons, Robert Spaetgens, Brian Corkum, Linus Murphy.

businessincalgary.com | BUSINESS IN CALGARY May 2015 • 51

From the drafting Table Up • Cover

David, Robert, Linus and Brian discuss upcoming projects at S2 Architecture’s downtown Calgary office.

Leadership responsibilities are shared with Spaetgens and Symons’ two partners, architects Brian Corkum and Linus Murphy, and seven associates.

Robert Spaetgens, who launched the company in 1993 and was joined by Symons – his roommate while both were studying architecture at the University of Manitoba – the following year, says they have faced this type of adversity before and share a strong awareness that they have become stronger for the experience.

One of the reasons is that they have always been a diversified company, not tied to one sector of the economy.

In the early days they worked on smaller projects but as they became established not only did those satisfied clients demand more and larger projects but new ones were added in a variety of disciplines. As the amount of work grew, so did the need for more staff, now with over 50 in the Calgary office on the ninth floor of the beltline TransAlta building and nine in the busy Edmonton office that was opened just two years ago. Leadership responsibilities are shared with Spaetgens and Symons’ two partners, architects Brian Corkum and Linus Murphy, and seven associates.

52 • May 2015 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | businessincalgary.com

Today S2 is in a very healthy position with both offices busy with new and repeat clients including Canadian Pacific with projects throughout Canada including Winnipeg, Saskatchewan, and of course, Alberta. And both offices are busy with national clients bringing S2 work from across Canada, as well as a growing retail business from a number of clients both within the city and elsewhere around the province.

With Alberta as home base, it was an easy decision to grow S2’s office to service northern Alberta from the burgeoning Edmonton office. From their growing Edmonton base, S2 is working on projects from as far north as Fort Vermilion and Fort McMurray and to Red Deer and virtually all points between. The Edmonton office continues the legacy of the emergency services team at S2 by topping up on the more than 70 fire, EMS and police stations they have done with work in Peace River, Camrose, Edmonton, Parkland and Strathcona.

YOU’VE OUTGROWN YOUR TAX STRATEGY.

Where do you go from here?

As your business continues to evolve, so should your tax structure. Whether you’re responding to ever-changing regulations, expanding across provincial borders, or ensuring the greatest net profit after a strong year, you need an up-to-date tax strategy that supports the specific needs of your business. Led by Randy Bella, our local team of tax specialists deliver tailored solutions to ensure you minimize your tax exposure and maximize your returns, so your business can continue to grow.

Contact Randy Bella, Regional Tax Leader, at 403.536.5536 or randy.bella@mnp.ca

From the drafting Table Up • Cover

Thomas Jefferson School of Law

Canadian Pacific, Exterior Headquarters

Canadian Pacific, lobby

Lloydminster Operations Centre

Photos, this page, courtesy of S2 Architecture.

No stranger to working outside the province, S2 was the architect selected to design the large condominium project for POV Developments in the downtown core of San Diego that led, by a referral from the San Diego planning department, to the design of the Thomas Jefferson School of Law in that city.

One of its exciting projects underway is the master planning for a 40-acre site in Leduc, Alberta. A phased mixed-use project on Airport Road that includes commercial and lots of residential, S2 was referred to the developer by the structural consultant, MMP Engineering.

Spaetgens says the firm is a good listener to clients’ ideas and addresses every design process in response to the physical 54 • May 2015 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | businessincalgary.com

and cultural context of the surrounding environment.

As a testament to their listening skills, S2 heard loudly from their clients that they should also provide interior design services. Being good listeners, S2 has grown an interior design team who not only support the office’s architectural work, but has created and maintained their own cache of clients. Most notably the interior design team has recently completed 450,000 square feet for CP’s new Ogden Yards headquarters office building. This exemplary work has led to interior commissions with redeveloping the civic offices of the City of Leduc and the City of Lloydminster, and they are now working on an upscale hotel development.

Environmental considerations were brought well to the

The Economic Futures Council is an individual major gift initiative designed to increase Junior Achievement of Southern Alberta’s program capacity and enhance program delivery technology. The Council Founders are pillars of the southern Alberta community, and we are proud to have their names associated with our organization. Each Founder has pledged $100,000 and lent his or her name to the Council in an effort to attract others interested in becoming involved in the important work of Junior Achievement of Southern Alberta. Contributions and recognition levels start at $5,000 and can be pledged over 1 to 4 years.

John & Cheryl Aldred David A. Bissett Richard Bonnycastle Wayne Chiu Jim Davidson Jack & Joan Donald N. Murray Edwards Richard F. Haskayne Wayne Henuset Sam Kolias Hal Kvisle Alvin Libin Ronald N. Mannix Ronald P. Mathison Jeff McCaig Susan Nelson & Gordon Case David O’Brien Todd Poland Clayton Riddell JR Shaw The Stollery Family Guy Turcotte David Werklund Mac Van Wielingen C. H. Woitas Family

For More Information Contact

Cheryl Hamelin, CFRE Vice President, Development Junior Achievement of Southern Alberta 403.781.2582 chamelin@jasouthalberta.org businessincalgary.com | BUSINESS IN CALGARY May 2015 • 55

From the Drafting Table Up • Cover

Parkland County Fire Station

Lloydminster Operations Centre Boardroom

Truman Developments, Skyview Ranch

Truman Developments, West District Master Plan Photos, this page, courtesy of S2 Architecture.

fore in S2’s master plan project to design a 100-acre parcel of land in the affluent West Springs district of Calgary for Truman Development.

A massive project that will provide 500,000 square feet of retail, 1,200,000 square feet of office space and a total of 3,500 residential units, West District is just one of the projects entrusted by Truman to S2 that showcase the creative imagination of its talented team.

Located at the north end of 85th Street SW between St. Michael’s Catholic Church and the new retail strip on the corner of Old Banff Coach Road, it features a wide west/ east Main Street with blocks of stylish glass-fronted condominiums built above retail shops and restaurants.

All of the buildings will enjoy underground parking avoiding the need for crowded street parking. Six four-storey office complexes are to be built facing onto Old Banff Coach Road and the multi-family residences are on the south and west sides that make good use of a 10-acre park around the existing grove of trees with a walkway meandering down to 9th Avenue. It is a fine example of how new neighbourhoods can evolve into pleasant, liveable communities.

And Truman Development is a good example of how S2 56 • May 2015 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | businessincalgary.com

gathers strength by completing the goals of their clients which lead to more business.

S2 is also designing a mid-rise residential project for Truman in the northeast district of SkyView Ranch where it has planned for 450 units to be built over three mixed-use buildings, each eight storeys in height. The development will also feature 22,000 square feet of retail stores above two levels of parking.

The big challenge presented to S2 by Truman was to design an economically sound development on the Royal Canadian Legion site it had purchased along Kensington Road NW. The answer is to split the land into two sectors: one for a mixed-use residential building and on the other a new legion that will be a huge asset for its members.

Members of Calgary Co-op in the northwest will also be pleased to learn that S2 has been commissioned to redevelop the land in Brentwood currently housing a grocery store and gas station.

Exciting plans are underway to transform the site bordering on Blaskiston Park with a new grocery store, gas station and a mixed-use residential/office/retail component.

businessincalgary.com | BUSINESS IN CALGARY May 2015 • 57

From the drafting Table Up • Cover

Your next move is critical.

Symons believes the city will rebound from the current downturn and he says, “We do live in the best city in the best province in the best country – and the world

Complex human resource challenges require thoughtful solutions. Cenera can help.

is fast recognizing that. People keep moving to the city and it is also a very safe destination for investment money.”

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58 • May 2015 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | businessincalgary.com

S2 has a lot of experience in residential developments including the impressive under-construction 34-storey Vogue condominium tower on 6th Avenue SW for the La Caille Group.

It was also responsible for the Riverfront Pointe residential towers on 4th Avenue SE and Linus Murphy is now working with the Toronto-based developer, Great Gulf, and Architects Alliance on two adjacent towers that will connect a Plus 15 walkway to the federal building.

Brian Corkum has developed a strong working relationship with Brightpath Early Learning and Child Care being presently involved with the design and development of seven daycare facilities in both Calgary and Edmonton.

S2’s portfolio is quite extensive, including master planning, office, retail and residential experience. In addition, S2 has experience in designing schools, including a new high school for the Calgary Catholic School District in south Calgary, has an expertise in designing emergency facilities that is being expanded into B.C. communities, and has been quite involved with recreational centres and currently assessing many of the city-owned recreational facilities.

The company remains very bullish on Calgary. Symons believes the city will rebound from the current downturn and he says, “We do live in the best city in the best province in the best country – and the world is fast recognizing that.

People keep moving to the city and it is also a very safe destination for investment money.”

S2 Architecture is busy planning for future growth. BiC

Alberta HR Trends Report

H

uman Resources Institute of Alberta (HRIA) has released the results of its bi-annual HR Trends survey. A valuable tool for employers and HR practitioners, the Alberta HR Trends Report contains practical information on what is occurring in Alberta workplace.

“Based on the latest benchmarking data for Alberta’s labour market, it’s evident that

More people joined organizations than left over the past six months, but that trend is expected to reverse over the next six months.

while it’s not all doom and gloom, the hiring binge is over. Despite decreased hiring confidence across all organizations, Alberta employers are still looking to hire the right person for the right position.” said HRIA CEO, Chris McNelly.

The report provides a snapshot of current labour market information, including the challenges and opportunities facing Alberta’s employers and HR professionals.

This is the third Alberta HR Trends Report commissioned by HRIA as part of a regular series to help fill the labour information void for HRIA members and Alberta employers.

The Alberta HR Trends research initiative was started in December 2013 in collaboration with Abingdon public opinion research firm.

“There is still a lot of confidence in the job market among Alberta’s HR managers. The perceived economic softening means that employees are less likely to jump for a better opportunity and more likely to hang onto the good job they have right now,” Hamish Marshall, Chief Research Officer, Abingdon Research.

Following are some highlights from the report.

The hiring binge is over The Hiring Confidence Index (HCI) was way down across Alberta organizations regardless of their size or sector. Filling vacancies took longer as unemployment rose because organizations became more choosy about who they hired. More people joined

HIRING

over the next six months.

NUMBER OF ORGANIZATIONS EXPECTING TO HIRE 5%+ MORE EMPLOYEES WAY DOWN

32%

26% 19%

38% 27%

15% JUL - DEC 2014 JAN - JUN 2015

Alberta Industry Average

Professional Services

Oil & Gas

NUMBER OF OIL AND GAS COMPANIES EXPECTING TO LAY OFF 5%+ OF EMPLOYEES DOUBLES

EMPLOYEE TURNOVER AND HIRING Turnover is expensive for any organisation. Costs associated with replacing an employee as well as lost productivity can be high. The cost of processing a turnover increases with the size of organization and can include severance, separation pays, benefits, and other costs associated with moving an employee out of an organization. Firms in the Oil & Gas sector pay more than average for turnover likely linked to their higher average pay and benefits. The cost of turnover has increased slightly in the last six months and in particular with larger organizations.

EMPLOYEE TURNOVER MAKING MORE OF AN IMPACT

55%

19%

reported longer hours for remaining staff

About one fifth (21%) of organizations used temporary foreign workers (TFWs) in the last six months.

missed revenue targets

23%

unable to take on certain projects

32% REPORTED NO IMPACT, DOWN FROM 60% IN FALL 2014

TEMPORARY FOREIGN WORKER (TFW) PROGRAM Recent as 2012, temporary foreign workers (TFWs), also known as international workers, made up 1.1% of the Canadian workforce. The TFWP has undergone significant changes designed to make it more difficult for employers to qualify and to prioritize the hiring of Canadians. In September 2014, the federal government reported that applications for the TFW program had dropped by 74% from the time the reforms were introduced.

According to the report findings, these changes have thus far not had a significant effect on the number of organizations considering using international workers to fill gaps in their talent pool. About one fifth (21%) of organizations used TFWs in the last six months. This is more common among larger organizations and within the oil and gas sector.

VAST MAJORITY FORESEE NEGATIVE IMPACT FROM TFW PROGRAM CHANGES

71%

15%

believe changes will have a negative impact

15%

believe changes will have no impact

believe changes will have a positive impact

CORPORATE POLICIES Organizations create human resources policies to ensure that the workplace is run smoothly, efficiently and in a professional manner. Human resources policies reduce ambiguity and eliminate arbitrary decisions which can be seen as unfair. These policies also ensure an organization complies with government regulations, communicate corporate

DID YOU

KNOW

DID YOU

KNOW

? ?

culture and achieve a combination of productivity and employee retention.

