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JOHN CAMERON TALKS : ABOUT HIS FOUNDATION

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Supporting the visions of entrepreneurs one story at a time.

Volume 5 | Number 12

REGULAR COLUMNS

9

Hold the Beer. We’ll Take a Pipeline Instead.

By Brock Harrison

10

Taxpayers Need Return Policy for Politicians

By Colin Craig

35

Edmonton Chamber of Commerce

CONTENTS COVER FEATURE

18

hanging Lives by Giving C Back: John Cameron talks about his Foundation

By Nerissa McNaughton

ON OUR COVER: ABOVE: JOHN CAMERON PHOTO SOURCE: EPIC PHOTOGRAPHY INC.

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DECEMBER 2017 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

41

Foreclosure 101: What you Need to Know

F

oreclosures are often mentioned in the news, highlighting the economic hard knocks endured by many Albertans in recent years. To some, the word “foreclosure” is synonymous with “bargain”. However, that isn’t always the case.

There are two different types of foreclosures. In both instances, the owners of the property have lost the right to sell the property themselves, usually because their mortgage payments have fallen into arrears. In the case of judicial foreclosures, the sale of a mortgaged property is made under the supervision of a court; typically any offers made by a buyer must be unconditional.

Then there are bank-owned foreclosures. In these instances, the bank has taken the title and triggered the “power of sale” clause in the mortgage contract.

With these “non-judicial foreclosures,” a representative of the bank—not a judge—makes the decision on any offers, and, unlike judicial sales, banks will often allow prospective buyers to present conditions.

Once you’ve made an offer in either situation and accepted that you are buying the property “as-is, where-is,” it’s also not always clear how long you will be waiting for the response. With a bank owned property, you may get a quick response, however, with a judicial sale, your offer won’t just be accepted or declined in a day or two. The lawyers acting for the bank will decide when they will make a court application to consider offers, which is usually once they receive an offer that clears the mortgage debt.

It’s not unusual for this waiting period to result in a multiple offer situation. What’s more, even if your offer is successful, there is still a chance that the original

James Mabey, Chair, REALTORS® Association of Edmonton

owner can redeem the property and keep the home.

Unfortunately, making an offer on a foreclosure is a long process that may result in disappointing news.

Considering making an offer on a foreclosure really depends on your circumstances. If you’re a first-time buyer, the unknown property condition and the process may be off-putting. Likewise, if you’re selling your home and looking to move into something new, the uncertain wait associated with a foreclosure may complicate the sale of your own home.

However, if you are looking for an investment property, and you have time and money on your hands, your REALTOR® can help you find foreclosure properties that may meet your needs and will walk you through the challenging process.

STORY TITLE // SECTION

Supporting the visions of entrepreneurs one story at a time.

Volume 5 | Number 12

55

THIS MONTH’S FEATURES

25 31

CONTENTS COMPANY PROFILES

55

P agnotta Industries

43

B OMA Edmonton News Winter 2017 Live and Learn

Continuing education takes many forms, but can be critical in making a career change

By Ramona Korpana

Want to Succeed in Business?

Harness the Power of Flight With Aviation Business Directory

By Debra Ward, Canadian Business Aviation Association (CBAA)

48

Celebrates 25 Years

Ensuring Your Corporate Philanthropy Does the Good It Sets Out to Do

By Laura Bohnert

52

he Changing Face of the T Alberta Advantage: How Immigration Continues to Shape Our Success Four Albertan immigrants share their pasts, their successes, and discuss Edmonton’s multi-cultured future.

By Zachary Edwards

43

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DECEMBER 2017 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

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DECEMBER 2017 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

HOLD THE BEER. WE’LL TAKE A PIPELINE INSTEAD. // ECONOMIC FACTORS

Hold the Beer.

We’ll Take a Pipeline Instead.

BY BROCK HARRISON

P

remier Rachel Notley has embarked on cross-country speaking tour to deliver what she calls a “pro-pipeline message,” and it’s tempting to applaud her on the basis that it’s never too late to do the right thing.

But that adage is more appropriately applied to moral predicaments. There’s no room for it in the unforgiving arena of pipeline politics.

Notley will speak to business audiences in Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary, Vancouver and Edmonton between Nov. 20 and Dec. 7, hoping to sway momentum towards construction and completion of Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain pipeline.

“There is not a school, hospital, road or bike lane anywhere in the country that doesn’t owe something to oil and gas,” Notley said in a statement. “Pipelines are just as critical for jobs and economies across the country as they are for Alberta, and to stifle the oil and gas industry would be economically negligent.”

A strong and unequivocal statement of support for Alberta energy and pipelines, to be sure, but where was it two years ago? Where was it when Energy East was savaged by eastern politicians and bled dry by regulatory dysfunction and overreach?

Where was it when Trans Mountain faced a hostile BC government, illegally withheld construction permits, and court challenges from virtually every municipality along the route?

Where was Notley’s charm offensive when we really needed it?

Energy East is dead and Trans Mountain may well be next, despite Notley’s speaking tour. She’s doing the right thing.

However, it’s probably already too late.

Compare Notley’s lack of urgency on pipelines to her government’s zealous, borderline obsessive support for Alberta’s craft beer brewers.

Finance Minister Joe Ceci has pulled just about every lever of the state at his disposal trying to bolster the province’s fledgling brewing industry. From allowing craft beer into farmer’s markets, to easing happy hour regulations, to overtaxing out-of-province competitors, the Alberta government has left no hop unbrewed in its relentless pursuit of craft beer dominance.

Culture Minister Ricardo Miranda called a full-blown press conference last month in Calgary to announce a $60,000 brand marketing platform for craft brewers. The province spends more in a month on paper clips and sticky notes.

Notwithstanding the sector’s growth, the stubborn singlemindedness with which the NDP has built up the craft beer industry would be undeniably more effectual if deployed on the pipeline file.

The NDP obviously sees craft beer as a vanguard in their murky economic diversification strategy. Still, it’s impossible to envision Alberta’s economy wondrously and miraculously diversified on the unstoppable surge of craft beer, but evaluating the NDP’s dogmatic beer agenda, one is tempted to conclude such an outcome is expected.

The NDP’s misplaced faith in beer as an economic driver is all the more frustrating when judged against their last-minute support for pipelines because we know they’re capable of effective economic advocacy. The number of craft breweries in Alberta has shot up from 20 in 2015 to 65 today, with more in the offing.

If only Notley and her government could channel some of their affection for home-brewed Alberta beer to our other natural resource, we might be popping champagne corks over new pipeline routes instead of drowning our sorrows.

ALBERTA ENTERPRISE GROUP IS A MEMBER-BASED, NON-PROFIT BUSINESS ADVOCACY ORGANIZATION. AEG MEMBERS EMPLOY MORE THAN 150,000 CANADIANS IN ALL SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY.

BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // DECEMBER 2017

9

TAXPAYERS NEED RETURN POLICY FOR POLITICIANS // COLIN CRAIG

Taxpayers Need Return Policy for Politicians

BY COLIN CRAIG

W

ouldn’t it be nice if politicians came with a return policy?

examples across the political spectrum that would have made politicians think twice about their actions.

Just imagine if taxpayers had a legal tool that could be used to remove a politician from office in the event they broke a major campaign promise, performed poorly or surprised taxpayers with an unpopular tax increase.

Unfortunately, taxpayers have had no legal course of action to obstruct bad decisions. Speaking out – calling and emailing MLAs – certainly helps, and it’s important, but it’s not as powerful as recall.

Fortunately, such a tool exists and it has been in place in British Columbia for decades. It’s time for Alberta to follow B.C.’s lead and pass something known as recall legislation.

Opponents of recall legislation sometimes suggest it’s an illadvised idea as “voters would use it irresponsibly” … but the facts suggest otherwise.

For those who aren’t familiar with recall legislation, it allows voters to start a petition in a politician’s constituency, collect signatures from a majority of voters and then have that politician removed from office, forcing a byelection.

British Columbia voters have had recall legislation since 1995, and there have been 26 attempts to recall MLAs, but only one of them was successful (kind of). Former B.C. MLA Paul Reitsma resigned right near the end of the recall process, after it was clear the petition had more than enough signatures to recall him. However, there have been some other close calls.

Think about all of the uses: A bunch of MLAs have crossed the floor to sit as independents or with another party. Surely some off their constituents were fine with this decision, but if others were upset, recall legislation would be the perfect tool.

What about tax hikes? Do you think Premier Notley would have moved ahead with her surprise carbon tax – something she didn’t campaign on – knowing that some of her party’s MLAs could have had their seats recalled by angry voters?

What about the debt? If voters had recall, would they have used it after Premier Notley unveiled a plan to triple the province’s debt in just four years? Premier Redford’s “sky palace” didn’t sit well with taxpayers either – would that have led to a recall?

It’s hard to look back and ponder how recall may or may not have been used by voters, but certainly we can think of

Some pundits also believe that former premier Gordon Campbell would have lost a few MLAs had he not quit after bringing in a harmonized sales tax – just months after promising not to during the province’s election.

More than anything, recall serves as a deterrent to politicians thinking about bringing in policies that upset a majority of the electorate.

But perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of recall legislation is that it’s a hit with voters. In 1991, before passing recall legislation, British Columbia held a referendum and asked voters if they wanted the tool – 82 per cent voted in favour.

Given the tool is a hit with voters, and politicians are always looking for ideas that appeal to voters, why not give your MLA a call and tell them you support recall?

COLIN CRAIG IS THE INTERIM ALBERTA DIRECTOR FOR THE CANADIAN TAXPAYERS FEDERATION.

10

DECEMBER 2017 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

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Chartered Insurance Professionals (CIP) and Fellow Chartered Insurance Professionals (FCIP) are dedicated experts who have completed a rigorous qualification process requiring several years of study, strict adherence to a code of conduct and years of insurance experience. The Insurance Institute salutes the class of 2017 for their commitment to education, dedication to ethics, and achievement of this professional standard. www.insuranceinstitute.ca/consumer

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North State Resources Inc. has been Acquired

by Stantec Stantec, the global design firm that is headquartered in Edmonton, has expanded its interests in the environmental service sector by acquiring North State Resources Inc. (NSR).

California-based NSR was founded in 1986 and grew to become a 60-person environmental consulting firm with satellite offices in Sacramento and Chico. The company involves itself in technical and regulatory issues relating to the construction and operation of infrastructure and the management of natural resources, and it puts a key focus on supporting the National Environmental Policy and California Environmental Quality Acts, in addition to servicing the following sectors: natural resources, fisheries/aquatic resources, ecosystem restoration, permitting, GIS/remote sensing and water resources.

Notable NSR projects include working with the Bureau of Reclamation Mid-Pacific Region to provide an environmental impact statement on the proposed Shasta Dam enlargement, environmental and ecological assessments for Trinity River restoration, technical studies in collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, assisting the Bureau of Land Management to evaluate a 240-mile proposed pipeline project, and many others.

“The talent and regional reputation held by NSR is invaluable as we continually expand our capabilities to serve clients in California and throughout the Western U.S.,” says Bob Gomes, Stantec president and chief executive officer. “Their talented team members will help us continually grow our environmental service capabilities in new and existing company communities.”

“This is a tremendous opportunity for us to continue supporting public works projects that are important to the communities we live in—and in new geographies as well— while offering our clients an expanded and complementary suite of capabilities that have been drawn from the larger

Stantec network,” says Tim Reilly, NSR principal. “Stantec’s penetration into renewable energy and other key and rapidly emerging industry sectors provides our employees with broad and exciting avenues for professional development.”

Stantec has more than 22,000 employees in over 400 locations on six continents. Currently, Stantec has a presence coast-to-coast in Canada, and coast-to-coast in America.

The company also has one site of operation in London, UK; three locations in the Middle East; and one location in the Caribbean. Stantec is focused on expanding across these regions, and the company uses both organic means and acquisitions to fuel its growth. Organic growth is achieved by adding services and capabilities in the communities it serves. Acquisition partners are vetted to meet the parent company’s mandates of a cultural fit, an integrated team philosophy, leadership engagement and a focus on people and projects.

Stantec is also active in the communities where it works, and it prioritizes planned giving in four core areas: arts, education, environment and health and wellness.

Stantec trades on the TSX and the NYSE under the symbol STN. To learn more about Stantec and the North State Resources Inc. acquisition, visit www.stantec.com online.

Stantec is also active on Facebook, Twitter, G+, LinkedIn and YouTube. To learn more about North State Resources Inc., please visit www.nsrnet.com.

ABOVE: BOB GOMES, PRESIDENT, STANTEC PHOTO SOURCE: EPIC PHOTOGRAPHY INC.

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DECEMBER 2017 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

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STARS Strands CEOs (for a Good Cause) Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS) is a not-forprofit organization that relies on government, corporate and community support to save lives. Since its inception in 1985, STARS has flown more than 36,000 missions across Western Canada.

Recently, STARS gave four prominent Alberta CEOs a beautiful aerial view of the of Rocky Mountains – and then stranded all four of them in a remote mountain location in Kananaskis. The “stranding” was all for a very good cause.

It was STARS’ CEO Rescue in the Rockies event – the organization’s largest single-day fundraiser.

In addition to each CEO having the challenge of calling their colleagues, friends, families and fellow philanthropists to raise $100,000 each for their “rescue,” the CEOs also underwent a series of readiness, survival and STARS medical challenges.

Brookline Public Relations managed the media relations for the event, ensuring widespread coverage in Edmonton and Calgary. Between Brookline and the CEOs’ valiant efforts, 93 per cent of the $400,000 fundraising goal was raised. The top donors of the event were: Tim Harvie, Doug McNeill, Quinn Holtby, the Stream-Flo Group of Companies’ employees, and Dale and Renee Unruh.

