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Contents PUBLISHERS Tim Ottmann Pat Ottmann
EDITOR
Volume 19 • Number 11 www.businessincalgary.com
On our cover…
Individual Philanthropist, David Bissett & Lifetime Philanthropist, Irene Pfeiffer.
Derek Sankey
COPY EDITORS Lisa Johnston Nikki Mullett
Cover
Art Director
Jessi Evetts jessi@businessincalgary.com
Generosity of Spirit
31
Year in Review
25
Shifting Careers
44
BRIC by BRIC
73
Spotlight shines on community-leading philanthropic efforts By Derek Sankey
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kenji Doshida
ADMINISTRATION
Behind the big business stories of 2009 By Derek Sankey
Natalie Siciliani natalie@businessincalgary.com Kim Hogan kim@businessincalgary.com
How to make a career change in turbulent times By Derek Sankey
REGULAR COLUMNISTS Richard Bronstein Frank Atkins David Parker Heather Ryan
Emerging markets tempt investors By Devon Babin
THIS ISSUE’S CONTRIBUTORS C.J. Wilkins Adam Legge Heather Douglas
Company Profiles
PHOTOGRAPHY
Sunik Roofing
Cover photo courtesy of Alix Broadway at Aera Creative Inc.
ADVERTISING SALES
Bobbi Joan O’Neil bobbi@businessincalgary.com Brent Trimming brent@businessincalgary.com Carla Wright carla@businessincalgary.com Evelyn Nykyforuk evelyn@businessincalgary.com
Celebrating 20 years in business
31
67
BOMA Calgary News Winter 2009
53
Regular Columns
DIRECTOR OF CUSTOM PUBLISHING
Bernie Cooke bernie@businessincalgary.com
The Bristol Milkmaid
EDITORIAL, ADVERTISING & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES
Odd Ideas that Pass as Policy By Frank Atkins
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The Calgary Report
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Leading Business
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Marketing Matters
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6 • DECEMBER 2009 BUSINESS IN CALGARY
73
By David Parker
8
The Bristol Milkmaid • Richard Bronstein
The Bristol Milkmaid By Richard Bronstein
T
he origin of immunization goes back to the 1790s when British scientist Edward Jenner developed a vaccine against smallpox. He discovered it after observing that British milkmaids who had signs of a related disease appeared to be resistant to strains of smallpox. One hundred years ago the mortality rate among infants in North America was more than 20 per cent as children routinely died of whooping cough, polio, rubella and other infectious diseases. Those of a certain age will remember lining up for Salk vaccine shots against polio in the mid-1950s. In the mid-1970s the global scourge of smallpox was more or less eliminated because of the wise policies of the World Health Organization. Each fall for the past number of years, public health authorities and the pharmaceutical industry come up with new flu vaccines that save countless lives and prevent much suffering. Medical science has taken great strides to make our lives better, but judging by the confusion and neuroses generated by the current H1N1 campaign, you’d think we are living in the Dark Ages and have no experience with the science of immunization. A comedian I recently heard on CBC Radio kind of hit it on the head with his rap about air travel. What’s up with people, he intoned, who will loudly complain about a 20-minute delay at the airport, and yet be totally blasé about the fact that we’re sitting in a chair at 35,000 feet and flying across the country at 500 kilometres an hour. Talk about not being able to see the big picture! I realize that having a broad appreciation of the miracle of immunization is no substitute for a family’s immediate concerns over the health of their children or some other vulnerable person. But if you think about it for a moment longer than today’s jolting headline or the voice of gloom and doom on the supper-hour news, the H1N1 vaccination campaign appears to be working. Although we still have a few more months of this flu ahead of us, it seems our public health establishment has done a decent job of getting us through this thing. But there are some lessons to be learned, because next year or the year after, another potentially vicious bug will come our way. What I would like to see happen is for an all-party commit8 • DECEMBER 2009 BUSINESS IN CALGARY
tee of the Alberta legislature to hold public hearings into the “dos and don’ts” of this particular campaign. We all need to understand what we did right and wrong in 2009 so that we can produce a manual, a public document widely available to all Albertans, that will openly explain the main protocols to be followed in the next big health crisis. Among the obvious issues to be defined for the future are: (1) greater clarity over identifying and mobilizing most at-risk groups; (2) more and better locations for delivering shots; (3) and a serious discussion about ethics. Welcoming all to a first-come-first-serve system and only starting with four clinics in Calgary, most of them with no indoor waiting facilities, was poor planning. Better clinics and better communication can be easily corrected. But the bigger question at the heart of all this is the government’s apparent neglect in upholding the basic principles of public health and safety. That’s why we need a comprehensive public discussion about health ethics. Who should receive their shots first? As one doctor stated: “A Grade 12 student with a little time could have put together a better plan than the province executed.” You don’t need to be a policy expert to put high-risk individuals – health-care professionals, ambulance personnel, basically those who will take care of us – at the front of the line with some sense of urgency or priority in getting the shots. The scary part of this is that these discussions have been taking place across Canada for at least the last 10 years. It appears that we have missed the most basic steps in caring for the people of our province. Has the continual shuffling of our health boards left a knowledge gap in handling a program like this or was it politics and not health that ruled the day? We need a fair and impartial examination of glitches in the current H1N1 vaccination program. We need assurances that our public health system is properly managed by top-quality professionals. An independent committee of the legislature holding public hearings is perhaps the best way to establish principled guidelines for handling the next public health crisis, which is surely just around the corner. Our health is too important to be left in the hands of politicians. BiC
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Odd Ideas that Pass as Policy • Frank Atkins
Odd Ideas that Pass as Policy By Frank Atkins
R
obert Lucas Jr. of the University of Chicago won a Nobel Prize in economics several years ago. He was rewarded for basically taking the profession to the right, arguing, much the same as Milton Friedman had earlier, that policy intervention could be detrimental to the proper functioning of an economy. One interesting aspect of Professor Lucas’ Nobel Prize is that for a long time he had advocated the theory of rational expectations, arguing that people can properly anticipate future events. Unfortunately his exwife, Rita Lucas, upon their divorce in 1988, had a clause placed in their divorce settlement that she would receive half of any Nobel Prize won by Lucas in the next seven years. When Lucas did win the Nobel Prize in 1995, she was awarded half of the prize money just months before the clause was to expire. On a more serious note, Lucas once said something that has haunted me for most of my career. When asked about policy formation, Lucas quipped, “As policy makers we are in way over our heads.” What is interesting about this quote is that Lucas was talking about serious policy initiatives, and (presumably) not about the lunatic fringe that seems to come along occasionally. There have been two lunatic fringe policies in the news lately, one local and one national. On the local level, we very nearly had Plan It Calgary inflicted upon us. Plan It Calgary is basically a social
10 • DECEMBER 2009 BUSINESS IN CALGARY
planning document that was conjured up by the mushy left environmental lobby. If it had passed in its original form, we would all be told where we could live (in the downtown core) and why (because cars are bad) and that immediately a vibrant community would spring up downtown. It never occurred to anyone that if we wanted to live downtown, we would choose to do so. It was interesting to read Naheed Nenshi’s response to the demise of Plan It Calgary in the Herald. Mr. Nenshi whined about the fact that we had not chosen to be forced to live in a manner that he thought was correct. Thankfully, Plan It Calgary passed city council in a form that will do very little harm to the local economy. On the national level, the Pembina Institute and the Suzuki Foundation suggested that we tax Alberta (because the oilsands are bad) and distribute the money to Ontario. This was basically the Liberal Green Shift policy resurrected. It did not seem to occur to these individuals that the voters had resoundingly rejected this idea in a national election. What was
even more surprising was that this policy initiative was partly funded by TD Economics. It was odd to see Don Drummond of TD Economics simultaneously not supporting while not rejecting the conclusions. He tried to pretend that this was an independent study, while pretending to not understand that the Pembina Institute and the Suzuki Foundation are one-issue institutes: oil is bad. I have to wonder if people drove their cars to the press conference. What can we learn from all of this? We have to be very careful when trying to formulate any type of policy. Even policies that have the best intentions can bring about consequences that are unforeseen, and that may be detrimental. Also, strange polices that are not well thought, such as Plan It Calgary and the Green Shift, should be completely ignored. Frank Atkins is an associate professor of economics at the University of Calgary and a member of the Advisory Board of the Institute for Public Sector Accountability. BiC
We have to be very careful when trying to formulate any type of policy. Even policies that have the best intentions can bring about consequences that are unforeseen, and that may be detrimental.
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Allan Markin, Ed McNally, Jan Lisiecki, Dean Burns and Peter Mansbridge.
Junior Achievement Hall of Fame Photos from the Junior Achievement Hall of Fame Gala Dinner & Induction Ceremony held on November 4, 2010
Linda McNally, Bill Brooks, Ed McNally and Allan Markin with his partner Patricia Fitzgerald.
12 • DECEMBER 2009 BUSINESS IN CALGARY
Left; Peter Mansbridge and Dean Burns. Right; Peter Mansbridge and Ed McNally
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Off the Top • News
MEYERS NORRIS PENNY EXPANDS IN SOUTHERN ONTARIO Collins Barrow Waterloo and Cambridge practices to join MNP. Meyers Norris Penny LLP (MNP), one of Canada’s largest chartered accountancy and business advisory firms, announced that the independent firm of Collins Barrow Region of Waterloo LLP has joined MNP. Effective January 1, 2010, the region, which includes two locations in Waterloo and Cambridge, will begin operating under the MNP name. “MNP’s strategic plan for growth and entrepreneurial spirit have always been key factors in our success,” says Daryl Ritchie, MNP’s chief executive officer. “This merger is building on our strategic plans for growth in the southern Ontario market.” MNP is ranked as the seventh largest firm in Canada and employs over 2,500 people from Vancouver Island to the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). For more than 60 years MNP has served the mid-market public and private sectors in the areas of assurance, tax and advisory services. In 2009, MNP was recognized by the Globe and Mail’s Report on Business magazine as one of the 50 Best Employers in Canada. “We are very excited about joining MNP. By merging with MNP, our clients will benefit from the additional knowledge, resources and experience in numerous industry and specialty areas,” says David Webb, managing partner, Collins Barrow Region of Waterloo LLP. “Through this merger, we can ensure that we deliver unique solutions tailored to our clients’ individual needs.” Ritchie adds that the merger is strategic in many ways as the firm continues to expand into Ontario. The firm’s merger with Toronto-based Horwath Orenstein in the summer of 2008 marked the beginning of the firm’s eastern expansion. Since then the firm has added a large corporate and personal insolvency practice with multiple locations across the GTA; and almost 100 new team members. Webb adds that in today’s business environment, it is more important than ever to look at new ways to help
Daryl Ritchie
their clients achieve their goals. “This merger is a perfect example of how two firms can come together to provide more resources and services to give our clients the edge they need to stay competitive and overcome current business and industry challenges,” says Webb. Ritchie expects the transition will be seamless as both parties share the same values, culture and commitment to quality services. BiC
“MNP’s strategic plan for growth and entrepreneurial spirit have always been key factors in our success. This merger is building on our strategic plans for growth in the southern Ontario market.” ~ Daryl Ritchie, MNP’s chief executive officer
14 • DECEMBER 2009 BUSINESS IN CALGARY
Off the Top • News
H1N1 Preparedness Critical to Business Success Wash your hands. Sneeze into your sleeve. Get your flu shot. That’s all great advice for individuals, but businesses need to have much better plans if they want to make it through not only the H1N1 pandemic, but any potential disaster scenario, according to companies like Telus Corp. that have implemented in-depth business continuity plans to deal with such dilemmas. Telus has implemented its Flexible Work Styles program to allow as many as 18,000 of its 35,000 employees to use technology to work remotely, part of its broader initiative to be prepared for any disaster, pandemic or unforeseen circumstance. “In a pandemic situation, we have provided them with the technologies to be able to work remotely,” says Mark Lang, architect of the Flexible Work Styles program. “I think it serves a broad business strategy.” It has already run trials to ensure technology is fully secure so that during a pandemic situation, many call centre agents can – and already do, in some situations – work from home. Given the severity of the H1N1 threat to businesses, managers need to develop comprehensive plans that include technology, cross-training employees and other measures to ensure business operations continue during a pandemic or
Given the severity of the H1N1 threat to businesses, managers need to develop comprehensive plans that include technology. similar situation. “It allows us the flexibility to react to almost any situation,” says Shawn Hall, a spokesman for Telus. Work has changed. People are more mobile and collaborative than in the past. “The best way for an organization to embrace that change … is to support them working when and where they’re most effective,” says Lang. If com- Mark Lang, architect of the Flexible Work panies build this strategy into Styles program their daily operational model, when and if a pandemic strikes, the business will be much more resilient and better able to cope. “It feeds a day-in, day-out business strategy … based on results,” he says. BiC
W EBBER A CADEMY
Preparing Students to Thrive in University and Beyond Exceptional Educator joins Webber Academy as a Grade 5 Teacher Heather Gallagher is an exceptional teacher and Academic All-Canadian Athlete who recently joined the teaching faculty at Webber Academy. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in History & Spanish from Acadia University, where she was a member of the Women’s Track and Rugby teams. Ms. Gallagher continued her education at the University of Maine specializing in Elementary Education, where she earned the award for Outstanding Student Teacher. Heather previously taught grades 6 and 7 at Elmwood School, a top private school in Ottawa, grade 5 at Plainfield Elementary in Meriden, New Hampshire and most recently with the Seattle Public School Board. Her success in the classroom is most evident as is her passion for running, which has resulted in her qualification for the New York and Boston Marathons. Ms. Gallagher has already impressed her colleagues and classroom parents with her positive attitude and genuine love for children. Webber Academy is honoured to have Heather Gallagher as a Grade 5 teacher. Heather Gallagher
Information Evenings • Thursday, January 14, 2010 - Thursday, February 18, 2010 - Thursday, May 13, 2010
Preparing students to thrive in university and beyond www.webberacademy.ca 16 • DECEMBER 2009 BUSINESS IN CALGARY
Off the Top • News
Building a Better Workforce – and A Better World After more than 82 years of teaching local people skilled trades in woodworking, Calgary’s custom furniture producer KP Manufacturers is going one step further to extend a hand up to those less fortunate in the Bahamas with the opening of a $2-million training facility that the company’s owner says will give people living in poverty in the country an opportunity of a lifetime. Kristine Smed’s father took over the iconic local company in 1965, but passed away in 1983, leaving her to run the company after years of working alongside her dad. Social responsibility has always been a strong value in Smed’s life, who is a nurse by trade. After years of vacationing in the sunny destination and seeing the high level of poverty in the ghettos, she began a Santa Claus Christmas program to provide 25,000 gifts a year to Bahamian children in need. This year, she’s going even further with the new training facility, which is nearing completion and will train former prisoners to learn woodworking skills. When it’s ramped up, there will be 30 being trained in the custom-built facility in the Bahamas and another 40 in Calgary. “I’m trying to break that barrier by training men … so they can get out of the criminal system and get integrated and productive with their families,” says Smed. “We’re a teaching school, but we’re also getting nice jobs. We’ll make money,
the guys will get a decent wage and they are supporting about six other people.” Smed has already adopted two Bahamian children and has seen first hand how much difference a chance to get out of poverty makes for each individual that will get trained. “I know the success rate you can have with them if you give them a little care and attention and teach them,” she says. BiC
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3200 - 118th Avenue S.E. Calgary, Alberta BUSINESS IN CALGARY DECEMBER 2009 • 17
Off the Top • News
PETROBAKKEN ANNOUNCES THIRD QUARTER RESULTS PetroBakken Energy Ltd. (“PetroBakken”) (TSX:PBN) is pleased to announce our third quarter 2009 financial and operating results, highlighted by the successful completion of the strategic transaction between Petrobank Energy and Resources Ltd. (“Petrobank”) and TriStar Oil & Gas Ltd. (“TriStar”) that resulted in the creation of PetroBakken. The transaction involved the spin out of Petrobank’s Canadian Business Unit (“CBU”) and the subsequent combination with TriStar to create a premier Southeast Saskatchewan light oil producer that began trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange on October 6, 2009. As part of the strategic business combination and subsequent rationalization of assets, PetroBakken has initiated a divestiture process to sell the majority of our Alberta producing assets to further focus on high netback light oil and high impact resource plays. Upon successful completion of the asset disposition, PetroBakken will have operations focused primarily in Southeast Saskatchewan and Northeast British Columbia.
HIGHLIGHTS (Third quarter results, unless otherwise specified, are for the pro forma PetroBakken entity, including the acquisition of TriStar.)
• PetroBakken’s production averaged 41,526 boepd in the third quarter of 2009. • Non-Alberta production averaged 32,448 boepd in the third quarter, 94% weighted to light oil. • Current production is approximately 44,500 boepd, of which 35,500 boepd is non-Alberta production. • Strong non-Alberta operating netbacks (excluding hedging gains) of $46.55/boe with operating costs of $7.60/boe. • Total Company operating netbacks (excluding hedging gains) of $40.52/boe with operating costs of $8.81/boe. • PetroBakken drilled 89 (67.3 net) wells in the third quar ter; including 71 (51.4 net) in the Bakken. • PetroBakken’s forecast 2009 exit production, exclud ing the anticipated Alberta asset sales, is expected to be above 37,000 boepd (more than 95% light oil).
BEYOND THE BAKKEN Additional long-term growth is expected to come from PetroBakken’s large land position in Northeast British Columbia within the Montney and Horn River natural gas resource plays. We have 17 sections of land (100% working interest) with Montney potential in the Monias area of northeast British Columbia, with a further 97 (84 net) sections north of Fort Nelson in the Horn River Basin. PetroBakken is well positioned to develop these massive unconventional
18 • DECEMBER 2009 BUSINESS IN CALGARY
Miracle Mile, Winter
resource plays given the experience of our technical team, having successfully drilled and operated over 450 horizontal wells with multi-stage fracture stimulations. At Monias, our first Montney horizontal well was drilled in the fourth quarter of 2008, adjacent to our 5.0 mmcfpd gas plant. Based on the success we had with that well, a second well was drilled during the third quarter of 2009 and is currently being completed. The new well is a dual-leg hori-
Off the Top • News
C a L L f o r N o m i N at i o N s
2010 DistiNguisheD BusiNess LeaDer awarD Q
John D. Wright, president and CEO
zontal well with high density fracture stimulation designed to further increase production rates and expected ultimate gas recoveries. Our first horizontal well in the Horn River Basin was drilled in the first quarter of 2009 in an area that offers multi-season access due to our proximity to roads. Based on the successful results obtained from that well, we plan to tie the well in this winter. We also plan to drill a second well in the area later this year. The activity in this area will enable us to expand our knowledge in the area and to test additional geological concepts. Our immediate operational goal for both of these prolific resource plays is to identify optimal technology applications that lower the gas price required to provide a competitive rate of return that will ultimately allow us to initiate major full-scale developments. BiC
What do all these people have in common?