51% REPORTED NO IMPACT OF CIVIC CELEBRATIONS ON PRODUCTIVITY Calgary and Edmonton are known for their iconic civic celebrations – the Stampede and K Days (sometimes referred to as Klondike Days), respectively. Other parts of Alberta have major local holidays including Red Deer’s Westerner Days, various rodeos and stampedes, winterfests, and many others. Employees often take time off and employers encourage employees to attend events on company time, and sometimes sponsor events. Most organizations say there is no impact on productivity during these events although more than a quarter report a decline in productivity. Productivity is affected greater among small organizations and within the oil and gas sector.

4% OF SALARY IS SPENT ON TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT ACROSS ALBERTA Training is provided by the overwhelming majority of organizations surveyed. In fact, 94% providing training and development for employees with the majority using both internal and external resources to do so. Generally as the company grows in size it is more likely to use internal training resources, in fact almost no organization with more than 500 employees uses external trainers exclusively.

Training is provided by the overwhelming majority of organizations surveyed.

MOST ORGANIZATIONS INVESTING IN TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

94%

provide some training and development programs

87%

68%

use group training

use one-on-one training

The trends in this report are different from the past as they are more focused on two changes which are impacting employers in Alberta – the changes to the TFWP and the declining price of oil. The TFWP came up again and again, in different contexts from dealing with immigration, to using the new Labour Market Impact Assessment system, to specific concerns about TFW changes. The price of oil was also mentioned frequently, eclipsing previous issues like the difficulty in finding talent in the Calgary market and the challenges of an aging workforce.

A full copy of the March 2015 Alberta HR Trends report is available online at hria.ca.

The next HR Trends report will be released in September 2015.

About the Human Resources Institute of Alberta: HRIA is the leading professional association for human resources practitioners in Alberta dedicated to strengthening and promoting the HR profession. As Alberta’s exclusive granting body for the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation, HRIA plays a critical role in establishing professional standards within the industry. The HRIA membership connects over 5,900 HR practitioners, including 3,100 + CHRPs across the province through various professional development, networking, and community initiatives.

Design concept: McKinley Burkart

The East Village

Tourism Boost E

ight years ago, when The City of Calgary created the Calgary Residential, commercial and tourism product (like the many parks Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) equipped with an and plazas) to not only attract people to live in the area but to innovative funding model to kick-start Calgary’s Rivers also accommodate cultural events like the Opera in the Village District Community Revitalization Plan and make the jewel of festival - Canada’s first professional outdoor summer opera festival Calgary’s urban renewal strategy come to life, it was the start of (organized by Calgary Opera and CMLC) – and other large festivals the colossal, ambitious, complex but exciting transformation of one and special events, for visitors and Calgarians alike.” of Calgary’s most depressed and run-down areas – East Village.

Detail by complex detail, CMLC got busy, collaborating with architects, engineers, investors, developers and community partners to create the spectacular East Village master plan – a mixed-use, mid-rise residential residential area for more than 3,900 new condos and a dazzling village-within-the-city of recreational, retail, dining and cultural community spaces and ~ Clare LePan enjoyable destinations for Calgary tourists.

Clare LePan, the imaginative Manager of marketing and communications for CMLC, is revved and enthused about the home LePan also explains that RiverWalk Plaza was inspired by the stretch of exciting East Village achievement and progress. She beams European public market concept as a multi-use celebration space about RiverWalkTM and RiverWalk Plaza. About St. Patrick’s Bridge to host up to 2,000 people. She is genuinely enthusiastic about and St. Patrick’s Island, the 31-acre island that is about to re-open. the transformation on the familiar, classic downtown landmark The (approximately) 800 residents about to move into their modern, Simmons Building (with the vintage and preserved “Simmons new East Village-area condos and the other new residential and Limited” black-and-white banner still at the top of the reclaimed Calgary strong. so isand East Village, the place was this founded commercialis buildings underAnd construction nearing completion. brickwhere heritage Calgary building). Starting summer, it will be a popular “East Village is a destination itself. A fabulousliving but sprawling culinary for three local restaurants – Charbar, Citizen Sidewalk and where the future unto of downtown is being builthub today.

49-acre planned and evolving community. It’s not one single project Bakery and Phil and Sebastian Coffee Roasters. with one ribbon cutting or a grandCMLC opening,” “This is “The 110,000-square-foot National Music was Centre will move into Since 2006, Master Developer hasshe ledsmiles. the transformation of East Village, and flood-proofing a complicated redevelopment project with phased openings and its new East Village home next year and the New Central Library an integral part of the master plan – in the past five years, we’ve raised the floodplain by up to four feet. infrastructure delivery.” is set to open in 2018.

And yes, we will have grand That important investment paid off this summer: our two major residential projects sustained little or openings and often refers to various non-residential ribbon for both. and our community no She damage, and construction continues.components Our pride of at East the efforts of cuttings our neighbours Village as “tourism or destination attractions” – like RiverWalk “The whole project is a complexisand exciting knows no bounds. Our commitment to delivering the master plan vision of the community intact andpuzzle with many Plaza, the Simmons Building, St. Patrick’s Island and others. pieces,” she says.

“The only drawback to so much our resolve is unwavering. We look forward to welcoming you to the newest, oldest, coolest, warmest going on is that “Our master plan aspires to put critical infrastructure in place it’s happening so fast and sometimes we don’t get a chance to neighbourhood in town. and in doing so, we are creating some really smart public spaces. stop and take pause at the accomplishment that East Village is!”

“East Village is a destination unto itself. A fabulous but sprawling 49-acre planned and evolving community.”

Relief. Recovery. Resolve.

INSPIRING COMMUNITIES TO BUILD, GROW AND BELIEVE. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT CALGARYMLC.CA OR CALL 403.718.0300. east village® is a trademark owned by Calgary Municipal Land Corporation.

[title] • &[section] “City of Opportunity” • Travel Tourism

Sled Island Music Festival

City of

The CORE Shopping Centre

Floating down the Bow River

Calgary tourism is hot and getting hotter

By John Hardy | Photos courtesy of Tourism Calgary

“C

algary is a terrific and exciting city of opportunity,” beams a revved and proud Cindy Ady, CEO of Tourism Calgary. “From the zip lines, the superb mix of restaurants, the East Village and Eau Claire, concerts at the Saddledome, rafting down the Bow, the Rockies, the Flames and the Stampeders, and the exciting major sporting events brought here by the Calgary Sport Tourism Authority to the conventions, rubbing noses with the penguins at the zoo, the Stampede and the new airport, Calgary is such a can-do city!”

Forgiving her wonderful bias and the overused cliché of trying to bottle her special kind of infectious positivity and high-energy enthusiasm about all things Calgary, the dynamic Ady – a former cabinet minister who was Alberta’s tourism minister from 2008 to 2011 – has the perfect gung-ho outlook, the drive and the 24-7 Calgary-boosting savvy for the unique and challenging job of making already hot Calgary tourism even hotter.

Despite Calgary’s long and growing list of draws and popular attractions, tourism – for Calgary, Vancouver, Paris, Phoenix, Beijing, Banff, Toronto, Tokyo or Miami – is not only serious, big business but ferociously competitive and strategic big business.

As industry experts agree, it’s no cinch.

Consumer awareness, priorities, lifestyles and trends are changing. Alberta and Calgary must now compete with the world. Travel and tourism marketing has been transformed.

Dazzling pictures of snow-capped mountains, a collage 64 • May 2015 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | businessincalgary.com

of trendy restaurants, bucking broncos, the stunning new airport terminal, the Flames in action, hikers on trails, skiing at Canada Olympic Park and the fabulous skyline in fancy brochures, on catchy posters or in slick videos just don’t cut it anymore.

Popular tourist destinations can no longer afford to rely on traditional popularity as a tourist draw. And it is resoundingly unanimous: digital marketing, technology word of mouth and the awesome power of social media – already redefining many aspects of life and business – now has a potent grip on tourism.

Although Calgary continues as a solid and growing tourist destination and the detailed stats show that a majority of Calgary’s leisure tourists are regional (from Alberta, B.C. and Saskatchewan) the numbers also show that the international love affair with Canada in general, and Calgary in particular, shows no signs of cooling off.

According to a recent study from the Reputation Institute (RI) – which operates in 30 countries and is known as the world’s leading reputation management consultancy – Canada is the top country in the world to visit, live in, study and attend or organize events.

As the RI points out, countries with a strong reputation attract more tourists as well as foreign knowledge, investment and talent. As tourism popularity grows, visitors – including leisure visitors, business people, future immigrants, investors, entrepreneurs and academics – get to know Canada better and our rank translates into big business.

“City of Opportunity” • Travel Tourism [title] • &[section]

Opportunity Biking in Prince’s Island Park

Penguins at the Calgary Zoo

Cindy Ady, CEO of Tourism Calgary.

Royce Chwin, CEO of Travel Alberta, the tourism marketing agency of the Government of Alberta.

Container Bar

Peace Bridge

Tourism is Canada’s largest service export, contributing a total of more than $16 billion and Canada is also the No. 1 location for outbound meetings business from the U.S., which brings in about $1.5 billion annually.

The big business of tourism impacts so many aspects of the economy and life that it takes a long time to crunch accurate numbers and updates. Into Q2 of 2015, anxiously waiting for the 2014 stats, most industry professionals must go with insider guesstimates, projections and trends.

The dynamic and aggressive tourism focus of Alberta and specifically Calgary is well known in the global tourism market.

“Leisure and business visitors from throughout Canada, the U.S., Asia and Europe are key aspects of our economy,” says the upbeat and industry-respected Royce Chwin, CEO of Travel Alberta, the tourism marketing agency of the Government of Alberta. “In Alberta, tourism is a $7.4-billion business and growing tremendously. About 33 million people visit Alberta every year, for business or pleasure, and tourism impacts more than 19,000 Alberta businesses, directly or indirectly involving about 114,000 people.

“National and regional visitors are the biggest source of tourists throughout Alberta,” he says from experience and guesstimates. “The 2014 numbers will show that tourism from the U.S. was up by more than four per cent. Other popular international sources are the U.K., China, Germany, Japan, Korea, Australia and Netherlands. For various reasons, Western Canada is on the bucket list for Germans and the direct flights from Japan and the Netherlands are also key factors.

“Calgary’s newly expanded airport will be significant. When it comes to tourism, direct air access is so important,” Chwin emphasizes, “especially for international tourists. The ability to fly direct to a destination is a huge bonus. Alberta is now a direct flight from Iceland, which is a big plus since Iceland is a major air hub for most of Europe and it will make coming to Alberta much easier (and cheaper) for visitors from the U.K., Germany, Netherlands, France and Austria.”

With tourism responsibility for the entire province, Chwin explains that there is so much to attract national, regional and international visitors – from the Rockies, Calgary’s trendy and upscale restaurants, Edmonton, Dinosaur Provincial Park to Banff, skiing in Canmore, the Stampede, the Columbia Icefields or floatplane fly-fishing. “We may use the Rockies to get their attention,” he grins, “But we expose them to a big variety of other exciting and enjoyable provincial stops and destinations.”

For Calgary tourism, it is a win-win, double-barrelled strategy.

Travel Alberta promotes Calgary as a hub to visit, stay and travel from. Tourism businessincalgary.com | BUSINESS IN CALGARY May 2015 • 65

“City of opportunity” • Travel Tourism [title] •&[section]

Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame

Half Pipe at WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park

Calgary also beats the drums and flashes the websites with Calgary-specific attractions, venues and events.

Cindy Ady and her team of focused Tourism Calgary professionals talk and deal in measures and variables like room nights and room availability, per-day spending, regional, domestic and international markets, rack rates, group rates, incentive options and ease-of-access. They track the trends, project opportunities and ways to turn tourist numbers into Calgary revenue.

It’s the big business of tourism in Calgary.

“Last year, Calgary had about 7.5 million visitors, growing tourism in the metropolitan Calgary area to a $1.6-billion industry that, directly and indirectly, creates employment for approximately one in 10 Calgarians.”

She explains that regional travel accounts for approximately 75 per cent of Calgary’s overnight leisure stays, 14 per cent is national, six per cent is from U.S. and over four per cent is international. The most recent Tourism Calgary stats show that (as of November 2014 and even before the opening of the new airport) domestic passenger traffic was up 6.9 per cent, U.S. air traffic was up 6.5 per cent and international traffic was up 6.3 per cent.

