Business Voice - July / August 2019

July / August 2019

LB Distillers

2019 SABEX Business of the Year

SASKATCHEWAN CANOLA DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION Representing an Industry’s Resilience and Optimism

| Members in the News pg. 10 | Non-Prof its pg. 22 |

Image: courtesy of LB Distillers

Much More Than Luck

Thursday, November 7 Delta Hotels Downtown Saskatoon 8:30 am Start

New this Year

What issues do YOU think should top our agenda?

SUMMIT Sector Roundtables will be held in advance of the SUMMIT with results to be revealed on November 7.

October 1, 2 & 3 Chamber Office

Register online at: www.saskatoonchamber.com/events

July / August 2019

Image: courtesy of LB Distillers

STAFF

Darla Lindbjerg, Chief Executive Officer Kendra Cruson, Vice President, Operations Terry Lawrence, Office Administrator Roz Macala, Executive Assistant Kate Dupuis, Events & Sponsorships Coordinator Janelle Kubica, Member Services Coordinator Trish Cheveldayoff, Communications & Marketing Coordinaor Brandon Johnson, Member Services

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chair Chris Sicotte - AON 1st Vice-Chair Carla Browne - Real Canadian Property Management Professionals Inc. 2nd Vice-Chair Jason Aebig - Creative Fire Past Chair Peggie Koenig - Koenig & Associates Inc. Executive Sandra Ribeiro - Canadian Light Source Inc. CeCe Baptiste - Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology (SIIT) Todd A. Denzin - Nutrien Linda Exner - PCL Construction Management Ltd. Katrina German - KatrinaGerman.com Dale Lemke - Quicklinkt Solutions Inc. Adam McInnes - Med Hack Enterprises Incorporated Graham Snell - Saskatoon Aerocentre Colton Wiegers - Wiegers Financial & Benefits Penny Yeager - MLT Aikins LLP

PRODUCTION

Publisher: Kendra Cruson Layout & Design: Terry Lawrence Contributing Writers: Kendra Cruson, Chris Sicotte, Darla Lindbjerg, Trish Cheveldayoff, Elizabeth Ireland Sales: Kendra Cruson, Trish Cheveldayoff Photography: Gina’s Portraits

Canadian Publications Mail Agreement No. 40052085 Return Undeliverable Addresses to:

Cover Story Page 14

Featured Content 4 6 10

Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce 110-345 4th Avenue South, Saskatoon, SK S7K 1N3

BUSINESS VOICE is a publication of the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce

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Copyright 2019 Phone: (306) 244-2151 Email: chamber@saskatoonchamber.com Website: www.saskatoonchamber.com Twitter and Instagram: @stoonchamber

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Events

Upcoming Chamber events

New Members

22

Non-Profits

24

Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission Representing an Industry’s Resilience and Optimism

April and May 2019

Members in the News

Members celebrating expansions, new ventures, anniversaries and more

LB Distillers

2019 SABEX Business of the Year - Much More Than Luck

30

2019 SABEX Winners

36

Chamber Happenings

38

Chair’s Message

Chamber’s Events

Agriculture and Technology: Saskatchewan's Past, Present and Future

Advocacy

Disclaimer: BUSINESS VOICE makes no warranties of any kind, written or implied, regarding the contents of this magazine and expressly disclaims any warranty regarding the accuracy or reliability of informations contain herein. The views contained in the magazine are those of the writers and advertisers: They do not necessarily reflect the view fo the Business Voice magazine and its publisher the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce.

BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON

JULY / AUGUST 2019 3

EVENTS

CHAMBER EVENTS THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER ON BUSINESS SPONSORS

September 12th 1:00 pm Shot Gun Start

Moon Lake Golf & Country Club

THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER ON TAP SPONSORS

September 18th 5:30 pm World Trade Centre Prairieland Park

EXECUTIV

E D U C A T I O

October 2nd 4:30 pm LB Distillers

4 BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON

JULY / AUGUST 2019

FROM THE CEO

Your Voice in Business

Celebrating success around Saskatoon’s business achievements has been a highlight of 2019. We have so many amazing organizations in our community that contribute to our growth, culture and vibrancy! As you look through this issue of the Business Voice, some of these organizations that received recognition at this year’s SABEX Awards have been highlighted.

Image: Gina’s Portraits

As the voice of business for Saskatoon, the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce worked diligently and in the best interest of our business community throughout a year that brought many challenges and changes.

Darla Lindbjerg, CEO Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce

“

With a growing world population that needs what Saskatchewan has to offer, opportunities are limitless. Our borders are not limited in today’s marketplace, and although opportunities are substantial, there are challenges that often lie outside of a business owner's control. Government today has the power to make communities thrive or die based on the decisions made.

Some of the biggest challenges to our agriculture and tech industries today include the opportunity to operate in a stable and predicable regulatory environment, access to capital, competitive tax environments at the local, provincial and federal levels and access to labour. If our political leaders can drive competitiveness for their jurisdictions in these areas, we will be on the path to success. This success will mean growing communities with access to stable and sought after jobs, impactful and well-funded social programs and a high quality of life. This type of community is what everyone wants and it is within our grasp if we prioritize our policy and investment decisions appropriately.

Our borders are not limited in today’s marketplace, and although opportunities are substantial, there are challenges that often lie outside of a business owner's control.

“

For many decades, Saskatoon has been known as the breadbasket of the world. Saskatoon has been known as a centre of excellence for agriculture within our province. More recently, the tech industry has emerged as a high-growth leader within Canada and around the world. Our province is in a very strong position to overlay these two industries to create a competitive advantage that can address future issues of global importance, one of which is global food security. Tangible examples of overlaying these industries in a collaborative way is Protein Industries Canada (PIC), one of Canada’s five superclusters and Co-Labs, just to name a few. It is innovation and investment like these within our community that will drive change and support other industries to emerge, grow and thrive.

Darla Lindbjerg, CEO Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce

Darla Lindbjerg, President & CEO, Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce

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JULY / AUGUST 2019 5

NEWSMAKERS

NEW MEMBERS Action Research Consulting

Barry Jones

Specializing in strategy, leadership, change and management. Helping you create momentum, establish commitment and celebrate successful, sustainable results.

Arin Jorgenson p: (306) 370-3704 w: www.actionresearchconsulting.ca Consultants - Employment / Training AND Home-Based Business

Alpha & Omega Strategies

Black Rifle Academy Inc. Offering firearm safety training and oneon-one coaching with military certified firearms instructors.

Mark Webb 3222 Edinburgh Dr, Regina p: (306) 270-8157 w: www.blackrifleacademy.com Education / Training

Cheryl Baan Individual Member

Jacqueline Almeida 1048 East Centre, Saskatoon p: (306) 361-5070 w: alphaandomegastrategies.com Consultants - Leadership

Combined Insurance

Alt Hotel Saskatoon

With 155 rooms, strategically located downtown at River Landing, the Alt Hotel offers a welcoming and enjoyable stay!

Kecia Batting / Corinne Lund 480 2nd Ave S, Saskatoon p: (639) 398-0250 w: www.althotels.com/en/saskatoon/ Hotels / Motels AND Tourism Industry

Aura Cannabis DBA: Kiaro

Provides financial services.

Imdadul Hoque p: (306) 880-9733 Financial Services / Planning

Costco Wholesale Canada

Wholesale retailer / membership.

Eloise Reddekopp 225 Market Dr, Saskatoon p: (306) 700-2883 w: costco.ca Wholesale

Cut Casual Steak & Tap Restaurant and bar.

Sarah Dacey 416 21st St E, Saskatoon p: (306) 954-4222 w: www.cutcasualsteak.com Restaurants

Cannabis retail store.

Michelle Snell 212 20th St W, Saskatoon p: (604) 362-1853 w: www.kiaro.com Retail

Barga Insurance Salvage

An online auction company serving insurance companies with their salvage dispersals. Operating out of Saskatoon and sell nation wide. Only exist online.

