Business View February 2011

BUSINESS View February 2011

saskatoonchamber.com

Science City

Saskatoon is Leading the Way in Science and Technology

VIDO-InterVac

New State-of-the-Art Vaccine Centre to Open on University Campus

Chamber Board Election Nominee Profiles

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BUSINESS View February 2011

Page 5

Features

5

Profile: VIDO-InterVac

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Science City

State-of-the-art vaccine centre to open on University Campus

Saskatoon leads the way in Science and Technology

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Shearwater Properties

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Chamber Board Election

Fifteen years of more than just passenger boats

Nominee profiles

Departments

4 Left to right: Dr. George Mutwiri (Immune Modulation unit), Dr. Aaron White (Bacterial Vaccine Development unit) and Dr. Stewart Walker (Clinical Research and Epidemiology unit), VIDO-InterVac

BUSINESS View­is a bimonthly publication of the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce 104-202 4th Avenue North, Saskatoon, SK S7K 0K1 Phone: (306) 244-2151 Fax: (306) 244-8366 Email: chamber@saskatoonchamber.com Website: www.saskatoonchamber.com

Reproduction of any material contained in Business View is permitted provided credit is given to the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce.

Articles and criticisms are invited, but views expressed in Business View are those of contributors and are not necessarily endorsed by, or are policy of, the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce. We encourage you to support the business leaders whose names and products you see advertised in this issue as well as throughout our entire membership.

The Board reserves the right to edit submissions.

BUSINESS View­ February 2011

11

President’s View

Long-term sustainability of the City

Campus View

Three million reasons to say “thank you”

18 Committee Updates STAFF Kent Smith-Windsor, Executive Director Derek Crang, Membership & Marketing Director Terry Lawrence, Administration Judy Chudskov, Membership Relations Officer Roz Macala, Executive Secretary Breanne Lishchynsky, Committee Co-ordinator Linda Saunders, Bookkeeper Kevin Meldrum, Communications

Cover and Contents page images

by Grant Romancia Cover: Ken Lai - Research Technician (left) and Steve Jimbo - Graduate Student (right), of VIDOInterVac

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PRESIDENT’S VIEW

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s we enter 2011 there are a couple of issues I believe should be addressed which will assist in the long term sustainability of our city. City Council has just approved a 3.99% increase in property taxes for the upcoming year. Since 2003 we have seen civic expenditures grow by an average of 7.5% on an annual basis and this trend is increasing. Using the current trend of tax increases and projecting them forward we would realize a doubling of our tax bill in the area of 20 years.

This trend is not sustainable, and new approaches to how the city financially operates must be found.

Much attention has been made by City Council in respect to affordable housing. The significance of prolonged property tax increases must be recognized as a barrier to sustainable affordable housing in this city. While I understand the city is growing and there are serious demands placed on the city, I also recognize the progress City Administration has made on the productivity agenda and the internal culture,and what we are presently doing will not sustain us.

The other issue that is just below the

surface but has significant ramifications is the City’s defined benefit retirement plan and the enhancements they have made to the plan over time. When you look over the provincial scene, most sectors including the provincial government, crown corporations and the private sector have moved to the defined contribution plans to better enable the employer to manage the cost and liability with this benefit. Not only are we as taxpayers paying for a luxury that no one in the private sector can afford, but as taxpayers we are on the hook for significant unfunded liabilities. This is an opportune time to make a change as in most work environments there are significant retirements beginning to happen and a new generation is entering the workforce.

I am not proposing draconian approaches to converting between the plans. It can be done in a managed and responsible way using a combination of grandfathering for those that are significantly invested in the present scheme, potentially allowing those at a mid-point a choice, and those with a short history to migrate to the new plan.

In this way the human impact would be

limited, while still allowing the city to mitigate future unfunded liabilities and manage the existing unfunded balance.

Comments on these issues are not meant to be critical or to be dismissive of the progress made in making the running of the City more businesslike. It is about long term sustainability, learning from the errors of other jurisdictions and making the necessary course corrections sooner rather than later.

PRESIDENT Brian Chalmers

Building the Best Business Climate in Canada. Thereby Creating a City of Opportunity.

2010-11 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT Brian Chalmers Concentra Financial

1st VICE-PRESIDENT Monica Kreuger Global Infobrokers Inc.

2nd VICE-PRESIDENT Christian Braid Braid Flooring & Window Fashion

PAST PRESIDENT Jamie McIntyre NuCoal Energy

EXECUTIVE

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Tracy Arno Adecco

Troy Davies M.D. Ambulance Care Ltd.

Gerry Bonsal SIAST Kelsey Campus

Bill Brooks eclecthink international

Vacant

Debby Criddle Bayshore Home Health

Randell Morris

Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology

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Lynn E. Hnatick MacPherson, Leslie & Tyerman LLP

Troy Larmer United Group of Companies

Rhonda Speiss PotashCorp

Melanie Stroh Radisson Hotel Saskatoon

Stacey White Wiegers Benefits

February 2011

Position Up for Election

BUSINESS View­

PROFILE VIDO-INTERVAC

State-of-the-art International Vaccine Centre to open on University campus

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xcitement levels are growing within the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) as construction rapidly nears completion for the $140 million International Vaccine Centre (InterVac) on the campus of the University of Saskatchewan. As Canada’s largest containment level 3 (CL3), InterVac will vastly expand the research capabilities, and will be the most advanced facility of its kind in the world.

“The unique capabilities of InterVac will expand the range of technologies and opportunities to study a greater number of diseases, and in turn support us in leading the international fight against infectious diseases of both humans and animals,” says Andy Potter, director and CEO of VIDO-InterVac. “We have a reputation as a world leader in R&D of vaccine and immunity-enhancing technologies, and InterVac is literally

Image: Grant Romancia

Image: Grant Romancia

impacts through relocation of companies to Saskatoon.

Many emerging and reemerging infectious diseases must be studied in the protected environment that only a containment level 3 facility provides. Last year’s pandemic clearly showed the linkages between human and animal health. “Emerging diseases like BSE and H5N1 or avian influenza threaten quality of life and economies around the world, and tend to The new InterVac Centre under construction have direct links to animals,” adds Potter.

“Upon completion, InterVac will fellows, who currently make up one represent the latest innovations and third of VIDO’s staff. As well, InterVac state-of-the-art design features and will bring over 50 full-time researchinfrastructure available for containment related employment positions to the facilities and will be “THE lab to see”, province.

“InterVac’s state-of-the-art CL3 says Cam Ewart, Associate Director – Operations and Maintenance facilities will augment our outstanding for VIDO-InterVac. Across array of life sciences research capacity Canada there are about 90 on campus, help us to reshape the such containment level 3 (CL3) landscape of infectious disease research facilities – the majority of them in Canada and secure Saskatchewan’s small labs associated with international leadership in developing provincial health departments vaccines for both humans and animals,” or medical schools. “CL3 said Karen Chad, vice-president research facilities are specially for the University of Saskatchewan.

With VIDO’s strong research record designed to protect people, animals and the environment of 35 years, InterVac is a huge booster when doing vaccine research shot for this research powerhouse, by using respiratory and will foster a whole new level protection, HEPA-filtration of recognition for the University of of exhausted laboratory Saskatchewan’s reputation as one of Ravendra Garg (Post-doctoral fellow) and Dr. air, decontamination of all the most distinguished universities in Sylvia van den Hurk (Sr. Research Scientist and generated wastes and strict Canada in the field of vaccine-related control of access to the research.