The driven and determined Ady smiles but doesn’t hesitate about openly declaring her ambitious goal of boosting Calgary tourism revenues to $2.3 billion by 2020.

Alberta and global tourism professionals agree on the essential focus and the future of travel and competitive tourism growth. The generation gap is very much an issue.

While boomers continue as the big leisure tourist target market, the industry is scrambling and doing whatever it takes to reach and attract particularly North American millennials.

“Demographics are not only a vital issue, they are a valuable opportunity,” Chwin emphasizes. The 18 to 35 year olds are the fastest growing demographic of the travel industry. They are digitally aware, they share stories, they slam and recommend on blogs like Trip Advisor, they help or hurt tourism and make or break some tourism locations, events and destinations.

“Just five years ago, about 60 per cent of our exposure was offline and 40 per cent online. Today, it’s at least 70 per cent online and 30 per cent offline. The tourism industry can’t afford not to have exposure like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.”

Tourism Calgary is well ahead of the curve by utilizing 66 • May 2015 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | businessincalgary.com

digital marketing and social media to maximize Calgary exposure. It has been a Calgary priority for several years.

“Tourism marketing that doesn’t consider and target millennials is making a huge mistake,” warns Ady. “For tourism marketing and so many other aspects, this is a digital world. It’s how people get and digest their information.

And we absolutely must be there. Just having a sharp, eyecatchy website is definitely not enough. A full-time content manager is essential. We must be a dynamic presence on 30 websites!

“Our marketing strategy is a lot more sophisticated and we are doing a terrific job with our brand. We are focused on being a 365-day leisure, sport and cultural destination.

And the best part is that it’s working. The number of visitors is up. The money they spend in Calgary is up. The airport is about to reopen, our available hotel space is up by five per cent and there’s more being built.”

She is excited to announce that Canada’s equivalent of the Grammys, the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS), will stage the annual Juno week event in Calgary on March 28 to April 3, 2016 and the glitz, glamour and invaluable exposure of the 45th annual Juno Awards will be “live from Calgary” on April 3, 2016.

Ady also proudly highlights the hard work and success of the Calgary Sport Tourism Authority (CSTA) in growing Calgary as a venue for national and international sports, such as the prestigious International Volleyball Federation World League match between Team Canada and Team Cuba happening in Calgary. Sports meets tourism at the end of this month (May 28-31) when Calgary stages the 51st Scotiabank Calgary Marathon.

Also, thanks to much lobbying and pitching by CSTA, Judo Canada has selected Calgary over 10 competing cities to host the National Championships at the Calgary Oval in May of 2016, 2017 and 2018.

Iffy speed bumps like the weak Canadian dollar and slumping oil prices (which directly impact life and business in Calgary) may translate into a strangely ironic positive for the tourism industry.

Bargain prices at the pump is a boost for attracting all those national and regional visitors driving to Calgary and the drooping loonie is an additional 25 per cent value-added bonus for the no-sales-tax American tourists who choose Calgary. BiC

Trains, planes and Trucks • Transportation

Planes, Trains and Trucks CALGARY – THE BOOMING INLAND PORT? ___________ By Dan Cooper ___________

W

hile marquee and high-profile businesses like oil and gas, legal, IT, highrise development, engineering and other pillars of the Calgary business community get most of the attention, a booming Calgary industry continues to quietly earn a tremendous reputation for the city being a stealth hot spot.

Calgary is a transportation hub and particularly a vital distribution centre.

Although there are several business, logistics and strategic economy-related reasons for Calgary’s rank and

transportation and distribution success, one key factor is almost too obvious and simplistic: location-locationlocation.

Calgary has the transportation and distribution good fortune to be at the intersection of two major Canadian highway systems: the Trans-Canada Highway, which sprawls across the vast country from ocean to ocean, and the lesser known but popular industry reference – the CANAMEX Corridor – which runs north and south from Canada to Mexico.

businessincalgary.com | BUSINESS IN CALGARY May 2015 • 67

Trains, planes and Trucks • Transportation

Tom Dixon, manager of real estate, transportation and logistics with Calgary Economic Development.

Calgary’s present and future regarding supply chain, logistics, transportation and distribution centres is solid.

Edmonton

Canada

Calgary

Great Falls Idaho Falls Salt Lake City Las Vegas

USA

Phoenix Tucson Nogales Hermosillo

Mexico Mexico City

The CANAMEX Corridor – which runs north and south from Canada to Mexico.

68 • May 2015 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | businessincalgary.com

The transportation and distribution industry concept of intermodal is also a key factor in Calgary’s success. Intermodal freight transport involves the transportation of freight in an intermodal container or vehicle, using multiple modes of transportation (rail, air and truck), without any handling of the freight itself when changing modes.

The method reduces cargo handling and costs, improves security, reduces damage and loss, and allows freight to be transported faster.

“Various factors make a great distribution hub and logistics centre,” explains the knowledgeable Tom Dixon, manager of real estate, transportation and logistics with Calgary Economic Development. “They include access to markets, availability of serviced land and logistics parks, cost-effective business environments, and a highly skilled labour force.

“Hong Kong, Amsterdam and Los Angeles are well established and prominent distribution and logistics hubs. In the past 10 years or so, Calgary has steadily grown and now ranks as the strongest transportation and logistics industry of any inland western Canadian city.

“It may sound strange to anyone not involved with the transportation and distribution sector,” he grins. “Calgary is a very busy and much in-demand inland port. Of course we’re not near water, like Vancouver or Los Angeles. But Vancouver is much too crowded to handle everything and, thanks to intermodal, it comes directly from the ship, usually by rail or by truck, and is shipped to Calgary for unloading and shipping throughout Western Canada or down into the U.S. and Mexico.”

Goods were previously shipped by container from Canada’s two major west coast ports (at Vancouver and Prince Rupert) all the way east to the Toronto market for distribution back into Western Canada. It didn’t make logistics sense and it was sloppy economics.

With intermodal now a solid fact of transportation and distribution life, goods are shipped directly by rail and truck to Calgary and the shipping containers are directly offloaded for regional distribution at Calgary’s expanding intermodal rail yards and truck terminals.

Industry analysts and other experts agree about some of the business reasons and other relevant factors that give Calgary its potent logistics edge. Depending on which statistic is referenced, Calgary is Canada’s fastest growing city, with a 26 per cent population growth in the past 10 years.

A usually strong energy sector (when oil prices rebound) underpins much of Calgary’s economic stability combined with a competitive tax structure, desirable location, robust levels of retail sales, population growth of about 30,000 people a year, strong employment figures, a well-educated population with an upscale lifestyle (more millionaires per

Photo courtesy of CN.

Trains, planes and Trucks • Transportation Photos courtesy of CN.

The intermodal terminal for containerized goods at CN’s Calgary Logistics Park.

Peter Wallis, respected logistics and supply chain expert, and president and CEO of Calgary’s Van Horne Institute.

capita than any other Canadian city) give Calgary the clout to be the booming logistics and distribution hub that it has become.

“To meet the demands of the thriving distribution network, the city has developed considerable industrial land and state-of-the-art warehousing in immediate proximity to both the Calgary International Airport and major transportation routes,” Dixon points out.

“The developments within the Calgary region lie at the crossroads of two of North America’s major highway systems: the Trans-Canada and the CANAMEX Corridor. At

the centre of the circle where these major highways meet, a ring-road system will soon be a boost for additional access to all Calgary quadrants.”

In the past several years, distribution centre industrial space has been a hot aspect of the Calgary commercial real estate market.

“The greater Calgary region enjoys continued economic prosperity as the head office capital of Canada’s energy sector and the retail and distribution hub of Western Canada,” raves Mike Kehoe, broker at Fairfield Commercial Real Estate in Calgary. “The warehouse, logistics and distribution network is an ever-evolving component of Calgary’s infrastructure. It delivers goods and services to the business across the region that is mostly driven by consumer demand.

“When it comes to industrial warehouse space, Calgary has a very low vacancy rate. The Q4 2014 vacancy rate was just under four per cent. New warehouse space is absorbed quickly in Calgary.”

When it comes to colossal warehouses and enormous distribution centres, Calgary has numerous examples that it is also the place to be. Two corporate transportation giants – Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) and WestJet airlines – have international headquarters in Calgary but now CPR has a massive intermodal facility in Calgary and two years ago, Canada’s other national carrier, CN Rail, launched a huge, $200-million state-of-the-art intermodal terminal for containerized goods at CN’s Calgary Logistics Park.

More than 10 years ago, the Calgary airport implemented businessincalgary.com | BUSINESS IN CALGARY May 2015 • 69

Trains, planes and Trucks • Transportation

CN’s Calgary Logistics Park.

Photos courtesy of CN.

its global logistics strategy and the airport’s business parks have grown from 332,000 square feet of warehouse space to more than three million square feet, which includes a mix of warehouse, logistics, distribution, fixed-base operators and other airport-related business.

It is a reflection of the importance of transportation and logistics to the Calgary market. The airport now offers more warehouse space than any international airport in the country.

Sears Canada opened a new 240,000-square-foot fulfilment centre in southeast Calgary, servicing customers throughout Western Canada. And Canadian giants like Walmart, Rona, Loblaws, Canadian Tire and others also chose Calgary for their western distribution centre locations.

According to industry trends and growth, Calgary is not only a transportation and distribution success story, it is coincidentally on the cutting edge of a North American global business phenomenon.

Supply chain management (SCM) is not only a specialized business, it has become a complex and sophisticated business science. Defined as the management of the flow of goods and services, SCM includes the movement and storage of raw materials, work-in-process inventory and finished goods from point of origin to point of consumption. Intermodal, distribution centres, trucks, rail or air.

“As strong as Calgary is in the industry and with the growth still to happen, we are just part of an enormous global network,” says a plugged-in industry expert, Peter Wallis, president and CEO of Calgary’s Van Horne Institute, one of North America’s leading research institutes focused on transportation, supply chain and logistics, and regulatory affairs issues.

Wallis is a respected supply chain and logistics authority and speaks with tremendous expertise and reams of facts and figures about Canadian and global trends, the vital role and impact of transportation and logistics on business and the economy, and the dynamic presence of distribution centres in the Calgary market.

“A key aspect of Calgary’s viability is the logistics of targeting a market. For example, a trucker can drive 13 hours in one day. Take a protractor and easily calculate than in one day’s drive from Calgary, the shipment can easily access a market of 20 million people. Put the same protrac-

“When it comes to industrial warehouse space, Calgary has a very low vacancy rate. The Q4 2014 vacancy rate was just under four per cent.

New warehouse space is absorbed quickly in Calgary.” ~ Mike Kehoe

Business Can’t Afford NOT to!

70 • May 2015 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | businessincalgary.com

tor on Edmonton or even Vancouver! The market is much smaller. That’s why Calgary is booming as a logistics hub.”

Wallis is positive and upbeat about the long-term future of supply chain management and explains that it has become a sophisticated industry and career unto itself.

The institute underscores that remaining competitive, current and knowledgeable are three significant objectives for leaders in the transportation and logistics industry.

The Van Horne Institute is committed to helping transportation and logistics companies in achieving those objectives, but Wallis warns about a timely SCM dilemma – a lack of skilled logistics employees.

Logistics has become a key component of business strategy. Fast computers, sophisticated software and improved input scanning devices enable quick and informed decision-making. Software assists in analyzing and comparing transportation costs. Global positioning devices and radio frequency identification chips provide accurate and instantaneous information on tracking the location of vehicles and cargo.

The institute trains leaders in transportation, supply chain, logistics and regulated industries by developing post-secondary educational programs and contributing to public policy through education, research and conferences.

Wallis urges that as the scope of the activities of transportation and logistics expands, the need for highly-qualified and well-educated employees is increasing.

That’s why the University of Calgary and SAIT, in collaboration with the Van Horne Institute, are developing a transportation and logistics degree program to fill the demand for skilled workers in the transportation and logistics industry.

Calgary’s present and future regarding supply chain, logistics, transportation and distribution centres is solid.

But only, the Van Horne Institute’s Peter Wallis warns, as long as there are enough skilled people to do the work. BiC

How to Differentiate Yourself on the Web

Let’s Ask an EOer

Business Can’t Afford NOT to!

I

t stopped being communication light years ago. It is sophisticated, complex, limitless potential and opportunity, multi-dimensional communication. Of course the daily-evolving technology continues to alter and re-define life as we know it.

to be demo-specific. “The days of mass media are long gone and trying to hit a cross-generational marketing hit is almost impossible.