Patrick D. Daniel (2009) George H. Brookman (2008) Michael J. Tims (2007) Harley Hotchkiss (2006) Linda Hohol (2005) Charlie Fischer (2004) Clive Beddoe (2003) John M. Forzani (2002) David P. O’Brien (2001) Brian F. MacNeill (2000) James K. Gray (1999) J.R. (Bud) McCaig (deceased) (1998) Richard F. Haskayne, OC, FCA (1997) Robert C. Brawn (1996) Alfred H. Balm (1995) David E. Mitchell, OC (1994) John Currie (1993)
Patrick D. Daniel President & CEO, Enbridge Inc. DBLA Recipient, 2009 Photo Courtesy of Business in Calgary
a
Proven leadership skills, exceptional achievement in business, significant contribution to the community and a desire to work with students to foster the relationship between management education and management practice. The search for qualified nominees for the 2010 Distinguished Business Leader Award is underway. Do you know someone who meets the above criteria? if so we’d like to hear from you.
Visit www.haskayne.ucalgary.ca/awards/dbla for more information about how you can nominate a business leader for this award. Nomination deadline is January 15th, 2010.
BUSINESS IN CALGARY DECEMBER 2009 • 19
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Congratulations
2009 Calgary Business Hall of Fame Inductees
Allan P. Markin O.C., B. Sc., P. Eng
Edward E. McNally O.C., LL. B., B.A
Senator Patrick Burns (posthumous)
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Bringing Passions Together Gives Charities a Boost John Webster loves to grow organic vegetables on his farm in the Shuswap when he’s not tending to his business in Calgary, Webster Galleries Inc. So four years ago, he decided to bring his love for farming together with his passion to help the less fortunate in our community. “This year, I combined my love for growing plants with a charitable donation to Inn from the Cold and community kitchens,” says Webster, who had the help of Sarie Hobbes to get the job done. He hauled in 1,800 kg of winter squash, 450 kg of peppers and several crops of tomatoes to give to Inn from the Cold and community kitchens. Inn from the Cold provides food and a place to sleep for homeless families, feeding about 65 homeless children. “In Canada, that just shouldn’t be,” he says. One artist, Ken Kirkby, donated four paintings to Webster Galleries, who sold them with 100 per cent of the proceeds going to Inn from the Cold, raising about $1,000 to buy two new chest freezers for the organization’s kitchen. In the past, he’s donated to the Women’s Shelter and the YWCA, but also works with other organizations by providing his gallery space to fundraiser kickoffs and
“The reason why I’m doing it is to give them vegetables they need, but also to show that other people can do the same thing.” ~John Webster
Phone 403-616-6036 For same-day local delivery Delivering with Pride – CITY WIDE 20 • DECEMBER 2009 BUSINESS IN CALGARY
charity events benefiting non-profit organizations such as the Meow Foundation, Inspire Africa, Results Canada and Medical Mercy, along with many others. “The reason why I’m doing it is to give them vegetables they need, but also to show that other people can do the same thing,” says Webster. “A farmer can donate a bag of carrots or potatoes. Each person can do a little bit.” BiC
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John Webster
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BUSINESS IN CALGARY DECEMBER 2009 • 21
Off the Top • News
RGO Continues Tradition of Community Support
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Ross Glen of RGO Office Products was recognized last month for his ongoing support of the Haskayne School of Business with his latest donation of carpet, furniture and technology upgrades for the school. “RGO is proud to be involved with (Haskayne’s) renovation project through upgrading this innovative and highly functional meeting and learning space,” says Glen of the donations from RGO Office Products and RGO Flooring. “Similar to Haskayne’s reputation for an entrepreneurial approach towards business education, RGO promotes innovative work environments that stimulate thought and enable creative discussion.” RGO donated a Polyvision Walk and Talk Interactive Whiteboard, credenzas, 22 Fliptop tables, 44 Think armchairs and carpet for the meeting space. The company has 280 employees in Calgary, Edmonton and Lethbridge operating in 200,000 square feet of space. RGO has served the community since 1966 and Ross Glen has long been a supporter of higher education, growth and the development of knowledge in Calgary’s business community. BiC
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quikcard.com 22 • DECEMBER 2009 BUSINESS IN CALGARY
Ross Glen
Off the Top • News
Area 51 Machine Design If you think the name is out of this world, you will not be disappointed to know that the technologies that this company design are often described as ‘not possible’. The Calgary based virtual company has spent the last two years designing machinery that will allow wind energy to become a significant player in the energy sector. The Closed Loop Hydrogen Project (CLHP) enables the storage of off-peak electricity until there is a demand. The energy is stored as hydrogen and then used as fuel for a modified one megawatt industrial engine driving an electrical generator that connects to the electrical grid. The carbon footprint will be zero since clean energy is the source and the bi-product (engine exhaust) is water. The energy can be fed onto the grid when required. The CLHP is just one break through technology that will assist Wind energy. Currently they are looking to identify businesses that wish to overhaul the growing number of transmissions used in wind turbines. In the future the industry will demand companies to provide full spectrum testing of re-conditioned transmissions, something that is not yet available. Their Enhanced Four Square Test bed design will provide the capability to test in a more energy efficient and economical manner. An Alberta company required a drive system that would screw foundation piles in the ground. They were informed by one of the largest manufacturers that Stephen Scott, CEO they would be unable to ‘help’
They work virtually, utilize a paperless office and have only two guidelines. All ego’s should be left at the door and work when you feel like working. and the design would be ‘ambitious at best.’ Area 51 designed and delivered the system 20% over and above performance specifications resulting in an ability to do what no other competitor can match. They are right brained mechanical engineers and describe what they do as passionate machine design. Their business model as an antithesis to most. Their people are impassioned and our mission is to create a greener environment that embraces technology. They work virtually, utilize a paperless office and have only two guidelines. All ego’s should be left at the door and work when you feel like working. BiC
BUSINESS IN CALGARY DECEMBER 2009 • 23
Behind the Big Business Stories of 2009 • Year in Review
Year
inReview:
Behind the Big Business Stories of 2009 By Derek Sankey
T
he contrast, as the end of 2009 draws near, is stark when compared to the beginning of 2009 when the full impact of the economic crisis had become abundantly clear. Weeks and months of economic pain followed, but more than a year after global financial markets nosedived in the last quarter of 2008, there is decidedly more to celebrate (if very modestly) as we look back on a tumultuous year. Two years ago Alberta was being described as the economic engine of Canada, but only Ontario and B.C. experienced the same level of negative economic impact from the recession in 2009. Public and private capital spending dropped 17.2 per cent this year, while the province’s GDP decreased by 2.3 per cent, according to a report by TD Economics. While retail sales showed an improvement between April and June, sales fell in July and August and remained generally flat this year. The pressure hit every sector and Calgary 24 • DECEMBER 2009 BUSINESS IN CALGARY
Behind the Big Business Stories of 2009 • Year in Review
felt the brunt of it along with cities in Ontario and B.C. “The ongoing pressures to Canadian manufacturing remain evident, as inventories continue to be drawn down and firms remain hesitant about boosting production,” writes TD’s Grant Bishop in a recent economic update. But each sector was hit, and reacted, in its own unique way to deal with the economic reality of 2009. Layoffs and closures were inevitable given the magnitude of the global recession, a trend that became ingrained into the psyche of Canadians for much of the year. Alberta businesses, workers and consumers were not immune. An RBC/Ipsos Reid poll found recently that one third (34 per cent) of Canadians indicate they are saving less money than they have in the past, with only one in five (19 per cent) saving more money. It’s a statistic that doesn’t surprise many financial planners – money is tight everywhere. The bright spots are emerging, however. While job creation and earnings tend to lag toward the latter part of any recovery, business leaders are feeling the bottom in many cases and watching out for opportunities as markets rebound. Looking back at 2009, the optimism slowly began to bloom with caution as the year progressed.
Financial Markets: A return to optimism The indirect hit that Canadian companies and financial markets took as a result of major losses in the U.S. rippled fast and with lasting impact. After trillions of dollars was pumped into the global economy by governments around the world, along with various other measures, a sense of hope and optimism helped turn markets around significantly by the end of 2009. By the start of the year, stock markets in North America had lost an average of about 20 per cent or more in overall value, erasing capital that businesses of all sizes, in turn, would have been able to access. But fast forward to November this year and markets had surged upward to gain back about 15 per cent of those year-over-year losses. The level of uncertainty and caution that still permeates investors remained the overriding theme during the year. Sentiments started changing with some good economic reports that trickled out as the year unfolded, but there was not – and most economists agree there will not be – a sudden end to the new approach many business leaders are taking as a result of the downturn. Optimistic? Yes. Caught up with the urgency of success during the most recent boom? No. In Alberta, oil and gas companies naturally took the greatest initial hit and the ripple was felt everywhere. Many juniors were either swept up at a good price because of financial woes or disappeared entirely, unable to access the vast amounts of capital they require to succeed. Credit markets have been thawing, though, and many investors have been getting their own financial houses in order. Interest rates have remained low – the Bank of Canada key rate is 0.25 per cent – and appear to be holding until at least the second quarter of next year.
How did that work out for you?
In Alberta, oil and gas companies naturally took the greatest initial hit and the ripple was felt everywhere. BUSINESS IN CALGARY DECEMBER 2009 • 25
Big Business Stories of 2009 • Year in Review
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Energy: Resolve and Reinvestment Word that a number of large oil projects that have been shelved in recent months are coming off the shelf is a good way to end the year. The only other major project announcement – Imperial’s Kearl oilsands project that was given the go-ahead in May – early in the year is a contrast to sentiment among major oil players now and illustrates the shift in mood from the start of 2009 to December. Millions of dollars in new (or previously planned) oilsands projects have been given the green light since September. Premier Stelmach’s government has struggled under the weight of several contentious decisions impacting the energy sector, so he now appears intent on repairing those relationships by reaching out to energy companies to address any remaining issues on royalties and other factors. His party has taken a serious hit to its popularity, particularly in the oilpatch in downtown Calgary. Wildrose Alliance leader Danielle Smith stormed onto the scene this year and captured rising levels of support from the public, even in the face of a 77 per cent leadership review approval rate. Smith, meanwhile, continues to make major policy announcements and speak to crowds of a few hundred major oil players in the city. She spent most of the early part of 2009 working behind the scenes, but has increasingly been front and centre among Calgary’s oilpatch leaders. FirstEnergy’s Brett Wilson was an early supporter and Smith’s popularity appears on an upward trend as the energy sector looks for leadership on its pressing issues. On Nov. 9, Smith unveiled her party’s platform to reform the province’s fiscal and health-care policy, as well as to rework Alberta’s contentious oil and gas royalty framework.
The natural gas business has had varying degrees of negativity resulting from low prices and a lacklustre business environment. The natural gas business has had varying degrees of negativity resulting from low prices and a lacklustre business environment. Drilling rates are down 51 per cent year over year for gas and prices remain soft with inventories near or at capacity. “While we expect natural gas prices to grind upwards in 2010-11, the local industry faces serious challenges,” notes TD’s Bishop. 26 • DECEMBER 2009 BUSINESS IN CALGARY
Big Business Stories of 2009 • Year in Review
Real Estate Rebound After seeing declines in both home values and housing starts in the past year, Alberta’s residential housing market seems to have reached a bottom and, if not heading upward, is at least stabilizing. “Calgary’s housing market has clearly turned a corner,” says Bonnie Wegerich, president of the Calgary Real Estate Board. “We expect there to be a few bumps on this road to recovery, but we believe the worst is over.”
Despite the current economic situation, Calgary has continued to attract global investment in the commercial sector, of which 41 per cent was comprised of office buildings, according to a mid-year
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report by Avison Young. The average price of a single-family house in Calgary at the end of October was $462,465, an increase of one per cent from September and an increase of three per cent from October 2008. The average price of a condominium was $289,155, which slid slightly in value in the early part of the year but shows no significant change over last year when the average price was $289,148. Median home prices are significantly less, indicating affordability has come back to the market and made it easier for “move-up buyers” to enter the market or upgrade into a single-family home. In the commercial and office space market, the high number of new office towers recently completed or nearing completion in the next two years is having a dramatic impact on lease rates in the downtown core. Vacancy rates reached 8.3 per cent by the end of the third quarter this year, according to a report by Avison Young, but those rates are widely expected to creep higher and higher over the next two years, with some predicting vacancy rates nearing 18 per cent by the time EnCana’s new Bow tower project and others reach completion. Despite the current economic situation, Calgary has continued to attract global investment in the commercial sector, of which 41 per cent was comprised of office buildings, according to a mid-year report by Avison Young. The rising vacancy rates are good news for downtown tenants, although Class AA space remains in high demand
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Behind the Big Business Stories of 2009 • Year in Review
despite the overall picture. Landlords in general are more willing to negotiate better terms for the tenant in this kind of environment, causing some tenants who were considering a move to the beltline or the suburbs to reconsider their plans due to rising vacancy rates and falling lease rates.
that unemployment rates have not yet stabilized. Alberta’s unemployment rate rose to 7.5 per cent in October. From a year earlier, the province’s employment rate declined 3.3 per cent year over year (a loss of 68,000 jobs) – the steepest rate of decline among all provinces.
Layoffs in the oilpatch have led the
Labour
wave of job losses here, but it is expected the employment picture
In October, Canada shed 43,000 jobs, but the losses were concentrated in part-time work and the three-month trend was still positive, shows a report from TD Economics’ Grant Bishop. The country’s unemployment rate rose to 8.6 per cent by the end of October. September’s 30,000 new jobs were wiped out by October’s gains, but throughout the year it’s been a roller-coaster ride across Canada and here in Alberta. “The monthly data will be volatile as Canada’s recovery builds and therefore must be kept in perspective,” says Bishop. “Nonetheless, we expect net positive but fairly tepid job gains in the fourth quarter, as the slack in the Canadian economy is only gradually absorbed.” Employment numbers and job creation tend to lag in an overall recovery, say economists, so it’s no surprise
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will stabilize and jobs will begin to be created again as the energy sector levels off heading into 2010 and activity picks up significantly by 2011. Layoffs in the oilpatch have led the wave of job losses here, but it is expected the employment picture will stabilize and jobs will begin to be created again as the energy sector levels off heading into 2010 and activity picks up significantly by 2011. Since the recession took hold prior to the start of 2009, there has been a trend toward self-employment. A 28,000 gain in self-employment in Canada in October this year offset part of the decline in employed work, with 16.4 per cent of all workers now their own boss, according to Statistics Canada data. Recruiters in Calgary don’t expect any immediate job creation in the province, but agree that businesses are feeling more optimistic when doing their staffing plans now versus the start of the year. Major job losses during the summer months in Calgary did little to ease workers’ anxiety about job security. Losses were most significant in the services sector, where retail and wholesale trade shed 31,000 jobs across the country. In Alberta, oilfield service companies have been hit particularly hard as drilling rigs sit idle, while the slower housing market during the first part of the year had a crippling effect on many of the skilled trades. One benefit of the rise in unemployment for businesses has been a declining cost environment after several years of escalating labour costs.
Business Optimism Returns As 2009 draws to a close, the change in mood among business leaders is palpable compared to the start of the year. Nobody is breaking out the champagne, but the overused term “cautious optimism” seems to have taken hold.
Behind the Big Business Stories of 2009 • Year in Review
It might be the year we’d all like to forget, but the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel toward the latter half of the year is encouraging news. It might be the year we’d all like to forget, but the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel toward the latter half of the year is encouraging news. The fact that consumers in Calgary are purchasing homes, and that homebuilders are getting off the sidelines, is perhaps one of the best indicators that we’re ending on a better note than we started the year. As financial markets in North America recovered a good
chunk of the losses from the stock market dive at the end of 2008 and into early 2009, other indicators gave Calgary entrepreneurs and business executives reason to feel more positive now. The big lesson Alberta businesses learned again was that what goes up must come down. Now it’s a matter of planning for a sustainable future and keeping the upward momentum moving as we head into 2010. BiC
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Generosity of Spirit • Cover
Generosity of Spirit Spotlight shines on community-leading philanthropic efforts By Derek SankeY
I
volunteer time – but what makes it more important is the t’s fair to say that virtually every business person in Calcharities are experiencing such a huge increase in demand gary over the past year realized how vulnerable we all for their services,” says Phin. “It’s a good reminder right now are to the whims of the world. If you look past the stock that any one of us at any point may have to take advantage market dives and gains of the past year, however, you’ll find of the programs and services in the community.” an army of people who define success not by the magnitude Business in Calgary proudly honours this year’s recipiof their business accomplishments, but by the impact they ents of the Generosity of Spirit program and encourages all have in making their community a better place to live than Calgarians to look behind the many individual and corpowhen they found it. rate donations to the stories of the people that make it all Last month, Philanthropy Week (Nov. 11-18) marked the happen, and the people who rely on the services these orgatraditional start of the giving season, though it’s hardly fair nizations provide throughout the year. to draw a line on a calendar. Calgarians of all stripes work tirelessly, giving hugely of their time, money, skills and resources throughout the year. Nobody knows this better than the Calgary chapter of the Association of Fundraising CORPORATE PHILANTHROPIST Professionals (AFP). Carma Developers LP (Alan Norris) It hosted the Generosity of Spirit program, which recognized honorees in seven categories, to coincide with other By building and shaping communities across North Amerevents meant to remind people what philanthropy is really ica, including throughout Alberta, Carma Developers LP all about. It’s about the people whose lives are directly hasn’t just spent the past 51 years master planning commuimpacted positively by the actions of others. nities and constructing residential homes. The impact this “There’s just a huge amount of pride we have in our assocompany has had transcends bricks and mortar – it has left, ciation and in our community,” says Karen Filbert, co-chair and continues to make, a lasting impact on every aspect of of AFP’s Philanthropy Week activities, which included a the quality of life in our communities. formal celebration of National Philanthropy Day (Nov. 16). “The non-profit sector is huge. It’s not just about ladies who lunch anymore. It’s a professional organization with professional people with awesome work being done,” she says. Calgary’s AFP chapter is the second largest in Canada with about 400 members and has among the most active group. “Maybe that’s why Calgary gets the reputation it does,” says John Phin, the other co-chair of Philanthropy Week. “We just tend to do things on a bigger scale.” Heading into December, a time when non-profits typically rely on corporate donations to help fund their ongoing efforts, Phin says the economic downturn of the last year hasn’t stopped corporations from stepping up to the plate. “People are still being philanthropic – giving their resources and providing Left to right; Kevin McCubbin, Joanne Luft, Rick Gratton, David Harvie, Alan Norris and Duane Popplewell. BUSINESS IN CALGARY DECEMBER 2009 • 31
Generosity of Spirit • Cover
Alan Norris, president and CEO of Carma Developers, says the company’s culture was built on a history of volunteering and financial contributions to causes that create meaningful change for individuals and families in need in a variety of ways, like the time Doug Kelly, a retired vice president in Edmonton, assisted STARS (Alberta Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society) in the success of the Vision Critical Campaign completed in 2006. “Our culture is to ‘always do the right thing,’ not to just ‘do things right,’” says Norris. “Our employees have embraced this not just in their daily jobs, but also in their philanthropic endeavours.”