Program Manager) facility,” says Ewart.

Some VIDO Highlights: In addition to the local • VIDO is competitive nationally and taking our capabilities up to the next interest in the facility, InterVac will internationally, with more than 80 awarded level.”

U.S. patents.

What makes VIDO-InterVac unique be serving a global need and will has commercialized eight vaccines, is its ability to focus on diseases that play host to leading companies in the • VIDO six of which were world firsts. impact both humans and animals, as vaccine research field worldwide. Any • VIDO employs more than 150 people, and well as those diseases that can have researcher in the world conducting is the headquarters of the Pan-Provincial Vaccine Enterprise (PREVENT), one of significant economic consequences, relevant research can apply as a Canada’s new Centres of Excellence in such as tuberculosis, influenza potential user of InterVac. and research.

With researchers from more than 20 • commercialization (including swine and avian influenza), VIDO has received millions of research or chronic wasting disease. InterVac countries, visiting scientists to InterVac dollars from organizations such as the Gates and Krembil Foundations and agencies such will also enable pharmaceutical will provide a stimulating learning as the Natural Sciences and Engineering companies to bring their products to environment for undergraduates, Research Council of Canada, among others. market faster, leading to local economic postgraduates, and postdoctoral

BUSINESS View­ February 2011

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SCIENCE CITY SPECIAL FEATURE

Hydrogen vehicle loading and fuelling station launched

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n October, a major step in the Smart Fuel Solutions project was announced with the launch of a hydrogen vehicle loading and fuelling station in Saskatoon.

The station, located in the north industrial district, will fuel a fleet of seven hydrogen trucks from both SaskEnergy and the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC). The vehicles incorporate a more flexible and lower cost technology that assists in bridging the way to 100 per cent hydrogen use.

“SRC has been a leader in developing alternative fuel technologies which has highlighted Saskatchewan’s strong innovative capacity,” said Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister and Minister responsible for SRC, Rob Norris.

The project’s cost is over $2.3 million with funding provided by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), Enterprise Saskatchewan, SaskEnergy and SRC. A significant amount of in-kind support has also been provided by AkzoNobel,

ERCO Worldwide and SaskEnergy.

Using more than three decade’s worth of technology, research, development and demonstrations, four SRC trucks and three SaskEnergy trucks have been adapted to operate on hydrogen.

“The Smart Fuel Solutions project — in particular the hydrogen fuelling station — will allow SRC to safely and efficiently fuel the hydrogen vehicles,” said Dr. Laurier Schramm, SRC President and CEO. “Besides the potential environmental benefits for Canadians, this project provides real-world testing to advance the commercialization of hydrogen technology.”

When operating in the hydrogen mode, the vehicles substitute about 45 per cent hydrogen for fossil fuel use in city and highway traffic. At idle and low load, the gasoline and diesel engines operate on approximately 100 per cent and 60 per cent hydrogen, respectively.

UBC researchers shine light on congenital heart disease “hot spots” using Canadian Light Source

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sing the Canadian Light Source synchrotron and the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource, a team of researchers from the University of British Columbia has shed light on the ryanodine receptor, a structure within muscle cells that has been linked to life-threatening congenital heart conditions.

The findings are published online in the journal Nature.

“The ryanodine receptor is a complex molecular machine within muscle cells,” says Filip Van Petegem, an assistant professor in UBC’s Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and lead author of the study.

“We’ve known that it plays an important role in certain congenital heart conditions but due to its size and complexity, there has never been a good, detailed model of its structure or where many of the mutations that can lead to diseases are located.”

Muscle cells contract in response to the release of calcium through ryanodine receptors, which are made up of interlocking parts, or domains. Mutations of ryanodine receptors result in ill-fitted domains and cause calcium leakage.

The researchers shone super bright beams of X-rays generated at both synchrotrons onto crystallized receptor proteins and measured how the X-rays diffracted as they passed through the crystal. The resulting patterns were then used to build a high-resolution model of specific regions of the receptors prone to disease-causing mutations, or “hot spots.”

“Now that we understand how these mutations affect how the channel works, we can come up with a strategy for developing new drug treatments to help prevent calcium leakage,” says Van Petegem.

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BUSINESS View­

SCIENCE CITY SPECIAL FEATURE

Vaiz Enterprises – building relationships in networking technology

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ounded in 2007 by Chris Hanson and Dustin Knittig, Vaiz Enterprises is dedicated to providing networking solutions and support to large and medium-sized organizations in the Province of Saskatchewan. Vaiz Enterprises was formed in response to the growing need among Saskatchewan businesses to keep pace with global trends in networking technology. Realizing that infrastructure costs often placed the right networking solution out of reach of many organizations, Vaiz Enterprises has established partnerships with key players in the networking and information technology industry in order to offer a more realistic approach for local businesses.

Both Chris and Dustin are members of Saskatchewan Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs. Dustin Knittig (Vice President, Sales) finds that entrepreneurship provides an exciting career and allows him to engage new challenges in the community. “Lots of young people today have given up on the idea that hard work will result in success,” says Dustin.

“One of the best things about driving our own company is that this idea is up to me to carry out, each day, with each new client I reach out to and each new relationship I form.”

At present, Vaiz Enterprises is rolling out a large, multifaceted technology solution to a new DirectBuy facility under construction in Saskatoon. When completed, the

solution will provide full networking services to a sales floor, call centre, executive offices and a warehousing facility.

“Our ‘Complete Care’ solution offers our clients the equipment, software and ongoing maintenance and support for a single monthly fee, rather than an expensive investment up-front and hourly support charges. We’re able to do this through partnerships with companies like Acer, Microsoft, Symantec and Cisco Systems,” explains Chris. “Our work encompasses four stages, beginning with a complete organizational analysis of all of the client’s needs and goals, not simply those related to technology and networking. Then we use that analysis to design a solution which will make those goals a reality.

“Once the design is finalized with our client, we implement that design and continually ensure its ongoing maintenance and support, ensuring a solution which is reliable and adaptable. As our clients grow and change, we’re there to make sure their solution grows and changes with them. What we see emerging is that a comprehensive business technology solution requires more than just purchasing the right equipment – it requires an in-depth understanding and ongoing relationship with the right individuals. We’re excited to offer that relationship to our community here in Saskatchewan.”

Saskatchewan Research Council releases results from real-world biodiesel research

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esults are in on a year-long biodiesel demonstration project undertaken by Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) and supported by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) under the National Renewable Diesel Demonstration Initiative (NRDDI).

The study evaluated the suitability of biodiesel blends in the agricultural sector prior to the proposed renewable fuels regulation that would require an average annual two per cent renewable content in diesel fuel.

During the 16-month demonstration period from August 2009 to November 2010, eight agriculture producers operated their equipment using canola-based biodiesel blended with diesel to determine whether the blended fuel affected engine performance. In total, over 30,000 litres of biodiesel were used to produce the B2 to B10 biodiesel blends that were consumed during 18,000 hours of use.

SRC evaluated 72 pieces of agricultural equipment including tractors, combines and farm fuel storage tanks.

