Business in Calgary - May 2019

MAY 2019 | $3.50 BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

A 43-YEAR OVERNIGHT SUCCESS PM41126516

The story of Gregg Hampton and Canyon Rigging

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Volume 29 | Number 5

REGULAR COLUMNS

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Discouraging Times Call for Innovative Action

By Brad Field

10

Blatant Left-Wing Hypocrisy

By Frank Atkins

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Constructive Efforts Toward Pipeline Solution Crucial

By Cody Battershill

CONTENTS COVER FEATURE

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A 43-Year Overnight Success The story of Gregg Hampton and Canyon Rigging

By Melanie Darbyshire

ON OUR COVER: ABOVE: GREGG HAMPTON, OWNER AND OPERATER OF CANYON RIGGING PHOTO SOURCE: EWAN PHOTO VIDEO

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Calgary Chamber of Commerce The Calgary Report

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Current developments for Calgary Telus Convention Centre, Tourism Calgary, Calgary Economic Development, and Innovate Calgary

Marketing Matters

By David Parker

LIVING TO A HIGHER STANDARD

CALGARY’S

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Supporting the visions of entrepreneurs one story at a time.

Volume 29 | Number 5

97

THIS MONTH’S FEATURES

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CONTENTS 42 COMPANY PROFILES

89 97 105 109

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B RC Group

Celebrates 40 Years

Calgary Dynamics The Rivers District boost

By John Hardy

Bluff or Bust Oil by rail represents best case in worst-case situation, say experts

By Jamie Zachary

ule Change Improves Putting R and Pace of Play

By Scott Orban, PGA Executive Professional

Labbe-Leech Interiors Ltd.

Celebrates 45 Years

Tiki International

Celebrates 20 Years

Zone 3 Business Solutions

Celebrates 10 Years

49 72 76 86

89 6

Calgary’s Luxury Market Slow momentum

By Colleen Wallace

MAY 2019 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

Fore Calgary Golf 2019 Readying for the season

By John Hardy

Everybody’s Business In the age of entrepreneurship, everybody’s doing it

By Nikki Gouthro

Preparing for the Worst Managing the risks that can put you out of business

By Omri Wallach

Host City in Hot Demand All the major sports and entertainment events are heading to Calgary

By Danyael Halprin

distinguished business leader A W A R D

In celebration of the 2019 recipient

Michael Culbert

Vice Chairman, PETRONAS Energy Canada Ltd.

Wednesday, June 19, 2019 Hyatt Regency Calgary Imperial Ballroom 5:30 p.m. reception | 6:30 p.m. dinner

Tickets:

haskayne.ucalgary.ca/DBLA2019 Presented by:

Gala Partner:

Selection Partner:

I N T E R N AT I O N A L

Silver Sponsors:

OUR VIEW, TOO.

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Pat Ottmann & Tim Ottmann

EDITOR

Melanie Darbyshire

COPY EDITORS

Lisa Johnston, Nikki Gouthro

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REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS

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Frank Atkins David Parker Brad Field Cody Battershill

THIS ISSUE’S CONTRIBUTORS Melanie Darbyshire Rennay Craats Colleen Wallace John Hardy Jamie Zachary Nikki Gouthro Omri Wallach Danyael Halprin

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DISCOURAGING TIMES CALL FOR INNOVATIVE ACTION // BRAD FIELD

Discouraging Times Call for Innovative Action

BY BRAD FIELD

T

imes in Calgary are tough. We feel it, we see it, we sense it in others. Not so long ago, Calgarians would have described times as challenging. Today, times are discouraging.

Challenging times called for innovative solutions.

Discouraging times call for innovative action.

Calgarian business owners are forced to innovate daily.

Sometimes as a means of differentiation, others to keep the lights on. That’s not a function of the current times; it’s a function of being in business in 2019. Today’s economic climate has elevated the need for innovation.

While elected officials at all levels look to Calgary businesses as the movers, the shakers, the solution creators and the economic pilots, our municipal leadership has displayed significant inability to make those same innovative choices.

The default solutions of throw money at it, tax it or hold the line on it are far from ground-breaking. The lack of innovation has aided in businesses fleeing core and contributed to the $250M shortfall in their own projected tax revenues: shortsighted planning, long-term repercussions.

Businesses and residences aren’t mutually exclusive.

Whether the increases hit our business bottom line or our family pocketbook, the taxpayers shoulder the burden.

Calgarians have asked city hall to take the innovative path to manage our dollars, only to learn the current council struggles to have sincere, tough discussions with the voting public around taxation and supply of services. It’s a one-way conversation, and Calgarians deserve the dialogue. It’s time city council implore some innovative solutions to build a fair, equitable and sustainable Calgary.

What do solutions look like?

Efficiencies aren’t always innovative, but there are innovative ways to look for them. From 2014 to 2018, Calgary has had a massive decline in development and building permits.

Has the department staff declined? Redeploy resources, optimize current human resources, consult our people and find technological solutions that fit within the mandate Calgarians have given our city council.

The City of Calgary is sitting on underperforming assets.

Maybe today isn’t the day to sell the farm, but city council needs to consider their place in the business of land development. The City of Calgary is the single-largest landholder in the city; why are we in the land business?

Logically, we have to hold some land for specific future infrastructure projects, but we have held onto commercial or industrial property that has no bearing on said projects.

The City of Calgary collects zero tax revenue from their vacant properties. Notwithstanding 2019 property values, selling off these assets would not only give a much-needed cash infusion but in turn would generate tax revenue. As a bonus, the sale and subsequent development could create employment opportunities.

These may not be the silver bullets to restoring balance in our city coffers, but nor is continuing the same-old debate about whether business or families should carry the heavier load. We’re also looking down the barrel of limited or declining revenue. Businesses that overspend go bankrupt.

Overstretched families (sadly) lose their homes. City hall needs to learn from local business operators and families and live within our means.

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // MAY 2019

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BLATANT LEFT-WING HYPOCRISY // FRANK ATKINS

Blatant LeftWing Hypocrisy

BY FRANK ATKINS

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have always felt the election of the Horgan NDP government in British Columbia was bad news for Alberta.

This is especially true as the Green party holds the balance of power in the minority government. If you have ever spent any time on Vancouver Island, you will know they take environmental evangelism to new heights. Unfortunately, this evangelism comes accompanied by what can only be called a large dose of smug hypocrisy. Several years ago, I was walking in Victoria and I passed this enormous house with an oversized triple-car garage attached on the front. On the lawn of this house was a sign that said stop dirty Alberta oil.

These are the type of people who drive their cars to the antiAlberta oil protests.

This hypocrisy came to the forefront again in a little-noticed article featured on the CTV News web page on April 6 of this year. It seems, once again, the people of British Columbia are upset that gasoline prices are rising. Part of this was caused by an increase in the carbon tax. In addition, part of the increase was caused by a shortage of gasoline on the west coast due to the usual refinery problems. However, according to GasBuddy.com, a contributing factor to this shortage is the inability of the Trans Mountain pipeline’s capacity to meet domestic needs.

Premier Horgan’s response to all of this should make Albertans question how the left wing actually formulates policy. Premier Horgan announced the government was considering “some relief” for these high gas prices. It appears he did not quite know what this meant as he provided no details. However, the affront to Alberta came when he said the federal government should invest more in supply to help alleviate the problem.

PREMIER HORGAN’S RESPONSE TO ALL OF THIS SHOULD MAKE ALBERTANS QUESTION HOW THE LEFT WING ACTUALLY FORMULATES POLICY. So, here are the people of British Columbia, along with the premier of British Columbia, not appearing to understand several important issues. First, the carbon tax is supposed to be in place to raise the price of gasoline so people will drive less. This part of the policy seems to be beyond Mr. Horgan’s thinking. It makes me wonder if he views the carbon tax as simply a nice source of revenue, and if people keep driving as much as they did prior to the introduction of the tax, the revenue will just keep coming.

Second, and much more importantly for Alberta, here is a government that is fighting Alberta and the federal government to stop the Trans Mountain expansion due to a vague set of environmental concerns. Here we are in Alberta, desperate to get our product to the west coast, battling a premier of British Columbia desperate to keep our product out of British Columbia. He then has the temerity to state the federal government must do something to increase supply.

Unfortunately for us in Alberta, we are stuck with this type of naive smug hypocrisy, and it has a detrimental effect on our economy.

Frank Atkins is a Senior Fellow at the Frontier Centre for Public Policy.

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MAY 2019 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

CONSTRUCTIVE EFFORTS TOWARD PIPELINE SOLUTION CRUCIAL // CODY BATTERSHILL

Constructive Efforts Toward Pipeline Solution Crucial

BY CODY BATTERSHILL

H

ow critical is the need for new pipeline capacity in Canada? The short answer: it’s more critical than ever.

But I’d rather let the numbers speak for themselves.

Global oil demand has grown by 12 million barrels per day since Keystone XL was first delayed. Meanwhile Canada – a heavily-regulated oil supplier known for its best practices in environment, health and safety – continues to lose infrastructure opportunities, and all the accompanying jobs, economic activities and royalties that normally power our much-envied standard of living and our Canadian way of life.

For the global pool of suppliers, a rise in oil and gas demand is generally viewed as a good thing – but not, strangely, if you’re a Canadian policy-maker. Over the past seven years, Canada has spent more than $120 billion on foreign oil imports. And it’s estimated we will have forfeited $92 billion to the U.S. by 2020 on heavy oil discounts – all because of a lack of infrastructure and global market access.

In spite of the enormous need for a solution to this lack of pipeline capacity, month after month and year after year, we just can’t seem to get there.

So, faced with this growing differential – the gap between what we could get on the global market if we had pipeline and tanker access, and what we actually get from our forced sole-customer arrangement in the U.S. – Canadians need to ask their policy-makers the following question.

What happens to our country’s highly-valued social programs, paid for in significant part by Alberta’s contribution of $611 billion to the federal government in transfers and equalization since 1960, if our sector continues to limp along without improved market access?

IN SPITE OF THE ENORMOUS NEED FOR A SOLUTION TO THIS LACK OF PIPELINE CAPACITY, MONTH AFTER MONTH AND YEAR AFTER YEAR, WE JUST CAN’T SEEM TO GET THERE. In other words, what does the nation do to fill the gap when a key economic engine is virtually sidelined?

Canada has seen more than $50 billion of asset sales and capital flight from the oil and gas sector by international companies since 2015. The other side of that same coin is that $55 billion of investment has shifted from Canadian infrastructure companies into the U.S. following the cancellation of Canadian projects.

We’ve also seen more than $150 billion of cancelled or stalled energy projects since 2015. Drilling activity in Alberta today is 43 per cent of 2014 levels, while in Texas the Permian Basin is back to 95 per cent of 2014 levels.

Here’s the bottom line: technology and innovation are at work in the Canadian energy sector, diminishing our environmental footprint while supporting individuals, families and communities – indigenous and non-indigenous – across the country. But we’ve fallen way behind on market access. And it’s hurting us.

How critical is the need for new pipeline capacity in Canada?

For Canadians, it’s central to what makes us who we are.

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

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MAY 2019 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

Mount Royal University proudly introduces

PRESIDENT & VICE CHANCELLOR As our tenth president and first vice chancellor, Tim Rahilly, PhD, is deeply committed to the transformational power of education to change students’ lives and communities for the better.

From our beginnings more than 100 years ago, we’ve been committed to quality postsecondary education. Mount Royal University has transformed since then, but our dedication to an exceptional undergraduate experience will never change.

mru.ca/WelcomeTim

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The ZayZoon Bright Idea An innovative Calgary idea recently raised $15 million in a funding round with institutional and private capital investors. Calgary’s ZayZoon is ingenious technology; so simple yet so complex, so vital and efficient, and a potent game-changer.

Just five years ago, Darcy Tuer and Tate Hackert developed ZayZoon to improve the financial and emotional health of workers by providing socially-responsible financial products.

raves Darcy Tuer, co-founder and CEO of ZayZoon. “We have assembled an amazing bunch of people who are passionately engaged in fulfilling ZayZoon’s purpose.

Their flagship offering – Wages On-Demand – is available to over two million people in North America. It allows employees to better manage their cash flow by tracking and having access to earned wages – helping to avoid predatory loans, overdraft fees and late bill payments.

“Our stakeholders see an exciting commercial opportunity that has significant social impact. We have a double bottom line that is important to our investors, partners, employees and, of course, our customers.”

“Before ZayZoon actually happened,” Tate Hackert recalls, “it didn’t take much research for us to realize that there wasn’t a sound solution to a short-term cash crunch for people to access their wages on-demand. And there was a ton of gutfeel involved in making ZayZoon happen.”

Hackert underscores the vital importance of the team’s passionate engagement. “The entire ZayZoon team is committed and focused on improving the emotional health of our customers through socially-responsible financial products,” he says. “It’s what drives ZayZoon to expand on the concept of providing employees access to their earned wages.”

He explains that there was a glaring need. “Each year, banks in North America take in more than $30 billion in overdraft fees and payday loans, charging upwards of 600 per cent interest, and gets utilized by more than 10 per cent of the working population.”

The exciting success story is an example of “the new” and diversifying business of Calgary. While the energy sector remains Calgary’s business linchpin, IT is definitely gaining momentum and adding to the city’s dynamic business profile.

ZayZoon’s platform gives employees the ability to view the hours they have worked before their next paycheque.

The company partners with payroll providers and helps employees get cash before their next paycheque is issued.

“Calgary has come a long way as a technology hub thanks to efforts from groups such as Rainforest Alberta, Creative Destruction Lab and the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking, just to name a few,” Tuer says with enthusiasm and pride.

The company’s recent $15-million funding by institutional and private capital investors is a perfect testimonial for the value of perseverance and determination when it comes to the challenging space of startups and technology bright ideas. “There’s always funding for a great idea coupled with a strong team,”

“Recruiting talented technical people and raising capital are two of the biggest challenges Calgary-based tech companies are currently facing. There’s still much work to be done but we have some incredible horsepower in Calgary that’s dedicating significant time and resources into bolstering our ecosystem.”

ABOVE: DARCY TUER, CO-FOUNDER AND CEO, AND TATE HACKERT, CO-FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT OF ZAYZOON.

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MAY 2019 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

2215 12 AVENUE NW C4221621

$2,399,900

BRIAR HILL

A triumph of Mid-century architecture perfectly situated on one of Calgary’s largest lots with lush grounds and expansive views.

The grounds provide a perfect setting for any outdoor activity one could imagine. The multiple levels grand totaling over 4600 sqft of living space provide privacy for the growing family yet offer open spaces great for entertaining.

BELTLINE

Revel in sweeping views of downtown & the Rocky Mountains, 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms & over 6,100 sq ft of opulent penthouse living space on 2 levels, tantamount to having a private estate home in the heart of the city! The main level encompasses over 4,200 sqft showcasing a grand front hall leading into the luxurious living area comprised of a living room with fireplace, formal dining room, solarium with waterfall feature & heated floor, media room & chef inspired kitchen with Poggenpohl cabinetry, built-in Miele & Sub-Zero appliances & spacious eating area. The conservatory has access to the private library & den/office.

220 WINDING RIVER POINT SE C4225345

$1,125,000

2420 720 13 AVENUE SW

$2,195,00 C4236660

ELBOW VALLEY ESTATES

The main floor presents hardwood floors & is illuminated with pot lighting & chic light fixtures showcasing a formal dining room & renovated chef’s kitchen finished with quartz counter tops, island/eating bar, an abundance of storage space, stainless steel appliance package & bright breakfast nook. The master retreat boasts a walk-in closet & luxurious newly renovated 5 piece ensuite with 2 sinks, make-up vanity, freestanding soaker tub & oversized shower.

CHAPARRAL

Remarkable lake access home in Chaparral with a total of 3 bedrooms, over 3,800 sq ft of living space & fully developed walkout basement! The main level presents an open plan, hardwood floors & 10’ ceilings showcasing living room with fireplace next to the chef-inspired kitchen with coffered ceiling, granite counter tops, huge island/breakfast bar, full height cabinets, walk-in pantry & stainless steel appliances. The elegant master suite is also located on the main level & boasts access to the upper deck, a custom walk-in closet & spa-like 5 piece ensuite with dual vanities, jetted tub & large glass enclosed shower.

“Connect with me today — about your real estate needs for tomorrow”

Each office is independently owned and operated.

www.tanyaeklundgroup.ca | Direct (403) 863-7434

364 CHAPALA POINT SW

$1,029,900 C4233841

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Best Managed Success Being relevant, up to date, customer focused and well managed are contemporary business essentials.

When Calgary’s legendary RGO recently earned its second Canada’s Best Managed Companies Platinum Award, it provided the opportunity for a fascinating flashback. The respected office solutions company was founded in 1966, at a time when Calgary was a much different and basic business place. Typewriters still rolled out carbon copies, telecopiers were about to hatch early fax machines, phone messages were still scribbled longhand on small pink sheets and the word “ergonomic” was as weird and unheard of as “digital.”

With warp-speed business innovation and changes, RGO is now a dynamic source for a wide range of office products and services, specializing in the latest office solutions from stateof-the-art furniture, adjustable work surfaces, unique work and break stations, flooring and window coverings to space planning, office move co-ordination and how the integration of place and technology can unlock creativity.

Nurturing decades of customer relationships, the RGO team plays a key role in the company’s success.

“We are focused on being industry leaders,” says Cathy Orr, RGO president and CEO. “It drives us to ensure that our employees have the knowledge and passion behind our solutions.”

The prestigious Canada’s Best Managed Companies distinction recognizes excellence in Canadian-owned and managed companies with revenues over $15 million. Every year, hundreds of entrepreneurial companies compete for the designation in a rigorous and independent process that evaluates the calibre of management abilities and practices.

company values that transcend business basics. “We value efficiency and competency: doing it right the first time and being open to new ideas and changes while bringing knowledge and expertise to the marketplace and being agile and adaptive.

“Trust is vital! We collaborate and win together. We are passionate about innovative and integrative solutions and we create and support a strong culture of people who can learn, grow and thrive,” Orr adds with enthusiasm.

“It’s built on respect, fairness, accountability and having fun! After all, our human capital is one of RGO’s largest investments. Our people need to continually grow and learn and our company prioritizes developing soft skills in combination with defined skills related to technology and product knowledge.”

With business savvy and pride, she explains being cited as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies is not only humbling but a reinforcement RGO is staying current and working through the economy and political landscape challenges that all leaders and businesses face in Alberta and Canada.

Although the program recognizes overall business performance and sustained growth, it measures much more than just financial performance.

She acknowledges the business landscape has changed a lot since RGO earned its first Canada’s Best Managed Companies award in 2006. “The pace is much faster and expectations are high, on all sides. We are looking at ways that our people can work together in collaborative settings and share information on a more regular basis, so that insights can be shared and taught.

“Of course our strengths as a best managed company are related to our fiscal discipline, strong balance sheet, strategy to grow our business units and reinvesting for the future,” she says, while underscoring the importance of some

“As a result of the Internet, many customers have access to information, so our team needs to be ahead of this. This year, one of our mantras is let’s be 15 minutes ahead of our customer.”

ABOVE: CATHY ORR, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF RGO.

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OFF

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Making Life Better for Albertans Facing Cancer, One Swing at a Time Sometimes it feels like humanity is making precious little headway against cancer. With financial support and the time and energy of thousands of healthcare professionals, volunteers and countless donors, the Alberta Cancer Foundation is most certainly impacting cancer, right here, where we live.

The Alberta Cancer Foundation is the official fundraising partner for all 17 Alberta Health Services cancer centres across the province including the Tom Baker Cancer Centre in Calgary and the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton. The mission is simple: to make life better for Albertans facing cancer. By pushing the pace of progress that leads to faster diagnoses, groundbreaking research and leading-edge treatments, the Alberta Cancer Foundation stands alongside every Albertan diagnosed with cancer.

Over the last two years, the Alberta Cancer Foundation Golf Classic has raised $540,000 net for the Patient Financial Assistance Program with the aim to reach the $1 million mark this year, but needs help to achieve this goal. On August 27, at the Country Hills Golf Club, the third annual Alberta Cancer Foundation Golf Classic will bring together Calgary’s elite business leaders for a truly inspirational day.

Most people know there are costs associated with cancer, but not many understand the devastating financial burden that often accompanies a diagnosis. Many cancer patients are forced to cash in their retirement funds and use up savings to make ends meet during treatment. The costs can often be so overwhelming that some patients will decide against life-saving therapy and instead choose a lesser treatment as they simply cannot afford the out-of-pocket expenses for items such as medications, medical supplies, transportation, accommodations and childcare. Thankfully, the Alberta

Cancer Foundation Golf Classic is here to provide support to those patients. Proceeds from the event will continue to support the Patient Financial Assistance Program, so patients can focus on what matters most – healing. As one grateful patient describes, “Research saved my life but the Patient Financial Assistance Program saved my family.”

The Alberta Cancer Foundation is looking to partner with local and regional businesses on the Alberta Cancer Foundation Golf Classic to help make a difference for cancer patients.

To discuss partnership opportunities for the Alberta Cancer Foundation Golf Classic, please contact Michelle Body at michelle.body@albertacancer.ca or 403.476.2421.

Together, we will make life better for Albertans facing cancer, one swing at a time.

PHOTO SOURCE: SKOGEN PHOTOGRAPHY

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // MAY 2019

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The Game Changer “I saw there was this unfulfilled need and it drove me nuts. I couldn’t convince the people at head office to let me sell it.”—Lyle Best

By Terese Brasen The company he worked for had a new owner, and Lyle Best was weighing his options. His new bosses would probably transfer him back to Central Canada or the U.S., which wasn’t his first choice.

“I had fallen in love with Alberta,” he says.