Ray Lamarche PO Box 26087 RPO Lawson Heights, Saskatoon p: (306) 290-9185 w: Barga.ca Auctions / Auctioneers 6 BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON

Individual Member

Decora Homes Ltd.

Custom home builders including residential renovations and commercial TI's. Built to reflect any budget and lifestyle!

Rhonda Iula 828 47th St E, Saskatoon p: (306) 291-5982 w: decora-homes.com Construction AND Home Builders / Renovations

JULY / AUGUST 2019

(April & May)

Dufresne Furniture & Appliance

Canadian Home furnishings retailer offering furniture, appliances, mattresses, and home accents since 1986.

Kaisse Caven / Susan Fremont 102-810 Circle Dr E, Saskatoon p: (306) 653-1736 w: www.dufresne.ca Retail - Furniture / Appliances AND Retail - Home Furnishings / Decor

Eb's Source For Adventure

We are skiers, paddlers & adventurers and we use the products we sell! Providing you with the best equipment and the best service so you can enjoy your outdoor adventures as much as we do!

Kevin Robinson 1640 Saskatchewan Ave, Saskatoon p: (306) 652-0385 w: ebsadventure.com Rental AND Retail - Sporting Goods

Enviroway / Ecologik

Local manufacturer of over 300 products focusing on environmentally conscious industrial and household cleaning products, as well as waste water treatment.

Bob Behari / Sonja Behari / Roman Litarchuk 9-2241 Hanselman Ave, Saskatoon p: (306) 244-7727 w: www.ecologikshop.ca Manufacturers

Gil Soanes

Individual Member

Jack Adams Accounting

Jack Adams p: (306) 292-4994 Accountants / Bookkeepers

Joanne Balint Individual Member

NEWSMAKERS

NEW MEMBERS Just B Coaching Life coaching.

Brittany Smith 219 21st St E, Saskatoon p: (306) 262-1113 Counselling / Training

K+S Potash Canada

K+S Potash Canada is part of the K+S Group, a German-based company that has been mining and processing potash and salt for over 125 years.

Lauren Smits 220 Wall St, Saskatoon p: (306) 385-8000 w: www.ks-potashcanada.com Mining & Exploration

Lillian Perschke Individual Member

Lynn Stade

Individual Member

MS Society of Canada SK Division

Providing services to people with multiple sclerosis and their families and funds research to find the cause and cure for this disease.

Keith Mackintosh 2-706 Duchess St, Saskatoon p: (306) 244-2114 w: www.mssociety.ca Non-Profit Organizations

Oxford Homes Ltd.

A family-owned home building company specializing in custom homes. For us, the customer always comes first.

Darshan Gill 840A 48th St E, Saskatoon p: (306) 931-3333 w: www.oxfordhomes.ca Contractors AND Home Builders / Renovations

Pet Planet (University Martinez Lopez Transport Heights) A pet supply store with all of your Ltd. Providing US/Canada long haul services of dry temperature controlled goods.

Jorge Martinez p: (306) 716-1554 Transportation Industry

Mobile Klinik

A chain of professional smartphone repair stores specializing in professional "while you wait" repair and care of smartphones and tablets.

Simarjeet Kaur 272-201 1st Ave S, Saskatoon p: (306) 808-1929 w: mobileklinik.ca Telecommunications / Wireless

WELCOME TO ALL OUR

NEW MEMBERS

essential needs. Everything from food to carriers, Pet Planet has you covered!

Sergio del Valle 102-1824 McOrmond Dr, Saskatoon p: (306) 242-7221 w: www.petplanethealth.com Pets / Pet Supplies / Pet Training

Prairie Records

Focusing exclusively on densely populated neighborhoods, high traffic areas, and tourist destinations, Prairie Records retail stores will be situated in some of the most premium retail locations across the country. The foundation of the retail concept is ingrained with a desire to create a unique cannabis purchasing experience through tactile in-store features and product offerings that celebrate the relationship between music and cannabis.

Bruce Leslie 720 Broadway Ave, Saskatoon p: (306) 244-7795 w: www.prairierecords.ca Retail

(April & May)

Saskatchewan Heart Centre Innovative cardio care.

A. Ruben J. Rajakumar 514 Braeside View, Saskatoon p: (306) 612-3105 Health Care - Services / Supplies

Saskatchewan Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs

The only group in beautiful Saskatoon that works hard to connect, engage and inspire young people.

Samantha Rumberger 374 3rd Ave S, Saskatoon p: (306) 716-7745 w: sype.ca Non-Profit Organizations

Strong Roots Consulting Consulting services for non-profit organizations and social enterprises, including community-based research, strategic planning, and program evaluation.

Brian Hoessler 213-220 20th St W, Saskatoon p: (306) 715-7670 w: www.strongrootsconsulting.ca Consultants

Terrance Yaskowich Individual Members

The Pot Shack

We are here to help you feel confident in your choices and use of cannabis. You know you are getting craft quality at a great value when you come to The Pot Shack.

RJ Faford 1115 Grosvenor Ave, Saskatoon p: (306) 477-0420 w: www.thepotshack.ca Retail AND Retail - Gift & Novelty

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NEWSMAKERS

NEW MEMBERS The Urban Farmhouse

It started with the building of our dream home and has expanded into a family ready to help others with real estate, mortgages, social events, home goods and decor market, pet sitting and friendship.

Rhonda Lavoie 115-120 Sonnenschein Way, Saskatoon p: (306) 321-7299 w: www.theurbanfarmhousesaskatoon.com Real Estate - Residential AND Real Estate - Services

Wayne Starling Individual Member

YXE Customs

Home of unique business promotional items, trade show giveaways and custom promotional products. We carry a large selection of corporate gifts from promotional items, tote bags, backpacks, tech items like power banks, promotional travel mugs, custom umbrellas, custom apparel, team uniforms and our always popular unique promotional items. We believe in providing quality promotional items that you will be proud to hand out.

Hasib Karimi 215 103rd St E, Saskatoon p: (306) 715-6541 w: www.yxecustoms.com Advertising Specialties / Sportswear AND Decals / Screen Printing

(April & May)

YXE Immigration Inc.

SINP, study permits, work permits, family sponsors and investors.

Kamanashis Deb p: (306) 262-6000 w: www.yxeimmigration.com Immigration / Relocation

WELCOME TO ALL OUR

NEW MEMBERS

MEMBER RENEWALS (Paid in

April & May)

49 North Resource Fund Inc. A1 Accounting Group LLP ACS Aboriginal Consulting Services AED Advantage Sales Ltd. Affordable Parts AgraCity Crop & Nutrition Ltd. Agri Biz Communications Corp.

Management & Marketing Specialists AGT Foods All West Veterinary Clinic Andrew Peller Ltd. Apex Performance Consultants Ltd. Ashmeade & Low Investigations Ltd. Atrium Dental Prof. Corp.

Avis Gerwing Bamboo Shoots Bazaar Novelty BDM IT Solutions Inc. Better Business Bureau of Saskatchewan Beverly Cantin Beyond Measure Design Inc. BHP Billiton Black Dog Republic Blairmore Media Inc. Boyes Group Realty Inc. 8 BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON

Burnett's Key Shop Ltd. Canadian Brewhouse Canadian Tire Associate Store Cherished Memories Funeral Services & Crematory Children's Discovery Museum on the Saskatchewan Chris Molenaar Realty Prof. Corp.