“Thousands of people every year rely on STARS for advanced care and direct transport to hospitals, and this event plays a significant role in STARS’ ability to provide Albertans with the highest level of care,” says Andrea Robertson, STARS president and CEO. “Our allies help us soar. The support of Mark McNeill with Stream-Flo Industries, Quinn Holtby with Katch Kan, Tim Harvie with Southbow Farming and Reid Johnson with CORE Network Solutions, as well as their organizations, is what fuels our passion and our innovation as we deliver vital care to those who need it the most.”

This was the sixth annual CEO Rescue in the Rockies event, and while it put the fun in fundraiser for everyone involved, it’s not the only event where people from across Alberta can contribute to the non-profit organization’s great cause. For 24 years, STARS has partnered with The Petroleum Services Association of Canada for the PSAC STARS & Spurs Gala, a western-themed night with food, dancing, entertainment and a live and silent auction. This event supports STARS through ticket sales and through the auction sales. To learn more about attending or donating

PHOTO SOURCE: BROOKLINE PUBLIC RELATIONS, INC. & STARS

16

DECEMBER 2017 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

OFF

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to this event, which will take place in January, visit starsandspursgala.ca.

The bright red STARS helicopter is a symbol of hope and expert emergency care for anyone that is critically in need of treatment. STARS provides safe, rapid, specialized emergency medical transport from its bases in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. Without STARS, many people would not have the second chance at life they deserve.

As a non-profit organization, STARS relies on government funding, fundraisers, corporate sponsorship and individual donations. Every dollar donated to STARS counts, and your attendance and support of STARS’ fundraising events helps to save lives. To learn more about STARS, please visit www.stars.ca/ab.

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17

CHANGING LIVES BY GIVING BACK // COVER

18

DECEMBER 2017 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

CHANGING LIVES BY GIVING BACK // COVER

Changing Lives by Giving Back :

JOHN CAMERON TALKS ABOUT HIS FOUNDATION

BY NERISSA MCNAUGHTON

T

he Singing Christmas Tree, Crescendo, Soaring with Song, Harvest Celebration – what do all of these events have in common? One man determined to share music and inspiration with the world, one song and one event at a time. His name is John Cameron, and he’s the driving force behind some of Edmonton’s most anticipated charitable events.

“When I was a young kid, my parents used to take us to concerts all the time. I remember going to a Helen Reddy concert. One of her songs, You’re My World – something about it just hit me,” he says of his early foray into the world of musical entertainment. “I love music! I love this entertainment thing! I’ve been taking piano lessons since I was five years old, but when I was going to university, I didn’t anticipate this.”

“This” would be his becoming the CEO of the John Cameron Changing Lives Foundation, formerly known as the Edmonton Singing Christmas Tree Foundation. Through the foundation, Cameron produces up to five large-scale events each year, and the proceeds from the events go to various local charities. He does this while also being the president and CEO of Keller Construction Ltd. “I have a great team in both companies,” he laughs when asked how he manages it all. “You rely on your team.

Empower them and they run with it.”

He loves to build walls, paint and work with his hands.

“The tedious stuff, I love that! Put some music on and

away you go! I love that!” he exclaims, showing how construction and music events complement each other in his world. It is, however, his Changing Lives Foundation that feeds his soul.

So, what is the Foundation and how does it work?

“It’s just that – changing lives,” smiles Cameron. “It’s about finding local talent, putting it on the stage and putting on an amazing show that people see, experience and leave uplifted.

They leave challenged and they leave wanting to get involved in supporting the charity.

“It has been very successful, monetarily. Through Changing Lives, we have been able to give money to quite a few organizations in Edmonton; however, it has also been internally successful with the people in our shows. Our choir [for the Singing Christmas Tree] has become its own organism. They have their own Facebook page. Large choirs are hard to find. They are becoming non-existent, but when we put out an email and said we are starting the Singing Christmas Tree, we had 180 people sign up in two days!

“I get calls and emails about people that can sing, dance or play an instrument. There is nothing better than seeing a 12-year-old get up and belt out a song where the audience is in awe, and where they get a standing ovation. You see the kid walk off the stage feeling better and with self-esteem. It changes them. It really impacts their lives. There is nothing better than that.”

ABOVE: JOHN CAMERON. PHOTO SOURCE: EPIC PHOTOGRAPHY INC.

BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // DECEMBER 2017

19

CHANGING LIVES BY GIVING BACK // COVER

This year marks the 48th anniversary of the Signing Christmas Tree in Edmonton.

“It really is the best Christmas show in the city. Those are not just my words. We hear that over and over again,” confirms Cameron. “It’s different ever year. The music is different, the comedy stuff we do is different. It’s a highlight for many people at this time of the year. It gets everybody in the Christmas spirit. It’s emotional and it’s fun. People will cry and laugh, and they will leave uplifted. It raises money to buy instruments and lessons for kids.”

He’s just as excited about the Foundation’s latest show.

“The inaugural Crescendo was this year. It’s an event in support of mental health. For 10 years, I had a vision of doing a concert with a full symphony orchestra in the Francis Winspear Centre for Music, with all the proceeds going to the mental health cause. It’s a personal issue for me and my family. I made a commitment that we would raise $5 million in five years for mental health causes.

“We knew Crescendo would be popular, but we had no idea how it would blow up! People have gotten behind getting rid of the stigma of mental health. It was an amazing concert, and we will be doing it again next year.”

The Foundation goes beyond its own productions to help other causes in the city. For example, Harvest Celebration.

“We do Harvest Celebration for the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation to benefit the Lois Hole Hospital for Women,” Cameron points out. “We have done this for the last seven years. Tickets sell out immediately and the event gets bigger every year. You see how people are changed through that [event].”

Cameron discusses why the John Cameron Changing Lives Foundation is so important for Edmonton and Alberta, and why he believes in this city.

“Lots of local organizations need support financially, and also with manpower and with volunteering. We do that.

We get involved and try to help them out by using local talent. I try to find these young diamonds in the rough that sing or play the guitar. It really makes a difference.

Using people from Edmonton puts Edmonton on the

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“WE KNEW CRESCENDO WOULD BE POPULAR, BUT WE HAD NO IDEA HOW IT WOULD BLOW UP! PEOPLE HAVE GOTTEN BEHIND GETTING RID OF THE STIGMA OF MENTAL HEALTH. IT WAS AN AMAZING CONCERT, AND WE WILL BE DOING IT AGAIN NEXT YEAR.” ~ JOHN CAMERON map, and now we’ve had requests for Crescendo to go all across Canada!

“The people of Edmonton get involved. Anytime you ask, people are there. The entrepreneurial spirit – I like that. I like the arts community with all the different festivals we have. There is so much vibrancy in the city when it comes to the arts and the entrepreneurial spirit. We are not crazy about the weather, but we embrace it! Edmonton is just a great city!”

He cites “watching people develop and grow on stage, get involved and make a difference” as his favourite part of the job, in addition to, “watching the audience stand, seeing their tears and knowing they have been changed. Then they go out, get involved and make a difference. Even my team here: watching them succeed is what really rewards me.”

Creating beautiful performances and life-changing events has its challenges, however, and keeping the show fresh is at the top of Cameron’s list.

“I don’t want people to say they have already seen that show.

It always needs to be different so they don’t know what they are going to see.” To that end, he keeps mixing it up, bringing in the Tenors one year, and featuring the former frontman from the Barenaked Ladies the next. “It has to be fresh or people just go away.”

Yet, he’s willing to do whatever it takes keep the momentum going.

BUILDING SOMETHING BETTER

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Real estate and construction is fast paced and dynamic — there’s an energy and at the centre is the desire to build something better. At MNP we continuously strive to create innovative programs and scalable solutions that help you capture that momentum. Big or small, we know it’s not about size – it’s about quality, value and above all else, the opportunity to build something you can truly be proud of.

For more information contact Ian MacDonald, CPA, CA at 780.969.1423 or ian.macdonald@mnp.ca

CHANGING LIVES BY GIVING BACK // COVER

ABOVE: JOHN CAMERON. PHOTO SOURCE: EPIC PHOTOGRAPHY INC.

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CHANGING LIVES BY GIVING BACK // COVER

“FROM MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE, YOU NEED TO BE HUMBLE. BE THERE TO LEAD, BUT LET OTHERS SUCCEED. BE THERE TO SUPPORT THEM, BUT LET THE RESULTS SHOW. LET YOUR “I’m just focused on keeping it fresh, making a difference, and picking new talent,” he smiles. “I don’t sit back enough and read the reviews and the comments. I probably should, but when I do, it’s pretty overwhelming because I never thought it would come to all this.”

With both Keller Construction and the John Cameron Changing Lives Foundation in his life, Cameron knows he has to stay focused and agile. He shares the lessons he’s learned about balancing it all while moving both companies forward, year after year.

“Take a risk!” he encourages. “If you sit back and don’t take a risk, you won’t get the highs. I’ve taken lots of risks. Not all of them have worked, but you need to [take a risk] if you want to make a difference.

“From my personal experience, you need to be humble. Be there to lead, but let others succeed. Be there to support them, but let the results show. Let your team succeed and give them the spotlight.

“You can’t do it all yourself. You just can’t. You need to rely on your team. I’m so fortunate that I have an amazing team at Keller and at my Foundation that allows me to do the things that I’m good at, and they do what they are great at.

That is why we are so successful.

“Time flies…time flies! If I had thought 25 years would have gone by this quickly, I would have done a lot of things differently. I look at young people trying to succeed and they give up their kids or their wives. You HAVE to have that balance.”

Cameron works toward that balance by keeping his mind, body and relationships healthy. He enjoys Orangetheory Fitness and tries to do the program five days a week. He

TEAM SUCCEED AND GIVE THEM THE SPOTLIGHT. ~ JOHN CAMERON enjoys taking his dog, Roxy, to the dog park and loves walking around the river. He travels and listens to the local music in each destination, getting inspiration for the next event. He also enjoys going to concerts and volunteering on boards, and like a true Edmontonian, “I love the Oilers! Love them!”

The philanthropist thanks his parents, Wayne and Marleen, and is sister, Kim, for their support, inspiration and encouragement. He also says of his daughter, Kristen, “She taught me how to keep going and be positive.” He credits Entrepreneurs’ Organization, which he joined in 1998, for helping him to build his company and Foundation.”

“I’m a strong proponent that if you don’t put something in, you can’t take something out,” Cameron concludes. “If everyone in Edmonton just took, there would be nothing left for the people that need help. How many times have you gone to a bank machine and money just came out? Never.

You have to put that chipped card in that tells the machine you worked hard and put something in so you can take something out.”

He plans to give back into perpetuity, creating events and initiatives that will live on long after he’s gone. “[The John Cameron Changing Lives Foundation] will continue to make a difference in people’s lives through music. We will also be taking Crescendo on the road across Canada, and we will continue to discover and develop new talent to help all the charities that need help. And we will continue having fun!”

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BOMA EDMONTON: A PROACTIVE AND TRUSTED RESOURCE AND LOBBYIST FOR IMPORTANT UPCOMING MGA CHANGES A

s many BOMA Edmonton members will know, the provincial government has been going through the process of reviewing the Municipal Government Act (MGA) for about five years, moving towards making major changes that will greatly impact the municipality’s ability to tax, conduct planning and development, implement cost recoveries, make infrastructure changes, and more.

What many BOMA members may not know is that BOMA Edmonton, alongside BOMA Calgary, has ensured it has been at the forefront of the changes to the MGA from the very beginning as the voice of the commercial real estate industry.

“The MGA is the second largest piece of legislation next to the Health Act in Alberta,” says Anthony Patenaude, a member of the BOMA Edmonton board of directors. “It is the piece of legislation that provides municipalities with all their governing authorities, and commercial real estate is significantly impacted by the MGA. Everything from taxation to planning and development all comes out of that Act, so it’s very important to us as an industry.”

In fact, BOMA Edmonton worked very hard to establish itself as a resource and a collaborator with respect to the review of the MGA, which is now called the Modernized Municipal Government Act (MMGA). “We spent a great deal of time not only meeting directly with Municipal Affairs, but also meeting a number of MLAs and working with municipalities who are already familiar with us so that we could establish ourselves as an entity that should have a voice, and that should be the voice of commercial real estate,” says Patenaude.

Two years ago, and after an initial lengthy consultation period, BOMA was invited to be part of the MGA Stakeholder Advisory Committee (SAC). “This is a very select group of industry and municipality representatives who are meeting quarterly with Municipal Affairs to identify concerns, talk about issues, attempt to resolve issues between municipalities and industry as needed, and ultimately provide guidance for this MMGA,” says Patenaude, adding there are only four or five industry representatives guiding the MGA changes.

Through that process, BOMA has had a direct seat at the SAC table, and has worked very diligently on behalf of members to ensure the voice of industry has been heard.

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After round two of the amendments were passed by the Legislature in December 2016, BOMA subsequently spent the last eight months pouring over those details and those regulations to ensure BOMA members are being acknowledged through the process.

“It’s been a very challenging process” says Patenaude. “We’ve had some big wins, but there have also been some areas where our concerns have not been acknowledged.”

The last round of draft regulations were recently released in August 2017, and BOMA is currently working through those, particularly in the areas concerning assessment and taxation guidelines, which would have some of the greatest impacts on the industry.

In addition, the cities of Edmonton and Calgary have been working with the province for the last two years to develop a Charter Cities Act (CCA). This Act would allow Edmonton and Calgary to have extraordinary powers over and above the MGA, particularly as it relates to taxation and planning, as well as the ability to generate revenue.

“This Act is not just about taxation, but instituting all sorts of levies and tolls,” says Patenaude. The CCA enables the cities to modify or replace provisions of the MGA or any other provincial Act or regulation, as specified by the province.

The cities will not be given carte blanche; municipal public engagement processes, such as public hearings prior to passing bylaws, will still be in place.

The Act is intended to “modernize processes, remove obstacles to innovation and efficiency, provide greater autonomy for administrative decision making, and ensure appropriate accountability mechanisms are in place,” as stated in the City Charters Overview Package.