The agricultural producers in the study did not experience any equipment performance or maintenance issues from the use of biodiesel-blended fuels. The biodiesel fuel was closely monitored and tested at SRC’s Biofuels Test Centre™ to ensure it maintained adequate and consistent quality

BUSINESS View­ February 2011

throughout the year-round farming cycle.

Regardless of whether equipment was stored indoors or outdoors, full or nearly empty of fuel, throughout the offseason, the study shows that the blended fuels continued to maintain the standards specified by the Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB) and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).

“Western Canadian farmers face extreme weather conditions over the course of the year,” said Grant McVicar, Director of Energy Conservation at SRC. “This demonstration project has confirmed that canola-based biodiesel, blended with ultra-low sulphur diesel fuel, can maintain its fuel quality during storage, can be used seamlessly by the farm community without making any changes to their operations and does not cause any operability issues for farmers or distributors of this fuel.”

The study indicates that using biodiesel, up to a B10 level in warmer months and B5 in colder months, has little impact on normal operation of agricultural equipment and does not necessarily require any changes for long-term fuel storage as long as it is blended to meet the CGSB recommended temperature specifications.

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SCIENCE CITY SPECIAL FEATURE

University of Saskatchewan licenses new greenhouse gas technology

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he University of Saskatchewan recently announced a worldwide license of technology it has developed to Carbon Sciences, Inc. of Santa Barbara, California which transforms greenhouse gases into gasoline and other portable fuels.

Carbon Sciences’ greenhouse gas to fuel technology is based on the idea of transforming carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane, two major greenhouse gases, into gasoline and other transportation fuels. For the past year, the company has been engaged in the development of a high performance catalyst for the efficient transformation of CO2 and methane gas into a synthesis gas, which can then be further processed into gasoline and other fuels. The technology licensed from the University of Saskatchewan directly assists Carbon Science’s efforts in this area.

The major challenges faced by previous industry attempts at developing a successful catalyst include coking (fouling the catalyst with carbon deposits) and continued long time performance. Development was directed at solving these problems and Carbon Science’s research team observed encouraging short-term laboratory results. However, the U of S technology developed over the past decade by Dr. Hui Wang, professor of Chemical Engineering, has demonstrated

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high performance and reliability. The U of S catalyst achieved 92 % conversion with no detectable sintering, no significant carbon deposition, and thus no catalyst deactivation. Dr. Wang’s research team has successfully tested the catalyst for 2,000 hours of continuous operation in a bench top reactor.

Byron Elton, CEO of Carbon Sciences, said “We are excited about our license agreement with the University of Saskatchewan as it eliminates a big hurdle in our development plan. We look forward to demonstrating on a larger scale, the commercial viability of this important breakthrough and moving closer to our ultimate goal of producing gasoline and other portable fuels using greenhouse gases.”

“The University of Saskatchewan has been on the forefront of green technology development for quite some time and partnering with the private sector to commercialize their work is a key part of their strategy,” Elton added. “We are confident that the synergy between their technology and Carbon Sciences’ technical and corporate strengths will make for a very successfully partnership, and move the world closer to significantly reducing the use of petroleum as the primary source of transportation fuels.”

February 2011

BUSINESS View­

SCIENCE CITY SPECIAL FEATURE

Feed Opportunities from the BioFuels Industries (FOBI) Research Network

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he Feed Opportunities from the BioFuels Industries (FOBI) Network is a multidisciplinary network pursuing five key areas of research. Research within the network includes ruminant nutrition, monogastric nutrition, added value engineering, crop breeding, and economics.

The FOBI research network is an initiative of the Feed Innovation Institute (FII), a commercialization entity within the University of Saskatchewan. FII liaisons between the agriculture research community and industry so that more initiatives go beyond the lab and into vital industrial applications. The vision of FOBI is to stimulate the sustainable growth of the bio-ethanol and livestock sectors, leading to a stimulation of economic activities in rural Canada. There are 58 researchers in the FOBI network, representing universities as well as federal, provincial and private research institutes. These include the Prairie Swine Centre, Saskatchewan Research Council, University of Saskatchewan, Alberta Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, University of Alberta, University of Calgary, Feedlot Health Management Services Ltd, Western Beef Development Centre and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

The FOBI network has also partnered with five bioethanol producers in Alberta and Saskatchewan: Terra Grain Fuels Inc., Belle Plaine, SK; NorAmera BioEnergy, Weyburn,

BUSINESS View­ February 2011

SK; Pound-Maker Agventures Ltd., Lanigan, SK; North West Bio-Energy Ltd., Unity, SK; and Highland Feeders Ltd., Vegreville, AB. One only has to look at the recently released CFRA report card (www.greenfuels.org) to see the relevance of FOBI research to Canada and the national targets of 5% ethanol content in gasoline. FOBI researchers are examining both the feed and bioethanol sectors together, so that there is an overall healthy bottom line.

The FOBI Network celebrates its successes at its 3rd annual AGM at the Willow’s Golf and Country Club on March 9th and 10th. The AGM will showcase FOBI researchers and their accomplishments.

This includes technical integration modeling of energy use, water use, plant operation, and economic effect of FOBI industrial partners, lab scale demonstration of the impact of waxy alleles in wheat on starch and animal digestibility and the potential for wheat dried distiller grains with solubles in a beef ration to improve the transfat profile of the carcass, creating a “healthier beef”.

Canadian Renewable Fuels Association President Gordon Quaiattini is attending the conference to celebrate as FOBI collectively moves forward in creating value and sustainability for both industry and academia.

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SHEARWATER PROPERTIES

Fifteen years later: more than just passenger boats

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hen Peter Kingsmill and two friends who were tourism colleagues started Shearwater Properties Ltd. in 1996, the goal was simple: take several years of experience delivering birding tours from a converted fishing boat at Redberry Lake and capitalize on the opportunity to reach a much bigger market by designing and building a 12-passenger boat to operate sightseeing tours on the river in downtown Saskatoon.

It worked. Five years later, Peter and his restaurateur wife Valerie bought out the other partners (who continue to be good friends) and went on a search for a bigger vessel which could be used to host dinner cruises as well as sightseeing tours. The Saskatoon Princess (formerly registered as the Queen of Ottawa on the Rideau Canal) was re-fit for service in Saskatoon in 2003 and remains the company’s dinner boat.

In 2007, the Kingsmills purchased another diesel motorship from Selkirk, Manitoba, re-named her the Meewasin Queen, and it is she that now serves the daily sightseeing market.

Over the years, Shearwater has made its auxiliary equipment available to the City, the Meewasin Valley Authority, and a number of engineering firms for purposes ranging from placing and retrieving navigation markers to bridge pier assessment and dock installation. Given the importance of the river to the development of Saskatoon’s downtown – and of course the City’s water and wastewater infrastructure – the growing demand for industrial-scale vessels and truly “marine” solutions has prompted the Kingsmills to focus on a plan to expand the Shearwater Marine Services component into a new limited company dedicated to meeting the industrial marine requirements of the City and its contractors.

In late 2010, Shearwater Marine Services brought onboard retired navy chief Mike Steckhan as President.

With fifty years of combined military and commercial marine experience between them, Peter and Mike are confident they can offer superior solutions and equipment, from safety boats

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to barges and dredging equipment, all meeting the stringent demands of Transport Canada and other marine workplace regulators.