It’s made for some very interesting and compelling approaches and niches within the marketing space.

Especially in the dynamic and fiercely competitive world of marketing.

“The most effective vehicles for digital marketing depends on who you’re trying to reach. Savvy marketers can use the very rich tools to hit specific demographics in a particular context with their messaging and create something.”

From stunning and creative websites to the staggering value of social messaging — doing it right on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other tools and options. The proven effectiveness and mega-success of cyber marketing has more than silenced the staunchest hold outs and business dinosaurs who used to shrug off technology as fads and gimmicks.

Talk about targeting and engaging the customer and potential customer! There are more than 4.1 billion email accounts and the number is expected to reach 5.2 billion by the end of 2018.

More than 87 per cent of Canadian households are connected to the internet — (and ahead of the U.S.) “Don’t just be on-line to be on-line. Understanding the role of your on-line presence, whether it’s to build brand, lead generation, e-commerce, enhance customer service, staff recruitment, etc.,” says gung-ho and technology savvy EO Calgary member and president and executive creative director at ZGM Collaborative Marketing. “We need to understand our audience. Where they work, play and what their habits are. Then we can make more effective decisions on how and where to engage them.”

EO Calgary member and UXGUYS CEO and partner Paul Nishikawa agrees and emphasizes the need for digital marketing

Contributing Members:

Paul Bazay, partner/Digital Director at Sajak & Farki and plugged-in EO Calgary member underscores the must that is digital marketing. “The advancement of technology and access to global markets has made marketing more vital than ever.

Now, a small business can compete with a large business using tools that didn’t exist 10 years ago. Social media, programmatic media buying and integrated web services means competitors can establish themselves quickly,” he points out.

“Standing out and staying ahead is more important than ever. An online presence is critical. It’s as important as having gas in your car. Without it you won’t get very far.”

Traditional marketing is far from dead. Tens of billions of dollars are still being spent on conventional advertising like magazines, newspapers, TV, radio and billboards.

“These are definitely exciting times,” Dan King says with enthusiasm.

“Certain industries and markets still rely heavily on traditional media, with digital just gaining traction. Even in more advanced markets, combining traditional channels with new technology can enhance the consumer experience and make even greater connections between brands and customers.”

Upcoming Events: May 5th

• Leadership Breakfast – Rick George

May 20th • HMCS 20th Anniversary – Victoria May 28th • Dr. Leonard Sax

Paul Bazay paul@sajakfarki.com

Paul Nishikawa paul@uxguys.com

Dan King

June 12th • President’s Year-End Party

dan.king@zgm.ca

The international Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) is the respected, world-wide business networking group — with more than 8,000 members in 35 countries — where business leaders meet informally to brainstorm, compare notes, learn and share relevant discussions about business.

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

www.eocalgary.com

|

For membership inquiries: membership@eocalgary.com

The new Recycling • Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

The New Recycling Can too much recycling be bad?

BY COLLEEN WALLACE

I

t’s all garbage! But, in Calgary and most other booming North American communities, it’s not only a very serious, sometimes misunderstood and crucially important subject, it’s also a science, social responsibility, political and contentiously debated issue with conflicting opinions from scientists, researchers and other experts.

Despite all that, in Calgary and most other North American communities, with various degrees of acceptance and compliance, recycling is also a fact of life.

A vast majority of laypeople don’t live (or dispose of garbage) in a world of statistics, technical jargon, terms and concepts. Most contemporary people buy into the logic that, in various high-tech and scientific ways, doing their share and “every little bit helps” ultimately translates into cleaning up the environment and the impressive and enormous concept of having a share in saving the planet.

Although the tangible and specific process we know as recycling includes logistics and theories about avoiding damage to the air we breathe and the water drink, the primary focus of recycling is reducing (ideally eliminating) how much of clichéd garbage – ingredients like tin cans, glass and plastic containers that will never die – actually get bulldozed and buried for next generations in local garbage dumps that are now more scientifically called landfill sites.

72 • May 2015 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | businessincalgary.com

Photo credit: The City of Calgary.

The daring revelation is that, after the bulldozers cover it all up and there’s neither stench nor a disgusting visual, the problem is merely out-of-sight and out-of-mind. It’s a multi-danger stockpile of future problems and health risks.

Without referencing the often heated debate about recycling, pure science shows that (exempting sources like grazing cows) landfills account for more than 30 per cent of Canada’s human activity-related emissions of methane gas. And while there are generalized warnings about “greenhouses gases” in the atmosphere, methane is not only one of several greenhouse gases but 23 times more potent than the much discussed (and implicated) carbon dioxide.

“Last month we submitted a detailed report to Calgary council,” says Dick Ebersohn, team leader of strategic planning and policy with Calgary’s Waste and Recycling Services. “We have targeted four sectors when it comes to a stepped-up recycling focus: business, institutional (ICI), residential (single and multi-family) and construction and demolition (C&D).

“According to our surveying, about 96 per cent of Calgarians understand the problem and want to reduce the volume of waste sent to landfill. When it comes to people’s attitude about black, blue and in the areas where we just began a new green box program, there is more than 90 per cent support.

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The New Recycling • Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

These two pages - the Materials Recovery Facility where our blue cart materials go. Photo credit: The City of Calgary.

“The Calgary trend is definitely moving toward a decline in the per capita generation of waste,” he cites surveys about compliance percentages. “In mostly single-family home areas, we are noticing significant progress. We are recycling about 30 per cent of the waste.”

Target percentages for recycling continue as debated facts and matters of opinion. The ambitious Calgary target is to divert 80 per cent of garbage from landfills by 2020.

Some scientists and waste management consultants are rallied by J. Winston Porter, the outspoken American recycling critic and former assistant administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. When it comes to community recycling targets, Porter and other waste management experts say that recycling more than 30 to 35 per cent waste is realistic. Their findings suggest that any higher can itself turn out to be wasteful if not outright harmful.

The problem is that most of our garbage, recycled or not, has virtually no value. Despite the politically correct but faulty logic that more recycling means a better environment and a healthier planet, the hard-core facts show that, aside from metals like aluminum, it usually takes more resources to recycle something than to make it new.

Whenever experts debate the true environmental value versus the actual energy and costs required to recycle, the formula often doesn’t work.

As we do our best to recycle cans, glass and plastic bottles, newsprint, paper and cardboard, only recycled metal is viable. The energy and the resources it takes to make metal 74 • May 2015 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | businessincalgary.com

are a waste, so recycling metal makes more sense and is better for the environment.

While the present and the future are all that really matter, Ebersohn admits that it was awkward and embarrassing that six years ago Calgary was the last large city in Canada to implement curbside recycling. While he and Calgary Waste and Recycling Services officials are satisfied with the public response and recycling compliance, there is lingering cynicism from various sources regarding Calgary’s switch from a private waste recycling collection system to forcing taxpayers to have subsidized municipal recycling systems.

There have been accusations that, despite genuinely good intentions, recycling programs are a matter of perception and may actually be doing more harm than good. Recycling may make some compliant people feel good about doing their share while much of the recycled waste often ends up sitting in landfills, right beside the rest of the garbage.

One specific argument popped up just after Calgary introduced its blue bin recycling. The community was gung-ho and sorting their garbage before dragging it to the end of the driveway, but it may have made a negative dent in saving the planet, right from the start. The city had to double the number of pickup garbage trucks – doubling the amount of CO2 spewing from the additional trucks into the atmosphere.

Despite conflicting opinions and debates, Calgary’s recycling focus is committed and moving forward.

The New Recycling • Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

“Our next target is organic waste,” Ebersohn explains.

“Right now, food and yard waste makes up more than half – about 140,000 tons out of the estimated 230,000 tons – of household garbage that we now send to landfill from our homes.”

Composting organic material, including food and yard waste, is a critical step in reducing waste going to Calgary’s landfills. “By composting, we can reduce dependence on landfills, minimize the harmful environmental effects of food and yard waste in landfills, and produce compost, which is a useful resource.

“Last May, the city gave the first phase of approvals for funding for a green cart composting program,” he adds. “It’s in place as a trial in four Calgary areas and it is already a major success. By 2017 we will have a big, state-of-the-art organic composting facility on the current Shepard Landfill site, south of 114th Avenue SE. It will accept food and yard waste. ”Like recycling, the more we process by composting, the less we send to landfill. And that’s what it’s all about.”

Ebersohn acknowledges the constantly new challenges which become key aspects of waste management. Sometimes it’s lifestyle specifics, like plastic water bottles and paper coffee cups. Environmentalists and the waste management industry are concerned. He refers to the research and findings of the “National Zero Waste Council” and a concept called the circular economy.

The National Zero Waste Council is a Canadian cross-sector leadership

initiative bringing together governments, businesses and non-government organizations to advance a national waste prevention and reduction agenda. With a focus on influencing behaviour and improving product design and packaging, the National Zero Waste Council aims to unite efforts in waste prevention and drive a fundamental shift in our relationship with waste.

Interestingly, a fascinating new idea in the field of effective waste management is getting much Canadian and international attention from waste management industry insiders, policy-makers and business in general – a concept and a strategy called the circular economy. The name is literal, referring to an industrial economy that goes far beyond recycling and which only creates secondary materials from primary ones.

“Another big impact on waste is the ebb and flow of our economy,” he says. “The rule of thumb is, the healthier the economy, the more money we spend. The more we buy and the more we consume, the more we throw out and send to landfill.”

The circular economy is based on eliminating – at least minimizing – material loss. The basics are that the concept employs renewable energy, minimizes or eliminates toxic chemicals and avoids waste through careful design. It looks closely at how we design, make, sell, reuse and recycle products to determine how to secure the maximum value, both in use and at the end of their life.

“We cannot wait until it’s too late to do something,” Ebersohn warns. BiC businessincalgary.com | BUSINESS IN CALGARY May 2015 • 75

Greg Kirkwood, founder and owner, 310-DUMP

From Summer Job to Corporate Success When an opportunity to create a niche summer job came along, the founder of 310-DUMP didn’t realize it would change his life forever.

By Nerissa McNaughton

I

n 1995, Greg Kirkwood was studying economics at the University of Alberta when two unrelated incidences coincided to change his life.

In speaking with local contractors, he learned they were having a difficult time finding reliable people to clean up their construction sites.

Then he saw an ad stating the Federal Business Development Bank (now Business Development Corporation) was offering $3,000 loans for students to start summer businesses. Kirkwood saw an opportunity.

Kirkwood’s business plan was approved and with the loan, he purchased a 1976 Ford truck, built a box on it and called his new venture Rubbish Express. “I set out to fill the void in the market for reliable, reasonably priced junk removal,” he reminisces with a smile. “But word spread very quickly about the great service at fair prices. Business blossomed.” Ordinarily, this would not have been a problem, but as summer drew to a close, demand didn’t drop off.

Kirkwood faced a tough decision. School or business?

“I tried to do both,” he admits, but soon realized he couldn’t sustain both paths. He had to choose. “I put my final year of university on hold and jumped in with both feet knowing that if it didn’t work, I could return to school to finish off the last year of my degree.” He has yet to return to University, but “the education I have learned over the last 20 years in the business world has been priceless!”

In 1996, the company expanded to Calgary and added to the fleet.

In 1999, Rubbish Express officially rebranded as 310-DUMP. By now, the company was not only doing junk removal, they were renting dumpsters as well. In fact, the growth cycle has never stopped.

“We continue to enjoy annual growth exceeding market averages,” Kirkwood confirms with pride.

310-DUMP | 20 Years | 1

77

Top left: One of the front load trucks.

Bottom left: Workers hauling unwanted items to one of the junk removal trucks.

Bottom right: Customers using a roll off container.

Today’s fleet that services business & residential customers across Alberta consists of: • Front load trucks – Waste & recycling front load trucks are used for commercial/industrial customers. Bins range from 2 – 8 cubic yards and service is weekly or monthly at the customer’s convenience. Business customers appreciate the hands-on approach of 310-DUMP account managers who are well equipped to provide in-depth, valuable waste & recycling solutions.

• Roll off trucks – Serving commercial and industrial companies and residential consumers, roll off containers (dumpsters) range from 10 – 40 cubic yards. “We deliver an empty dumpster container to the customer’s site, then the customer loads the

310-DUMP | 20 Years | 2

dumpster with up to nine metric tons of material. They call or email us to haul away the full dumpster when they are finished or the renovation & cleaning project is completed,” explains the successful entrepreneur.

