Business Voice - September / October 2019

September / October 2019

Harden & Huyse Chocolates

Athabasca Basin Development

Building a Future Through Development

| Members in the News pg. 9 | Non-Prof its pg. 22 |

Image: Gina's Portraits

The Heart of Our Business Lives in Our Customers

City Department Heads Attending: All Access will bring together City of Saskatoon senior department heads and the business community for an evening of great food and information sharing.

The evening is designed to open the lines of communication between business and the city’s administration with the goal of improving and streamlining processes to enhance the city’s business friendly environment.

Jeff Jorgenson City Manager

Angela Gardiner

General Manager, Utilities & Environment Department

This event will have limited seating; available to Chamber members only.

Joanne Sproule City Clerk

Tuesday, October 22

​Celene Anger

Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer

5:00 p.m.

World Trade Centre at Prairieland Park

Kerry Tarasoff

Lynne Lacroix

Chief Financial Officer

General Manager, Community Services Department

Morgan Hackl

Sarah Cameron

Fire Chief

Chief Human Resources Officer

Mike Jordan

Chief Public Policy & Government Relations Officer

Terry Schmidt

General Manager, Transportation & Construction Department

September / October 2019

Image: Gina's Portraits

STAFF

Darla Lindbjerg, Chief Executive Officer Kendra Cruson, Vice President, Operations Terry Lawrence, Acting Director of Operations Margot Orr, Director of Policy and Government Relations Roz Macala, Executive Assistant Trish Cheveldayoff, Communications Coordinator Janelle Kubica, Member Services Coordinator Henry Buitrago, Creative Coordinator Treena Skaalid, Events & Sponsorships Coordinator

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 Editor: Terry Lawrence Layout & Design: Henry Buitrago 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

Cover Story Page 14

Featured Content 4 6 10

Return Undeliverable Addresses to: 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

14

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

Events

Upcoming Chamber events

New Members

Non-Profits

24

Athabasca Basin Development

Building a Future Through Development

June & July 2019

Members in the News

Members celebrating expansions, new ventures, anniversaries and more

Harden & Huyse Chocolates

The Heart of Our Business Lives in Our Customers

21

22

36

Chamber Happenings

38

Chair’s Message

Chamber’s Events

Small Businesses and Indigenous Businesses Break Through and Thrive

Advocacy

Andrew Scheer, PNWER, and High Commissioner for Bangladesh

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

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2019 3

EVENTS

CHAMBER EVENTS Jim Harris is a sought after expert speaker on the subject of disruption. Learn how you can pivot your business to make the most of the increasing changes coming your way and how Saskatchewan's leading academic institutions are preparing the workforce to excel.

What issues do YOU think should top our agenda?

DATE: Wednesday, September 18th TIME: 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm LOCATION: World Trade Centre,

Saskatoon Prairieland Park

DATE: October 1st, 2nd & 3rd TIME: 4:30 pm LOCATION: Chamber Office

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

TRADE SHOW

SPEAKERS: Gord & Maureen Haddock, Trek 2000 DATE: Wednesday, October 2nd TIME: Doors open 4:30 pm, Speaker 5:00 pm LOCATION: LB Distillers

4 BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON

DATE: Wednesday, October 2nd TIME: 3:30 pm LOCATION: LB Distillers PLEASE REGISTER FOR THIS COMPLIMENTARY EVENT

EXPO Connect with the business community and enjoy great food and drinks at Chamber on Tap on the first Wednesday of each month.

Learn Entrepreneur Insights when our host Nadine Kanigan interviews members of the business community.

This is your introduction or refresher on how you can make the most out of your Chamber Membership. Learn about the Chamber Group Benefits Plan; cost savings programs for Staples, First Data and more; marketing opportunities; advocacy; events and other info you need to know.

Invitational Dinner

The B2B Expo will run one full day and one half day and be coordinated to achieve optimal traffic in conjunction with the Bridge2Business luncheon and Exclusive All Access event. $10 or complimentary ticket (see page 32) The Trade Show is for all members of the business community.

All Access will bring together City of Saskatoon senior department heads and the business community for an evening of great food and information sharing. The evening is designed to open the lines of communication between business and the city’s administration with the goal of improving and streamlining processes to enhance the city’s business friendly environment. This event will have limited seating; available to Chamber members only.

DATES: Tuesday, October 22nd TIME: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Wednesday, October 23rd TIME: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm LOCATION: Prairieland Park

DATE: Tuesday, October 22nd TIME: 5:00 pm - 8:30 pm LOCATION: Prairieland Park

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2019

FROM THE CEO

Your Voice in Business

As I begin to write my message for this issue of Business Voice Magazine, Saskatoon is basking in the warm summer sun. But I know it won’t be long before we start ditching the shorts and flip flops in search of warmer attire like sweaters and scarves. The transition into more fall-like weather is dreaded by some, while others welcome the change of season and the opportunity to turn off the air conditioning and open the windows. As well, many Saskatonians can’t wait for the changing of the leaves as they will provide a breathtaking backdrop for those early fall walks along the South Saskatchewan River.

In addition to thoughts about the changing weather and fall foliage, many people will also be thinking politics as we head into a federal election campaign. Canadians will go to the polls in October. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Liberal team is seeking a second term. Over the next few weeks, candidates of all political stripes and their teams of volunteers will be going door to door, canvassing voters.

There are a number of issues that will shape the 2019 Federal Election and determine the fate of the Trudeau Liberals. Saskatchewan has a role to play in this election.

Our province has attracted a great deal of attention in recent years.

Saskatchewan has what the world needs; food, fuel and fertilizer.

For example, Saskatchewan based AGT Food and Ingredients is one of the largest suppliers of value-added pulses, staple foods and food ingredients in the world. Nutrien is another success story.

Nutrien is the world’s largest provider of crop inputs and plays a critical role in helping growers worldwide increase food production in a sustainable manner. Canada is also a leader in green and clean technology and Saskatchewan’s role in that story is significant. We currently produce some of the most sustainable energy on earth.

But our energy sector is under attack.

How best to tackle climate change has been a major source of contention this election, with Federal Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer and several Premiers, including Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, opposing the liberal government’s federal carbon tax. Many business owners, like you, have strongly argued a carbon tax will negatively impact on your business’ bottom line, competitiveness and believe a carbon tax does nothing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

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 Our energy resources are the backbone of the economy. Yet, a pair of controversial environmental bills have specifically attacked our energy sector. Bill C-69 overhauls the federal environmental assessment process for major construction projects. Bill C-48 will bar oil tankers from loading at ports on the northern coast of British Columbia. The two bills have together become a flashpoint between the liberals and conservatives over how Canada can protect the environment without driving investment away from the fossilfuel sector.

Saskatchewan is also trade dependent. The federal government needs to find a way to end the trade dispute with China over canola exports. China has banned two major Canadian canola exporters, claiming they found dangerous pests in shipments. This dispute limits export opportunities, negatively affects prices and has created market uncertainty.

These are just a few of the issues topping voters’ minds in Saskatchewan heading into the 2019 Federal Election. I am hopeful concern over these issues will translate into more voter engagement during the campaign and on election day.

The Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business in Saskatoon. As the CEO, I want to impress upon you the importance of educating yourself on the issues and the candidates and the importance of exercising your democratic right to vote.

By voting, you will make your voice heard and register your opinion on how you think the federal government should operate.

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

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2019 5

NEWSMAKERS

NEW MEMBERS Angeethi Flame Fine Indian Bistro

Modern Indian Restaurant. One of the finest and best Indian restaurants in the city of Saskatoon.

Karan Singh 130-3020 Preston Ave S, Saskatoon p: (306) 649-8888 w: www.angeethiflame.com Restaurants

Anytime Fitness University Heights

Not just your average gym. A gym that prides themselves on member engagement and success by being convenient, personable and community driven.

Jordan Marcoux 160-1804 McOrmond Dr, Saskatoon p: (306)-952-1111 w: www.anytimefitness.com/gyms/4793/ saskatoon-sk-s7s-0a6 Health & Fitness

Arbutus Properties

Land developer and home builder.

Rick Groeneveld PO Box 39072, Saskatoon p: (306) 955-1554 w: www.arbutusproperties.com Real Estate - Developer

Global executive search firm with offices in Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Saskatoon, Calgary and Vancouver.

Dan Brown 318 21st St E, Ste 341, Saskatoon p: (306) 986-2295 w: www.boyden.com Consultants - Leadership

Captain Taxi Ltd.

Serving Saskatoon and the surrounding area, offering valued passengers far more for their hard-earned dollars. All of our taxicabs are clean, smoke-free and well maintained and are equipped with debit and credit card machines; and are committed to offering excellent taxi transportation services in Saskatoon.

Mark Gill 2-702 22nd St W, Saskaoon p: (306) 242-0000 w: www.captain.taxi Taxi / Limousine Serivces AND Transportation Industry

Chavys Consulting

Aurora Cannabis Inc.

A Canadian owned licensed cannabis producer with sales and operations in 25 countries across five continents.