Carma Developers has made it possible for numerous organizations to realize their visions, such as the building and financing of the Wellspring Calgary cancer support centre, the tremendous financial contribution toward the Accessible Housing Society’s Residential Assessment and Design program, leading an IT strategy for the Children’s Cottage Society and by sponsoring events for the Olympic Oval’s High Performance Female Hockey program for the past three years.
SMALL BUSINESS PHILANTHROPIST Tag Advertising (Todd Sloane) In 2008, when the stormy economic climate hit, the United Way of Calgary and Area was halfway through its fundraising campaign and needed to adjust its marketing strategy – fast. It turned to its pro bono advertising agency of record for the past two years, Tag Advertising. Tag quickly put its expertise into action and by the end of 2008, the United Way had raised $49.5 million. The year before, Tag created the widely popular Get Caught Red Handed campaign, which generated $50.7 million for the agency. Todd Sloane, principal and creative director for Tag, is understated in how he describes the impact his organization – through the pro bono contribution of its expertise, not to mention time through employee volunteer hours – has had on the United Way. “Giving back to the community has been part of our culture since we opened our doors 18 years ago,” says Sloane. “If we can help make a difference in our community in some small way by providing our creative expertise and marketing knowledge, then we are happy, and privileged, to do that.” Tag’s efforts have also directly benefited other non-profit organizations such as the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Bill Brooks Prostate Cancer Benefit, Scott Smed Foundation, Inn from the Cold and the Children’s Cottage.
PHILANTHROPIC GROUP ECL Group of Companies Ltd. (Tom Fredericks and Brad Wellicome)
Todd Sloane
32 • DECEMBER 2009 BUSINESS IN CALGARY
Ten years after starting a small raffle for rides on the back of a Harley Davidson motorcycle to raise funds to help kids at the Alberta Children’s Hospital, the ECL Group of Companies Ltd. has become a pillar for sick children across Alberta as a major contributor of time and resources to the cause of supporting them. The ECL Choppers for Charity has helped raise $1.3 million and joined the charge to fund Children’s Hospice, Rotary/ Flames House. The company, which serves the energy industry in transportation, product handling and oilfield specialty chemicals and fluids, takes part in the year-round char-
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Generosity of Spirit • Cover
Back Row from Left to Right; Walt Stevenson (VP Oilfield Services), Carol A. LeBrun (QHS&E Co-ordinator), Gail Sharko (Director, QHS&E), Kim Kennedy (Quality Leader, QHS&E), Cathy McNaught (Executive Assistant), Jim Davis (President & CEO), Left Motorcycle – Left to Right; Brad Wellicome (Chief Financial Officer), Karen Reid (Team Leader - People, Development & Culture), Right Motorcycle – Left to Right; Tom Fredericks (Chairman of the Board), Kim Hill (AR Representative, Transportation), Loralie Johnson (Financial Analyst, Treasury)
ity event on an ongoing basis and supports many related causes, such as silent and live auctions. Tom Fredericks, chairman of ECL’s board, and Brad Wellicome, the company’s CFO, have been leading the charge to help sick kids and have since become involved with the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation since 2001, donating more than $430,000. In total, the company has raised
more than $2 million supporting the hospitals. “The ECL Group of Companies is committed to making a positive and tangible difference in the lives of children who are in the communities where we live and serve,” says Fredericks. Whether it’s the company’s employees or leaders, it’s clear that Alberta and Calgary need more people like them.
INDIVIDUAL PHILANTHROPIST David Bissett
David Bissett
34 • DECEMBER 2009 BUSINESS IN CALGARY
It’s difficult to measure the impact that David Bissett has had on the community and charitable groups during his successful career. Most Calgarians know his name well, whether from business, his support of post-secondary institutions or by seeing him donating his time at charity events and causes around the province. Bissett’s philanthropic career goes back as far as his business career. After becoming a chartered financial analyst 32 years ago, he began a journey of business, entrepreneurial and philanthropic success that has touched countless lives. When he moved to Calgary in 1977 with his wife, Leslie, he had a modest beginning with $20,000 to start Bissett & Associates. By 2000, the firm managed more than $5 billion of investments. He is perhaps most well known for his 2002 gift to Mount Royal College, which established the Bissett School of Business and laid the foundation for the creation of a Centre for Entrepreneurship in Calgary – the largest donation to a Canadian college in history. Bissett is an avid upland game bird hunter and bird dog owner, a lover of the outdoors, so it’s no surprise that conservation of the environment is among his top philanthropic endeavours. Bissett and his family are hugely popular supporters of Calgary’s post-secondary education, cultural organizations, wildlife conservation and parkland initiatives. They include the Western Sky Land Trust, Parks Foundation
Generosity of Spirit • Cover
Calgary (Shaw Millennium Park), Foothills Country Hospice Society, Heritage Park Historical Village, Pheasants Forever, the Nature Conservancy of Canada, Alberta Fish and Game Association, Ducks Unlimited Canada, to name but a few. A great many people could learn a great deal from Bissett’s genuine dedication to philanthropy. He follows his passions with meaning by giving back tirelessly. “As a person to whom outdoor activities have been so important, my strongest interest in my retirement is to protect and improve rural areas of esthetic and recreational value,” says Bissett. “While the wilderness has a strong and vocal support base, rural Alberta lacks in this area, but it is what we see and experience for most of our lives.”
YOUTH PHILANTHROPIST Fariha Ahmed At an early stage in her life, Fariha Ahmed has already donated more of her time and skills than most adults have in their entire lifetime. Most recently, she became chair of the Calgary Youth Foundation, an organization that promotes hands-on philanthropy and funds youth-driven, grassroots community projects. She has been involved with the Mayor’s Youth Council, Child and Youth Friendly Calgary’s Youth Volunteer Corps,
Fariha Ahmed
hile the members of the Calgary Elks Lodge and Golf Club enjoy playing the links during Calgary’s short golf season, those same 500+ members of Elks Lodge #4 are active all year contributing time and resources back into their community. Members volunteer at fundraisers like casinos, and a portion of each member’s annual golf dues is designated for charity. Members sponsor young non-member golfers in the club’s Jr program, and the member-owned Pro Shop donates scores of greens fees to other groups for their own fundraising activities. This year, the Elks provided special hearing aids to a single working mom, and assisted another family to take their 5 year old hearing impaired son to the John Tracy Clinic. Organizations that the Elks were pleased to support this year include the Canadian Center for Missing Children, Camp HeHoHa (HealthHopeHappiness), and The Canadian Red Cross Global Youth Symposium. Last holiday season, Elks members and their families filled and delivered 100+ food hampers to senior Calgarians. This year, they are already gathering food items for at least that many hampers again; this time to moms and children assisted through the Women’s Center of Calgary. Although the Elks Charity Classic wasn’t held this year, the Elks donated $35,000 to Habitat for Humanity Calgary this past October. The Elks Club is pleased to announce that the date for the 2nd Elks Charity Classic in support of Habitat for Humanity is Monday, September 13, 2010, and we urge players and sponsors to reserve their spots early – it was a popular event in ‘08 and guaranteed to fill up fast.
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Generosity of Spirit • Cover
GlobalFest, Cedar Villas Extendicare Centre, the Youth in Action Club at her high school, the school newspaper, the Model United Nations, Amnesty International Club, Student Council, Alberta’s Promise Premier’s Youth Advisory Council, the Bangladesh Canada Association of Calgary, Alliance for Progress Worldwide, the Peter Lougheed Hospital Centre Junior Achievement and is a Peer Ambassador. She has helped fundraise thousands of dollars for causes close to her heart, donating more than 230 hours to Child and Youth Friendly Calgary alone. “She doesn’t volunteer for the recognition or to meet a certain number of hours required by her school,” says Ros Doi, program co-ordinator with the organization. “Fariha volunteers to understand her community, to meet its needs and to make a difference in the community that has afforded her so many opportunities.” If there is someone to inspire the next generation of philanthropists, Fariha Ahmed is definitely it.
LIFETIME PHILANTHROPIST Irene Pfeiffer It is difficult to find a non-profit or charitable organization in Calgary that Irene Pfeiffer has not been involved with years. A 09:WHF lifetimeBiz ofinphilanthropy has rightly WHFover Biz inthe Calgary Dec Calgary Dec. 2009 10/30/2009 2
this is Wood’s homes . . . Irene Pfeiffer
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36 • DECEMBER 2009 BUSINESS IN CALGARY
earned her a great deal of admiration for the impact she has had on Calgary and Alberta. After a hugely successful career in human resources with major oil and gas companies, then later the formation of PWR Search, Pfeiffer left the corporate world to dedicate the rest of her career and life to creating a “footprint of legacy,” meaning philanthropy that goes beyond traditional definitions of wealth and leaves a legacy of planned giving. “No more fancy offices and private jets,” Pfeiffer recalls. “I turned them in for a pair of jeans and good walking shoes, and my first stop where I still devote time and energy today is the Mustard Seed Street Ministry serving the poor, homeless and disenfranchised of Calgary.” Aside from numerous speaking engagements on philanthropy and business issues, one area particularly close to her heart is health care, including her roles with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta, the University of Calgary and the Sheep River Health Trust. Other causes include the Ranchmen’s Club, Theatre Calgary, the Calgary Chamber of Commerce and the Banff Centre for Management. Even in sadness, she always thought of giving back to the community. After the death of her husband, John, she decided to honour his memory by establishing a memorial scholarship in his name at SAIT Polytechnic, as well as being
Generosity of Spirit • Cover
Holly and Mark Gerrish and family. From left to right; Lindsay, Holly, Laura, Duncan and Carly.
co-founder of the Pearls of Wisdom Scholarship Fund at Mount Royal College and was instrumental in the creation of the Women’s Loan Program for Alberta. For her efforts, she has received too many awards and honours to mention, but deserves every one of them, including the Order of Canada in December 2007. A lifetime of success is mirrored by a lifetime of giving – one that any Calgarian would be proud to aspire to.
PHILANTHROPIC FAMILY Holly and Mark Gerrish and family Mark Gerrish lived through and successfully beat nonHodgkin’s lymphoma through radiation treatment and surgery following many doctor visits and tests. Then, in April 2005, he was diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. In June 2006, Mark and his wife, Holly, decided to host a party to celebrate his birthday and to raise funds to support ALS research and support services.
They packed the venue and raised more than $40,000. It became an annual fundraiser generating $176,000 in three years. In May 2008, one month before the annual event, Mark lost his battle with ALS. He was 46 years old. The family decided the event would go on in his memory and through all of this, they found a way to maintain a sense of family for their children, Lindsay, Laura, Carly and Duncan. They have experienced more than any young family should ever endure, but they supported him unconditionally throughout his ordeal. The story of the Gerrish family is one that inspires because it shows that, even in the face of tremendous adversity, human nature reveals its true strength in the most unlikely ways. There are many families struggling with disease every day, but Mark’s wife remains committed to the belief that out of sorrow and struggle, good can always shine through. “Sometimes it’s the most difficult times in life that bring out the gifts in people,” says Holly. Truer words could not be spoken – words to remember. BiC BUSINESS IN CALGARY DECEMBER 2009 • 37
Working For You: Business Aviation in Canada • Aviation
Working for you: Business Aviation in Canada BY Sam Barone
R
ecently the business press came up with the catchphrase, “Flat is the new up.” Aviators know how to manage through turbulent conditions, even during economic downturns. As Rajat Kumar Gupta from McKinsey and Company writes: “Not since the 1930s have leaders in all walks of life – business, government, NGOs – faced the double-barreled uncertainty of impending war and global deflation. Moving an organization forward in such circumstances would be challenging enough, but in these difficult times we must also factor in the threat of mass terrorism on an unprecedented scale.” Historically, business cycles went up and down, with management adjusting accordingly. But now business cycles are the equivalent of continuous wind shear conditions. For example, the new thinking at places such as the Harvard Business School is that when the economy recovers, things will not be back to normal. Therefore, business leaders need to adapt to the new reality – managing in crisis mode permanently, identifying and managing risks internally and externally, counting on irrational conditions, and dealing with more encroaching government regulations along with hard-nosed clients. Not to mention the threat posed to business aviation by ill-informed government officials in the U.S. trying to score short-term political points at the expense of business aviation and the economy. Canada’s own business aviation sector is a powerful tool that integrates safety and security to ensure that business is conducted in an effective manner. While some very large corporations operate business aircraft, the vast majority of users are small and mid-size businesses and other entities, including non-profit organizations and governments. Some companies, for example, operate just one business aircraft, often with less than eight seats. Travelling in a business aircraft allows employees to discuss proprietary information in a secure environment. While many company employees travel extensively on commercial airlines, some employees need reliable access to remote places often on short notice. Missions may also involve multiple stops in a single day; delivering people or parts in real time to a broken assembly plant is not possible when using courier or scheduled airline services. Business aviation, at the end of the day, is a productivity tool, not a luxury. Canadian companies that rely on business aviation all have one thing in common: the need for fast, flexible, safe, secure and cost-effective access to destinations across Canada and around the world. In many cases, business aviation is the only appropriate transportation solution, opening the door to international business opportunities. Studies show that publicly-traded companies that have access to a corporate aircraft generate a better return to their shareholders.
38 • DECEMBER 2009 BUSINESS IN CALGARY
Canadian business aviation has a proud history in helping to develop Canada’s economy, while remaining committed to safety and security. Since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, Canadian business aviation operators have developed security measures to protect against terrorist threats. At CBAA (Canadian Business Aviation Association), members have developed a “security program standard” that will likely become not only a Canadian standard, but an international one through the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC). The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) also continues to advocate more standardization in business aviation security and facilitation processes. While Canada and the U.S. have the largest trading partnership in the world, harmonization of security processes and border management programs for business aviation have a long way to go. Efficient and integrated transportation systems have been a vital underpinning of the North American success story. Business aviation needs to address the role of ongoing border security facilitation efforts in maximizing supply chain and transportation efficiencies. Harmonization of business aviation security measures is also a vision that is not far away, especially within a North American context. We need to co-ordinate our systems and regulatory frameworks to reflect our positive trade and bilateral relationship. For example, CBAA supports such bi-national programs as NEXUS, designed to expedite the border clearance process for low-risk, pre-approved travellers into Canada and the U.S. Earlier this year, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) co-operated in a joint venture to simplify border crossings for members, while enhancing security. The CBAA is committed to working with these government agencies to determine how to best expand NEXUS for the Canada-U.S. business aviation community. One of the best transportation security and border facilitation models is the one being advanced by the Coordinated Clearance Coalition. The coalition’s pioneering work is its “Coordinated Clearance Strategy,” a comprehensive road map setting out how to redesign border processes and how to make the best use of information and biometric technologies to deliver a smarter, more efficient and secure border. The initiative builds on key successes by CBSA, CBP and other agencies, and incorporates new technologies and risk management capabilities. We should always consider such approaches proposed by the coalition to take advantage of new technologies and operational systems. In other words, let’s get maximum benefits through integration of systems to meet security requirements. CBAA supports the coalition’s work and will continue to advance business aviation security and border facilitation, harmonization, co-ordination and standardization at every opportunity. BiC
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Aviation Directory Alberta Aviation Operators ABITIBI HELICOPTERS LTD. Betrand Perron, President/Director Operations Toll Free: 1-800-247-9591 Aircraft Operated: (4) AS 350 B2, (10) AS 350 FX/2, (1) AS 350 BA+, (1) Bell 205 A1 (1) AS 50 BA, (1) AS 350 B2/D2 ADVENTURE AVIATION INC. Michael Mohr, Ops. Manager Tel: (780) 539-6968 Aircraft Operated: (2) C172 AGRIUM INC. Robert Garback, Aviation Manager Tel: (403) 225 -7000 Aircraft Operated: (1) Citation Sovereign AHLSTROM AIR LTD Michael Helsch, Chief Pilot & Base Manager Tel: 403-721-2203 Aircraft Operated: (1) AS350B2/D2 AIR PARTNERS CORP. Tim Morgan, President Toll Free: 1-877-233-9350 Aircraft Operated: (1) Cessna 401, (1) Gulfstream Twin Commamder (1) King Air 200 (1) Beechcraft Premier (2) Citation V, (1) Citation Ultra (1) Citation Encore (2) Ciation XL AIRBORNE ENERGY SOL. LTD Tony Hunley, President-CEO Toll Free: 1-888-496-3222 Aircraft Operated: (2) Robinson RH22, (7) Robinson RH44, (21) Robinson RH44 Raven II (RH44 II), (9) Bell 206 B (B206), (2) Bell 205 A1-17, (4) AS350 BA, (3) Piper Navajo A-31, (1) Cessna 208 Caravan, (3) Cessna 172, (2) Cessna 206, (1) Cessna 177, (1) King Air 350 (1) King Air 200 ALBERTA GOVERNMENT AIR TRANSPORTATION SERVICE Rob Madden, Director, Flt Ops Tel: 780-427-7341 Aircraft Operated: (2) KA B200, (1) KA 350, (1) DH 8 ALTA FLIGHTS (CHARTERS) INC David Robertson, President Tel: 780-890-1330 Aircraft Operated: (4) Metro 23, (3) King Air 100, (3) Grand Caravan, (2) Piper PA31, (5) Cessna 172, (2) Cessna Citation 501, (1) Cessna Citation 550 AVMAX GROUP INC Don Parkin, Executive VP Toll Free: 1-888-524-9444 Aircraft Operated: CRJ -8, BAE 146
BAR XH AIR INC Robert Phillips, General Manager Tel: 403-527-3328 Aircraft Operated: (2) BAe Jetstream, (6) King Air 200, (1) Piper Navajo (1) Dash 8 -100 (1) Dash 8 -300 BLACK SWAN HELICOPTERS LTD Linda Johnson, President Toll Free: 1-877-475-4774 Aircraft Operated: (1) AS350SD2, (1) B206B, (5) R44 CALGARY FLYING CLUB Scott Wilcox, Manager Tel: 403-288-8831 Aircraft Operated: (1) Cessna 172S, (6) 172N, (1) PA28 Arrow, (1) PA44T Seminole, (1)Cessna 182, (1) 172S (3) DA-20 CALGARY POLICE AIR SERVICE Cameron Dutnall, CP Tel: 403-567-4150 Aircraft Operated: (2) MD-520N CAN-WEST CORPORATE AIR CHARTERS Sara MacLeod, Flight Coordinator Tel: 780-849-5353 Aircraft Operated: (4) BE20, (1) PA31, (2) C206, (2) C185, (1) C210, (1) Beech Baron CANADIAN HELICOPTERS LTD Don Wall, Senior Executive VP Tel: 780-429-6900 Aircraft Operated: (27) Bell 206B/B3, (13) Bell206L/L1, (12) Bell212 (IFR & VFR), (4) AS350B/D, (26) S350BA, (16) AS350B2, (2) AS355F1/F2, (1) AS355N, (6) R22B/ B2, (5) R44II, (13) S76A, (1) S61N, (3) EC120B CATHTON INVESTMENTS LTD/ CRA INVESTMENTS LTD Ernie Poole, Aviation Manager Tel: 780-890-7443 Aircraft Operated: (1) Falcon 900C DELTA HELICOPTERS LTD Paul Stubbs, Ops Manager Toll Free: 1-800-665-3564 Aircraft Operated: (9) Bell 206, (3) Bell 206L3, (6) A-Star 350BA, (4) Bell 204, (3)AF350-B2 DYNAMIC FLIGHT SERVICES INC. Jeanette Toews Tel: 403-735-3290 Aircraft Operated: Books sub charters EDMONTON INTERNATIONAL SHELL AEROCENTRE Bob Lamoureux, Aerocentre Manager Toll Free: 1-800-668-4766 Aircraft Operated: (3) Metro Liners, (2) King Air 350, (3) King Air B100 (4) Cessena 208 Caravan, (2) Piper Chieftain
42 • DECEMBER 2009 BUSINESS IN CALGARY
E-Z AIR INC Ezra Bavly, Pres/Ops Mgr/CFI Tel: 780-453-2085 Aircraft Operated: (1) Bell 206, (1) Robinson R44 EDMONTON FLYING CLUB Ralph Henderson, President Tel: 780-454-4531 Aircraft Operated: (3) C-152, (2) C-172, (1) 172SP, (3) DA-20, (1) DA40, (1) DA42 EDMONTON POLICE SERVICE S/Sgt Dave Berry, Unit Manager Tel: 780-408-4218 Aircraft Operated: (2) EC120B ENERJET Tim Morgan, President/CEO Tel: 403-648-2800 Aircraft Operated: (2) Boeing 737700NG EXECUTIVE FLIGHT CENTRE FUEL SERVICES LTD Brian Hunt, FBO Manager Tel: 780-890-8640 Aircraft Operated: All aircraft up to Boeing 737-700 Series.