• Junk removal trucks – Serving residential and business customers along with property management organizations, junk removal trucks are equipped with one of the biggest dump boxes in the industry (18 cubic yards). These trucks are manned by two workers who load, haul and dispose/recycle unwanted items. “Our crew always provides an upfront quote for the customer’s approval prior to loading,” says Kirkwood. “With this service, all the loading, hauling and disposal fees are included. In this type of service, the customers just point at the bulky items and we haul them away. It is that simple!”

310-DUMP | 20 Years | 3

The dedication to customer service is paramount. 310-DUMP has thousands of bins and an ever- expanding fleet to ensure all customer requests are handled promptly and efficiently. “We value each and every customer and we want it to show in the service we provide. We always answer our phones seven days a week. Customers will always speak with a live operator (available also during holidays) so we can give the best possible customer experience. We are fully insured and have an A+ standing with the Better Business Bureau,” says Kirkwood. But that’s not all. “We are a 100 per cent Alberta-owned company and customers love the fact they only need to remember one number for all their junk and waste and recycling needs, often with same-day service. Our crews are WCB insured, which is not always the case in our industry.”

In an industry that seems primed for high turnover, 310-DUMP enjoys the benefits of employee loyalty and satisfaction. Even their student workers are happy to return year after year. Kirkwood is proud of his team and tells them so in this personalized message: “We owe our success over the last 20 years to our hardworking employees. I am very proud of the team we have and the people who have helped us grow over the years and built the company to where we are today. Sincerely, thank you for making 310-DUMP a terrific work environment. I look forward to coming to work and to many more fun and successful years ahead!”

Speaking of those years ahead, they certainly look bright and prosperous for the still-growing company. “Winning is fun and

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contagious,” Kirkwood grins. “We win when our customers get the best service and they win. It’s great to build a company that the whole team can be proud of. Nothing makes me happier than hearing positive feedback from our customers. It’s what we strive for. It’s been great to develop long-lasting relationships and to catch up with long-term customers, some of whom have been with us from the beginning. The growth of the company is very exciting and it is equally exciting to see people growing within their roles in the company.”

“We look forward, every day, to building something special that we can all be proud of.” ~ Greg Kirkwood

Kirkwood was just 22 years old when he thought long and hard about the two options before him, and ultimately decided to pursue the job he created. He set out to fill a niche in the market and he more than exceeded his own, as well as industry, expectations.

Kirkwood is grateful to his wife, parents, family and friends, all of whom showed tremendous support when he “decided to drop out of school to become a garbage man,” along with his mentors, staff, vendors and clients. He looks forward to 310-DUMP continuing to serve the needs of Albertans in both corporate and charitable ways.

“We look forward, every day, to building something special that we can all be proud of,” he concludes.

“Mission accomplished,” responds those that have used, loved and become loyal to the services and customer focus of 310-DUMP. •

Staff members at 310-DUMP

310-DUMP is proud to have completed well over 100,000 jobs and to be an active participant in natural disaster cleanups across Canada. To learn more, visit www.310DUMP.com. The phone number, 310-DUMP (310-3867), grants you seven-day access to the company from anywhere in Alberta, with no area code required. Orders can be placed by phone (310-3867), email (Bookme@310DUMP.com) or online.

310-DUMP | 20 Years | 5

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Celebrating 30 Years

By Tiffany Burns

I

n the last five years, Danatec Educational Services Ltd. has been on a growth spurt. Although it might be more accurate to call it a surge. Since president and CEO Alina Martin took the reins from her father, Ron Martin, in 2010, the company has significantly increased its product line. Staff has grown from eight employees to 20. And revenue has more than doubled.

Martin’s entrepreneurial passion to grow the business has seen the pace of output accelerate. Instead of developing one new product annually, Danatec now releases between two and six each year, a change driven by rapidly advancing technology.

“How do you build education and deliver it through a different medium? And do it better than it has ever been done before?” asks Martin. Tucked into Danatec’s long boardroom table, she leans forward in her black leather chair. “That’s exactly what we’re doing.”

Danatec Educational Services has been Canada’s leading provider of workplace safety training materials for over 30 years.

Headquartered in Calgary, the privately held organization offers expertise in a tight niche that includes TDG training, WHMIS training and compliance tools. There are Self-Teach ™ programs, online training, handbooks, reference manuals, even apps for iPhones and iPads. Products include training in everything from defensive driving, industrial ergonomics and hazard awareness.

“We build exceptional material. Period.” Martin nods to emphasize her point. “The word mediocre does not exist here.”

Unlike every other safety company, Danatec offers purely educational materials. They do not train. Instead of competing with instructors, Danatec works with them to build the materials they need to deliver the training. To do that, Danatec has subject matter experts on staff for specialties like dangerous goods and WHMIS. Instructional designers who study adult learning incorporate interactive absorption into Danatec materials,

Alina Martin, CEO, Danatec Danatec | 30 Years | 1

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requiring user engagement in accordance with their findings on how adults learn.

“When we produce a course, it is as close to regulatory rules as you can get. It is the best training in the industry.”

A knowledge base of 30 years is the foundation that backs up the company’s current technology boost. Danatec was founded in 1985, a hybrid name culled from “dangerous goods” and “technology.” Alina’s father, Ron Martin, purchased 50 per cent of Danatec in 1991. Four years later, he bought the remainder of the company. When he retired in 2010, Alina Martin was vice president of sales and marketing. She bought the majority of the company shares.

“It’s been an interesting transition,” she says. “I think a lot of family businesses just remain the way they are when the children take over, but our family is a good example of how succession can work exceptionally well.”

The Danatec leadership transition worked because all the parts fit.

Serendipity was on the family’s side. Her father was ready to leave, and after working at the company for years, Alina not only wanted to take over – she was more than capable of doing the job.

“Everyone got what they wanted. I wanted to grow and build the business. My father was ready to leave and cash out. So it worked well.”

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But the last five years have not been without challenges. In June 2012, her father was suddenly and unexpectedly diagnosed with cancer. He died just a few months later, in November.

“That was a devastating time. He was a wonderful family man and leader. The world has truly lost an extraordinary person.”

Added experience.

Added clarity.

Added value.

Despite her family tragedy, Martin is practical as she moves forward.

“We don’t rest on our laurels. It is not lost on me that one day the phone might not ring.

You have to do everything in your power so that doesn’t happen.”

Martin is one of the few women leading a company in an industry dominated by men.

But it has never held her back. In fact, in 2013, Profit Magazine and Chatelaine named her one of the top 100 female entrepreneurs in Canada. Then again in 2014, she was recognized as No. 32 out of Canada’s Top 100 Female Entrepreneurs in Canadian Business Magazine.

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For Danatec and its products, the awards are too many to count. One single product line, GHS Hazcom (introduced with the launch of their U.S. division in 2013), won seven national and international awards.

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Danatec | 30 Years | 3

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their initiative to give back to the community, but now the company organizes the employees to actively take part in a charity each quarter.

Recent efforts have included cooking dinner for 56 people at Ronald McDonald House, building a home with Habitat for Humanity and supporting a family each Christmas.

“Money is absolutely useless unless you share it,” Martin says emphatically. “It serves no purpose.”

The CEO of Danatec practices what she preaches with Hundred Dollar Fridays. Stealing a page from her father’s handbook, Martin will occasionally choose a random day to hand out big bills to her staff.

But even as the framed magazine covers fill the walls and awards line the shelves, more satisfaction at Danatec is derived from giving rather than gaining. Last year the company formed Danatec Gives, complete with its own website and Twitter handle. Danatec had already been making many monetary donations as part of

Her fun approach belies a more serious sentiment: Martin believes her employees are the heart of her organization. Besides offering flextime and making sure the office just off 114th Avenue SE is stylishly decorated, the fun ideas keep flowing. A Mad Man-esque drinks cart loaded with liquor sits in the hallway, ready to be wheeled wherever a celebration is needed.

“We celebrate a lot here,” she says, laughing. “Birthdays, anniversaries, you name it.”

Martin believes in anticipating needs before they are voiced.

Particularly those of Danatec clients. In 2011, the company built the industry’s first TDG and WHMIS app for iPhones and iPads.

“We understand the web and technology,” says Martin.

It is also what she believes will drive the success of Danatec well into the future.

“Technology is going to continue to evolve at a rapid rate. We have to keep figuring out how to deliver, modify and change the way safety training is being delivered. We ask hard questions all the time. The future is exciting.” •

www.danatec.com Danatec | 30 Years | 4

1995

2015

Amaranth Foods Celebrates 20 Years of Healthy Living

By Tiffany Burns

You are what you eat eat.

Ken Klatt, founder of Amaranth Foods, is a man with a mission: to promote healthy foods, nutritional awareness and environmental responsibility.

That mission has turned into a multimillion-dollar operation, in the form of four eco-conscious, sustainably rooted stores in Alberta. Amaranth Markets offer natural and allergy friendly groceries, premium vitamins, food-based supplements, specialty items and quality body care.

Amaranth is actually an ancient grain, flexible and hardy enough to grow in both alpine areas and low-lying valleys. Not only can the leaves be used, so can the seeds. That versatility inspired Klatt as he honed his concept for a business that would reinvent the way to eat in a healthy, mindful manner.

Amaranth Whole Foods Market |

20 Years | 1

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Ken Klatt, founder of Amaranth Foods

Amy Buckman, community ambassador

“Eating healthy is part of our heritage,” explains Klatt. “We have just somehow lost that ability.” During the early ’90s in Calgary, interest in natural foods was considered a subculture. “For it to be mainstream, we needed to change that.”

For Klatt, customer experience was a main driver. As an accountant interested in organic foods, he felt awkward shopping at the local organic store – especially if he was wearing a suit. He wanted to create a place where everyone was welcome and labels like “hippie” or “corporate” were meaningless.

Philip Wong, manager

people could have careers from their passion for natural food and earn enough to make a decent living.

“How do I bring that person into our resource pool and make it a win-win?” he says of his approach. “If you can make that work purposeful, then you are satisfying many things.”

Community ambassador Amy Buckman is an example of that forward-thinking outlook for Amaranth employees. Nine years ago, she was a cashier, but couldn’t continue to work at the store because of childcare issues.

Klatt didn’t come from a retail background, but he had identified a major hole in the marketplace. With the heartfelt goal of encouraging healthy living, he opened his first store at Crowfoot Shopping Centre in 1995.

“I remember, we were sitting on the grass outside and my daughter was with me,” says Buckman. “Ken said, ‘Let’s try a few things and see what sticks.’”

“Rather than stand on the streets and demand organic farming, it’s better for us to create a demand for organic goods,” says Klatt. “Therefore the farming catches up. For us to do that we needed to go to a business model that was customer friendly.”

It was well before working remotely had become commonplace.

Buckman became a conduit to the community beyond store doors, taking part in activities as diverse as hosting dinners and showing children how to wash their hands. She’s also dressed up as Little Red Riding Hood to get kids to try new vegetables.

A few years later, he had an opportunity to buy property in Arbour Lake. In 2000 he moved the original store from Crowfoot to the new property. The Arbour Lake location is still the main headquarters for Amaranth today.

Success came from being a leader in the natural foods marketplace. Klatt and the Amaranth team identify what customers want based on dietary needs and nutritional research, with a focus on balance rather than the ups and downs of following trends.

Klatt also sought balance for his increasing number of employees. He wanted to create a working environment where

Amaranth Whole Foods Market |

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Congratulations to Amaranth Whole Foods Market on their 20th Anniversary!

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In 2011, Klatt opened two more stores, at 130th Avenue SE in Calgary and in St. Albert in the Enjoy Centre. Last year, he added a fourth on trendy 4th Street SW in Calgary’s beltline district.

As part of his preparation to guide his growing health food business into the future as he prepares to reduce his role in daily operations, Klatt brought in Philip Wong, who’d worked for Amaranth as a teenager. During the years in between, Wong made a name for himself as the person behind Café Koi, offering an Asian-fusion menu that includes vegetarian and gluten-free dishes.

Wong, whose imprint is noticeable throughout the 4th Street store, is already thinking about the next Amaranth location.

The site still has to be determined, but it will be larger and incorporate a café. However, while the company is planning more growth, he does not foresee it expanding beyond Alberta.

He’s also cautious about the pace.

“We don’t want to grow faster than our management team can handle,” says Wong. “That’s key. We are an owner-operated business. The executive team is in-store seven days a week.”