Churchill Dog Groomers Churchill Garment Care Ltd. City Perks Ltd. Colony Coffee & Tea Complete Technologies Conexus Credit Union Cooke Agencies Ltd. Country Style BBQ Crazy Tails Canine Services Creative Compliments Gift Baskets & Flowers Dale Carnegie Training Danrich Environmental Control Systems Daou Auto Dave Dutchak Delta Air Lines Delta Hotels Downtown Saskatoon

JULY / AUGUST 2019

Denham Awning Makers 1982 Inc. DG Industrial Ltd. Dingwall Guitars Inc. Display Systems International Doepker Industries Ltd. Done Right Commercial Cleaning Inc. Dorothy Allen Dr. Annika Card Dr. Joanne Bourgault Dental Prof. Corp.

Driverseat Easy Investments Inc. Ed Bobiash Realty P.C. Ltd. Edge Family Law Edge Immigration Enns & Baxter Wealth Management EXIMPRO (Exim Promotion Inc.) Farmgredient Foods Food to Fit Nutrition Inc. Friedt Finishing Inc. Fuse Design Inc. General Management Services Ltd. Greenbryre Golf and Country Club GT Performance Habitat for Humanity Saskatoon Hanneson Construction Inc.

NEWSMAKERS

MEMBER RENEWALS (Paid in

April & May)

HBI Office Plus Inc. Hertz Canada Ltd. Horizon Leasing & Financing Ltd. Hub City Display Ltd. Human Touch Counselling HX Industrial Control IBM Canada Imagine That Signs Decals & More Inc. Indus Travels Inc. Industrial Alliance Securities Inc. Infinity Management Intelliconn Communication Solutions Inc. International Minerals Innovation Institute International Women of Saskatoon IWS Investors Group Financial Svcs Inc. J. Beck Consulting Inc. Jakeco Holdings Inc. JDR Reinforcing Ltd. Jeremy Wiebe Mudding JNE Welding Limited Partnership K.C. Charities Inc. KEES Taekwondo Inc. Kenechukwu Ibezi Klassique Designs Kojo Barnes Laura Small Lawrence Finishing Inc. LE Trenouth Accounting Services Leah Brisdon Realty PC Little Rock Construction Logia Consulting Inc. Macro Properties Manestreet Hair Merel Kriegsman Media Meridian Development Michelle Kormos MING HAI INC. Montana's Cookhouse Saloon Neil Stubbs Music Newcomer Information Centre North Prairie Developments Ltd. North Saskatchewan Independent Living Centre Novozymes BioAg Limited Objectified Software Inc.

OUTSaskatoon Pac West Properties Packham Avenue Dental Palisades Residential Group Penney Murphy and Associates Peters' Special 'T' Restorations PM Signs Primerica Financial Services Progressive Property Management Ltd. Provincial Car Service - Saskatoon Luxury Tours Quality Care Homes Ltd. Quality Cutting Tools Inc. Quicklinkt Solutions Inc. Ray's Moving & Storage Co. Ltd. Raymond James Ltd. Rayner Agencies Ltd. Realty Executives Saskatoon Red Deer Industrial Sands Inc. Reed Security Refresh Inn and Suites Ricoh Canada Inc. Riide Riverbend Dental Centre Riviera Motor Inn Rock Creek Tap and Grill RoxDar Supply Chain Solutions Royal Hotel Group S & S Delivery Service Ltd. Sandyridge Gas & Grocery Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association Saskatchewan Craft Council Saskatchewan Roughrider Football Club Saskatoon Blades Hockey Club Ltd. Saskatoon Community Youth Arts Programming Inc. Saskatoon Council on Aging Saskatoon Disaster Services Saskatoon Fire Department Saskatoon Inn & Conference Centre Saskatoon Wildlife Federation Schick Kelly Drafting Ltd. Scoular Canada Ltd. Seiferling Law SGO Mining Inc.

Shenouda Headley Derpak Law Group Shift Development Inc. SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd. Smith-Windsor Partnership Socialite Media SRG Chartered Professional Accountants Stewart, Gee & Murray CPA LLP Stonebridge Crossing Retirement Community SUCCESS Office Systems Sugar Spa YXE Suncatcher Solar Ltd. SunLife Financial Supply Chain Management Association Saskatchewan Inc. Swadesh Group Targeted Strategies Limited The Lighthouse Supported Living Inc. The Rotary Clubs of Saskatoon The W Law Group Thrive Wealth Management Travel Masters Saskatoon Trek 2000 Corporation U of S - Edwards Business Students' Society Ukrainian Catholic Episcopal Corp of Saskatchewan United Rentals Canada Vallen VersaBank Virtus Group Chartered Professional Accountants & Business Advisors LLP Wanuskewin Heritage Park Wayne Watts WESK - Women Entrepreneurs Saskatchewan Western Carpet One Western Fitness Equipment Ltd. Wilma Poole Registered Massage Therapist WMCZ Lawyers Yung's Nails & Spa Zem4 Service Solutions Ltd. zu

DO BUSINESS WITH

A CHAMBER MEMBER FIRST BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON

JULY / AUGUST 2019 9

NEWSMAKERS

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS Creating Chemistry in the Saskatoon Community BASF ’s Agricultural Specialties manufacturing site in Saskatoon has over 60 employees dedicated to the research, development and production of biologicalbased Rhizobium/Bacillus inoculants for global agricultural markets. BASF is proud to be a member of the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce, which works to build and promote a strong community through prosperity in business.

At BASF, we are committed to fostering a great place to work, strengthening the communities where we operate and collaborating with our customers to deliver on our company’s purpose: We create chemistry for a sustainable future. Our team of approximately 122,000 employees around the world work to provide chemistry-based solutions for virtually every industry including Agriculture, Construction, Automotive, and Energy & Resources.

BASF has been recognized as one of Canada’s Best Workplaces™ in Manufacturing

by Great Place to Work®, as well as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers - a true testament to the hard work and dedication of our employees. BASF supports the local community through monetary donations, employee volunteer efforts and science

education programs like Kids’ Lab, a series of chemistry workshops for children between the ages of 6 to 12. www.basf.ca

Spring brings a new ethanol plant and national retail awards for FCL Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL) made a significant addition to its fuel business this spring by purchasing the 185,000 square foot, 150 million litre-per-year Terra Grain Fuels ethanol plant near Belle Plaine, Sask.

FCL also received recognition for the Made by Us marketing campaign featuring Canadian-made CO-OP®-brand products.

It was a co-winner of the Retail Council of Canada’s Retail Marketing Award. FCL is in good company with Ikea, Walmart, Best Buy, and other winners.

FCL also cleaned up by winning three Canadian Grand Prix New Product Awards for Co-op Gold Pure Soap, Co-op Gold Pure Fish Fillets and Co-op Gold Potstickers. www.fcl.crs 10 BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON

JULY / AUGUST 2019

NEWSMAKERS

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Lewis M Carter Mfg. (Canada) Ltd.

Global Institute for Food Security By 2050, 10 billion people will be living on the planet; an increase of 2.5 billion from today. The Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) is creating innovative and sustainable agricultural technologies to help feed our growing population.

Our research will help Saskatchewan growers increase food production using fewer resources. Internationally, we’re

helping developing nations advance their own agricultural industries and become self-sustaining.

GIFS was created in 2012 through a partnership involving Nutrien (formerly PotashCorp), the Province of Saskatchewan and USask.

Today, over 55 researchers from 21 countries have made the move to Saskatoon to work on this important research. They are collaborating with research institutions, universities and agricultural industry experts in almost 30 countries around the world. www.gifs.ca

It was Spring of 1986 when Lewis M. Carter Manufacturing (Canada) Ltd. opened in Saskatoon to serve the Grain Industry of Canada. “Our focus is always innovation and dependability”, says Steven Chivilo of LMC Canada. “We have supplied seed processing equipment to everyone in the industry at one time or another.” LMC also provides manual and automatic weighing, packaging and robotic palletizing equipment to various industries.