In Saskatoon, the company owns and operates Aurora Prairie (CanniMed).

Shawn Parchoma 1 Plant Technology Rd, Saskatoon p: (780) 886-6335 w: www.auroramj.com Agricultural

The Barn at Wind's Edge A full-service, four-season venue the perfect choice for your happy day.

Rebecca Simpson NE-11-36-03-W3, Saskatoon p: (306) 380-5820 w: www.thebarnatwindsedge.ca Convention & Entertainment Facilities / Services 6 BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON

Boyden Canada

Consultant Charlotte Blumenshein 15-191 Maningas Bend, Saskatoon p: (306) 514-3777 Consultants

Cultural Bridges Inc.

A consultancy and international education company that offers various services to companies, organizations, institutions and individuals to help them effectively succeed when working across cultures.

Malvina Rapko 411 Padget Way, Saskatoon p: (306) 361-9861 w: www.culturalbridges.ca Consultants

WELCOME TO ALL OUR

NEW MEMBERS

DJ's Windows & Aerial

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2019

(June & July)

Access

Locally owned and operated business established in 1984, specializing in commercial and residential window cleaning, snow removal, lawn care, eaves cleaning.

Melissa Nichols 542 Ave L S, Saskatoon p: (306) 665-3061 w: djswindowcleaning.ca Other Services

Ecol Services Group

A business services integrator serving the office management, business technology and marketing areas, delivering consolidated solutions to make clients more profitable.

Bryan Hnatiw 1A-630 45th St W, Saskatoon p: (306) 931-9901 w: ecolservicesgroup.com Business Services

Ecosmart Developments Inc. The expertise of a great team with experience in over 100 high performance GREEN building projects.

Joanne Guy 1602 Edward Ave, Saskatoon p: (306) 222-5384 w: Eco-smart.ca Construction

Express Employment Professionals

A leading staffing provider in the U.S., Canada and South Africa. Every day, Express Employment Professionals help job seekers find work and help businesses find qualified employees.

Hanif Hemani 236 3rd Ave S, Saskatoon p: (306) 664-1441 w: www.expresspros.com/saskatoonsk Consultants - Employment / Training AND Employment Agencies

NEWSMAKERS

NEW MEMBERS Greenline Distributors

We are an organic and natural food distribution company that focuses on bringing quality local products to retail and food service clients.

Stacey Lautermilch 4-501 45th St W, Saskatoon p: (306) 975-1046 w: www.greenlinedistributors.ca Food Processors / Distributors

Honey Bun Cafe Inc.

Bakery/Coffee shop focusing on fresh, homemade breakfasts, lunches, desserts and handcrafted espresso beverages.

Joscelyn Armstrong 167C 2nd Ave S, Saskatoon p: (306) 665-9901 w: www.honeybun.ca Restaurants

Koch, Linda

Individual Members

Milestones Grill + Bar

Milestones story began in Vancouver on Denman Street. Today, they span coast-tocoast, with locations in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Newfoundland and Saskatchewan.

Jeremy Baron 2335 8th St E, Saskatoon p: (306) 934-8880 w: www.milestonesrestaurants.com Restaurants Morin, Blair

Blair Morin

Individual Members

QuantumX Technologies, Inc.

Supply and install advanced quality Helical (screw) piles and advanced security camera systems for commercial and residential industry.

Dwayne Eberle 362 Matchett Bay, Estevan p: (306) 536-6417 w: www.QuantumXtechnologies.com Construction

(June & July)

Ryde YXE Cycle Studio Saskatoon's dedicated indoor cycling studio.

Shaina Lynden 705 Broadway Ave, Saskatoon p: (306) 477-7933 w: rydeyxe.ca Health & Fitness

SheNative

A design and manufacturing company focused on elevating Indigenous women through creating apparel, leather goods and accessories.

Devon Fiddler 714A 2nd Ave N, Saskatoon p: (306) 979-2449 w: www.shenative.com Retail - Clothing / Costumes

Weidner Investment Services

A rental property management company dedicated to providing quality apartment home living.

Kris Figurski 243 5th Ave N, Saskatoon p: (306) 979-9705 w: www.weidner.com Property Management

MEMBER RENEWALS (Paid in

June & July)

102045025 Saskatchewan Ltd. 2WEBDESIGN.com ABE Quality Consulting Ltd. Accelerated Technology ACT audiovisual ADA Architecture Inc. Advanced Lawn Care AgVantage Solutions Inc. Allen Stein Amirzadeh Law Office Anchor Managed Solutions Ltd. Apex Trampoline Park Assante Wealth Management - Briske Financial Group Athabasca Basin Security LP Australian Sheepskin Apparel BASF Agricultural Specialties Ltd.

Bateman Jewellers Ltd. Bayshore Home Health Saskatoon Benchmark Reliability Services, Inc. Bergman Hardy Technologies Inc. Besco Storage & Warehousing (1999) Board Dynamics Body Sense Esthetics Boost Strategic Coaching The Bridge on 20th Fellowship Centre Inc. Brunner's Construction Ltd. CAD Consulting Calidon Equipment Leasing The Canadian Payroll Association Central Animal Hospital P.C. Ltd. Champetre County Checks 'N' Balances Business Services Child Find Saskatchewan Inc.

Church of Lutheran Brethren of Canada Inc. Circle West Ultrasound Diagnostics Inc. Clarence Campeau Development Fund Clifton Associates Ltd. CN CNH Industrial The Coachman Concept Foods Ltd. Congregation Agudas Israel Cornerstone Dental Centre Creative Fire CRG Strategies Crooked Hill Creek Farm Inc. Crossroads Therapeutic Solutions Daisy's Restaurant Dakota Dunes Casino

BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2019 7

NEWSMAKERS

MEMBER RENEWALS (Paid in

June & July)

Dan-Del Holdings Ltd. Dance Saskatchewan Inc. David Aplin Group DirectWest DIRTT Environmental Solutions Doctors Naylor and Murdoch Optometrists Dr. M. Gurgul Podiatrist Prof. Corp.

Dr. Rick Jaggi Medical Professional Corporation Dress for Success Saskatoon Drift Sidewalk Cafe and Vista Lounge Ebenezer Baptist Church Ecosmart Developments Inc. EcoStrategies Consulting F.E.D. Construction Ltd. Flaman Sales Flex ED Flynn's Forest Indoor Playground FocalPoint Business Coaching Foster's Shoes Freedom 55 Financial Gibbon Heating & Air Conditioning Green Villas Construction Ltd. Greenfields Agriculture Corporation Hats & That Heney Klypak Architect Ltd. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Saskatoon East - University Holiday Inn Saskatoon Downtown HollisWealth Idylwyld Medical Centre Imagery Inland Concrete and Aggregates International Furniture Wholesales Inc. J & S Picture Frame Warehouse Jade Development Corp.

Jennifer Kotko Joyce Doran Bookkeeping Services JR & Co. Contractors Inc. Jubilee Ford Koenig & Associates Inc. Lead Management Consulting Inc. Liftech Concrete Leveling Inc. LMNO

Lube Stop MacNeil Motors Inc. Majestic Cabinets (1990) Ltd. Marcia Geological Consulting Ltd. McDonald Heavy Duty Mechanical Ltd. McDougall Gauley LLP McElhanney Consulting Services Ltd. Medical Arts Pharmacy Michelangelo Milestones Occupational Therapy for Children Minuteman Press Saskatoon Motel 6 Saskatoon Mr. Mikes Steakhouse Casual Next Level Framing Norac Systems International Inc. Normandale Holdings Ltd. Northend Transport Inc. O'Reilly Insurance Ltd. - The Cooperators One Touch Automation Inc. OTV Technologies Park Town Hotel PFM Capital (2010) Inc. PHL Prospector Holdings (2008) Ltd. Points Athabasca Contracting LP Pozniak Safety Associates Inc. Prairie Meats Prairie Sage, Counselling and Consulting preferred choice Development Strategists ProActive Fitness Inc. Progressive Yard Works Ltd. Quint Development Corporation Raymond James - Phil Mamchur Redworks Communications Reel Communication Inc. Rempel Engineering & Management Ltd. Ritchie Bros Auctioneers Canada Ltd. Rivercity Innovations Ltd. Riverside Resort - Pets on Vacation RONA Inc. / HC Saskatoon - Preston Running Room Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation Saskatoon Community Youth Arts Programming Inc. Saskatoon Farmers' Market Co-operative

DO BUSINESS WITH

A CHAMBER MEMBER FIRST 8 BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2019

Saskatoon Indian & Metis Friendship Centre Saskatoon Pediatric Dentistry Saskatoon Police Service Saskatoon Transit SaskMetis Economic Development Corp.