As Amaranth celebrates its 20-year anniversary, its founder is already thinking about the next 20 years – and the competition.

“We were the pioneers, thinking out of the box,” says Klatt. “The reality now is that is not the case anymore.”

Many of the products Amaranth introduced to Calgary are now sold in conventional stores. In grocery behemoths like Walmart and Superstore, organics aisles are the norm. Klatt considers it a positive sign in his mission to encourage healthy living.

“It shows we’ve been successful,” he says, smiling. “That’s my legacy.”

As a smaller business, Amaranth Foods is more nimble in its reaction to the marketplace. The company can bring in new products faster when customers demand it. And Amaranth customers are loyal – Klatt has clients whose children are now regular shoppers at the store.

Regular customers are well rewarded for their loyalty. This year will mark $1 million in cash back to customers from the Healthy Living rewards program. But as Klatt will tell you, eating healthy is the best reward. •

amaranthfoods.ca

Thank you Calgary for supporting us since 1995. Here's to 20 more!

1995

2015

3 locations to serve you

Amaranth Whole Foods Market |

20 Years | 4

amaranthfoods.ca

Generation Gapping the Game • Golf

GENERATION GAPPING THE GAME Making it family friendly ___________ By John Hardy ___________ Photos courtesy of Springbank Links

SOME GOLFERS ARE IN FOR A JOLT. NOT A SHOCK. MAYBE JUST A NUDGE. Even though everything changes – friendships, fashion, styles, food, technology, TV and the weather – golf was always the reliable, trusty constant. Comfortable.

Familiar. A refuge. One of the few things in life where “we have always done it this way” was not only routine, it was perfectly fine.

All that is about to change. No panic. Nothing sudden. Not drastic. It may even be stealth. Small and subtle changes have been happening for years – knickers and long sleeves morphed into short-sleeved polos, rainbow-coloured slacks and eventually comfy shorts, most woods are no longer woods and many courses not only sell but deliver refreshments that not long ago had to be smuggled in the bag and could get a golfer booted from the course.

The new changes may not be as visual or noticeable but eventually will be unmistakable. It’s not your father’s (and definitely not your grandfather’s) golf game or golf course.

businessincalgary.com | BUSINESS IN CALGARY May 2015 • 91

Photo courtesy of Springbank Links.

In Alberta, lovably known as the home of the four-month golf season, golf is proportionately even bigger business. The game contributes an estimated $2.4 billion toward Alberta’s GDP, including 43,000 jobs, $1.3 billion in household income and $82.9 million in property and other indirect taxes. The revenues generated directly by Alberta golf courses is estimated at $859 million.

Little wonder that golf is adapting and making adjustments. It’s a smart, long-term growth strategy for the business of golf.

“It’s reality. We have an aging population,” shrugs the upbeat and golf-passionate Scott Simmons, CEO of Golf Canada. “Like any other business, golf must be realistic, strategize and plan ahead. There are about 5.7 million recreational golfers in Canada.

And it’s vital that the game and our member courses recognize that golf must be cusIt doesn’t mean that any day soon the fun is tomer-centric. over and you won’t recognize favourite Calgary “There’s no doubt about it. For various courses like Springbank Links and the Glencoe. reasons, some we can’t do anything about, It’s advance notice that the generation gap is participation and games played is down. Not about to drift into golf and golf courses. a crisis, maybe one or two per cent. But it For more than 30 years, baby boomers, life’s does matter. And the numbers taking up the biggest, most spoiled and self-indulgent genergame is lower.” ation, ruled the world and golf was played with A clichéd factor to explain slumps in golf their rules and on their terms. Some occasional participation is weather, especially in iffy convenience changes were made. areas like Calgary. Simmons cites national Boomers are now well into their 60s. Gennumbers and points out that weather impacts Xers are in their mid-30s to 50s. And most the rounds played measure of golf. “Last of the fuss is about the likes and dislikes and Scott Simmons, CEO of Golf Canada. year’s report is just being finalized but it was lifestyle choices of millennials, those people in wet and not great weather in most parts of their 20s and early 30s. the country. There have likely been fewer Without alienating the still huge and disposrounds played and playable days in 2014 able income boomers, golf, golf courses and the than in 2013.” business of golf are about to make adjustments Simmons agrees with other golf insiders to make the game more millennial-friendly. Yet, that competition and the lifestyle trends and making changes, subtle or significant, to the quirks of gen-Xers, and particularly millenbusiness of golf is a fragile manoeuvre. nials, are the reasons why North American Mostly because golf, in Canada and here in and Calgary golf courses are strategizing and Calgary, is solid and successful big business. making changes.

There are 2,346 (private and public) golf courses It may be a bit snarky but accurate that Matt Rollins, executive director/CEO, in Canada. Alberta has 312 courses: 127 nine- Alberta Golf. millennials will not spend four to five hours hole courses, 181 18-hole or more courses and doing anything, let alone one, slow-moving four 36-hole courses. game of golf.

Based on direct, indirect and induced impacts, the ecoChanges are already happening to make the game more nomic clout of golf accounts for more than $14 billion of exciting and shorter, while also attracting families. SudCanada’s gross domestic product (GDP). Golf in Canada also denly, with the lifestyle focus of millennials, golf has some provides more than 300,000 jobs, $8.3 billion in household stiff competition from running, biking, skiing, hiking, kayincome, $1.4 billion in property and other indirect taxes aking and white-water rafting. and $2.2 billion in federal and provincial income taxes.

“We haven’t seen much of adjusting the game for millen92 • May 2015 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | businessincalgary.com

Generation Gapping the Game • Golf

nials in Alberta,” says Matt Rollins, CEO “The new Forest was designed with of Alberta Golf. “Maybe not yet! Like Golf wider landing areas to help make it more Canada, we have a very strong emphasis enjoyable for all levels of play and we on attracting younger golfers and families. are dropping some traditional dress code We have shorter and family tees; shorter barriers (like jeans) in the clubhouse to forms of play to still maintain golf tradimake it easier for our members to use the tions but make the game easier and faster. facilities. There will also be an increased Golf in Schools is a popular, national proamount of social activities, like a Junior gram that introduces the game in school Boys and Girls Night Out, Wine Club and PE classes. Kids learn early that golf is Ladies Tapas Night, to encourage more fun. Last year, more than 45,000 Alberta club participation.” kids were introduced to the game.

Ryan Anderson, PGA head teaching professional at the “And pet-friendly Sundays!” roars “I agree that being ready to attract mil- Glencoe Golf and Country Club.

Springbank’s Kevin Heise. “For tee times lennials to the game is important,” he starting at 4:00 on Sundays, furry guests will be allowed adds. “Perhaps involving more technology, apps for scoring and maybe seeing how the groups ahead of them are doing. to walk alongside golfers with certain rules for safety and Some clubs still ban cellphones but there is a lot of discus- speed of play. Dogs and golf are quite normal where the sion about changes, allowing the younger generation golfer game originated in Scotland and England, and we want to see if there is interest here.” to stay tethered.”

“Some things never change,” Scott Simmons smiles with ”We have submitted a detailed proposal of possible changes and adjustments that our board will consider and positivity. “The challenge of the game is always one of its decide this month,” explains Kevin Heise, general manager biggest draws. While golf must adapt for the next genof Calgary’s Springbank Links Golf Club. “Much of it is eration of players, the key is to make the game better, not necessarily easier.” BiC to add family aspects and strategize for the next generation of golfers to come out and enjoy Springbank.

“Possibly rerouting our course (mainly flipping the nines) so our more user-friendly and more forgiving Lake 9 would be played first. There are both pros and cons in doing so. The pro factor includes the ability to get in more nine-hole rounds, especially late day which is prime for family play. Speed of play is an issue. It moves on our Lake 9 because the topography of the front nine typically takes 20-30 minutes longer to play.

“Other ideas are rerouting that would also include an 11-hole option. This could be attractive to those who have a bit more time for nine but not enough for the full 18,” Heise outlines.

Equity Golf Memberships and There could also be adjustments to Annual Associate Golf Memberships available. the game elsewhere in Calgary. “We are Corporate Tournament dates and public golfers welcome. a family-orientated club and golfing opportunities for all ages continues a Kevin Black, Golf Professional | Kevin@redwoodmeadows.com priority,” according to Ryan Anderson, Paddy Big Plume, General Manager | 403-949-3733 | Paddy@redwoodmeadows.com head teaching professional at the Glencoe Golf and Country Club. “Four years The Point Restaurant ago, we lowered our age that juniors F&B Manager - Brett Beninger | brett@thepointrestaurant.ca could join … allowing more golfers to come to the course as a family.

REDWOOD MEADOWS AD

businessincalgary.com | BUSINESS IN CALGARY May 2015 • 93

First Fully Asymmetrical

Golf Shoe

Unveiled

A

didas Golf, an industry leader in innovation, technology and performance footwear, unveiled the first fully asymmetrical golf shoe, asym energy boost®, the most innovative footwear from the brand to date. The uniquely built left and right shoes guide weight transfer, stability and power through the swing. Asym

Through extensive heat map and force plate pressure studies, it became clear just how different and unique the vertical and horizontal forces were for each foot during the swing.

energy boost is the latest in footwear from Adidas Golf that highlights the revolutionary BOOST™ cushioning and incorporates advanced technologies to best support the athlete and their performance.

Adidas has always sought to create and implement technologies into products that give the athletes an advantage, regardless of the field of play. Utilizing the latest biomechanical equipment Adidas Golf was better able to analyze footwear during the golf swing and more importantly how footwork impacts the game. Through extensive heat map and force plate pressure studies, it became clear just how different and unique the vertical and horizontal forces were for each foot during the swing. It became evident there were potentially huge advantages in harnessing these differences and having design and performance characteristics dedicated to both the front and back foot.

“There is a reason no other brand has brought a fully asymmetrical shoe to market,” 94 • May 2015 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | businessincalgary.com

says Masun Denison, director of global product marketing, footwear at Adidas Golf. “It was a challenging process that involved a lot of additional research and much more design and development. Once we saw the advantage this product could offer and being the performance and innovation leader we are, we felt it was our duty to bring it to golfers of all skill levels.”

Offered in both left- and right-handed versions, the asym energy boost strategically placed tour-proven gripmore® spikes on the outsole in a variety of sizes to provide improved stability, grip and performance during all phases of the swing. The revolutionary footwear also features full-length boost™ mid-sole foam for unrivalled cushioning and endless energy, an asymmetric upper and outsole designed to harness swing power and improve footwork and an energy sling to guide energy transfer and prevent power leaks during the swing.

“The great thing about asymmetrical technology is that it is intuitive, meaning whenever we tell someone why we developed the asym energy boost and explain that our feet work differently during the golf swing, people get it,” continues Denison. “It is complex to make a shoe like this, but easy to understand the benefit it provides.”

Available now, men’s asym energy boost will be sold for both left- and righthanded golfers at an MSRP of $400.

For more information on Adidas’ asym and BOOST technology or to view the entire BOOST footwear collection, visit adidasgolf.ca, and join the conversation on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for more exclusive content.

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e Vis ions of Entr epreneurs

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Celebrate with us this September in our 25 YEAR KEEPSAKE EDITION of Business in Calgary Share the magazine with Calgary’s most prominent business leaders of the past 25 years.

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IF YOU LOVE YOUR BUSINESS, BRING IT TO THE CHAMBER. STUART TORR Founder, Integrated Sustainability “We have an amazing water management company that is specialized and technical.

At the Chamber I connect with all kinds of business people. I find new opportunities and new ways of looking at challenges.

And best of all, I get to explain what we do.

Came join us, and share your story.”

FROM $49/month

Sponsored by 96 • May 2015 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | businessincalgary.com

Bon Ton Meat Market T

he new Bon Ton is far more than a premium meat market with delicious homemade pies and fresh-cut meats. The Calgary landmark has moved its operations to Crowfoot Crossing Shopping Centre, offering a large showroom with a full-service deli while still maintaining its traditional emphasis on personalized and knowledgeable service.

While the 7,000-square-foot location may look vastly different from the original Bon Ton that opened its doors on 7th Avenue and Centre Street in 1921, the premise behind the business has never swayed. Bon Ton Meat Market remains an old-fashioned and truly unique business with a deep and rich history, but it has evolved with the times offering clients all the latest products from gluten-free options to more exotic products including pheasant and elk.