LMC machinery is built tough for Canadian winters and has the worldwide reputation for durability and service. The Chamber has been a great asset to our company and look forward to an exciting future! www.lewismcarter.com

Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers We are proud to be serving the local community since opening our permanent auction facility in Saskatoon in 2007. We’ve since conducted 57 exciting unreserved auctions, selling over 77,000 equipment items and trucks for all sectors, including agriculture, transportation, construction, real estate and more. We’ve helped over 11,000 sellers get fair market value for their equipment by reaching buyers both local and global. Since 2007, over 184,000 people have registered for Saskatoon auctions, proving no one brings the equipment buyers quite like Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers. For more information about our onsite and online buying and selling solutions, please visit ritchiebros.com.

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NEWSMAKERS

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

The Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists We regulate the profession of agrology in Saskatchewan as mandated by The Agrologists Act and issues licenses to agrologists.

Agrologists have the education and training to provide sound advice to producers and others involved in the agriculture and food supply chain.

The public can rely on agrologists.

Agrologists set aside self-interest to act in the best interests of the public. Foremost is their concern for the safety of agriculture and our food supply. Through their in-depth knowledge of the relationships between agriculture and natural resources, they recognize sustainable agriculture practices are critically important in protecting the environment. www.sia.sk.ca

Scoular A 125+ year old company with more than 4 billion in sales, Scoular provides diverse supply chain solutions for end-users and suppliers of grain, feed ingredients, and food ingredients.

From offices and facilities in North America, South America, and Asia, our employees are

engaged in the business of buying, selling, storing, handling, and processing grain and ingredients as well as managing transportation and logistics worldwide.

Our locations in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta handle the purchasing and sales of commodities such as conventional cereals, whole and split peas, lentils, chickpeas, canary seed, flaxseed, beans, and sunflower seeds. www.scoular.com

zu We’re zu, a digital products and services firm. We help clients form ideas, build digital solutions and adapt for what’s next.

For over 24 years we have had the privilege of working with some of the top companies in Saskatchewan from Viterra, to Nutrien to Cameco.

We are a proven partner that can help you assess, design, develop and manage your next project. From websites, custom software or mobile applications we aim to drive innovation in organizations using Design Thinking. Together, we’ll build value for your business and your users. www.zu.com

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NEWSMAKERS

COMMUNITY

Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan has moved forward with a plan supported by their audience, partners and stakeholders to build a permanent base for their main

stage tent and enhanced infrastructures.

Permanent landscaping and modern technical enhancements will allow the festival to eliminate its annual lengthy and expensive 5 week set up process and focus on their artistic work. The new site will also allow an extended festival season and year-

round access and activities with multiple opportunities for other local organizations like the Nutrien Children’s Festival or SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival to use the new 300 seat amphitheatre. The company anticipates expanded opportunities for local artists, and for sport groups and others to make use of the site as a launching area for Meewasin Valley Trail activities like the Saskatoon Police Race Against Racism. The company is on track to begin the re-development this fall with a grand re-opening scheduled for the spring of 2020. They are also working closely with the Meewasin Valley Authority and City of Saskatoon to make sure that trail, washroom, parking and transit upgrades also occur to complete this area to the benefit of all the great attractions in this beautiful location! To get involved go to www.shakespearesask.com or call Alan Long at 306-653-2300 ext. 225.

New Partners, New Opportunities MNP is excited to congratulate Ashton Wilson, Kerry Vezeau and Brett Casavant on their appointments to the Partnership.

Based in Saskatoon, Ashton supports family grain farms with all aspects of their operation, providing business advice and planning expertise to help them reach their goals.

Contact Ashton Wilson, CPA, CA, 306.664.8299 or ashton.wilson@mnp.ca Working closely with a variety of industries in Prince Albert, including entrepreneurs, not-for-profit organizations and municipalities, Kerry understands the challenges her clients face and delivers a full range of business advisory, taxation and assurance solutions to help them succeed.

Contact Kerry Vezeau, CPA, CGA, 306.764.6873 or kerry.vezeau@mnp.ca Backed by extensive experience working collaboratively with professional practices throughout the Saskatoon region, Brett delivers in-depth expertise and personalized solutions to our clients.

Contact Brett Casavant, CPA, CA, 306.664.8360 or brett.casavant@mnp.ca

MNP.ca

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COVE R STORY

LB Distillers

2019 SABEX Business of the Year Much More Than Luck

Image: Kim Regier, CHELphoto

by Elizabeth Ireland

COVE R STORY

Business Voice sat down with Cary Bowman, LB Distillers’ president of good times, to learn the full story behind the iconic Saskatoon company’s success. As well as find out more about the excellence their team had to demonstrate in order to win the 2019 SABEX Business of the Year Award. LB Distillers has been a member of the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce since the business opened.

Luck Comes in Many Forms Bowman is co-owner of the business and he jokingly emphasizes that he is “not the one who won the lottery.” He originally had the idea for a craft distillery during a trip to Europe when he noticed how prevalent micro distilleries are there, particularly in countries like Germany. Bowman was working for a Canadian bank’s private client group at the time but was instantly “hooked” on the idea of craft distilling in Saskatoon.

“It was actually Prohibition that wiped out the small distilleries and distributors in Canada and the US and left only the very large producers. LB Distillers is proud to be the first distillery to operate in Saskatoon since Prohibition took place,” says Bowman.

Interestingly, Canada did have a Prohibition phase, it was just earlier and shorter than our southern neighbours.

Meanwhile, in 2006 Goldney was working as a family physician on a locum in a small Saskatchewan town when he won $14.6 million in LOTTO 6/49. Goldney’s nickname soon became “lucky bastard” based on a throwaway comment made by a stranger who saw Goldney purchasing bottles of Dom Pérignon champagne to celebrate his good fortune.

A Concept Becomes Reality In 2010, after his Europe trip, Bowman approached his friends with the idea of opening up a Saskatoon-based craft distillery. Goldney and Crocker were immediately onboard. The complication was that the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) had no established policy for craft distilleries in the province. However, the opportunity this industry presented was on the SLGA’s radar and the SLGA worked with Bowman to draft a policy. Soon LB Distillers bought a beautiful copper still and the team brought in a German master distiller to learn the process.

Other craft distillers quickly entered the Saskatchewan marketplace.

The industry has experienced considerable growth and, today, serves as a great draw for both in-province and out-of-province tourists.

(Last Mountain Distillery in Lumsden is considered Saskatchewan's first micro distillery).

“

Distillers share techniques, but they don’t share recipes. We had to take the time to hone our craft.

We never want to forgo quality for quantity.

Image: courtesy of LB Distillers

Cary Bowman, LB Distillers

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JULY / AUGUST 2019

“

Most Saskatoon residents “sort of” know the story of LB Distillers.

A local couple named Michael Goldney and Lacey Crocker won the lottery and, in 2012, founded a distillery with a cheeky name and pin-up girls on the bottle labels of its handcrafted vodkas, gins, whiskeys and liqueurs.

LB Distillers’ handcrafted spirits and liquors continue to be created in small batches of 250 litres at a time, using locally-sourced fruit and grains.

One of the elements that the team soon realized was the demand for an elegant event space in Saskatoon. Today, LB Distillers holds events up to four nights a week – ranging from weddings to fundraising dinners to pitch parties.

Image: courtesy of LB Distillers

COVE R STORY

LB Distillers now employs 20 full-time people, as well as parttimers who work at events specifically. Plus, in 2018 the company opened a retail space at Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport. Despite restrictions around the hours when alcohol can be sold at the airport, Bowman describes the new smaller location as “still doing really well.”

Community Involvement Those who attend fundraising events frequently will notice that LB Distillers often contributes a signature cocktail or perhaps a silent auction item to the cause. “It’s our fundamental belief to take care of our community and we make sure to always work sponsorship funding in our budget. We typically get about 10 requests a day, ranging from local steak dinners to larger events,” says Bowman.

What’s in a Name?