See More Green Landscaping Shaw Cablesystems GP Sik Pics Productions Smith Industries Ltd. Sound Lounge by tBone St. Petro Mohyla Institute Stantec Consulting Ltd. STARS (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service) Staybridge Suites Saskatoon - University Stewart Property Holdings Summit Management Group Inc. Sutherland Dental Group Syntrex Technologies Inc. Ten-X Management & Engineering Consulting Terra Modelling Services Territorial Thakotitan Economic Development Corporation Thrive Hearing Solutions Thurber Engineering Ltd. TJ Fraser Holdings Inc. U of S - Edwards School of Business U of S - Student Employment & Career Centre Unaffiliated Hot Tub Home Care Virtus Group Chartered Professional Accountants & Business Advisors LLP Warm 'n' Cozy Care Inc. Westbridge Capital Ltd. Western Grains Research Foundation William Joseph Communications Inc. Wolfecroft Signs Ltd. YMCA of Saskatoon Zee Medical Service Co.

NEWSMAKERS

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS Des Nedhe

Bruce’s Cycle Works

Cory Zetterstrom and Neil Clarke of Bruce’s Cycle Works didn’t start their careers as business owners, but over the past 12 years, the entrepreneurs have capitalized on their diverse education and employment experience to build one of the biggest bicycle shops in Saskatoon.

Their new two-story building, located on Central Avenue, has free customer parking, a spacious mechanics shop, and a great selection of bikes for all ages and abilities.

Neil and Cory support a stronger Saskatoon through their involvement with local groups, partnerships with businesses, and Chamber involvement. Pop by to learn why “The bike is just the beginning.” www.brucescycleworks.com

D’lish By Tish Café

A welcoming little gem in the heart of Nutana. Tish’s dream was to create a place where she could bring together everything that makes life d’Lish...friends, good food, and live music.

D’Lish features one of the best people/dog watching patios in the city and is located with easy access to the river trails. The sense of community is apparent as soon as you walk through the doors.

Tish has a passion for making soup and creates a monthly soup schedule to make sure customers don’t miss their favourites.

D’Lish recently expanded. Tish is excited about the opportunity this brings to her business and to fulfill her motto... life is d’lish...eat it up! www.livingdlish.com

The people of English River First Nation formed Des Nedhe in 1991 to create sustainable revenue and employment for their community. The leadership knew that they had to move away from a dependency on the federal government and take advantage of the economic opportunities in front of them. It was a bold and visionary step that put in place the foundation for the Des Nedhe Group of companies.

Des Nedhe manages a broad portfolio of successful companies in the resource, construction, manufacturing, communications, renewable power, retail and real estate sectors. Des Nedhe takes pride in its focus on sustainable growth through investment, its experienced management team, and its history of delivering solid financial results to its investors. The company is exploring new opportunities and is positioned to play an important role in the economic future of Saskatchewan and Canada. www.desnedhe.com

First Nations Bank

At First Nations Bank, we offer more than banking products and services. We provide custom financial tools for people to build a brighter future. It is why more and more First Nation, Métis and Inuit people from across Canada are turning to us, and growing numbers of Indigenous governments, families, students and business owners are now FNBC customers.

Generations of enterprising Indigenous people have prospered on the land, provided for their families, and built their Nations through cooperation, creativity and hard work.

We honour this legacy, see the possibility and provide unique tools to help our customers grow and thrive. www.fnbc.ca

Firebird Business Consulting Ltd.

Firebird Business Consulting Ltd. is a 100% Metis owned corporation located in Saskatoon. Our team of professionals bring our clients access to over 75 plus years of corporate and entrepreneurship experience.

The mission statement for Firebird Business Consulting Ltd. is to “commit and provide business owners a strategy to dominate and

lead their industry for profitable growth.”

Our focus and expertise is in Sustainability, Revenue, Sales, Profit for Business and Community Growth Strategies.

Our present portfolio of projects has allowed us to proudly serve a number of First Nations Communities across Saskatchewan and business owners focused on sustainability and growth strategies. www.firebirdbusinessconsulting.ca

BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2019 9

NEWSMAKERS

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS Fresh living

Specializing in home staging, eco-friendly cleaning, interior redesign and concierge services. Our #1 goal at Fresh Living is to keep homes looking Fresh and Clean and give you some time back to spend doing the things you enjoy! Let's face it, who wants to come home and clean? Thankfully, Fresh Living is here to take the weight of housework off your shoulders, and we care about your health and the environment. Our professional cleaning services use only ecofriendly products that are safe for you, your family, your beloved pets and our planet.

Pair cleaning with our staging services and transform your property into a home that buyers will aspire to live in! www.fresh-living.ca

Furbaby Pet Care Launched in 2018, Furbaby started out as an idea. Jocelyn Davey-Hawreluik was looking to help people out by caring for their pets when they needed it. One woman looking to make a difference; seeking to fill a niche.

One year later? Furbaby Pet Care is one of Saskatoon’s fastest growing companies, in what turns out to be a massive, multi-

Fuse Design Inc.

Fusing form with function, Fuse Design brings people, designs and concepts together in a creative showroom space that converts dreams into reality with Style and Purpose.

Making your kitchen work for you!

We start with intentional conversations that guide you through the complete process.

Fuse Design applies extra attention to areas like counter and appliance heights that best reduce strain and storage solutions that provide optimal accessibility.

Fuse Design crafts beautiful custom kitchen, bath and specialty cabinets to suit your style, needs, design, and budget.

Tailored functional spaces made just for you and for years to come. (97) www.fuse-design.ca 10 BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON

Hats & That

For the past 16 years Debbie Taylor and the expert staff at Hats & That have happily hatted hundreds of savvy shoppers.

Living Sky Café

Living Sky Café is a female driven, locally owned establishment that prides itself in

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2019

billion-dollar industry. “The potential upside for Furbaby kind of boggles the mind,” says Davey-Hawreluik. “It went from me and one little posted ad on a services website, to having a team and preparing to expand into a 10,000 square foot warehouse, all inside of one calendar year!” Furbaby - Less stress for you and your pets! www.furbabysk.ca They offer a wide range of hats for men and women from casual to fun and formal; names like Brixton, Kangol, Lillie & Cohoe and Canadian Hat, just to name a few. They also showcase unique lines of handcrafted jewellery featuring Canadian designers such as Karyn Chopik, originally from Saskatchewan, Mimi & Marge, designed

by Kenda Haga form Saskatoon, and many others. Service and product knowledge are the most important components to Taylor in a customer-oriented business where she wants to provide the most enjoyable shopping experience. www.hatsandthat.ca creating food from scratch. Serving up allday breakfast, specialty coffee, lunch fair and signature cocktails while also offering a wide variety of catering cuisines for both personal and corporate affairs. Open during the day 7 days a week for seated service, take-out & delivery; as well as offering their beautiful café space in the evenings for private events.

Head to their Living Sky Café website for more information and menus available. www. livingskycafe.com

NEWSMAKERS

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS Northern Resource Trucking

NRT is a limited partnership comprised of twelve First Nations & Metis partners from communities throughout northern Saskatchewan, along with Trimac Transportation. The partnership was formed by northern people for northern people and continues to help build the northern economy.

Our business expertise, knowledge, and experience make NRT the best of the best.

Our excellent safety record is exemplary in the industry.

NRT’s fleet covers the immense distance between northern mine sites and Canada, hauling consumables, general freight, liquid bulk & dry bulk commodities, machinery, and over-dimensional loads.

Over the past 30 years, NRT has trained drivers, dispatchers, and administrative staff.

Our sizable fleet, some of who are northern owner-operators and independent business people, speak to the success of NRT. www.nrtlp.com

Salon Vibe

Beauty is as much about how you feel on the inside as you do on the outside. At Salon Vibe, we are passionate about creating a culture that makes everyone – both staff and guests – feel a sense of community, belonging and comfort. We operate on a foundation of respect where staff are included in many

SheNative “I started SheNative as a way to provide positive impact to the Indigenous community – specifically women. We make gorgeous leather handbags and apparel that educates on Indigenous issues and shares teachings embedded with positive values.” – Devon

decisions and have the chance to be part of something bigger than just “the job”. We consider ourselves more of a family and work hard to bring that same experience to our guests. Our goal is to make our guests feel like they know us even before they walk through the door and feel like a part of our family when they’re in our chairs. www.salonvibesaskatoon.com

Fiddler, Chief Changemaker.

SheNative is composed of female Indigenous creatives with reverence, authenticity, unapologetic chicness, celebrating and sharing our teachings with the world.

It is our mission to instil inner strength, and unwavering confidence in all women using teachings that come from our Nationhood with respect to all diverse Nations. “Nationhood is about celebrating who you are because of where you come from.” - Tori-lynn Wanotch, Director of Business Development.

Check out www.shenative.com and www. devonfiddler.com to hear more about our goods and services.

SheNative is now located at 714A 2nd Avenue North, Saskatoon, SK. www.shenative.com

Saskatoon Clayworks

Saskatoon Clayworks is a teaching studio that focuses on many different types of ceramic art. Our goal is to create a fun atmosphere that is both welcoming and supportive. Our full range of classes cater to both beginner and advanced potters. Along with classes, Saskatoon Clayworks also specializes in custom manufactured ceramics and tile work.