So far, the Act has mostly flown under the radar of regular taxpayers, with very little full mainstream media press, even though the first round of amendments were made in March 2015 and the final round was made this past August.

The CCA regulations were just released, and BOMA Edmonton is actively engaged in the consultation process for this Act as well. “We don’t have a seat the table – no one does except for the City and Municipal Affairs. We’re simply part of the consultation,” says Patenaude. The province’s intent is to have the CCA in place for the municipal elections set to happen this fall. The timing for this is incredibly

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tight, and this is quite unprecedented. The average citizen has no idea what’s about to hit them if this CCA gets rushed through in time for the election. To put things into perspective, there are a number of other cities in Canada which are charter cities such as Toronto and Vancouver. Vancouver, for example, now charges a significant per litre tax on gasoline for a transit levy, and Edmonton and Calgary could do the exact same thing.”

Other changes could include toll roads, and placing additional taxes on vacant land and derelict buildings, says Patenaude. “Some things are good, other things are scary,” he admits. “This Act is coming very quickly. The regulations were released in late August and there’s a 60-day consultation period. The intent is to have these regulations in place in time for the fall election. We are currently working on providing an industry response to that as well.”

You can learn more on the MMGA by visiting mgareview.alberta.ca/whats-changing.

CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE COMES TO EDMONTON C

limate change has been a topic of great discussion over the past decade, with experts on both sides coming out with an abundance of research and statistics. Now, for the first time, the effects of climate change on cities will be discussed during the Cities and Climate Change Science Conference, to be hosted right here in Edmonton on March 5 - 7, 2018.

“We’re very excited to have this conference in our city,” says Mary-Ann Thurber, communications advisor for the City of Edmonton’s Regional Economic Development department. “This event is the first of its kind and we expect up to 800 representatives from the United Nations to attend, so we expect it to be a very impactful few days.”

Co-sponsored by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate change (IPCC), the Cities and Climate Change Conference will focus on advancing the global understanding of the reciprocating effects between cities and climate change. In support of the implementation of the Paris Agreement, the New Urban Agenda, and the Sustainable Development Goals, the conference is also intended to inspire new research on the science of cities and climate change, and forge new and stronger partnerships that will start funding for a joint knowledge production. Furthermore, the conference will work to connect and create new data platforms for climate change and city research.

Debra Roberts, co-chair of the IPCC Working Group II states, “This conference is key in developing a global research agenda that will establish a new contract between society and climate science in the world’s cities.”

Roberts goes on to explain that “cities around the world need science to help them better understand the action options.” The conference serves to bring together representatives from academia, scientific institutions, IPCC experts, national, regional and local government representatives, urban and climate change practitioners and related networks in an effort to open a cohesive dialog and build on their collective knowledge.

Ten cities – with equal representation from the Global North and Global South – responded to an open call to host the conference launched in Marrakech at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP-22) in November 2016. The proposals

were transparently and collectively assessed during a month of rigorous evaluation and intense deliberation, leading to the final selection of Edmonton as the winner, due to the very high quality of their proposal.

“As the centres of high population density and economic activity, cities are both key to solving the challenge of climate change and highly vulnerable to its ill effects,” says Thurber. “More than half the world’s population now lives in cities and 70 per cent of cities are already dealing with the effects of climate change, and nearly all are at risk.”

In order to avoid the catastrophic impacts from climate change, including rising sea levels, heat waves, floods and other weather extremes, cities will need to work together to help mitigate the impacts of global warming on their centres.

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Cities and regions may also be powerhouses of ambitious mitigation and adaptation measures that are hard to legislate and implement at the national level, she adds. “So cities have not only the motivation, but also the means to play an important role in safeguarding our collective future.”

The conference will also provide a significant opportunity to enhance the scientific evidence on cities and climate change, including the global and regional impacts of climate change on cities, adaptation and mitigation opportunities in cities, and the evidence of successful actions on cross cutting issues such as governance, financing, and the integration of sustainable development.

The conference will have numerous themes over two days, such as discussions around cities and climate change, urban emissions, and solutions for low carbon and climate-resilient cities. A number of community events will also be hosted during the event and an exhibition will be open during the conference.

“The City of Edmonton is pleased to host the 2018 Cities and Climate Change Science conference,” says Mayor Don Iveson. “Our city is serious in its action to

combat climate change. The City’s Blatchford redevelopment, poised to be one of the world’s largest sustainable communities, and our commitment to doubling of our light rail transit network in the next 10 years, are just two of many initiatives we are making to further this necessary global change. Hosting the 2018 Cities and Climate Change Science conference gives us the opportunity to share knowledge with other municipalities, while learning, advancing ideas and forming partnerships that will help the world’s cities make progress on climate change.”

“Cities are on the front lines of the fight against climate change,” says Shannon Phillips, the Minister responsible for the Climate Change Office of Alberta.

“As host of the 2018 Cities and Climate Change Science conference, Edmonton will showcase Alberta’s efforts to protect the environment and build a diversified economy of the future. Safeguarding our quality of life here in Alberta and around the world requires collaboration and effort from individuals to cities, provinces and national governments.”

For more information on the conference visit citiesipcc.org.

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BOMA Edmonton Newsletter | www.bomaedmonton.org

MAPPING EDMONTON’S DOWNTOWN TRANSFORMATION

A NEW STUDY COMPARES EDMONTON’S DOWNTOWN IN 2010 AND 2017

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dmonton’s downtown has undergone some major changes over the past few years, with the opening of Rogers Place, the Hyatt Place Hotel, and the recent addition of the Downtown Bike Network. But many Edmontonians, and business owners in particular, have likely wondered what, if any, are the tangible results of all these changes? Well that’s exactly the question the Downtown Business Association (DBA) has answered in its latest business report, Mapping Growth, A Comparative Look at Downtown’s Transformation (2010-2017).

The report was completed by second year University of Alberta (U of A) MBA student Nupur Thakor, who was hired as a consultant this past summer as part of a 13-year partnership between the DBA and the U of A. Thakor was tasked with updating a report from 2010 on perception in the downtown from people who work or live in the area, as well as a 2012 report citing approximately $5.4 billion in rumoured proposed and under construction projects in the downtown core.

“We wanted to do a bit of a health check on where we’ve come since 2010 in terms of comparing those rumoured construction projects with reality, as well as an update on the overall perception of downtown after the many major investments and initiatives we’ve had during this timeframe,” says Ian O’Donnell, executive director of the DBA. In order to update the perception of Edmonton’s downtown, Thakor created a survey based on the 2010 and 2012 reports. The survey was released to all Edmontonians and covered a wide cross section of information related to how people feel about downtown.

The results included 1,499 responses from downtown residents, downtown employees, and non-downtown respondents, with an even split among the groups.

“One of the first major discoveries we found was why people choose to live downtown,” says O’Donnell.

“We found 59 per cent of people who live downtown do so because of walkability, followed by lifestyle and proximity to work. These were different reasons than in 2010, when most people said they lived downtown because it was close to shopping, services and work. So, more people are choosing to live downtown because of the urban lifestyle.”

The next major finding in the report was how the overall opinion of downtown has changed. “In 2012 only 54 per cent of respondents had a positive opinion of downtown. That is now 79 per cent for the general population, so a significant jump in positive opinions of our downtown. That number jumps to 83 per cent if you live downtown,” says O’Donnell.

Another finding should come as somewhat less of a shock given the city’s culture: people come downtown for the food.

“We actually found the primary reason people are coming downtown, aside from work, is for dining,” O’Donnell says. “Sixty-four per cent of people say the number one reason they come downtown is dining, and that’s closely followed by festivals and social events, as well as live performances or concerts.”

Much of this has to do with the impact Rogers Place has had on Edmonton’s core, which is projected to draw upwards of 2.5 million people per year to the downtown. “We found a huge proportion (46 per cent) of those people going to Rogers Place for an event, are coming to eat beforehand, and most of those people are in the younger 25-44 age demographic,” says O’Donnell. “So, we’re telling the restaurant industry to make sure you have the opportunity to reach out to fans and ensure you’re catering to that demographic.”

Another interesting finding in the report was regarding how people get downtown. “We’re certainly seeing a shift of more people living centrally, so the percentage of people that are walking or biking or taking transit is certainly increasing,” says O’Donnell. For those living downtown, 45 per cent walk as their commute, while only 26 per cent use a personal vehicle.

Public transit is the next option at 20 per cent, while biking is around 7 per cent. A cab, vehicle-for-hire or Uber is around 2 per cent.

Meanwhile, for those who don’t live downtown, 55 per cent use a vehicle and about 30 per cent take public transit.

While it may still be too early to really understand the impact of the newly-added bike lanes, O’Donnell says it’s important for businesses to be aware of them so they can respond to them and cater to cyclists with things like secure bicycle storage. “We’ve seen some www.bomaedmonton.org | BOMA Edmonton Newsletter | December 2017

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really creative businesses who have put out a really colourful creative bike lock area, and it’s a great promotional tool.”

What about downtown investment? Did the city’s core really see $5.4 billion of projects that were either under construction, rumoured or proposed, as cited in 2012? According to the report, of that $5.4 billion, approximately $2.5 billion has been completed and another $2 billion is expected to be completed in the next five years. The 2017 report also identified another $1.5 billion of projects that were not on the radar back in 2012.

“We’re still seeing some very positive momentum in the downtown,” says O’Donnell. “As a result, the development industry is responding to the demand to have more lifestyle and living choices downtown, so we’re seeing a push on residential first and foremost, which often accompanies new retail.”

While the core has had new office development, O’Donnell says it’s unlikely there will be more office development for a few years because of vacancy rates.

“Instead, more developers are looking to residential and mixed-use projects, which are really important to develop a really healthy and vibrant city throughout the day,” he says.

The city is also seeing some significant progress in public investment, as MacEwan University opened Allard Hall (its new fine arts centre downtown) and NorQuest College opened its new Singhmar Centre for Learning. “Both of those will be bringing a few thousand students a day, or more, downtown.

Those students certainly will be shopping, eating and hopefully living downtown,” says O’Donnell. On top of that, the Royal Alberta Museum will be opening in early 2018, which is expected to bring a few hundred thousand people downtown. “So if you add cumulatively all of these projects, it’s a very positive outlook, and we certainly hope we see this continue,” O’Donnell says.

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December 2017 | BOMA Edmonton Newsletter | www.bomaedmonton.org

LIVE AND LEARN // CONTINUING EDUCATION

Live and Learn CONTINUING EDUCATION TAKES MANY FORMS, BUT CAN BE CRITICAL IN MAKING A CAREER CHANGE

BY RAMONA KORPANA

W

hen you consider the fact that the average person will hold as many as 10 jobs before they turn 40, whether or not to pursue further education midlife is hardly a question. Any new job is going to require new skills, some of which may be best learned in an academic environment, rather than in the field. So the question instead becomes one of what type of education will give you the most value for your time and money. A second bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree may open up new career paths in entirely different fields, but is it worth the cost and time commitment?

You can always learn new things on your own, through MOOCs (massive open online courses), job shadowing and good old-fashioned research, but will your efforts pay off if you don’t have the credentials to show for it?

For many, the answer lies somewhere in between.

Continuing education courses offer knowledge and skills in manageable pieces. You may not receive transferable credit for your efforts, but can walk away with a professional certificate and some evidence of your newfound knowledge, and because there is less of a time and money commitment involved, it’s a great way to pursue a subject for personal interest as well.

“Continuing education serves communities of learners as they work to achieve their professional and personal goals throughout their lives,” explains Christie Schultz, assistant dean of the Faculty of Extension at the University of Alberta.

“Continuing education is flexible, accessible, and designed to meet the needs of working professionals looking to build knowledge, enhance skills, and advance their careers.”

Continuing Education 101 Continuing education courses are non-credit education programs that are typically taken through a college or a faculty of extension at a university. The term “continuing education” is a broad umbrella though, and can also include MOOCs, seminars and webinars, or informal training from a variety of sources.

As jobs naturally evolve to accommodate new practices, technologies and social expectations, continuing education can be the difference between becoming irrelevant in your own field and staying ahead.

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LIVE AND LEARN // CONTINUING EDUCATION

“SOME PROGRAMS, LIKE THE OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY PROGRAM OR THE INFORMATION ACCESS AND PROTECTION OF PRIVACY PROGRAM, ARE CLOSELY ALIGNED WITH PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS, WHICH MAY HELP TO FACILITATE A CAREER CHANGE.” ~ CHRISTIE SCHULTZ

“Many of our courses and programs are ‘bite-sized’ so that students can learn specific skills as needs emerge in their workplaces,” says Schultz. “Some programs, like the Occupational Health and Safety program or the Information Access and Protection of Privacy program, are closely aligned with professional associations, which may help to facilitate a career change. In contrast, courses in our Environmental Resource Management program or in our Management and Leadership programs, are often a perfect fit for those wishing to move up the career ladder within their current field.”

Career Change For some, the desire to learn more ends up sparking a biggerthan-expected life change. Taking a course on a subject that has always interested you can provide the knowledge and confidence to incite a complete career shift, or take you to a new level in an existing career. When you do decide to make

a career shift, even if you didn’t begin the process by taking a class or studying a new topic, you’re still in for an education.

Janel Dickin made about as big a career change as one could imagine. Though she had years of retail experience, having worked in the industry as a side-job for years, the now-owner of Hye Fashion, a clothing boutique catering to tall women, originally had a very different career field in mind. “I hold a Master of Science degree in molecular genetics from the College of Agriculture at the University of Saskatchewan,” she says “Not exactly a direct path to owning a boutique!”

Even with 20 years of retail experience behind her, the jump to business owner required education in areas that were new to her. When she decided to make the move into fashion entrepreneurship, she eschewed the classroom model of continuing education, opting for direct the mentorship of people and organizations who held the expertise she needed.

According to Dickin, those interactions paid off. “For about a year. . . I worked on the business plan in partnership with Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan, as I lived in ABOVE: CHRISTIE SCHULTZ, ASSISTANT DEAN (ACADEMIC), FACULTY OF EXTENSION, UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA.