Although it might mean leaving his Alberta home, Lyle decided to make a pitch. He had an idea, and it meant a lot to him. If his new bosses would listen, he would stay on with the company.

The idea was to create a new line of products to serve small businesses. Lyle was a well-trained and experienced insurance executive, who saw a weakness in the group benefit plans that served big companies and large organizations. Small businesses were locked out.

“I had worked for a multinational insurance company for a dozen years,” says Lyle. “We didn’t offer small businesses the products we offered large companies.

Small businesses couldn’t afford the insurance, or the insurance company wouldn’t sell them a plan.”

Lyle knew how to fix the system.

“I pitched them my idea, and they basically laughed me out of the room.” Decision made.

Lyle’s idea was to create self-funded plans. With big companies and organizations, costs average out and are predictable. For a small business, group plans get risky.

But what if business owners could use their own funds?

Give every employee coverage and set manageable limits.

“The big insurance companies told their insurance agents and brokers to pay no attention to me,” he says about his failed pitch to his new bosses. “I would be gone soon.”

Lyle had a hobby: computer programming. On his 1980’s home computer, he began building customer service software that could track benefits. He found a developer who knew a programming language called PL1.

“He was blind,” says Lyle. “We had to get him a monitor that was very advanced for the times. It was big and could display one binary code number at a time. He was amazing.”

Together, they built the Quikcard dental claims management system. That was 30 years ago.

Many dentists had trouble collecting from non-insured patients, and Quikcard’s software allowed dentists to check a patient’s coverage. Although it’s standard practice today, Quikcard was the first administrator in Canada to offer this service.

“My pitch to the dentist was simple—if you accept my card in your office, you’ll know exactly what you’re going to get paid, and you can collect the co-pay that day.”

But there was a glitch. Lyle had spent all his time, effort and money developing software only to discover that (30 years ago) most dentists did not have computers.

It could customize changes in a few days, while other insurers with large IT departments and huge mainframe systems needed six to nine months.

Quikcard is still innovating. It has just released a new website that gives you control over your own benefits.

Sign in, submit your own claims, check your balance and eligibility.

In 1989, Lyle Best released the Quikcard dental claims management system.

By 2000, Quikcard was full service.

So, Lyle switched up his process. They had no computers, but they all had telephones and could call Quikcard for authorization. Quikcard had the powerful software and could process the claims over the phone.

In 1999 as Y2K was looming, the Government of Nova Scotia reached out to Quikcard. It wanted to license the small Edmonton company’s excellent dental coverage software. “It gave me an instant footprint in Atlantic Canada,” says Lyle. “For 16 years, we managed the Government of Nova Scotia’s children’s dental plan.”

By 2000, Quikcard was full service, with every health care discipline, from optometry to massage therapy.

Quikcard’s homemade benefits software made the provider nimble.

Celebrating

When Quikcard was born, small businesses and their employees had little access to group benefits. Quikcard changed that game. Lyle also changed the game for charities, non-profits and teams.

In 2008, he received the Order of Canada. In 2010, he became a member. The honour recognized Lyle’s commitment to a long list of community organizations, including Junior Achievement, the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (which he helped found), the Edmonton Oilers Alumni (which he directs) and Quikcard Minor Hockey Week, which according to Guinness World Records is the largest hockey tournament in the world.

Lyle describes Edmonton as having a Big Community Spirit, and that supports his philosophy, which he sums up this way: “If you live in a community you need to invest in that community. Because if you invest, it makes the community healthier, and that will give you a healthier business. It all comes back.”

Years QUIKCARD.COM

CALGARY’S LUXURY MARKET // REAL ESTATE

CALGARY’S LUXURY MARKET SLOW MOMENTUM

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MAY 2019 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

CALGARY’S LUXURY MARKET // REAL ESTATE

BY COLLEEN WALLACE

I

n most major cities like Calgary, Vancouver and Toronto there are two subtle but distinct real estate markets. The conventional MLS real estate market and – other.

Seasoned real estate professionals and impartial real estate associations like the Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB) avoid popular people-speak references like “the luxury market” because, while it may be descriptive, it is a subjective valuejudgment opinion, not an actual real estate category.

They prefer to call it “high end” or “$1-million plus” homes.

And the trends and figures show Calgary’s luxury market is different and unique from similar luxury markets in Vancouver and Toronto.

Sotheby’s International Realty focuses on residential luxury real estate and its 2018 Top-Tier Report shows that while sales in Calgary’s luxury market fell year over year, the 2018 drop was not as significant as those in Toronto and Vancouver.

“One reason could be that the Calgary market has been challenged already for a number of years due to the slump in oil prices and the downturn,” explains Sotheby’s Canada president Brad Henderson.

“No doubt about it, when it comes to the Calgary luxury market, 2016 set off a chain reaction: layoffs; severance packages. The inventory of unsold high-end homes started to climb. By 2017, just when the market was poised to start

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CALGARY’S LUXURY MARKET // REAL ESTATE

“REGARDLESS OF THE TYPE OF INVESTMENT PEOPLE MAKE, THEY ARE ALWAYS CAUTIOUS ABOUT HOW THEIR MONEY WILL PERFORM.” ~ TANYA EKLUND

growing, there was the pipeline cancellation, the no vote for the Winter Olympics bid and the price of crude not only made for a triple whammy impacting the number of $1-million-plus homes but also put a downward pressure on price.”

While Sotheby’s forecasts a sluggish 2019 for Calgary’s luxury market, higher-priced segments in all major Canadians cities have struggled in recent years.

Henderson cites a number of quirks specifically concerning Calgary’s luxury real estate market. “Although luxury homes sales dropped year over year, the numbers actually varied by home style and price range. Singlefamily homes over $1 million fell nine per cent while high-end condo sales increased by more than 140 per cent, compared with 2017.”

Calgary real estate professionals mention the cluster-impact of several factors: the Calgary economy and the toll it has

taken on real estate in general; the slower-than-expected recovery; and the effects of the not-so-new Canadian mortgage rules.

“We have been through four years of very challenging economic times,” says respected Calgary real estate professional Tanya Eklund of the Tanya Eklund Group, Re/Max Real Estate (Central). “Regardless of the type of investment people make, they are always cautious about how their money will perform.

“Of course, many buyers consider their home an investment regardless of price point. The fact is that people entering the luxury market in a downturn have the most to lose. A $500,000 home at 10 per cent is less of a financial loss than 10 per cent at $2 million,” she notes. “Of course any loss, at any price point, is significant for all sellers, but the actual loss of 10 per cent at a higher price point it simply a bigger loss.

ABOVE: TANYA EKLUND OF THE TANYA EKLUND GROUP, RE/MAX REAL ESTATE (CENTRAL)

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CALGARY’S LUXURY MARKET // REAL ESTATE

“THE LUXURY MARKET HIGHS WERE IN 2014, AND THE LOWS WERE PROBABLY IN 2015, WHEN THE $1-MILLION-PLUS HOMES WERE LESS THAN ONE PER CENT OF TOTAL HOME SALES.” ~ ANN-MARIE LURIE

“It has affected buyer confidence in the luxury market and, in the last few years, buyers have opted to sit tight until they feel the decline is ending.”

CREB chief economist Ann-Marie Lurie, one of Calgary’s most plugged-in and fact-driven real estate experts, explains the roller-coaster trending and the speed bumps of Calgary’s high-end market. “The luxury market highs were in 2014,” she says. “And the lows were probably in 2015, when the $1-million-plus homes were less than one per cent of total home sales.

“A lot of the job losses happened at the senior levels and although there are definitely signs of a slower-than-expected recovery, we don’t have growth in the high-paying wages in

the energy sector. And regardless the real estate category, the new mortgage rules and lending factors are an issue. One million dollars is a big number, for most people. Although people in that range tend to be OK and a bit less sensitive to the new mortgage rules, for buyers looking on the low end of just over $1 million it matters.

“High-end sales were down a bit in 2018 – 875 homes over $1 million – about four per cent of 20,000 or so sales.”

Respected Calgary real estate professional Sam Corea, who specializes in Calgary’s luxury market, echoes the caution.

“The number of sales were down five per cent from last year and while there is still a large inventory of houses available for sale, the rate has slowed a bit. So, it’s no surprise that

ABOVE: CREB CHIEF ECONOMIST ANN-MARIE LURIE

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MAY 2019 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

these conditions are now affecting prices. We saw a five per cent drop in the average price of a home compared to last year.”

According to Eklund, things seem to be getting better. “The luxury market in YYC has really seen a turnaround in the last eight months or so,” she adds with positivity. “We are seeing luxury inventory move again.”

For the sake of interesting detail, Lurie clicks on CREB’s current files to show that in 2018, the most expensive house sold for $5 million and, so far in 2019, a sale price has hit $4,587,000.

The all-time Calgary luxury market sale happened in the 2013 heyday when one Calgary home sold for $11.1 million.

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // MAY 2019

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A 43-YEAR OVERNIGHT SUCCESS // COVER

A 43-YEAR OVERNIGHT SUCCESS The story of Gregg Hampton and Canyon Rigging

BY MELANIE DARBYSHIRE

S

uccess in business can be achieved in different ways.

Gradually, at a snail’s steady pace; rapidly, with almost instant prosperity; through hard work, personal sacrifice and determination; with luck and fate on one’s side.

More often than not, success is achieved in all of these ways, and more.

This is the case with Canyon Rigging. Owned and operated by Gregg Hampton, Canyon Rigging has been – in Hampton’s own words – a 43-year overnight success.

“It’s been a long haul and the first 38 years were pretty darn hard,” says Hampton from his offices at Canyon Rigging’s 20,000-square-foot combined shop, warehouse and sales centre in southeast Calgary. “But we’ve been really enjoying our success, the fruits of our labour, the last five years.”

Having spent his entire adult life in the rigging industry, Hampton and his wife Debbie (who retired earlier this year) officially launched Canyon Rigging 21 years ago, as a two-person outfit at their ranch south of Okotoks. “We did extremely well, had a really nice living,” he recalls. “We were a force in the rigging industry. And then fate came along when our neighbours nicely asked us to move.” The request was not unreasonable: the business had grown too large for the rural property.

Hampton’s son-in-law, Daniel Harris, now president of Canyon Rigging, suggested they move to Calgary. “This was the first building I looked at,” Hampton reminisces. “We rented at first, then bought the building and kept the renter.

Then I had to get rid of the renter because we grew too quickly. That was all within about six months.”

ABOVE: GREGG HAMPTON, OWNER AND OPERATER OF CANYON RIGGING PHOTO SOURCE: EWAN PHOTO VIDEO

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A 43-YEAR OVERNIGHT SUCCESS // COVER

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // MAY 2019

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A 43-YEAR OVERNIGHT SUCCESS // COVER

Four years later, the business is booming like never before.

“Since the day we started this company, it has made a profit,” Hampton says proudly. “We’ve increased sales every year for 21 years. This year we’re up from last year, and last year was out of this world.” Today, the business employs 22 people, in the shop, warehouse and front office.

Hampton has no doubt about the reasons for this success. First and foremost: customer service. “Good old-fashioned service might’ve gone out of style,” Hampton shrugs, “but not here. We’re very respected for how hard we work at customer service. We’re always looking at how we can make a customer’s entire problem go away; leave them 100 per cent satisfied.”

To meet customers’ needs, Canyon Rigging has over $3.6 million of fully paid-for inventory – truck straps, cargo securement, tire chains, wire rope, chain slings, round slings, polyester and nylon slings, levers, blocks, hoists, winch line, crane line – in its warehouse.

Adjacent to the warehouse is the shop. Half of the shop’s professional team – seven women – work upstairs in the sewing “suite” with top-of-the-line, $40,000-industrial sewing machines, sewing and assembling all manner of synthetic rigging products.

The other (seven) half of the team works downstairs, building the chain and wire rope assemblies.

Approximately 50 per cent of the jobs are custom.

“We’ve got everything to satisfy whoever walks in the door looking for rigging,” Harris says. “The beauty of having and doing everything here is we can custom make anything while they wait. It’s like coming to work and playing with Lego all day – we can build anything to the client’s exact needs.”

Custom orders have included anchoring slings for pipelines, slings to move gigantic landscaping rocks, safety slings for movie sets and helicopter lifting nets to move grizzly bears across mountain ranges. One notable job involved a flow-line restraint system the company built for use in oil and gas drilling and completions operations.

Hampton and Harris own Canadian and U.S. patents on the system. “RIG-IT Restraints are a series of lightweight restraints that run the whole length of a temporary high-

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MAY 2019 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

pressure flow or pipeline,” Harris explains. “If a catastrophic separation of the line were to happen, the system is there to minimize the damage and danger to personnel. We’re potentially talking about a couple of hundred thousand pounds of force – it’s very, very dangerous.”

Canyon Rigging builds and sells RIG-IT Restraints to many fracking, cementing, injection, flow-back, coil tubing and drilling clients. “We’ve spent a lot of time and money developing it; it’s in high demand,” Harris says. “Between Gregg and I, we’ve come up with a pretty good mousetrap.

We’re extremely proud of it.”

Quality, Hampton stresses, is non-negotiable. “You’re dealing with products that can kill,” he says. “There’s not one thing we

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A 43-YEAR OVERNIGHT SUCCESS // COVER

sell that doesn’t have someone’s life hanging on it. You cannot sew a strap wrong. You cannot build a cable wrong. You cannot build a restraint wrong. There’s no room for error.” To ensure its products are safe, every piece of equipment is tagged with a working-load limit and tested on the shop’s pull tester – the most advanced in southern Alberta. “We don’t think that we’re selling good rigging, we prove we’re selling good rigging by testing it, making sure it hits the mark of the working load and the breaking strength,” Hampton says.

Clients range from small rural shops to multinational corporations such as Schlumberger, Trican and Step Energy, across Western Canada and into the northern U.S. “For a long time we haven’t put all our eggs in one basket,” Hampton explains. “Our clients are 30 per cent oil and gas, 30 per

cent agriculture, 30 per cent construction and 10 per cent miscellaneous. We do not wait for change, we make change.”

He believes this adaptability – to turn on a dime in order to get business – has helped Canyon Rigging weather the most recent oil and gas downturn. “We’ll do a complete 180,” he says.

“As soon as I hear oil and gas is slowing down, I go and sell to agriculture clients. We don’t have a meeting about it. Dan and I sit down and ask, ‘Is that a good idea?’ If we agree, we go for it.”

Being free of debt is a major advantage too. “We own the building and all the inventory,” Hampton reveals. “When we buy something, we pay for it. We have no debt. So when the bad times come, we’re not in trouble.”

ABOVE: BACK ROW: CALEB RITZ, NICK SEIFERT, ANDREW MCCOMB, DEVIN SASS, CLIFF BROCK, DANIEL HARRIS, DALLAS CARR, NICK KEDDIE AND EARL MANZ. MIDDLE ROW: DAVID EDELS, DEBBIE HAMPTON, GREGG HAMPTON, DEB CHAHLEY, LIUDMYLA KOBA, ALLEN GATSCHUFF AND JAMES HURLEY. FRONT ROW: BOBI LES, KIA TRAN, NGO TRAN, SHELLEY RENSHAW AND SUSAN TUTT. PHOTO SOURCE: EWAN PHOTO VIDEO

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A 43-YEAR OVERNIGHT SUCCESS // COVER

purchase offers for the company. “I’m not doing this for the money, I’m doing this for my family.”

Harris will continue the tradition once Hampton, now 61, takes his leave, though that date is far from certain.

Born and raised in Calgary, Hampton – a star athlete in high school with the grades to get into university – wanted to work, so he took a job after graduation at local rigging company Martin Black Wire Rope. There he met two men who would teach him much of what he knows today. He spent years working in the industry, and eventually opened his own business in the early 1990s. He later sold it and signed a noncompete agreement, preventing him from operating a rigging business in B.C., Alberta or Saskatchewan until 2001.

After marrying Debbie, the couple began Canyon Rigging, always abiding by the non-compete. For three years, Hampton and Debbie worked on the ranch building rigging systems, then travelled to Manitoba to sell them. Once the noncompete agreement expired, they expanded into Alberta.

“I can do every single thing in this shop,” Hampton reports.

“Splice any wire rope, build any chain. I can sew on the sewing machines. Because when we started, Debbie and I were it. It’s a self-made company and we try to lead by example. We teach all our own people.”

Admittedly old school, Hampton doesn’t use a computer. “I know every single item in my warehouse within $10,000,” he says. “I know what I paid for it and how many I have. It’s very useful because the guys in the front don’t have to look it up.

They just ask me and I tell them.”

That front includes the recently-created storefront, where customers can see what is available and purchase it on the spot. “It’s one-stop shopping,” Hampton beams. “Right now, 95 per cent of our orders are done same day and out of our inventory. That doesn’t happen anywhere else.”

Pride in the business is palpable. “We’re a family,” Hampton says. “Tradition and continuity of the business in the family is very important to me.” He admits he has turned down

Harris, who is from Australia, has been involved in the company for 10 years and became president one year ago.

Both son and partner to Hampton, he has nothing but praise for his father-in-law. “We all look up to Gregg,” he says. “The majority of the younger people we hire view him as a mentor.

You do a load of listening when he’s offering advice. I can say that personally, it’s well received.

“Success hasn’t changed him,” Harris continues. “He still comes to work in his Wrangler jeans and Carhartt shirt. He does own a tie and often jokes that one day, when he’s put to rest in a pine box, he may wear it! He’s the same old guy he always was.”

A culture focused on quality and customer service is ingrained at Canyon Rigging, and starts with Hampton.

“I do not demand much,” he says. “I just want someone to work as hard as I work. We have a saying around here: you’re either all in or you’re all out. If you’re all in, great things can happen.”

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // MAY 2019

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A 43-YEAR OVERNIGHT SUCCESS // COVER

“We treat everyone here like family,” Harris continues. “We reward the employees for their hard work and dedication and in turn they reward our clients. It’s a happy little circle that keeps turning around.”

Seemingly impossible, the Hamptons passion for their business is matched by their passion for community. Every year, Debbie runs a coat drive in Okotoks for the Mustard Seed. This year was the largest yet, with 2,200 coats donated.

Not surprisingly, Canyon Rigging retains its customers.

“And we’re gaining at a tremendous rate,” Hampton adds.

“We’re around 250 new customers per year, and I don’t think we lose two a year. We’ve been that way for 15 years. It’s a testament to our team.”

A ranching family (Debbie was raised on a Saskatchewan farm and has a passion for horses), the family is also a big supporter of local rodeo. They currently sponsor Kylie Whiteside, who will compete for the first time this year at the Calgary Stampede, while also supporting 4-H. After the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in New York City, the couple rode their horses to the U.S. border in a show of support. They raised $135,000 for the victims and drew over 3,000 people with them.

A host of approximately 200 distributors throughout Western Canada also sell Canyon Rigging products. “Little oilfield supply stores, independent NAPA stores and bumperto-bumpers,” Harris explains. “They are a huge part of the backbone of this company and very important relationships for us.” For example, Red Deer Ironworks is the main distributor of RIG-IT Restraints.

Another of Hampton’s sons-in-law, Tyler Graham, runs a satellite division of the company in Prince Albert. “Tyler was one of the first employees and continues to do a great job in a very demanding agricultural community,” Hampton says. “Like all of our salesmen, he puts in countless miles delivering product that keeps people working.”

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Though he acknowledges that one day he will retire, Hampton has no current desire. “As long as I’m able I’ll be here, because I love it,” he smiles. “It’s in me. People say, ‘Don’t let it define you.’ I’m very good that Canyon Rigging defines me because it is me. I worked my whole life for this.”

Success achieved, Hampton and Canyon Rigging provide a case study in passion, perseverance, dedication to excellence and good old-fashioned hard work. With a rich history, this overnight success has limitless possibilities.

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CALGARY DYNAMICS // CONSTRUCTION

Calgary Dynamics THE RIVERS DISTRICT BOOST

BY JOHN HARDY

I

n business and in the community, the Calgary spirit is legendary. Despite occasional exceptions and speed bumps, the positives heavily outweigh negatives, continually driving prosperity.

For current Calgary, bouncing back with recovery momentum, one of the most exciting (and biggest) positives is the ambitious planning of the Rivers District – Calgary’s long-term vision for a massive culture and entertainment area that will be home to 8,000 new residents and four million square feet of mixed-use development space.

The early master plan is flexible with a variety of entertainment and cultural amenities in the heart of Calgary.

It includes the Stampede Trail retail destination and a hat trick of high-profile, major projects like a new event centre (arena) to replace the aging Saddledome, a major expansion

of the BMO Centre at Stampede Park, and a large expansion of Arts Commons.

In addition to transforming “downtown Calgary,” the Rivers District will be a massive, complex and long-term construction project.

A comprehensive 2018 EY study predicted the Rivers District project – from the construction of the new Flames arena and event centre to hotels, condos and retail – could generate capital output in excess of $1.7 billion with the yearly operation of the buildings generating an additional $300 million in annual economic activity.

The EY assessment did not examine potential tourism impacts nor estimate possible increases in property tax revenues.

ABOVE: AERIAL VIEW OF CALGARY’S FUTURE RIVERS DISTRICT.

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CALGARY DYNAMICS // CONSTRUCTION

The report did suggest 4,750 full-time jobs would be created during the construction phase, and another 1,536 permanent jobs once the new facilities were open.

“The Rivers District is definitely good news for our city and Calgary construction,” says Bill Black, president and COO of the Calgary Construction Association (CCA). “It will likely take two to three years to have direct impact on Calgary construction, but it is definitely positive news and activity creates much future opportunity. And it is a big improvement on the way we have been trending in the past few years.

“It’s an undisputed fact that the construction industry thrives in a city that is growing and developing – and this massive project certainly puts light at the end of the tunnel.

“The last couple of years have been discouraging for construction. We lagged the downturn longer than most and it only started to hit home the second half of 2017 and took hold most of last year.