With over 300 students attending since opening earlier this year, the facility will be expanding this fall to double capacity. This expansion will also include a new purposebuilt member studio space for hobby potters and sculptors to come and create seven days a week. www.saskatoonclayworks.com

SIGA In 2020, SIGA celebrates 25 years! Starting with four casinos in 1996, today we operate seven casinos in Saskatchewan and have just completed building a consolidated central office to better support our casino properties.

This year we developed a 40,880 sq ft office with a 9,750 sq ft warehouse on Muskeg Lake Cree Nation (MLCN), supporting economic development on the urban reserve

– we lease the property from MLCN and worked with them to source local suppliers for the project.

Driven by our move to manage our own slot system, the warehouse development has allowed for SIGA to become a true operator – a significant achievement.

Our new central office grand opening is September 13! www.siga.ca

BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2019 11

NEWSMAKERS

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS Sik Pics Productions Inc.

Through the creation of powerful visual media, Sik Pics Productions contributes to the growth and success of businesses and events in Saskatoon. Sik Pics is the official videographer for the Saskatchewan Rush and has produced photo and video for other Saskatoon staples such as Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation, Saskatchewan Union of Nurses, JNE Welding, STARS Air Ambulance, Federated Co-op, SIGA, Rawlco Radio, and many more. The dynamic team at Sik Pics strives to bring the vision of its clients to life through strong storytelling and creative visuals, all while providing a fun yet professional approach. www.sikpics.ca

STC Industrial Contracting

quality of life for Indigenous communities and individuals, which in turn creates a stronger overall economic future for the province and country. STC Industrial invests in people through training and engagement strategies to ensure safe, productive and environmentally sound practices. Our contributions to the community create positive outcomes for all. www.stcindustrial.ca

SaskMetis Economic Development Corporation (SMEDCO)

$3.00 of other funds into the Saskatchewan economy. We are a niche lender but certainly not a lender of last resort. Clients prefer our lending style and the relationships we build.

This results in success!

SMEDCO is also seeking out opportunities through a newly formed development corporation aimed at equity investments in all sectors.

Check us out at SMEDCO.ca

At STC Industrial, we take pride in our ability to engage Indigenous people in our delivery of quality industrial products and contracting services. We follow through on our commitments and deliver benefits to clients and communities. We consider our Industry partnerships crucial to establishing a better

Serving Métis entrepreneurs since 1987.

Since SMEDCO’s inception, we have transformed over 1200 Métis entrepreneurs’ dreams into reality by providing loans, contributions, and business support services.

Each dollar SMEDCO lends leverages over

Smoke’s Poutinerie

Smoke’s Poutinerie Saskatoon opened its doors in November 2015 to huge fanfare.

It specializes in over 30 different Poutine varieties. Owned and operated by two local entrepreneurs who enjoy making local connections at events and festivals and giving back to a variety of local teams, charities and non-profit organizations. One of their local campaigns is their Weird Wild Wacky Stuff Yo Face Small Town Sask #WWWSYFSTS giveaway they do each spring, drawing a local town to receive free Poutine if they can show they have connections whether it be a team bunnyhug or even an old yearbook! www.smokespoutinerie.com 12 BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON

Stonebridge Crossing Retirement Community

Stonebridge Crossing Retirement Community has comfortable suites to

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choose from and offers three delicious meals per day; weekly housekeeping service with linen service, daily activities, and scheduled local transportation for appointments and other services.

At Stonebridge Crossing, we can customize the hospitality and care services you require, to meet your health needs as they change.

Residents can choose from a variety of personal care services that are individualized so that residents pay only for the services they request or require.

The caring members of the health team includes Licensed Nurses and Resident Assistants on duty 24 hours around the clock. www.espritlifestyle.com

NEWSMAKERS

COMMUNITY Wiegers Financial

Wiegers Financial & Benefits’ in-house charity Care for Kids by Wiegers raised the bar for fundraisers in Saskatoon with its June 1, 2019 fundraising event, Alice in Funderland. It raised an incredible $500,000 for Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation (in addition to the $860,000+ it raised for the Foundation with previous biennial events) and it provided guests with an experience unlike anything most of them had ever had before!

From the moment guests went down the rabbit hole to enter Wonderland, they were treated to an unprecedented display.

Metric Design Centre designed the event with exquisite and breathtakingly beautiful detail, while the Prairieland Park team helped transform the venue using vibrant and bold lighting and displays. Amidst the beauty, guests were treated to THE night out in

Saskatoon with hilarious comedy from Kelly Taylor, mesmerizing performances by Dance INK and the Kate Ryan Circus, and energized dance music from Topher Mils Band. And, to add even more to the visual extravaganza, most guests came dressed to theme in Alice

brights, head-to-toe makeup and costume, or something in between!

Planning is already underway for Care for Kids by Wiegers’ next fundraising event in 2021! Follow us on Facebook for updates! www.wiegers.ca

Real people, real impact.

Milton Greyeyes knows Saskatchewan – from his roots as part of Muskeg Lake Cree Nation to his current role as Coordinator, Supplier Diversity and Inclusion at Nutrien.

With nearly 4,000 employees working in Milton Greyeyes Coordinator, Supplier Diversity and Inclusion Nutrien

Saskatchewan, we’re growing our company by drawing on the skills and insights of people who know our province, our industry and the needs of growers all over the world.

www.nutrien.com

BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2019 13

COVE R STORY

Harden & Huyse Chocolates

“The Heart of Our Business Lives in Our Customers”

by Elizabeth Ireland

Image: Gina's Portraits

COVE R STORY

While interviewing Claude Hardenne, the Managing Director of Harden & Huyse Chocolates, an interesting thing happens.

The Hardenne family learned the craft at the hands of OldWorld Belgian chocolate masters. Their handmade process is timeconsuming and uses equipment purchased directly from Europe.

It’s still the gold standard in chocolate making. Claude himself is a trained chocolatier, as are two other members of his current staff of nine people.

It’s before the Saskatoon store’s opening time, but a customer comes in to purchase a box of horse head chocolates – each delicious chocolate is filled with a crunchy praline filling. This dedicated customer is in town from Edmonton and she drove directly to the store to renew her supply. Despite the early hour, Hardenne is happy to serve her and describes the encounter afterwards as “feeding my soul, that’s my reward.”

“Through a friendship with the Nelson family, we were able to secure our first location at Circle Drive and Faithfull Avenue. We had a charmed beginning – it was just chocolate in those days, but it felt like a bakery. We’d make chocolate all night and sell out by noon. There were people lined up in the morning when we arrived to open the store. My parents were still running Sinfonia Travel and my father was a great promoter for the chocolates to both his clients and staff and that was, without question, a large part of our early success,” describes Hardenne

Creating moments

“A box of chocolates is a way into creating a moment, for someone to pause and appreciate the thought someone has cast upon them.

At Harden & Huyse, we often think about our message, ‘what can we do to make today special?’ Whether it’s the two-chocolate box for a friend just because, or a 16-chocolate box for a dinner party, presenting chocolate can help celebrate that moment. We see the spirit of giving every day and the joy it creates,” says Hardenne.

Hardenne’s parents originally immigrated from Belgium and Germany to Saskatoon and ran Sinfonia Travel for many years. The couple has now been married for 58 years. In his early 20s, Claude Hardenne spent a year in Oahu, Hawaii and two years in Europe with Contiki in support of his family’s travel business.

Image: Gina's Portraits

In 1983 John Hardenne decided that his sons Claude and Anthony “needed some responsibility” and, at the same time, an interest in Belgian chocolate making took hold of the family. John opened a pilot chocolate store in Victoria, British Columbia for a year. He then went on to open a Saskatoon store for Claude and Anthony to manage.

Only the best

By 1985 the store had moved to its current location on 2nd Avenue North. By the 1990s, Harden & Huyse was also selling gourmet coffee beverages and ice cream. The early 1990s also brought a modular packaging system that is both practical for shipping chocolates over a distance and visually appealing.

“We receive calls from across Canada to ship chocolates to friends and family. We even had a Canadian soldier in Afghanistan call us on a satellite phone to ship chocolates to his wife. It was a heartwarming experience,” says Hardenne.

Harden & Huyse only uses the best ingredients – from the raw chocolate to fruit purees and peppermint oil – with most ingredients imported from Belgium, France and other parts of Europe.

Customers won’t find any quirky flavours like wasabi or cayenne pepper chocolate at Harden & Huyse. The brand sticks with more traditional Belgian flavours – hazelnuts, marzipan, caramels, mint, cherries and cassis-black current – to name a few.

“

A box of chocolates is a way into creating a moment, for someone to pause and appreciate the thought someone has cast upon them.

“

Claude Hardenne, Harden & Huyse Chocolates

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COVE R STORY with being “such great ambassadors for our brand.”

Image: Gina's Portraits

In the charity realm, Harden & Huyse often donates chocolates to galas such as the RUH Foundation’s Royal Ball and the St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation’s Annual Mistletoe Ball.