As well as its saucy pin-up girl labels, LB Distillers is well-known for its name – Lucky Bastard. The founders also have tongue-in-cheek job titles: Michael Goldney is president of vice, Lacey Crocker is chief operating officer lady (COOL) and Cary Bowman is president of good times.

Along the way, the Lucky Bastard moniker has presented, and continues to present, some legal challenges for the team based on the perceived morality of the name. In 2010, the company was forced by the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) to register as LB Distillers instead of Lucky Bastard Distillers.

“Even today, the publicity and press we receive because of our brand name and the related controversy is considerable. We still love the Lucky Bastard name and use it whenever we can,” says Bowman.

Image: courtesy of LB Distillers

LB Distillers offers public tours featuring a selection of product samples for guests to taste. After the tour, guests can look around the retail store to find current products, as well as popular branded clothing, unique bar and cocktail-inspired gifts. Tours during business hours are free-of-charge and can accommodate up to 25 people per tour.

Bowman expresses LB Distillers continued role as an iconic local brand, high-quality producer and an active community member; qualities that definitely embody the 2019 SABEX Business of the Year.

LB Distillers 814 47th Street East, Saskatoon lucky@luckybastard.ca www.lbdistillers.ca (306) 979-7280 BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON

JULY / AUGUST 2019 17

Thank you to the local business community and the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce for the SABEX award for Growth and Expansion!

keyleaf.ca

 BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON

JULY / AUGUST 2019 19

20 BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON

JULY / AUGUST 2019

ADVOCACY

Working for You The Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce continues to actively advocate on behalf of its membership. Recent items to highlight include the following: As we enter into summer, your Chamber is proactively engaging with speakers, both business experts and government officials, in planning our new season of programming.

Given the various significant challenges facing Saskatoon businesses, we are keeping our sleeves rolled up and are actively working to help our members and the Saskatoon economy.

We continue to address challenges around the movement of Saskatchewan goods to market. Challenges remain in completing pipelines and ensuring that the rail companies are aware of the need for Saskatoon and Saskatchewan’s goods to travel freely and quickly.

As a regional Chamber, we continue to be concerned about international trade challenges. China continues to penalize Canadian goods and the addition of additional pork monitoring last month on top of canola and other Canadian exports is very concerning. The Chamber will be working in concert with other Chambers and economic development groups to maintain support for The Canadian Government in

its actions to address these issues. When it is appropriate, The Chamber will seek your input and voice directly the position of our membership as it pertains to these issues.

Have a great summer! We will keep you informed as we continue to advocate on your behalf !

The Chamber will continue to address the concerns of our members and businesses in Saskatoon and the surrounding area to ensure that Saskatoon has a thriving business climate and is the place to live and do business on the prairies.

July brings an exciting addition to our Chamber family with Margot Orr joining us as Director of Policy and Government Relations. In this role she will be working regularly to address the issues that are of concern to our members. Margot brings with her experience in civic policy, connecting businesses to resources they need and economic development.

On our radar is the fall federal election. The Chamber is bringing the needs of business and of Saskatoon to the candidates from all parties. It is important to have our voice heard with every candidate and to ensure that the voice of Saskatoon Business is heard clearly.

As you may have noted from our recent e-blast, one of the specific issues we are advocating for with the government is skills training support. Ensuring that our workforce has the skills matched to the needs of business makes locating and hiring the right people much easier. If employees are well matched into organizations, they contribute to the organization more and allow more revenue, growth and further hiring.

The food business is unique Your financing should be too fccfinancing.ca

BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON

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NON-PROFITS

Bigger and Better 36th Annual Broadway Street Fair The Broadway Business Improvement District (Broadway BID) is proud to present the 36th Annual Broadway Street Fair.

Street Fair is always hosted the Saturday following the September long weekend; this year, Saturday, September 7, 2019. This is Broadway’s largest one day event each year, drawing thousands to the street.

The Street Fair runs from 10am to 5pm with an eclectic array of street performers, vendors, artists, musicians, dancers and Broadway merchants selling their best mark downs and sales of the year.

Community performers will be featured throughout Saturday. Aside from the Community Stage there will be the same entertainment everyone looks forward to each fall: giant super slide, silent auction tent, food trucks, art and crafts. The free Kids Kingdom is always a huge draw for its petting zoo, pony rides, bouncy castles,

and face painting. Have your try at dunking local celebrities at the dunk tank, with all proceeds going towards the United Way of Saskatoon and Area.

Along with the British Car Show there will be a Show and Shine of another variety – The Cycle Show featuring custom, vintage, and unique bicycles.

The Broadway BID looks forward to hosting the community for another sunny Street Fair. Each year this event renews Broadway’s historic role as Saskatoon’s cultural main street. Thanks kindly to the event sponsors, Tourism Saskatchewan, Affinity Credit Union, SaskTel and the many merchants of Broadway.

For more information contact: DeeAnn Mercier, Executive Director Broadway Business Improvement District 306-664-6463 deeannmercier@broadwayyxe.com

Huskies return to action this Fall

With Summer in full swing, tickets are now available for a trio of Huskie Athletic teams that will be back on the field before you know it.

Football, men’s and women’s soccer will 22 BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON

all begin play in either late August or early September and you can be a part of all the action.

The reigning Hardy Cup champion Huskie football team will take to the gridiron for

JULY / AUGUST 2019

four games at Griffiths Stadium inside Nutrien Park. Playing the UBC Thunderbirds (Friday, Sept. 6), Calgary Dinos (Friday, Sept. 27), Manitoba Bisons (Friday, Oct. 4) & Alberta Golden Bears (Saturday, Oct. 26), Saskatchewan will be looking to defend their western Canadian crown.

Moving to the turf at Griffiths Stadium inside Nutrien Park this season, the Huskie men’s soccer team will be looking to book their spot in the playoffs for the seventh time in the past eight seasons. From August 23 – October 6 the Huskies will play seven home games.

On the grass at Field 7 inside Nutrien Park, the Huskie women’s soccer team that made it to the conference quarter-finals last season will play seven home games from September 12 – October 20.

For more information on all the Huskie sports or to purchase tickets visit huskies. usask.ca or call 306-966-1111.

NON-PROFITS

READ Saskatoon

How do you define literacy? This is one of the questions we ask at our monthly READ Saskatoon volunteer orientations.

Usually the room answers with silence. As perplexed faces find others around the room, the information session reaches an awkward moment and eventually one person speaks up, “Well… reading and writing?” Yes, however, what we know, is that literacy goes far beyond reading and writing.

At READ Saskatoon, we see every day that it is about how we communicate, social practices and relations, about knowledge, language, and culture. Ultimately, it is having the confidence to make the most informed decision for yourself and your family.

Literacy is woven into the fabric of our everyday lives: understanding an error on a bill, signing up for insurance, following directions on a medication label, helping a child with homework. For people with low literacy skills, these mundane tasks become sources of daily stress that have an immense impact on individuals’ and families’ learning and earning potential.

READ Saskatoon has been in the learning

business for 40 years. We provide adult tutoring services, family programs, and financial literacy workshops with the help of trained volunteers and community partners.

We describe our work as providing access to information. “Now, when things come

up on T.V., I can read what’s coming up on the screen. I’m also a member of AA, and now I can read the 12 steps” (Learner, 2019).

To find out how you can support literacy in our community visit READsaskatoon.com.

Han Wi-Moon Dinner at Wanuskewin Welcome to Han Wi – Moon Dinner - A transformative experience at Wanuskewin.

Your evening starts near dusk at the park.

Guests are invited to walk the land on a forty-five-minute guided tour with our senior staff to learn about the incredible culture, history, and science of this land. A story that dates back more than 6400 years; twice as old as the Egyptian Pyramids. As you arrive at the far side of the valley you will be welcomed by roaring campfires where you can cook fresh bannock over an open fire, sip tea and reconnect with friends or family while enjoying a stunning view of the South Saskatchewan River and the Opimihaw Valley overlooking an ancient bison jump. Dine on a decadent meal prepared by chefs Kirk Borchardt and Jenni Schrenk. Your threecourse decadent meal features mouth-watering bison tenderloin and many seasonal delights

foraged from the valley below, including wild berries, mushrooms, sun chokes and more.