“Our industry is always a reliable and good barometer of the economy. And we have one objective: to maintain a strong industry. We’re not expecting 2019 to be much different but with the Rivers District, at least the industry can begin to strategize,” Black notes with optimism.

Mary Moran, president and CEO of Calgary Economic Development (CED), underscores the economic and community value of the massive Rivers District plan. “It’s vital for the community that the culture and entertainment district is integrated into the downtown, building on our natural and physical assets. And the development of the area is one of the key pillars of our long-term economic prosperity for the city.”

She enthusiastically connects the Rivers District boost with the recent Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) – the world leader in global business intelligence – which ranked Calgary the fourth most livable city in the world, tops in North America.

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CALGARY DYNAMICS // CONSTRUCTION

“After all, place isn’t just the environment we live in. It includes our overall quality of life, adds to the ability for Calgarians to live, work and play in a vibrant downtown and it boosts the character of our city. It also creates conditions that enhance livability and how well we attract new talent and businesses.

“And like the redevelopment of our fabulous East Village, the Rivers District will have tremendous impact on our economy,” Moran emphasizes. “By comparison, the East Village project has been a significant impact with nearly $400 million in infrastructure investment that has attracted approximately $3 billion of planned, private investment.”

Michael Brown is president and CEO of the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) and a driven Calgarian. He enthusiastically states, “The Rivers District is a great opportunity to revitalize a Calgary area that is already anchored by some of our city’s most iconic amenities and also amplify it to become a year-round gathering space for all Calgarians.

“Consultation and engagement have played a major role in the delivery of the master plan to date. We have invested a lot of time in the planning and placemaking considerations for the space. It’s critical that we ensure that it will resonate with the people who will ultimately visit and/or live in the Rivers District.

“THE RIVERS DISTRICT IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO REVITALIZE A CALGARY AREA THAT IS ALREADY ANCHORED BY SOME OF OUR CITY’S MOST ICONIC AMENITIES AND ALSO AMPLIFY IT TO BECOME A YEARROUND GATHERING SPACE FOR ALL CALGARIANS.” ~ MICHAEL BROWN

“Another factor is programming and the importance of building a space that blends great urban design with the programming opportunities that will be activated,” he notes.

“Those two needs are intricately linked for it to be successful.”

Brown is upbeat about the constant comparisons between the Rivers District and CMLC’s tremendous development of the East Village. “Our approach is to apply the same level of urban planning and placemaking as we did in East Village.

“But building on the major uses like the Calgary Stampede, BMO Convention Centre and the Saddledome add additional layers to the story and the potential for the community.”

His gung-ho battle cry proudly emphasizes that East Village is proof: if the right environment for investment is created, businesses and projects will follow.

ABOVE: MICHAEL BROWN, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE CALGARY MUNICIPAL LAND CORPORATION (CMLC) .

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Thank you These companies have stepped up to lead social change this past year, with best-in-class corporate social responsibility programs that are transforming lives right here in Calgary.

Photo credit: Jeff Chan, Urban Exposure Project

Did you know

51%

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See the innovative approaches these companies took to drive employee engagement through their giving program—and get tips and inspiration on how you can do the same this year by partnering with United Way. Visit calgaryunitedway.org/good-ideas for fresh ideas to do local good

CALGARY DYNAMICS // CONSTRUCTION

Despite the exciting planning, the Rivers District is not immune to the cautions, concerns and high-priced business basics that (grand plans or not) “it takes money to make money.”

“Leveraging public infrastructure investments to attract private sector capital is a key element of economic development,” Moran points out. “The plans for the Rivers District have a combination of public and private investment. When Calgary city council set aside funds for three major projects within the Rivers District – Arts Commons expansion, BMO Centre expansion and a new events centre – it was based on leveraging other funds. The investment will spur new hotels, condos, retail shops and other businesses.”

She mentions that this March the federal and provincial governments and the city contributed $166 million to just the BMO Centre expansion.

Although planning for location, layout, site development, revenues, construction activity, infrastructure and other aspects of the Rivers District master plan are vital, so is consideration regarding the evolution of the everchanging community.

“AS THE CITY GROWS AND EVOLVES, WE NEED TO THINK ABOUT THE TYPE OF COMMUNITY THAT WILL HAVE THE AMENITIES TO SUPPORT EMPTY NESTERS, EXISTING AND NEW FAMILIES, AND THE MILLENNIAL GENERATION AS THEY SETTLE DOWN AND ATTRACT THE NEXT WAVE OF URBAN RESIDENTS.” ~ MARY MORAN

“Calgary is one of Canada’s fastest-growing and youngest metropolitan areas,” Moran says. “As the city grows and evolves, we need to think about the type of community that will have the amenities to support empty nesters, existing and new families, and the millennial generation as they settle down and attract the next wave of urban residents.

The overarching goal of this area is to make Calgary a more attractive place to live, work and play.

“It should result in the city attracting new employers, young professionals and top talent as well as innovative organizations already here to grow and expand locally.”

“The master plan for Rivers District spans across 20 years,” Brown adds. “So, it isn’t intended to be so prescriptive that it can’t accommodate the changes in how Calgary and its residents will grow through that period. The success of the plan is in its ability to respond to the needs of residents and visitors and still provide a solid foundation for the community’s growth.”

ABOVE: MARY MORAN, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF CALGARY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (CED)

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MAY 2019 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

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BLUFF OR BUST // TRANSPORTATION

Bluff

OR BUST OIL BY RAIL REPRESENTS BEST CASE IN WORST-CASE SITUATION, SAY EXPERTS

BY JAMIE ZACHARY

I

n life, winning is not just a matter of holding good cards.

Sometimes, it’s about playing a poor hand well.

Paraphrased from celebrated novelist Jack London, the famous prose speaks true to the ongoing plight of Canada’s energy sector, which has been on the losing side for some time now in light of persistently weak oil prices and a paralysis of pipeline approvals.

Now, forced to play the hand they’ve been dealt, some oil producers are turning to rail to stay in the game as a shortto-medium-term strategy for transporting landlocked crude to more lucrative markets. And experts say it might be the best way to make good of a bad situation.

“Oil by rail is a viable option for increasing capacity to ship our oil to key markets,” says Ben Brunnen, vice-president of oilsands with the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers. “Pipelines, first and foremost, are still the priority from a market access perspective. They offer volume, stability,

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MAY 2019 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

reliability and low cost. But while rail doesn’t offer the same capacity as pipelines, it does offer scalability and flexibility.”

And with the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, if approved, not expected to be operating for at least three years, producers need alternatives now.

Earlier this year, the NDP-led Alberta government announced a $3.7-billion deal to lease 4,400 railcars from Canadian National and Canadian Pacific to transport Canadian crude to American and international markets.

The first shipments of 20,000 barrels per day (bbls/d) are expected to start this summer. The government expects to be moving 120,000 bbls/d at full capacity by mid-2020.

Brunnen doesn’t expect the additional volumes will have a substantial impact on other commodities currently being shipped. He estimates oil currently accounts for around five per cent of total rail volume.

BLUFF OR BUST // TRANSPORTATION

James Cairns, vice-president of petroleum and chemicals with CN Rail, notes crude-by-rail infrastructure has built up significantly since the first undiluted heavy barrels began earlier this decade – going from a smaller-scale manifest model to unit trains.

He believes crude by rail’s primary benefit is it allows producers to get to markets not otherwise accessible by traditional modes of transport – for example to refineries in the Gulf Coast where demand for heavy crude is growing and pipeline capacity is still lacking.

“Crude by rail offers many advantages for the western Canadian producer. Timeliness to market is one of those factors. However, diversity is another,” says Cairns.

“However, even potentially more importantly, rail provides a solution to diversify the market away from the U.S. internationally through export facilities in Eastern Canada. Canadian crude does not need to be dependent on one purchaser.”

Cenovus Energy is already forging ahead with its rail plans following last year’s announcement that it has signed three-year agreements with CN and CP to transport approximately 100,000 bbls/d of heavy crude oil from Alberta to the Gulf Coast.

“HOWEVER, EVEN POTENTIALLY MORE IMPORTANTLY, RAIL PROVIDES A SOLUTION TO DIVERSIFY THE

“While pipelines continue to be the most effective means of transporting our oil to customers, rail provides optionality for us in times of pipeline congestion, and plays a useful role in getting our oil to markets where we can fetch prices significantly higher than WCS,” says Cenovus senior media adviser Sonja Franklin.

MARKET AWAY FROM THE U.S.

The agreements took effect in the fourth quarter of 2018 with CN transporting from Cenovus’ Bruderheim Energy Terminal. They will continue in the second quarter of 2019 with CP through USD Partners’ terminal in Hardisty, Alta.

BE DEPENDENT ON ONE PURCHASER.”

“With the price uplifts we get on the U.S. Gulf Coast, we see an economic case for rail today,” says Franklin, adding Cenovus expects the differential between Western Canadian Select and West Texas Intermediate to balance out more in line with rail economics, in the mid to high teens per barrel.

INTERNATIONALLY THROUGH EXPORT FACILITIES IN EASTERN CANADA. CANADIAN CRUDE DOES NOT NEED TO ~ JAMES CAIRNS Oilsands producer MEG Energy, meanwhile, is also buying in on crude-by-oil shipments. Having already doubled its rail volumes in the fourth quarter of 2018 to 14,700 bbls/d, the Calgary-based company is planning to increase that again to 30,000 bbls/d by the third quarter of 2019.

LEFT: EARLIER THIS YEAR, THE NDP-LED ALBERTA GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED A $3.7-BILLION DEAL TO LEASE 4,400 RAILCARS FROM CANADIAN NATIONAL AND CANADIAN PACIFIC TO TRANSPORT CANADIAN CRUDE TO AMERICAN AND INTERNATIONAL MARKETS. ABOVE: JAMES CAIRNS, VICE-PRESIDENT OF PETROLEUM AND CHEMICALS, CN RAIL. PHOTO SOURCE: CN RAIL

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // MAY 2019

43

RED ARROW PROVIDES A MOVING EXPERIENCE

F

or 40 years Red Arrow has provided an outstanding, comfortable, safe mode of travel for discerning passengers in Alberta. Founded by R.B. Colborne with a view to elevate the perception of bus travel as a luxury service, his vision of inspired, barrier-free, stylish motor coach transportation is still alive and well today. Today, Red Arrow services 26 communities across Alberta.

Red Arrow coaches provide all the amenities of a first class flight, including reclining leather seats, free WiFi, USB and power outlets, fold down tray tables, movies, complimentary refreshments, satellite radio and seat belts.

Red Arrow is part of the Pacific Western Group of Companies, Canada’s largest privately owned people transportation company. Red Arrow continues to maintain the vision and mission of its founder and remains a family owned business lead by Mike Colborne the chairman and CEO.

work, loyalty, accountability, respect and dedication.

Red Arrow remains a top choice for those seeking a sustainable, environmentally responsible mode of transportation, along with being a top choice for the busy professional that needs an productive and comfortable work space while on the road.

“Our mission is to exceed customer expectations by employing talented people who share in the dedication of a company committed to safety and service,” says Leigh Abra, communications and marketing manager. “We have a great team of loyal and dedicated employees driven to exceed customer expectations. We provide exceptional customer service, and this results in extremely loyal customers.”

“Our people and their commitment to provision of safe, quality service is what sets Red Arrow apart,” says Dean Wright, vice president, Motorcoach.

Red Arrow is the only business-class coach transportation of its kind in Canada. When you choose Red Arrow, you’re shopping local, contributing to the economy of many communities around Alberta. The company also gives back to Alberta, donating generously to charities and organizations, while hiring Albertans that are fully and differently abled.

Times have changed, but some things remain constant. Safety is still a core value that underscores everything Red Arrow does and is a value alongside a firm commitment to customer service, resourcefulness, integrity, positive attitudes, team-

With 40 years on the road, Red Arrow looks forward to expanding its network of transportation and travel solutions and continuing to innovate and embrace new technologies to elevate the passenger experience.

www.redarrow.ca

Photo by Peter Cox 1986.

RED ARROW’S JOURNEY • 1979: Red Arrow launches with CalgaryEdmonton-Fort McMurray corridor with business class coaches • 1979: Professor Alexandra Munn was our very first passenger and was awarded lifetime travel on Red Arrow on our 25th anniversary, which she used monthly to visit her mother in Calgary • 1989: Celebrating 10 years, we carried over 90,000 passengers with our 14-vehicle fleet • 1990: Red Arrow purchased two state-of-the-art accessible coaches (Prevost H3 41) that featured credit card cellular phones, movies, and pull-out tables in plush extra-wide seats

• 2011: Launched Calgary/Lethbridge route • 2011: Launched Ebus, the more economical sister brand to Red Arrow. Ebus coaches have less amenities than Red Arrow and a lower price point, but passengers receive the same exceptional customer service • 2013: New corporate identity: Safely Home • 2015: Launched Edmonton/Cold Lake, Bonnyville route • 2018: Launched Camrose connector and Grande Prairie route

• 1996: Added express service between Edmonton and Calgary

• 2018: Expanded into BC serving Vancouver, Kelowna, Kamloops with our Ebus brand

• 1998: Updated fleet with new Prevost H3-45s and introduced paperless ticketing system

• 2019: Celebrating 40 years of serving Alberta

• 2006: WiFi installed in all ticket offices and on coaches • 2010: Introduced direct service to Calgary International Airport www.redarrow.ca

BLUFF OR BUST // TRANSPORTATION

“This reduces rail transportation costs in line with new-build pipeline,” says Cairns.

“With forecast of crude production outpacing pipeline capacity for the foreseeable future, where rail is expected to be a part of the supply chain, it is feasible and prudent to move western Canadian crudes to market safely and at lower cost. DRUs’ capital cost is economical in today’s environment, getting a return on investment, we believe, in two to three years.”

“The use of rail enables MEG to maximize the price received on its barrels until additional egress capacity from Western Canada is secured,” MEG announced recently in a report to investors.

Despite this, Canadian crude-by-rail volumes have dropped in 2019. In March, the National Energy Board estimated it to be in the 160,000-175,000 bbls/d range after falling from a record high of 354,000 bbls/d in December.

Much of that decline came after Imperial Oil cut virtually all its rail shipments from nearly 170,000 bbls/d. Imperial CEO Rich Kruger says rail is no longer economical for the company due to discounts on Canadian heavy oil. In late March, however, the Canadian crude producer resumed shipping an undisclosed amount of oil by rail from its Edmonton terminal, citing a marginal improvement in rail economics.

Brunnen cites different corporate structures and strategies for the reason behind divergent approaches to moving oil by rail.

“In Imperial’s case, its system is flexible enough to migrate rail capacities to other areas,” he says. “Cenovus, on the other hand, has a strong upstream production component without as much integration into other transportation options.”

Cairns believes access and diversity are not the only benefits to moving oil by rail. He notes western Canadian producers using rail can also reduce their costs by removing the diluent through the construction of diluent recovery units (DRUs).

Crude needs to be diluted with an expensive product, usually condensate, to move via pipelines, which provides no value to the refinery nor the producer. By removing the diluent, it’s estimated a producer can move 30 per cent more bitumen in a railcar than a diluted bitumen product.

CN is also in the process of piloting a new way to ship oil in a puck form that would mitigate environmental risks in the event of a derailment. Dubbed CanaPux, the patented innovation of CN involves blending bitumen with recycled plastics to form a solid, which is then encapsulated in a thin layer of plastic to enable transportation in a solid dry bulk supply chain. It’s similar to how coal is moved.

At or near the point of resource extraction, the crude oil is blended with the recycled plastic and formed into pucks.

The CanaPux pellets can then be shipped in dump trucks, gondola railcars and freighters.

At the refinery, waste heat is used to melt the pucks, which allows the plastic to be separated from the crude oil. The plastic can be recycled to make more CanaPux or for use in industrial-recycled polymer markets such as road paving or waterproofing membranes.

“The CanaPux concept ends oil spills as we know them,” says Cairns. “If there is a spill on land, the CanaPux pellets simply need to be picked up. For a spill in water, a boom is set up and the pellets retrieved. The CanaPux pellets do not leak and they float, even if chopped into pieces.”

Since there is no diluent used, the CanaPux pellets are also not volatile, do not explode and only burn if they reach 148°C for a sustained time.

“This is a very safe and environmentally-friendly way to move extra-heavy crude oil,” says Cairns, noting CN is currently working with industry partners – including Wapahki Energy Ltd., a company owned by the Heart Lake First Nation in northern Alberta – to establish commercial pilot facilities.

ABOVE: A TRAIN BEING LOADED AT CENOVUS’ BRUDERHEIM ENERGY TERMINAL. PHOTO SOURCE: CENOVUS

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MAY 2019 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

Prestige Railings and Stairs Ltd. Prestige Railings and Stairs continues its “rise and run” to the top of the stair and railing industry in Alberta as we once again have received the Consumer Choice Award for Business Excellence in both Calgary and Edmonton. For well over a decade, Prestige has been privileged to receive these awards – a constant reflection of our dedication to quality and a sincere effort to exceed customer expectations – every step of the way.

Prestige continues to build the highest quality stairs in the industry and we pride ourselves on helping our customers realize their dreams in creating a focal point in their homes with unique designs and extraordinary craftsmanship.

Prestige offers an extensive variety of quality products, all the way from glass stair treads and stainless steel components to spindles featuring Swarovski crystals; from LED accent lighting to interior and exterior spiral stairs.

Prestige continuously works with architects and designers, builders, contractors, and building and home owners to

achieve the goals and visions of each individual customer.

Whether it be a starter home with a feature railing or a commercial property with 10 stories of interior railing that needs retrofitting, Prestige is the only call you need to make.

For well over 25 years, Prestige has been pleased to set the highest standards in the industry and will continue to raise the bar and focus on improving the product and the process. While the customer doesn’t realize it in most cases, Prestige is the only stair and railing company to be a member of the Architectural Woodwork Manufacturers Association of Canada.

This speaks to the Prestige commitment to constant evaluation and improvement in an industry where we already set the bar for quality. The Company’s vision of being the most respected, reliable and sought after provider of all things stairs and railings to the residential and commercial construction industry, is the focus of everything we do.

While the awards are a nice pat on the back and a huge morale booster, we know the work to improve never stops.

Consistency, Quality, Craftsmanship

Come in and talk to us about your project!

30 years in Business

Our showroom is open from Monday - Friday 8am - 4:30pm | www.prestigerailings.com “We’re passionate about bringing spaces to life. Together with you.”

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BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // MAY 2019

47

RULE CHANGE IMPROVES PUTTING AND PACE OF PLAY // SCOTT ORBAN

Rule Change Improves Putting and Pace of Play

BY SCOTT ORBAN, PGA EXECUTIVE PROFESSIONAL, MCKENZIE MEADOWS GOLF CLUB

C

an you lower your score without changing your swing or purchasing new equipment? Can you influence your group to play faster without running or having to chirp at them to get moving? A new golf rule introduced in January can help you achieve both. You now have the option to leave the flagstick in when putting on a green during a round.

The first reaction of golfers was that it would help speed up play. Certainly, golfers are concerned with the length of time a round can take, but when it comes to deciding on whether to leave the flagstick in or out, golfers really only care about one thing – their score.

So, does leaving the flagstick in help or hurt your score? PGA Tour players have divisive opinions and while most pros are currently sticking with tradition (taking the flagstick out), some trailblazers – like PGA Tour players Bryson DeChambeau and Adam Scott – are leaving the flagstick in. It is definitely a visual change but how else will it impact your game?

To help answer this question, I came across the following information on Pelz Golf website (http://www.pelzgolf. com/newsletter/insidescoring.aspx). “In 1990, Dave Pelz published a study in GOLF Magazine that revealed there is a clear advantage to putting (and chipping) with the [flagstick] in the hole. A robotic device holed 33% more putts after 11,000 tries with the [flagstick] in the hole and the human tester, PGA TOUR player Tom Jenkins holed 18% more with the [flagstick] in on 900 attempts.”

results from players and club management whom I have discussed this with have been very positive. Golfers have not found this to impede on their current familiarity of the game and it is believed to help speed of play. Some courses have made it mandatory to show their golfers how collectively it does make a difference in speed of play.

Lead your group the next time you play by encouraging other golfers to leave the flagstick in for all shots on the green – even the close ones – and speed up play. The fact is that you will make more putts, or at worst be closer to the hole if it does ricochet off the flagstick. I think we are going to see the tradition of removing the flagstick soon become a thing of the past.

This information clearly makes me want to forget about tradition or visual distraction and learn to putt with the flagstick in place. Maybe try it to improve your score.

Does this rule change affect speed of play in a positive way?

Since the rule was introduced in January of 2019, many clubs in the U.S. have been promoting leaving the flagstick in for the entire game including very short putts. The early

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MAY 2019 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

Where Calgary Golfs ...with a Smile!

403-257-2255 • www.mckenziemeadows.com

FORE CALGARY GOLF 2019 // GOLF

Fore Calgary Golf 2019

BY JOHN HARDY

READYING FOR THE SEASON

T

he pros, the coaches, the weekend warriors, the wannabes and the physiotherapists agree: playing golf in Calgary is almost as challenging as being ready to play golf in Calgary.

Steinraths and the Calgary preseason crew are busy with the spring checklist for more than 750 acres of land. They are removing tarps, cutting the roughs and cleaning up winter litter.

While most area courses are targeting mid to late April for the start of the 2019 season, it’s all weather pending – not only April’s weather but the effects of the past five to six months of winter.

At the popular Priddis Greens Golf & Country Club, Matt Entwistle explains that a preseason crew of 20 is working long days aiming for a May 1 (or sooner) opening. After the snow melted, they used blowers, sweepers and mowers to clean off debris such as branches, leaves, pine cones and needles and are also removing the wildlife fencing and green covers. Once the ground is dry enough for the protective layer of sand top dressing on the greens, Priddis is ready for the first cut and then – open for play.