On Valerie’s side of the business – passenger tours and dinner cruises – growth is a constant. Already delivering over 100 charter dinners annually to the corporate and family event market, in 2011 Valerie is adding GPS-triggered commentary to the sightseeing tours, more public dinner nights, and improved access to the company’s internetbased booking system. And, beginning this spring, she is introducing “Emmett’s at Dockside” weekday luncheons, featuring the croissant-based meals which earned her a place in “Where to Eat in Canada” for nine years running, under the brand “Emmett’s Tea Room”.

“We are indeed privileged to be a small part of growing Saskatoon,” says Kingsmill. “Small business growth is always a challenge, but even if, some days, our only liquid asset is the very river that flows under our keels, it is also our biggest opportunity!”

Peter Kingsmill (left) with wife Valerie (right) of Shearwater Properties Ltd.

February 2011

BUSINESS View­

CAMPUS VIEW

Three million reasons to say thank you

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he University of Saskatchewan always has a million reasons to say thank you to its donors, but in the past few months, it has even more after three separate donations worth $1 million each.

Decades after first arriving at the U of S to pursue a degree in the Department of Music, Bob Xiaoping Xu and Ling Chen returned to express their gratitude and appreciation to longtime professor David Kaplan with a $1 million gift that will fund numerous new scholarships for music students, both graduate and undergraduate.

Xu and Chen, who are now married, established the David L. Kaplan Scholarship to honour their professor who they viewed as both a mentor and friend after arriving at the U of S as foreign students. Both Xu and Chen received their Master of Music, Chen in 1990 and Xu in 1992.

At a presentation on Nov. 17th, fellow alumnus W. Brett Wilson doubled his contributions to the Wilson Centre for Entrepreneurial Excellence in the Edwards School of Business when he

BUSINESS View­ February 2011

presented the centre with his second gift of $1 million. Wilson, a successful entrepreneur and one of the ‘dragons’ on the popular TV reality show Dragon’s Den, established the centre that bears his name in 2007. At the presentation, Wilson said that with the additional funding, he is looking to the centre “to notch up their game and expand their impact across this great province.”

On Dec. 13th, the Western Grains Research Foundation (WGRF) gave $1 million to the College of Agriculture and Bioresources’ Phytotron Renewal Project, an ongoing project aimed to upgrade the facility that allows researchers to grow crops year-round.

WGRF, a non-profit, farmer-funded, farmer-directed organization, is committed to helping Western Canadian producers by providing valuable funding to the phytotron. Once renewed, the phytotron will allow scientists to expand their research capacity and play a key role in crop development and plant science production that will ultimately provide farmers with new and innovative crops.

“Without the ongoing support of our

donors, the U of S would not be the world-class institution that it is today,” said Heather Magotiaux, U of S VicePresident of Advancement.

“No matter Magotiaux what the amount is, creating scholarships, new university centres and upgrading facilities is vital to the continued success of the institution, our city, our province and our world.

We can’t say thank you enough, but we will say it again: Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you.”

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WESTERN ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION

Joint investment in new oilsands technology

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n December, the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification and the Honourable Ken Cheveldayoff, Saskatchewan Minister of First Nations and Métis Relations announced a federal and provincial investment of more than $6.5 million towards two projects through the Canada-Saskatchewan Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA).

The first joint investment will see more than $2 million go towards testing new oilsands technology being developed by researchers at the University of Saskatchewan Toxicology Centre. The second investment of $4.5 million will support a three-year research initiative, led by Genome Prairie, to develop new varieties of oilseed crops, camelina and Brassica carinata, for industrial applications.

“Our Government’s investment in these projects illustrates our commitment to turning world-class research into new products and services,” said the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification.

“These investments will create high quality jobs and an increased standard of living for Canadians.”

Toxicology Centre researchers, led by renowned environmental toxicologist John Giesy, are working with the International Petroleum & Environmental Recovery Company (IPERC) to scale up IPERC’s technology, San-Tek 2000, to the pilot plant stage. The Toxicology Centre will

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conduct the analytical work. The technology separates oil from oilsands bitumen and minimizes water and energy used in the extraction process. It could reduce both economic and environmental costs for oilsands development companies.

“This investment furthers work in several of our signature areas of research strength,”” said U of S President Peter MacKinnon. ““This technology promises to help us develop our energy resources in a more environmentally sustainable manner and be responsible stewards of our vital freshwater supplies.”

Genome Prairie will pilot the second research project in collaboration with leading research companies and federal and provincial government partners. Research will focus on the potential of engineering the oil profile of camelina and Brassica carinata for use as a petroleum substitute in a variety of high value, non-fuel applications such as lubricants, hydraulic fluids, greases and polymers. Future commercialization of these new crops will lead to increased oilseeds diversification, providing growers with more choices for crop production and potentially increased revenues.

“Results of this research will have a positive impact on our rural economy as producers will have access to new high value cropping options including more diversified crop rotation opportunities,” commented Wilf Keller, President and CEO of Genome Prairie.

February 2011

BUSINESS View­

AIRPORT UPDATE

Business is booming at Saskatoon Airport

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esults of an Economic Impact Study conducted for the Saskatoon Airport Authority (SAA) indicate the John G. Diefenbaker Saskatoon International Airport is a major economic, fiscal and employment generator for Saskatoon and the provincial economy. The SAA commissioned the Edwards School of Business MBA program to conduct the study based on 2009 statistics to determine both dollar and employment impact from the Airport Community. Results of this report include the employment impact of all operating activities on Airport property as well as the economic impact of arriving passengers.

Employment created in 2009 by the Airport was the equivalent of 5029 jobs representing 4.8 % of the total Saskatoon GDP. This is in stark contrast to a previous study conducted in 1995 with full time employment seeing an increase of 171%. Total dollar impact for 2010 was $455 million, a 76% increase over 1995. Overall, arriving passengers at the John G. Diefenbaker Airport generated the largest economic impact at over 60% of the total Airport GDP while collectively aviation businesses represent approximately 20%

of the GDP. Economic Study highlights include: • • • • • •

Generating $455 million GDP 4.8% of total GDP for Saskatoon Generates $165.6 million in labour wages and salary Generates $288.0 million in expenditures Generates 5029 in full time employment 3.8% of the total employment for Saskatoon Airport Authority • Airport business activities generates 1285 full time jobs

The Airport continues to experience tremendous growth not only in passenger volumes but also in aviation business expansion and development on Airport property.

2010 passenger traffic was recorded at 1,215, 923 passengers.

Record volumes were reported in 10 of the 12 months resulting in a 5.1% over the previous year.

Copies of the impact study are available on the SAA website at www.yxe.ca.

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BUSINESS View­ February 2011

13

SASKATOON CHAMBER 2011 BOARD NOMINEES Troy Larmer

General Manager, United Group of Companies Chamber Involvement: Board of Directors, Membership Development Committee Chair, and On Tap with the Chamber Host.

Other Organizations: Synergy8 Director, and CHF Gala, Volunteer.

Why the Chamber Board? To help continue to provide business growth within our community which will help create opportunity and prosperity.