NORTHERN AIR CHARTER (P.R.) INC Rob King, President Tel: 780-624-1911 Aircraft Operated: (1) Cessna 185, (1) Aztec, (1) Navajo, (1) King Air 100, (4) King Air 200 OPTIMAIR LTD Dave McKinstry, President Tel: 780-469-7877 Aircraft Operated: (2) Cessna 206, (1) Cessna 182, (1) Chieftan PA 31-350 (1)PA 31-310 PEREGRINE HELICOPTERS Brad Armstrong, President Tel: 780-865-3353 Aircraft Operated: (1) B206B3 (1) B206 L3 PHOENIX HELI-FLIGHT INC Paul Spring, President Toll Free: 1-888-715-9245 Aircraft Operated: (2) Euro 120, (1) AS350B2, (1) EC 130B4, (1) AS355N, (1) 355NP, (1) 350B3
GEMINI HELICOPTERS INC Roch Dallaire, President Tel: 780-402-2444 Aircraft Operated: (3) EC 120, (6) R44, (5) AS350, (2) Bell 205
RED DEER COLLEGE AVN DIPLOMA Dennis Cooper, CEO Toll Free: 1-800-315-8097 Locations in Red Deer and Okotoks Aircraft Operated: Cessna 172, Piper Seneca I, Piper Navajo, Alsim 200 C
GUARDIAN HELICOPTERS INC Graydon Kowal, President Tel: 403-730-6333 Aircraft Operated: (2) Bell205, (3) AS350BA, (3) Bell 206B, (1) PA31P, (1) MD 530F
REGIONAL 1 AIRLINES LTD William (Bill) Houghton, Director of Operations Toll Free: 1-888-802-1010 Aircraft Operated: (4) Dash 8-100, (2) Dash 8-200, (1) Dash 8-300
INFINITY FLIGHT SERVICES William Vasquez, Operations Manager Toll Free: 1-877-VIP-7900 Aircraft Operated: (1) King Air B100, (1) BAE 31
RIDGE ROTORS INC. Hans Nogel, Ops Mgr Toll Free: 1-877-242-4211 Aircraft Operated: (2) B206B2, (1) A Star 350 B2, (2) R44
INTEGRA AIR INC Brent Gateman Toll Free: 1-877-213-8359 Aircraft Operated: (1) PA31T Cheyenne, (1)Cessna 172 Floatplane, (2) BAC-31
RILPA ENTERPRISES LTD Ken L. Mizera, President Tel: 403-275-3035 Aircraft Leased: (10) Bell 206B, (1) HU500D, (1) HU500E, (1 ) 204B, (1) 205B, (2) AS350
KENN BOREK AIR LTD Sean Loutitt, VP Operations Tel: 403-291-3300 Aircraft Operated: (3) Beech 99, (8) Beech 100, (4) Beech 200, (41) Twin Otter, (2) DC3-T, (2) EMB-110 MILLAR WESTERN INDUSTRIES Brad Whalen, Chief Pilot Tel: 780-451-2588 Aircraft Operated: (1) Hawker 800A MOUNTAIN VIEW HELICOPTERS Paul Bergeron, President/CP Tel: 403-286-7186 Aircraft Operated: (3) R22, (3) R44, (1) Bell 206
ROTORWORKS INC. Jim Hofland Tel: 780-778-6600 Aircraft Operated: (2) R22 Robinson, (5) R44 Robinson WESTJET AIRLINES LTD Toll Free: 1-888-937-8538 Aircraft Operated: (13) Boeing 737-600, (55) Boeing 737-700, (8) Boeing 737-800
Alberta Charter Operators Charter Fixed Wing ADVENTURE AVIATION INC. Michael Mohr, Ops. Manager (780) 539-6968 Aircraft Operated: (2) C172 AIR PARTNERS CORP. Tim Morgan, President Toll Free: 1-877-233-9350 Aircraft Operated: Citation V (2) Citation Ultra Citation Encore Beechcraft Premier I Twin Commander (2) Citation XL, King air 200 AIRBORNE ENERGY SOL. LTD Tony Hunley, President-CEO Toll Free: 1-888-496-3222 Aircraft Operated: (2) Robinson RH22, (7) Robinson RH44, (21) Robinson RH44 Raven II (RH44 II), (9) Bell 206 B (B206), (2) Bell 205 A1-17, (4) AS350 BA, (3) Piper Navajo A-31, (1) Cessna 208 Caravan, (2) Cessna 172, (2) Cessna 206, (1) Cessna 177, (1) King Air 350 (1) King Air 200 ALBERTA CITYLINK Robert Phillips, General Manager Toll Free: 1-877-399-1234 Aircraft Operated: (1) BAe Jetstream 32, (5) BE 20 King Air, (1) PA 31 Navajo ALTA FLIGHTS (CHARTERS) INC David Robertson, President Tel: 780-890-1330 Aircraft Operated: (4) Metro 23, (3) King Air 100, (2) Grand Caravan,(2) Piper PA31, (5) Cessna 172, (2) Cessna Citation 501, (1) Cessna Citation 550 ARIES AVIATION SERVICE CORP Lloyd Kissack, General Manager Toll Free: 1-877-730-6499 Aircraft Operated: (2) LR36 Lear Jet, (4) PA-31 Navajo, (1) King Air 200, (1) Cessna Caravan AVMAX GROUP INC Don Parkin, Executive VP Toll Free: 1-888-524-9444 Aircraft Operated: CRJ -8, BAE 146 BAR XH AIR INC Robert Phillips, General Manager Tel: 403-527-3328 Aircraft Operated: (2) BAe Jetstream, (6) King Air 200, (1) Piper Navajo (1) Dash 8 -100 (1) Dash 8 -300
CAN-WEST CORPORATE AIR CHARTERS Sara MacLeod, Flight Coodinator Tel: 780-849-5353 Aircraft Operated: (4) BE20, (1)PA31, (2) C206, (2) C185, (1) C210, (1) Beech Baron, CENTRAL AVIATION INC Colin MacLeod, Operations Manager Tel: 403-242-9130 Aircraft Operated: (2) Piper Navajo Chieftain, (1) Piper Seneca, (2) Waco DYNAMIC FLIGHT SERVICES INC. Jeanette Toews Tel: 403-735-3290 Aircraft Operated: Books sub charters ENERJET Tim Morgan, President/CEO Tel: 403-648-2800 Aircraft Operated: (2) Boeing 737700NG INFINITY FLIGHT SERVICES William Vasquez, Operations Manager Toll Free: 1-877-VIP-7900 Aircraft Operated: (1) King Air B100, (1) BAE 31 INTEGRA AIR INC Brent Gateman Toll Free: 1-877-213-8359 Aircraft Operated: (1) PA31T Cheyenne, (1) Cessna 172 Floatplane, (2) BAC-31 KENN BOREK AIR LTD Sean Loutitt, VP Operations Tel: 403-291-3300 Aircraft Operated: (3) Beech 99 (8) Beech 100, (4) Beech 200, (41) Twin Otter, (2) DC3-T, (2) EMB-110 NORTHERN AIR CHARTER (P.R.) INC Rob King, President Tel: 780-624-1911 Aircraft Operated: (1) Cessna 185, (1) Aztec, (1) Navajo, (1) King Air 100, (5) King Air 200 OPTIMAIR LTD Dave McKinstry, President Tel: 780-469-7877 Aircraft Operated: (2) Cessna 206, (1) Cessna 182, (1) Chieftan PA 31-350 (1)PA 31-310 RED DEER COLLEGE AVN DIPLOMA Dennis Cooper, CEO Toll Free: 1-800-315-8097 Locations in Red Deer and Okotoks Aircraft Operated: Cessna 172, Piperr Senaca I, Piper Navajo, Alsim 200 C REGIONAL 1 AIRLINES LTD William (Bill) Houghton, Director of Operations Toll Free: 1-888-802-1010 Aircraft Operated: (4) Dash 8-100, (2) Dash 8-200, (1) Dash 8-300
SUNWEST AVIATION LTD Richard Hotchkiss, President & CEO Toll Free: 1-888-291-4566 Aircraft Operated: (1) Falcon 900 EX, (3) King Air B200, (1) Citation V (1) Citation Ultra, (1) Lear 35A, (2) Lear 55, (3) Hawker 800, (4) Metro 23, (2) Metro II, (3) Lear 45, (1) Hawker 800 XP, (1) King Air 350, (5) Beech 1900D, (1) Challenger 604, (1) Challenger 300, (4) Piper Chieftain, (3) C208, (1) Gulfstream G150, (1) Cessna Citation Sovereign SWANBERG AIR INC Rich Wilde, General Manager Toll Free: 1-877-637-8977 Aircraft Operated: (4) Jetstream 31, (1) PA31-350 (1) Navajo Chieftain WETASKIWIN AIR SERVICES LTD. Ron Vanden Dungen, Director of Flight Ops Tel: 780-352-5643 Aircraft Operated: (1) Cessna 150, (2) Cessna 172, (1) PA 30
Alberta Charter Operators Charter Rotary Wing ABITIBI HELICOPTERS LTD. Betrand Perron, President/Director Operations Toll Free: 1-800-247-9591 Aircraft Operated: (4) AS 350 B2, (10) AS 350 FX/2, (1) AS 350 BA+, (1)Bell 205 A1 (1) AS 350 BA, (1) AS 350 B2/D2 AHLSTROM AIR LTD. Michael Helsch, Chief Pilot & Base Manager 403-721-2203 Aircraft Operated: (1) AS350B2/D2 AIRBORNE ENERGY SOL. LTD Tony Hunley, President-CEO Toll Free: 1-888-496-3222 Aircraft Operated: (2) Robinson RH22, (7) Robinson RH44, (21) Robinson RH44 Raven II (RH44 II), (9) Bell 206 B (B206), (2) Bell 205 A1-17, (4) AS350 BA, (3) Piper Navajo A-31, (1) Cessna 208 Caravan, (2) Cessna 172, (2) Cessna 206, (1) Cessna 177, (1) King Air 350 BLACK SWAN HELICOPTERS LTD Linda Johnson, President Toll Free: 877-475-4774 Aircraft Operated: (1) AS350BA, (1) AS350SD2, (1) B206B, (5) R44 CANADIAN HELICOPTERS LTD Don Wall, Senior Executive VP Tel: 780-429-6900 Aircraft Operated: (27) Bell 206B/B3, (13) Bell206L/L1, (12) Bell212 (IFR & VFR), (4) AS350B/D, (26) S350BA, (16) AS350B2, (2) AS355F1/F2, (1) AS355N, (6) R22B/ B2, (5) R44II, (13) S76A, (1) S61N, (3) EC120B
CANADIAN NORTH Mark Gillespie Manager, Business Development Tel: 403 705 3118 Aircraft Operated: (1) Dash 8 737 Combi
PEREGRINE HELICOPTERS Brad Armstrong, President Tel: 780-865-3353 Aircraft Operated: (1) B206B3 (1)B206 L3
ENERJET Tim Morgan, President/CEO Tel: 403-648-2800 Aircraft Operated: (2) Boeing 737700NG
DELTA HELICOPTERS LTD Paul Stubbs, Ops Manager Toll Free: 1-800-665-3564 Aircraft Operated: (9) Bell 206, (3) Bell 206L3, (6 )A-Star 350BA, (4) Bell 204, (2) AF350-B2
PHOENIX HELI-FLIGHT INC Paul Spring, President Toll Free: 1-888-715-9245 Aircraft Operated: (2) Euro 120, (1) AS350B2, (1) EC 130B4, (1) AS355N, (1)355NP, (1) 350B3
E-Z AIR INC Ezra Bavly, Pres/Ops Mgr/CFI Tel: 780-453-2085 Aircraft Operated: (1) Bell 206, (1) Robinson R44
PRECISION HELICOPTERS INC John Carlton, GM Toll Free: 1-877-545-5455 Aircraft Operated: (1) AS350B, (1) AS350BA, (1) AS350D2
EDMONTON POLICE SERVICE S/Sgt Dave Berry, Unit Manager Tel: 780-408-4218 Aircraft Operated: (1) EC120B
REMOTE HELICOPTERS LTD. Jeff Lukan, President Tel: 780-849-2222 Aircraft Operated: (1) AS350B2, (2) AS350D2, (1) Bell 204 – c model, (2) Bell 206, (2) Bell 212 (2) BA (1) B2 (2) Super D
SKY SERVICE Jill Timmins, VP Western Region Tel: 403-592-3710 King Air 350 (2), Citation II (1) Citation Ultra (1), Citation XL (1) Citation Bravo (1), Citation CJ3 (1) Citation X (1), Challenger 300 (3) Challenger 601 (7), Challenger 604 (5) Learjet 45 (6), Learjet 60XR (1) Falcon 50 (1), Falcon 50EX (2) Piaggio (2), Hawker 700 (1) Gulfstream 150 (1), Gulfstream 450 (1) Global 5000 (2), Citation CJ (1) Challenger 605 (1) G5 (1), Conquest (1), Cheyenne (1) Falcon 2000 (2)
GEMINI HELICOPTERS INC Roch Dallaire, President Tel: 780-402-2444 Aircraft Operated: (3) EC 120, (6) R44, (5)AS350, (2) Bell 205 GREAT SLAVE HELICOPTERS INC Jeff Denomme, President Tel: 1.867.873.2081 Todd Johnson, Director of Sales and Marketing Tel: 780.232.2589 Springbank Base Facility Tel: 403.286.2040 Aircraft Operated: Bell 206B Jet Ranger, Hughes 500 Collibri EC120B, Bell 206 Long Ranger Bell 206L1, Bell 206L3, Bell 206L4 Eurocopter AS350BA, Eurocopter AS350B2 Eurocopter AS350B4, Bell 205A1+, Bell 205A1++, Bell 212, Bell212HP, Bell212S GUARDIAN HELICOPTERS INC Graydon Kowal, President Tel: 403-730-6333 Aircraft Operated: (2) Bell205, (3) AS350BA, (3) Bell 206B, (1) PA31P, (1) MD 530F HIGH COUNTRY HELICOPTERS Hjalmar Tiesenhausen Toll Free: 1-877-777-4354 Aircraft Operated: (1) Bell 206, (1)Long Ranger, (1) A Star HIGHLAND HELICOPTERS LTD. Terry Jones- Ops Manager Tel: 780-459-5661 Aircraft Operated: (24) Bell 206B, (2) Bell 206 L-3, (2) AS 350 BA, (15) AS350 B2, MOUNTAIN VIEW HELICOPTERS Paul Bergeron, President/CP Tel: 403-286-7186 Aircraft Operated: (3) R22, (3) R44, (1)Bell 206 MUSTANG HELICOPTERS INC Jim Freake, Operations Manager Tel: 403-886-5995 Aircraft Operated: (7) HU500D, (11) AS350B2, (1) 206B III, (4) 205-17
RIDGE ROTORS INC. Hans Nogel, Ops Mgr Toll Free: 1-877-242-4211 Aircraft Operated: (2) B206B2, (1) A Star 350 B2, (2) R44 SLAVE LAKE HELICOPTERS LTD George Kelham, President Tel: 780-849-6666 Aircraft Operated: (4) AS350 B2, (1)Bell 206B-3, (1) EC 120 SLOAN HELICOPTERS LTD Troy Sloan, President Tel: 780-849-4456 Aircraft Operated: (2) RH44, (1)EC120B THEBACHA HELICOPTERS LTD Kim Hornsby, President & DOM Tel: 780-723-4180 Aircraft Operated: (1) AS350BA (1) Bell 206B, (1) AS350B2 ULTRA HELICOPTERS LTD Rene Brule, President Toll Free: 1-877-332-2995 Aircraft Operated: (1) Bell 205 A-1, (3) Bell 206 B, (1) Bell 206L-3, (2) AStar350FX2 WOOD BUFFALO HELICOPTERS Michael Morin, Ops Mgr Tel: 780-743-5588 Aircraft Operated: (3) B206B, (1) B206L1-C30P, (3) AS350 B2 Jet Charters
SWANBERG AIR INC Rich Wilde, General Manager Toll Free: 1-877-637-8977 Aircraft Operated: (4) Jetstream 31, (1) Challenger 601, (1) PA31-350 Navajo Chieftain NORTH CARIBOO AIR Richard Milton, Chief Pilot Toll Free: 1-866-359-6222 Aircrafts Operated: Citation 2, Dash 8, Beech 1900, King Air 200, King Air 100, King Air 90, Navajo Q JETS AVIATION LTD. Ken DeWyn, President Tel: 403-274-JETS (5387) Aircraft Operated: (2) Citation I Stallion, (2) Citation Super 2, (1) Corporate Jetstream 32, (1) Citation 5 Ultra
Fractional Ownerships AIR PARTNERS CORP. Tim Morgan, President Toll Free: 1-877-233-9350 Aircraft Operated: Citation V (2) Citation Ultra Citation Encore Beechcraft Premier I Twin Commander (3) Citation XL, King air 200 AIRSPRINT INC. Judson Macor, CEO Toll Free: 1-877-588-2344 Selling shares in Citation XL/S and Pilatus PC-12s
AIR PARTNERS CORP. Tim Morgan, President Toll Free: 1-877-233-9350 Aircraft Operated: Citation V (2) Citation Ultra Citation Encore Beechcraft Premier I Twin Commander (3)Citation XL, King air 200 CANADIAN NORTH Mark Gillespie Manager, Business Development Tel: Bus 403 705 3118 Aircraft Operated: 737 Combi, (1) Dash 8
BUSINESS IN CALGARY DECEMBER 2009 • 43
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or years, it seems, we’ve heard the prediction that “today’s grads” will have five or six distinct careers in their lifetimes. Gone are the days of sticking to one employer or even one field of work, they say. Recruiters and educators agree employment trends in the past decade have created a new landscape of work in Canada. The recession has undoubtedly left many people thinking about making a career transition, whether by choice or out of necessity.