As gung-ho Calgary golfers know, the season starts sometimes sooner and sometimes later.

According to Greg Steinraths, manager of golf and sport development with Calgary Recreation and responsibile for Calgary’s six municipal courses, “It all depends on Mother Nature. Although we aim for April, it could even be early May, depending on how nasty winter turned out to be and the toll it took on the course.”

All golf courses, particularly those in unpredictable winter climates, monitor and rely on days-open, days-closed and rounds played. In 2018, for example, after a late start to the season and an early close in the fall due to snow, Calgary’s six public courses lost 93 days to weather with only 170,000 rounds played – drastically down from the year before, when the winter was easier and the season longer.

“The Calgary golf season is usually short, anyway, but the season start depends on hours of sunshine, temperatures and chinook winds,” he says. “They key concerns are wet and soggy conditions that keep the turf from being walkable and whatever it takes to ensure player safety.”

While Calgary golf courses are busy preparing for the 2019 season, hibernating and overanxious Calgary golfers should also consult their checklist to ensure an enjoyable golf season.

“It’s time to retrain your muscles, review the proper fundamentals and remind yourself that grip, stance, posture, basic swing drills, the mechanics of the swing, rotation drills, extension drills and power drills are a must, regardless of your level,” urges the personable Terry Carter, director of Calgary’s National Golf Academy and the PGA of Alberta’s 2004 and 2009 Teacher of the Year.

Ryan Anderson, head teaching professional at the Glencoe Golf & Country Club, emphasizes that golfers need more than gung-ho enthusiasm to enjoy the 2019 season.

“Some golfers manage to work on flexibility, cardio and improving their strength in the off-season to help prepare for the new season.

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // MAY 2019

49

The Springbank Links

T

Success Story

here are probably as many reasons for golf course popularity and success as there are golfers. Location.

A challenging but enjoyable layout. Meticulouslykept fairways and greens. Good facilities. Rewarding membership incentives. Friendly atmosphere. Consistent and excellent service.

All of the above are some of the keys to the Springbank Links Golf Club success story.

“We have to adjust to provide a membership with ‘morethan-golf’ benefits,” says Kevin Heise, general manager of Springbank Links, reflecting on the subtle trend of golf clubs to change with the times to attract and embrace a new generation of members in addition to the already-established group supporters. “The traditional membership is aging out.

We need to focus on speaking to every member in the family, including casual and non-golfers.

The affable Heise is revved – and a bit relieved – about the justbegun new Springbank season. “This past winter was recordbreaking cold and long durations of extreme cold, and that’s actually good for the course. What we never want is pure ice on the greens for more than 90 days. That’s deadly and winterkill on the greens. The frigid cold winter helped the snow stay powder which provided a great winter blanket and it’s a big reason why our greens turned out so spectacular for 2019.”

Weather (despite chinooks) is always an iffy factor for Calgary golfers and local courses. It makes or breaks the golf season.

“We lost 31 days due to weather last year, compared to 2017,” he notes. It’s a big hit to a seasonal business like ours and we had to get creative.

“The good news is, we made it,” he roars with a smile. “So nothing but positive momentum ahead. Onward!”

Or fore-ward.

“Golf is great at Springbank,” he adds with enthusiasm, “and our continued upgrades and changes to the course make it even better. We have to adjust and be innovative and grow our Springbank community.

“We now have flexible golf options for dues,” he explains, “because not everyone is getting in 40 rounds a year.” He highlights some new membership incentives like 2019 dues thrown in (common), a new set of custom clubs, and a sevenday golf trip to a high-end, exclusive, private resort in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.

“We also have a new and modern Springbank menu, increased golf and clubhouse events, social events away from the course (like Theatre Calgary nights and sport-travel opportunities), live music nights and a terrific junior program.”

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51

FORE CALGARY GOLF 2019 // GOLF

“The most common golf injury is back pain and it is a very difficult injury to return to golf quickly. Most people’s daily activities do not involve the twisting and turning of the upper and lower body. If a golfer is not careful or trying to do too much, too fast and too soon, it can quickly turn into an injury that will put their golf game on hold indefinitely.”

Anderson acknowledges that the long winter wait to get back out on the course sometimes trumps the basics of getting properly ready. “Focus on flexibility like shoulders, quads, hips and hip flexors, psoas, hamstring stretches and lower-back mobility. Pick one of your favourite stretches and build a mini warm-up routine to prepare for swinging the club. And good balance is vital to hit and repeat good shots and helps produce faster club-head speeds and hitting shots consistently.

“My favourite balance drill is a standing one leg with a torso twist. This dynamic movement incorporates many of the movements in the golf swing while focusing on balance.”

Carter emphasizes the fundamentals of the swing, off the tee and putting techniques. “We focus on the grip, the posture and the alignment. Without that, nothing will be consistent.

For example, putting looks easy but most of us know that it is difficult and the most important part of the game.

“Alignment drills are important,” he says. “Use a mirror and alignment rods to aim your putter. Be sure to draw a line on your golf ball to help you line up to your target. Practice the grip and posture and be sure you don’t decelerate – always accelerate – through impact. Adjust the length of your backswing and accelerate to control distance.”

Most pros and coaches underscore the role of fitness in golf.

“The tour dominance of (43-year-old) Tiger Woods has really brought fitness to the forefront of golf,” Anderson notes.

“Players like Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Lexi Thompson are now continuously working on their fitness. It is becoming the norm, for the pros and amateurs, to use fitness to enhance mobility, strength, stamina and even swing speeds to play better golf and to play injury-free.”

Golf regulars – over-ready to enjoy the 2019 season at their favourite Calgary-area courses – will notice some subtle improvements and a few major changes.

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MAY 2019 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

It will be golf business-as-usual at Calgary’s six public courses – Confederation Park, Lakeview, Maple Ridge, McCall Lake, Richmond Green and Shaganappi Point – with one exciting and much-anticipated difference.

After a $6.7-million renovation, McCall Lake is reopening.

“The course was 37 years old and area golfers and the game itself have changed a lot since then,” Steinraths says. “We’re previewing ‘the new McCall Lake’ in May and reopening the full 18-hole course in June.”

Adding length – and a par 5 – to make it a more consistent par 71, the new McCall Lake will also feature multiple tees (and more forward tees), a more strategic relocation of traps, upgraded drainage and a refreshed clubhouse.

The changes at Priddis Greens are subtler. “There has been some small bunker renovations on four green-side bunkers,” Entwistle says. “And we have added six new forward tees for enhanced playability and enjoyment for golfers with lowswing speeds. There is also a new asphalt cart path and a new on-course rubber-surfaced walking path.”

Anderson mentions a renovation of the Glencoe’s main practice facility’s hitting and teaching tee and that the club has increased the size of the hitting area to allow more space to practice, including a unique area to master uneven lies.

In addition to great golf, most private and semi-private area courses have busy calendars filled with special events, from the fourth annual Max Robinson Children’s Foundation Memorial Golf Tournament at Crystal Ridge Golf Club in Okotoks, the Woodridge Charity Golf Tournament and the Willow Park Charity Golf Classic to the Calgary Flames Celebrity Charity Golf Classic and the PGA Tour’s Shaw Charity Classic at Canyon Meadows Golf & Country Club.

Entwistle highlights that Priddis Greens will have regular schedules for its nine weekly leagues, more than 30 member tournaments, several corporate tournaments and the big attraction: the 21st annual Priddis Greens Charity Classic, August 13-15, supporting the Prostate Cancer Centre. The tournament has raised nearly $7 million since its inception.

MARKETING YOUR HOME

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MARKETING SAM COREA | TEAM LEADER | 403 870 8811 | SAM@SAMCOREA.COM

Sam has a photographic memory of the thousands of houses he has sold over the past 25+ years and regularly astonishes his clients with this unusual talent. He is known as a fierce negotiator and when it comes to marketing, Sam stands apart from the competition. A client remarked: “Despite being a terrible market, Sam’s marketing reach and expertise were instrumental in successfully selling our home. Every element of Sam’s business is executed competently and professionally. He is deeply committed to meeting his clients’ needs.”

CHRIS FULLERTON | SALES PARTNER | 403 669 7353 | CHRIS@SAMCOREA.COM

Recently, a client raved: “Chris navigated with confidence, professionalism and charm. His easy-going nature makes him very pleasant to work with…the deal showcased Chris’ shrewd negotiation skills and grit, which made us very happy that he was on our side!” His focus and strength include problem solving and relationships; skills he has perfected over 14 years in the industry.

The West Side is home & he knows the area like the back of his hand. In addition to providing top notch service, Chris is an accomplished pianist & dedicated father.

GIOVANNI OLIVERIO | SALES PARTNER | 403 650 7989 | GIOVANNI@SAMCOREA.COM

As a home builder, Giovanni built and sold many luxury houses of his own design. But what gave him the most fulfillment was seeing the joy on his client’s faces as he found them their dream dwelling. So he hung up his hammer and focused his energy on real estate, hunting down perfect pads for his happy clientele.

His knowledge of construction is indispensable to buyers. He is able to help them visualize the possibilities and understand quality craftsmanship. His soccer playing twin girls keep him on his toes when he’s not in the real estate trenches.

Not intended to solicit properties already listed for sale nor intended to cause a breach of any existing agency relationship.

YOUR HOME

WORTH ®

FOR ALL IT’S

BEARSPAW RIDGE DISCOVERY | $4,900,000 | $1,750,000

64

D I S C O V E RY VA L L E Y C O V E S W

Step into a world of exquisite modern style. The jewel box sitting room is meant for intimate conversation and cocktails. Work in seclusion from the chic home office. Gather the whole clan together in the bright vaulted family room with Griffith Woods as your backdrop. The stunning kitchen marries classic style with luxe design.

Here you’ll find double wall ovens, dual sinks, a pot filler, and wine fridge. The fireplace, glass display cabinet, statement lighting and adjacent panelled dining area make this a kitchen you have never experienced before. The master bedroom overlooks the trees, has a marble clad fireplace and a sitting area. Two additional bedrooms are separated by a Jack and Jill bath. The upstairs loft and bonus room are fun hangout spaces for the kids. Entertain in the basement recreation room, bar and media room. Warm up by the outdoor fireplace while the quiet sounds of the forest surround you.

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403 870 8811 |

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403 686 7800 |

www.SAMCOREA.COM

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SAM@SAMCOREA.COM

MARKETING

SILVERHORN | $3,999,000

129

S I LV E R H O R N R I D G E

Best of both worlds - Combining cosmopolitan lifestyle with country living, this custom built home by Maillot Homes is a luxurious alternative to city life. Located in one of Bearspaw’s most prestigious neighbourhoods, this impeccably crafted, one-of-a-kind home offers 6,137 sf of exquisite living space. White oak hardwood, a stunning curved staircase, and a sprawling floor plan are just the beginning of the high end finishings and details that make this home so wonderful.

The gourmet kitchen is built to entertain with oversized quartzite island, full prep kitchen, and butlers pantry; while the dramatic dining room is perfect for hosting culinary experiences. Upstairs offers 4 bedrooms, including the spectacular master retreat that is a serene escape with a spa inspired ensuite, and massive walk-in closet. The walkout basement offers even more gorgeous entertaining space with a family room, full bar, and games area. Two private guest rooms, with ensuite’s complete this level. (see additional remarks).

WOODLAND HEIGHTS | $2,995,000

16

WOODL AND RISE

Hidden 4 acre country retreat tucked into the trees & backing pond in Bearspaw. This sprawling 8013 SF estate has 5 ensuite bedrooms (+ space for a nanny), walkout bsmt & inside parking for 11 vehicles! This stately home with circular drive is sure to impress. The main living area is a huge kitchen (antiqued cabinetry, beamed ceiling, stainless appliances, wine fridge, wet bar, 48” gas stove), grand vaulted living room & formal dining room w/ windows on 3 sides. The main flr master suite is a secluded retreat w/ private balcony, pond views, dressing rm & ensuite w/ fireplace, freestanding tub & multi-head steam shower. A den & large mud/laundry (both w/built-ins) & a guest bath complete the main. the nanny suite (bdrm/bath/living rm) has its own stairway & can be accessed directly from the garage while 2 more ensuite bdrms, library & gym make up the rest of the upper level. The walkout is home to 2 ensuite bdrms, media, games, family, wine rooms & 2nd laundry. There is also a detached 1600 SF shop/garage.

HILLHURST | $1,995,000

1829

B O W N E S S R OA D N W

Modern Masterpiece! MetroCore balances contemporary design with family living in this spectacular new build. Statement lighting and luxurious finishes are used throughout. A spectacular staircase floats between split face stone and a glass wall.

The kitchen is a showstopper with top of the line appliances and a massive waterfall edged island while the marble clad fireplace provides a focal point for the chic living room. A mudroom, side entrance, den, and walk in pantry make this a home fit for the whole clan. Upstairs, a Jack and Jill bath services 2 bedrooms while a 3rd has it’s own ensuite. The master contains a spa like bath and an expansive closet plus a coffee bar. The third floor loft and roof top patio offer even more living space. Use this area as a home office or gym. A jaw-dropping bar and wine room, a media room and Rec room complete the lower level. This home proves you don’t have to sacrifice style when living in a house suitable for family. You and your guests will be impressed!

YOUR HOME

WORTH ®

FOR ALL IT’S

MAHOGANY | $1,695,000

11

MAHOGANY ISL AND SE

On The Island! Imagine living in a stunning waterfront home in a prestigious gated community. Your opportunity has come. The kitchen belongs in a magazine with white cabinets, creamy countertops, plentiful storage, double wall ovens and a side by side fridge/freezer. Even Martha Stewart would be envious of this cooking space! Conversations over a bottle of wine flow effortlessly in the adjacent sitting area. Entertain formally or casually in the dining room under a chic chandelier.

The whole family will be drawn into the comfortable living room to watch a show, warm up by the fire or to take in the lake views. Work quietly from the private home office. Or hang out upstairs in the bright bonus room. You’ll find it hard to leave the comfort of the master suite! Enjoy the fireplace or luxuriate in the soaker tub or huge shower. You’ll feel like your staying in a boutique hotel! Two kids bedrooms each feature a walk in closet. The laundry room accommodates two sets of washers/dryers.

ASPEN WOODS | $1,595,000

9

A SPEN RIDGE GREEN SW

Ravine Views! Imagine starting your morning with a view of a serene wooded area from your kitchen table. This home has a stunning location and impeccable design. Up to date design details like brick walls, herringbone patterned flooring, dove grey cabinets and light-toned hardwood have been incorporated throughout. Savour moments in the state of the art farmhouse kitchen. The Miele appliances include a double oven gas range with 6 burners and a grill and a steam oven.

There’s an apron front sink, a pot filler and an urban cultivator to grow your own herbs and microgreens indoors. The butler’s pantry and mudroom are straight from the pages of a magazine. The private office with double height windows is ideal for working from home. Upstairs a bonus room separates the ensuite from two bedrooms each with their own bathroom. The peaceful master has its own balcony. Downstairs, a recreation room and four additional bedrooms are light and bright thanks to a walkout basement. This home was built to impress!

ROSEDALE | $1,595,000

1422

C R E S C E N T R OA D N W

Sought after Rosedale – Inner city living just outside your door with the C-Train just a short walk away, and the trendy shops and restaurants in Kensington nearby. The main floor offers unobstructed openness with a dramatic staircase at its’ centre. The kitchen is perfect for anyone who enjoys creating culinary masterpieces, featuring chef inspired appliances including a gas cooktop, pot filler, warming drawer, and speed oven. Outside the low maintenance yard and concrete patio is an ideal space to enjoy the summer weather, while in the winter months the detached heated triple car garage is a welcome feature. Upstairs the bright master suite with city view comes with a gorgeous ensuite featuring a steam shower.

Two additional bedrooms, a bathroom, an office, and a laundry room complete the top floor. The possibilities are endless for the basement’s open family room area with a full bar, as well as two more bedrooms (one with its own ensuite), and an additional bathroom.

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403 870 8811 |

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403 686 7800 |

www.SAMCOREA.COM

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SAM@SAMCOREA.COM

MARKETING

HILLHURST | $1,450,000

1801

B R OA D V I E W R OA D N W

Perfectly at home in Hillhurst! Step inside this warm and welcoming home, with radiant in-floor heat throughout. Make your way past the office into the modern, fully-equipped kitchen, with stainless steel appliances including a gas range, a Miele coffee machine, beverage fridge, and expansive island, this is a fantastic space for entertaining. From here the floorplan opens to the dining area and the bright living room. Upstairs, the serene master suite shares a two-sided fireplace with the tranquil ensuite, which includes dual sinks, a soaker tub, and a rain shower. Two additional bedrooms, both with their own 3 piece ensuite complete this level. The basement is also set up for entertaining, with a large recreation space, bar area, and a media room. Movie and games nights never looked so good! On warmer days spend time in the lovely yard with a spacious patio and gas fireplace. This home is in a wonderful location on a corner lot within walking distance to the Bow River.

GARRISON WOODS | $1,395,000

32

M O R E U I L CO U R T S W

Park perfection! The fantastic combination of luxurious inner city living, with the airiness of being on a cul-de-sac that backs onto a park. With over $500,000 in improvements you’ll be in amazed from the moment you step into the foyer, while just off the front entrance you’ll find a formal dining area. The impressive kitchen is fully equipped with top-ofthe-line appliances including a Wolf steam oven, and the oversized island spans almost the entire length of the space, the perfect place for a culinary spread. Guests can mingle in the living room with a view of the park, or make their way out to the spacious deck. Kids will love the easy access out to the park and playground, while still being under the watchful eye of parents. Upstairs, the master suite is a relaxing retreat with a spa-like ensuite and enviable closet. The second bedroom also has its own ensuite and walk-in closet. The basement begins with a family room, while a third bedroom and a bathroom are great for older children or visitors.

ALTADORE | $1,295,000

1947

F O R T Y- S I X T H AV E N U E S W

Altadore home seeking family! This inviting two story is just steps from the park. Light pours through the large family room windows bathing the open floor plan in sunshine. The grand kitchen has chef ’s grade appliances, cabinets stretching to the 9’ ceilings and an ample pantry. Two prep sinks and an expanse of granite counter on the island and peninsula allow for multiple cooks. It’s easy to entertain a crowd in the dining area while prepping dinner. An office with double glass doors is a quiet place to work from home. Upstairs, the hardwood continues into three bedrooms, including a spacious master suite. Double sinks, a vanity, a large shower and a walk in closet make it easy for parents to start their day. In the evening the whole family will enjoy hanging out around the fireplace of the basement playroom. The built in storage is an organizers dream! Closets and bins fit every toy and the desk is the perfect spot for art projects.Outside a sunny south facing patio provides a safe place to play.

YOUR HOME

WORTH ®

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COUGAR RIDGE | $1,288,000

63

CO U G A R P L AT E AU C I R C L E S W

Updated custom built marvel! Located on a quiet cul-de-sac this home sits on a large pie lot with an unbelievable back yard overlooking a vast secluded green space and the city skyline. The home has been updated with a clean, modern style, with new paint, flooring, and extensive upgrades to the kitchen and master ensuite. With custom millwork throughout, as well as a solarium, hot tub room, and an oversized triple garage (tandem) this home’s expansive living space set it apart from other homes in the area. Six generously sized bedrooms, each with their own ensuite, offer space for everyone. The master bedroom is a spacious retreat with a three sided fireplace partitioning the bedroom and sitting area, as well as a luxurious master ensuite with dual vanities separated by a large corner tub. The basement also features a bar, media room, and steam shower; while the show stopping backyard’s low maintenance landscaping presents layered terraces, an outdoorcooking space, & a putting green!

SPRINGBANK HILL | $1,275,000

226

F O R T R E S S B AY S W

Bungalow Love! It’s not often an elegant bungalow built for a family with teens or grown children comes along in this neighbourhood. From the foyer, head into your private office or into the open concept living room, kitchen and dining room. A contemporary fireplace makes a statement in the living room. The adjacent kitchen is sleek but classic, with dark stained cabinets that soar to the ceiling, granite counters and contemporary tiles. Storage is ample with a convenient walk in pantry in the mudroom/laundry room. The master retreat includes a closet fashionistas will adore and an ensuite you won’t want to leave in the mornings. Entertain friends at the bar while watching the game in the lower level family room.

This feels nothing like a typical basement with 10’ ceilings and large windows. Three additional sunny bedrooms complete this level. The triple garage allows for multiple car lifts and storage. A park and a natural reserve flank the yard, providing a private spot to linger on summer nights.

CRESTMONT | $1,195,000

222

C R E S T R I D G E P L AC E S W

A Cut Above! Veranda Estate Homes, renown for their quality and classic design, completed this home with their signature style. Panelling, antiqued counters, high end tile, and timeless lighting and plumbing set this property apart from others in the district. Gather everyone in the sizeable living room. Enjoy scenic views of the treed ravine beyond the yard from the light filled dining area. You’ll love cooking on the Dacor six burner gas cooktop and will have room for everything with these kitchen cabinets! A massive pantry is smartly connected to the mudroom and has access through to the triple garage. Relax at the end of the day in the freestanding master ensuite tub or shower. Bedrooms 2 and 3 share a Jack and Jill bath and a 4th bedroom contains it’s own ensuite. Additional living space, a bedroom, and a flex room can be found in the bright walk out basement. Imagine spending quiet evenings outside beside the fireplace on the covered patio admiring the bucolic view. Make this stunning home yours!

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403 870 8811 |

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403 686 7800 |

www.SAMCOREA.COM

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SAM@SAMCOREA.COM

MARKETING

SPRINGBANK HILL | $1,098,000

168

S P R I N G B L U F F B O U L E VA R D S W

Sought After Spring Bluff! The last three houses we sold on this ridge were snapped up within hours and at full price.