Evan Drisner

Cabinet Division Manager, Business Development Nu-Fab Kitchen Craft Cabinetry Chamber Involvement: Membership Development Committee and Celebrate Success! Mentor Committee.

Other Organizations: Advocis Chapter Board Member, Low's in Motion (Parkinson's Society Fundraiser) Board Member, Premier's Golf Tournament Head Registrar and Planning Committee, Care 4 Kidz (Children's Hospital Foundation Fundraising Event) Co-Chair, and Lawson Heights Church Music Director.

Why the Chamber Board? I love Saskatoon and believe we have a lot to be proud of. Since moving here in 2002 from Alberta with my wife we have seen a lot of positive changes in our province and great city. Saskatoon has created an environment that promotes business and growth while maintaining the sense of community unique to Saskatchewan. Our city is the perfect place to do business and raise a family and the opportunity to participate with the Chamber to encourage this continued progression is something I welcome and look forward to.

Tony Van Burgsteden

Director, Finance & Accounting AREVA Resources Canada Inc. Chamber Involvement: Chamber Member.

Other Organizations: Saskatoon Association of Community Living Treasurer and Board Member, Junior Achievement Treasurer and Board Member, and Saskatoon Branch Treasury Management Association of Canada Board Member.

Why the Chamber Board? I would be pleased to have the opportunity to participate in the Chamber's activities. I believe the Chamber has an important role to play in fostering a positive business environment for Saskatoon and area, which will benefit all citizens in the community by providing opportunities for increased employment through economic growth.

Dawn Wotherspoon

President & CEO, ClubMynx Fitness Inc. Chamber Involvement: Knowledge & Youth Committee Chair.

Other Organizations: Saskatchewan Young Professionals & Entrepreneurs (SYPE) Executive Board and Events Director, and Student's in Free Enterprise (SIFE) Saskatchewan Advisory Board Chair.

Why the Chamber Board? Since opening my business full time in 2008, I have received a tremendous amount of support and guidance from members of the Saskatoon business community. Armed with that knowledge and wisdom, I have been able to face the many challenges that entrepreneurship can bring, and attribute much of my leadership development to the mentorship I have received. As I continue my journey in business, I feel it is important to contribute back to the community.

Since 2008 I have held the position of Chair for the Youth & Knowledge Development Committee under the Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce.

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I would like the opportunity to further my involvement in the Chamber, and bring a youthful perspective to the Chamber leadership team in the areas of entrepreneurship and business development.

Sanj Singh

Director, W. Brett Wilson Centre for Entrepreneurial Excellence, University of Saskatchewan Chamber Involvement: Science City Committee Co-Chair.

Other Organizations: SaskFilm Board of Directors, Canadian Association of Family Enterprises, University of Saskatchewan Innovation and Cultural Contributions Committee, and Saskatoon Folkfest Board.

Why the Chamber Board? I believe entrepreneurship sustains competitive advantage. I believe the youth today need to embrace entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial thinking and I want to bring the work and passion of the Wilson Centre to benefit Chamber members. I want to provide our U of S grads with connections to the business community and provide our business community with easy access to the brightest and most motivated minds on campus.

Barry Berglund

General Sales Manager, CTV Chamber Involvement: Celebrate Success! Committee and Government Affairs Committee.

Other Organizations: Saskatoon Crime Stoppers Board, and Saskatchewan Association of Broadcasters.

Why the Chamber Board? Business organizations, the Chamber in particular, is a key catalyst in the development and continuation of Saskatoon's prosperity. Having served several years on the Celebrate Success! Committee I feel it is time my involvement and participation in the Chamber increase.

Andrew Coutts

, CA, CPA (Illinois) Senior Manager, Deloitte Chamber Involvement: Government Affairs Committee.

Other Organizations: Usadians Executive Association Member, and Lakeview Church Audit Committee Member.

Why the Chamber Board? I would welcome the opportunity to work with the Chamber in fostering a business environment that makes our community a beacon of prosperity and the envy of North America. My time working with the Chamber has taught me what a significant impact we can have in growing our business community and I look forward to continuing the momentum.

Rhonda Speiss

Manager Corporate Philanthropy, Potash Corp Chamber Involvement: Board of Directors, Government Affairs Committee, and Celebrate Success! Mentor Committee.

Other Organizations: RUH Ball Organizing Committee, and Canadian Fertilizer Institute Government & Public Affair Committee.

Why the Chamber Board? It’s a very important and exciting time for our province and our city. Saskatchewan has an abundance of natural resources that drive our local economy and it’s tremendously important that we support our business environment to empower local business to succeed. I’d be honoured to renew my term on our Board and play a role in creating opportunities for business in our city and help nurture the “Best Business Climate in Canada”.

February 2011

BUSINESS View­

Melanie Stroh

Director of Sales & Marketing Radisson Hotel Saskatoon Chamber Involvement: Board of Directors, and Aboriginal Opportunities Committee Co-Chair.

Other Organizations: Ideas Inc Board Chair, Interprovincial Association on Native Employment (IANE) Committee, and Aboriginal Workforce Participation Initiative (AWPI) Steering Committee.

Why the Chamber Board? My involvement with the Chamber Board over the past four years has been very rewarding. It would be a pleasure to continue to work with the business community to improve our business climate in Saskatoon.

Mario Gould

Independent Associate, Usana Health Sciences Chamber Involvement: Business Growth Committee.

Other Organizations: Business Networking International Chapter 4 President, NSBA Economic Development Committee, SYPE Member, Seven Seas Toastmasters President, and Rotary Club Saskatoon.

Why the Chamber Board? As the number one advocate for business growth, the Chamber provides the support conducive to business success. I am keen to bring my action oriented philosophy and ideas to serve the Board and business community. Saskatoon will be the place to do business.

Randell Morris

President & CEO, Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology (SIIT) Chamber Involvement: Aboriginal Opportunities Committee.

Other Organizations: SREDA Board Member, Aboriginal Financial Officers Association Advisor, and various local, provincial and national boards.

Why the Chamber Board? I feel Saskatoon is in a great position for further growth and development. Anything I or our organization can do to assist, we would be pleased to do so.

Bill Brooks

Owner, eclecthink Chamber Involvement: Board Member, Future Opportunities Committee Chair, and Celebrate Success!

Mentor Committee.

Other Organizations: Leadership Saskatoon Board and Community Leadership Chair, NSBA Member, Junior Achievement Presenter, and thinkx intellectual capital

Partner.

Why the Chamber Board? I bring different perspectives on business and future business climate in Saskatoon to the Chamber. A strong Chamber keeps members informed about ongoing and future opportunities and trends. I hope to continue contributing to this aspect of this dynamic Chamber Board.

Shawna Nelson

Director of Sales & Marketing Sheraton Cavalier Saskatoon Hotel Chamber Involvement: Business Growth Committee, and Shaken with a Twist Host.

Other Organizations: Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce Board Member and Education/Training Committee Co-Chair and Membership Committee, Lawson Heights Home & School Community Council Board Member, and 2011 CSAE Conference Host City Committee Executive Member.

Why the Chamber Board? I am passionate and proud to live in the city of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. My husband owns a business in Saskatoon and I have had a fulfilling and successful career for over 16 years in the hospitality business. I am an ambassador of our city and continually boasting about what a great place to live, work, do business and create business. By being a board member I can actively participate in promoting that interest. With my board position on the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, I feel this would be a great link between the two and encourages continued support and participation.