Finally, to complete the evening, listen to ancient star stories from a Dakota Star Story Teller while gazing out at a famous prairie sunset and beautiful Saskatchewan night

sky. Welcome to Han Wi – Moon Dinner.

Welcome to Wanuskewin.

Visit www.wanuskewin.com to book your experience today.

BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON

JULY / AUGUST 2019 23

PROFILE

Saskatchewan Can Development Com

Representing an Industry’s Res

by Elizabeth Ireland

nola mmission

silience and Optimism

PROFILE

Based in Saskatoon, the Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission (SaskCanola) was established in 1991. SaskCanola is a producer-led organization that’s supported by about 23,000 levy-paying canola producers in the province. The levy is currently set at $0.75 per tonne of canola.

Tracy Broughton is SaskCanola’s Government & Industry Relations Manager and she has worked for the organization for eight years.

She has a degree in agribusiness from the University of Manitoba.

“At SaskCanola, our strategic priorities are research, producer engagement, advocacy and canola promotion. Research is our main order of business. For example, in 2017-2018, SaskCanola provided $5.4 million in funding for canola-related research projects,” says Broughton.

“

Everywhere outside of Western Canada, canola is often thought of as a fringe crop. Here in our province, canola has been the most profitable cash crop for the past f ive to 10 years. Plus, canola biodiesel presents lots of opportunities as a renewable fuel.

Lisa Horn, SaskCanola

26 BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON

“

JULY / AUGUST 2019

British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario all have equivalent organizations to SaskCanola that are also under the umbrella of the Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA). According to the CCGA, in 2016 Canadian producers planted over 19 million acres of canola with yields of 42.3 bushels per acre. With a nice fatty acid profile, canola seed is crushed for its oil and high-protein meal for feeding livestock and aquaculture.

Lisa Horn is SaskCanola’s Executive Director. She has a BSc in agriculture and crop science from the University of Saskatchewan and two decades of management experience with the crop supplies division at Federated Co-operatives Ltd. “Everywhere outside of Western Canada, canola is often thought of as a fringe crop. Here in our province, canola has been the most profitable cash crop for the past five to 10 years. Plus, canola biodiesel presents lots of opportunities as a renewable fuel,” says Horn.

In fact, according to the CCGA, “In 2015, the equivalent of 1.8 million tonnes of Canadian canola seed was used in the production of biodiesel in Canada, the US and the European Union.”

Plant-Based Proteins

“When people think of the new Protein Industries Canada (PIC) supercluster, they tend to instantly think of pulses but not canola.

Canola meal has been traditionally used in animal feed and, with continued advancements, it can now offer nutritional benefits for humans too. There are definitely exciting new opportunities for canola proteins for human consumption,” says Horn.

According to PIC’s website, “The global plant-based protein market is estimated at more than $8 billion US and is expected to reach $14.8 billion US by 2023 with an expected compound annual growth rate of 5.9 percent. Over the next five years, human consumption of plant-based protein is projected to nearly double.”

Impact of Current Trade Issues with China

Canola is an export-based crop with 90 percent of all production leaving Canada. According to the CCGA, export sales of canola seed, oil and meal reached nearly $9 billion in 2015. After the US,

Image: courtesy of SaskCanola

Canola is very much top-of-mind these days in Saskatchewan – our province represents half of Canada’s total production of the oilseed crop. With low erucic acid, canola was originally bred f rom rapeseed cultivars at the University of Manitoba by Saskatoonborn Keith Downey and Baldur Stefansson in the early 1970s. The result was a high-quality edible oilseed that grows well in Canada’s northern climate.

Image: courtesy of SaskCanola

PROFILE

China is Canada’s second largest canola export market and recent trade relations with China have been fraught with tension.

“All we can do now is hope for rain. We are very confident in the care Saskatchewan growers take with their soil and canola crops.”

As of June 3, according to the Canola Council of Canada, “Chinese buyers remain unwilling to purchase Canadian canola seed and the licences of two companies, Richardson and Viterra, to export canola seed to China are suspended. Oil exports continue to occur and are being monitored closely. Canola meal shipments remain unaffected.

The Canola Working Group remains focused on regaining access to the Chinese market and continues to meet regularly.”

SaskCanola 212 - 111 Research Drive info@saskcanola.com saskcanola.com (306) 975-0262

Says Horn, “The specific contamination issues need to be resolved and the companies’ licences reissued. Secondly, the political, trade dispute-type discussions with China need to be resolved. There are layers of issues between Canada, China and the US – a lot of circumstances to consider. Even so, the licences need to be restored for the two companies to resume exporting their canola seed to China.”

People Leading Business

CPHR Saskatchewan – 13th Annual Conference Keynote Speakers

“From the canola growers’ perspective, it’s good that the federal government has implemented the new regulations to increase loan limits under the Advance Payments Program (APP).”

Weather-Based Challenges

At the time of this interview with SaskCanola, there was a serious lack of rain in the province.

In Horn’s words, “2019 is taking a dry spring to another level. However, if we compare what would have happened with this same lack of rain in say 1994, it’s worth noting how far farming practices have come in terms of sustainability through the use of herbicidetolerant varieties of canola and conservation tillage practices.”

Dr. John Izzo

Dr. Brynn Winegard

100% Responsibility/ 0% Excuses: How Taking Responsibility Changes Everything

The Aging Brain in the Workplace

Dr. Dave Williams

Beverley Busson

What CEOs Want From Their Boards and HR Departments

Women in Leadership

Who Should Attend?

• • • •

HR Professionals & Consultants Business Owners, Employers & Managers HR Educators & Students Service & Product Suppliers

Register by August 30th for a chance to win Elton John or Roughriders tickets.

To register visit Learn & Connect at www.cphrsk.ca

October 1 – 2, 2019

|

BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON

JULY / AUGUST 2019 27

TECHNOLOGY

First-Ever UP Tech Conference Unites the Prairies

by Elizabeth Ireland

Business Voice caught up with Jordan Dutchak, Executive Director of Co.Labs, a couple of weeks after the immense success of the Uniting the Prairies (known as UP) conference.

By all accounts, UP was unmissable – a tech start-up conference held right here in Saskatoon on May 2 and 3 at the Delta Bessborough Hotel. UP attendees included top venture capitalists (VCs) and angel investors, as well as Prairie expats working elsewhere and other tech sector leaders. More than 40 speakers and 650 industry stakeholders came together to share their knowledge and experience at the event. UP was organized

by Co.Labs but is branded separately.

“We recognized that for our Prairie provinces to effectively compete with other North American tech hubs, we needed to

combine forces. So, as similar cities with similar cultures, the tech ecosystems of Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, Saskatoon and Winnipeg decided to come together to form UP. As a result, we were able to attract some of the top tech speakers in the world and ex-pats from $100+ million companies to our first UP conference. It was pretty incredible,” says Dutchak.

Premier Scott Moe brought greetings and emphasized the province’s commitment to developing Saskatchewan’s next generation tech industry. The conference also featured fireside chats, breakout sessions and plenty of networking opportunities (both curated and informal). UP showcased the best of Western Canada's tech ecosystems and benefitted from Saskatoon’s location right in the middle of the Prairies.

“Some of the start-ups who attended UP raised a significant amount of funding. We were able to create a critical mass of deal flow which attracted top investors from around North America. I’m aware of at least one cheque over $1 million that was written into a Co.Labs start-up as a result of UP. We will grow UP in Saskatoon over the coming years and continue to increase the calibre of VCs and attendees each year,” says Dutchak.