44 • DECEMBER 2009 BUSINESS IN CALGARY
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Workers have to consider how realistic and feasible their career change is in practice. Going from being a corporate securities lawyer to a hospital surgeon, for example, might be a stretch.
But some question how diverse we can expect our careers to be over the span of 30 or 40 years. “We’ve been talking about grads going to have four or five careers for at least 10 years and I’m not seeing it,” says Susan Quinn, an associate professor of human resources in Mount Royal University’s Bissett School of Business. If you are going to make a transition into a new career, there are some good ways and bad ways to go about doing it. “It’s not this complete 180-degree change,” says Elizabeth Scott, program director of business and professional program for the University of Calgary’s faculty of continuing education. Amy Jensen, for example, spent several years in marketing roles for energy companies. After taking some courses in entrepreneurship, she made a logical leap to communications consulting as a strategist working mainly for small technology startups. “I think you have to look for areas where your skills are transferable, or where you have contacts that can help you get a foot in the door in a new field or a subset within your broader career field,” says Jensen. 46 • DECEMBER 2009 BUSINESS IN CALGARY
Workers have to consider how realistic and feasible their career change is in practice. Going from being a corporate securities lawyer to a hospital surgeon, for example, might be a stretch. Reasons for drastic career change are often rooted in technological changes within an industry. Technology creates jobs that weren’t around five or 10 years ago, while others have been heavily impacted by all sorts of technology that didn’t exist until recently. Then there are younger generations who tend to make significant career change for more personal reasons or to seek a better balance between work and personal passions. Quinn recalls one student who worked for several years in the oilpatch as a professional engineer before deciding to quit to become a snowboarding instructor at Whistler Blackcomb. “They’re not happy with bureaucracy, with the way things move slowly or the rather extraordinary demands placed on some workers,” says Quinn. Scott says that while different generations tend to have different priorities, the pursuit of ongoing learning surely has benefits in a world where the pace of work now moves so fast.
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Shifting Careers • Continuing Education
“It’s about always, continually, honing your skills,” says Scott. “Those who show the initiative to continually improve themselves are the ones who make the career change or transition more easily. Anything that shows continuing education gets placed in the pile that’s worth taking a look at.” Scott has been an educator, a consultant and a coach during her career so far, but they were all interrelated in some manner, building on the knowledge and experience gained from her previous roles. When making a career change, one strategy that works best is to seek out the help of a fresh set of eyes and ears. Quinn says working with others when you embark on this type of transformative change is essential to testing out your ideas before they become reality. “My job (as a career counsellor) was to try to knock the blinkers off them,” she says. “It was really cool just watching the wheels spin behind their eyes. Then you identify whether it would be realistic for them to do that.”
Self-assessment tools – available online, through private companies or via government agencies – can be a good starting point, but it’s just one tool. Many workers have never even done self-assessments because “they had just fallen into the job” or industry and worked their way up, “until one day the axe fell,” she says. You don’t have to commit to a specific direction for your new career until you’ve done some additional research, either. Some programs will allow you to audit certain courses to get a flavour of what program or course, but you can also approach individual instructors of courses you’re interested in to ask them directly. Instructors at training companies and institutions also have valuable industry contacts – a good place to start the invaluable networking exercise. Networking could also include reaching out to industry associations, attending meetings or events and mixing with professionals already working in the field.
Some programs will allow you to audit certain courses to get a flavour of what program or course, but you can also approach individual instructors of courses you’re interested in to ask them directly.
48 • DECEMBER 2009 BUSINESS IN CALGARY
Shifting Careers • Continuing Education
An up-to-date resumé can be tailored to individual organizations or jobs, so refine your resumé and cover letter to better reflect your new direction and seek out opportunities related to that field, even if it’s below the level that you would ideally like to pursue. An up-to-date resumé can be tailored to individual organizations or jobs, so refine your resumé and cover letter to better reflect your new direction and seek out opportunities related to that field, even if it’s below the level that you would ideally like to pursue. Many of the companies that appear on top employer rankings are also still investing in training programs and offering subsidies for employees seeking to advance their
careers, so look inside your existing employer before deciding to leave for a new job and take advantage of those in-house programs or benefits. There could be potential new opportunities down the road. In some programs, the most valuable learning takes place from peer-to-peer or in-group learning scenarios. Many MBA programs, for example, have instructors or professors whose main purpose is to facilitate the learn-
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Shifting Careers • Continuing Education
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ing of the group rather than direct or presume to know more than the students, many of whom are seasoned executives themselves. Don’t discount the value of volunteering, too. If you seek out a volunteer opportunity that has a focus on the areas or skills you would like to develop, it could be a win-win situation for everyone. “The volunteer part of society is in dire straights,” says Quinn. “The sector is crying for people and they’re in a desperate position. There’s just so much opportunity in that whole sector you can get involved in and make a difference.” The non-profit sector also opens up another good networking avenue for people wishing to make a transition, since it’s one more door with people from varied backgrounds working to fulfil a personal passion. The organizations will gain somebody to help deliver their services, while you can add a new dimension to your skill set and expand into new roles as you learn the ropes. Volunteer experience also helps your resumé stand out because it demonstrates another layer of community involvement and personal development. Jensen, meanwhile, is happy to be working in a role that gives her more flexibility and better aligns with her penchant for entrepreneurship. “Whatever the reason that someone wants to shift gears and switch careers, it really boils down to pursuing something that is going to be fulfilling,” she says. There are always going to be trade-offs, so it’s a matter of finding something you’re most comfortable with and really knowing your priorities. A slightly smaller salary with a lot more flexibility happened to be right for her at the time. It’s part of a longer career trajectory of learning. “I value all of the experiences I’ve had because they have all helped me prepare for the next step in my career and my life,” she says. “You shouldn’t fear the unknown, but prepare for it and embrace the future on your own terms.” BiC
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BOMA Calgary news
wInTer 2009
Page 1 - Is the Glass Half Full or Half Empty? | Page 3 - President’s Report | Page 4 - Opportunistic Outlook | Page 5 - Promotion Cleanup | Page 6 - Who’s Who in the Zoo | Page 13 - David Parker
Is The Glass Half Full or Half Empty? Looking for Good News in the Calgary Office Market By Kevin Antaya
T
he half-full view is that the Calgary office market is currently tight with city-wide vacancy of only 9.1 per cent and only 3.2 per cent in Class A Core. The half-empty view is that the current flood of sublet, new and backfill space that is coming to market will likely result in availability rates breaking through some historic highs. However, when compared to other office markets, Calgary’s swings have had greater amplitude and a shorter wavelength. Combined with continuing positive signs from the economy and a thawing of capital markets, this should set up the market for an earlier recovery than straight-line thinking may indicate. Adding to the half-full view is the fact that the 13 million square feet that the current five-year new supply binge of 2007 through 2011 will
The graph above represents an overview of the history of leased area in Downtown Calgary and a forward view of existing under construction (green line). Assuming an annual increase in Leased Area of around 250,000 sf per year for the next five years, the Available Rate in Q4 2013 would be 15.5%.
BOMA Calgary News
1
BOMA Calgary News BOMA Calgary News is a co-publication of BOMA Calgary and Business in Calgary.
Business in Calgary 1025, 101 - 6 Ave. SW, Calgary, AB T2P 3P4 Tel: 403.264.3270 • Fax: 403.264.3276 Email: info@businessincalgary.com Web: www.businessincalgary.com
BOMA Calgary 120, 4954 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB T3E 6L1 Email: info@boma.ca • Web: www.boma.ca Tel: 403.237.0559 • Fax: 403.266.5876 Chair Paul Gauthier, Fujitec Canada Inc. MeMbers Blair Carbert, Stones Carbert Waite LLP Michael Kehoe, Fairfield Commercial Real Estate Miles Durrie, Calgary Herald Carol Lewis, Calgary Herald James Harvie, TELUS Convention Centre Lia Robinson, BOMA Calgary
add to Calgary’s existing inventory is only slightly more than half of the amount which was added in the previous high water cycle from 1979 through 1983. Sublet can be retracted as quickly as it was added. While Suncor’s 418,000 square feet of sublet is real and there may be more from Suncor and others, some other firms may surprise and retract a portion of their sublet. In addition, the recent announcement from EnCana may mean that they will need more office space than expected only six months ago. Two public companies need more space than one and demand for private offices at the perimeter of The Bow may result in more floors being needed than originally expected. Over the past few years the differences in Calgary’s office rents have become smaller than normal as rates moved higher as the market became very tight and de-
mand accelerated. That has now changed. Due to the large amount of available space that has and is about to come to market, rents will be highly differentiated for the next few years, with the gaps becoming larger than normal. This will be accelerated due to the fact that, at the same time, demand has fallen sharply. In the end, the key variable for a recovery will be the demand for new space and how increases or decreases in demand will continue to put pressure on rental rates. There will be a recovery. The uncertainty relates to when, not if. Kevin Antaya is with Altus Insite, a provider of national office market data and perspective for the Canadian commercial real estate industry. Additional details and reporting options are available to subscribers to Altus InSite Office Market. For more information, please visit www.altusinsite.com.
Officers President Guy Priddle, MBA, RPA, BLJC Facility Management ViCe President/President-eleCt Peter MacHardy, GWL Realty Advisors Inc.
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PrEsIdENT’s rEPOrT
The Supply and Demand Equation – the Search for Equilibrium By guy Priddle, MBa, President
A
s the global recession continues, concerns are being recognized with respect to commercial real estate, specifically the financing of same. Commercial real estate has been at the forefront in recessions past, and will still be a major focus to come in this one. The difference, though, is that in past events overbuilding has been a significant contributing factor impacting occupancy levels, lease rates and building values. This time that is not the case in a North American sense; this time, the event is a financial one, led by the crisis in credit markets. The impact on commercial property, and the impact commercial property is soon to make on the economy, is led by depressed stock prices, low consumer confidence and rising unemployment. Loans written through the recent boom are now coming due. With higher vacancies and lower rental rates, the symptoms of a general recession, this is a less than ideal environment for refinancing. Shortterm financing is unlikely to roll over when it comes due. In the U.S. in particular there will be bankruptcy filings if lenders refuse to refinance debt, as was the case with General Growth Properties, who filed for protection when its $US27 million debt came due. The risk is not only to the health of the real estate industry – the already stressed U.S. financial institutions will see their stability put to the test yet again. In Canada, the exposure is reduced in part due to the now popularly envied Canadian banking system – yes, the same banking system that prior to the recession was criticized for being too restrictive in its lending practices. With available capital focused in fewer, larger institu-
tions, there is less risk of a collapse of a bank due to an overexposure through one developer or landlord. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are also well positioned to survive or even thrive through the downturn due to equity in projects and access to public markets. Some are creating ‘predator funds’ to eventually invest in distressed properties. In Calgary, it really boils down further to a basic economic equation of supply versus demand. As in any other market, the demand side is affected directly by the general economic state, and that state is still at risk. Oil and gas markets have seen moderate and small gains respectively, but those gains have not been significant enough or of long enough duration to get confidence back on the positive side yet. There is still a belief in the minds of tenants that rates will go down as a result of those still low commodity prices, and the new supply of product that is poised to hit our market. So, what of that new supply? Both Colliers and CBRE, in their Q3 2009 reports, indicated that the downtown office market saw over 400,000 square feet of negative absorption in the third quarter, bringing the year-to-date total to between 1.3 and 1.5 million square feet. Sublease space now accounts for over 50 per cent of available space. That will be added to the approximately 4.5 million square feet being delivered between now and 2013. Is this a perfect storm for tenants holding on, hoping to renew at the last moment in anticipation of the lowest lease rates in 10 years? An economic crisis, a looming commercial mortgage default crisis, reduced local demand for space, a large volume of space coming back on the
market – hold on tenants, your time to strike is near! Conversely, why would anyone be optimistic about the Calgary commercial real estate environment? It will all boil down to the basic supply versus demand equation. Clearly the market is not currently in equilibrium – there is more supply than demand at this point. It is easy to forget that the demand side is not controlled solely on the basis of today’s supply, however, and therein lies my caution to tenants waiting for the other shoe to drop. The market will move towards equilibrium on the strength of outside forces that will affect both the supply or demand side, and my expectation is that it will occur relatively quickly with a recovery in commodity markets. True, the U.S. economy is and will remain sluggish. The other emerging engines of the global economy – most notably India and China – will positively impact commodity markets throughout the world as their own economies return to a more normal state. Not the least of those commodity markets is located right here at home. The trends of the recession will not continue for long, as markets are beginning to show. Negative absorption will slow and then reverse, and the balance of space that tenants want will begin to find equilibrium with the amount of space landlords have. The process of balancing supply and demand is unfortunately quite volatile; we are either on top of the world or ‘six feet under’ – rarely do we stay long at equilibrium. Markets will move up as fast as they moved down, and vice versa. It is the nature of that search for equilibrium.
BOMA Calgary News
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ExEcutivE vicE-PrEsidEnt’s rEPort
Opportunistic Outlook
By William Partridge, CAE, Executive Vice-President
W
e have all attended conferences where one speaker’s words of wisdom have remained with us long after the conference has ended. McNeill Stokes, a lawyer by training, spoke at a BOMA International Convention in the 1980s when, oddly enough, we were in the midst of a rather deep recession. Industry members may recall those days which are not unlike today’s business climate. Stokes defined an optimist as someone who could not have possibly listened to the radio, watched TV or read newspapers for quite some time. With a steady influx of commercial media bombarding us daily about the extent to which and how far and how fast the economic sky is falling – reporting each twist, turn and economic machination – it is a natural thing for one to become discouraged about everything in general. When you are in the dumps it may seem nearly impossible to get the mind working on positive and constructive things. Kevin Antaya’s article on the market makes the analogy to the glass half-full/half-empty per-
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BOMA Calgary News
spective: it’s all in how you view things and how you respond to what you see, hear or read. On the subject of an “information bombardment,” I am with McNeill Stokes: turn it all off! The H1N1 matter is a case in point. There is so much information coming at us and most of it conflicting; people are confused and not really sure what they should do. It is hard to be optimistic. It is in these times that we require leaders, a commodity of which we seem to be in rather short supply. The one thing we can always control is the way we respond to adversity. The recession was not our fault – it happened. There is nothing we can do about H1N1; it is here and spreading. It is a time to lead, at time to cast off doubt, and a time to act; a time to draw upon our strengths and create a focus. As early as 2007, BOMA took action with respect to pandemic preparedness. Note this is preparedness, not prevention. There is little we mortals can do to actually stop the disease in the short term. BOMA recognized this and its leaders responded by preparing to keep going once it arrived. There are online tools on BOMA’s Pandemic website (http://www.bomacanada-pandemic.ca/) which many will find helpful. One individual that everyone knows is George Brookman, whose enthusiasm for anything Calgary is totally infectious. David Parker makes reference to Brookman as the new leader of Tourism Calgary in his column in this issue. Most people may not be aware, but Brookman was president of BOMA Calgary in 1980/1981 when this scribe joined the BOMA organization. His enthusiasm helped BOMA get off to a good start and set a positive tone for others to follow. It was the only possible outcome which extended from an optimistic view of what Calgary could be. Optimism holds as well in Robert Henderson’s column on recent land transactions. Despite judicial sales, land values are holding and sites are being bought. Developers must, by their very nature, be optimists. They believe if they seize an opportunity they can do something with it. Pessimists could never be developers as they, also by their nature, have denied themselves a view of any future. We remain convinced that Calgary holds promise for the future. We believe in good things to come as a result of the many talented people in our midst – whether it is the chronic boosterism of the George Brookmans of our community or the “make a deal” positive outlook of the development community. It’s all about the future, and it’s all about transforming what we have into a clear vision. Remember, there is a reason the windshield of your car is larger than your rear-view mirror. It is always best to focus ahead than to fret about the past.
Promotion Cleanup* By robert Henderson, COre Database *Values reported in this article are for the land value exclusive of structures on them. Names in [] are the legal names.
“..[I]t is obvious that the achievements of David Thompson contributed to the accumulation of knowledge about our lands and resources, and eventually led to a robust economy based on exploitation of North America’s vast natural resources.” – Robert Thirsk, ALS, June 2009, p 37. Information is the key to promoting any venture and an inaccurate report can hamper that enterprise. The written accounts and maps of Western Canada in the late 1700s were used as promotional tools by adventurers who wanted to improve the appearance of their project to prospective investors. Map features included compressed distances, rivers to the Pacific, abundant natural resources and minimal obstacles, most of which the creators of these maps had never seen and only knew through word of mouth or fabricated to make their venture look feasible. Most were inaccurate while some showed features that were possible within 200 miles. David Thomas was given up by his mother at an early age. At the Grey Coat School, near Westminster, he was given a first-rate education and had his name changed to blend in with the other children, with all subsequent records referring to him as David Thompson. At the age of 14, he was apprenticed to the Hudson’s Bay Company and arrived at Fort Churchill on the western shore of Hudson Bay. He went on to change the face of North America, walking 55,000 miles over the area (some of it with his growing family), surveying the features and creating the map that would be the standard for the following 70 years. He is still considered by the survey department at Alberta Land Titles to be accurate within two miles. The completion of transfers negotiated prior to the October ’08 downturn were in decline during the third quarter of 2009 and the effects of the recession took hold with properties being returned through the courts to vendors who had transferred them secured by mortgages. Sandmore Antiques at the east end of 9th [Atlantic] Avenue reverted for a reported $211/sqft in July while Billingsgate on 7th [MacIntyre] Avenue was transferred to the city for $5,500,000. Enmax acquired the small parking lot to the east of its 10th [Pacific] Avenue sub-station from the city for $180/sqft while an adjacent business in the Edinburgh condo on 6th [Angus] Avenue and 8th Street acquired unit 8 for $361/ sqft. The investment climate froze in August with no reported transfers of downtown or beltline properties. September did see the province consolidate the parcels for the new courthouse on 8th [Stephen] Avenue and
5th Street with the momentary creation, transfer and cancellation of the lane for a reported $140/sqft from the city – the true consideration involving a land swap. LaCaille also consolidated its parcel on 6th [Angus] Avenue west of 8th Street and that on 4th [Reinach] Avenue just west of Ceasar’s. The parking lot west of the 10th [Pacific] Avenue bottle depot was transferred by the court to the mortgage holder, Pasearium, for $3,600,000. One residential parcel in Victoria Park on 11th [Smith] Avenue was transmitted through an estate direction and the court transferred the parking lot east of Torode’s Vista project on 12th [van Horne] Avenue for a reported $930,000. There will be more court decisions in the future related to the promotional fallout from Calgary’s building boom and this will take some time to clear the courts. These judicial sales, some based on appraisals, will form the basis of Calgary’s downtown and beltline land values and it will take a further year for the marketplace to assert itself.