Carol Reynolds

Director Communications and Government Relations Genome Prairie Chamber Involvement: Science City Committee Co-Chair.

Other Organizations: Biotechnology Focus Magazine Editorial Advisor, Agricultural Biotechnology International Conference (ABIC-2010-Saskatoon) Sponsorship Committee, National Agricultural Biotechnology Council (NBEC 21-Saskatoon) Planning Committee, and International Association of Business Communicators Member.

Why the Chamber Board? After being involved with a number of Chamber committees over the past few years, now is an opportune time to offer to contribute at a more strategic level. As a strong believer in the effective work the Greater Saskatoon Chamber does, I would be honoured to continue to promote the organization’s work as a Board member.

NAMES ARE LISTED IN RANDOM ORDER AS DRAWN BY LOT

BUSINESS View­ February 2011

The 2011 Board of Directors Election Ballot will be electronically forwarded to all Chamber Member representatives.

Background Photo courtesy of Tourism Saskatoon

15

2WEBDESIGN.COM

What the information pandemic means for you Commentary by M.Mouneeb Shahid, CEO, 2WEBDESIGN.com.

S

ome stories are worth listening to and others are worth remembering, but once in a while there comes a story that is worth dying for. In fact, the death penalty is exactly what Julian Assange would face if he were to set foot on US soil, in addition to a barrage of legal attacks that he is already facing across the world. Heroically welcomed in some countries and destined to be killed in others as a traitor, is what lies in the fate of the WikiLeaks founder ever since the pandemic release of the highly classified cables.

Mainstream media has gained significant momentum as it trickles the previously guarded government secrets. As a result of this dip in secrecy, the ramifications are significant and the effects have rippled across the political spectrum. A polarized battle of political and democratic ideologies have sprung in to action questioning one’s right to how much and what kind of information should be freely accessible, especially in a “free and democratic society”.

Ironically enough it is the pro-democratic governments that actually have higher stakes and have spent considerable economic efforts to protect such information from spreading.

The deeper you dig, the more you unveil the ridiculing and disturbing government policies and actions. Unfortunately, or fortunately, the viral nature of the Internet has literally outpaced the security shutdowns of data servers as the information cables replicate themselves across multiple locations worldwide.

This goes to show how the digital revolution has given birth to the robust information era that we live in today. What makes the Internet so successful in spreading information is its triad nature that couples useful data, with powerful digital communication technologies and people that end up becoming active nodes spreading the word. The Internet cloud is therefore a people powered information network that continues to grow in all directions. As masses become actively connected online, the cloud seems to have taken form as a superpower in itself and has shaped technologies that amplify its triad nature to host and distribute information.

This concept holds great value when you see such examples as WikiLeaks literally outpacing world superpowers in spreading information and initiating movement for political reform in many countries. Who would have known

16

that a handful of people, mostly volunteers, would have created such havoc worldwide and put some of the most powerful countries to its knees trying every technique to halt this pandemic.

On a lighter note, by now you might have heard the story of Ted Williams who was a homeless drug addict with a “golden voice” perfect for radio. A reporter noticed him and decided to put his video on YouTube. Within 2 days he became in Internet sensation to receive over 7 million views.

As a result he was offered several jobs, television interviews and his life changed.

There are many life changing and world impacting examples that are directly due to a result of how information has dispersed across the Web. As part of society living in this era, we really have to take the time to understand how the Internet effects us and how it can assist us?

Whether we want to do business, share our personal experiences, learn something, research new ideas, help someone, destroy someone, live a second life or simply want to waste time, we now have a great platform to do so.

The beauty about this platform is that it is dynamic and it continues to grow as long as we feed it with information.

It is not restricted by any means and many countries have tried governing it unsuccessfully. Because it is a system that is run by the people for the people, it is by nature one of the most democratic bodies known to humanity today. We must therefore put extra effort to learn about the possibilities that the Internet can bring to us to help us become more productive and efficient in achieving our goals. After all, it is an integral part of our society that we must unconditionally accept.

I will end this article by urging you to provide feedback on what your opinions are and if you agree or disagree with me. Your comments will be highly appreciated and you can submit them at our blog at www.2WebWorks.com. To learn more about how you can use the Internet to help you achieve your business goals, please visit www.2WebDesign.com.

M. Mouneeb Shahid Your Web Consultant 2 WEB DESIGN Inc.

February 2011

BUSINESS View­

CANADIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

GE Canada announces initiative in partnership with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Elyse Allan, President and Chief Executive Officer of GE Canada, announced the launch of an initiative to gain greater insight into shaping the growth of Canada’s remote community economies and the decisions being made by global and national businesses to invest in these communities.

Joined by Hon. Perrin Beatty, President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Ms. Allan posed the question “What is the enabling infrastructure that will engage Canada’s remote communities in the 21st century economy?” to dozens of business leaders in Ottawa.

As Canada seeks to strengthen its position as a competitive nation in an increasingly global economy, GE Canada is undertaking this initiative to place a business lens on the economic opportunities, challenges, best practices and business investment intentions in remote communities.

“The ideas that this project will generate aren’t going to determine whether Canada’s remote communities thrive or fail in the future: there is no end of evidence that many of Canada’s remote communities are well positioned in the changing world economy,” stated Elyse Allan, President and Chief Executive Officer, GE Canada. “We hope instead to work with others to find the best ways to accelerate and shape that growth for national advantage,” she concluded.

With global demand for natural resources increasing – driven by developing economies – Canada’s remote communities are among the brightest spots in our economy today, and will play an even greater role in worldwide economic development.

“The economic potential of remote communities is very much on the minds of Canada’s businesses, community stakeholders and various levels of government,” said Hon. Perrin Beatty, President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Chamber of Commerce. “That one of Canada’s largest corporations and a Canadian Chamber member is undertaking an initiative that engages some of the country’s smallest businesses – also Canadian Chamber members directly or through their local chamber – is a testament to the reach and relevancy of the Canadian Chamber to economic policy discussions in Canada.”

Canada’s waning relationship with the U.S. must be restored: Canadian Chamber In a special report released in December, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce calls for concerted action by the government, the wider business community and other stakeholders to address the problem of Canada’s waning relationship with the United States (U.S.).

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s report, Strengthening Our Ties: Four Steps Toward a More Successful Canada-U.S. Partnership, examines how Canada’s relationship with the United States has become strained in recent years and outlines four areas-trade, regulatory policies, the border, and energy security and the environment-where notable progress has the potential to usher in the next generation of economic growth and prosperity for both countries.

“Canada and the U.S. have a long, vibrant history of cooperation and success, but it is clear that bilateral relations have drifted,” says Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. “At a time when the global economy is undergoing significant shifts, it is imperative that both countries recognize the advantages of the integrated North American market. Canada needs to develop a dedicated strategy for engagement in the U.S. that focuses on highlighting the gains from the bilateral arrangement and promoting free trade.”