He describes one of the most popular events at UP as mentor speed dating. The concept involved six rotations of 15-minute meetings, giving tech start-up companies access to high-caliber mentors and investors who, in most cases, were also speakers during Friday’s conference.

What is Dutchak’s one regret about UP? “We missed the warm weather in Saskatoon by one week.”

Co.Labs is Saskatchewan’s first technology incubator and has served as a creative collaboration space for 72 tech start-ups in its first 24 months of operations. Co.Labs is funded by the provincial and federal government through Innovation Saskatchewan and Western Economic Diversification Canada. www.unitingtheprairies.com | @unitingprairies Co.Labs Innovation Place 229-116 Research Drive, Saskatoon www.co-labs.ca | @colabsyxe

Watch for future Business Voice columns on what's happening in Saskatoon's tech sector!

28 BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON

JULY / AUGUST 2019

30TH ANNUAL

CHAIR’S GOLF CLASSIC Thursday, September 12

Moon Lake Golf & Country Club 11:30 am - Registration & Lunch 1:00 pm - Shot Gun Start $195 +GST - Members $255 +GST - Non-members

(Includes power cart, bagged lunch and BBQ supper)

Register online at: www.saskatoonchamber.com/events

Together Together We WeGrow Grow

....

Stacy Sutherland

Muskeg Lake Cree Nation Treaty 6, Saskatchewan

Planting seeds for a better tomorrow.

Together We Grow

Together We Grow

The seeds we plant today hold our dreams and aspirations. At Nutrien, we’re committed to expanding our relationships with Indigenous people globally, including Aboriginal people in Canada, knowing that diversity and inclusion will help us feed the future – together.

Together We Grow Together We Grow

www.nutrien.com

BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON

JULY / AUGUST 2019 29

SABEX

h t e r A u o Y

On the evening of Friday April 12, more than 500 attendees celebrated the businesses, community builders and risktakers that put our city on a world stage. Proudly presented by Nutrien, the elegant evening was emceed by Alanna Koch and Sean Leslie at TCU Place.

SABEX stands for Saskatoon Achievement in Business Excellence and the evening’s theme was ‘You are the Chamber.’ The atmosphere in the room was vibrant and aspirational.

Gala attendees included Mayor Charlie Clark, Saskatoon Willowgrove MLA Ken Cheveldayoff, Saskatoon Churchill-

Wildwood MLA Lisa Lambert, Saskatoon Southeast MLA Don Morgan and Saskatoon Northwest MLA Gordon Wyant.

The evening’s awards began by honouring 2019 SABEX Hall of Fame inductee Dr. Karim Nasser. Originally from Lebanon, as a civil engineer, a builder, a real estate developer and an investor, Dr. Nasser has helped to shape Saskatoon – particularly the city’s riverfront.

Joel Pedersen, the founder and CEO of Fitness 2J2 accepted the next award. "It is a huge honour to be a finalist at the SABEX; I was here in 2017 as a finalist. I’m grateful to receive the 2019 Community Involvement Award on behalf of all the hardworking coaches and volunteers at Fitness 2J2 who share my vision.”

2019 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE

Dr. Karim Nasser

Jody Diakow (Sponsor)

Dr. Karim Nasser (Award Winner)

Sponsor: RBC Royal Bank

30 BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON

JULY / AUGUST 2019

r e b m a h C e h SABEX

by Elizabeth Ireland

“Being the only First Nation small business to receive this recognition truly shows the direction of where business in Saskatoon is heading. As a business community, it is a significant sign of the inclusive and open approach to inspire future small businesses to be involved in the Chamber,” adds Pedersen.

Executive and Artistic Director Kirby Wirchenko accepted the Saskatooning Award on behalf of the Broadway Theatre. Wirchenko recognized the Broadway Theatre’s Board, staff and many dedicated patrons in his acceptance speech. Saskatooning represents a business that is unique and iconic to our city and the award was sponsored

by Tourism Saskatoon.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AWARD

Fitness 2J2

The Marketing Award was won this year by Decora Homes Ltd. “The team at Decora Homes was ecstatic to be finalists in the Marketing category at the SABEX Awards. Ricky and I, as owners of Decora Homes for over 10 years, felt honoured to be present with so many amazing businesses throughout Saskatoon,” says Rhonda Iula.

“The energy and positivity of the evening reminds you of why you work so hard and proud of how successful our business has become over the years. When we heard Decora Homes announced as the recipient of the award, tears instantly filled my eyes with joy!” adds Iula.

MARKETING AWARD

Decora Homes Ltd.

Joel Pedersen

Brian Schaan

Hon. Don Morgan

Ricky Iula Rhonda Iula

(Sponsor)

(Award Winner) (Sponsor)

(Award Winners)

Sponsor: SaskTel

SASKATOONING AWARD

Broadway Theatre

Sponsor: Handy Special Events

GROWTH & EXPANSION AWARD

KeyLeaf (formerly POS Bio-Sciences)

Aviva Kohen

Alex Fallon

Kirby Wirchenko Avery Vold

Dr. Rick Green Dale Kelly

Sponsor: Tourism Saskatoon

Sponsor: SREDA

(Sponsor)

(Sponsor)

(Award Winners)

(Award Winners)

BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON

JULY / AUGUST 2019 31

SABEX Next, the Growth & Expansion Award went to KeyLeaf – a global ingredient and process technology company. The whole company came up on stage to accept the award and the KeyLeaf team’s enthusiasm was palpable.

Sherpa, a cloud-based business management software platform, won the New Business Venture Award.

Percy Hoff, president of Sherpa, reflects: “Receiving this award was major validation that we are moving in the right direction. I work with some great people and am very proud of what we have accomplished together. The Saskatchewan tech scene is an exciting space to be in. We are so thankful for all the support we have received from our government, city, business associations, customers and our peers in the community. We are on the verge of something very exciting and we can’t wait for this rocket ship to take off !”

The second last award of the evening was Entrepreneur of the Year and it went to Sheldon Dingwall of Dingwall Guitars Inc. Dingwall spoke about the 12-hour days, passion and hard work involved in being a successful entrepreneur.

The evening culminated with the Business of the Year Award and the winner was LB Distillers. “We are so excited, humbled and in awe over being awarded the SABEX Business of the Year Award.

The SABEX Awards Gala couldn’t have been more enchanting, it felt like being at the Oscars. As a small business we work very hard to provide our customers with amazing products and exceptional service. It’s so great to be acknowledged by our peers, community and the Saskatoon Chamber for efforts to build a great business, in this great city of ours. We are so very honoured,” says Cary Bowman, president of good times with LB Distillers.

The Customer Service Award went to Eb’s Source for Adventure.

In business for 45 years, Eb’s is an independent retailer of outdoor adventure equipment like canoes, kayaks and cross-country skis.

NEW BUSINESS VENTURE AWARD

Sherpa

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARD

Sheldon Dingwall, Dingwall Guitars Inc.

Kevin Rogers

Maggie Sinclair

Rick Wingate Percy Hoff

Sheldon Dingwall

(Sponsor)

(Sponsor)

(Award Winner)

(Award Winners)

Sponsor: Conexus Credit Union

Sponsor: Saskatchewan Polytechnic

CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD

Eb’s Source for Adventure

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD

LB Distillers

Kevin Robinson

Jill Salamon

(Sponsor)

Byron Mack

Cary Bowman Lacey Crocker

Sponsor: MNP

Sponsor: Edwards School of Business, U of S

(Award Winner)

(Sponsor)

(Award Winners)

! s n o i t a l u t Congra

32 BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON SASKATOON 32 BUSINESSVOICE

JULY JULY // AUGUST AUGUST 2019 2019

SABEX

Presenting Sponsor

BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON

JULY / AUGUST 2019 33

2019 Safe Worker Award – Darrell Wingerak, BASF Agriculture Specialties Ltd.

2019 Safe Employer Award – Namerind Housing Corporation

Safety is their

mission WorkSafe Saskatchewan congratulates the 2019 award winners Safe Worker – Darrell Wingerak, BASF Agriculture Specialties Ltd., Saskatoon Safe Employer – Namerind Housing Corporation, Regina These awards are given annually to recognize outstanding employers and individuals who strive to make Mission: Zero

Above: From left to right: Donna Johnson, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety; Robert Byers, President and CEO, Namerind Housing Corporation; Darrell Wingerak, ERP Facilitator, BASF Agriculture Specialties Ltd; Gord Dobrowolsky, Board Chair, Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board

a reality in Saskatchewan.