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LIVE AND LEARN // CONTINUING EDUCATION

“I’M A FIRM BELIEVER THAT EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON. I AM WHOLEHEARTEDLY CONVINCED THAT I AM WHERE I AM SUPPOSED TO BE BECAUSE I’VE ENCOUNTERED THE RIGHT PEOPLE WITH THE RIGHT SKILLS AT JUST THE RIGHT TIME TO GET ME WHERE I AM.” ~ JANEL DICKIN

Saskatchewan at the time,” she says. “I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. I am wholeheartedly convinced that I am where I am supposed to be because I’ve encountered the right people with the right skills at just the right time to get me where I am. I’ve been so fortunate to have come across experts in a variety of fields—accountants, bankers, commercial realtors, business mentors, HR specialists, fashion trend experts, supervisors, colleagues, clients and good friends—who had insightful information that helped me build the business. I still use what I learned from them on a daily basis.”

According to Cindy Hanson of the Edmonton Lifelong Learners Associations (ELLA), an organization that provides continuing education opportunities to adults over 50, career changes are often most successful when they make use of an existing skill set. “Older adults who successfully transition to a new career usually do so by making use of, and perhaps upgrading and updating, skills and knowledge they already have, rather than trying to learn completely new skills,” she says.

Though Dickin’s career change might have seemed like a complete turnabout from her original path in molecular genetics, those years of working retail as a hobby may have been key in the transition. Drawing on existing skills can make a career change manageable, as the older a person gets, the harder it becomes to justify setting aside 5-10 years to take a new degree program, and work your way through the entry level ranks of a new field.

Continuing Education after Retirement Due to the flexibility of most continuing education programs, they appeal to a broad spectrum of learners, including those who have already retired. Whether they’re looking to a begin a post-retirement career or simply pursue

ABOVE: JANEL DICKIN, OWNER, HYE FASHION.

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LIVE AND LEARN // CONTINUING EDUCATION

interests that had been put on the back burner during primary working years, retirees have become a growing demographic in continuing education classrooms.

“Our programs can also provide opportunities for a career shift—even a retirement career. Our residential interiors program, for instance, has certainly attracted students looking to start a creative business. Visual arts and writing courses can also be a great place to connect and learn in a community—and to pick up that paintbrush and that pen again, or for the first time,” says Schultz.

Post-retirement learning isn’t just about beginning a new career. According to Hanson, the classes offered through her organization benefit learners in a number of areas of their lives. “ELLA participants attend for a variety of reasons: to keep current and up to date; to meet new people, reconnect with old friends and spend time with an existing social circle

in an interesting setting; to enjoy stimulating conversation with likeminded individuals; to stay engaged in society; and to challenge our minds and bodies,” she explains. “The reasons to attend are endless, but the outcomes are so valuable that participants return year after year. We have exceptionally high return rates and an extremely engaged membership.”

According to Hanson, it’s not just students who find the continuing education experience enriching. Those benefits are passed on to the people around them, including instructors. “I spoke to an instructor at last year’s session who told me that he was a bit hesitant to agree to teach at ELLA the first time he was asked, but that after teaching one spring session he was hooked!” she says. “He enjoys people’s eagerness to learn, the questions asked—some of which may challenge some of his concepts and some of which he has to research the answers to—and the engagement, maturity and experience of the students.”

ABOVE: ELLA BOARD MEMBERS WELCOMING CONTINUING EDUCATION PARTICIPANTS.

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DECEMBER 2017 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

The Policy Gifts We’d Like to Unwrap

2017 Board of Directors Executive

Chair: James Merkosky Partner, Tax Services, Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLP Vice Chair: Len Rhodes President & CEO, Edmonton Eskimo Football Club Treasurer: Bryan DeNeve Senior Vice President Finance & CFO, Capital Power Past Chair: Bill Blais President and CEO Maclab Development Group

Directors

Dr. Glenn Feltham President & CEO, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology Crystal Graham Partner & Licensed Interior Designer, Kasian Architecture Interior Design & Planning Ltd. Dawn Harsch President & CEO, Exquisicare Inc. Alyson Hodson President & CEO, zag creative Elan MacDonald President, Impact Consulting Scott McEachern Vice President, Engineering & Projects, Enbridge Pipelines Inc. Dennis Schmidt Partner, Dentons Canada LLP Craig Thorkelsson Manager, Corporate Taxation PCL Constructors Inc. Liza Wold Partner, Miller Thomson LLP

Chamber Executive

Janet Riopel President & CEO Edmonton Chamber of Commerce Ian Morris Vice President, Finance Edmonton Chamber of Commerce Danuta Woronowicz Vice President, Policy & Outreach Edmonton Chamber of Commerce

Contact

Edmonton Chamber of Commerce #600 – 9990 Jasper Avenue Edmonton, AB T5J 1P7 T: 780.426.4620 • F: 780.424.7946

By Janet M. Riopel, President & CEO

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s the festive season approaches, it’s not the sound of reindeers on the roof keeping the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce up at night. We’re focused on identifying and championing opportunities that will benefit business and that lead to a competitive and growing economy. We’re not planning to take a long winter’s nap, but we do have some visions of policy dancing in our heads.

Here’s what’s on our Christmas wish list: 1. A plan to get Alberta’s budget back to balance We need a clear plan that will get Alberta back on the path to long-term prosperity. The trend of growing government spending is harming Alberta’s competitive position. The provincial deficit will hit $10.5-billion this year and provincial debt is projected to climb to $71 billion by 2018–2019. The independent federal Parliamentary Budget Officer recently said Alberta’s financial policies are “not sustainable” over the long term. We will continue to urge the Province to come up with a realistic plan to get Alberta back to balance.

2. Pipelines to tidewater At the beginning of 2017 we were optimistic that Alberta would soon expand its market access. Pipelines had been approved with construction on Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain Expansion Project set to begin this year. Since then our optimism has been tempered by slow progress on Trans Mountain and the cancellation of Energy East.

In order for Alberta’s economy to thrive, we need access to new markets— markets that are prepared to pay more for our quality resources. We need to get moving on pipelines.

In order for Alberta’s economy to thrive, we need access to new markets—markets that are prepared to pay more for our quality resources.

We need to get moving on pipelines.

3. Overall improved economy While some forecasts say economic conditions are improving in Alberta, we hear every day from businesses who are still struggling. These are still uncertain times Continued on the next page...

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for Edmonton—our unemployment rate remains high and many families are still trying to make ends meet. The factors that result in a healthy economy are complex, but there are concrete steps government can take to encourage growth. We urge all levels of government to consider the business impact of their decisions and to adopt policies that stimulate competition.

4. Progress on NAFTA The renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is in peril, with U.S. President Donald Trump threatening to terminate NAFTA and Canadian negotiators concerned about U.S. proposals. There are doubts about whether any deal, let alone a good deal, will be reached.

The U.S. is Canada’s largest trading partner with 400,000 people and $2.4 billion in goods and services crossing the border daily. We hope negotiators can reach an agreement that results in a modernized NAFTA, an agreement that plays a fundamental role in the strength, and resiliency of our economy.

5. A private retail model for cannabis With cannabis set to be legalized in Canada by July 2018, a key question has emerged: should cannabis be sold by the private sector or by government? We recommend that the Province stay out of the retail business and build on the success of our privatized liquor model. The opportunities are unprecedented—a brand-new, multibillion-dollar industry with plentiful business opportunities in numerous areas including retail, agriculture, testing, security and tourism.

RE: A private retail model for cannabis – Alberta’s entrepreneurs are ready, willing and able to take on the risks and rewards associated with developing this new industry. steps towards this goal in 2017 including the creation of Edmonton Global as a single economic development entity for the region. As we’ve often said, we need to stop competing within the region and start competing as a region.

7. City Charters A framework for City Charters has been announced, but we’re still waiting to hear what new tax powers charters will mean for Calgary and Edmonton. We’ve urged the Province not to make changes that will increase the cost of doing business. We need to maintain our ability to attract business by limiting any significant new taxation powers.

If legalization is undertaken thoughtfully, with a well-regulated private retail system, the economic benefits can be realized while limiting the risks to employers, workers and the public.

Alberta’s entrepreneurs are ready, willing and able to take on the risks and rewards associated with developing this new industry.

In this fiercely competitive world, business needs more than entrepreneurial spirit to succeed. To achieve the best environment for business, we also need public policies that are crafted with care. So, we’ll end our Christmas list with hopes that in 2018, all orders of government—municipal, provincial, and federal—help take us there. And with that, Merry Christmas to all . . . wishing you prosperity in the new year!

6. Continuing regional cooperation The Chamber is a long-time advocate of greater regional cooperation. We saw some positive

What’s on your wish list? What policies and initiatives would help your business succeed?

Let us know at policy@edmontonchamber.com.

Members in this Issue University of Alberta in Live and Learn on page 31 Rohit Group in The Changing Face of the Alberta Advantage: How Immigration Continues to Shape Our Success on page 52

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DECEMBER 2017 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

AMVIC Licensed

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World Health Edmonton Inc. Member profile Yvonne Camus, Chief Operating Officer www.worldhealthedmonton.ca What’s your story?

World Health has brand promise to inspire people to achieve a healthier and happier life.

This promise has helped us shape our business and successfully build a network of nine locally owned and operated high end, full service fitness clubs. We have differentiated ourselves from other low cost fitness options in the City by: •Providing an engaging fitness and wellness experience that includes access to a full range of services and amenities that helps people reach their health and wellness goals.

• Offering a unique integration of fitness, nutrition, and consultation services for members, including a club concierge, towel service, locker room amenities, steam rooms, kids clubs, and top of the line professionally led programs such as personal training, small group training (Team45) and group fitness.

• Partnering with a range of trusted partners to offer members a range of healthy, supportive lifestyle services such as massage, salon treatments, tanning and nutritional products.

• Supporting members to achieve their fitness goals by reaching out to them when their attendance at the clubs drops off.

• Engaging our members to provide valuable feedback through our Member Advisory Committee to help guide our management decisions.

What are three things people are surprised to learn about your business?

1. Despite what the name implies, we’re locally owned and operated, and because our owners live in Edmonton, we’re accountable to the people of Edmonton for the results they get in our clubs. We also have a Member Advisory Committee that works with management to make key decisions about the brand experience.

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Yvonne Camus, Chief Operating Officer, World Health Edmonton Inc.

2. Our membership dues are slightly higher than other Edmonton gyms because we endeavor to provide the full range of programs and services required to make the gym experience engaging and comfortable.

3. We have – what many in our industry consider – the #1 personal training program in Canada. Some of our trainers are sought out to speak at fitness conferences throughout the world and many of our trainers are career professionals that have been with World Health for over 15 years.

What has surprised you in the last 12 months?

The number of national and international fitness companies who have come to

Edmonton looking to take advantage of Alberta’s economy based on the state of our economy back in 2015.

Do you have a personal mantra?

“If you are in the service business, you have to LOVE to be of service.”

What has been your biggest challenge in the last 12 months?

Telling our story to Edmontonians, that we are dedicated to creating an experience that delivers results.

What do you enjoy most about being a chamber member?

Having a local organization that helps us share our story and passion with Edmonton.

What do you think is the biggest issue impacting Edmonton’s small businesses at this time?

The increase to minimum wage has been very taxing on every single business in the B to C sector. It’s forcing businesses to find new ways to delivery their desired customer experience using less staff.

What’s your secret to keeping your employees engaged?

Communication. Although, admittedly we aren’t perfect, we strive to do this through regular meetings, a staff newsletter and having feet on the ground as much as we can. We are also fortunate to be the type of business that attracts employees who have a passion for what we do and that helps because our staff WANT our members to be working out.

Our Chamber mandate is to create the best environment for business in Edmonton. If you could make one substantial improvement to Edmonton’s business environment, what would it be?

For all locally owned businesses to work with the Chamber to educate the Edmonton consumer about why supporting locally owned and operated companies builds a stronger community.

What is your favorite thing to do in Edmonton?

Run in the River Valley and joining the Oiler Nation!

Apple or android?

Apple Your most favorite place in the world?

Hayman Island, Australia Coffee or tea?

Coffee

Connecting Business Hacking Small Business

Cyber security expert Lindsay Dodd demonstrating how small business owners can fight back from a cyber attack.

Lindsay shares some smart techniques to reduce the risk of hacking for small business.

Guests had the opportunity to learn from real-life case studies on cyber attacks to reduce risks to their businesses.

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Connecting Business Pioneering Innovation Panel

Craig Ryan, BDC, led the insightful ‘Pioneering Innovation Panel’ discussion with Francois Blouin, ATCO, Aaryn Flynn, formally BioWare, Darryl Weflen, Airworks Compressors Corp. and Alyssa Lefaivre, DIRTT.

Chamber members and guests enjoyed the opportunity to connect with other leaders in the business community.

Meet the Makers: Taste of Italy

Teresa Spinelli welcomed guests to the ’Meet the Makers’ event at the Italian Centre and shared her journey from small business to growing into operating four stores across Edmonton and Calgary.

Millennials: Taking Charge & Changing Business

Guests attending ‘Millennials: Taking Charge & Changing Business’ event connected over breakfast.

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DECEMBER 2017 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

John shared his knowledge and experience with cheese prior to engaging guests to help crack a wheel of cheese.

BDC Small Business Week™ Mixer and Trade Show

Mixer and trade show guests explored and networked with the engaging range of Edmonton businesses on show.

An Evening of Brilliance

O

n a dark, wintery night this January, as the snow falls against a glistening Rogers Place, a streak of brilliance will cut through the night sky, as the Chamber Ball once again arrives at Rogers Place on Saturday, January 27, 2018.

in the excitement, connection and camaraderie at ice level. When the program commences, you will be inspired by the vision, commitment and dedication of the Northern Lights Award winner, and witness the official swearing in of the new Board Chair by Mayor Don Iveson.