Buyers adore the striking unobstructed mountain vistas from this elevated street. In addition to the location, this home has a smart open plan layout with generous sized rooms and great flow. Perfect for a family! Easy to maintain hardwood floors run throughout the main and second level. The kitchen offers loads of storage, large expanses of granite countertops, a pantry and a big island to gather around. Break bread in the sun filled nook or entertain formally in the dining room. Bring everyone together in the large, bright living area. The den provides a quiet room to work or study. The walkout basement recreation room is an ideal teen zone, with big windows, laminate floors a fireplace and a snack bar. The whole crowd could easily hang out here. Find solitude upstairs in the grand master bedroom sitting area. Or soak in the tub after a long day.

We expect this one to go quickly!

ASPEN WOODS | $1,095,000

5

A S P E N AC R E S M A N O R S W

Wonderful family home in Aspen! This home is beautifully finished with a tasteful neutral palette and numerous windows throughout. A spacious foyer greets you as you enter, to the right is a bright den with pocket doors. Enjoy family gatherings in the formal dining room and lively chats in the cozy living room with stone fireplace. The kitchen offers loads of cupboard space, stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, island seating, walk-in pantry and butler’s prep area with a beverage fridge. Upstairs, a large master bedroom opens to a gorgeous ensuite with soaker tub, separate shower, double sinks and walk in closet. The light filled bonus room with vaulted ceiling provides additional living space for the whole family to enjoy. An additional two bedrooms and a bathroom complete this level. Enjoy outdoor living with a sunny south backyard, large deck and stamped concrete. With schools, shopping, and recreation facilities nearby, your family will love living in Aspen Woods.

ALTADORE | $999,000

2038

F O R T Y- S E V E N T H AV E N U E S W

Sleek inner city living - The modern and clean aesthetic throughout this home is apparent from the moment you step through the door. You are immediately drawn into the heart of the main floor to the luxurious kitchen. Host Sunday brunch at the island with a sumptuous spread fit for the pages of a cookbook. While French doors open to the deck and yard which extends entertaining space in warmer months. Upstairs, the master bedrooms comes equipped with a walk-in closet and lavish ensuite with dual sink vanity and spa tub. Two more bedrooms, 5 piece bathroom, and laundry room make this level perfect for any family. The top floor offers the option of transforming the space into a guest retreat. The bedroom, 3 piece ensuite, and bonus room with a wet bar, fireplace, and balcony gives guests their own space. Finally, the basement with 9 foot ceilings is where movies come to life in the media room. No need to go upstairs to get your movie snacks thanks to your fully stocked wet bar on this level.

YOUR HOME

WORTH ®

FOR ALL IT’S

DISCOVERY RIDGE | $999,000

75

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

Best Value Per Square Foot! This home nestled among the intricate pathways of Griffith Woods embodies old world charm.

It has been immaculately maintained, was custom built with loads of hand crafted millwork and thoughtfully laid out to accommodate a busy family. Welcome guests in one of several living spaces, feed a crowd in the formal dining area or snuggle around one of five fireplaces on cold winter nights. Gather around the large kitchen island for casual meals. Keep everything organized in the ample pantry and mudroom. Work from home in the den while the kids study in the library.

Watch the game, play pool, serve a cocktail and entertain friends in the walkout basement recreation room and bar. End your day in the peaceful master suite by soaking in the jacuzzi tub. There are three additional upstairs bedrooms with walk in closets and a Jack and Jill bathroom for your little ones. This has the potential of being your forever home. At this price per square foot is the best value in the neighbourhood!

ALTADORE | $949,900

2019

F O R T Y- F I R S T AV E N U E S W

Contemporary Construction! Modern design lovers will appreciate the clean lines & finishes of this home on a quiet street in Calgary’s hottest district. Be wowed by the 10’ ceilings, hardwood floors, statement lighting & open concept floor plan.

The kitchen blends warm wood tones with glossy white cabinets, stainless appliances & quartz counters. A massive island with seating for five floats between an architectural staircase, & separates the dining from the living room. Imagine the cocktail parties you could host here! Sit in the sun soaked living room & enjoy the warmth of the contemporary fireplace.

Slip into serenity in your master ensuite steam shower or soaker tub. Snuggle into the comfort of the master bedroom with its vaulted ceilings & fireplace. The basement with in-floor heat features a media room to watch the big game & has its own bar to showcase your growing wine collection. If you want to live in a stylish home without the pain & cost of the building process this home is right for you!

PATTERSON | $895,000

58

PAT R I C K V I E W S W

Fresh Updates! Be the first to enjoy the new light toned hardwood floor, plush carpet and neutral paint in this newly renovated home. There’s not a thing to do but move in! A pleasant living room greets you at the front entry. Light streams through the double height windows bathing the kitchen island in sun. Be dazzled by the new marble backsplash, quartz counters, stainless appliances and white cabinets. Keep an eye on the kids while they do their homework in the adjacent home office. Store everything with ease in the mudroom walk in closet. Downstairs there’s plenty of room to spread out in the recreation room. Take in the Bow River views from the master bedroom windows. There will be no more bickering over closet space with two separate walk in closets. The romantic master bath features a soaker tub made for two. This home backs on to a sloped meadow providing privacy from neighbours. Watch deer graze and the lovely changing colours of the seasons in this protected yard with a glass of rosé at hand.

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403 870 8811 |

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403 686 7800 |

www.SAMCOREA.COM

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SAM@SAMCOREA.COM

MARKETING

ALTADORE | $839,000

2029

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

Appealing Price and Floor Plan! This impeccable detached home has a phenomenal open concept layout and is priced to sell. A flex room greets you at the foyer. Use it as a sitting room, dining room, office or music room. Whichever suits you best! The kitchen offers loads of pantry space, stainless steel appliances, a gas range, granite counters and island seating.

It directly opens to the dining area designed to accommodate lively gatherings. Beyond is the living room featuring a fireplace, built in shelves and a coffered ceiling. Sun pours in through the south facing windows. A smart side entrance opens into a mudroom and the powder bath. Upstairs, the second floor master bedroom boasts a vaulted ceiling, balcony, walk in closet and classically finished master bath. You’ll find extra living space in the fully developed basement. Here you can snuggle around the fireplace and watch a movie.

DISCOVERY RIDGE | $795,000

44

D I S CO V E R Y R I D G E M O U N T S W

Ultimate Family Home! This home checks all the boxes for parents and kids. Grown-ups will adore the open concept floor plan, dedicated home office and formal dining room. Cooking meals is a breeze in the light, bright kitchen. The granite counters are easy to clean and the corner pantry offers storage for all the Costco goodies. Keep a watchful eye on the kids outside through the expansive windows. Draw everyone around the fireplace in the adjacent living room after dinner. Keep everything in its place in the mudroom and foyer walk in closet. The basement recreation room offers lots of cabinets for toys and games. The little ones will be delighted with the secret playroom under the stairs. Watch movies with the whole gang in the media room. Upstairs, there are three generously sized bedrooms plus the master retreat. Its vaulted ceiling, large walk in closet and generous ensuite with double vanities and jetted tub are sure to impress the head of household.

Outside, enjoy the mature landscaping, patio, and access to the bike paths.

COUGAR RIDGE | $785,000

4

CO U G A R TO W N C LO S E S W

Every Hockey Parents’ Dream! Sick of hockey pucks flying by or damaging the garage door? We’ve got the solution! The lower level of this corner lot two story has an enclosed hockey arena for year round practice. Sports fanatics will love this hangout zone! There’s room here for ping pong and video games. Upstairs, the Cape Cod inspired open floor plan is crisp and clean. A comfortable living room and formal dining room are ideal for entertaining. A huge wood island provides a natural spot for the family to gather around. Both chefs and design lovers will appreciate the ivory toned kitchen for its gas range, integrated fridge, expansive granite counters & storage space. Imagine watching a show in the second floor bonus room by the fireplace. Relax in the spacious master suite which features a panelled wall, a walk in closet and built in cabinets. Kids can skate on the backyard rink in winter or play in the park across the street in summer. The covered patio provides a shady retreat for warm days.

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WORTH ®

FOR ALL IT’S

ALTADORE | $775,000

2040

F O R T Y- N I N T H AV E N U E S W

Inner City Showstopper! Minutes from Downtown, this trendy infill boasts a highly sought-after location. Athletes and outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate being in walking distance to: Flames arena, Glenmore Athletic park, The Tennis Academy, Glenmore Aquatic Centre, Sandy Beach, and Lakeview Golf course. The open concept and stunning two storey front windows fill the home with plenty of natural light, while open riser staircase is a stunning focal point of the home.

A fireplace separates the living room from the dining area and sleek kitchen, with stainless steel appliances and bar fridge.

Out the back door you’ll find a low maintenance oasis and sizeable deck. Upstairs the master bedroom features a stone faced 2 sided fireplace between the bedroom and ensuite. Two more well sized bedrooms, a 4 piece bath, and the laundry room complete this floor. Downstairs the fully developed basement offers a family room with tons of built in storage, as well as a fourth bedroom, and a 4 piece bath. A must see home!

ERLTON | $775,000

2709

E R LTO N S T R E E T S W

Best of Both Worlds! Need ample outdoor living space, a secluded location, security and all within the city core? This unit is your solution! Nestled along the hillside and backing on to the Monastery gives this 3 story townhouse sparkling city and wooded views. A sunny dining area greets you at the entrance of the open concept main floor. Seat four guests easily at the central kitchen island while you cook. There’s lots of cabinet space, granite counters and a gas range. The living room opens to a private back deck surrounded by natural landscaping. The second floor master includes a spacious ensuite. Use the third floor as a media room, office, additional bedroom or fitness studio. The highlight of this level is the rooftop patio and pergola. An under drive tandem garage provides security and easy access to the main floor. This is an ideal home for a professional wanting proximity to downtown, local cafes and restaurants, the Elbow River paths and local parks. Solitude in the heart of the action!

SPRINGBANK HILL | $759,900

18

E L K TO N WAY S W

Custom estate home featuring triple car garage, views and walkout basement in Springbank Hill, walking distance to LRT, Ernest Manning/Griffith Woods School, Rundle & many amenities. The main floor opens to spacious foyer and front living/dining area with two storey windows, hardwood floors & lots of natural light that floods the home. Kitchen features custom cabinets, granite, newer appliances and eating nook opening onto large deck area overlooking the lush backyard.

The family room is also generous with built-in cabinetry & cosy fireplace with granite surround. Main floor also boasts office area, laundry room and powder room. The upper floor features main bathroom, three generous bedrooms including the master suite with walk-in closet and 5 piece ensuite. The walkout basement has been partially finished (under permit) to include a large recreation area, bedroom area and bathroom area — you just bring your flooring and ceiling choice.

Professionally landscaped with cherry and apple trees.

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403 870 8811 |

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403 686 7800 |

www.SAMCOREA.COM

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SAM@SAMCOREA.COM

MARKETING

SIGNAL HILL | $738,800

12

S I E N N A H E I G H T S WAY S W

Walk to School! This 4 bedroom home is located a short walk from Battalion School. Parents will appreciate the newer kitchen, with granite counters, modern subway tiles, grey cabinets and stainless steel appliances. It’s well laid out and has ample storage. The sunny kitchen nook is a cheery place for breakfast and casual family meals. Display your cherished mementos in the bookcases flanking the family room fireplace. Entertain formally in the living and dining room. Work quietly from the dedicated home office. This main floor is ideal for family living. Upstairs, the spacious master retreat has a walk in closet, and an ensuite with a jetted tub and make up vanity. You’ll find three additional bedrooms upstairs for all the family members. The finished basement offers additional living space for playing, hanging out, or watching a show.

Convert the flex room to suit your needs - a hobby room, yoga studio or even a wine room could work in this area. The whole clan will feel at home here.

BANKVIEW | $725,000

2223

SE VENTEENTH STREET SW

Inner-city living with downtown views, an abundance of light and 10’ ceilings! Open main floor plan welcomes you into a large living room that includes a custom fireplace and city views. Enjoy cooking and entertaining in your bright kitchen with a Five Star gas range, stainless steel appliances, full pantry and granite counter tops. Allow the outdoors in with double french doors off the dinning room. String up some lights and enjoy the large deck with built in planters, privacy screen and low maintenance tiered yard. White African cork tile greets you on the second floor along with an impressive view of the city from the master bedroom with a large walk-thru closet. Second bedroom can be used as a spare or an office. Relax with a coffee or a glass of wine on the boutique second story balcony. You’ll love the in-floor heating, soaker tub, steam shower and dual sinks in the bathroom. Rounding out this home on the lower level is an attached 2 car garage and laundry room with a new Whirlpool washer and dryer.

WEST SPRINGS | $649,000

3

W E N T W O R T H G AT E S W

Family Friendly! This home situated on a pleasant corner lot is perfect for a family with school aged children. The open floor plan includes a comfortable living room and bright dining nook. Start your mornings peacefully with a coffee in this sunny spot! You won’t be left out of the conversation while meal prepping in the adjacent kitchen. Gather the crew together in the classically finished kitchen with dark stained cabinetry, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and subway tile. The smartly planned main floor includes a walk through pantry that leads to the laundry and mudroom. At the top of the stairs sits a vaulted bonus room where everyone will want to play, watch TV, or just hang out. The generous master suite has a walk in closet and ensuite with double sinks, soaker tub, and a large shower. There’s an additional recreation room and a generous bedroom in the lower level. Outside, a covered deck provides a shady spot for al fresco dining.

YOUR HOME

WORTH ®

FOR ALL IT’S

GARRISON WOODS | $599,000

56

SC ARPE DRIVE SW

Lofty Living! This three story townhome is located in convenient Garrison Woods is the ideal home for a couple just starting out. A sunlit living area with its stone fronted fireplace greets you as you enter. You’ll love hosting friends for dinner in the attached dining room. The kitchen is equipped with stainless steel appliances, a corner pantry, granite counters, and low maintenance tile floor. A cozy built in window bench is the ideal spot for sipping coffee on lazy Sunday mornings. The second floor features a master bedroom and ensuite with dual sinks, a second bedroom and bathroom, and a laundry room. But the showstopper is the third floor loft with its dormer windows and high ceilings. Utilize this space as a home office or media room! The developed basement includes an additional guest bedroom, storage, a recreation room and a climate controlled wine room. Outside is a patio and a double detached garage. This neighbourhood is dynamic and trendy with lots of restaurants, shops and parks nearby!

WEST SPRINGS | $550,000

9053

W E N T W O R T H AV E N U E S W

Worry-Free in Wentworth! From first glance you’ll see this townhouse is unlike the rest. A mansard roof, stone work and classical architecture set it apart. Inside, the sunbathed living room with south facing windows and soaring ceiling invites you to sit around the fireplace. The kitchen overlooks this room and the picturesque view of the park. Stainless steel appliances, wood cabinets, granite counters and a generous pantry make this an efficient and attractive space. Use the large dining area for casual dinners or formal parties. There is plenty of space to entertain with 2267 sq ft! Upstairs a central laundry area makes doing chores easy. The master has a big closet and a 5 piece bath. Watch TV in the lower level or use this room as a home office. This end unit is located on a natural park with pathways and space to play or walk the dog. Watch the sunset from your patio. Stroll to local markets and cafes. The school is just steps away. Live worry free with no yard work or snow removal!

COACH HILL | $474,900

239

COAC H WAY R OA D S W

Perfect Starter Home! This impeccably maintained two storey has tons of potential. The furnace, hot water tank, roof and all of the windows have recently been replaced. All you need to do is put your personal stamp on it! You’ll find a pleasant living room and dining room at the front of the home with more than enough space to host your friends or extended family for dinner. An efficient kitchen and cozy family room are tucked in behind. At the end of the day you’ll enjoy watching your favourite show by the fireplace in this comfortable spot. The second floor master bedroom has its own ensuite. Two additional bedrooms and a bathroom complete this level. Convert one into a home office. A recreation room can be found in the basement. Use this as a gym or playroom. Sip your morning coffee on the sunny back deck. Park your car in the double garage or walk to nearby transit routes. A large park is a short distance away for the kids. This home is a great solution for a young family or a couple starting out!

c

403 870 8811 |

t

403 686 7800 |

www.SAMCOREA.COM

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SAM@SAMCOREA.COM

BEARSPAW THE WINSTON | $4,900,000 IN WINDSOR PARK | $560,000

5115

4A STREET SW

Welcome to The Winston - With 19 modern and luxurious townhouses to choose from, and the opportunity to pick the finishings that suit your style, these brand new 3 storey homes, built by Brava Development Corp, are a dream come true. Conveniently located in Windsor Park with quick access to Elbow Drive and MacLeod Trail getting around the city has never been easier. You are also just a short walk to the shops and restaurants of Britannia Plaza.

Each unit has been thoughtfully designed with exceptional finishings throughout, with the main floor housing the garage and a bedroom that could also be used as an office space. Up on the second level the main living space is a sprawling open plan beginning with the high-end kitchen which separates the dining room and spacious deck, from the living room. The top floor is home to the peaceful master bedroom, with walk-in closet and 3 piece ensuite, as well as a second bedroom, 4 piece bathroom, and laundry. Space and luxury without the cost and maintenance.

Not intended to solicit properties already listed for sale nor intended to cause a breach of any existing agency relationship.

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INTERIOR / EXTERIOR PHOTOGRAPHY COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY RMS MEASUREMENTS 3D VIRTUAL TOURS DRONE PHOTOGRAPHY VIDEO GRAPHIC DESIGN

www.zoon.ca | 403.604.1999 | @zoonmedia

Managing Staff Expectations T

he iconic (and overused) cliché says “nothing is more constant than change.”

The reworked and updated 2.0 version of the cliché includes the bonus that nothing is more constant than workplace change, especially when it comes to motivating and effectively managing staff relationships and the office culture.

For Addison Parfeniuk, an EO Calgary member and co-owner of Two Small Men with Big Hearts Moving – boating 30 years of reliable moving services to, from and in Calgary – it’s about prioritizing autonomy, work-life balance, purpose and company culture. “We are constantly discovering new ways to leverage technology to give us more and better information and give team members the freedom to work on their projects.

“We promote work-life balance and the flexibility to take time off for personal or family matters. And purpose – to be part of something bigger and know they have the ability to affect the outcomes of the business and the community. Company culture is important and it’s just easier to work with a group that shares your values,” Parfeniuk emphasizes.

EO Calgary member Troy Sedgwick is president and CEO of REC Media, a unique ad agency that specializes in advertising programs in more than 3,500 community and municipal athletic facilities coast to coast. He good-naturedly admits to trying to be a student of HR while applying a Best Places to Work approach to staff. “Of course compensation always has to be at a reasonable level,” he says, “But time is the most important factor.

Vacation time. Flextime. Volunteer days off time and personal time. If you trust your people, and they are capable, they will see to it that the work gets done.

“Not sure how it’s done but some Silicon Valley giants offer their staff unlimited vacations,” he grins. “Take two weeks off or 212 weeks off, as long as you get the job done. I realize it’s a tired cliché but I genuinely believe that people are a business’ most valuable asset.

“I recently attended a conference in Banff when the point was made that if you want a cult-like following of your brand, you must first earn a cult-like following from your staff. It matters a lot in business. Be sincere and take genuine interest in staff as people.”

Jason R. McWhirter, owner and medical director of ReNue Calgary, a clinic that blends the safety, security and technology of a medical practice with highly-refined esthetic services like advanced skincare, hair removal and cosmetic options, admits with positivity that he is a modern traditionalist. “I believe there is value to the grind, that long-term commitment to hard work is important, and that everyone has to pay their dues to a certain extent,” says the EO Calgary member.

“I have trouble disconnecting success and grit. As CEO and owner, I am ultimately responsible for my company’s culture, our work environment, the staff we hire and setting expectations, but I don’t have daily control of employee actions, nor do I want that,” he adds.

“We try to drive a culture of trust and accountability that makes it clear what our expectations are and it becomes apparent quickly who isn’t holding themselves accountable to the team,” McWhirter says. “Our staff have significant flexibility with their schedules and we don’t micromanage.”

Contributing Members:

Upcoming Events: May 1

• Leadership Breakfast with David Irvine

May 9

• Customer Service Revolution with John DiJulius

Jason R. McWhirter

Troy Sedgwick

Addison Parfeniuk

owner and medical director of ReNue Calgary

president and CEO of REC Media

co-owner Two Small Men with Big Hearts Moving

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

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

www.eocalgary.com

|

For membership inquiries: membership@eocalgary.com

THANK YOU ON BEHALF OF

JA Southern Alberta A Member of JA Canada

JA programs inspire and educate young Albertans to succeed in the global economy by developing their entrepreneurial, financial literacy, and leadership skills.

Thank you to our generous donors who enable us to reach nearly 30,000 youth every year. * Program donations from July 2018 - June 2019 only. Excludes special event sponsorship and individual donors.

$50,000 and over

$20,000 and over Culture and Tourism

$10,000 and over

RICHARD & LOIS Haskayne Fund at the Calgary Foundation

$5,000 and over

School of Business

In-Kind JA provides work readiness, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship programs for youth in grades 4 - 12.

For more information, please visit: www.jasab.ca

EVERYBODY’S BUSINESS // BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY

EVERYBODY’S BUSINESS IN THE AGE OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP, EVERYBODY’S DOING IT

BY NIKKI GOUTHRO

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EVERYBODY’S BUSINESS // BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY

R

adio. Television. Computers. The Internet.

Technological advances that transformed the way we communicate. Advances that have had an enormous impact on the way we do business. With each invention, our personal lives and businesses become more efficient, increasingly productive and reach a higher standard.