BOMA Calgary News
5
Who’s Who in the Zoo!
Nathan Jensen accepts the BOMA BESt Level 1 Certificate for Bow Island Provincial Building.
Carrie Clancy, Mike Clancy and Dana Scott of Realex Property Management accept the BOMA BESt Level 2 Certificate for Nexen Tower.
Top; Laura Newcombe, Glen Wardale and Noreen Music, accept the BOMA BESt Level 3 Certificate for Gulf Canada Square (BOMA National EARTH Award winner) from Guy Priddle, President. Bottom left; Eric Teichgraf, Oxford Properties, accepts the BOMA BESt Level 2 Certificate for Calgary Place. Bottom right; Stephen Fox and Gerry Finnerty of Ivanhoe Cambridge accept the BOMA BESt Level 3 Certificate for Southcentre Executive Tower.
Welcome to Contemporary Office Interiors represented by Maxine Morrison, new BOMA member.
Left; Nora Logan accepts the BOMA BESt Level 1 Certificate for Medicine Hat Law Courts. Right; Christan Alexander and Melissa Talbot, Dundee Realty Management accept the BOMA BESt Level 1 Certificates for Dominion Centre, Life Plaza, 435 4th Ave SW Building, Roslyn Building, Atrium I & II, IBM Building A, B and C, 520 5th Ave SW Building, McFarlane Tower and Franklin Atrium.
Peter Slawik accepts the BOMA BESt Level 1 Certificate for Canmore Provincial Building & Cochrane Provincial Building.
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09-10-23 12:57 PM
Top; Guy Priddle, President presents Maria Lafitte, Kristyn Bruce, Laynie Hicks, Graham Sidders, Patsy Cheng, and Landis Jackson of Tonko Realty Advisors the BOMA BESt Level 1 Certificates for 14 buildings. Bottom left; Corrine Jackman, Bentall LP and Holly Egan, Alberta Health Services accept the BOMA BESt Level 3 Certificate for the Sheldon M. Chumir building. Bottom Right; Welcome to Beeline Financial represented by Shoaib Nasir, new BOMA member.
ENERGY ENVIRONMENT SOLUTIONS
Top; Keri Cormier and Michael Cole of Bentall LP accept the BOMA BESt Level 3 Certificates for Livingston Place and BP Centre. Bottom left; George Grant and Marlene Steeves of Alberta Infrastructure accept the BOMA BESt Level 1 Certificates for Airdrie Provincial Building & the Agricultural Regional Centre. Bottom right; Gordon Moss accepts the BOMA BESt Level 1 Certificate for Three Hills Provincial Building.
BOMA Calgary News
7
Who’s Who in the Zoo! Welcome to these new additions to the BOMA membership: Janet Anaka The Forzani Group Ltd. Shoaib Nassir Beeline Financial Corporation James Gainer Precise Parklink Glen Wardale and Peter MacHardy, both of GWL Realty Advisors accepting the 2009 BOMA Canada EARTH Award for Gulf Canada Square.
John Jaggard CANWEST Elevator and Lifts Glynis Johnson Oxford Properties Group Mike Clancy Realex Property Management Michael Luhnau 1-800-GOT-JUNK? Greg Fisher MechWave Engineering Ltd.
Bill Partridge, Executive Vice President of BOMA Calgary, pipes in the BOMA Canada Board of Directors at BOMEX 2009 in Montreal.
Ed Allen HD Supply Canada/Litemore Sheena Nadon Spectrally Enhanced Lighting Solutions Ltd. Brad Wennerestrom Rycom Inc. James Cameron Unity Telecom Corp.
Calgary’s Bentall LP team accepts the BOMA Canada Pinnacle Award for Customer Service at BOMEX 2009 in Montreal.
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BOMA Calgary News
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Who’s Who in the Zoo! BOMA BESt, Building Environmental Standards Congratulations to the latest certified buildings! Franklin Atrium, Dundee Realty Management, Level 1 McFarlane Tower, Dundee Realty Management, Level 1 Roslyn Building, Dundee Realty Management, Level 1 Atrium 1 & 2, Dundee Realty Management, Level 1 520 5 Ave SW, Dundee Realty Management, Level 1 435 4 Ave SW, Dundee Realty Management, Level 1 IBM Building A, B and C, Dundee Realty Management, Level 1 Dominion Centre, Dundee Realty Management, Level 1 Life Plaza, Dundee Realty Management, Level 2 Sheldon M Chumir, Bentall LP, Level 3 Southcentre Executive Tower, Ivanhoe Cambridge, Level 3 Southcentre Mall, Ivanhoe Cambridge, Level 3
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Year in Review By David Parker
I
t is hard to believe that we are almost at the end of another year and it’s time to start dreaming about what 2010 has in store for us. I’m an optimist and have a good feeling as to how this city is going to fare in the coming year, but to be a little more clear in predictions we must look back at 2009, make some comments on the good and the bad and see if we can learn anything to make the predictions as good as we can. It has certainly been a vocal year. Notwithstanding the fact that most countries in the world have suffered economically – and many still are – Calgary and Alberta have fared remarkably well. Some building projects, particularly those promising high-end condominiums failed, while others seem to be managing through tough times and marketing units. Construction of office towers in the downtown core kept up at a tremendous pace meaning we have over five million square feet under construction. There is already too much sub-lease space available, however much of the space in newer buildings has already been leased. Timing is everything as they say and those developers that took the risk of getting into the ground early are feeling quite confident. Bankers Court, Jamieson Place, Penn West Plaza and Centennial Place have done very well. Of course the big cloud is, “But what about when The Bow opens and EnCana pulls out of its current spaces?” Well, we knew that was coming and I’m sure that eventually it will be absorbed. But only if the city continues to grow – and providing downtown isn’t deserted by corporations looking for the advantages to be achieved by relocating to the suburban office market that has shown so much growth. Quarry Park, Westwinds Business
Park and Westmount Corporate Campus have all been quite successful in attracting companies, but have done so by moving several out of downtown which is somewhat of a concern. Little wonder though, that a need to keep good people in the recent labour market upheaval has prompted incentives. Besides a decent wage and use of company fitness centres, another big carrot is the ease of getting to work. There’s lots of parking in suburbia and good access by public transit is improving. Downtown parking, or rather lack of it, plus the exorbitant cost, has been one of my pet peeves this past year. Despite the rants and raves of taxpayers, little has happened and council doesn’t seem to take the plight of drivers at all seriously. The Calgary Parking Authority just goes on collecting fees from developers, charging market – and if you wander around some of the private lots, above market – rates for the privilege of leaving a car to earn a living or shop or dine. Council doesn’t think things through before making decisions and had to backtrack on parking fees at LRT stations, which – to my mind – there wasn’t the need to install in the first place. I experienced the same aggravation with the aldermen who blew it big time with the Calatrava Bridge to nowhere, and since then have aggravated me further with the decision to approve a re-branding of the city. Ald. Joe Connelly at least made it known that he felt there was no need for the re-brand exercise at all, but what incensed me was handing the project to a Los Angeles firm. Committee chair Lance Carlson, president and CEO of Alberta College of Art and Design (ACAD), says that the chosen firm, Gensler, was a clear winner, but I don’t buy the inference that Calgary creative houses are not capable of doing the job.
And the fact that it was conducted through the office of Calgary Economic Development is particularly frustrating. Surely CED is charged with the Development of Calgary’s Economy and must support and promote Calgary businesses, not blithely accept a recommendation from a committee of volunteers. Better to bang the table and holler and scream in praise of local agencies who have a pretty good idea of this city’s attractiveness, and how to promote it. Surely we have an obligation to support local business, never mind telling the world we are not capable of handling our own by graduates from ACAD or EVDS for that matter. Carlson is reported to have said that, “Heart of the New West . . . fails to represent the arts, culture and other parts of the city.” I’m far from being a cowboy, but do believe that the Stampede is the first thing that comes to mind with tourists; I doubt if many international travellers will buy a hotel room in Calgary to visit a bridge or any other piece of art for that matter. Makes one wonder what will be next. Flagworks, a Calgary company that has spent $1 million on new equipment, is short-listed for the 2010 Winter Olympics, fills contracts around the world and is a huge supporter of this community, yet has to accept the fact that city bridge banners are made in Vancouver. Will production of our new brand and logo material also be sourced out of the city? But the good news was that George Brookman accepted the role as chair of Tourism Calgary, an organization that has waffled for far too long without leadership. I don’t know of a more energetic supporter and salesman for this city; a man with tons of common sense and savvy. Let’s hope our decision makers think before acting in 2010. BOMA Calgary News
13
W EBBER A CADEMY
Preparing Students to Thrive in University and Beyond Webber Academy Welcomes Mrs. Jemmie Silver
Mrs. Jemmie Silver
Webber Academy is very pleased to welcome Mrs. Jemmie Silver who has taken on the full time position of Teacher Librarian. Mrs. Silver is a literacy specialist who is passionate about student learning. She is committed to doing her part to provide an enriched environment to allow every Webber Academy student the best possible opportunity to help them achieve to their highest potential. She has a warm and sincere approach with children as she endeavors to instil enjoyment for lifelong learning and reading. Mrs. Silver is currently familiarizing herself with the school’s enhanced curriculum in order to provide effective resources and instruction that will compliment the efforts of her hard-working colleagues. For the past 7 years, Mrs. Silver was the Head of School for Akiva Academy, an accredited Alberta-certified private school. Members of the Board of Directors report the school was well managed under her leadership. Mrs. Silver earned her Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto with her areas of focus in Reading for grades 1 to12 and English for grades 7 to 12. Mrs. Silver has taught for 20 years, is an avid reader and enjoys the outdoors. She is making an exceptional first impression at Webber Academy and we feel truly honoured to have her as a member of our staff.
Information Evenings • Thursday, January 14, 2010 - Thursday, February 18, 2010 - Thursday, May 13, 2010
For more information visit our website at www.webberacademy.ca
66 • DECEMBER 2009 BUSINESS IN CALGARY
Sunik Roofing Leads Industry for 20 Years 8223 31 St SE • (403) 280-2803 • sunik.com SUNIK ROOFING • 20 ANNIVERSARY
TEAM SUNIK - from bottom to top- right to left; Susan Sims, Lowell McNichol, Nick Sims, Mike Jones, Kathy Neil, Nathan Sims, Laurel Metcalfe, Murray Keays, Sean O’Donovan, TH Leland Bruneau, Rod Dobson, Nicholas Sims, Rob LaPierre.
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Sunik Owners, Lowell McNichol and Nick Sims
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hen it comes to being a leader – in any industry – it takes determination, honesty, innovation and passion. And that’s exactly what Nick and Sue Sims, Lowell McNichol and Sunik Roofing have brought to the roofing industry. This year marks the 20th anniversary of Sunik Roofing and a glance back at the many ways Sunik has helped to shape the roofing industry in Alberta. Nick graduated from high school in 1973 and before long found himself on a rooftop with a hammer in hand. “I learned the basics by reading the instructions off of a shingle package,” says Nick. By the mid-1970s, the power nailer, for roofing, was introduced to the market and Nick’s crew was among the first to use them. “We pioneered the power nailer which helped revolutionize the way we shingle today,” remarks Nick. In 1986, Nick and his wife, Sue, moved to Calgary. He had no intention of getting back into the roofing business and looked for other work, but the economy was slow. He had kids to feed and within a few months he decided to return to what he knew. Likewise, he soon decided that if he was going to stay in roofing, then he was going to start his own business.
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When Nick started working in Calgary, he was shocked to learn that most roofers shingled over bare wood. “I was taught you had to put felt (tar paper) down. Although the Alberta building code did not require it, I always offered it to the homeowners because it added a second layer of protection and made an average roof into a top-notch roof,” remarks Nick. Nick was also surprised to find that the power nailer was relatively unheard of in Alberta. It was new to the Calgary market and because Nick had experience with these tools he was able to put together one of Calgary’s first production crews, a common sight today. In 1987, Nick established Sunik Enterprises and subcontracted work from other contractors as well as doing their own work. He created the company name by using both his and Sue’s names. In 1989, they changed the name to Sunik Construction Incorporated. The business was growing and Nick was working all the time: roofing by day and estimating at night. By now, Sue had quit her job to help with the books and to field calls. Soon after, they installed additional phone lines, a computer, and it quickly became a full-time job for Sue. “Sue’s
SUNIK ROOFING • 20TH ANNIVERSARY
When it comes to being a leader – in any industry – it takes determination, honesty, innovation and passion. And that’s exactly what Nick and Sue Sims, Lowell McNichol and Sunik Roofing have brought to the roofing industry. contributions to Sunik are many and her phone manner was exceptional,” says Nick, “I would go to an estimate and many times the customer would say how helpful the girl on the phone had been. It would always bring a smile to my face and I’d think to myself, that’s no girl, that’s my wife,” recalls Nick fondly. Some of Sue’s contributions were incorporating the Macintosh computer into the business. “This was the early 1990s and the Internet was fairly new. I did not really understand computers or the incredible impact they would have on Sunik’s future,” Nick says. Today, Sue maintains about 15 Macs. She also created the company’s original website which was among an industry first and no small task at 60 pages. “Sue’s technical expertise aside, her most important contribution was supporting and believing in me and what I was doing. Sue and I met in high school so I married my high school sweetie. She is the light of my life and my best fishing buddy,” says Nick. Nick hired Lowell McNichol to join his crew as a labourer in 1990 and they worked extremely well together. Although neither man knew it at the time, they would soon become partners. “I taught Lowell to shingle, leak-track and leakrepair. He was young and enthusiastic and he took many of the things I taught him and improved upon the end product. He was always a team player. By 1994, I would sell the jobs and Lowell would get the work done while Sue was on the phones,” comments Nick. Soon the estimates were more than Nick could handle alone, so he moved Lowell off the tools and into estimating. “Lowell looked at the bigger picture – it wasn’t just a paycheque to him. I saw qualities in him that I really liked, so after four years of working together, I knew I wanted him on my team,” adds Nick. “Lowell was strong where I was weak and vice versa. We developed an amazing partnership.” Lowell became Nick’s partner in 1996. It was not long before Lowell was improving the way they approached estimating. Sue had trained the men on the Macs and Lowell took it to the next level – making a connection that would change the way they estimated. He developed an in-house estimating program that possessed the ability to easily create a computer-generated quote. They could print it at the customer’s house and price out many different types of material. This gave customers the widest choice of products available.
Lowell became a certified journeyman roofer and graduated at the top of his class under the Sunik banner. In those days, it was unheard of for a sloped roofer to seek journeyman certification let alone take its top award. The business continued to grow; they believed in what they were doing and they stood behind their product. That same year, Nick and Sue’s two sons, Nicholas Jr. and Nathan, joined the business full time. Previously, the boys worked in their early teens delivering flyers on weekends and summers. They graduated to cleaning gutters just like all the other trainees. Nick believed in starting them at the bottom and letting them work their way up if they were ever going to understand the business. Consequently, they learned to respect everyone in the business, including the
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SUNIK ROOFING • 20TH ANNIVERSARY
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Sunik’s fleet and their new office in Foothills Industrial Park
guy that cleaned the gutters. After a few years of training on the roof with Nick and Lowell, the sons were enrolled in the provincial roofing program at NAIT and achieved their journeyman status. Nicholas Jr. is currently one of Sunik’s senior estimators and Nathan is involved in quality control and training. Both are top-notch leak trackers. “I am fortunate to be able to work with Sue, our two boys and Lowell. I regard Lowell as a brother and together we have created a real family-team atmosphere. Today, I feel more like a coach than a boss and as we grow, the family environment is adopted by the newer team members,” observes Nick. In 2003, Sunik moved into a new home with the purchase of a condo bay. Sunik stayed for five years until they found their current office building on a half-acre lot. It was four times the size of their old office with plenty of parking, huge bays and a showroom. “We bought the building about one year ago and a dream was finally fulfilled,” says Nick. Sunik Roofing has a formula for success when it comes to the company structure. They like to hire young and train, and after a few years, enroll them in the roofing program at NAIT to graduate as journeyman roofers. “Once they’ve become a journeyman roofer, that’s the guy we want estimating, checking jobs and teaching,” says Nick. “Other trades require education, but the roofing trade does not. However Sunik believes in education and it gives us an edge. Every one of our estimators are certified journeyman roofers.” Sunik Roofing specializes in sloped re-roofing and they service the residential and commercial sectors. In addition
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to the thousands of homes they have re-roofed, they have worked on several apartment complexes and other commercial properties. Recent projects include the Mount Kidd Golf Course and the Nakiska Ski Hill in Kananaskis. In the late 1990s, Sunik became a member of the Alberta Allied Roofing Association (AARA). Nick was elected president and served for three years. Concurrently, he spent six years serving on the Provincial Apprenticeship Committee (PAC). During this time, he was influential in changing the roofing program at NAIT to expand the curriculum. Previously, the program had focused on flat roofing with little content on sloped roofing. Today, about 30 per cent of the program is geared to sloped roofing. When Nick retired from the committee, Lowell stepped in to fill Nick’s chair where he continues to serve. For the past three years, Lowell has also been involved with the AARA as a member of the executive committee. In 2000, Sunik Roofing received the Ethics Award from the Better Business Bureau for small business and it was a very proud moment for the company. Shortly after, Nick was approached by the BBB to become a director. In 2001 he was invited to join the executive committee, a team that has helped turn the local BBB into one of the top bureaus in North America. Nick really enjoys the involvement. The next time you’re in the market for a new roof, call, click or visit Sunik Roofing. Call 403-280-2803, visit online at www.sunik.com, or stop by the showroom located at 8223 31 Street SE in Calgary.
SUNIK ROOFING • 20TH ANNIVERSARY
Safety First
Every roofer has the right to come home safe every day, although every year the roofing industry suffers from an unacceptable rate of injuries from falls. The result is ruined bodies, head trauma and sometimes death. Safety officers, crew training and safety equipment undoubtedly increases the cost of a job. For companies who do not practice safety, it gives them an unfair, even unethical, price advantage. Homeowners and insurance companies who save money hiring these companies may be saving the money that should have been spent on safety, and unknowingly contribute to injury or death. Safety is a topic that Sunik takes very seriously. Law mandates the procedures and the maximum penalties for non-compliance can be a million dollars and up to a year in jail. Most companies do not have a safety program in the re-roofing industry. “All of Sunik’s crews must take fall protection courses and follow strict rules. They must all be tied off in most situations and if they don’t adhere to the rules, they are disciplined and if they outright refuse, they do not work for us,” asserts Nick. Hence, Sunik now has a safety division. “Our safety officer started the safety program; he developed all the charts and manuals, and took the necessary training to become certified. Today we have one of the best re-roofing safety programs in the city,” adds Nick.
reason is that most do not cover interior damage unless it happens while the roofing work is in progress. A five-year warranty that does not cover interior damage means little when you’re stuck with thousands of dollars in interior damage. Sunik warranties their shingle work for two years and then an additional two-year warranty can be purchased for up to 10 years. This includes a visit to the roof and roof tune-up every two years. Sunik will warranty against poor workmanship, the roof and any interior damage. This type of warranty is not an industry standard – it sets Sunik apart from their competitors. “To my knowledge, we are the only roofing company that offers an extended warranty and our extended warranty covers interiors,” says Nick. Likewise, Sunik strives to have every job completed properly. “We want every job to go well and most of them do, but if something does not go well, we will go out of our way to service the customer. We will always acknowledge our shortcomings and errors, and we’ll make sure to honour our contract and warrantees,” replies Nick. When you have a company that’s been around for 20 years and is BBB accredited and has an A+ rating with zero complaints – you need look no further!