Placed at each table setting, attendees to these posh events receive a box of chocolates to take home.

Today, Hardenne’s immediate and extended family live in southern Ontario. This includes his wife and his 15-year-old daughter Madeline. “The decision to move to Ontario to be close to family has been a great decision for us as a family but more complicated for our business. Often, I’m torn, but it’s always been easy for me to choose family over work.” Hardenne regularly commutes back and forth from Ontario to Saskatoon and admits the contrast between the two adds value to both.

Longstanding connections

Hardenne and his staff are supporters of Saskatoon’s Shop Local movement. Shop Local encourages customers, when possible, to purchase locally made goods from an independent shop. He predicts this type of movement will become “an omnipresent sensibility.”

Luckily, chocolate tends to be a product that customers “buy by seeing.”

One of Harden & Huyse’s local business connections is Saskatoon’s Homestead Ice Cream. Homestead creates custom ice cream flavours for the chocolate store in the summer, including (what else?) a horse head blend.

Harden & Huyse has many longstanding relationships with other Saskatoon businesses. For example, Ens Lexus and Ens Toyota present each client who makes a vehicle purchase with a large box filled with Harden & Huyse chocolates. Hardenne credits Ens

Part of the Saskatoon community for 36 years, like any business, Harden & Huyse has seen ebbs and flows. For obvious reasons, Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Easter tend to be the busiest times for a chocolate business.

As a small batch producer, Hardenne describes chocolate as “not an easy industry.” One of the challenges is that this type of high-quality chocolate lasts about 12 weeks at a constant temperature of around 18 degrees Celsius. Chocolate is stressed by inconsistent temperatures during storage and can develop an unappetizing white film (something called blooming).

The question remains, where did the name Harden and Huyse come from? John Hardenne’s original partner in the chocolate business had the last name Wyckhuyse and John liked the graphic symmetry of two five-letter H names. As a result, Hardenne became Harden and Wyckhuyse became Huyse. After the trial store in Victoria proved successful, and since he planned to move the store to Saskatoon, Phillip Wyckhuyse would no longer be involved. However, John decided to keep the Huyse name a part of the business and the two families remained friends.

Concludes Hardenne, “This is a family business and will always be a family business. I’ve transcended my role as business owner and become a steward of Harden & Huyse. Our business actually belongs to the clients who have supported us all these years or, at the very least, the grandkids.”

Harden & Huyse Chocolates 718 2nd Avenue North, Saskatoon info@greatchocolate.com www.greatchocolate.com (306) 652-6663

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STAFF FEATURE

Meet Trish Cheveldayoff, Image: Gina’s Portraits

Communications Coordinator with members of the local media. She also understands the importance of messaging and getting your story told.

Cheveldayoff currently spends a good portion of her time working on the Chamber’s magazine “Business Voice.” The magazine is issued 6 times a year and highlights many of the Chamber’s members.

“I love the many opportunities this job provides me,” says Cheveldayoff. I get to talk with our members and learn about all the great things they are doing in our community and in our province and how they are contributing to our local and provincial economy.”

Cheveldayoff, a first generation Canadian, grew up on a farm in Southwestern Ontario.

She is the youngest of five children. Her parents emigrated to Canada from the Netherlands in 1950.

Trish Cheveldayoff, Communications Coordinator Trish Cheveldayoff joined the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce in March of this year. As the Communications Coordinator, she is responsible for increasing the Chamber’s visibility in the community and interacting with the Chamber’s 1400 members.

“I tell them what is going on and why they should care,” says Trish Cheveldayoff, Communications Coordinator, Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce.

Dealing with the local media also falls under Cheveldayoff ’s responsibilities.

“I serve as a point of contact for media and public questions,” says Cheveldayoff.

Interacting with the media is something Cheveldayoff is familiar with. Having worked in broadcasting for 35 years, 25 of those years at CTV Saskatoon, she has close ties

“I credit my parents for the work ethic instilled in me and my siblings,” says Cheveldayoff. They came to Canada with a few bucks in their pocket. They weren’t afraid of hard work and were willing to do just about anything. Not unlike today’s entrepreneurs.”

Cheveldayoff moved to Saskatoon in 1989.

Her plan was to stay for a year or two.

“I moved west to Saskatoon with the intent of eventually making my way back to Ontario,” says Cheveldayoff. “I came here for the work experience but ended up falling in love with a prairie boy. Saskatoon is now home, and I can’t imagine being anywhere else.”

Outside of work, Cheveldayoff enjoys spending time with her husband Ken and their two children Carter and Paige. Both are in University. Carter is entering his final year at the U of S Edwards School of Business.

Paige is in her second year of Kinesiology at

McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario.

Both Carter and Paige are student athletes.

Carter is a thrower (discus, shotput and weight throw) on the U of S Huskies’ Track and Field team and Paige is a competitive swimmer and a member of the McMaster Marauders’ swim team.

“I love what being on a sports team has done for my kids,” says Cheveldayoff. “The life lessons learned playing a sport is invaluable.

The skills they are acquiring now will benefit them in the future.”

Cheveldayoff can be reached by email at trish@saskatoonchamber.com

The Dirt What’s something people might not know about you? Having anchored a daily newscast in Saskatoon for many years and coming into people’s living rooms, I think I’m an open book. There is very little that people don’t know about me.

What’s your dream job? I love to sing, an entertainer at my core, so being a professional singer would be my dream job.

Favourite Virtue? Kindness to All What do you most appreciate in your friends? The willingness to be honest and real with me. No one is perfect. We all have our flaws, me included. I appreciate my friends who accept me, warts and all.

What is your idea of happiness? Happiness is being in the moment. I love the expression “Forget Yesterday-Live for Today- Tomorrow will Take Care of Itself.”

What do you consider your chief characteristic? I’m down-to-earth and good with people. I believe I have an ability to easily communicate and connect with people.

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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:

Andrew Scheer speaks to Saskatoon Chamber Members

On Wednesday, July 17 Andrew Scheer, leader of the Conservative Party and the Official Opposition, spoke at A Pulse on Politics luncheon hosted by the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce. It is no surprise that some of the important topics that came up were tax concerns including the recently imposed Carbon tax, Bill C-69 and the inevitable cost of living associated with higher taxes. Mr. Scheer elaborated on the Conservative policy proposal of cancelling the carbon tax and initiating new technologies to address climate change and reducing greenhouse gases. He suggests carbon capture programs as well as tax credit initiatives be put into place that will give credits to Canadians that invest in new green technologies for home renovations.

In one of the Chamber member supplied questions at the event, the question of the natural resource sector and the divide across the country when it comes to the energy sector was addressed. Mr. Scheer believes that there needs to be an energy corridor th

running through the country and that we need central unity in the sector as a nation “We need a Prime Minister that is going to be a champion of the industry.”

Natural resources is one of Saskatoon’s centres of excellence and is a pivotal sector for our region and province. Within the Chambers' mandate we will support and grow our region and province through the energy sector, along with other sectors that leverage our provinces’ people and products.

The energy sector is on the cutting edge of new technologies that support green and sustainable resource extraction. The Chamber’s focus lies in attracting larger players into our market that create sustainable supply chains of SMEs that can grow our community and contribute to our quality of life in Saskatoon.

We will continue to support businesses that rely on this sector and will advocate to all levels of government to foster policies that will not inhibit the growth of our economy in this sector or any other that promises to be the key to future growth or sustainability of our region.

Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce actively participates at Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER) Summit in Saskatoon

On July 21st - 25th delegates from across the public and private sectors of the Pacific Northwest convened in Saskatoon to discuss best practices, strengthening regional relationships and developing action plans for addressing challenges in the future.

Key topics of trade, tourism, energy innovation, infrastructure resilience, invasive species, forestry and agriculture were explored in depth. PNWER has influence with the decision makers in both Ottawa and in Washington, D.C. The content presented was insightful and sometimes controversial but sparked strategic and intentional discussions that will provoke action and positive changes for the community’s delegates that were represented.

High Commissioner for Bangladesh His Excellency Mizanur Rahman visits the Saskatoon Chamber to discuss trade relations

Bangladesh has one of the fastest growing economies in Asia whose relationship with Canada, particularly Saskatchewan has grown dramatically over the last decade. In fact, Bangladesh is in the top 10 countries that Saskatchewan exports to, primarily in the sectors of pulse products, wheat and potash. On Monday, July 29th His Excellency Mizanur Rahuman and Mr. Md Shakil Mahamud Commercial Counsellor to Bangladesh visited the Chamber for a roundtable discussion with several industry specific members.

Export diversification and investment opportunities were the key themes from the discussions. Saskatchewan and Bangladesh share a mutually beneficial partnership and continued collaboration between each party will support both economies. Key opportunities for Canadian industry in Bangladesh include investment in aquaculture, renewable energy, ICT and expansion on agricultural programs. The Chamber will continue to work to ensure opportunities for exporting and investment in our economy and abroad are supported.

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.

BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON

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NON-PROFITS

CFCR 90.5 FM

CFCR 90.5 FM is Saskatoon’s only Community Radio Station. In our 28th year of broadcasting, we continue to provide programming with a community focus.

Powered by a small staff and over 200 volunteers, CFCR is a platform for local and alternative music to be shared. With diverse voices in the studio each day, there is something for everyone! We have Open Music shows, genre-specific programming, as well as Spoken Word programming.

Among our most unique programs are the Multicultural shows, featured during our daytime slots on weekends.

All of our sponsor support comes from Saskatoon businesses - some of who have been with us for over fifteen years! Part

of our community work is ensuring our advertising stays local and stays relevant to our listeners. We maintain strong sponsor and partner relationships – tune in to hear local businesses voicing their own ads!

It’s been a great year so far, and we are gearing up for our major fundraising drive at the end of September, “FM-Phasis.” During these two weeks CFCR presents live music events, and volunteers raise money towards our fundraising goal. There are prizes, special CFCR FM-Phasis ‘swag’, and more!

Tune in to CFCR today: 90.5 FM, online at cfcr.ca, or find the CFCR app in the app store. www.cfcr.ca

Persephone Theatre

Recognized for outstanding artistic achievement by its audiences, Saskatoon’s Persephone Theatre produces and presents a variety of award winning and critically acclaimed live theatre that offers deeply memorable experiences for its audiences.

Persephone owns and operates the beautiful Remai Arts Centre in the heart of River Landing. It sits next door to the Remai Modern Art Museum, and amidst an increasingly vibrant business and cultural urban centre. Before and after taking in a Persephone show, audiences can stroll along beautiful riverside walkways or dine at one of the many nearby restaurants.

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Each season, more than 50,000 people enjoy up to 9 plays on 2 stages - the 6 show Main Stage season in the gorgeous 420 seat Rawlco Radio Hall and the 3 show Deep End season in the BackStage Stage studio space.

10,000 young people and their families benefit from a comprehensive youth program that includes a 3 show Youth Series, a province wide school tour and classes and workshops at the Persephone School of Theatre.

Now in its 45th season, Persephone Theatre attracts a loyal and diverse audience looking for world class theatre experiences. From its busy stages and rehearsal halls; to its theatre school and youth programming; and the many

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community and cultural events held in its venue, Persephone Theatre has established itself as a cultural hub in Saskatchewan. www.persephonetheatre.org

NON-PROFITS

United Way Journey Home is the result of United Way’s vision that everyone in our community deserves a safe place to call home. Since Journey Home began in 2014, Journey Home has housed 79 of Saskatoon’s most chronically homeless individuals and reduced overall public service consumption by 57% among program residents resulting in more than $700,000 in cost savings. Highlighting the service reduction is a 74% drop in police detention, a 58% reduction in ambulance rides, and a 91% drop in acute psychiatric day hospitalization.

Meet Curtis, one of the clients of Journey Home, a housing first program delivered

by Saskatoon Crisis Intervention Service, focused on helping chronically homeless individuals access stable housing and wraparound supports. For over a decade Curtis

was in and out of prison and psychiatric care.

His life was precarious, and he was relapsing every six months; there was nowhere else for Curtis to go until he found Journey Home.

He’s now supported and stable in a place of his own.

Journey Home is giving individuals who have nowhere else to turn a chance at a changed life while reducing unnecessary use of valuable and limited public services.

United Way is working to make homelessness #UNIGNORABLE in Saskatoon.

YMCA Building on 22nd Turns 50! and CBC Saskatoon morning show will be onsite. There will be an official handover of our 100th anniversary time capsule ending the day with a signature annual event for the Caribou Legacy Club. To cap the weekend, September 8th the festivities culminate with a full day of activities and programs offered at the YMCA for everyone aged 1 to 101!

There will be free swimming all day long, drop-in classes of every description, plus demonstrations from our community groups including karate, kendo, judo, MMA, squash, racquetball and even underwater hockey! And it's all free for everyone to check out. The YMCA of Saskatoon represents a community like no other. We want you to experience more than health and fitness: we want you to develop friendships and connections that last a lifetime!

For the YMCA of Saskatoon, 2019 is a landmark year. Located on 22nd Street East beside TCU Place, the YMCA's current building turns 50! The city of Saskatoon and

area is invited to join us in our celebrations to mark a half-century of building history!

September 6th is the official YMCA Family Celebration Day (city proclamation)

www.ymcasaskatoon.org or call 306-6527515 ext. 267 and speak with Serena for more information.

BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2019 23

PROFILE

Athabasca Basin D

Building a Future Through Inve

by Elizabeth Ireland

Image Courtesy of: Athabasca Basin Development

Development estment

PROFILE

Foresight of leadership

In the early 2000s, seven largely Dené First Nations communities – Fond du Lac, Stony Rapids, Black Lake, Hatchet Lake, Wollaston Lake, Camsell Portage and Uranium City – formed Athabasca Basin Development Limited Partnership as an umbrella organization for investing strategically. What these seven communities share is isolation in the most northern part of our province, as well as close proximity to huge uranium deposits.

“The Athabasca leadership in the late 1990s saw the advantages of the seven communities investing together in a unified manner.

They were definitely thinking long-term. Uranium is a non-renewal resource and leadership had the foresight to recognize that uranium deposits will eventually become depleted. By 2014, our investment goal was a high level of diversification, and strategic reinvestment of profits, as a mandate to provide for future generations,” says Gay. In terms of the Partnership’s current ownership, three of the communities own 23 percent each, one owns 12 percent, three own six percent each and Athabasca Basin Development Corporation owns the remaining one percent. Amazingly, the amount that fueled the Partnership’s original investing was only $10,000.

Diversification is key

Geoff Gay is CEO of Athabasca Basin Development. Originally from the Maritimes, Gay has a Bachelor of Business Administration from St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia. In 1998, Gay and his wife moved to Hatchet Lake when she found a teaching position. The couple lived in Hatchet Lake for six years and Gay began working for the local development corporation.

While Gay and the leadership team did not anticipate the “drastic downturn” in the uranium industry over the past four years, Athabasca Basin Development had already moved beyond purely uranium mining-related investments. These other industries include aviation, bottled beverage distribution, construction, cannabis, industrial security and, most recently, insurance.

The 12 companies that the Partnership is currently invested in are: Arctic Beverages, Athabasca Basin Security, Flyer Electric, Long Lake Insurance, Lonona Contracting, Mudjatik Thyssen, Points Athabasca, Points North Group of Companies, Team Drilling, Tru-North RV, Auto and Marine, West Wind Aviation and 5Buds Cannabis. Ownership ranges from 30 to 100 percent.

“

We hope that our customers choose our products and services based on pricing, service and safety. In some cases, Aboriginal ownership is an additional advantage for a company’s strategic procurement Geoff Gay CEO of Athabasca Basin Development

26 BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON

“

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Image Courtesy of: Athabasca Basin Development

“We hope that our customers choose our products and services based on pricing, service and safety. In some cases, Aboriginal ownership

PROFILE is an additional advantage for a company’s strategic procurement,” says Gay. The Canadian government considers Athabasca Basin Development to be a Registered Aboriginal Business under the Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business (PSAB).

Looking for investment opportunities

Athabasca Basin Development is always on the lookout for good companies to invest in. For example, business owners who are hoping to retire in the near future might be interested in selling to the Partnership.

“After signing a confidentiality agreement, we really do our due diligence before we invest in a company or venture. It needs to be operating in a line of business that fits well with our overall investment strategy. Beyond healthy financial statements, we are also looking at the current management team, the proposed succession plan, the Board of Directors and its governance.”

“Of special interest to us are those companies that have weathered the past four to five years financially and remained profitable without any large swings in earnings. A diverse customer base is also a big asset,” explains Gay.

To date, Athabasca Basin Development has primarily taken an ownership stake in western Canadian-based companies. That said, Gay stresses that “part of our success, has been keeping an open mind. In 1998, we only invested in companies related to uranium mining. Now we are in a wide range of businesses outside of uranium, including insurance and wholesale food distribution.”

The Partnership is also focused on community involvement and raising awareness of the opportunities and challenges facing the seven communities. For example, Athabasca Basin Development operates northern tours to expand knowledge and awareness by taking business leaders, media and government officials to visit remote northern communities.

Athabasca Basin Development has two main offices; one on Wahpeton Indian Reserve in Prince Albert (where Gay is based) and one on Grasswood Road East in Corman Park, just outside Saskatoon.

Find out more about potential opportunities at athabascabasin.ca.

BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON

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TECHNOLOGY

Co.Launch is a Springboard for Female Founders

by Elizabeth Ireland Jordan Dutchak, Executive Director of Co.Labs in Saskatoon, recently noted a trend of female-led tech start-ups winning or placing second in all three Co.Launch Cohorts to date.

customer to growing our technology team, Co.Launch is to blame for the fact that we started a technology company and are still here! Forever grateful,” says Kristy Ehman, CEO of Hyon Software.