In the era of innovation and entrepreneurship, the Internet has been the ultimate catalyst. The concepts of four-hour workweeks and $100 startups have prompted people to pursue passion and freedom rather than a well-paying job.

Promises of passive income and the good life are fed to us through social media and Google searches.

The “modern entrepreneurs” of today aren’t hindered by a lack of capital or a less-than-ideal location. Traditional barriers of entry into an industry no longer exist. Global markets are easily tapped into and remote offices are set up in unlikely locations – beaches, living rooms, coffee shops.

With an online business, parents have the flexibility to stay at home with a sick child. Sweatpants can replace suits and dresses. Meetings can be conducted from anywhere at any time. It’s a nobody-knows, nobody-cares world and everybody wants to live there.

“You can start an online shop for just the cost of a website with an online store which is about $40 a month,” says Kristin Guy, owner of A Little Confetti, an online tableware and party decor shop, and A Little Campout, a kids’ sleepover tent rentals company. “While technology may make it easy to get started, there’s still a tremendous amount of time and effort that goes into getting a business off the ground.”

“There’s tons of information out there on how to run an online business and it can get overwhelming. The saying ‘there is more than one way to skin a cat’ couldn’t be truer when it comes to online business, but I’ve learned that doing what works best for you is the only way to go,” says Jenny Paul, business coach and blogger at live long + hustle. “If you try to implement every rule handed down by the Internet gurus, you’ll paralyze yourself into inaction.”

It’s not for the faint of heart. Anyone who’s mastered the art of running an online business has overcome a fair share of challenges and those who tried and failed have trickled

“WHILE TECHNOLOGY MAY MAKE IT EASY TO GET STARTED, THERE’S STILL A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF TIME AND EFFORT THAT GOES INTO GETTING A BUSINESS OFF THE GROUND.” ~ KRISTIN GUY

ABOVE: KRISTIN GUY, OWNER OF A LITTLE CONFETTI, AN ONLINE TABLEWARE AND PARTY DECOR SHOP, AND A LITTLE CAMPOUT, A KIDS’ SLEEPOVER TENT RENTALS COMPANY. BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // MAY 2019

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EVERYBODY’S BUSINESS // BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY

“WITH THE POWER OF SOCIAL MEDIA, YOU DON’T EVEN NEED A WEBSITE. YOU CAN BUILD A LOYAL FAN BASE ON SOCIAL MEDIA, SET UP A FREE ACCOUNT WITH AN EMAIL PROVIDER TO COLLECT THE EMAIL ADDRESSES OF YOUR CLIENTS AND YOU’RE OFF!” ~ JENNY PAUL

off into the abyss. The new generation of strong-willed, tech-savvy entrepreneurs coming onto the scene are focused on customer experience, technology and marketing, usually prioritizing global market expansion.

Without the need for a brick-and-mortar office or shop, capital is not an issue. When you take away the cost of rent, taxes, payroll and utilities, you tear down the barrier to entry brick by brick. A smaller upfront investment means lower risk.

“It takes very little to start up in the coaching industry online. All you really need is a way to collect payment, like Stripe or PayPal,” says Paul. “With the power of social media, you don’t even need a website. You can build a loyal fan base on social media, set up a free account with an email provider to collect the email addresses of your clients and you’re off!

That said, it takes time and effort, so although the capital investment is very low, you’ll need to budget time and energy to get your business off the ground.”

For those who do need capital, crowdfunding sites such as Kickstarter have made it accessible. The online funding platform for creative projects went live in April 2009 and it too has completely changed the way small projects and businesses get off the ground by appealing directly

to an intended customer base for initial startup funds.

Online marketplaces like Upwork and PeoplePerHour offer freelance services on demand and start at just five bucks a pop. Services range from copywriting to link building to logo design.

“Online businesses like Fiverr make it quick and easy to get a logo, but I would spend more money and time on those things if I had to start over,” says Guy. “This is an example of how technology can take the human factor out of things. Your logo should be a representation of you and your business, but it’s very difficult for that to come through when the person doing the logo has never seen or spoken with you.”

Nonetheless, these cloud-based talent pools make life easier for buyers who do not have the time, energy or skill to do it themselves.

“The Internet has made it possible for anyone with Wi-Fi and a smartphone to start up a business. The beautiful thing about that is with all of the choices consumers have, they tend to only do business with the brands they trust,” says Paul. “This has forced brands to become more transparent, which we all appreciate.”

ABOVE: JENNY PAUL, BUSINESS COACH AND BLOGGER AT LIVE LONG + HUSTLE.

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EVERYBODY’S BUSINESS // BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY

The prominence of social media has made brand transparency a critical part of every business’ marketing plan. Consumers want to see that their needs are put above those of a company. They want authenticity and engagement. According to Forbes, 62 per cent of millennials say that if a brand engages with them, they are more likely to become loyal customers. It’s that simple.

“Social media has transformed the way I do business,” says Paul. “I know it gets a bad rap, but it has expanded my reach.

It’s so easy to connect with people who I wouldn’t have otherwise had the opportunity to meet.”

“Instagram has been the major platform driving my sales and rentals. It allows me to show what I have to offer and connect with potential clients,” says Guy. “Being able to reach outside of my own social circle in the first few months of starting up my business brought traffic quicker than I expected.”

says Guy. “I would like my products to be available to those who don’t shop online and would like to see a product before they buy it.

“So far, my customer base is local. That was my intention when I first started my business – I wanted to serve Calgary. Of course, my dreams have evolved, and I aspire to grow nationally.”

While the Internet has opened the doors for many an online entrepreneur, startups help to increase the level of economic activity which is necessary for growth. New ideas and products present a myriad of opportunities for everyone, jumpstarting the cycle of putting capital back into the market and increasing economic confidence.

Given the sheer number of social media users and online consumers, it’s little wonder. According to a survey by Comscore, consumers now purchase 51 per cent of their goods and services online, up from 47 per cent just five years ago.

In the e-commerce retail trade space, Canadians are progressively embracing the world of online purchasing. In 2018, online sales amounted to almost $1.6 billion and that number is expected to rapidly increase in the not-sodistant future. With more secure payment methods available to consumers, businesses are building trust and confidence.

“My ultimate goal is to expand into a brick-and-mortar location,”

We Know People

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Pekarsky & Co. is an AWARD-WINNING, independently-owned, Calgary based executive search firm?

Connect with us

Call us 403.263.4474

Learn about us pekarskyco.com

BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // MAY 2019

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PREPARING FOR THE WORST // RISK MANAGEMENT

PREPARING FOR THE WORST MANAGING THE RISKS THAT CAN PUT YOU OUT OF BUSINESS

BY OMRI WALLACH

Y

ou know all about the risks of doing business.

The importance of holding onto key customers and maintaining good relationships with your suppliers. You’ve dealt with rising costs, failed deals and ruthless competition.

But what about the risks outside of your control. The risks that cannot only hamper your business, but kill it outright.

Many small companies haven’t given proper thought to the simplest and most worrying question: what could go wrong?

Knowing the answer can come with experience. Richard Rogi’s company, Nose Creek Electrical Services, has a complete package of safety and liability insurance, mandatory for doing business in the construction sector.

Those policies weren’t always robust, and had to be slowly added to over time.

“Learning about safety for Nose Creek Electrical evolved over the years,” says Rogi. “At the outset it was mostly based on experience, and over time, organizations outside of Nose Creek asked for better safety protocols and reporting as requirements to do business.

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PREPARING FOR THE WORST // RISK MANAGEMENT

Overall, the absolute basics for protecting your business are simple: safety, liability and if you have a physical space, property policies. But the risks your business faces are overly complicated. The next step is digging deep and understanding your business.

“Companies can do some fairly simple business-impact analysis to think about what really affects their business,” explains Kleffner. “It might be a function of customers, of suppliers, of the Internet. What are the things that potentially have a big impact on your business and what can you do to address those things?”

Of course, each business faces different hurdles. The risks faced by a construction company and an online retailer aren’t one and the same. An entirely digital business doesn’t have to worry about property insurance, for example, but cybersecurity becomes a huge threat.

“Right now cyber risk is a concern for anybody,” says Kleffner.

“For a small to medium-sized company, their financial ability to put money towards cyber protection is minimal compared to larger companies, so they leave themselves open.”

“THE IMPORTANT THING IS TO HAVE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES IN PLACE FOR ENSURING THAT EMPLOYEES ARE PROPERLY TRAINED, AND PROCEDURES ARE DONE IN THE RIGHT WAY.” ~ ANNE KLEFFNER “Safety has evolved and will continue to evolve. It’s a constantly-changing target.”

The cost of well-trained and insured employees is nothing compared to the potential liabilities, both physical and financial. Anne Kleffner, professor of risk management and insurance at the University of Calgary’s Haskayne School of Business, can’t imagine a business operating without some sort of liability policy.

“The important thing is to have policies and procedures in place for ensuring that employees are properly trained, and procedures are done in the right way.”

Businesses need to analyze risks from all angles, even what may seem miniscule. But there’s another side to risk management, one that involves uncertainty and emergency.

If something was to happen to your business right now, are you prepared to handle it?

“In the event of an owner passing away, or a fire that happens that night, what do you do?” asks Sam J. Feldman, senior vice president of Bell Davidson Insurance Brokers. “What are the next steps to help mitigate and keep you in business?”

It’s an extremely complicated and elaborate question. What are your fail-safes? Is the company secure in the event of the unexpected?

When struck by an emergency, companies sometimes have to turn to their own capital while waiting for insurance claims. Feldman notes this type of “self-insurance” might be possible for a major company with large amounts of capital, but it can devastate a smaller company.

“Small companies usually don’t have resources to hold them through the tough times; they just don’t have the cash around.”

ABOVE: ANNE KLEFFNER, PROFESSOR OF RISK MANAGEMENT AND INSURANCE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY’S HASKAYNE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // MAY 2019

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PREPARING FOR THE WORST // RISK MANAGEMENT

BUSINESS INTERRUPTION INSURANCE IS NOT A COMMON PURCHASE. IT IS USUALLY FIRST ON THE DOCKET WHEN TRIMMING INSURANCE BUDGETS. UNFORTUNATELY, THE POLICY IS OFTEN IGNORED DUE TO A SIMPLE LACK OF CLARITY. For your ship to weather a brutal storm, you need to brace against the oncoming damage. Just as important as knowing where your ship is weakest, however, is knowing who keeps it afloat. It’s important to recognize if your sizable business is overly reliant on just a few people.

“Owners tend to feel like directors and officers insurance is only for big companies and that’s just not the case,” explains Feldman. “There’s so many companies out there that are so heavily weighted on key people.”

Worse still, you might have to contend with holes in your insurance policy. The 2013 floods devastated businesses across Alberta, and Kleffner remembers some businesses not directly affected still lost access to inventory or missed key deadlines.

“The flood showed a lot of businesses that if they didn’t have business interruption coverage, they were very affected. The risks that it covers depends on your property insurance. If a company with a property insurance policy chooses not to buy flood insurance, then on their business interruption policy they don’t have flood insurance.”

Business interruption insurance is not a common purchase.

It is usually first on the docket when trimming insurance budgets. Unfortunately, the policy is often ignored due to a simple lack of clarity.

“Business interruption insurance is probably one of the most major overlooked insurance policies because a lot of brokers don’t really understand it,” says Feldman. “That’s a significant continuity policy: to keep the rent going, to pay the lights, to pay the staff.”

Why don’t all brokers understand business interruption insurance? The reasons can vary from commonly-held misconceptions to frustrations with how it interacts with other policies. It can also be because your broker simply doesn’t understand how important the policy is for your business.

“They’re selling insurance to risks without knowing how the business operates,” says Feldman. “Not all insurance brokers

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know everything about everything. For example, I don’t do oil and gas insurance. I don’t understand it; I don’t know anything about it. If you don’t understand the business you don’t know what risks to look for.”

How do you contend against risks you can’t prepare for, complicated policies you can’t understand, and insurance brokers that don’t know your business, all at once?

For Rogi’s team at Nose Creek Electrical, the answer is active participation. The company insures its directors. It has policies for cybersecurity and business interruption. Over the years, the executives became more active in planning their insurance policy.

“Our bonding agents and broker have annual meetings with our management team,” says Rogi, “to discuss our corporate risks and identify trends in the market where Nose Creek could be better situated in minimizing risk.”

At the end of the day, the biggest factor is your involvement.

The more present you are in the insurance process, the more it will fit and protect your business.

“It’s important not to be passive,” says Kleffner, “But to try to understand enough and ask questions about what insurance is needed and why. It’s not really reasonable that a lot of business owners are going to have a deep understanding of insurance, and brokers can really play an important role in terms of understanding those risks.”

The usual defence for a lacking insurance policy is a small budget. Feldman understands the impulse to cut costs, but points out the cheapest insurance isn’t necessarily the right purchase. The answer isn’t to splurge, it’s to simply be involved and active.

“When you’re talking to an insurance broker, have a thorough discussion with them on the risks of your business.

The right purchase is a good insurance policy for a marketvalue price with an insurance broker that knows how to get you back to where you were.”

The Calgary Chamber is the voice of the business community. We double down on commerce and work with businesses to create catalysts for growth.

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W

e welcome the new provincial government and look forward to continuing our advocacy work to form businessforward policies. We must regain our competitiveness.

The Chamber worked persistently to ensure the views of the business community were heard during the lead up to and during the writ period. We were pleased to be a catalyst for robust discussions from all parties about the need for business-forward policies. We will now focus on ensuring campaign promises are kept and further efforts are made to make the Calgary business market more competitive.

We will continue to advocate for fiscal responsibility, tax and regulatory reforms, market access expansion, good governance and strategic skills training. All these principles are essential to create a competitive business environment in Calgary and wider Alberta, so that businesses can grow, and communities can thrive.

While doing so, our focus will also turn to Ottawa, ensuring the next federal government provides a better and more certain environment for businesses to prosper. It seems though we have some work to do.

In March, Canadians were presented with the federal government’s 2019 budget. Unfortunately, this budget failed to address Canada’s eroding competitiveness and was a missed opportunity for the federal government to send a strong signal to the investment community that Canada is open for growth.

Until the federal government listens to the chorus of business organizations across the country who are all calling for business-forward policies, we will continue to be at an international disadvantage when it comes to doing business.

Our ability to compete in the global marketplace will be a cornerstone principle of our advocacy work as we move closer to the federal election in the fall. There will be opportunities in the near future to engage with the Chamber as we develop our federal advocacy platform, so be sure to stay connected through our social media channels and sign up for our regular e-newsletters at www.calgarychamber.com/newsletters.

This month, Business in Calgary features a profile on GenYYC, a program developed in partnership between the Calgary Chamber and the Calgary Foundation. GenYYC is all about nourishing, empowering and inspiring our next generation of business leaders.

Applications to be a GenYYC participant for the 2020/2021 cohort open in May and I encourage you to read more about it and recommend it to anyone who will be part of Calgary’s future.

It’s grow time!

Sandip Lalli President & CEO Calgary Chamber

Calgary’s Department of Building Tomorrow

I

t’s a snowy Wednesday night in Calgary and a group of young business leaders meet at a local brewery to discuss accessibility in public spaces and businesses. After a fireside conversation, the group then attempts to complete a brewery tour in a wheelchair to personally experience some of the challenges people with disabilities face.

The group is learning about obstacles others face, while challenging themselves to become more mindful by incorporating improvements and awareness into their daily lives and businesses.

Katie Smith of Young Women in Energy attended the evening and shares her experience. “As an able-bodied person, I was not aware of how inaccessible parts of Calgary are and it was especially impactful to learn from the panellist’s lived experiences. The pre-activity opened my eyes to how my home, route to work and social life would be different with accessibility issues. I previously took for granted that someone might have to include additional time and planning when mapping out their daily activities. The

biggest takeaway from the event was how we all have a shared opportunity to advocate for a more accessible city!”

GenYYC is the common thread that brings this group together, born through a partnership between the Calgary Foundation and the Calgary Chamber. The program is designed to develop leaders with the skills to create innovative, out-of-the-box solutions that impact how we all live, work and play in Calgary.

Currently halfway through the second year of the program, GenYYC has a goal of tackling some of our city’s largest social issues while building up the next generation of leaders.

The program brings together a cross-section of people aged 25-40 working in corporate, small business, government and non-profit sectors.

Focusing on community challenges such as diversity, accessibility and equality, GenYYC participants create the content and learning experiences then reflect on how perceptions and attitudes have changed. The group has gone through

varied experiences including: Impacts of Intergenerational Trauma workshops, EQ Team building, and dinner at EthniCity Catering.

During the first year, the group took a day trip out to Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park – the historical site of the signing of Treaty 7 and now a National Heritage Site.

During this visit, the group received a blessing from an elder, a historical tour of the grounds and experienced their own learnings on truth and reconciliation.

“There is a tendency, when we learn about things in the history classroom, to forget the reality behind the text,” says Zach Lyster of The Commons Calgary on his experience at Blackfoot Crossing. “As a born-and-raised Calgarian, I had of course heard many stories about the history of our city and the land surrounding it. I understood the importance of this history intellectually, but spending a day with the community leaders and elders at Blackfoot Crossing put faces to facts and brought the discussion out of textbooks and into modern policies and community relationships. It was eye opening and inspirational; I am so grateful for the experience.”

GenYYC encourages participants to think long term with their actions and gives them the opportunity to pitch legacy projects that will leave a lasting impact in their communities. In the first year of the program, two groups pitched project ideas with the hopes of earning funding from the Calgary Foundation.

Col Cseke presented a renovation project for Inside Out Theatre. The theatre had recently taken over a new space and was looking to upgrade the stage and purchase much-needed audiovisual equipment. Susan Taylor, Amtul Siddiqui and Philip Lozano asked for financial support to start a community night market in north Calgary. Seen as a unique and safe event to bring the community together, the market would celebrate diversity while giving people the opportunity to run small businesses.

Both pitches were successful in receiving funding.

“The pitch night was such a supportive, celebratory space to talk about the aspirations I have for my company and our work,” shares Cseke. “I really felt like the charge was to think big and to really consider the impact we can all have on our community.”

With over 80 participants currently in the program, GenYYC encourages progressive thinking about for-profit and non-profit collaboration, while providing leadership growth and networking opportunities.

Registration is currently open for the 2020 cohort. Accepted participants take part in the program for two years and upon completion, leave with a stronger understanding of Calgary’s community dynamics while growing their professional network and personal leadership skills. To learn more about GenYYC or to apply for the program, please visit www.genyyc.com.

HOST CITY IN HOT DEMAND // TRAVEL & TOURISM

HOST CITY IN HOT DEMAND

ALL THE MAJOR SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT EVENTS ARE HEADING TO CALGARY

BY DANYAEL HALPRIN

C

algary is vibin’.

Kicking off the first half of the year with appearances

by Snoop Dogg, Jarome Iginla and Barack Obama, Calgary continues to score one major event after another – to entertain, inspire, engage and to showcase the city to those who live beyond it.

X Marks the Spot Envision a skier pulling off a massive triple cork 1620 in the Big Air competition at the Stampede Grandstand….

On March 13, 2019, Tourism Calgary announced Calgary secured the exclusive Canadian rights to host the Winter X Games for 2020, 2021 and 2022. This extreme sports, music and youth culture event features international athletes competing in skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling. Oslo and Shanghai have held it, and Aspen has hosted every year since 2002 and will again next year. This marks the first time a Canadian city would be on the X Games host circuit.

X Games Calgary is being developed by Calgary-based Manifesto Sport Management that specializes in event bid strategy and represents high-calibre athletes and Insight Productions, producer of The Amazing Race Canada and the Juno Awards.

This rad event is scheduled for late February/early March 2020, subject to securing approximately $4 million in corporate sponsorship. Tourism Calgary and the Government of Alberta have already committed. The X Games are hosted, produced and broadcast by ESPN, and coverage is also shown on ESPN’s sister network, ABC. After working for almost a decade on this opportunity, Tourism Calgary is stoked for it to become a reality. The city will have the answer by late summer. Hosting the X Games would result in an estimated $75 million injection into the economy, more than 10,000 out-of-region visitors and 75,000 spectators, annually, says Carson Ackroyd, senior vice president of sales for Tourism Calgary.

ABOVE: X GAMES CALGARY RENDERING AT THE STAMPEDE GRANDSTAND. PHOTO SOURCE: MICHAEL GRILLS OF UNION ILLUSTRATION CO

RIGHT: CCMA AWARDS. PHOTO SOURCE: COREY KELLY

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HOST CITY IN HOT DEMAND // TRAVEL & TOURISM

Country Crooners Polish those Stampede boots and buckles because the 43rd annual Canadian Country Music Week and Awards Show is coming to town from September 5-8, 2019. Calgary will be hosting this event for the ninth time, the most of all host cities, which features a ton of exciting, new programming since last here in 2005.

Introduced at Country Music Week 2018 in Hamilton, Fan Village is a free, lively mini-festival with stages featuring Canadian and U.S. performers. There are photo opportunities and signings with artists, activation spaces for families, and morning fitness sessions with instructors and country artists all sharing the stage.

“We’re lucky because we have artists who are very close to their fans and want to spend time with them and it’s not just from a distance,” says Tracy Martin, president of the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA).

The Legends Show is a ticketed concert at the Jack Singer Concert Hall on the Friday night showcasing new and legendary artists performing each other’s songs, renditions of their songs and singing together. Industry events such as the songwriters’ series, education workshops and kickoff party will be held at Studio Bell.

The dazzling finale, the red-carpet Awards Show will take place on Sunday, September 8. It will be aired on Corus Entertainment’s Global Television, the CCMA’s new broadcast partner, which will give great exclusivity to Canada’s top country radio station Country 105. The Awards Show host and Hall of Fame inductees are soon to be announced.