When Mother Nature throws you hardballs like these...
Read the Fine Print
When it’s time to re-roof your home, keep in mind that quality and safety cost a little more, but it’s well worth it in the long run. “Homeowners will often look at the bottom line and they may quibble over a small amount, but many don’t read the fine print or look at the whole picture. Read the warranty,” asserts Nick. Most roofing companies will not provide a warranty up front, but Sunik does. The
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SUNIK ROOFING • 20TH ANNIVERSARY
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Congratulations on 20 years of great service!
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Congratulations Sunik Roofing on your 20th Anniversary. Durkee Construction (1981) Ltd. Handcrafted Renovations 257 Valley Ridge Green NW Phone: 403 286 0638 • Fax: 403 286 8129
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Congratulations Sunik on 20 Great years !
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SUNIK ROOFING • 20TH ANNIVERSARY
BRIC by BRIC • Investing
BRIC by BRIC Emering markets tempt investors BY DEVON BABIN
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here to invest hard-earned money is the question many have on their minds. Having money to invest is a nice option, but narrowing down where that money should go is a challenge for anyone looking to strengthen their portfolio. There are a wide range of options, and recently the trend of looking away from our own borders and eyeing emerging economies has gained momentum. While many economies can be considered emerging, the nations receiving the most attention are the BRIC countries – Brazil, Russia, India and China. “The BRIC economies are the big players in the emerging markets area,” says Rich te Linde, vice-president of One2One Financial Consulting for First Calgary Financial. “The main reason is growth; they are outpacing the developed economies.” While the average growth rate of developed nations hovers around two per cent, the growth rate of BRIC nations is as high as eight per cent. Emerging economies have been around for some time – with Japan once labeled in this category – but the sheer size and populations of these nations are the key difference to what we are seeing now. China and India both have growing populations of more than a billion people, while Brazil’s population is approaching 200 million and Russia has a population of approximately 140 million. “The big economies of China and India have come into play,” says te Linde. In a recent report on emerging economies by HSBC, group chief economist Stephen King wrote, “Asia kicked off the process in the 1950s posting extraordinarily high rates of per-capita income growth year after year. The really big changes, however, happened in the 1980s and beyond, when China and India jumped onto the growth bandwagon. Their improved fortunes reflected an intoxicating mixture of renewed political openness, huge improvements in telecommunications technologies and a much more liberal approach to global capital flows. The result has been an extraordinary period of economic catch-up which has turned these economies into economic powerhouses. Their importance in world economic affairs has, of course, been rubber-stamped through the rapidly-growing importance of the G20.” Beyond developing into nations that manufacture and export products the world over, a middle class is developing within these countries that will ensure strong internal economies also. Currently Chinese citizens are being urbanized at a rate of over a 11 million people a year. “That’s 11 Calgarys every year,” says te Linde.
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BUSINESS IN CALGARY DECEMBER 2009 • 73
BRIC by BRIC • Investing
Asia isn’t the only continent showing promise. South America, particularly Brazil, has garnered a lot of attention as being a go-to economy for investors.
74 • DECEMBER 2009 BUSINESS IN CALGARY
BRIC by BRIC • Investing
In the HSBC report King says, “The implications are simple. Emerging currencies will be under upward pressure, their asset markets should appreciate and their sources of growth should switch from exports towards domestic demand, thereby helping to narrow their, in some cases, large current account surpluses. Indeed, the EMI shows that total order books are rising at a faster pace than exports, supporting the view that recoveries are domestically led.” Asia isn’t the only continent showing promise. South America, particularly Brazil, has garnered a lot of atten-
tion as being a go-to economy for investors. Brazil uses a five-class system to define their population, with class C generally being what is considered middle class. Currently the amount of Brazilians deemed to be class C makes up nearly half of the country’s population. “Brazil has been hot, and it is getting hotter. It declared an end to the recession after only six months, all of its sovereign debt ratings are now firmly investment grade after the latest upgrade from Moody’s, and it enjoys capital flows into the economy,” states Zafar Bhatti in a recent report from CIBC World Markets.
“Brazil has been hot, and it is getting hotter. It declared an end to the recession after only six months, all of its sovereign debt ratings are now firmly investment grade after the latest upgrade from Moody’s, and it enjoys capital flows into the economy.” ~ Zafar Bhatti
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BUSINESS IN CALGARY DECEMBER 2009 • 75
BRIC by BRIC • Investing
For those not comfortable looking to foreign markets, the growth of BRIC economies could make for investment opportunities within our own borders as well. The growth of the middle class and constant development in these countries means a high demand for nickel, copper and other commodities can benefit Canada.
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Gienow-BusinessCalgary-Jun09.indd 1
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“The good news for Brazil started in early September with the release of the Q2 GDP data which showed the economy growing at a 1.9 per cent rate quarter over quarter. This allowed Brazil to declare an end to their recession after only six months. In fact, the Brazilian economy may actually post year-over-year growth when the final numbers are tallied for 2009. The good news did not stop there. Moody’s finally upgraded Brazilian sovereign debt to Baa3, the lowest investment grade rating. This removed the split ratings on Brazilian debt and pushed them solidly into the investment grade category.” Of course no investment is a sure thing and Rich te Linde cautions people from diving head first into emerging markets with all their capital. Calling it the “spice of your portfolio,” te Linde says it can be a good idea to have some capital invested in emerging economies, but the amount should be balanced with the constant risk of emerging economies. “The major risks are if something were to happen to the money supply again,” he says. For the time being, however, “The growth theme is not anticipated to [slow].” For those not comfortable looking to foreign markets, the growth of BRIC economies could make for investment opportunities within our own borders as well. The growth of the middle class and constant development in these countries means a high demand for nickel, copper and other commodities can benefit Canada. “Canada, being such a commodity market, can benefit from these [foreign] markets,” says te Linde. BiC
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With 92 per cent of Calgarians now online we feel there is a better more economical way to share an obituary and tell the community of the passing of a loved one. To view daily obituaries go to www.calgaryobituaries.com. Ask your funeral director for details.
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When it comes to arranging grand occasions, formal gatherings, conferences, meetings, social events and weddings, a choice of elegantly appointed conference rooms await you, backed by a full complement of state-of-the-art conference aids and on-site meeting planners. There is over 11,000 square feet of function space with seven rooms that can accommodate between three and 300 people including the 3,300-sq.-ft. Pavilion. From a “nose-tothe-grindstone” meeting to a conference including limitless outdoor team-building activities, Silvertip Golf Resort has something for everyone.
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78 • DECEMBER 2009 BUSINESS IN CALGARY
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BUSINESS IN CALGARY DECEMBER 2009 • 79
Bask in the remnants of athletic excellence at the Olympic Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo credit: WinSport Canada
The Road to Vancouver Was paved in Calgary by Sonya KoSon Calgary passes the Olympic torch and spirit to Vancouver this February. Photo credit: WinSport Canada
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t was in 1988 that Calgary proudly hosted the XV Winter Olympic Games, the first Western Canadian city to hold such a privilege. With pivotal aspects of the Games still etched in the memory of the public: from the warm Chinook winds that are synonymous with Calgary winters to the endearing charm of the Olympians who became more like characters than athletes – such as the Jamaican bobsled team or Eddie the Eagle – in 1988 all eyes of the world were glued to the small city of Calgary, Alberta and it’s undeniable hospitality, energy and potential. It’s been just over 20 years since Calgary welcomed the world, and today the Olympic legacy from 1988 proudly lives on. The most visible tribute to the Games is undoubtedly Canada Olympic Park, where more than one million visitors from around the world continue to bask in the remnants of Olympic glory every year. Operated by WinSport Canada, one of the premiere sport institutions in the world, Canada Olympic Park is a destination not only for the general public, who come to experience a variety of activities, from skiing, snowboarding and bobsledding to mountain biking, zorbing and North America’s fastest zipline; but also for Canada’s highperformance athletes and Olympic hopefuls. And everyone from the athletes to the average Joe can revel in Canada’s past Olympic successes with a trip through the Olympic Hall of Fame and Museum, also on-site. Revered as the fastest ice in the world, the Olympic Speed 80 • DECEMBER 2009 BUSINESS IN CALGARY
Since 1988 Calgary has quietly garnered acclaim as an accomplished host city, premier sport destination and notable hub for a collection of Canada’s national sport organizations. Skating Oval is another great venue that exudes Olympic glory. As the first covered speed skating oval in North America; this facility, located at the University of Calgary, is home to over 150 world records in long and short track speed skating. And not to be forgotten is Calgary’s Olympic Plaza; a welcome reminder in the downtown core of the monumental event that found its way to our city. As the site for Olympic medal presentations in 1988, Olympic Plaza continues to serve as a locale of hospitality and camaraderie. A fountain and gathering spot in warmer months and a social skating rink in the colder weather, the Plaza, located along the popular Stephen Avenue Walk, is also a prominent venue for festivals, events and other large-scale city gatherings. Since 1988 Calgary has quietly garnered acclaim as an accomplished host city, premier sport destination and notable hub for a collection of Canada’s national sport organizations. Alpine Canada, Bobsleigh Skeleton Canada, Luge Canada, Hockey Canada, Own the Podium and the Canadian Sport Centre Calgary are all housed within the city. Sport is promiPh: 403-263-8510 Toll Free: 1-800-661-1678
Feed your need for speed on the fastest ice in the world. Photo credit: Arden Shibley
In February of 2010, all eyes of the world may be on Vancouver for the 2010 XXI Olympic and Paralympic Games, but thoughts will surely be reminiscent of Calgary, twenty-two years prior.
Eddie the Eagle soared into stardom from this ski jump back in ’88. Photo credit: WinSport Canada
Versatile Olympic Plaza transforms into an outdoor skating rink during winter months. Photo credit: Tourism Calgary
nent year-round with the assistance of the professional and high profile teams that operate out of Calgary, including the Canadian Football League’s Calgary Stampeders, the National Hockey League’s Calgary Flames, the Golden Baseball League’s Calgary Vipers and the National Lacrosse League’s Calgary Roughnecks. Perhaps most well-known is the Calgary Stampede. Celebrated as The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, the Stampede proudly boasts the richest outdoor rodeo in the world. And not to be forgotten is Spruce Meadows, a world-class equestrian show jumping facility, also located in Calgary. From the significant hosting experience and legacy the Olympics left on Calgary, to the passion for sport so prevalent in the city (also noted through Calgary’s Civic Sport Policy), it comes as no surprise that collectively, a keen interest was developed for continuing to host major sport and cultural events. In 2005 the Calgary Sport Tourism Authority www.tourismcalgary.com
(CSTA) was created to proactively bid for and attract international sport events that offer branding and promotional opportunities, community legacies and economic benefits to the local tourism industry. The CSTA’s successful bids to house Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, and to host the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship, mark significant additions to the Calgary advantage. These announcements are of course in addition to the banner year of major sport events Calgary experienced throughout 2009. Beginning with the 2009 Tim Hortons Brier this past March; to the 2009 VITERRA Ironman 70.3 Calgary, 2009 World Water Ski Championship and 2009 CN Canadian Women’s Open, all hosted throughout the summer; to a big finish with the 2009 Grey Cup Festival in November, these top tier events rest alongside an already impressive annual sport calendar that ranges from professional to festival style celebrations and amateur to elite level championships. As Calgary continues to develop its sport event portfolio, 1988 is never far from thought as it was the largest sport event of all that spurred the recognition of Calgary’s exceptional major event hosting capabilities. Aside from the enviable close proximity to the Canadian Rockies, Banff and Lake Louise, Calgary’s unparalleled hospitality; philanthropic business community; young, active and educated population and collective passion of all citizens for sport excellence propel the destination to continue to strive for lucrative major event hosting opportunities. In February of 2010, all eyes of the world may be on Vancouver for the 2010 XXI Olympic and Paralympic Games, but thoughts will surely be reminiscent of Calgary, twentytwo years prior. The road to Vancouver was paved with the successes of Calgary, then and now, and the timing has never been more perfect to proudly promote where Calgary has been and where we’re going – as a world-class destination brimming with excitement, opportunity and diversity during all four seasons of the year. BUSINESS IN CALGARY DECEMBER 2009 • 81
MP3 Toy More Than Child’s Play By C.J. Wilkins
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ore Calgary toddlers have something to sing along with this holiday season if Dan Lemay, founder of SweetPea Toy Company gets his way. SweetPea is a Calgary-based company that manufactures the SweetPea3 – an MP3 player aimed at babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Four years ago, after reading a biography of Steve Jobs, the man behind Apple and the iconic iPod, Lemay discovered that there was an untapped market for MP3 players aimed specifically at young children. Wasting little time, Lemay – an engineer by training – got to work developing a prototype player. The prototypes evolved from Lemay’s first concept into a stylish yet rugged player that would become the production model - a 1 GB MP3 player with a built-in speaker, rubberized surfaces and large handle, three buttons and built-in parental controls. Short on cash after spending months developing the new prototype, he picked up a job providing engineering consulting services over the summer of 2007 and began to seek investors to help him reach the production stage. To help focus his pursuit of investment dollars, Lemay took an Entrepreneur Boot Camp offered by Calgary Technologies Inc. (CTI). “Boot Camp was a big eye-opener. I learned a lot about raising money, what angels and venture capitalists are interested in, and I honed my skills to seek for what investors are looking for.” Soon after his Entrepreneur Boot Camp training, Lemay delivered an investor pitch with Venture Alberta that led to an investment. Lemay was able to start production of the SweetPea3 in just time for Christmas 2007. However, with no marketing and little awareness of the player, significant sales failed to materialize. Undeterred, Lemay continued to fund the production of the players with his own money and that of his investors. A big break came for Lemay last year after the Canadian Toy Testing Council named the SweetPea3 the 2009 Energizer Battery Operated Toy of the Year. CTTC’s summary of the SweetPea3 was exceptional stating, “This is truly a wonderful toy for children to love and grow with.” “CTTC really liked the product,” says Lemay. “It allowed me to boost production and increase sales during the holiday season of 2008.” Gaining momentum, SweetPea Toy Company signed a deal with an Italian-educational distributor to sell the player as an English-as-a-second-language tool worldwide.
82 • DECEMBER 2009 BUSINESS IN CALGARY
Maybe a child growing up listening to a SweetPea3 will wind up reading a biography of Dan Lemay and develop another great idea. With these recent successes under his belt, Lemay is looking to continue growing his business by expanding and refining his marketing activities. To help him reach his goals, Lemay enrolled in the Go-To-Market program with CTI. The four-month program will pair him with a mentor who has extensive marketing experience and equip Lemay with the skills to develop a comprehensive marketing plan. “At the end of the day I’m an engineer. I can do a better job marketing and know that Go-To-Market will help me focus my energy with the benefit of an experienced mentor. A program such as this can open doors.” Stay tuned. Maybe a child growing up listening to a SweetPea3 will wind up reading a biography of Dan Lemay and develop another great idea. The SweetPea3 is available for $64.99 at Gracie & Gruff Fine Toys, Bug & Blossom as well as online at www. sweetpeatoyco.com. For more information about CTI programs and services, visit www.calgarytechnologies.com.
2009 – The Slow Down? By ADAm Legge
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009 – was it a slower year? Does a recession necessarily mean that everything ground to a halt? Did we all find that much extra time in our lives to meditate, engage in the slow food movement or just take it easy? The economic results would suggest that we definitely did slow down. Calgary’s economy is forecast to experience a recession of 2.5 per cent in 2009, or a roll back of economic activity to a level below 2008. That suggests a slower pace. The real estate market slowed down all across the board, with building permit values as of September 2009 down 24 per cent from 2008, housing starts in Calgary down 65 per cent as of August, and office vacancies pushing near 15 per cent. While there was some resurgence in demand in the spring, real estate in Calgary slowed down in 2009. Labour markets slowed down as well – coming up from a record low unemployment of below three per cent in 2007, up to 6.9 per cent as of September. Unemployment has risen in Calgary as companies found themselves in need of cutting costs due to limited work volumes. While only 18 months ago it was an employee market, with wages being driven into the stratosphere and companies struggling to get the right people into jobs. Now it is back to what many people know as a normal job market, where persistence and networks rule the day for a successful job search. But not everything slowed down. Calgary was the centre of the spotlight for a variety of major events and activities that suggest we are still a leading centre in Canada and North America. In September, Calgary hosted the World Skills Competition (WSC) 2009, an international event to celebrate excellence in trades and technologies. WSC2009 attracted thousands of people from 50 countries worldwide. In October, Calgary Economic Development partnered with The City of Calgary to host the 2009 Annual General Meeting of The World Energy Cities Partnership (WECP), a forum attended by 15 major energy cities to share experiences, contacts and provide support for each other in tackling common industry issues. In November 2009, Calgary welcomed the Gemini Awards, Canada’s annual gala which recognizes and celebrates excellence in Canadian English-language television. Last but definitely not least, the development of the Global Business Centre has been in the spotlight throughout the duration of this year. Launching in the first quarter of 2010, this highly interactive facility will bring international opportunities to Calgary and Southern Alberta. In May, a Conference Board of Canada report ranked Calgary first in overall economic prosperity compared to 22
other cities such as London, New York, Paris, Hong Kong, Toronto and Shanghai. It proved that Calgary can stand against these cities in the competition for business and people and come out successful. Low tax rates, affordable housing and a high rate of income and employment growth are cited as the major influences in Calgary’s success. One of the impacts of a slower economy and higher unemployment is a greater demand on social serving agencies. In early 2009, the United Way of Calgary and Area completed a resiliency report that examined the impact of the downturn on Calgarians and Calgary agencies. The report found that there has been a dramatic increase and more complex demand for social agency services; however, there
“In 2009 we were expected to do more with less and we were required to reassess our business models.” are limited resources to cope with the rise in demand. In other words, more Calgarians are finding themselves struggling in this economic climate and they aren’t getting the help they need when they need it. Many agencies, including the United Way, have refocused resources to try and deal with this growing and changing demand. Knowing that many companies don’t wish to resort to layoffs, Calgary Economic Development, with the assistance of Alberta Employment and Immigration created a series of workforce adjustment videos, now found on www.calgaryeconomicdevelopment.com. These videos interview top HR professionals to discuss topics such as alternatives to layoffs and dealing with the layoff survivors. So while for some 2009 may have felt slower, it is unlikely that we can all call it a “slow year.” We were expected to do more with less and we were required to reassess our business models. Many people worked harder and saw growth in the work that they do. Many organizations ramped themselves up so the impact of a slowdown was mitigated for those that may have been affected by job loss and cutbacks. Slowness is ultimately relative. Many Calgarians’ are still thinking back to 2006 and 2007, when the economic pace was truly unsustainable and firing on all cylinders. So while 2009 may be remembered as a year where things were slower, we definitely weren’t standing still. BUSINESS IN CALGARY DECEMBER 2009 • 83
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84 • DECEMBER 2009 BUSINESS IN CALGARY
Prestige Railings & Stairs Ltd.