CB19 SWSE CongratsPrintAd 1.1.indd 3

2019-04-25 12:17 PM

CHAMBER TRIPS

Best of China April 25 - May 5, 2019

First meal in China includingChinese beer

Something old and something new

Kate almost at the 850th step

Tiananmen Square

Boat ride before soup dumplings

Water village

Home of China Central Television (CCTV)

Next trip to China departs October 2020. Join Us! BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON

JULY / AUGUST 2019 35

HIGHLIGHT REEL

Chamber Happenings

Pulse on Politics

Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark delivered his annual State of the City address at a noon luncheon in mid-April. Before a large crowd, Mayor Clark spoke about the importance of collaboration and inclusivity to ensure Saskatoon remains competitive. Following his address, the Mayor fielded questions from the audience.

2019 SABEX

The 2019 Annual SABEX Awards, to honour the Saskatoon region’s finest businesses, were held at TCU Place. The theme for the night was “You Are the Chamber.” It was a full house as awards were presented in 9 different categories including Business of the Year which was awarded to LB Distillers.

36 BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON

Chamber on Tap (May)

Shawn Moen, one of the founders of 9 Mile Legacy Brewing, located in Saskatoon’s Riversdale neighbourhood, was the featured speaker in May. Before a sizeable crowd at LB Distillers, Moen talked about his passion for making great beer and how his passion lead him from a professional career as a lawyer to becoming owner of a neighbourhood brewery.

JULY / AUGUST 2019

HIGHLIGHT REEL

Chamber Happenings

Chamber AGM and Member Appreciation Night

The Chamber’s Annual General Meeting and Member Appreciation Night was held at Louis’ Pub on the University of Saskatchewan campus. It was a night of celebration, burritos and tater tots. The evening included the induction of the Chamber’s new board members. The Honourable Judge Morris Baniak officiated as the Chamber’s Chair Chris Sicotte, 1st Vice-Chair Carla Browne, and 2nd Vice-Chair Jason Aebig were sworn in.

Lunch with Facebook

Chamber on Tap (June)

June’s Chamber on Tap featured a professional panel including Jordan Brown of Lift Accounting, Irene Sieferling of Board Dynamics and Randal Touet of the W Law Group.

Host Mark Hawes moderated the panel discussion which was followed by questions from the floor.

In May we hosted, in partnership with StarPhoenix, special guest speaker Facebook's Brian Sencich to address our lunchtime crowd of over 140! Attendees had the opportunity to book an one-on-one with the expert from Facebook about specific tools for their business. Event was held at TCU Place in downtown Saskatoon.

BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON

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CHAIR’ S MESSAGE

Agriculture and Technology: Saskatchewan’s Past, Present and Future but particularly in countries such as Bangladesh and India which look at pulses for their high protein content. A diversified agricultural base is key for Saskatchewan to continue as a market leader in agriculture on the global stage.

Image: Gina’s Portraits

It is my pleasure to submit my first Chair’s message as the new Board Chair of the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce.

By way of introduction my name is Chris Sicotte. I was born and raised in Flin Flon, Manitoba but have strong connections to two historic Saskatchewan communities: Cumberland House and Muenster. I moved to Saskatoon in 2002 after living for four years in the northern Quebec community of the Cree Nation of Chisasibi. I am the Indigenous Liaison for Aon Reed Stenhouse but prior to this role worked in the banking industry for 26 years, primarily working in commercial banking with a specialization in Indigenous finance.

At the recent SABEX Awards Gala we heard how Saskatchewan has recently developed into a technology hub. Cutting edge biotech companies like Saskatoon’s This month’s theme for Business Voice Keyleaf and software firm is of interest to me. As we are all aware Sherpa (both recent SABEX agriculture has been a staple of the Award winners) are helping Saskatoon Chamber Board Chair Chris Sicotte Saskatchewan economy for generations. to lead Saskatoon in this Based on figures from 2018, agriculture is growing and emerging business area. The board members: CeCe Baptiste (SIIT), the 3rd largest contributor to Saskatchewan’s technology sector also represents one of Todd A. Denzin (Nutrien), Katrina German GDP (after resource development and real the fastest growing areas of Saskatchewan’s (KatrinaGerman.com), and Penny Yeager estate). Saskatchewan is still considered economy, and Saskatoon is well positioned to (MLT Aikins LLP). I am looking forward the breadbasket of Canada, with most of benefit from this growth. As was mentioned to working with you over the next year as Canada’s exports of grain crops coming from during SABEX, Saskatoon could very well our Chamber grows and evolves. I also wish Saskatchewan. In addition, Saskatchewan has become the Silicon Valley of the north. to congratulate Jason Aebig (Creative Fire) become a leader in production of oil seeds as and Sandra Ribeiro (Canadian Light Source) well as pulses. Our pulse crops are in demand I would also like to take the opportunity on your re-election to the Board. We had an in developing economies around the world, to formally welcome our recently elected amazing group of 15 candidates put their names forward for just six vacant spots on the Board this year. I believe that this demonstrates that the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce is the voice of The technology sector represents business for Saskatoon.

“

“

one of the fastest growing areas of Saskatchewan’s economy, and Saskatoon is well positioned to benef it f rom this growth.

Chris Sicotte, Chair Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce

38 BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON

JULY / AUGUST 2019

Best Wishes, Chris Sicotte Chris Sicotte is the Chair of the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce and Indigenous Liaison, Commercial Risk Solutions of AON

AON REED STENHOUSE Chris Sicotte Chair

REAL CANADIAN PROPERTY MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONALS INC.

CREATIVE FIRE Jason Aebig 2nd Vice-Chair

KOENIG & ASSOCIATES INC. Peggie Koenig Past Chair

CANADIAN LIGHT SOURCE INC. Sandra Ribeiro Executive

SASKATCHEWAN INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGIES (SIIT) CeCe Baptiste, Director

NUTRIEN Todd A. Denzin Director

PCL CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT INC. Linda Exner Director

KATRINAGERMAN.COM Katrina German Director

QUICKLINKT SOLUTIONS INC. Dale Lemke Director

MED HACK ENTERPRISES INCORPORATED Dr. Adam McInnes Director

SASKATOON AEROCENTRE Graham Snell Director

WIEGERS FINANCIAL & BENEFITS Colton Wiegers Director

Carla Browne 1st Vice-Chair

MLT AIKINS LLP Penny Yeager Director

Chamber Board of Directors Working for You! BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON

JULY / AUGUST 2019 39

Images: Gina’s Portraits

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Come join us for a day of ideas worth sharing and spreading

BU I LD I N G B R I D G ES S E P TE M BE R 7 , 2 01 9 The theme Building Bridges challenges individuals to reflect on their experiences of connecting and communicating with community and nature. Bridging past, present, and future, we will look at how we have built and maintained relationships, while fostering unity and a positive atmosphere in an era where hatred and division are intense. This year’s theme will inspire and reinforce the meaning of community.

Buy your tickets now! tedx2019.usask.ca/tickets TEDxUniversityofSaskatchewan TEDxUSask tedx@usask.ca

TEDxUniversityofSaskatchewan tedx2019.usask.ca