The trend began with the inaugural Co.Launch Cohort in spring 2018 when Alicia Soulier, and her start-up SalonScale, won first place and $15,000. Critical to the ideation and prototype phase, Co.Launch is described as a province-wide pre-seed accelerator for early stage technology start-ups.

At the third (and most recent) Co.Launch Cohort in spring 2019, BetterCart won $10,000. Saskatoon-based BetterCart.ca is currently the only website that compares aggregate grocery prices in Canada.

In fall 2018, Regina-based Hyon Software won $10,000 in the second Co.Launch Cohort. Hyon is a consignment software solution that manages the many aspects of a large consignment sales event.

“Eight months and $10,000 – what a whirlwind! Words can't express the learnings and opportunities that have come since our time in Co.Launch. From landing our first

“Winning the Co.Launch finale was incredibly meaningful because, in that moment, a world of opportunity opened up for me.

BetterCart is just that much further ahead due to the money I won and, importantly, the mentorship and oversight that I now receive as a full-fledged member of Co.Labs.

I’m very excited for what the future holds and look forward to taking BetterCart to a level of success beyond my wildest dreams,” says Melanie Morrison, CEO and founder of BetterCart.

Not only did the first-place spot of the spring 2019 Cohort go to a female founder, but Patricia Tozatti of SnowHydro Tech was in second place. Tozatti won $5,000 and was also chosen as the first winner of The Tech Trip 2019.

The Tech Trip is a competition for local tech entrepreneurs to join representatives from the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA) and Co.Labs in San Francisco, California. This trip provides an opportunity to meet with potential investors, mentors and technology experts who can help take start-ups to the next level and scale up.

Tozatti is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Saskatchewan. SnowHydro Tech is a snow measuring device that provides precise data and helps to predict big weather events – like floods, droughts and avalanches – caused by differing snow levels.

“All over North America, tech communities are struggling to engage and develop more female leaders into founders in the historically male-dominated tech industry. In Canada alone, less than 13 percent of tech founders are women. In Saskatoon and at Co.Labs, however, that number is closer to 25-30 percent. That means that we represent twice the national average. Although we have much work to do on that front, we have some of the highest performing female founders in the country and in tech it all comes down to scale over quantity,” says Dutchak.

Co.Labs is Saskatchewan’s first technology incubator and has served as a creative collaboration space for 72 tech start-ups in its first 26 months of operation. Co.Labs is funded by the provincial and federal government through Innovation Saskatchewan and Western Economic Diversification Canada.

Co.Labs Innovation Place 229-116 Research Drive, Saskatoon www.co-labs.ca | @colabsyxe

28 BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON

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SPECIAL FEATURE

New Food Court Opens at Midtown Plaza

by Trish Cheveldayoff

Saskatoon Chamber Board Chair Chris Sicotte and Nathan Bodnarchuk from Pi Co.

“

Other new restaurants include Mia Pasta, KFC, Bourbon St. Grill and TCBY. Midtown Common also includes eleven restaurants from the old main floor food court.

The construction of the new 42,000 square-foot food court is part of an $80 million-dollar investment into the downtown mall by the mall’s ownership group, led by Toronto-based KingSett Capital. It was important to the designers that it have a modern, cosmopolitan feel to it.

“It’s not just a food court,” says Johnson.

“It actually seems like a place where people would want to just hang out and relax. Now, I think you have the ability to go shopping and instead of rushing home to get a meal, you can actually sit down and enjoy a meal and then go back to shopping. You actually want to stay there.”

The main floor and basement of the old Sears store remains closed to the public.

There are further plans to subdivide the main floor into at least a dozen spaces. It’s not yet known what retailers will be located on the main floor.

As for the old food court, it will be gutted to make way for Mountain Equipment Coop which is scheduled to open in the spring of 2020.

“It’s a lot different than what we had before.“It is really bright and wide-open. My favourite part is the windows, floor to ceiling windows and the f ireplace, a beacon that will attract people to come.”

Brandon Johnson,

Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce

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SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2019

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If you take the escalator to the second floor of what was once the Sears department store in Midtown Plaza, you might think you’ve walked into a new upscale Saskatoon nightclub, complete with lounge-like seating, floor to ceiling windows and a fireplace.

For the past year and a half, construction crews have been on site, transforming the second floor of Sears into a food court now known as Midtown Common. The new and improved food court officially opened its doors July 25th to great fanfare. Brandon Johnson, Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce summer intern and University of Saskatchewan Edwards School of Business student, attended the grand opening.

“It’s a lot different than what we had before,” says Brandon Johnson, “It is really bright and wide-open. My favourite part is the windows, floor to ceiling windows and the fireplace, a beacon that will attract people to come.”

In place of a traditional ribbon cutting ceremony, a “first bite” ceremony was held instead. Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark, Saskatoon MLA Don Morgan and a few other dignitaries enjoyed a bite of pizza supplied by one of the new food vendors; Pi Co.

Mayor Charlie Clark

Brandon Johnson, Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce summer intern and University of Saskatchewan Edwards School of Business student and Tim Stone, C95 Radio

BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2019 31

MONDAY, OCTOBER 21

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24

FEDERAL ELECTION DAY

Finding Success as an Entrepreneur

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22

Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Location: WTC at Prairieland Park Speaker: Michael Denham, BDC President

B2B EXPO DAY 1

Thrive @ 5

Time: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Location: WTC at Praireland Park

Time: 5:00 pm Location: Drift Sidewalk Cafe

$10 Admission or complimentary ticket below.

Open to the business community.

Free to attend and open to the public

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25

ALL ACCESS

Time: 5:00 pm Location: WTC at Praireland Park

The Art & Science of Marketing

Chamber Member Exclusive Event

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23 B2B EXPO DAY 2

Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Location: The Chamber office Speaker: Ryan Townend, William Joseph Communications Open to the public. Includes Lunch

Who’s Who in the Zoo!

Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Location: WTC at Praireland Park

$10 Admission or complimentary ticket below.

Open to the business community.

Time: 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM Location: The Chamber office at 110-345 4th Ave S Free to attend and open to the public

Shop Local or Buy Global Time: 11:30 AM Location: WTC at Praireland Park Speaker: Alex Fallon, CEO SREDA Open to the public

COMPLIMENTARY

ADMISSION TICKET

EXPO

Wednesday, October 23 10am - 2pm Prairieland Park

TRADE SHOW

32 BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON

Tuesday, October 22 10am - 6pm

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2019

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Are You Safe From The Wrath Of Google?

by Mouneeb Shahid, founder of 2Web.ca Would you agree that Google has the power to make or break your business?

Considering that 93% of Canadians use Google as the primary tool to search online, there is considerable control that Google has due to its reach. The good news is that as a business, you can leverage the power of their search platform to drive quality traffic consistently to your website. That is if you do things right.

Now that we have determined that you are the source of the problem and solution, it is time to dig deeper and figure out what you have to offer to the audience of Google? In a nutshell, you have to provide compelling content that engages your audience. If people land on your website and stay to consume the content, it tells Google that there is something of value on that page.

If this happens consistently, the algorithm that powers search gives the page some "brownie points" and boosts your rankings.

Content has always been the backbone of Google's algorithm since the beginning and will probably continue to take precedence over everything else until the end of time.

Another great strategy is to encourage other quality websites to link to your content.

Think of this like "voting." If someone out there goes through the effort of sharing a link publicly on their website or their social media channel, it is an endorsement of your content.

Google loves that! After all, someone went through the trouble of multiple clicks and potentially going through the cumbersome act of copying and pasting words. Oh my!

Did you know that over 60% of traffic on Google within Canada is on mobile devices? Yet more than half of businesses fail

“

to provide a decent mobile experience. It is such a severe problem that Google has now made it mandatory for websites to cater to mobile users. Due to a significant gap, taking a "mobile-first" approach is an excellent opportunity for businesses to leverage.

The above factors will get you started in the right direction, but there are several hundred other variables that are also important. Not to worry, you can learn more about search on our blog at www.2web.ca/blog/.

There is no magic bullet to unlock the secret of ranking well on Google; however, one approach is to "think like Google." You need to think about what is vital to that guy or gal keying in impatiently hoping to come across a treasure of information they intend to f ind in a split-second.

BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON

“

There is no magic bullet to unlock the secret of ranking well on Google; however, one approach is to "think like Google." You need to think about what is vital to that guy or gal keying in impatiently hoping to come across a treasure of information they intend to find in a split-second. Sound familiar? That's you! It is in Google's best interest to serve you with quality and accurate information at speed.

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2019 33

SPECIAL FEATURE

Connect + Empower

Carla’s Pearls of Wisdom

by Kendra Cruson

Image: Morgan Stanley

Must be intentional

Carla Harris

Each year in July, Chamber professionals from around the world converge at the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) Convention for robust conversations to inspire and transform.

As a newbie to the “Chamber World”, I found the vast and impactful work of the Chamber Network around the globe to be quite remarkable.

fighting bad guys and promoting impactful change in the world.