The Chamber Ball is Edmonton’s most prestigious annual business gala event, and in January 2018, guests can expect a unique and exclusive VIP experience like no other, as Rogers Place is transformed for ‘An Evening of Brilliance.’

As the action moves to the sparkling Ford Hall, you will enjoy a uniquely interactive fine dining experience, taking in the culinary brilliance of a team of top Edmonton chefs. Enjoy a glass of perfectly paired wine as you delight in engaging conversations in the awe-inspiring beauty of the transformed Ford Hall.

From the very moment you arrive, you will sense the grandeur and significance of Chamber Ball 2018.

As you’re guided down the red carpet and through the impressive VIP entrance, you will join over 1000 fellow business leaders from across Edmonton for a night of opulence and celebration.

The night begins with a cocktail and exclusive access to explore the Edmonton Oilers ‘Hall of Fame’ room, showcasing 45 years of Oilers history. Marvel at the red carpet scene as Edmonton’s business elite arrive in black tie and couture.

Mix and mingle as you make your way down the hallowed halls of Rogers Place, walking in the same footsteps as the Edmonton Oilers, before emerging through the player’s entrance and onto the ice, under the grandeur of the Chamber Ball chandelier.

Enjoy the opportunity to sip a cocktail ‘on ice’ as you take

The night kicks up a notch as the evening’s entertainment takes to ice level center stage, featuring something special from every genre, including an impressive double fill showcasing Edmonton’s own recording sensations, The Royal Foundry, and the always\ popular, Dueling Pianos.

Take to the dance floor and dance the night away at Ice Level, or continue your VIP Chamber Ball experience by taking advantage of the exclusive Chairman’s Lounge access, where you can enjoy another drink with friends in this unique space that is normally only accessible to high profile VIP’s.

This is a night not to be missed.

Experience ‘An Evening of Brilliance’ this January 2018, and join us at Chamber Ball 2018.

BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // DECEMBER 2017

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THE 2018

SATURDAY, JANUARY 27, 2018 Saturday, January 27, 2018

BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

• Edmonton’s premier business gala • Exclusive VIP guest experience • Fine dining in Ford Hall • Black tie and cocktail formal • Musical Guests: The Royal Foundry | Dueling Pianos

Tickets at EdmontonChamber.com

WANT TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS? HARNESS THE POWER OF FLIGHT // AVIATION

WANT TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS?

Harness the power of flight

BY DEBRA WARD, CANADIAN BUSINESS AVIATION ASSOCIATION (CBAA)

I

magine how it would feel to announce year-end results that consistently show that your company has outperformed its competitors on ROA, ROE, EBITDA and revenue growth.

Or have you company recognized as one of the country’s most innovative, admired and best places to work.

Picture yourself able to fix a customer’s problem face-to-face, engage a new client, meet with regional staff and be back home to sleep in your own bed that night – even if you have to travel hundreds of kilometres and make multiple stops.

Or, take advantage of the low business costs, loyal work force and great quality of life you find in a small community, while reaching all of your markets - domestic and international – with a single flight and no delays.

What is your time worth? What would it mean to you to have extra hours in your day, using secure and private flights to continue with business as usual with no interruptions and no eavesdropping?

All of this is possible when you take one single decision – to

use business aviation. And if you make that choice, you will be in good company: a recent report produced by NEXA Advisors for the CBAA demonstrates that Canadian TSX 60 companies which use business aviation – about 70per cent of all TSX-indexed businesses – outperform those who only fly commercial scheduled airlines.

The numbers are staggering. Canadian business aviation users on average, outperformed non-users by 43per cent on top-line revenue growth. The NEXA study also found that business aviation users could expect to improve EBITDA at a rate of 50per cent higher than non-users. This is especially significant as EBITDA growth is one of the most important metrics showing the strength and resilience of a well-managed company.

The report also used metrics such as Return on Equity and Return on Assets to measure the performance of users vs non-users. The study showed that business aviation users are almost three times more efficient as non-users at using equity capital to generate income and increasing productivity of assets (see chart on page 45).

ABOVE: A SIGNATURE FLIGHT SUPPORT FBO AT YEG PHOTO SOURCE: SIGNATURE FLIGHT SUPPORT

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WANT TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS? HARNESS THE POWER OF FLIGHT // AVIATION

HOPE AIR: AVIATION’S SPIRIT OF CHARITY LIVES ON YEAR LONG

“This is the first time this study examined Canadian companies” said Rudy Toeing, the president and CEO of the CBAA “We were very pleased to find that Canadian companies that are using business aviation experience the same positive financial outcomes as companies in the U.S.” The connection between business aviation and performance is very clear. A good example is TELUS, a born-inAlberta success and Canada’s fastest-growing national communications company. Its use of business aviation is one reason why TELUS is renowned for its superlative customer service. The company uses its aircraft (including float planes) to enable its technicians to reach locations that are otherwise inaccessible. Rather than leaving customers without service for days at a time while technicians travel by commercial air or ground, TELUS technicians can reach remote locations and handle service issues the same day they arise, providing a better customer experience and ensuring

In the spirit of the holiday season, the Canadian Business Aviation Association would like to thank our pilots and operators who donate personal hours and seats to support the extraordinary work of Hope Air, which, since its inception in 1986 has arranged over 100,000 free non-emergency medical flights for lowincome Canadians who must travel far from home to access healthcare.

The business aviation community supports the work of Hope Air through the use of corporate aircraft, direct support to the scheduled service providers and through charity events like the CBAA Annual Golf Tournament for Hope Air. According to Hope Air’s web site, about 28 per cent of Hope Air Clients say that they wouldn’t go to their appointment if Hope Air hadn’t been able to help them. The charity estimates that for every single person it helps, it positively impacts 45 other people in their community.

access to telecommunications throughout the country. Logging 60 flight hours per month on average, TELUS’ float planes are not only used during emergency situations, but also for routine maintenance, bringing technicians to remote areas efficiently and safely.

Aurora Jet Partners is an innovative private aviation company specializing in custom-tailored, high-quality private air travel.

Our services range from hourly jet charters, right up to supplying complete turnkey flight departments. With more than four decades in the business, our team of experienced aviators will operate your flights on time and on budget within exacting safety standards. With Aurora, the sky is not the limit.

AIRCRAFT MANAGEMENT | ACQUISITIONS & SALES FRACTIONAL PARTNERSHIPS | CHARTERS

aurorajet.ca

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sales@aurorajet.ca

888.797.JETS (5387)

DECEMBER 2017 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

Not every company can own and operate its own business aircraft, but every company can still take advantage of the power of business aviation by working with a leading organization like Aurora Jet Partners, a fractional aircraft operator and a jet management and charter firm headquartered in Edmonton, with bases in Vancouver and Toronto. Aurora fulfills an important transportation niche by offering a range of customized private travel solutions to meet the

WANT TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS? HARNESS THE POWER OF FLIGHT // AVIATION

BROAD TSX 60 USER VS NON-USER INDICES 2012 TO 2016 specific travel needs of their clients, and giving those companies many of the same benefits – and positive financial returns – as companies with their own flight departments.

The study also indicates that companies which use business aviation are wonderful places to work and are some of the most successful, innovative and exciting companies, according to 10 separate corporate ranking lists. For example, business aviation is used by 100 per cent of companies ranked “the Most Trustworthy”, 95 per cent of companies that will “Change the World”, 98 per cent of “The World’s Most Admired”, 95 per cent of “50 Top Performing Global Companies” and 92 per cent of the “World’s 100 Best Corporate Citizens”.

While business aviation’s role corporate success is undeniably impressive, that is not its only contribution.

The 400-business aircraft that are based in Alberta contribute $670 million to the local economy and employ thousands of people in well-paid, interesting and in-demand positions, from pilots to flight managers and dispatchers to maintenance engineers.

With the employment market in a constant state of change, a career in business aviation is an excellent opportunity that many have yet to consider. Offering long-term and well-paying careers, the average business aviation salary of just over $80 thousand is over 60 per cent higher than the Canadian average. Moreover, business aviation is a

very generous employer, based on a recent compensation survey undertaken by the Wynford Group, which found that organizations reporting from the corporate aviation sector pay their employees the highest salaries on average.

Alberta companies have always relied on business aviation – with good results. According to the Alberta government, the economic picture is brightening, stating: “Alberta’s economic growth exceeded expectations in the first half of 2017.

Nearly every sector of the Alberta economy is rebounding, spurring recovery in exports and manufacturing and adding 17,000 jobs since January.”

With real GDP expected to grow by 3.1 per cent in 2017, business aviation has – and will continue – to play an important role in support of Alberta’s corporations, communities and people.

DIRECTORY // AVIATION

ALBERTA AVIATION OPERATORS Adventure Aviation Inc. Michael Mohr, Owner Tel: 780.539.6968 Aircraft Operated: (3) Cessna Skyhawk C172, (1) Piper Twin Comanche PA30, (1) Cessna Centurion P210N, Precision Flight Controls “Cirrus II” Simulator

Ahlstrom Air Ltd.

Airco Aircraft Charters Ltd

Avmax Group Inc.

Kyle Wadden, Operations Manager / Chief Pilot Tel: 403.721.2203 Cell: 403.844.0978 1 - ASTAR 350 SD2, 1 - ASTAR 350 B2

Ed Slimco Tel: 780.890.7780 Piper Navajo Chieftain, Beechcraft King Air 100, Beechcraft 1900D

Don Parkin, Executive VP Tel: 403 291 2464

Air Partners Corp.

Albatros Aircraft Corp.

Vik Saini, President Toll Free: 1.877.233.9350 Alternate Number 403.291.3644 Aircraft Operated: (3) Cessna Citation X, (1) Beechcraft King Air 200, (2) Beechcraft King Air 350, (3) Cessna Citation Ultra 560, (1) Cessna CJ2, (1) Hawker 800A, (1) Bombardier Learjet 45

Joe Viveiros, Ops Manager Tel: 403.274.6103 www.albatrosaircraft.ca Aircraft Operated: Beechcraft King Air B200, Cessna Citation CJ4, Citation X, Agusta A109S Grand

Calgary Police Service Tel: 403.567.4150 Aircraft Operated: (2) EC120

Can-West Corporate Air Charters Art Schooley, President Tel: 780.849.4552 Aircraft Operated: Citation 560 Ultra, Piper 31 Navajo, Cessna 210 Centurion, Cessna 206 Stationair, Beechcraft King Air 200, Cessna 185 Skywagon, Cessna 182 Skylane

BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // DECEMBER 2017

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DIRECTORY // AVIATION

Canadian Helicopters Limited

Million Air Calgary

Westjet Airlines Ltd.

Don Wall, President & CEO Tel: 780.429.6900 Aircraft Operated: Robinson R22B, Robinson R44II, Bell 206B | BIII, Airbus Helicopters EC120B, Bell B206L | L1, Airbus Helicopters AS350BA | B2 | B3 | B3e, Bell B407, Airbus Helicopters, AS355F2 | N, Sikorsky S76A | A++, Bell B212, Bell B412 EP, Sikorsky

Charlyn Stang, General Manager (403) 718-0447 1-855-718-0447 www.millionair.com info.cyyc@millionair.com

Toll Free: 1.888.937.8538 www.westjet.com Aircraft Operated: Boeing Next Generation 737600, 737-700, 737-800, Bombardier Q400 NextGen, Boeing 767-300ER

Delta Helicopters Ltd. Don Stubbs, President Toll Free: 1.800.665.3564 Aircraft Operated: (7) Bell 206B (2) A-Star 350 BA (7) A-Star 350 350B2 (4) Bell 204B

Kenn Borek Air Ltd. Mountain View Helicopters Paul Bergeron, President/CP Tel: 403.286.7186 Aircraft Operated: R22 Beta & Beta II, R44 Raven II, Bell 206 Jet Ranger

North Cariboo Air

Sarah Gratton, Aerocentre Manager Toll Free: 1 888 890 2477 Tel: 780 890 1300

Brent Knight, Business Development Toll Free: 1.866.359.6222 www.flynca.com King Air 200, Beech 1900D, Dash 8 100/300, Avro RJ 100

E-Z Air Inc.