Hand-crafted excellence.
Redefining Value
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inning 10 Consumers’ Choice Awards for Business Excellence means you have a focus on customer satisfaction and product quality that distinguishes your firm from your competitors. Prestige Railings and Stairs excels in all of these areas. Prestige’s continuous improvement programs mean nothing is left to chance. To that end, Prestige continues to bring more top-quality products to the market that will further enhance their position in the industry. In this time when the construction industry is being challenged to bring more value to the table, Prestige has risen to the task by receiving their Safety Certificate of Recognition, being in the final stages of achieving their ISO 9000 certification and introducing two stunning new products to the market. The first of these products is a stainless steel and glass railing system that is the envy of the industry. Mogg Stainless Steel Architectural Systems and Components offer a premium range of stainless steel railing systems, standoffs and other architectural components that are so versatile and robust, they can be used in any space. The inherent modular structure of the system creates endless design possibilities. Mogg incorporates purpose, esthetic appeal and sophistication. An integral part of the product line is the structural glazing system, offering unobstructed views, clean lines and symmetry that other systems simply cannot match. The second new product from Prestige is a solid-state lighting (LED) system that simply must be seen to be believed. Eyeleds, a Lighting Science brand product, is a patented, easy to install, built-in, walk-over lighting innovation based on LED technology. Eyeleds solid construction is engineered to withstand heavy use – walking or even driving over the lights is not a problem. Eyeleds will illuminate the way for up to 100,000 hours and are completely safe in humid environments such as bathrooms, saunas and indoor pool areas. Eyeleds are powered by a 12-volt, Class II short circuit protected power supply and are one of the most energy efficient light sources available with round versions consuming only 0.3 watts and square versions using only 0.6 watts. They are cool to the touch and operate in conditions ranging from -35C to +65C. With a profile of only 6.5mm, Eyeleds are perfect for commercial applications, such as restaurants, retail establishments, entertainment facilities, sports facilities, theatres, casinos or hotels. They can be easily installed in carpet, hardwood, laminate, stone, porcelain and ceramic tiles, quartz flooring, rubber, cork and bamboo to name a few. With a variety of designs, Eyeleds are ideal for directional, accent or even task lighting. This product is not only one of the most energy efficient products available, it will also enhance the look and feel of every project. Prestige will never settle for merely winning awards for excellence, even 10 of them. They will constantly strive to do better and better. Their commitment to their customers is that of a professional in their field – they will care more about your job than you do.
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For innovative, custom design solutions, visit our impressive 5,000 sq. ft. showroom today, and experience the hand-crafted excellence of Prestige Railings & Stairs - an ISO certified, 18 time Consumers’ Choice Award winner, and a favourite of leading Calgary designers, contractors, builders, and discerning homeowners for over 20 years!
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BUSINESS IN CALGARY DECEMBER 2009 • 85
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86 • DECEMBER 2009 BUSINESS IN CALGARY
Bon Ton Meat Market All in good taste!
D
uring the rise of the big-box retailer, Bon Ton Meat Market has stayed true to its roots. Serving the Calgary area for over 88 years, Bon Ton still offers the traditional butcher shop fare with top-quality products and friendly, knowledgeable service. “Quality and service is our philosophy,” says manager Greg Keller. “That has always been our philosophy and we will never change it.” Bon Ton opened its doors in Calgary in 1921 and moved to its current location in the Stadium Shopping Centre in 1994. A year later, Fred and Ruby Keller acquired half ownership of the bustling shop. In 1997, the Kellers became sole owners and made it a true family affair when their son Greg joined the business as manager in 2002. “Dad owned a grocery store in Cochrane,” says Keller, who followed in his father’s footsteps to become a butcher. “But it has always been my dad’s dream to own a meat market like this.” Keller explains that Bon Ton offers a different shopping experience than the big-box stores that provide product based on price. In comparison, Bon Ton only stocks top-quality meats. Clients from all over the city come to Bon Ton for a plentiful selection of AAA Alberta Beef, fresh free-range poultry, Alberta pork, Alberta lamb and milk-fed veal, as well as gluten-free sausage, exotic meat and fresh game. A recent renovation to the site has also allowed Bon Ton to expand their frozen foods and deli selection, which includes mouth-watering cheeses, dips and pâtés. In addition, Bon Ton has changed with the times to offer a variety of ready-to-go meals for working families on the run, such as hot and ready-to-go meat pies, barbecued chicken and beef and pork ribs. “There is no doubt this is the way the market is going,” says Keller. “People are busy and looking for healthy alternatives. We will continue to develop high-quality, ready-to-go meals to satisfy our clients’ needs. We have recently introduced beef and chicken stew to our lineup of prepared meals as well as homemade beef and chicken chili, pot roast in gravy, turkey in gravy, chicken in gravy, barbecue beef on a bun – all fully cooked ready to serve.” And the Bon Ton staff certainly knows good meat. Combined with the Kellers, the team has 270 years of combined meat-cutting experience. “We are very committed to having a professional, first-class, yet fun environment at Bon Ton. We want our clients to enjoy their experience at Bon Ton and we only hire people with an outgoing personality who are committed to quality, and professional, friendly service. We won’t have any grumps working for us.” Keller adds, “It’s kind of like the TV show Cheers. We know many of our clients by name. We know what they want as soon as they walk through the door.” Although Bon Ton continues to evolve with the growing city, Keller stresses that the service and quality will never change. “One thing my grandfather and father taught me, was that honesty, manners, quality, service and smiles never go out of style no matter how times may change. The same philosophy applies to Bon Ton. We will always stay true to our word of providing top-quality products and high-end service.” It’s the Bon Ton tradition.
2009
4816 Macleod Trail SW 403.243.6262 www.tajmahalcalgary.net BUSINESS IN CALGARY DECEMBER 2009 • 87
THE MAGAZINE OF THE CALGARY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DECEMBER 2009
Time to Scrap Unnecessary Law By HeatHer Douglas, PresiDent & Ceo
Heather Douglas
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ne of the greatest documents ever written was the Magna Carta, the Great Charter of Freedoms, in 1215. It bound King John of England to give rights to his subjects, whether they were free or fettered, and allowed prisoners the right to appeal against unlawful imprisonment. Historians agree this document was the cornerstone for both constitutional and common law in the English-speaking world. Although many of its clauses were renewed in the Middle Ages, by the mid-1850s, most of the original articles had been repealed. Under Premier Klein’s leadership, the legislators acknowledged Albertans cherished their publicly-funded and administered health-care system. Everyone – from the government to the doctors, nurses, technicians and therapists – wanted to deliver efficient, timely and compassionate care to those in need. With the noblest of intentions, the Alberta government passed the Health Care Protection Act (Bill 11) in April 2004. In essence, it prohibits the operation of private hospitals, bans the practice of queue jumping and regulates the delivery of surgical services in hospitals and clinics. The good news is surgical success rates rose for urgent procedures and several Alberta hospitals are now renowned for their heart, cancer and spinal operations, complemented with excellent patient care. Meanwhile, the waiting lists for routine surgeries – such as hip and knee replacements or cataract removals – grew longer and longer. It is a tragedy that sick Albertans and their families – those who are most harmed by the lack of quick access to medical care – must endure the delays. Employers are burdened by the loss of their skilled employees, away on disability. As the complaints grew nosier, the government realized this was an unintended consequence of the act. It rescinded the piece on private hospitals and allowed a number to become centres of excellence for certain, standard surgeries. All are paid by Alberta Health Care. Wait times were dramatically reduced and patient satisfaction rates rose. 1
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The Calgary Chamber of Commerce believes the Health Care Protection Act has served the province well, but its best before date has expired. The legislation triples the regulatory bodies that oversee public and private surgical facilities – Alberta Health Services (AHS), the College of Physicians and Surgeons (CPSA) and Alberta Health and Wellness (AH&W). Not only does this create a mountain of duplicated paperwork, but it also gave conflicting oversight to the three groups. The Chamber, ever a proponent of streamlined regulatory environments, recommends the following important articles should be saved if the current act is scrapped or replaced: • Ensure all facilities, whether public or private (and paid by the public system), operate at the highest, most stringent conditions and all prioritize patient safety and well-being. • Make Alberta Health Services and the College of Physicians and Surgeons accountable and responsible for the quality of patient care and safety, thus decreasing the need for ministerial authority over surgical facilities. • Encourage competition between surgical units to promote technological and clinical innovation – this will help attract private capital to purchase new diagnostic and treatment equipment (such as the prostate laser equipment at the Rockyview Hospital). • Order the majority of pharmaceuticals in bulk (by the thousand) and buy unusual and seldom prescribed drugs in units of 10 or less to save costs and prevent waste. • Create a level playing field for all health providers distributing resources fairly and equitably. Since the Magna Carta, governments have passed pieces of legislation. By law, Alberta spends billions every year to deliver quality health care to its citizens. Smart legislators will eliminate unnecessary paperwork and focus precious resources to help the sick heal. Isn’t that what we all want?
2009 Board of Directors Executive Lois Mitchell, Chair Brian Hahn, Past Chair Simon Vincent, Chair Elect Glenn McNamara, Second Vice Chair Dave Sprague, Vice Chair, Finance Heather Douglas, President & CEO Directors Kelly Blackshaw Jim Donihee Doug Firby Eva Friesen Rob Hawley Guy Huntingford Brenda Kenny Leah Lawrence Joe Lougheed Paul Waddell
2009 RBC Royal Bank Small Business of the Year
Management Heather Douglas, President & CEO Craig Finn, CFO Geoffrey Pradella, VP Public and Government Affairs Kim Koss, Vice President Business Development Ben Brunnen Manager, Policy and Research Elizabeth Leitch, Manager, Communications Frank Roberts, Manager, Membership Services Susan Elliott, Manager, Events
Leading Business magazine is a co-publication of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce and Business in Calgary The Calgary Chamber of Commerce 100 6th Avenue S.W, Calgary, Alberta T2P 0P5 Phone: (403) 750-0400 Fax: (403) 266-3413 Please address editorial enquiries to Elizabeth Leitch, Communications Phone: (403) 750-0424 E-mail: eleitch@calgarychamber.com
www.calgarychamber.com
ICS Group, winner of the 2009 RBC Royal Bank Small Business of the Year
ICS Group Inc. (www.icsgroup.ca)
In our ten years of business there have been
ICS Group Inc. delivers a lot of rewards along the way. None quite like portable climate control sothis. This recognition is an incredible feeling. lutions to construction, oil, - Ken Kachur, VP Business Development and Marketing, gas, industrial, restoration ICS Group Inc. and event markets. They specialize in complete site tribution Centre, Calgary Airport expansion climate control management, offering safe, and the Calgary Alberta Children’s Hospital. efficient and reliable heat, thaw, cure, dry Their ongoing research and development and cooling applications. With a team drawwork has resulted in many new applications ing on a collective 60+ years of construction for their industry, and have paved their way and related experience, ICS Group is able to expand into additional markets. What to deliver superior service and overcome began as two entrepreneurs with an idea on the natural challenges their customers face. how to better deal with ground frost and Founded in 1999 as Innovative Climate Soluconcrete curling, ICS Group is now the sintions Inc., ICS (as it is now known) has been gle largest independent provider of Portable involved in many large projects in Calgary Climate Control in Canada. and area, including the Canadian Tire DisL E A D I N G BU S I N E S S D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 9
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2009 GoForth Institute Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year Kon-strux Developments Inc. (www.kon-strux.com)
One-hundred per cent women owned and managed, Kon-strux is a full-service residential Design/Build renovation company offering a wide array of services, including interior design and construction project management services. Kon-strux was founded in 2007 by partners Shannon Lenstra and Fran Morisset, and they oversee every aspect of the operation today. The organizational systems and The Kon-Strux team, winner of the 2009 GoForth Institute Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year controls are unique in the residential sector because they apply management “This award distinguishes Kon-strux as being a leader among processes typically found in the comCalgary’s small emerging businesses. It represents what we mercial construction industry. In little strive for and push to become..….a recognized TOP Performer!” more than two years, the company - Shannon Lenstra, Principle, Kon-strux Developments Inc. has grown into a thriving enterprise, employing two partners, four project managers, an office manager and an administrative assison top-quality residential renovations with a dedication to tant. Their success has been based on a full-service take honesty and ethics.
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L E A D I N G BU S I N E S S
Celebrate your company’s Employee Volunteering Program
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very year, Volunteer Calgary recognizes outstanding volunteerism in Calgary during National Volunteer Week. The Leaders in Employee Volunteering Award category honours local Calgary businesses that demonstrate leadership and innovation in workplace volunteerism. Three businesses are recognized each year in either the small, medium or large business categories (determined by the number of employees). All nominees receive a nomination certificate, inclusion in the nominee press conference and are included in the event program. Winning recipients receive a one-of-a-kind blownglass sculpture, complimentary tickets to the gala celebration April 19, 2010 to accept their award, and a professionally-produced promotional video highlighting their volunteer program.
For more information on the awards, to view the videos of past recipients or to nominate your company please visit: http://www.volunteercalgary.ab.ca/programs/leadership_awards.html
New and Noted ACCOUNTANTS - CERTIFIED GENERAL Carmen A. Vetian, CGA
INVESTMENTS Rick Rohatinsky www.waltoninternational.com
AUTOMOBILE - SERVICE/ PARTS/ACCESSORIES JD’s AutoTech Services Inc.
IT CONSULTANTS Metafore IT Solutions www.metafore.ca
AVIATION Berturelli & Associates
LAWYERS Fasken Martineau Dumoulin LLP www.fasken.com
BANKS ICICI Bank Canada www.icicibank.ca
NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION International Right of Way Association www.irwa48.org
INDIVIDUAL Randy Paquette INSURANCE AGENTS/ BROKERS Sharp Broker Services www.sharpinsurance.ca INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER Wiband Communications www.wiband.com
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OIL&GAS SERVICES / SUPPLIES McAlpha Inc. www.mcalpha.com PUBLIC SERVICE ORGANIZATION Canadian Progress Club Calgary Downtown www.cpccalgarydowntown.org
L E A D I N G BU S I N E S S
STUDENTS Sharon Jones Alsacia Romero Jared Poplawski Sohaib Wasif Reihaneh Irani-Famili Riley Dearden Andrew Davison Kristie Papsdorf Cong Wang Jason Ho Robert Cartwright Will Randall Yisha Pang Alexandra Nuth Juliette Gonzalez Shamsher Kothari TOUR & CHARTER COACH HIRE Traxx Coachlines www.traxxcoachlines.com TRANSPORTATION Connect Air www.connectair.ca
David Parker • MarketingMatters
MarketingMatters ••••••••••••••
By David Parker
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his city has some very talented and creative people working in many credible agencies, yet there are companies and organizations that still feel they need to go elsewhere to get the job done. There are also many companies that know that they need professional advice but are cautious of dealing with the bigger agencies for fear of being lost among the bigger accounts, perhaps an inability to ‘speak the language’ of advertising, and the perceived cost. But there are boutique creative and PR agencies that can also offer effective advice manned by professionals who specialize in paying attention to the needs of small business. Twyla Laakso has had more than 30 years experience with some of the best Calgary advertising agencies including 10 years with McKim as a writer and ‘suit’ on the CP Hotels account and with Fieldstone but went client-side to work with Triumphant (the organ festival) Zip Air and Enmax. She also took the time off to get accredited by the International Association of Business Communicators while volunteering as an executive committee member of Bocuse d’or Canada. Now she is back helping small businesses with her own company called TLC – Twyla Laakso Communications – helping to launch BookMinders, a division of Integra Solutions that provides accounting services to small- and intermediate-size businesses. Working with her network of freelancers, Laakso recently helped Lakeview Physiotherapy, Reno Pros and Integra Solutions. 94 • DECEMBER 2009 BUSINESS IN CALGARY
I like the design of the new Golder Associates building north of Memorial Drive on Barlow Trail NE and the fact that with the appointment of Mark Brightman as Calgary-based president of the firm’s global operations this city has gained more international recognition. And more local moves have been made including the appointment of Lea Chambers as global marketing leader. Mark Mooney has moved into Chambers’ former regional position and Sarah White is the new marketing manager for the Calgary office. •••••••••••••• Repeat business always says a customer is happy with results. Calgary International Children’s Festival must be pleased with the work done by Twist Marketing as the third-largest children’s festival in North America has hired the agency for another year to help it increase ticket sales and increase the awareness of what the festival is about. •••••••••••••• Tag Advertising has expanded its shopping centre portfolio with its win of the North Hill Centre account, beating out several other agencies to provide public relations and creative for the community mall that features more than 100 shops and services. It also hit the right note with Revv52, a Calgary-based performance group formerly known as Calgary Choral, in providing creative services, marketing and media/public relations support for the high-energy group’s 2009/2010 season. •••••••••••••• After an 11-year stint with the same agency, ARC Resources has made a change and awarded its 2010 annual report and collateral work to Western Sky Creative.
Under the direction of principal Rob Edge, WSC has grown to the point where it needs more room and is about to break through the wall of its space in the Lorraine Block to expand and hire additional talented staff. •••••••••••••• Woodruff Sweitzer did a great job for Versatile, the Winnipeg-based manufacturer of tractors, with its summer-long campaign ‘The Versatile Heavy Metal Tour’ – an eight-stop promotion giving farmers a unique opportunity to experience the power and durability of its tractors. The creative it produced helped in its competition against two other agencies to secure “agency of record’ status with Versatile, Canada’s only manufacturer of agricultural tractors that is expanding rapidly to become one of the market leaders in farm equipment. Sam Hudson has joined Woodruff Sweitzer as account manager on the new account, and Shannon Anderson has also been added to the staff to handle its Arysta LifeScience U.S. division. •••••••••••••• Congratulations to Rosemary Enslin of Enslin Group who has been honoured as Mentor of the Year by the Canadian Youth Business Foundation. One of our most senior and experienced public relations and marketing consultants, Enslin recently moved her Calgary office into new space in the Douglasdale Business Park as well as launched a new office on Vancouver Island in Sidney, B.C. Parker’s Pick: Words are very suggestive. Advertisements on the following pages used bold type to shout ‘Lust Conquers All’ by Chevrolet and ‘Joy’ the most personal, cherished and human of all emotions to describe the building of BMW. I’ll take the BMW.
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