There were 1100 attendees this year from over 10 countries, sharing ideas, supporting each other and encouraging capacity building. Attending this conference is what I imagine a Comic-Con to feel like.

Everyone is speaking the same language,

It is a great privilege to connect, network and learn with this group of dynamic leaders and guest speakers. Consider moving your professional development higher up on your priority list this year to better serve your people. When the leader gets better, we all get better.

There were 1100 attendees this year f rom over 10 countries, sharing ideas, supporting each other and encouraging capacity building.

Attending this conference is what I imagine a Comic-Con to feel like.

Kendra Cruson, Vice President of Operations Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce

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SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2019

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Although there were many great and gifted speakers, Carla Harris rose to the top of my list. This woman is a warrior for all things good and she can sing too!

Promoting the need for intentionality, Carla’s Pearls of Wisdom awed and inspired.

1

Authenticity - Know yourself and bring your whole self ! This confidence is attractive and helps you to out perform others

2

Building Trust - Who is in my life today? Who do I trust? It is likely those that deliver over and over again. Listen closely to what they care about and think of four things I can do for them.

3

Create clarity - When you are going into territories unknown, you have to build clarity for the day and ask for help.

4

Create other leaders - Delegate to others! Let the execution go and allow them to grow. Things on the “To Do” list should include only tasks that no one else can do.

5

Diversity - Lack of diversity will leave you with a gap in your strategy. If you need a lot of ideas, you need a lot of perspectives, which will come from a lot of different people!

6

Innovation! - Push the envelope and celebrate the failures! You still get data whether you fail or win. Do not let fear creep in.

7

Inclusion - Solicit other’s voices.

Everyone values being heard.

This is currency that can be invested for everyone to win.

8

Voice - Exercise your voice. You have to call it and not play with it when the elephant is in the room. Call the thing the thing.

JOIN THE CHAMBER IN

CHINA DEPARTING:

October 25, 2020

INFORMATION SESSION

Thursday, November 28th

6:30 pm - 8:00 pm @ the Chamber Office

(light refreshments will be served)

This session is FREE but you must register at: www.saskatoonchamber.com

BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2019 35

HIGHLIGHT REEL

Chamber Happenings Round Table Event with Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre

Longtime Conservative MP and Opposition Finance Critic, Pierre Poilievre, visited the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce July 5th for a Round Table discussion that covered a wide range of hot button topics.

Mr. Poilievre engaged in a discussion with Chamber members who were in attendance on issues such as Bill C-69, the Carbon Tax, implementation of a small business competitiveness mandate to future regulatory and policy decisions, international trade, foreign investment and economic immigration.

Board Governance for Non-Profits

Planes, Trains & Automobiles

The Chamber hosted a one-day workshop for several non-profit organizations in Saskatoon. The June 4th workshop was designed to inform and educate both volunteer board members and staff about board governance, best practices and the effective operation of a board of directors.

This dynamic and highly engaging workshop featured Deb McClelland, an expert who has a passion to assist boards in realizing their potential

Getting our products to market can be a challenge when your province is land-locked.

On June 18th, the Chamber hosted “Planes, Trains & Automobiles.” The noon luncheon was very well attended and featured a panel discussion on the challenges Saskatchewan faces in getting our products to markets in Canada, in North America and around the world. Attendees heard from three local leaders including Stephen Maybury from the Saskatoon Airport Authority, Jay Roberts from CN Railway and Clay Dowling from Ghost Transportation Services.

Pulse on Politics

Conservative Party of Canada Leader Andrew Scheer made a pre-election visit to Saskatoon July 17th. Scheer was guest speaker at a luncheon hosted by the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce and held at the Remai Modern. With about 110 people in the audience, Scheer pitched his campaign plan which included a promise to lower the cost of living, scrap the Federal Liberals’ carbon tax, remove the GST from home heating costs, introduce a tax credit for energy-saving home retrofits, and offer those on maternity and paternity leave tax free benefits.

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SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2019

Sponsor & Volunteer Appreciation Reception

At the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce, we recognise the many contributions our sponsors and volunteers make to the organization. On Thursday, July 11th, the Chamber hosted its Annual Sponsor and Volunteer Appreciation Reception at Drift Sidewalk Café and Vista Lounge. It was a hot summer night on Drift’s rooftop patio, as our guests sipped on tasty Sangria, ate a variety of scrumptious hot and cold appetizers and desserts and took in the best view of the bustling Saskatoon Farmer’s Market and the mighty Saskatchewan River.

HIGHLIGHT REEL

Chamber Happenings Round Table Event with the High Commissioner for Bangladesh to Canada

On Monday, July 29th, Ambassador Mizanur Rahman, the Bangladesh High Commissioner to Canada and Mr. Md Shakil Mahamud, Bangladesh High Commission Counsellor (Commercial) stopped by the offices of the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce.

The pair met with several Chamber members to discuss trade opportunities in Bangladesh.

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

ROUNDTABLES

Chamber Office

Thursday, November 7 th Remai Modern 8:00 am Start

Register online at: www.saskatoonchamber.com/events

CHAIR’ S MESSAGE

Small Businesses and Indigenous Businesses Break Through and Thrive

The theme of this issue of Business Voice is Small Business and Indigenous Business.

Small businesses continue to drive Saskatchewan’s economy. According to the latest Small Business Profile, small businesses (those with fewer than 50 employees) account for 98% of the more than 148,533 businesses operating in Saskatchewan.

Small businesses provide most of the jobs in the province. In 2017, they employed 31% of the province’s workers; proof they play a critical role in keeping our economy dynamic and competitive.

For Indigenous people, entrepreneurship is the path to economic independence.

Despite the challenges and struggles many Indigenous Business owners face, there are many success stories. It shouldn’t be all that shocking, given this country’s history.

Canada was built on the fur trade, which supplied European demand for pelts from animals such as the otter, mink, marten and fox. They were traded in exchange for

It is great to see the commitment from companies like Athabasca Basin Development to build and invest in successful businesses right here at home. Athabasca Basin’s impressive portfolio includes a dozen or so successful companies, employing hundreds of people in the province. It is well-positioned Saskatoon Chamber Board Chair Chris Sicotte to continue to acquire, build and grow many more. is an opportunity for you, our members, to gather together to discuss pressing issues The next couple of months will be busy for facing your business today. The findings the Board and staff of the Greater Saskatoon will be most helpful as we develop policy Chamber of Commerce as we gear up for positions and prioritize our advocacy efforts. our fall events season. We invite you to sign And, be sure to check out the many events up for the Chair’s Golf Classic, a fun day of taking place during Small Business Week, golf taking place Thursday, September 12th at scheduled for October 21-25th. the Moon Lake Golf and Country Club. As well, PIVOT; The Opportunity of Disruption Our events are designed with you in mind will be taking place Wednesday, September and will provide you with the opportunity 18th. The event will feature keynote speaker to connect with one another, learn and Jim Harris; a sought-after expert on the ultimately grow your business. subject of disruption in the workplace. We have also set aside 3 days beginning October I look forward to seeing you at our many 1st for the annual Chamber Summit. This scheduled events this fall.

For Indigenous people, entrepreneurship is the path to economic independence.

Despite the challenges and struggles many Indigenous Business owners face, there are many success stories.

Chris Sicotte, Chair

Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce

38 BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2019

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“

tools, pots and liquor. Canada’s first economic engine was powered by Indigenous entrepreneurs. Today’s Indigenous business owners have branched out into many sectors including mining, engineering, construction, trucking and printing, just to name a few.

Image: Gina’s Portraits

You say goodbye and I say hello. Yes, summer is about to draw to a close and as we say goodbye to summer, our thoughts quickly turn to fall. For business owners, fall can often be busy. With students returning to school, homeowners closing up their summer cabins, and organizers looking for a fresh start to the new season, the options to sell more are endless for the small business owner.

All the best, Chris Sicotte.

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

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chris Sicotte Chair

CANADIAN LIGHT SOURCE INC.

Sandra Ribeiro Executive

KATRINAGERMAN.COM

Katrina German Director

WIEGERS FINANCIAL & BENEFITS

Colton Wiegers Director

REAL CANADIAN PROPERTY MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONALS INC.

CREATIVE FIRE Jason Aebig 2nd Vice-Chair

KOENIG & ASSOCIATES INC.

SASKATCHEWAN INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGIES (SIIT)

NUTRIEN

PCL CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT INC.

QUICKLINKT SOLUTIONS INC.

MED HACK ENTERPRISES INCORPORATED

Carla Browne 1st Vice-Chair

CeCe Baptiste, Director

Dale Lemke Director

MLT AIKINS LLP

Penny Yeager Director

Todd A. Denzin Director

Dr. Adam McInnes Director

Peggie Koenig Past Chair

Linda Exner Director

SASKATOON AEROCENTRE

Graham Snell Director

Chamber Board of Directors Working for You! BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON

Images: Gina’s Portraits

AON REED STENHOUSE

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2019 39

Crafting Digital Experiences That Drive Success

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