OpsMobil

Matt Wecker, Owner; James Pantel, Operations Manager/Chief Pilot/Chief Flight Instructor; Andrew Mills, Director of Maintenance Tel: 780.453.2085 Aircraft Operated: R22, R44; Aircraft Serviced: R22, R44, R66, BH06

Toll Free: 1-877-926-5558 Aircraft Operated: (4) C-172, (1) C-206, (1) C-208, (1) PA-31, (3) R44, (28) R44-II Raven, (5) BH-206B, (1) BH-206L3, (2) AS-350BA, (1) AS-350B2, (11) AS-350FX2, (2) EC-120B

Edmonton Shell Aerocentre

Peregrine Helicopters Edmonton Flying Club Ralph Henderson, President 780-800-9639 www.flyefc.ca 4 G1000 C172’s, 1 Standard gauge (FEGU), 2016 Piper Seminole with G1000

Tel: 780.865.3353 www.peregrineheli.com peregrinehelicopters@gmail.com Aircraft Operated: (1) B206B3, (1) Bell 206 L3, (1) AS 350

Phoenix Heli-Flight Inc, Edmonton Police Service Tel: 780.408.4218 Aircraft Operated: (2) EC120

Paul Spring, President Tel: 780.799.0141 Aircraft Operated: EC120B, AS350B2, AS350B3DH, EC130B4, AS355N, AS355NP, EC135T2e

Enerjet Darcy Morgan, CCO Tel: 403.648.2800 Aircraft Operated: Boeing 737-700NG

Guardian Helicopters Inc. Graydon Kowal, President/CEO Tel: 403.730.6333 Aircraft Operated: Bell 206 B Jet Ranger, Bell 206 L1/L3 Long Ranger, Bell 205 A-1, Bell 205 A-1+, AStar 350 BA, AStar 350 Super D, AStar 350 B3, Bell 212, BO 105, Astar 350 BS2

Integra Air Brent Gateman, CEO Toll Free: 1.877.213.8359 www.integraair.com Aircraft Operated: (3) BAE Jetstream – 31, (3) King Air 200, SAAB 340 B

Kenn Borek Air Ltd. Brian Crocker, VP Operations Tel: 403.291.3300 Aircraft Operated: Twin Otter DHC6, Turbine DC3, King Air BE200, Beechcraft 1900

Sunwest Aviation Ltd. Richard Hotchkiss, President/CEO Toll Free: 1.888.291.4566 Passenger Aircraft Operated: (1) Falcon 900EX, (2) Challenger 604, (2) Challenger 300, (2) Citation Sovereign, (1) Gulfstrem 150, (1) Hawker 800XP, (1) Lear 55, (3) Lear 45, (1) Lear 35, (4) Dash 8 300, (1) Dash 8 200 (6) Beech 1900D,3 Metro 23, 2 King Ai

R1 Airlines Ltd. Richard Pollock, Business Development Manager Toll Free: 1.888.802.1010 www.r1airlines.ca Aircraft Operated: (2) Dash 8-100, (2) Dash 8-300, (2) CRJ100/200, (1) Dash 8-200

Ridge Rotors Inc. Hans Nogel, Ops Mgr Toll Free: 1.877.242.4211 Aircraft Operated: Eurocopter AStar AS350, Bell 206 Jetranger, Robinson RH44

Rotorworks Inc. Jim Hofland, Chief Pilot/Ops Manager/Instructor; Ryan Cluff, Chief Flight Instructor/Commerical Pilot Tel: 780.778.6600 Aircraft Operated: (2) R22 Robinson, (1) R44 Robinson

46

;Integra Air Toll Free: 1.877.213.8359 www.integraair.com Aircraft Operated: (3) BAE Jetstream – 31, (3) King Air 200, SAAB 340 B

DECEMBER 2017 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

ALBERTA CHARTER OPERATORS CHARTER FIXED WING Adventure Aviation Inc. Michael Mohr, Owner Tel: 780.539.6968 (1) Piper Twin Comanche PA30, (1) Cessna Centurion P210N, Precision Flight Controls “Cirrus II” Simulator

Air Partners Corp.

Vik Saini, President Toll Free: 1.877.233.9350 Aircraft Operated: (3) Cessna Citation X, (1) Beechcraft King Air 200, (2) Beechcraft King Air 350, (3) Cessna Citation Ultra 560, (1) Cessna CJ2, (1) Hawker 800A, (1) Bombardier Learjet 45

Absolute Aviation Ron VandenDungen, Chief Flight Instructor Tel: 780.352.5643 Cessna Citation X (3), Beechcraft King Air 200 (1), Beechcraft King Air 350 (2), Cessna Citation Ultra 560 (4), Cessna CJ2 (1), Hawker 800A (1), Bombardier Learjet 45 (1), Bombardier Learjet 40 (1)

Aries Aviation Service Corp Marvin R. Keyser, President 403-274-3930 sales@ariesaviation.com Aircraft Operated: LR36 Learjet, PA-31 Navajo

Calgary Flying Club Terry St. George 403-288-8831 www.Calgaryflyingclub.com Flight training/rental heading Cessna 152, Cessna 172, PA30, Citabria, Cirrus SR20

Canadian North Nick Samuel, Senior Director, Charters Tel 403 705 3118 www.canadiannorth.com nsamuel@canadiannorth.com Aircraft operated: (3) Dash 8, (5) 737-200 Combi, (10) 737-300

Can-West Corporate Air Charters Art Schooley, President Tel: 780.849.4552 Aircraft Operated: Citation 560 Ultra, Piper 31 Navajo, Cessna 210 Centurion, Cessna 206 Stationair, Beechcraft King Air 200, Cessna 185 Skywagon, Cessna 182 Skylane

Enerjet Darcy Morgan, CCO Tel: 403.648.2804 Aircraft Operated: Boeing 737-700NG

Brian Crocker, VP Operations Tel: 403.291.3300 Aircraft Operated: Twin Otter DHC6, Turbine DC3, King Air BE200, Beechcraft 1900

North Cariboo Air John Green, Vice President Operations & Charters Toll Free: 1.866.359.6222 www.flynca.com King Air 200, Beech 1900D, Dash 8 100/300, Avro RJ 100

Northern Air Charter Rob King, President Tel: 780.624.1911 Aircraft Operated: Piper Aztec, Piper Navajo, King Air 100, King Air B200, Beechcraft 1900D

OpsMobil Ron Ellard, Operations Manager - Fixed wing Toll Free: 1-877-926-5558 Aircraft Operated: (4) C-172, (1) C-206, (1) C-208, (1) PA-31

R1 Airlines Ltd. Richard Pollock, Business Development Manager Toll Free: 1.888.802.1010 www.r1airlines.ca Aircraft Operated: (2) Dash 8-100, (2) Dash 8-300, (2) CRJ100/200, (1) Dash 8-200

Sunwest Aviation Ltd. Richard Hotchkiss, President/CEO Toll Free: 1.888.291.4566 Passenger Aircraft Operated: (1) Falcon 900EX, (2) Challenger 604, (2) Challenger 300, (2) Citation Sovereign, (1) Gulfstrem 150, (1) Hawker 800XP, (1) Lear 55, (3) Lear 45, (1) Lear 35, (4) Dash 8 300, (1) Dash 8 200 (6) Beech 1900D,3 Metro 23, 2 King Ai

Tempest Jet Management Corp Brent Genesis Tel: 866.501.0522 www.tempestjet.ca Aircraft Operated: Citation Ultra, King Air 200

Viking Air Limited Evan McCorry, VP International Sales & Marketing 1.250.656.7227 www.vikingair.com info@vikingair.com Viking is the OEM for the Twin Otter Series 400, and fully supports the legacy de Havilland fleet, DHC-1 through DHC-7, Twin Otter Series 400

DIRECTORY // AVIATION

ALBERTA CHARTER OPERATORS CHARTER ROTARY WING Ahlstrom Air Ltd. Kyle Wadden, Operations Manager / Chief Pilot Tel: 403.721.2203 Cell: 403.844.0978 1 - ASTAR 350 SD2, 1 - ASTAR 350 B2

Albatros Aircraft Corp.

Joe Viveiros, Ops Manager Tel: 403.274.6103 www.albatrosaircraft.ca Aircraft Operated: Agusta A109S Grand

Bailey Helicopters Ltd. Brent Knight Tel: 403.219.2770 Cell: 403.370.2750 www.baileyhelicopters.com Aircraft Operated: Bell 212, Bell 206 B, AS 350 B2/ BA, AS 350 B3

Black Swan Helicopters Ltd. Kim Steeves 1-780-338-2964 purchasing@blackswanhelicopters.com (2)AS350FX2, (1)B206B, (1)B204C

Canadian Helicopters Limited Don Wall, President & CEO Tel: 780.429.6900 Aircraft Operated: Robinson R22B, Robinson R44II, Bell 206B | BIII, Airbus Helicopters EC120B, Bell B206L | L1, Airbus Helicopters AS350BA | B2 | B3 | B3e, Bell B407, Airbus Helicopters, AS355F2 | N, Sikorsky S76A | A++, Bell B212, Bell B412 EP, Sikorsky

Delta Helicopters Ltd. Don Stubbs, President Toll Free: 1.800.665.3564 Aircraft Operated: (7) Bell 206B (2) A-Star 350 BA (7) A-Star 350 350B2 (4) Bell 204B

E-Z Air Inc. Matt Wecker, Owner; James Pantel, Operations Manager/Chief Pilot/Chief Flight Instructor; Andrew Mills, Director of Maintenance Tel: 780.453.2085 Aircraft Operated: R22, R44; Aircraft Serviced: R22, R44, R66, BH06

Guardian Helicopters Inc.

Sloan Helicopters Ltd.

Tempest Jet Management Corp

Graydon Kowal, President/CEO Tel: 403.730.6333 Aircraft Operated: Bell 206 B Jet Ranger, Bell 206 L1/L3 Long Ranger, Bell 205 A-1, Bell 205 A-1+, AStar 350 BA, AStar 350 Super D, AStar 350 B3, MD 530 FF

Troy Sloan, President Tel: 780.849.4456 Toll Free: 1-888-756-2610 or 1-888-SLOAN10 Aircraft Operated: (2) RH44, (1) EC120B, (1) AS350B2

Brent Genesis Tel: 866.501.0522 www.tempestjet.ca Aircraft Operated: Citation Ultra

Highland Helicopters Ltd. Patrice BelleRose, Director of Operations Tel: 604.273.6161 www.highland.ca Aircraft Operated: (13) Bell 206B, (2) Bell 206 L-3, (2) AS350 BA, (16) AS350 B2

Mountain View Helicopters Paul Bergeron, President/CP Tel: 403.286.7186 Aircraft Operated: R22 Beta & Beta II, R44 Raven II, Bell 206 Jet Ranger

Mustang Helicopters Inc. Tim Boyle, Ops Manager Tel: 403.885.5220 Aircraft Operated: AS350 B3e, AS350 B2, MD500 D, BELL 205A-1++, BELL 212 HP

OpsMobil Bertrand Perron, General Manager - Rotary wing Toll Free: 1-877-926-5558 Aircraft Operated: (3) R44, (28) R44-II Raven, (5) BH-206B, (1) BH-206L3, (2) AS-350BA, (1) AS350B2, (11) AS-350FX2, (2) EC-120B

Peregrine Helicopters Tel: 780.865.3353 www.peregrineheli.com peregrinehelicopters@gmail.com Aircraft Operated: (1) B206B3, (1) Bell 206 L3, (1) AS 350

Tel: 780.408.4218 Aircraft Operated: (2) EC120

Great Slave Helicopters Ltd. Chris Basset, President; Corey Taylor, VP Global Operations Tel: 867-873-2081 Springbank Base Facility, Tel: 403.286.2040 Aircraft Operated: Bell 206B, Bell 206 LR, Bell 206L3, Bell 206L4, Bell 212, Bell212S, BK 117 850D2, Bell 412EP, Bell 407, Bell 205 A1++, Airbus 350 B2, B3, B4

Wood Buffalo Helicopters

Louise Dunlop, President 403.250.6707 www.Sterlinginflight.com operations@sterlinginflight.com Inflight Services, cabin attendants, training, ac interiors

Michael Morin, President Tel: 780.743.5588 Toll Free: 1.866.743.5588 operations@woodbuffalohelicopters.ca Aircraft Operated: Bell 206B, Eurocopter EC120B, Eurocopter AS350-B2, Bel 412

AIRCRAFT SALES

Kim Hornsby, President Tel: 780.723.4180Aircraft Operated: (1) AS350B2, (1) AS350BA, (1) Bell 206B

Genesis Aviation Inc.

JET CHARTERS Air Partners Corp.

Vik Saini, President Tel: 403.291.3644 Aircraft operated: (3) Cessna Citation X, (1) Beechcraft King Air 200, (2) Beechcraft King Air 350, (3) Cessna Citation Ultra 560, (1) Cessna CJ2, (1) Hawker 800A, (1) Bombardier Learjet 45

Albatros Aircraft Corp.

Joe Viveiros, Ops Manager Tel: 403.274.6103 www.albatrosaircraft.ca Aircraft Operated: Beechcraft King Air B200, Cessna Citation CJ4, Citation X

Aurora Jet Partners - Head Office / Edmonton Base

Paul Spring, President Tel: 780.799.0141 Aircraft Operated: EC120B, AS350B2, AS350B3DH, EC130B4, AS355N, AS355NP, EC135T2e

Toll Free: 1.888.797.5387 Fax: 780.453.6057 www.aurorajet.ca Gulfstream Astra SPX, Phenom 100/300, Challenger 300/605, Global 5000

Remote Helicopters Ltd.

Canadian North

Phoenix Heli-Flight Inc.

Jeff Lukan, President Tel: 780.849.2222 Aircraft Operated: Bell 206B, A-STAR 350 B2, A-STAR 350 SD2, A-STAR 350 B3E, Bell 205, Bell 212

Ridge Rotors Inc. Edmonton Police Service

Sterling Aviation Services Inc. Thebacha Helicopters Ltd.

Hans Nogel, Ops Mgr Toll Free: 1.877.242.4211 Aircraft Operated: Eurocopter AStar AS350, Bell 206 Jetranger, Robinson RH44

Slave Lake Helicopters Ltd. George Kelham, President; Debbie Kelham, Owner Tel: 780.849.6666 Aircraft Operated: (3) AS350 B2, (1) Bell 206 BIII, (1) EC120, 2 AS350B3e’s

Nick Samuel, Senior Director, Charters Tel 403 705 3118 www.canadiannorth.com nsamuel@canadiannorth.com Aircraft operated: (3) Dash 8, (5) 737-200 Combi, (10) 737-300

Enerjet Darcy Morgan, CCO Tel: 403.648.2804 Aircraft Operated: Boeing 737-700NG

Brent Genesis, President Tel: 403.940.4091 www.genesisaviation.ca jetsales@genesisaviation.ca Aircraft Operated: Full complement of turbo props & business jets

Prairie Aircraft Sales Ltd. Kathy Wrobel, President Tel: 403.286.4277 www.prairieaircraft.com sales@prairieaircraft.com Prairie Aircraft Sales is the EXCLUSIVE DEALER FOR: Manufacturers of Pre-owned aircraft, as well as Blackhawk Modifications. Market appraisals, importing and exporting and leasing.