For Canada, an effort to renew our ties with our neighbour has become urgent given the strength of our economic integration with the United States. The U.S. also stands to benefit from stronger ties with Canada. Canada is a close ally, an important source of secure, reliable energy, a major destination for U.S. exports and a key element in North American production networks.

the canadian chamber of commerce

la chambre de commerce du canada

BUSINESS View­ February 2011

17

COMMITTEE UPDATES COMMITTEE CHAIRS Aboriginal Opportunities Melanie Stroh - Radisson Hotel Lana Binning - RAVE

Meetings: 1st Tuesday of the month - 9:00-10:30 am

Agribusiness Development Bert Sutherland - BERTradioonline.com Meetings: 2nd Monday of the month - 3:30-5:00 pm

Business Growth Tracy Arno- Adecco Employment Services Ltd. Meetings: Last Tuesday of the month - 8:00 am

Celebrate Success!

Monica Kreuger - Global Infobrokers Troy Davies - M.D. Ambulance Care

Meetings: Depending on need - more closer to event

Environment & Sustainability Al Scholz - A.N. Scholz & Associates Inc. Shane Borchard - Cameco

Meetings: Last Monday of the month - 3:30-5:30 pm

Future Opportunities Bill Brooks - eclecthink international

SCIENCE CITY COMMITTEE The Chamber’s Science City Committee has started a new program to give the Saskatoon business community greater access to the science being conducted at the University. Each presentation includes: • • • •

Participants have the opportunity to visit; The Canadian Light Source, The Toxicology Centre, The Feed Innovation Institute, TR LABS, The Food Centre, Saskatchewan Research Council, VIDO & Agriculture & AG Food Canada. Beginning Thursday January 6th and concluding Thursday, February 24th, a presentation and tour will occur each Thursday, registration at 11:45 a.m. at the host organization. Please visit our events calendar at www.saskatoonchamber.com for more information.

GOING GLOBAL COMMITTEE Ken Ziegler, Co-Chair of the Going Global Committee, recently headed up a Trade Mission to South Asia for the food processing industry. The Manitoba Food Processors Association, the Saskatchewan Food Processors Association, the Alberta Food Processors Association and the B.C. Food Processors Association are working together under an “Export Enhancement/Investment Attraction” Project supported by Western Economic Diversification. This Project will expand trade and exports and bring investment to the Food Processing Industry in Western Canada. The initiatives the Associations have undertaken include:

Meetings: 3rd Tuesday of the month - 8:00 am

•

Going Global Ken Ziegler - Robertson Stromberg Pedersen LLP Monica Kreuger - Global Infobrokers Troy Davies - M.D. Ambulance Care

•

Meetings: Depending on need

Government Affairs Christian Braid - Braid Flooring and Window Fashions Inc.

Meetings: 1st Wednesday of the month - 3:30-5:00 pm

Health Opportunities Dave Dutchak - MD Ambulance Care Ltd.

A non-scientific explanation of the organization What does this mean to the business community How your organization may get involved A tour of the facility

• •

Establishing a succession strategy for the majority of food processing owners in Western Canada by attracting a specific class of entrepreneurs from Asia with experience in the food processing sector; Attracting capital to finance the growth and expansion of the food processing sector to a new level in Western Canada; Expanding export trade in the Asian markets; and Forming alliances with other Canadian industry sectors, which will help build the food processing sector across Western Canada.

This is a multi-year Project involving Trade Missions which go from Canada to South East Asia and also Trade Missions from South East Asia to Canada. The next Trade Mission to South East Asia will go to the Philippines and Thailand in February. Once again, representatives of the food processing industry from across Western Canada will join in this Trade Mission. This Trade Mission will build on existing relationships established in both the Philippines and Thailand and expand trade within these markets. Future Trade Missions from Canada will include Indian, China, Indonesia, Taiwan and Korea.

Meetings: TBA

Knowledge & Youth Development Dawn Wotherspoon - ClubMynx Fitness Meetings: 3rd Tuesday of the month - 5:30 pm

Membership Development Troy Larmer - United Group of Companies

Meetings: 2nd Friday of the month - 12:00-1:30 pm

Science City Carol Reynolds - Genome Prairie Sanj Singh - Brett Wilson Centre for Entrepreneurial

Excellence

Meetings: Depending on need More information available online at www.saskatoonchamber.com under Committees.

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Nominations Now Open!

Visit www.celebrate-success.ca to Nominate a Business.

February 2011

BUSINESS View­

NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS Patricia Katz inducted in to Canadian Speaking YWCA Women of Distinction nominations open Hall of Fame Patricia Katz of Saskatoon is the newest inductee to the Canadian Speaking Hall of Fame. The announcement was made in Montreal on December 7th, 2010 at the annual convention of CAPS (the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers).

The Canadian Speaking Hall of Fame honors individuals recognized by their peers for their dedication to the professional speaking industry. Selection criteria for the Hall of Fame include: excellence on the platform, longevity and success in the business, and contributions to the speaking industry.

In the 15 year history of CAPS, 24 speakers have been inducted into the Canadian Speaking Hall of Fame.

Patricia is the fourth woman and the second member from Saskatchewan.

As a Productivity & Balance Strategist, Patricia focuses on reducing the impact of overload and overwhelm in the workplace. In addition to her work as a speaker and trainer, she has also authored four books on balance and productivity.

In 2011, Patricia celebrates her 25th year in business. For more information about her work see these websites: http://www. patkatz.com and http://www.pauseworks.com.

BUSINESS View足 February 2011

Nominations are now Open for the 30th Annual Women of Distinction Awards 2011 Dinner. Download the Nominations Package Nomination Package 2011 at http:// ywcasaskatoon.com/wodad/nominations/.

Women play many roles in our community. Whether advancing a cause or supporting women, whether volunteer or paid, some women have characteristics and values that set them apart in the community. These women are leaders, mentors, facilitators, communicators, supporters, or listeners who have enriched our community and lives as a result of their unique contributions.

Coming Events The next "Chamber on Business" luncheon is Tuesday, February 15th, 2011 at the Hilton Garden Inn. This luncheon will host Keri McFadden, CA - Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Saskatchewan.

Her topic will be "LIVE WORK INVEST in Saskatchewan: Chartered Accountants of Saskatchewan's 2010 Check-up Report". For more information visit the Chamber website at http://www.saskatoonchamber.com.

19

COMMUNITY NEWS AND UPDATES

New Vice President of Corporate and Business Development for AgWest Bio

A

g-West Bio is pleased to announce that Mike Cey has been appointed VP of Corporate and Business Development. Cey assumes his responsibilities on January 17th, 2011.

Wilf Keller, President and CEO of Ag-West Bio, says it is important for Ag-West to re-establish the position of Vice President. "The VP of Ag-West has a key role in keeping the industry moving ahead. The VP serves as government liaison, keeping provincial and federal governments up-todate on regulatory and trade issues; he works with industry, research institutions, associations, and government agencies to identify and lead key strategic initiatives and execute collaborative projects to strengthen Saskatchewan's agbioeconomy, and he provides strategic guidance in Ag-West Bio's commercialization activities."

Cey has an extensive background in agriculture and the ag-biotech sector. While earning a B.Sc in Agriculture at the University of Saskatchewan, he worked for Dow, Agriculture Canada and Monsanto in various research capacities.