Today, Bon Ton remains a quality and service-driven company where every client is individually served by one employee from the beginning of their shopping experience until the end. All clients receive undivided attention to ensure their every need is met in the manner to which they expect, deserve and have become accustomed to – as is demonstrated with Bon Ton successfully receiving the Consumer Choice Award for 13 years in a row.

To maintain their clients’ complete and unconditional

Hand-crafted excellence.

satisfaction, two basic fundamentals form the basis of the Bon Ton business. Firstly, it starts with buying the best products possible from the highest grades of AAA Alberta beef and free-range poultry to grain-fed lamb, milk-fed veal and fresh Alberta pork. Complementing the selection of high-end meat products is 24 types of deli salads, a delicious selection of homemade prepared hot and frozen foods, cheeses and mouth-watering desserts.

Secondly, Bon Ton’s staff possess the knowledge, experience and skills necessary to properly prepare all the different cuts of meats. The meat cutters at Bon Ton share over 250 years of experience, allowing them to handle any request while guaranteeing satisfaction.

“We have a tradition for the highest quality,” says Bon Ton Meat Market owner Greg Keller. “Good just isn’t good enough. It has to be great!”

The future for Bon Ton includes continuing to evolve with the ever-changing buying trends of the public, while remaining committed to the finest quality products and exceptional service. In addition, Bon Ton strives to be a good corporate citizen by giving back to the community and supporting a number of charitable causes.

Bon Ton Meat Market Bon Ton is proud to be your Consumer Choice Award winner for 14 years in a row 14 -time winner

Finest Q uality p roducts Old Fash and ioned p ersona lized service , guara nteed.

Prestige would like to thank you, our customers, for 25 successful years in business. We look forward to working with you over the next 25 years! www.prestigerailings.com

Our friendly experienced staff are always around to help make sure any customer will be a returning customer.

2777 Hopewell Place NE Calgary (403) 250-1020 • Toll Free: 1-800-382-8502

403.282.3132 | 28 Crowfoot Circle NW www.bontonmeatmarket.com businessincalgary.com | BUSINESS IN CALGARY May 2015 • 97

Thursday, June 25 | 6pm | Metropolitan Centre

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Contact Denise Templeton for tickets at ext 222

Join us in celebrating Business in Calgary’s Leaders Awards.

We will be honouring 20 individuals for their business acumen, contribution to community and to their industry. These are the people that are making Calgary a great city to live and work in.

Business in Calgary will feature your Leaders Awards recipients in our July 2015 issue.

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Leading Business MAY 2015

IN THIS ISSUE...

• Calgary Chamber Belong Awareness Campaign • Chamber member Spotlights • Upcoming Events

100 • May 2015 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | businessincalgary.com

2015 Board of

Directors

Calgary Chamber Belong Awareness Campaign

Executive Chair: Rob Hawley, Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Immediate Past Chair: Leah Lawrence, President, Clean Energy Capitalists Inc.

IF YOU LOVE YOUR BUSINESS, BRING IT TO THE CHAMBER.

Chair Elect: Denis Painchaud, Director, International Government Relations, Nexen Inc. Second Vice Chair: David Allen, President, Calgary Land, Brookfield Residential Properties Inc. Vice Chair, Finance: Bill Brunton, Chief Communications Officer, Calgary Board of Education

ANGELA AVERY VP, ConocoPhillips

CEO: Adam Legge, President and CEO, Calgary Chamber

Directors David Allen, President, Calgary Land, Brookfield Residential Properties Inc. Carlos Alvarez, Audit Partner, KPMG Lorenzo DeCicco, Vice-President, TELUS Business Solutions Rob Hawley, Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Wellington Holbrook, Executive Vice-President, ATB Financial Phil Roberts, Director of BD & Marketing, Vintri Technologies Linda Shea, Senior Vice-President, AltaLink Mike Williams, Executive Vice-President, Corporate Services, Encana James Boettcher, Chief Idea Officer, Fiasco Gelato Brent Cooper, Partner, McLeod Law LLP Management Adam Legge – President and CEO Michael Andriescu – Director of Finance and Administration Kim Koss – Vice President, Business Development Scott Crockatt – Director of Marketing and Communications Rebecca Wood – Director of Member Services Justin Smith – Director of Policy, Research and Government Relations Leading Business magazine is a co-publication of the Calgary Chamber and Business in Calgary Calgary Chamber 600, 237 8th Avenue S.E. Calgary, Alberta T2G 5C3 Phone: (403) 750-0400 Fax: (403) 266-3413 calgarychamber.com

F

or 124 years the Calgary Chamber has worked to create a stronger, more dynamic and prosperous business community. Over the years, the Chamber’s efforts have helped to improve economic competitiveness by advancing the social and political agenda to make this city a better place to live and work for all.

Throughout its history, the Chamber has been an important force in building a better Calgary, including helping to form the Calgary Airport Authority, Innovate Calgary, the Calgary Foundation, the Homeless Foundation and Parks Foundation Calgary. In recent years, the Chamber played an essential role in helping business recover from the devastating floods, continued initiatives to attract and retain skilled workers, created aboriginal-business connections, and advocated for more business-friendly regulations.

In order to tell the stories about the important work of the Chamber, this month the Chamber will embark on one of the largest awareness campaigns in its 124-year history.

You may have noticed recently a much larger visual presence from the Calgary Chamber around the city. The campaign entitled, Belong, involves a month-long media campaign. The promotional materials feature a cross-section of senior business leaders from the Chamber membership. You can see these advertisements on Pattison billboards, elevator and transit ads throughout the city. The Chamber TV ad is running on CBC during prime news broadcasts as well as during the Stanley Cup playoffs, and of course all over the Chamber social media platforms.

The best advertising investment you will make this year

Did you know that the Calgary Chamber offers advertising?

Calgary Chamber advertising is one of the most effective marketing tools to generate traffic, attract new customers, encourage repeat business and keep your brand at the top of your target audience’s mind. By advertising on CalgaryChamber.com or in our weekly electronic newsletter, eConnecting, you are putting your company’s message directly in front of some of Calgary’s most influential business decision-makers. Book today by contacting Marketing@CalgaryChamber.com.

Calgary Chamber members save an additional 50 per cent on the Chamber’s already affordable advertising rates. businessincalgary.com | BUSINESS IN CALGARY May 2015 • 101

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

Thanks Hyatt Regency Calgary Hyatt Regency Calgary is a longtime supporter of the Calgary Chamber and is celebrating 15 years of membership this month. Hyatt Regency Calgary is a premier destination for business and leisure travellers, with 355 spacious guest rooms, 33,000 square feet of sophisticated event space, a luxury spa and three vibrant restaurants. The hotel can accommodate any type of special event, corporate meeting or party. Whether organizing the gala event of the year for 1,000 or hosting a private luncheon for VIPs, Hyatt’s award-winning facilities and expert event planning staff will help ensure the event is a memorable success.

For more information visit Calgary.Hyatt.com

Qualico Qualico is one of the largest fully-integrated, privately-owned real estate companies in Western Canada and is committed to creating better homes and communities for life, work and play. With 60 years of homebuilding under their belt, Qualico takes the time to build things right. Leaders in innovation, safety and environmental standards, the Qualico team bring their skills, experience, professionalism and spirit to all they undertake. Committed to offering a full range of home options, Qualico delivers homes of superior quality and design to more than 3,000 Canadian families each year.

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

Member name

Years as a member

Mikulak & Hill LLP

30

Calwest Printing & Reproductions

20

Hendrick & Associates Marketing Services

20

Hyatt Regency Calgary

15

Ultrafab Industries Ltd

15

Axiom Foreign Exchange International

10

TG Engineering Inc

10

Foothills Industrial

5

Solar Energy Consulting

5

For more information visit Qualico.com

Westjet WestJet is proud to be one of Canada’s leading airlines, powered by an award-winning culture of care and recognized as one of the country’s top employers. WestJet offers scheduled service to more than 85 destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean and Europe. Through their regional airline, WestJet Encore, and with partnerships with airlines representing every major region of the world, they offer guests more than 120 destinations in more than 20 countries. Leveraging WestJet’s extensive network, flight schedule and remarkable guest experience, WestJet Vacations delivers affordable, flexible travel experiences with a variety of accommodation options for every guest.

For more information visit Wesjet.com.

102 • May 2015 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | businessincalgary.com

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Upcoming Events One of the most important aspects of business is making new connections and growing your network. Your Calgary Chamber helps you connect to other businesses, new customers and industry icons through networking and top-tier business events.

Looking for networking opportunities? Join the Calgary Chamber for one of our weekly networking breakfasts, or our monthly Business After Hours networking events.

For details and to purchase tickets for any of the Calgary Chamber’s events, please visit CalgaryChamber.com.

Tuesday, May 12, 2015 Rev Sustain. Thrive. Accelerate.

An incredible half-day of hacks, inspiration and development for entrepreneurial businesses.

To bring more awareness to the importance of small business in our city and to better support the small business community year round, the Calgary Chamber is introducing Rev. This annual event will be an action-packed day of resources, learning opportunities and networking targeted at Calgary’s small and medium-sized business owners.

Are you a small or medium-sized business owner? Then join the Chamber for some of the most valuable time you will spend working on your business this year. Pick up tangible new strategies to catapult your business forward. Learn from successful past entrepreneurs that have made it through challenging times. Network with your newest great supplier or your next client, and hear from some of the world’s top business minds for ideas and inspiration. Rev up.

Monday, June 29, 2015 Leaders Classic Golf Tournament Earl Grey Golf Club 6540 – 20 Street SW It’s hard to find a better place to build, deepen and strengthen business relationships than on the golf course. Where else would you have the opportunity to network and share business tips with some of the most influential business and political leaders in our city, other than the Chamber’s annual Leaders Classic golf tournament? Attracting the top business and political leaders, as well as special guest celebrities, this tournament is really about high-level networking at its finest. Join us and other top business professionals for Calgary’s most prestigious business golf tournament.

Contact events@calgarychamber.com to register.

Friday, July 3, 2015 Save the date Calgary Chamber Stampede breakfast 7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

They say some of the best business deals in Calgary are during Stampede, so mark your calendar for the Calgary Chamber’s annual Stampede breakfast. More details will be posted shortly on CalgaryChamber.com. A limited number of seats will be available, which also include premium seating at the start of the parade, so get your tickets soon!

Contact events@calgarychamber.com to register.

104 • May 2015 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | businessincalgary.com

[title] • [section]

TRENDS IN THE MEETINGS AND CONVENTION INDUSTRY AND THE CHALLENGES OF THE CHANGING MARKET Part 1 of an interview with Rod Cameron, Executive Director of the Convention Centres of Canada.

As the Executive Director of the Convention Centres of Canada and the Executive Director of the International Association of Convention Centres, Rod Cameron is in a position to see firsthand how the meetings and convention industry is changing worldwide, and the resulting implications for Canada. Cameron states, “There is a lot of industry development taking place in different parts of the world, and this creates new competition and expectations. Africa is a good example, where rapid growth in business, social and economic development activity in the region is driving a comparable need for events. Resulting from this, last year Africa had the highest percentage increase in centre business worldwide.”

Cameron sees a big increase in the strategic use of convention centres as important tools for economic and community development by both public and private stakeholders. The strategic view is that convention centres no longer serve as just a way of generating additional visitor revenues, but also as a vehicle for attracting knowledge, talent and investment in support of key economic sectors that communities want to pursue.

Cities such as Sydney, Boston, Seoul, and Vienna now see their convention facilities as strategic development tools for their specific regions.

For this reason many convention centres are now heavily engaged with their respective business communities and academic institutions with the aim of building relationships that will help attract events that align with the city’s development goals and at the same time access new thinking in community development trends.

Changes within the industry have also resulted in a new relationship between clients and convention centre managers. In the past, these relationships tended to be simply interactions between clients and suppliers.

Today, these relationships are becoming more complex with clients looking for incentives and often even a model of sharing risks and rewards. At the same time, many organizers have had their own resources reduced, meaning that centres often have to respond by providing

more support with reduced budgets.

Cameron identifies three main trends that are changing his industry and directly impact Canadian convention centres: Increasing competition: As more cities and regions (particularly in developing or diversifying economies) realize the broader benefits associated with hosting meetings, conventions and exhibitions, new regions are adding capacity with the construction or expansion of new facilities that are now competing internationally. This is raising the bar for everyone, as many events rotate widely so planners know what they should expect in any particular location.

Cities are also starting to compete on the basis of the intellectual qualities they offer, an attractive destination is no longer enough to compete successfully.