Hopkinson Aircraft Andrew Hopkinson, President Tel: 403.291.9027 Fax: 403.250.2459 www.hopkinson.aero Aircraft: Specializing in commercial and corporate aircraft

FRACTIONAL OWNERSHIP & JET MANAGEMENT Airsprint Inc. James Elian, President & COO Toll Free: 1.877.588.2344 www.airsprint.com flywithus@airsprint.com Selling Interests in Legacy 450 & Citation CJ3+

Genesis Aviation Inc. Brent Genesis, President Tel: 403.940.4091 www.genesisaviation.ca Aircraft Operated: Full complement of turbo props & business jets

BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // DECEMBER 2017

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ENSURING YOUR CORPORATE PHILANTHROPY DOES THE GOOD // CORPORATE PHILANTHROPY

ENSURING YOUR CORPORATE PHILANTHROPY DOES THE GOOD IT SETS OUT TO DO 48

DECEMBER 2017 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

ENSURING YOUR CORPORATE PHILANTHROPY DOES THE GOOD // CORPORATE PHILANTHROPY

BY LAURA BOHNERT

A

HOW CAN YOU TELL IF A CHARITY

ny business owner knows that a successful business needs the support of its community, and that success also comes from giving back to ensure your community receives the support it needs to grow and thrive.

There are a lot of options to choose from, though, and not all charities are as reputable as they purport to be, so how can you provide responsible business philanthropy?

IS FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBLE?

While many charitable organizations are working hard to support their causes, there are some that are damaging the reputations of all charities by mismanaging, diverting, and failing to disclose assets. In 2013, it was discovered that, between 2008 and 2012, more than a thousand non-profit organizations in the United States indicated a “significant diversion” of assets on their federal disclosures, which include theft, investment fraud, embezzlement, and other unauthorized uses of funds. In Canada, there are currently more than 82,000 charities in operation, to which Canadian donors directly give approximately $40 billion a year. However, while all Canadian charities fall under the primary regulation of the federal Charities Directorate (part of the Canada Revenue Agency), only 800 to 1,000 charities are audited on average each year. Following that audit, approximately half are informed that they have done something wrong, but Canadian tax law prevents the CRA from warning the public about charities that may be making fraudulent claims.

THE CHARITY THAT SPEAKS TO YOUR

A charity’s reputation can be hindered by more than outright fraud, though. In some cases, mismanagement of funds can be associated with fraud, theft, and embezzlement, but in other cases, a charity may be allocating too many funds to fundraising or marketing, or it may be paying its staff and CEO too high a salary in comparison to the amount of funds that end up being allocated to the services the organization claims to provide.

In other words, just because a charity is large, well known, or because it looks impressive on paper doesn’t mean it’s going to provide your business with the best means of community contribution. It is important that, in order for your donations to contribute the most to the cause your

LOOK FOR TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY. YOUR BUSINESS HAS THE POTENTIAL TO MAKE SUBSTANTIAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO PHILANTHROPY, AND THAT MEANS YOU ARE A VALUABLE PART OF THAT CHARITY, SO YOU SHOULD EXPECT TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY FROM THAT CHARITY. business believes in supporting, you research the charitable or non-profit organization.

How can you tell if a charity is financially responsible?

Look for transparency and accountability. Your business has the potential to make substantial contributions to the charity that speaks to your philanthropy, and that means you are a valuable part of that charity, so you should expect transparency and accountability from that charity.

You should be able to easily gain access to financial data, including income statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, and fixed costs like salary information. If you are denied access to this information or are refused answers to your questions, it could be an indication that the charity is mismanaging its funds.

That said, fraudulent and mismanaged charitable organizations only represent a fraction of the charitable organizations that are out there. There are many that work hard to benefit their causes right in Edmonton, and taking steps to ensure your business is supporting one of these reputable charities is an important way to ensure corporate responsibility throughout your philanthropy.

BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // DECEMBER 2017

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ENSURING YOUR CORPORATE PHILANTHROPY DOES THE GOOD // CORPORATE PHILANTHROPY

Here are a few examples of Edmonton-based charities that have worked hard to earn the respect and support of Edmonton businesses.

Sport Central “Sport Central is a registered charity that provides children of low-income families with sports equipment so they can get out to enjoy the sports offered in their communities,” explains Sheldon K. Oleksyn, executive director.

“We support qualified children from the ages of four to 17 in 14 different sports, including bicycles. If a child outgrows their equipment and they are still living at or below Alberta’s poverty-line, they can bring their equipment back and we will provide new equipment that fits.

“We also preserve the dignity of families in need so they can help their children without shame or embarrassment. We think every Canadian child should have a bike and a pair of skates,” he stresses.

“We also collect, reuse, repair and recycle equipment,” Oleksyn adds, “with over 50 different drop-off locations across Greater Edmonton, and we have over 215 agencies and organizations that refer children and their families to us every year.”

The now 26-year-old charity believes strongly in the “power of sport” to teach multiple life lessons—and to prepare children to be contributing citizens to their city or community. “We help get kids active so healthy patterns of exercise and activity can be started at a young age.”

How does Oleksyn recommend you choose the right charity?

“I suggest companies look for charities that share their values and can provide practical ways for employees to get involved,” Oleksyn describes. “Some charities do most of their work over a desk. Others, like Sport Central, require a lot of interaction, hands-on work, and fun activities.

Our volunteers and supporters receive training and get to see happy kids get equipment and bikes on a daily basis.

Choose the kind of experience that is the most meaningful to your group.”

Crestwood Veterinary Centre Crestwood Veterinary Centre has been providing major and minor medical care to Edmonton’s pets since 1975, says Todd Scott, DVM. They are also a big supporter of the Dogs with Wings Assistance Dog Society.

“Dogs with Wings is an organization that breeds, raises, and trains dogs for various service needs for people in Alberta,” Scott explains. “This includes guide dogs for the visually impaired, assistance dogs for people with physical disabilities or people bound to a wheelchair, autism support dogs, and dogs to attend counseling or trial sessions for victim services facilities.

“The Crestwood Veterinary Centre provides all aspects of veterinary care, alongside any emergency medical or surgical care necessary for Dogs with Wings. In addition to our veterinary care, we are proud sponsors of their annual gala, graduations, and several of their puppies.

“Working with Dogs with Wings gives us the unique opportunity to support the service dogs that are responsible for dramatically changing the lives of many Albertans in need. For some families, their new assistance dog is their first experience in owning a pet. It is rewarding to see the difference a dog can make in their lives,” he smiles.

The Crestwood Veterinary Centre also supports the Edmonton Humane Society and other local rescue organizations, including Zoe’s Animal Rescue and Whitecourt Homeless Animal Rescue Foundation (WHARF).

ABOVE: SHELDON OLEKSYN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SPORT CENTRAL.

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ENSURING YOUR CORPORATE PHILANTHROPY DOES THE GOOD // CORPORATE PHILANTHROPY

that support the healthy growth and development of children. As a result, we give to sports teams, children’s hospitals, and other health care facilities.

“We host an annual golf tournament, with proceeds going to the Zebra Child Protection Centre, an important organization that works to support children who have suffered abuse. In the last three years, the tournament has raised over $140,000.”

In addition, TAHK Projects, which has been in business for 11 years, is a sponsor for the Edmonton Minor Hockey Bantam team, gives to cancer charities and other organizations across Western Canada, and also donates funds or other needed resources during times of community crisis, like the Fort McMurray wild fires.

“We offer discounted services, including emergency care, wellness, rehabilitation, and surgical treatment for animals in their care,” Scott explains.

How does Crestwood Veterinary Centre recommend you choose the right charity?

“If you become involved personally in any organization you chose to support, your return will be far greater. It makes the decision process a lot easier when you can see the difference your efforts are making, whether they are based financially or personally.”

TAHK Projects Ltd. A general mechanical contractor and gabricator with locations in Grande Prairie, Sherwood Park, Hinton, and Calgary, “TAHK Projects works with organizations that have meaning and importance to our employees and owners,” a representative explains. “We contribute to organizations

“The employees at TAHK Projects also volunteer their time with different organizations, such as, the Renfrew Educational Services program in Calgary for children with special needs.”

“We feel it’s important to be an integrated part of the community, and we can help achieve that by taking an active role in the development of the community’s social, health, and athletic resources.”

In 2016, TAHK Projects was one of the recipients of the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ (AFP) National Philanthropy Award.

How does TAHK Projects recommend you choose the right charity?

“Do your due diligence and vet the organization to ensure it is legitimate. This includes asking for its charitable registration number. You can also request financial data and look for consistent management and costs over several years, and you can volunteer and see firsthand how the charity functions and how the contributions are being used.”

ABOVE: TAHK PROJECTS DONATES TO THE ZEBRA CHILD PROTECTION CENTRE EARLIER THIS YEAR. BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // DECEMBER 2017

51

THE CHANGING FACE OF THE ALBERTA ADVANTAGE // IMMIGRATION

THE

Changing Face

OF THE ALBERTA ADVANTAGE:

HOW IMMIGRATION CONTINUES TO SHAPE OUR SUCCESS FOUR ALBERTAN IMMIGRANTS SHARE THEIR PASTS, THEIR SUCCESSES, AND DISCUSS EDMONTON’S MULTI-CULTURED FUTURE

BY ZACHARY EDWARDS

L

ast year, as fires around Fort McMurray displaced thousands of people, a group of Syrian refugees in Calgary started donating to relief efforts. Having arrived less than a year before, and being on the receiving end of donations, the refugees, in turn, donated back to their new home. The effort made international headlines and became a point of pride for a province that is sometimes framed as unfriendly to immigrants.

The story itself demonstrated that Syrian refugees, themselves a lightning rod for much of the world’s growing anti-immigration sentiments, are excited to give back a country that helped them. It also demonstrated a successful integration, both culturally and economically, into Albertan life.

It is a sentiment held by Parkash Chhibber, who himself made headlines earlier this year for his generosity through his restaurant Indian Fusion. The restaurant, which serves approximately 1,800 free meals to the homeless out its back door every month, is part of the story of how immigrants give back, not just through taxes but by engaging directly with the needs of their new home communities.

Chhibber came to Canada in 2005 with only $10 in his pocket, and worked as a cook for four years before opening up his own restaurant with three business partners. “We started this restaurant in 2009, [when the] recession was hitting hard,” he recalls. “With no extra money, we survived with the help of our caring community. As a thank you, I have to give back to the people that gave me everything.”

ABOVE: ARRIVING IN CANADA WITH ONLY $10 TO HIS NAME, PARKASH CHHIBBER NOW RUNS A SUCCESSFUL RESTAURANT WHILE GIVING THOUSANDS OF FREE MEALS TO EDMONTON’S HOMELESS POPULATION. PHOTO SOURCE: AK BIJURAJ

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THE CHANGING FACE OF THE ALBERTA ADVANTAGE // IMMIGRATION

COMING TO CANADA IN 1973 WITH A MASTERS DEGREE IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, GUPTA STARTED IN TORONTO AS AN ENGINEERING CONSULTANT BEFORE MOVING TO ALBERTA TO TAKE A JOB WITH SYNCRUDE IN 1977.

Chhibber’s success is in part because of Edmonton’s community and business-friendly environment. He describes the opening of his restaurant as “very, very easy,” but it is ultimately Canada’s multiculturalism that has helped him settle and is making Edmonton better.

generally younger than in the past. The experience issue and, according to Statistics Canada, a “mistrust among employers” regarding education quality, is working against immigrant success, but Alberta, as always, is in need of skilled workers.

“Edmonton is the best place for new immigrants,” he says, “and new immigrants benefit Edmonton with the different cultures [they bring] from around the world.

Multiculturalism is the beauty of Canada.”

“Alberta has always needed skilled labourers and Canadians are less likely to encourage their children to join a trade, instead encouraging them to go to university,” Marty van Keulen, a Dutch immigrant who moved here in the late 60s, says. His business, Carpet World, is increasingly reliant on immigrants for labour, and he believes Alberta needs to be even more open in its immigration policies. “As an employer, I think we could do better to follow Germany’s example,” he says. “If we want to be a world leader, have a more successful economy and a bigger tax base, we could benefit from selectively allowing way higher immigration.”

That multiculturalism is steadily increasing in Alberta and Edmonton, according to data from the newly-reinstated long-form census released earlier this year. Immigration, it turns out, is now part of the daily experience in Edmonton, something you can literally hear on the streets. The city is home to the fastest growing population whose native language is not English or French, due in part to the Prairies becoming a desired destination for many immigrants. Over 17 per cent of Canada’s immigrants called Alberta home in 2016, up from 6.9 per cent in 2001.

Despite leading the nation in employment growth from 2011-2016, Alberta experienced a net loss for interprovincial migration in 2016. Increasingly, immigrants are coming to fill those jobs. Thanks to programs like Canada’s Express Entry initiative, immigrants are arriving in Canada with higher education levels than ever before, but are also

Radhe Gupta is part of that influx of skilled labour. Coming to Canada in 1973 with a Masters Degree in electrical engineering, Gupta started in Toronto as an engineering consultant before moving to Alberta to take a job with Syncrude in 1977. From there, he and his wife founded the Rohit Group, a real estate developer and lender, in 1986.

He says the key to his success, and the success of Canada’s immigration, comes down to Canadians’ openness. “The beauty of Canadians is that they embrace newcomers and treat them like family, he says. “Canada is one of the

ABOVE: RADHE GUPTA, FOUNDER OF THE ROHIT GROUP, SAYS HIS SUCCESS COMES FROM BLENDING INDIAN FAMILY-FOCUSED BUSINESS STYLE WITH WESTERN CORPORATE BUSINESS PRACTICES.

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THE CHANGING FACE OF THE ALBERTA ADVANTAGE // IMMIGRATION

IF STORIES LIKE KAZUO ADACHI, MARTY VAN KEULEN, PARKASH CHHIBBER AND RADHE GUPTA PROVE ANYTHING, IT IS THAT IMMIGRATION CONTINUES TO BE AN INTEGRAL PART OF CANADA’S IDENTITY AND ECONOMIC FUTURE. few countries where opportunities are limitless. Peers, education and the political system allow everyone, including immigrants, to prosper.”