Upon graduation he began his career with Cowan Fuel and Fertilizers out of Regina as a retail agronomist, and then with the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool as a Senior Commodity Merchandiser, sourcing and trading special crops and helping design and implement a new grain handling system. He helped AgPro Grain establish their business in Alberta, and also worked with the Canadian Wheat Board as a Farm Business Representative. Most recently, Cey served as the Director of Marketing in the Crop Supplies Department at Federated Co-operatives Ltd. in Saskatoon.

Keller says the organization is confident in its selection of Cey for the VP position. "Mike's business skills combined with his understanding of the province's ag-biotech sector will be an asset to Ag-West. The networks he has already established in this province will serve him well in his new position. I would like to welcome Mike to the Ag-West Bio team, and look forward to working with him."

Cey says he is looking forward to the opportunities and challenges of his new position at Ag-West Bio. "I am extremely excited to join the Ag-West Bio team and envision a very bright future for the ag-biotech sector in Saskatchewan.

I humbly look forward to helping grow our bio-economy and working collaboratively with the stakeholders in our industry. It is a very exciting time for industry, our province and our people!"

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February 2011

BUSINESS View足

New Members BlackSun Inc. Internet AND Technology 201-116 Research Dr, Saskatoon Phone: (306) 933-4800 Steve Rogoschewsky

Rutledge Tractor & Parts Ltd. Trucks - Parts / Repair 2721 Wentz Ave, Saskatoon Phone: (306) 651-3000 Bill Rutledge

Bressers Mechanical Home-Based Business Phone: (306) 241-6070 Michelle Bressers

Saskatoon Livestock Sales Auctions / Auctioneers AND Livestock PO Box 60 Stn Main, Saskatoon Phone: (306) 382-8088 Mike Fleury

Candle Lake Golf Resort Golf Clubs / Courses AND Tourism Industry PO Box 118, Candle Lake Phone: (306) 929-2211 James Michayluk / Rick Rumberger CompassPoint Management Group Inc. Consultants - Business AND Home-Based Business Phone: (306) 716-8495 Sean Ward Custom Cleaners Dry Cleaners 107-3929 8th St E, Saskatoon Phone: (306) 955-2313 Brenda Lee Deck Darren Roberts Photography Home-Based Business AND Photographers - Sales / Services Phone: (306) 261-1575 Darren Roberts iPM Occupational Therapy Health Care - Services / Supplies AND Home-Based Business Phone: (306) 370-3447 Ryan Dueck Itracks (Interactive Tracking Systems Inc.) Business Development / Information Services AND Computers Custom Software 150-820 51st St E, Saskatoon Phone: (306) 665-5026 Dan Weber Paddock Wood Brewing Breweries B1-116 103rd St E, Saskatoon Phone: (306) 477-5632 Steve Cavan Paramount Day Spa & Salon Cosmetic / Esthetic - Services / Supplies AND Hair Stylists 702 2nd Ave N, Saskatoon Phone: (306) 242-0017 Laura Dutka / Sarah Dutka Penglong Petroleum Corporation Gas / Oil Companies AND Home-Based Business Phone: (306) 371-9986 Penglong Zhao Ping Wang Individual Members Phone: (416) 419-9528 Rui Liang Wu Individual Members Phone: (306) 341-3145

BUSINESS View­ February 2011

Scrub Masters Commercial Cleaning Janitorial / House Cleaning Services AND Home-Based Business Phone: (306) 651-1226 Kari Waldner SIAST Students’ Association Kelsey & Woodland Campuses Inc. Associations / Clubs / Organizations AND Non-Profit Organizations 1130 Idylwyld Dr, Saskatoon Phone: (306) 659-4421 Tara Pejski Sotano Hair Studio Hair Stylists AND Retail 1-115 3rd Ave S, Saskatoon Phone: (306) 343-3433 Michelle Taylor Suncap Energy Environmental / Recycling AND Home-Based Business Phone: (306) 261-1685 Rodney Carter U Weight Loss Clinic Health & Fitness AND Retail 106-3521 8th St E, Saskatoon Phone: (306) 931-4122 Rae McKenzie Walden Renos Contractors AND Home Builders / Renovations Phone: (306) 380-4008 Bryan Rogers

To refer your leads or for membership information, please contact:

Derek Crang

(306) 664-0702 dcrang@saskatoonchamber.com

Visit saskatoonchamber.com today under Member Services for more details, or contact the Chamber Office at (306) 244-2151

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COMING EVENTS Chamber on Tap

Image: Grant Romancia

The first Wednesday of every month the Chamber hosts a special guest speaker in the Rhino Room at Earls Restaurant and Lounge to discuss their business, their lessons learned, and any other topics members may want to ask. The atmosphere is casual and inviting, and is a great way to meet new people in the business community.

In January, guest speaker Ken Achs spoke of his experience in the business community, his thoughts on local development, and also about his drag racing career.

Stay tuned to http://www.saskatoonchamber.com for information on upcoming speakers for Chamber On Tap.

Saskatoon’s Time is NOW! ... Find out why.

Forecast 2011 and Annual General Meeting This business focused forum will help Saskatoon business leaders understand the short-term trends in the Saskatoon economy. The event is not an economist-led or politician-led forum. It is a business leader to business leader “State of Business”. It provides a window on the upcoming 18 months of economic activity in our region. Leading players in our economy will offer insights into: Resources, Farm Implement Manufacturing, Agriculture, Real Estate, Downtown & Core Neighbourhood Development, Tourism and the Overall Economic Development Outlook picture.

Learn from the local experts about the most exciting economy in North America!

The lunch will celebrate the past year, and thank the outgoing President, Brian Chalmers and the Board of Directors for their many contributions. We will also introduce the new Chamber President Monica Kreuger and her leadership team.

Thursday, March 10th, 2011 Top of the Inn, Sheraton Cavalier

10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Visit www.saskatoonchamber.com to register!

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February 2011

BUSINESS View­

TCU Financial Group is a local business proudly working with local businesses like Arctic Spas, Saskatoon.

“Arctic Spas is making a splash with help from our TCU Business Services partnership. Business is very good.”

- Chuck Walker, Owner, Arctic Spas, Saskatoon TCU has made a commitment to helping proprietors, professionals, partners and small business owners achieve commercial success with practical financial business solutions.

Our TCU Business Services Team is a group of experts ready to provide you with financial solutions for your unique business situation - like we have done for Chuck and his team at Arctic Spas.

Visit us in-person or call to make an appointment with one of our Business Services Team representatives for a stress-free and informative consultation. www.tcufinancialgroup.com

307 Ludlow Street | 2311 Arlington Avenue BUSINESS View­ February 2011

Phone: 306.651.6500

23

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Invest $5,000 for a net after tax Cash outlay of only 1,050!* $

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inquiries@wiegersfinancial.com www.wiegers.ca Darian Durant is not a registrant and his representation in the advertisement is intended for community spokesperson purposes, not an act in furtherance of a trade. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with an investment in Golden opportunities fund (Gof) shares. Gof is a retail venture Capital fund (rvC). rvC shares are speculative in nature and may not be suitable for all investors. rvCs are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. tax credits are available to eligible investors provided that the shares are held for at least eight years from the date of purchase. redemption restrictions may apply. rvCs are outlined in the Prospectus, which you should read before investing. to obtain a free copy of the Prospectus, please contact Manulife securities Investment services Inc. or your financial advisor. Paid for in part by Golden opportunities fund Inc.