“We already had a great relationship with Phil Kallsen and

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BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // MAY 2019

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HOST CITY IN HOT DEMAND // TRAVEL & TOURISM

his team at Country 105 and now that we’re officially linking arms with them as our broadcaster, I think you’re going to see really robust things coming from them during Country Music Week,” says Martin.

The anticipated economic impact of the 2019 Canadian Country Music Week and Awards Show is about $9 million with 6,000 out-of-town visitors expected.

Grey Cup Fever It’s all about pacing…. One month after Canadian Country Music Week, the party keeps on going as Calgary celebrates a slew of high-spirited events during the Grey Cup Festival launching November 20, culminating in the 107th Grey Cup on November 24 at McMahon Stadium.

Centralized at Stampede Park, the Shaw-presented Grey Cup Festival’s “Experience the Energy” features great opportunities for corporate client engagement. The everpopular CFL Legends Luncheon takes place on Friday, November 22 and presents Hot Stove with league player favourites, past and present. Friday night’s signature Grey Cup gala dinner and entertainment is a more formal affair on the Saddledome rink.

For a new event, the festival is introducing Grey Cup Rodeo at the historic Stampede Corral. “Anybody who’s from out of town, this will be one thing they’ll want to see,” says Mike Franco, Calgary Stampeders’ senior director of business operations. “We’re pretty excited about this special event that stitches together a taste of Calgary and the Grey Cup experience.” The Saturday rodeo leads into the evening concert series; its lineup to be announced in September.

Of course, the festival will feature the team parties where football fans connect with each other and their favourite teams in a party environment. While the Grey Cup is a real piece of Canadiana, a strong contingent of U.S. fans travel every year to the festival and game, especially from the 1994 CFL expansion cities Baltimore and Sacramento.

“That’s the most special thing about the Grey Cup, that a Stamps fan stands shoulder to shoulder with a Riders fan

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MAY 2019 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM

who stands shoulder to shoulder with a Bombers fan … and they’re all united in sport,” says Franco.

Grey Cup festivities expect more than 30,000 visitors from outside of Calgary and $50-$60 million in local economic impact. More than nine million Canadians watch the game on TSN. The 2018 Grey Cup champions play their first preseason home game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders on May 31, 2019.

Feeling Fly on the Bow If you want to take it down a few notches to serenity, a guided fly-fishing trip on the Bow River is a fantastic excursion. Calgary’s Fish Tales Fly Shop has been guiding fly-fishing tours since 1997 and takes out about 400 trips each season.

“We have a truly world-class fishery,” says lifelong fly fisherman David Blair, who co-owns Fish Tales with his wife Nancy Storwick. “There isn’t another river in the world that has a wild self-sustaining population of trout that runs through a city of 1.2 million people.” Anglers on the Bow catch rainbow and brown trout, and the native Albertan Rocky Mountain whitefish.

Fish Tales offers three main trips, the longest of which commences 50 kilometres outside of the city at McKinnon Flats. Company trips generally take out four to six boats, with each boat holding one to two people plus a guide. Trips run for eight to 10 hours on average, and a minimum outing lasts five.

Storwick is president of the Angling Outfitter & Guide Association of Alberta, most of whose 75 members also offer guided trips, such as Trout Farmer, Trout Chasers, and First Cast Last Pass.

“At an average size of 18-19 inches, people say ‘Holy Cow!’ when they see the size of the fish here,” says Blair.

All this, as well as the Flames in the Stanley Cup playoffs, Calgary Stampede in July, Cirque du soleil’s Luzia in midAugust, the Shaw Charity Classic at the end of August, Spruce Meadows Masters’ tournament in September….

Photo by Riverwood Photography

BRC GROUP

GETS BIG VEHICLES BACK ON THE ROAD

BY RENNAY CRAATS

BRC Group || 40 Years

89

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small company was born from big ideas – and big vehicles. For the past 40 years, BRC Group has repaired, refurbished and refinished the biggest vehicles on the road. Founded as Big Rig Collision in 1979, the regional company has embraced the “big,” growing into an industry leader across North America as the go-to company for commercial vehicle collision repair and refurbishment.

“We’re very diverse in the product lines we work on,” says Brad Field, owner and president of BRC Group.

“We work on all heavy equipment, including highway tractors, motor-coaches, transit buses, oilfield equipment, recreational vehicles and everything in between.”

The personnel are as diverse as the vehicles hauled into the shop. As BRC works on any vehicle larger than one tonne that has been damaged in a collision or fire, the technicians tasked with repairing the damage need to have diverse skill sets as well. A job may require in-house frame straightening, mechanical services, electronics repair, fire restoration, interior upholstery, graphics and signage. The professionals at BRC possess overlapping skills allowing them to address the complex and multiple issues resulting from the damage sustained.

Being proficient in house ensures the quickest possible turnaround for units while maintaining the high-quality work for which BRC Group is known.

After all, most of the units coming through BRC are revenue-producing pieces of equipment. Downtime is not an option. The longer units are sidelined, the more money BRC’s clients are losing, so Field and his team

Brad Field, owner and president of BRC Group.

Photo by Riverwood Photography.

GOING THE EXTRA MILE FOR OUR CUSTOMERS IS BUSINESS AS USUAL. CONGRATULATIONS to BRC Group on 40 years of excellence!

We wish you many more years of continued success.

PRODUCTIVITY ANALYSIS | TECHNICIAN TRAINING | ESTIMATING CLASSES | LOCAL SUPPORT

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BRC Group || 40 Years || 2

GOING THE EXTRA MILE FOR OUR

strive to get those vehicles on the road and back to work as quickly as possible.

“Depending on parts availability from the manufacturer and the size of the project, we can turn equipment around in days,” he says.

Everything is done on site at the impressive southeast Calgary facility.

With a 55,000-square-foot building on five acres of land, BRC can handle any project clients throw at them. In fact, Field welcomes the challenge of something untried and is open to tackling new and exciting opportunities. In the beginning, Big Rig Collision worked solely on transport equipment and highway tractors and as opportunities arose, the company organically evolved into other industries.

As a 25-year vendor with the City of Calgary, BRC Group has worked on city fleet services and transportation vehicles including LRT cars.

Undertaking a different challenge, the company recently refurbished glacier ice-field snow coaches, further expanding their already diverse product line.

Before and after trolley bus repair from Washington State.

“There really isn’t anything we won’t work on. If we haven’t before we’ll give it a go. Being open minded to trying new things led to all of these new ventures,” Field says.

New ventures have also resulted from the solid reputation BRC Group has in the industry. In this niche market comprised of only about eight major players, word of mouth carries weight and customers have nothing but good things to say about BRC. The proof is in the long list of loyal customers who bypass the competition, shipping units all the way to Calgary for repair or refurbishment.

Clients from as far away as the Hawaiian Islands, Mexico, Alabama, BRC Group || 40 Years || 4

Successful growth inspires us all.

North Carolina and Ohio (and as close to home as Jasper, Edmonton and British Columbia) send their units to BRC because they know Field and his team will provide incredible customer service and unparalleled quality, delivering on their promise to get the equipment back to its pre-collision state quickly and professionally. With a lifetime warranty on the work, customers know the job will be done well. They also know BRC is easy to work with which eliminates some of the stress involved in a major accident repair.

CLIENT

Congratulations to our client BRC Group on 40 years of success!

grantthornton.ca Audit | Tax | Advisory © 2019 Grant Thornton LLP. A Canadian Member of Grant Thornton International Ltd.

Grant Thornton

“Our population is one-tenth that of the U.S., so DOCKET we GT-19-041 have to really work hard in Canada to earn andPROJECT keep BRC group FILENAME GT-19-041-CongratsBRC-2019-02-14 customers. As managers and owners in Canada, we must CREATED BY Kyle Gallant perform at a higher level than our U.S. counterparts; we have to work that much harder,” Field says. CREATED ON 20/02/2019 @ 01:03pm It is that motivation to attract and retain clients that has created the long-term relationships the company enjoys with many customers across North America. BRC appreciates every piece of business and goes above and beyond to ensure that appreciation is reflected in the friendly service and quality product produced. Field

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LAN Solutions is BRC’s Technology Solutions Partner

Congratulations to BRC Group on your 40th Anniversary!

We are proud to have been a part of your construction needs.

Duncan Hayes duncan@dkdoubleh.ca

Kurt Hayes kurt@dkdoubleh.ca

www.lansolutions.ca

Congratulations BRC Group on 40 years of business excellence!

BRC Group || 40 Years || 5

takes care of everything, handling the logistics of transportation and scheduling so the client doesn’t have to think about it. BRC takes pride in every project and stands behind the work it does. If something fails, regardless of when or how, BRC will either send a technician to the client to fix it or reimburse the cost of having the issue repaired locally – no questions asked.

“Clients say they have to fight with everybody else to get things taken care of. We aren’t everybody else,” says Field. “I win over more customers by how we handle our warranty claim process.”

Listening to customers wins them over too. For years, clients in California and other western states have inquired about BRC opening a U.S. location, having sent their heavy collision and fire jobs to Canada but not being able to justify the cost of shipping their smaller jobs the distance. They wanted BRC’s quality product closer to home and in 2010, BRC answered the call – opening a 50,000-square-foot BRC Coach & Transit in Las Vegas, Nevada to accommodate American clients’ smaller repair needs.

Before and after transit bus repair from Birmingham, Alabama.

“Typically, on larger projects the transportation cost isn’t really a factor, but when you’re talking a smaller project – the return on investment regarding transportation costs can be a challenge so we opened Las Vegas and it has been doing well,” he says.

BRC Group has succeeded in building a brand clients want.

Field has spent his career redefining the industry and, in the process, has made BRC the benchmark. At first glance, the industry is dirty, with big heavy equipment but BRC has changed those optics. The Calgary headquarters is stylish and BRC Group || 40 Years || 6

www.HHSMITHLTD.com

Congratulations to BRC Group on their 40th Anniversary!

Congratulations to the BRC Group on your 40th Anniversary From your friends at Ridout Barron Tel: 403-541-5606 | www.ridoutbarron.com

JDC Mechanical 109, 10555 – 48 Street S.E. | Ph: (403) 252-5202

www.jdcmechanical.ca

Congratulations BRC Group on 40 years of Business Excellence

Buyers of all types of scrap metals: Copper, Brass, Aluminum, Steel, Tin, cast Iron, Insulated Wire, radiators, stainless Steel, Etc.

Congratulations BRC Group on your 40th anniversary!

4025 90 Ave S.E. Calgary, AB T2C 2S5 403.720.5970

Congratulations BRC Group on 40 years of Business Excellence!

CDI International Inc. is pleased to have been a partner in your story.

We wish you continued success and growth in the future.

403-652-9900 (main) • 866-640-2918 (toll free) “YOUR SATISFACTION IS OURS”

www.cdinternational.ca BRC Group || 40 Years || 7

welcoming, the shop is clean and orderly, and the technicians are friendly and professional.

“We’ve broken out of that mould and said we can do better, we can look better, we can act better, we can produce better-quality work. We don’t have to fit that standard that everybody else sets for us,” Field says.

40

Congratulations BRC Group on 40 years of success!

923 46 Ave SE | 403.287.2845 www.questfab.ca

www.KalTire.com

CONGRATULATIONS BRC Group on your 40th Anniversary!

The 50 professionals in the Calgary office and 25 in Las Vegas are all behind Field’s vision. Many of his staff have been with him for years and continue to work hard to maintain the high standards they are all proud to set within the industry. As BRC Group marks its 40-year milestone, Brad Field and his team are excited to meet the future much as they always have – by delivering on their promises, being consistent in their values, and supporting each other so they can continue to raise the bar in the industry. Like many, BRC has experienced the boom and bust Alberta economy over the past four decades and while it has felt the bite of the most recent recession, it remains strong.

Field also continues to be community-minded, determined to give back as much as he has received.

He sits on various charitable boards including Business Fore Calgary Kids supporting local children’s charities and the Terminator Foundation in support of youth recovering from drug and alcohol addiction through the sport of triathlon. He has also mentored young CEOs and meets with city officials to help promote economic efficiencies.

BRC Group has spent the past 40 years building relationships, improving the industry and the community around it, while growing into a leading commercial vehicle repair and refurbishment centre. The secret to the company’s longevity is simple yet elusive in the industry and is what has made BRC Group such a success.

“We show up. We smile, even when we’re talking to customers on the phone. We treat customers with respect and appreciate their business. We’re not perfect and when we screw up, we fix it. That’s it,” Brad Field says.

And given the growth and reputation of BRC Group across North America, that’s enough.

Congratulations to BRC Group on your 40th Anniversary!

We are proud to be a part of your success.

www.cummins.com

6061 90th Ave SE Calgary, Alberta T2C 4Z6 Phone: (403) 243-7400 | Fax: (403) 243-5491 Toll Free: (888) 848-8686

www.brcgroup.ca BRC Group || 40 Years || 8

Relationships are

Key AT

LABBE-LEECH INTERIORS

by Rennay Craats

Labbe-Leech Interiors Ltd. || 45 years

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n a business world obsessed with expansion, with growth for the sake of getting bigger, with size over substance, Labbe-Leech Interiors is radically bucking the trend. Since it started in 1974, the Calgarybased interior construction contractor has fostered relationships and earned an impressive client base, all the while remaining nimble enough to provide the highest level of service.

Resisting growth does not mean that Labbe-Leech hasn’t evolved and expanded its offerings; it just means that it has carved out a niche and does what it does very well within it. Its size keeps it agile enough to switch gears quickly when necessary and adapt to new market conditions and situations. The partners are not willing to sacrifice that for a bigger piece of the pie. Labbe-Leech does not seek out expansion for the sake of expansion but it will venture into other locations if it means serving clients better.

“I think we’ve always been right sized. It allows us to react to what the market is doing. If you’re too big or too small you’re constantly in flux,” says Peter Whyte, project manager and partner at Labbe-Leech.

“We don’t want to be the biggest interior general contractor in Calgary and we don’t necessarily want to work in other places. However, clients have taken us to places like Edmonton, Edson, Peace River, Toronto and Vancouver, and we are happy to go as they are great clients,” says William Jordanov, president and partner at Labbe-Leech.

Labbe-Leech Interiors Ltd. || 45 years || 2

Rejuvenation Laser Dermatology Clinics

Truth be told, the partners and the two dozen valued employees who make up the Labbe-Leech team would happily stay small, provide huge results and continue to live up to the reputation for integrity and quality that has made it a goto contractor in Calgary. This corporate culture tracks back to 1974 when the firm was a drywall and ceiling contractor and grew into a general contractor somewhat accidentally. By always working to satisfy a client’s needs regardless of scope, no challenge was ever turned down. As clients’ requests changed and evolved so did LabbeLeech’s skill set, to a point where the company evolved into a highly-respected interior general contractor shortly thereafter.

CESLP Laboratory

Labbe-Leech Interiors Ltd. is truly an innovative and creative general contractor.

Congratulations on your 45th anniversary and we wish you continued success in the years ahead.

2288 – 18 Avenue NE, Calgary, AB T2E 8R1 403-291-2205 • www.alpineglass.ca

Labbe-Leech Interiors Ltd. || 45 years || 3

Congratulations to Labbe-Leech Interiors Ltd. on achieving this remarkable milestone!

The Rug Rat Ltd. wishes you many more years of continued success.

3436 Chippendale Dr. NW Calgary, AB T2L 0W6 Telephone: (403) 282-5864

Congratulations to Labbe-Leech Interiors Ltd. on 45 years!

We wish you many more years of continued success.

P.O. Box 6072 Station A, Calgary, AB, T2H 2L3 Office: (403) 271-2108 | Fax: (403) 278-3416 service@oakridgemechanical.com

www.oakridgemechanical.com

While there was never a Leech and a Labbe as partners in the company at the same time, the unusual moniker, Labbe-Leech, has never been changed despite ownership transitions. The name has grown to define the industry over the past 45 years and while it tends to get misspelt and mispronounced on occasion, people remember it and associate it with the best in the business.

And today, after being with the company since 1981, William Jordanov and his partner since 2017, Peter Whyte, couldn’t imagine changing the name. Why would they when it has become synonymous with quality and service? Clients hear “Labbe-Leech” and know their renovation will most certainly be taken care of allowing them to go about taking care of running their business. Working closely with clients and consultants, including architects, interior designers and engineers, Labbe-Leech transforms the property from an empty shell to move-in ready, developing the interior from floor to ceiling and everything in between.

While much of the contractor’s work has traditionally been in the downtown core, Labbe-Leech reaches beyond it to service its ever-expanding diversified client base.

Labbe-Leech Interiors Ltd. || 45 years || 4

Congratulations on 45 Years Labbe-Leech Interiors

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Westwinds Medical and Pharmacy

“An area where we have developed strong competencies is the medical field,” says Whyte. “We’ve developed stand-alone walk-in clinics, cosmetic clinics, radiology and diagnostics clinics as well as neurology facilities. It’s a specialized commercial interiors sector where our expertise has really been utilized to the fullest.”

Labbe-Leech provides clients with complete construction management, general contracting, renovation and expansion services to deliver a seamless transition into a new or existing space. To ensure this seamlessness, Labbe-Leech chooses its subcontract partners carefully and only brings like-minded firms into the Labbe-Leech family. That way they can guarantee the high-quality standards and processes are met for every project by every cog in the wheel. After all, it’s the quality employees who have made Labbe-Leech such a success over the past 45 years. The field personnel are professional and skilled, and the project managers, who come from a variety of backgrounds including hotel, airline and human resources, are highly capable and motivated but hired largely on attitude.

“We don’t pursue people who necessarily have a ton of construction experience. We pursue people who

Mechanical Contractor

Commercial and Light Industrial Plumbing, Heating, HVAC / Refrigeration; Sheet Metal & Electrical Services

The destiny of Hard Work Is always Success!

Congratulations to Labbe-Leech Interiors Ltd. for completing 45 years of success in business.

We wish you all the success for many more years to come.

(403) 816.4409 | info@bmpmechanical.com bmpmechanical.com

Labbe-Leech Interiors Ltd. || 45 years || 5

ICM Realty Group

have people experience and can handle people and situations,” says Whyte. “I started my career in the hotel industry as a concierge and thought why would they consider hiring someone like that? But that’s what we do – we are like hotel concierges. People come to us with varied and unusual expectations and we deliver. So, it is amazing how transferable the people skills are from industry to industry.”

FROM FOUNDATION TO FINISH

Congratulations to everyone at Labbe-Leech on your 45 year milestone!

To make this process happen, the partners work hard to create a family atmosphere in which everyone feels respected, valued and enjoys going to work every day.

As a right-sized company, employees get to know co-workers and their families through day-to-day

We look forward to supporting your continued success for many more years!

SKYLINE CONCRETE SERVICES LTD. t: 403-692-3202 e: estimating@skylineconcrete.ca www.skylineconcrete.ca

CONGRATULATIONS ON 45 YEARS LABBE-LEECH INTERIORS

Labbe-Leech Interiors Ltd. || 45 years || 6

operations as well as organized social events. As a result, the average employee has 13 years of service with some field employees providing value for more than 40 years. The key to retention and industry acclaim is Labbe-Leech’s four core values: “we do what we say, we do the right thing, we support each other, and we laugh.” These values dictate how they operate at all levels and in every area.

Congratulations Labbe-Leech Interiors Ltd. on 45 years!

From implementing a comprehensive safety program to supporting the industry through involvement with the Registered Apprenticeship Program to a board game marathon to turn co-workers into friends, these core values shape what it is to be Labbe-Leech.

commercial • custom builds • renovations

403.203.0121 | info@kamberdrywall.com www.kamberdrywall.com

Congratulations

Serving Calgary & Area for over 40 years!

to Labbe-Leech Interiors Ltd. celebrating their 45th Anniversary in Business!

Congratulations to

Labbe-Leech Interiors Ltd. on your 45th Anniversary!

4150G-14A Street S.E. Calgary, AB, T2G 3L3 mckenziedecorators@telus.net

Proudly Serving Calgary and Area for 24 Years! #17, 2235 – 30th Ave. N.E. Calgary, AB T2E 7C7 Phone: (403) 569-1103 | dtfireprotection.com

Labbe-Leech Interiors Ltd. || 45 years || 7

The staff takes pride in the work and stands by it, and they focus on meeting clients’ needs and expectations to deliver the seemingly impossible on time and on budget. The unique priorities and the unique management style of the partners have played a part in Labbe-Leech’s success over the decades and has helped the company ride out several economic downturns.

“When you think about it, our core business is building relationships. This is the only thing that has been sustaining us in these currently difficult economic times. You can chase your competitors on price and possibly make it that way, but we don’t. Fostering our relationships, on all levels, and providing an extremely high level of service is our way,” says Jordanov.

Labbe-Leech has great relationships with subcontractors, clients, consultants and employees and by supporting each other they have all adapted to the new economic marketplace in Calgary. As clients change jobs or buildings change hands, those relationships endure. Clients know that no matter what, Labbe-Leech will work with them to get the job done.

Congratulations to Labbe-Leech Interiors Ltd. on their 45 years!

45

Tel: 403.250.5781 | 3515F - 32 St. N.E. | Jason@tri-alta.ca

Congratulations Labbe-Leech Interiors BCK MECHANICAL SYSTEMS LTD. 3919 3A Street NE Calgary, AB T2E 6S7 P: 403-277-2270 F: 403-276-9412

Congratulations to Labbe-Leech Interiors Ltd. on 45 years!

3827 - 15A Street S.E. Phone (403)266-2935 | Fax (403)264-2538 www.odellelectric.com

“In spite of the fact that the economy is suffering in Alberta and budgets are tighter, we have never changed our level of quality and never change the experience that the client gets,” he says.

It’s that experience that has kept clients coming back to Labbe-Leech Interiors for 45 years, and counting.