Gupta also says immigrants bring something unique to the table that helps drive Canada’s economy. “The decision to immigrate is a difficult one, and the immigration journey is challenging as well. Because of this, immigrants have a strong desire to succeed in their new life,” he notes. “They bring with them youth, education, work ethic and unique cultures, all of which become a part of Canadian communities.”

Diverse communities also help Canada be more successful, drawing on the many different business approaches of its residents to create businesses that do things differently.

“My family and I have grown our business [through] a combination of cultures – India’s family business philosophy and the Western corporate culture – and we believe that is a part of our success,” says Gupta.

Kazuo Adachi, who came from Japan in the late ’60s, can attest to the benefits of blending cultures. Originally coming to Canada to obtain a graduate degree in biochemistry, Adachi moved around the country working for various universities, but encountered some challenges in academia because of his background. The “mistrust” Statistics Canada speaks of when it comes to immigrants finding work directly affected Adachi.

“When I was looking for a faculty position, I was told to my face that I would not obtain a position because I was not white,” he says. “This is something unique that immigrants who are not white face when coming to Canada. There is an undercurrent of that sentiment in this society.”

While Adachi did eventually find a faculty position, he moved to Edmonton in 1988 so he could incorporate his background into his career. “My choice to move to Edmonton and work for a company that worked with a Japanese pharmaceutical company was a very conscious one. I wanted my Japanese heritage and background to be useful,” he says. “At that point, half of my life had been in Japan, and it meant nothing, but

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working closely with a Japanese parent company helped me to use all of my ability, background and education.”

Today, Adachi’s own consulting firm helps market and license university patents from Japan to North America and Europe. “My background, both my ethnic background and my education background, helps people in academia in Japan and acts as a bridge to the business world outside Japan.”

Adachi is also quick to point out in Canada, “most of the time, if you are capable, they will take that at face value.

“Certainly, Canada remains unique and its citizens remain quite positive and accepting of immigration. A survey released by The Globe and Mail this year indicated that eight out of 10 Canadians think immigration is good for the economy. Over 60 per cent also disagreed with the idea that Canada has “too much immigration.” Part of the reason for such positivity is basic demographics: more than a fifth of all Canadians are foreign-born, meaning many, if not most, Canadians have strong familial bonds with immigrants.

That said, the survey also pointed out that Alberta “stands out as the one part of the country where attitudes have become more negative.”

Keith Neuman, executive director of the Environics Institute for Survey Research, that conducted the survey, argued that Canada “[has] racism, and there are lots of challenges in terms of finding jobs – it’s hardly utopia. But compared to those other countries, it has been relatively smooth.”

If stories like Kazuo Adachi, Marty van Keulen, Parkash Chhibber and Radhe Gupta prove anything, it is that immigration continues to be an integral part of Canada’s identity and economic future. Not only are foreign-born Canadians driving innovation and entrepreneurship in Alberta, they are exemplifying the values of hard work and generosity for which Canadians are known outside its borders. Statistically, the face of Canada is changing and that has never been more exciting.

Photo by Smiley Eyes Photography.

Pagnotta Industries

Celebrates 25 Years

By Nerissa McNaughton

M

ario Pagnotta had a vision of creating an enduring legacy for his family – something that could benefit them all and be passed down for generations. With that in mind, he used his experience to create Pagnotta Industries, a family owned and operated construction company in the multi-unit and commercial construction market that focuses on cast-in-place concrete structures. Cast-in-place means the concrete is poured on site instead of being pre-cast and transported to site.

Now, 25 years later, his vision is alive and well. Mario’s children now own the family business, and the company recently relocated to a large, state-of-the-art facility to accommodate the ongoing growth.

According to Alex, Pagnotta’s president and Mario’s son, the company’s growth has always been aggressive.

“Mario incorporated Pagnotta in 1992,” says Alex. “He started with small jobs, but in 1995 he bought his first

tower crane and built his first high rise. By 1998 Mario had 200 people working for him.”

Alex admits that it wasn’t exactly smooth sailing at first, despite the company’s early success.

“It was a little bit chaotic! The company wasn’t ready for all that growth!”

Yet, there were worse problems that could have been had.

Mario worked just as hard on the company’s internal operations and corporate culture as he did on the service side of the business, and Pagnotta continued to grow at a more sustainable rate.

In 2000, Alex graduated from university and took on the role of financial controller in the family business. He was the general manager by 2008, and in 2014, the succession plan completed and he assumed ownership of Pagnotta, alongside his sisters, Sandra and Anita.

Pagnotta Industries | 25 | 1 55

Photo by Smiley Eyes Photography

Since its inception, Pagnotta was on a mission to build the best and most innovative concrete structures in Western Canada, and that mandate has never changed.

One of Pagnotta’s current projects includes the West Block mixed use development on 142nd Street and Stony Plain Road.

“We are incorporating an abandoned concrete structure and putting a new building on it,” informs Alex, who is excited about the project’s challenges and how it allows Pagnotta to push the envelope in terms of the aesthetics and design.

Pagnotta is also the company behind the artistic Griesbach boat, a concrete boat with realistic wood-grain detail. The boat functions as a lookout point at the lake.

Alex Pagnotta, President

Congratulations Pagnotta Industries on your 25th Anniversary.

We wish you continued success!

COMMERCIAL ROOFING SERVICES Christensen & McLean Roofing Co. Ltd. | www.cmroofing.ca | 780.447.1672 Edmonton | Calgary | Barrhead/Whitecourt | Regina | Saskatoon

Congratulations to Pagnotta Industries on your 25th Anniversary!

9939-276 St. Acheson, Alberta T7X 6A5 1-877-447-3540

abconcretepumping.com Pagnotta Industries | 25 | 2

Pagnotta was pleased to win an award for their creation of a free spanning spiral staircase in the Royal Museum of Alberta. The honour was presented by the Alberta chapter of the American Concrete Institute.

To date, Pagnotta’s largest and most ambitious project was the EPCOR Tower, which they undertook in 2008.

“It was a big undertaking at the time,” admits Alex. “[EPCOR Tower] pushed us to a new level of professionalism. It was such a high-profile project, but working for Ledcor pushed up our level of professionalism in the industry.”

He continues, “Moving into our new office pushed us to a new level as well. It’s exciting for the employees. Along with the move comes a certain level of expectation. You can’t be a mediocre company in a nice new building!”

The move was necessary because Pagnotta has never stopped growing.

“Our old office started at 2,000 square feet and one bay.

We kept expanding in the old warehouse building, and the space became inefficient. This land [201, 5920 Gateway Blvd] became available, and we thought it would be a better location. It’s central, and it provided an opportunity for an office on the second floor and lease space on the main floor.

We were fortunate enough to meet Healthcare Solutions, who became our tenant on the main floor.”

ESTIMATING | DETAILING | FABRICATIONMcNish |McNish INSTALLATION Steel Ltd. Steel Ltd.

Would like like to congratulate Would to congratulate

Pagnotta Inc. Congratulations PagnottaIndustries Industries

Pagnotta Industries, Inc.!you all the best We wish We wish you all the best on oninyour future endeavors!

We wish you all the bestyour the future. future endeavors! www.mcnishsteel.com

www.mcnishsteel.com

office@mcnishsteel.com 10636 205 Street • 780-447-3337 • www.mcnishsteel.com office@mcnishsteel.com

7940 Coronet Road, Edmonton, Alberta T6E 4N8 (780) 496-9035 • www.atclean.ca

Congratulations to Pagnotta Industries on 25 years of innovation Janitorial Services | Post-Construction Cleaning | Windows & Blinds Cleaning Carpets & Upholstery Cleaning | Pressure Washing & Power Scrubbing | Water Damage Restoration

Congratulations Pagnotta Industries on your 25th Anniversary!

12727 St. Albert Trail Edmonton, Alberta T5J 3M6 Tel: (780) 452-9151 Fax: (780) 452-1785

www.nlc.ca Pagnotta Industries | 25 | 3

The new office is a concrete structure that is double the size of Pagnotta’s previous building. It features exposed concrete, showing what Pagnotta can do for clients’ projects. In addition to LED lighting throughout the building and a large conference room capable of holding 100 people, an on-site gym is provided for employee use.

With the new office, a quarter century in business, high profile projects and ongoing growth, is there anything Alex is concerned about?

“Complacency,” he says definitively. “When we think we are good enough, we get into trouble. In a successful business, you must get better every day. If you are not getting better, your competitors are.” He and the management team have no intention of letting complacency take hold in the company, and they structure their organization to keep both staff and clients active, interested and engaged.

“Our reputation is built on integrity and honesty”, Alex continues. “We always try to do the right thing with everyone: clients, consultants, and employees. We take a lot of pride in treating people right. I find it very rewarding to walk about my daily life knowing that most people in the industry respect us as a company.”

25 WE WISH TO CONGRATULATE

PAGNOTTA INDUSTRIES ON

YEARS OF BUSINESS

Congratulations Pagnotta Industries on 25 years.

We are proud to be a partner in your success!

9632 54 Avenue NW • 780-438-2540 www.shelbyengineering.ca

Congratulations Pagnotta Industries on 25 years of success!

Edmonton 12545-133 St. NW • Calgary 4049-11 St. SE awwcommercial.com

Pagnotta Industries | 25 | 4

visit www.gmstone.com

From watching his father build up the company to transitioning into ownership himself, Alex is happy to let other entrepreneurs know what he’s learned along the way.

“You have to take calculated risks,” he says. “We have policies and procedures to guide behaviour, but we encourage our people to use intelligence and creativity to take risks. Leadership starts with humility and giving those around you the courage and tools to succeed.”

As for work/life balance, “We try and make work a fun place to be, not only for the employees, but for everyone in contact with us. It is construction, so we have to work hard and work long hours, but we stress that we are going to have fun while we are doing it.

“It all comes down to humility. If everyone can work for the good of the company rather than ourselves, it’s amazing. We preach that here.”

Another thing Pagnotta is passionate about is giving back to the community. To that end, Pagnotta is a supporter of CASA organization.

“They work with children from the ages of 7-18 to help them deal with mental health issues, teach them coping skills and to help them become a contributing member of society,” Alex says of the organization. “They helped 4,000 kids last year. It’s a great organization that doesn’t get a lot of recognition.”

Alex was born and raised in Edmonton and has maintained close ties with several childhood friends.

Cree-Con takes pride in our involvement with Pagnotta Industries over the past 5 years.

Congratulations to Pagnotta Industries and the whole team. info@creecon.ca www.creecon.ca 587.521.2726 Pagnotta Industries | 25 | 5

Congratulations Pagnotta Industries on your 25th Anniversary!

Congrats Pagnotta Industries on 25 years!

14229 129 Ave, Edmonton, AB T5L 4N9 (780) 455-1827

From all of us at J&J Electric Ltd.

Family Owned & Operated

Since 2008, family-run Choice Janitorial Service Ltd has made property maintenance a breeze for clients.

Congratulations to Pagnotta Industries on 25 years!

We wish you many more years of continued success!

2210 Premier Way Sherwood Park, Alberta T8H 2L2 1-800-538-6710 • 780-400-3473 www.firetechfireprotection.com

Shawn: 403-506-9281 / Boyd: 403-391-1686 choicejanitorial24@yahoo.com www.choicejanitorial.ca Pagnotta Industries | 25 | 6

Our Services • Fire Protection Sprinkler Systems • Installation, Maintenance & Inspection • Fire Pumps & Hydrants • Installation, Maintenance & Inspection • Pre-Action/Deluge Inspection • Special Hazard Systems • Fire Extinguishers & Fire Hoses • Sales, Certification, Maintenance & Inspection • Fire Alarm Systems • Installation, Maintenance & Inspection • Backflow Inspections • Emergency Maintenance & Repair

He maintains his work/life balance by spending time with his wife Kelley and their three young children, and enjoys watching and playing sports with his friends. He couldn’t be happier to live, work and play in the city he loves.

In addition to thanking the staff, management, clients, vendors and all those who had a hand in making Pagnotta the company it is today, Alex personally thanks his father, Mario, who taught him to be fearless and to reach for the sky, and his mother, Franca who taught him to stay humble.

visionironworks.ca

Going forward, there are big plans for the future. A grand opening and 25-year celebration will take place in 2018.

“We will continue to become the best at what we do. Growth is a by-product of trying to be the best. We like growth, but it’s not the number-one focus. The focus is to keep getting better at what we do. The customer experience is what sets Pagnotta apart. Every company says they focus on the customer, but we take it to heart. I think we do a good job of truly understanding what the clients need to truly make them successful.”

The company president concludes by summing up what Pagnotta does for its staff and clients: “We will take care of you. I promise.”

Providing structural, miscellaneous, and mobile steel fabrication and installation.

Congratulations Pagnotta Industries on 25 years of excellence!

50413 Range Road 233 Leduc | Tel: (780) 218-9414

201, 5920 Gateway Blvd Edmonton, Alberta T6H 2H6 Phone: (780) 432-1001 • Fax: (780) 432-3339

www.pagnotta.ca

Nel Ro services ltd.

From the Team at Nelro Services, we'd like to congratulate Pagnotta Industries on their 25 year milestone!

Proud to be their preferred ooring contractor from Quest to the Pearl since 2010.

Nelro has been a leader in the ooring industry for over 30 years and we promise nothing but the highest quality in service, products, affordability and outstanding customer support.

We have accumulated a number of testimonials from satisfied clients.

Moreover we have a diverse portfolio which chronicles our previous work in the ooring industry.

Feel free to give us call - we would appreciate an opportunity to answer any questions you may have.

Nelro Services Ltd .

15377 117 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5M 3X4 Phone (780) 454-4838 Fax (780) 455-8392 Email info@nelro.com www.nelro.com Pagnotta Industries | 25 | 7

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SHARING YOUR VISION. BUILDING SUCCESS.

At PCL, we believe in building strong communities by contributing time, talent, and resources to wherever our employees live and work. Whether it’s our 49 years supporting United Way, or philanthropic donations to numerous worthy causes, we are proud to give back and help society.

Watch us build at PCL.com