At the same time, the economy of the United States is showing signs of recovery after several years of decline and austerity measures, so investment is increasing domestically in the US for events that might otherwise come to Canada.

Adaptation: Meetings and conventions are changing and evolving, requiring new kinds of spaces that may not be immediately available in existing centres. Also, events are increasingly incorporating the use of rapidly changing technology and media platforms, including the integration of social media. This all means that the needs of clients are expanding and changing. Host venues now need to adapt very quickly to attract and deliver the facilities and services clients’ demand, as due to the increased competition, clients know they can always get what they want elsewhere.

Relevance: Partly as a result of recessionary impacts on attitudes, the meetings and conventions industry must demonstrate value to all stakeholders. Venues must support the local marketplace through community development and social program development, not only through generating incremental visitor spending. At the same time, delegates need to justify their attendance at meetings and conventions and the expenses incurred in times of corporate cutbacks and monitoring. The impacts of meetings and conventions must therefore be measurable and provide a demonstrable result as measured by agreed upon industry standards.

calgary-convention.com | expandthecentre.ca businessincalgary.com | BUSINESS IN CALGARY May 2015 • 105

It’s time to shift the conversation We get it, we know that the world is changing, can someone now tell us how to get there?

“The Future of Work”...

How many articles, blogs and books have you read or seen lately that are dedicated to the subject of predicting what the workplace will look like “in the future”?

As the executive director of WORKshift, an organization in the business of readying companies, managers and employees for the inevitable change, a more flexible workplace of the future, I am both excited by and disappointed in many articles I read. They are all starting to look the same.

We already know millennials want different things than previous generations. We know that the footprint of our workspaces is changing. We already know that technology (BYOD, virtual collaboration software) is changing the way we work.

So…?

The hard truth is, there is still a significant resistance to adopting flexible work in many organizations.

When I read the articles, blogs and books that lay out general predictions about what the future of work might look like I am struck by the absence of guidance. A human resources professional probably sits back and muses, “But how do we ready our workforce for these changes?”

Our facilities managers ask, “What is the best practice for utilizing and designing the workspaces to maximize collaboration while also recognizing that virtual work is a growing trend?” The chief information officer says, “I know you want the technology you want when you want it, but I have to protect the organization.” Your prospective employees are probing, “You say you have a flexible work culture, but what exactly does that mean?”

As the WORKshift team actively engages with cities and companies of all sizes to assess and implement flexible work programs we agree the change is inevitable. However, for change of any kind to happen organizations need standards and processes.

We are asked over and over, where is the road map for adopting flexible work? What does good look like?

It is with this in mind that we have made a game-changing promise this year.

In 2015, alongside our founders (Citrix, KPMG, Shaw and Rogers) and industry partners, WORKshift is undergoing the task of creating the standards to define what it means to have a flexible workplace. In other words, we will do for the workforce what LEED did for buildings.

106 • May 2015 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | businessincalgary.com

We are asked over and over, where is the road map for adopting flexible work? What does good look like? It is with this in mind that we have made a game-changing promise this year.

We are building the playbook, standards and criteria for auditable certification from scratch. And to this end we have representatives at the table from private and public sectors, real estate and facilities management professionals, tech gurus, and people and change experts.

What does this mean to you? It means that the stakeholders in your organization will have the tools to make these meaningful changes; they will have a rigorous road map to answer the “but how?” question! They will know what good looks like and will be equipped to future-proof the organization. It will also mean that prospective employees will be able to ask for the WORKshift culture by name.

WORKshift was created and incubated at Calgary Economic Development in 2009 and currently operates in Calgary, Ottawa, Halifax, Toronto and Edmonton.

For more information about WORKshift, visit www. workshiftcanada.com.

Calgary Attractions Gearing Up for a

Busy Summer Season

BY CASSANDRA MCAULEY

Heritage Park

A

ttractions in and around Calgary are gearing up for another busy summer, as 2015 promises to be a strong season for offerings such as Calaway Park, the Calgary Zoo, the Calgary Stampede, Spruce Meadows and Heritage Park.

Statistics Canada data shows that in 2012, over 1.1 million overnight visitors to Calgary participated in some form of entertainment or cultural activity during their trip – including visiting attractions. These visits accounted for almost $520 million in spending, or about 42 per cent of all overnight visitor spending in the city.

For many, the low Canadian dollar will entice families to vacation closer to home rather than venturing to destinations in the United States. Tourism Calgary actively promotes Calgary’s attractions to regional, national and international audiences as important experiences in a vibrant and energetic city.

Attractions are important drivers for tourists. A 2013 Tourism Calgary study of leisure traveller behaviour found that 35 per cent of regional leisure travellers had visited one or more attractions during their most recent overnight visit to Calgary. When thinking about their next trip to the city, 53 per cent of regional leisure travellers said they would want to visit attractions in or around Calgary on their next overnight visit to the city.

As the destination marketing organization for the city, Tourism Calgary plays a significant role in marketing partner attractions to visitors around the globe. Initiatives including the annual Calgary Visitor Guide with a worldwide print distribution of 160,000 in addition to regional, national and international marketing and trade campaigns offer many opportunities for local attractions to reach their target markets and audiences. In 2014, over one million page views on Tourism Calgary’s visitcalgary.com were attractions-focused, accounting for 20 per cent of all traffic on the website.

Calgary is fortunate to be home to many amazing attractions that enhance quality of life for residents while creating dynamic, vibrant and compelling offerings for travellers. Having a mix of established attractions like the Calgary Stampede, Calgary Tower, Calgary Zoo, Glenbow, Heritage Park Historical Village and Fort Calgary and new unique venues including Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, TELUS Spark – Calgary’s Science Centre, and WinSport Canada Olympic Park sets Calgary apart from other destinations. In 2016, Calgary newest attraction, the National Music Centre will open.

For great packages and Calgary itineraries featuring local attractions, see visitcalgary.com.

businessincalgary.com | BUSINESS IN CALGARY May 2015 • 107

Approaching Startup Space Differently

BY ANDREA MENDIZABAL

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ntrepreneurs and innovators looking to trade in the home office for a more inspiring workspace now have a new option to consider. Tucked into 2,000-squarefeet of the Alastair Ross Technology Centre in the University Research Park, the Inc. is where coworking space combines with mentorship, accountability and peer support to help entrepreneurs launch and grow successful startups. This bright and open-concept space is approaching coworking differently with collaboration top of mind.

Steven McIlvenna, director, entrepreneur development at Innovate Calgary, talks about Calgary’s newest incubator space.

Q: What is coworking?

Steven McIlvenna (SM): Coworking has really evolved over the last few years but in essence, it’s a shared work environment where entrepreneurs and like-minded individuals can come together to not only share an office or workspace but also to share ideas and knowledge.

Q: What is the Inc.?

SM: The Inc. is an exciting new addition to the Innovate Calgary ecosystem. It’s both a physical workspace and community environment where entrepreneurs have access to Innovate Calgary business advisers and mentors to support the growth of their business. The space itself is accessible to our members 24-7 and features drop-in desks, dedicated meeting rooms and touchdown points, office amenities such as copiers and storage, and phone booths for quick private calls.

Q: What makes the Inc. different from other coworking spaces in Calgary?

SM: It’s more than just a place to work; it’s a coworking program. We’ve built programming into the Inc. that includes regular touch points with an Innovate Calgary adviser to set 108 • May 2015 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | businessincalgary.com

progress goals and action plans, and to discuss challenges and opportunities. The advisers and mentors are there to ease some of the stress of starting a new business and to guide you through the path of building a successful startup.

You’re not only receiving support from the other entrepreneurs in the Inc. community. We are working directly with you to help get you further faster. The goal is to foster and support a startup learning environment.

Q: Who is eligible for the Inc.?

SM: The Inc. is for entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses that are ready to move out of the coffee shop, basement or home office and are looking for a supportive entrepreneurial community. It’s a place for those who are willing to learn and who have demonstrated the drive to move their concept forward. At the Inc., entrepreneurs will meet other entrepreneurs, and opportunities for collaboration and growth will naturally occur.

There is a wide fit for members, ranging from pre- to earlyrevenue startups. We believe that entrepreneurs working in a community of other entrepreneurs can learn more, grow faster and build better business.

Q: How can an entrepreneur register for the Inc.?

SM: The Inc. operates on a membership basis. You can apply by completing our application form at innovatecalgary. com/forms/intake-form. From there, we’ll meet with you to determine whether the Inc. is right for your startup.

Specifically, we’re looking for entrepreneurs who will benefit from a workspace and mentorship combined.

To learn more about the Inc., and to learn more about Innovate Calgary and how it supports new and emerging technology, visit innovatecalgary.com.

MAKE IT HAPPEN AT THE CENTRE OF ENERGY

THIS YEAR, THE CALGARY TELUS CONVENTION CENTRE WILL SPARK HUNDREDS OF MEMORABLE EVENTS – FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT:

calgary-convention.com

MarketingMatters • David Parker

MarketingMatters ••••••••••••••

BY DAVID PARKER

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hroughout her decade in business Rita Sasges has been well aware of the difficulty even long-standing clients had in the pronunciation of her company name – Sasges Inc. She knew there were those who playfully pronounced it Sausages so she delivered some fine pork sausages as a Christmas gift with a teaser that told clients there would be a name change in the new year.

She says it was not entirely due to the mispronunciation. She felt it was time that the creative house was not centred just upon her name as her talented creative team make such big contributions to its success.

Frank Design Strategy is the new name, one that Sasges says, “reflects who we are and how we think and work: honestly, candidly and sincerely to find dynamic and tactical solutions to our clients’ communications challenges.”

And the company has indeed been successful racking up some 100 national and international awards including with Applied Arts magazine, Communication Arts, Black Book Marketing and the New York Art Directors Club.

Frank’s impressive client list includes Enbridge, Hotel Alma, Glenbow Museum, TELUS Convention Centre and Calgary Economic Development.

One of my favourite Christmas packages contained Sasges’ so welldesigned Goat Book. This coming season the plan is to produce Forages, a book that explores some of the great rural finds around Calgary, featuring the drives, farms and food markets of southern Alberta.

I’m always impressed and delighted when I hear of Calgary creative making a big splash well outside of our borders. Awards are great but even better are projects won for clients from afar who choose our talent because it is better than others.

Jump Studios continue to gain international recognition and capture jobs here, across Canada, the United States, and over in Europe.

Horrible Histories, a British hit that is now appearing on DC Collective and Discovery Family Channel, chose Calgary’s Jump Studios to make a mark in history by creating a short open and graphics toolkit for its promotional campaign. Along with production partner ESPN, Jump has been nominated for an Emmy for its work for the NBA Draft Opening Tease which along with its ESPN Tennis Graphics was a Pixie Award winner.

Calgary’s ClearMotive Marketing Group has done some fine work for client Honda Motorcycle and the leadership team of the Ontario-based company has provided rave reviews for Phase 1 of ClearMotive’s new website.

And UX Guys, a Calgary firm of digital user experience experts headed

by Paul Nishikawa and Ed Mehrer, has won out over six New York agencies to do a redesign on the site of a major New York company.

•••••••••••••• Tabetha Boot, account director at Hill and Knowlton Strategies, now has the added responsibilities of group leader in the Calgary office and assumes the management and mentorship of team members in corporate and marketing communications.

A member of the local office for the past two-and-a-half years, Boot

110 • May 2015 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | businessincalgary.com

was formerly the public relations and communications manager at Whistler Blackomb for the past eight years.

•••••••••••••• Raising a family kept JoAnn Reynolds away from promoting the Calgary arts scene in which she will best be remembered for her roles with Calgary Arts Development and Alberta Theatre Projects.

Now she is back in business in a new position as external communications specialist at Alberta College of Art and Design (ACAD).

One of her first announcements was to introduce the institution’s first graduate program, a master of fine arts (MFA) in craft media.

Reynolds says the new MFA program gives artists the opportunity to engage and experiment with material and ideas, to push the boundaries of what is possible. ACAD’s world-class ceramics, fibre arts, glass, and jewellery and metal studios form the backdrop for this voyage of discovery.

•••••••••••••• Communications and technology company Strut Creative is currently in the works with local homebuilders to explore new ways that prospective homebuyers can image spaces. Instead of a walk through a physical show home, customers can take virtual reality tours with VR, a powerful new tool that offers complete immersion into a home layout plan to see a spec home before it’s even built. BiC

Parker’s Pick: Love the traditional French design of the Parc Cafe & Brasserie. Black and white is so neat.

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