2020-2600 Portland Street SE Calgary, AB T2G 4M6 Phone: 403-252-9991 E-mail: info@labbeleech.com labbeleech.com

Congratulations on 45 Years of Success Labbe-Leech Interiors

19, 2701 - 16 STREET SE, CALGARY, AB T2G 3R4 CRAIGT@WILLIAMMORRIS.CA

Labbe-Leech Interiors Ltd. || 45 years || 8

Tiki Int Tiki International In A JOURNEY WORTH CELEBRATING Radenko Vujadinovic is the founder and owner of Tiki International corporation. Today, Vujadinovic talks about how his experiences shaped the company he and his wife own today.

C

anada is my home country. When civil war broke up (the former) Yugoslavia, which was one of the best countries in the world, in my opinion, my family settled in another world-class country – Canada.

asked, “what will you do if you don’t get a job offer?” I said I would keep volunteering. Even if I worked without pay, I would be the “goods” in a window display; someone would see my hard work and offer me a job.

We came to Canada in 1994 with two daughters, one five months old, and one five years old. First, we settled in Winnipeg. Our first winter in Canada was sunny with no clouds, but a constant -40C. I didn’t speak English, so I would go out on the streets to test my emerging English skills. I met a man from Ghana who told me there is a lot of sunshine here, but it doesn’t work. That’s why it’s -40C!

My strategy worked. Soon I had the opportunity to help build a new Canadian Tire and a Home Depot. However, on those jobs I didn’t see a lot of opportunity for personal and professional growth, so in 1999, we opened Tiki International and used our experience to build big-box retail faster and better.

This was not an entirely new concept for me. In Sarajevo, my wife and I owned Tiki Engineering.

We are both structural engineers and equal business partners – both in Tiki Engineering and now in Tiki International Inc. With our engineering background, it was much easier to start a construction work/management company.

After a few ESL (English second language) courses, I started working as a volunteer for Manshield Construction (now M Builds) in Winnipeg. Before my volunteer work was over, friends asked me if Manshield was going to offer me a job. My answer was, “I don’t know.” They 1

105

TIKI INTERNATIONAL 20 THANNIVESARY ANNIVESARY 20TH A project manager from major store chain in Canada once told me the name of a company is irrelevant, but the person in charge is key; and if he saw a name that he knew provided excellence on a previous project, he knew the next project would go well.

That was a lesson that has always stuck with me.

When we moved from Winnipeg to Calgary, it felt like a transition from a small town to a big city. In friendly Manitoba, everyone has time to stop and talk to you on the street; in Calgary, time is money, and everyone is in a rush to complete work and do more. But the move to Calgary did have major advantages, including its proximity to the mountains.

Every weekend we took a trip with family to the Rockies to charge my batteries and give me the energy to do more even faster!

In 2004, we completed an Extra Foods in Olds in just 16 weeks, and then did a similar schedule for Extra Foods in Innisfail – both projects were four weeks ahead of schedule and we received bonuses from our clients for this achievement.

In the following years, major projects kept coming, including work on the largest new Superstore in Western Canada, a shopping mall redevelopment in Calgary, the Towerlane mall in Airdrie, several new Canadian Tire stores, and much more. In fact, when the recession hit in 2008, we remained very busy.

We switched from new builds to renovations and kept going strong.

When friends asked how I could keep up with this workload, I joked that I woke up two hours early so I could work 26 hours per day!

Our success did not happen without the support of others. I am incredibly grateful

Sun Tower – Vancouver BC – in progress

2

TIKI INTERNATIONAL 20TH ANNIVESARY Canadian Tire – Rocky Mountain House 2017

Currently, we are in negotiations to work on management for a historical reconstruction of Vancouver’s Sun Tower in Gastown. This 17-storey building was built in the early 1900s and will get a new roof with conservation of its historic masonry envelope.

for family. They understood my schedule and that I had to miss some birthdays and other family events. I’m thankful for my team, including Jeff “the man” and Stefan “the kid.”

As with five fingers on one hand or five players on a basketball court, one cannot do much, but together, a team is powerful. I’m grateful to my clients who trust us and keep providing new and interesting challenges and projects. I’m thankful for our competitors who push us to do better.

I also thank our subcontractors who I consider part of our team, our surety company that supports us on major projects, and Tijana and Boba, who manage our books. Also, our legal and accounting team helps us stay on track – among many other friends and professionals who support us on a daily basis.

I’m proud of each project, large or small. I’m proud that after 20 years in business we are still going strong, completing projects in Western Canada and the Yukon.

20 years in the business -

Tiki International Inc. knows how to lay a strong foundation!

And yes, for every success, there have been just as many challenges. After one holiday in Europe, I came back to find a project had fallen behind schedule. I went from the airport to the job site and worked 20 hours a day to get the project back on track.

Specialty Insurance & Surety Solutions

3

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TIKI INTERNATIONAL 20 THANNIVESARY ANNIVESARY 20TH The future is bright. I still have a lot of energy to work and to help the new generation learn skills as we carry out our succession plan. We continue to be community supporters, assisting many worthy causes including para-athletics and being a major sponsor of the Calgary Tesla Society.

Real Canadian Superstore – Langford BC 2017

I have learned a lot on my journey and using my experience, I advise the younger generation to know that hard work pays off if you are patient.

Always keep the door open. You never know when a new opportunity will knock. When you have balance in your life, you are happy to go to work in the morning and happy to leave work at the end of the day for the family you love.

LEARN MORE ABOUT TIKI INTERNATIONAL AT www.tiki-international.com

JNL Mechanical offers plumbing, gas fitting, HVAC and pipe insulation services for commercial and residential clients.

Congratulations Tiki International on 20 years!

Serving Tiki International’s accounting & tax needs since 2003.

CORPORATE ACCOUNTING TAX PREPARATION & PLANNING

#108 11979 40th St. SE Calgary, AB T2Z 4M3 403-275-9787 www.jnlmechanical.ca

210, 2424-4th Street S.W. Calgary, AB T2S 2T4 hamrose.com | P 403.266.2175 | F 403.514.2211 4

Photo by Riverwood Photography.

A CONVERSATION WITH THE ZONE 3 TEAM

by Rennay Craats

Z

one 3 Business Solutions Inc. (Zone 3) has been a trusted independent office equipment dealer for the past 10 years. Its diverse product offerings range from printers to plotters, postage equipment to photocopiers, 3D printers to production machines. President Darryl Graham created Zone 3 to be a different kind of company, one that focused on service and team. The meteoric growth and success of Zone 3 is proof that different is good. Business in Calgary sat down with the dynamic Zone 3 team to find out more about what makes this company tick.

Zone 3 Business Solutions Inc. • 10th Anniversary

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President Darryl Graham.

Photo by Courtney Lovgren.

BIC: How has the company grown since the early days?

OF THE

WORKPLACE

FUTURE

TM

Darryl: We started with four sales reps working out of my basement and our service manager, Shannon, set up the copiers in his garage. We started with zero base, so every customer we got was net new. Two years in we moved into our current facility and due to our rapid growth, we are bursting at the seams. In 2014, we expanded into Red Deer for a strong presence in central Alberta.

BIC: What did you hope to do differently with Zone 3?

Darryl: I always said we’d never be like the corporate world. I liked the smaller company with an atmosphere where you’re a team that works together for the common good and has a lot of fun. We have an actual receptionist who answers the phone. Our customers receive the best service in the industry and we have the quickest response time. As an independent dealer, we go above and beyond for our clients.

EXPLORE WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU konicaminolta.ca

BIC: How does being an independent local dealer help Zone 3 go above and beyond?

Clive: Not only does a local dealer know your business environment far better than a head

Zone 3 Business Solutions Inc. • 10th Anniversary • 2

office that’s based in, say, Mississauga, we know the climate, we know the conditions, we know the economy and as an independent dealer we can partner with a variety of manufacturers to provide the best solutions.

Olivier: Being a dealer we have the benefit of carrying more than one brand where the manufacturers only have their brand. While we’re the largest Konica Minolta dealer in Calgary and the only one in central Alberta, we carry other complementary brands like Lexmark, Samsung and HP. Terry: Every business needs equipment like what we offer, whether it’s a little HP printer or a big printing press. We sell models from $200 to $200,000. We can usually source anything a client is looking for on the printing side.

Clive Lawrence, Olivier Garaham & Terry Coleman.

Photo by Riverwood Photography.

Congratulations!

“We look forward to a successful partnership with you for many years to come.”

Congratulations to Zone 3 Business Solutions on 10 Years of Success.

High Performance at a Lower Cost.

Z3 NETWORKS 403.570.0241 support@z3networks.ca

Group Benefits • Group Savings • Individual Insurance Our primary goal is to become your trusted partner in identifying the most cost-effective and suitable benefit arrangements available. We work to ensure your ongoing peace of mind through designing benefit plans that provide clear, certain and comprehensive protection for your most valuable resource — your people.

Congratulations Zone 3 Business Solutions Inc on 10 successful years!

(403) 245-2506 www.lexmark.com info@fairfieldwatson.com • 403.262.7278 • www.fairfieldwatson.com Zone 3 Business Solutions Inc. • 10th Anniversary • 3

short-term agreements for projects. And we make in-house decisions on the spot. Customer satisfaction is number one so flexibility enables us to do it.

BIC: So customer satisfaction is the goal here?

Shannon: Absolutely. We built this company with the customer in mind. We carry a large inventory. Ninety per cent of what you need on a day-to-day basis is here, on site, and we deliver toner next day to clients for free. We work on an average four-hour service response time to have someone on site or remotely on the phone or remote desktop applications.

Patrick: When you call with a problem, we send a technician and he fixes it, whether it’s an equipment or operator issue. If you call us we will be the last person you need to call. Our technicians stick around for a long time so our customers can really build a relationship with them.

Shannon Girodat & Patrick Clarke.

Photo by Riverwood Photography.

BIC: Seems like you have it all for customers?

Clive: We do. We’re a diverse company. We offer everything from hardware to software solutions to IT support and infrastructure. Anything print related we can handle and as an independent dealer we can offer a level of flexibility others can’t.

BIC: Flexible how?

Terry: We don’t dance to anybody else’s tune. If something needs to change on a personal client basis we’re able to do that at the drop of a hat.

We have leasing alternatives, rental options and

BIC: The talented staff seem to set Zone 3 apart.

Mitchell: Yes, it’s our expertise. We’ve got one of the most talented service managers in the city. We focus on hiring some of the top sales, technical and administrative support available. Within a few years of starting up, we expanded all of our departments and we’ve been growing ever since.

Marti: And when Darryl looks to expand, he looks for a company that has the same kind of dynamic and vision. He has a great team behind him and the goal is finding out what the customer needs and doing everything we can to deliver it – supporting them the best way that works, even if it means stepping outside and doing something a little different than what we’re used to.

On Behalf of Francotyp-Postalia Canada, Congratulations Zone 3 on 10 Great Years in the Business!

82 Corstate Avenue Concord ON L4K 4X2 Ph: 905 761 6554 ext - 246 | Fax: 905 761 7345 www.francotyp.ca|www.canadapost.com

1135-17 Avenue S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2T 0B6 Phone: 403-245-1177 www.toolepeet.com

Zone 3 Business Solutions Inc. • 10th Anniversary • 4

company in Alberta and in these tough economic times that means a lot. I think our clients appreciate that. We set out to have long-term relationships with our clients, not to just make a quick buck. Our vision is for continued growth, maintaining our integrity and presence, and going to that next level of growth.

THE ZONE 3 TEAM Darryl Graham, President Clive Lawrence, Sales Manager Olivier Graham, Sales Manager Terry Coleman, General Manager, Red Deer Mitchell Graham & Marti Martz. Photo by Courtney Lovgren.

Shannon Girodat, Operations Manager Patrick Clarke, Service Manager, Red Deer Mitchell Graham, Controller

BIC: Is Zone 3 stepping into different areas?

Darryl: Yes. We are trying to grow in different areas.

We opened an IT company called Z3 Network Solutions Inc., which recently expanded. I’d like to buy one or two more small companies to grow that department as well. Artificial intelligence is definitely a direction we’re going to go in. It’s how you can make your office more efficient and productive. We’re really trying to be cutting edge.

Artificial intelligence is taking off and we’re excited to be involved.

BIC: What do you see in the future for Zone 3?

Olivier: Offices are evolving and so is technology, and businesses like ours that support businesses have to evolve too. We’re a local family-owned

Proud to be your long term cleaning partner.

Congrats on 10 years!

403.319.0070 | www.jan-pro.ca

Marti Martz, HR Business Administrator Tammy Yablonski, Office Manager, Red Deer

Bay 18, 4550 112 Ave SE Calgary, Alberta T2C 2K2 Phone: 403-454-0119 • Fax: 403-271-7127 sales@zone-3.ca www.zone-3.ca

Congratulations on 10 years in business.

OLM Leasing Inc. p: 403-570-0246 e: admin@olmleasing.com

Zone 3 Business Solutions Inc. • 10th Anniversary • 5

Calgary Secures Exclusive Canadian Rights to Host X Games Government of Alberta and Tourism Calgary actively commit support for Calgary to pursue hosting X Games

BY BRIDGETTE SLATER

I

n early March, Minister of Culture and Tourism Ricardo Miranda, Mayor Naheed Nenshi and Tourism Calgary CEO Cindy Ady announced that Calgary has secured the exclusive Canadian rights to host the X Games for a minimum three-year run.

Known as the most relevant action sports and music festival in youth culture, the X Games is an event Tourism Calgary has been actively pursuing for nearly a decade. In Calgary, X Games is being developed by Manifesto Sport Management, a Calgary-based sport marketing and management company, and Insight Productions, a Canadian broadcast production company that has produced the Juno Awards and Amazing Race Canada.

Combining action sport and an entertainment and culture festival, the X Games features the best snowboarders, freestyle skiers and entertainment in the world. With hosting concepts approved between the Calgary Stampede and WinSport Canada, this citywide event would provide an exemplary opportunity to showcase Calgary as a wintersport city, an active city and a cultural leader in Canada.

“Hosting the X Games has long been a goal of Tourism Calgary as it would further solidify our position as Canada’s winter-sport capital and reputation as the Ultimate Host City,” says Cindy Ady. “We’re excited to continue working with our community partners to bring this event to our city.”

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With the exclusive rights, Calgary would become the first Canadian host city to be added to the X Games’ growing lineup; joining a global calendar that includes Aspen, Oslo, Shanghai and Sydney.

Calgarians are Ultimate Hosts, and hosting the X Games would not only support Calgary’s growing reputation as the Ultimate Host City, it would promote significant, long-term, year-round community and economic benefits including an estimated: $75 million in annual economic activity, 75,000 annual spectators, more than 10,000 out-of-region annual visitors and 540 jobs annually.

Calgary is targeting to host the X Games beginning in late February or early March of 2020, 2021 and 2022 subject to securing corporate sponsorship. Manifesto and Insight are currently in conversations with potential Calgary, Alberta and Canada-based corporate partners and the response from brands has been overwhelmingly positive.

Tourism Calgary proudly works with its valued partners to bring major international events to our renowned city for the benefit of visitors and Calgarians. In advance of a potential X Games in 2020, Calgary will proudly host two major events including the 2019 Canadian Country Music Awards and Country Music Week and the 2019 Grey Cup championship and festival.

To learn more about major events coming to Calgary, view visitcalgary.com.

New Platform to Pivot Careers Vital to Talent

C

areer changes are always a challenge to navigate but having a pathway to a successful transition to an indemand job is a major step in the right direction.

Calgary Economic Development and the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) in Ottawa have recently collaborated on a study to better understand the most in-demand digital occupations in Calgary and the skill sets they require.

Using a new online tool developed in conjunction with the study, displaced workers are able to match their existing skill set to in-demand opportunities – primarily tech-focused roles. They can also identify any skills or knowledge gaps they have and determine where they can access local training and education programs to fill the gaps.

The study is titled Mapping Calgary’s Digital Future: Tech Employment Opportunities for Displaced Workers. It helps address the critical issue for cities everywhere; the mismatch between the skills employers require and the skills workers possess.

Technology is rapidly transforming all sectors of the economy, and the potential for talented workers to transition to digital occupations will provide benefits for jobseekers and businesses.

To remain competitive in all of our industrial sectors in the global economy, a good starting point would be to change our approach to education, training and skills development.

In Calgary, there is a well-educated workforce and high unemployment yet there are still some 2,000 job openings for data scientists, software developers and other tech jobs that companies can’t fill.

It’s a threat to our economic future if we can’t meet the demand for skilled workers.

The tech skills platform can be accessed through Calgary Economic Development’s website and helps put in perspective the disconnect between unfilled jobs and unemployed workers. It also helps to underscore the urgent need to develop a fully-flowing “talent pipeline.”

“This is a unique and pivotal initiative for narrowing the skills gap and preparing the workforce for fast-growth sectors in Calgary,” notes Namir Anani, president and CEO of ICTC, during the official launch of the platform in April.

For Calgary Economic Development, the focus is on recruiting key companies and individuals who will be catalysts for future growth, retaining the next generation of grads from local universities, and retraining the top talent who helped build this city’s economy.

“Retraining workers mid-career is a major element of the talent pillar of Calgary’s new economic strategy,” says Mary Moran, president and CEO of Calgary Economic Development.

Anani notes the average geoscientist has nearly 60 per cent of the core skills and competencies needed to become a data analyst, while the average petroleum engineer has more than half the necessary skills to become a software-quality assurance tester.

The report suggests some employers could be open minded toward former oil and gas professionals as a source of talent, while workers from the energy sector could benefit from learning how to better market their transferable skills.

“You have the largest number of engineers per capita in Canada,” Anani says. “It is a gold mine to attract the businesses of the future.”

The key will be to ensure that talent is future ready.

Visit the link at https://www.calgaryupskill.ca/ for more information.

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A BUSINESS TRIP IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD Delightful or dreadful? If you’re like most business travelers, you’re likely to feel a little of both when you’re travelling to a business meeting, corporate event or conference.

According to a 2015 Harvard Business Review article, travelling for business can lead to stress symptoms that ultimately impairs job performance—the exact opposite outcome you want when you and your brain needs to be performing at maximum output.

At the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre, you’ll create an experience from the comfort of your own city, no travel side effects involved. From the latest in audio-visual delivery with our onsite partner FMAV, to a wide selection of food and beverage options with our catering partners at Calgary Marriott Downtown, craft an event that matters to you and your associates.

It starts with choosing the right partner.

Why travel to another destination when everything is here in your own downtown? Deliver an unparalleled event experience in a space that provides you and your associates with the atmosphere needed to make great things happen. Enjoy the convenience of being downtown on Stephen Avenue, where you can work hard while taking advantage of local restaurants and shopping opportunities without the hassle of Duty Free or security check-ins.

You need a partner that is committed to working with you to see your event take off, to create customized, personalized business experiences you’ll still want to write home about.

Relax and settle in, knowing that all your business needs are ready and available for you during your next local business trip.

So how do we make it better? How can we create a business meeting or corporate event where everyone on your team, including the one managing the budget, is excited for the event?

calgary-convention.com

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calgary-convention.com

EXPERIENCE THE PLEASURE OF A LOCAL BUSINESS TRIP. Sometimes, it’s those moments between meetings that make the experience.

The times where you can just breathe, relax, recharge and get lost in your own thoughts. You’ll find a different business trip at the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre. One where local means peace of mind.

Your business staycation starts here.

MARKETING MATTERS // DAVID PARKER

Marketing Matters

BY DAVID PARKER

T

oo bad I had to miss Flipp’s 10th anniversary at Brewsters on 11th Avenue SW, but I did enjoy meeting with managing partner Craig LePan a couple of weeks later to see a happy staff and a few cans of Flipp’s Creative Solution Pale Ale that was featured at the pub of his longterm client.

Four-and-a-half years ago, Flipp created the labelling and managed marketing when the brewery started selling its craft beer in bottles. Now the 17 staff are having fun creating the conversion into cans this summer.

Next year marks the 20th anniversary of KidSport Alberta and LePan and his team – led by creative director Leah Zukowski and art director Andrea Richards – are creating an advertising campaign in support of the charity. Flipp was also responsible for the Johnny Gaudreau’s Goals for Kids program that to date has raised over $118,000 in support of KidSport.

Dennis Cant, vice president client development at RAIN, reports it is working with ATB Financial to launch a new mobile banking app called Brightside this spring, including brand positioning to market and identifying target audiences. Rain has also been working on the bid book to help Calgary secure the 2023 World Petroleum Congress and has created a communications plan and a new website to inspire prospective tenants for New Horizon Mall.

Congratulations to Jennifer Avis, general manager at Jump Studios, who has been named a partner of the Calgary-based post-production company. Managing day-to-day operations will give the other partners more time to focus on other

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tasks – Brian Vos will be dealing with business affairs while creative director Jeff August breaks new ground in the world of motion graphics, animation, 3D and colour grading.

Over the past few years, Anita Hofer has been fortunate to have met many Accessible Housing Society residents and their families in her role as director of development for the non-profit organization.

Last month, she moved over to the Boys & Girls Club of Calgary as director of communications and stakeholder relations with the opportunity to serve a new set of clients.

Since Jessica Harcombe Fleming opened a Calgary office of Beattie Tartan last September, she has been busy working with clients that have connections with the city and Alberta including Crombie REIT and the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada.

Locally, she has brought on health outcomes research firm, Meditor; Medical Meditation, founded by Calgary doctor Nikhil Joshi; new-to-market mountain bike brand, Structure Cycleworks; startup tech company VeloGuide; and helped open the world’s largest Residence Inn by Marriott at the corner of 5th Street and 10th Avenue SW.

Parker’s Pick Package design by Neige Blair for Routine natural deodorant.

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

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