BUSINESS VOICE / SPRING 2023

Page 1

SPRING 2023

Autobody Bosses

The changing face of collision repair in Saskatoon

SAS K A T OO N ’ S B USI N ESS M A GAZIN E
Image: Crystal Warlow of JoiPhoto
“It’s really important to give back to the community that you live in.” – Fundholders Linda and Arnie Shaw What do you want your gift to do? 306.665.1766

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chair, Tanis Taylor, CCA Consulting

1st Vice-Chair, Joseph Gill, McKercher LLP

2nd Vice-Chair, Joel Pedersen, Fitness 2J2

Secretary, Wanda Waldner, National Bank of Canada

Past-Chair, Colton Wiegers, Wiegers Financial & Benefits

Louis Aussant, aodbt architechture + interior design

Stephanie Clovechok, Discover Saskatoon

Shaina Lynden, Ryde YXE Cycle Studio

Claire Marentette, PCL Construction Management Inc.

Tammy Sweeney, TCU Place

Todd Antill, NUTRIEN

Trevor Jacek, Mid-West Group of Companies

Jessica Yachyshen, Stantec Consulting Ltd.

STAFF

Jason Aebig, CEO

Margot Orr, Director of Policy and Government Relations

Terry Lawrence, Business Manager

Roz Macala, Office Manager

Treena Skaalid, Outreach and Events Manager

Matt Morrison, Business Development Manager

Henry Buitrago, Marketing and Communications Manager

PRODUCTION

Layout & Design: Henry Buitrago

Contributing Writers:

Véronique Loewen, Jason Aebig, Colton Wiegers

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

Copyright 2023

Phone: (306) 244-2151

Email: chamber@saskatoonchamber.com

Website: www.saskatoonchamber.com

On Social Media: @TheChamberYXE

3 BUSINESS VOICE SASKATOON SPRING ISSUE / 2023 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 of the Business Voice magazine and its publisher the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce. Featured Content
SAS K A T OO N ’ S B USI N ESS M A GAZIN E
4 Upcoming Events 5 Chair's Message 12 Members in the News 16 These ladies mean BUSINESS! 18 Cover Story: Autobody Bosses The changing face of collision repair in Saskatoon Chelsea Stebner Kim Kos Brittany Huber 23 Campaign Totally Locally 24 Straight Talk with Bobbylynn Stewart, CEO of Breck Construction 26 Profile Stories: Women on Top Sarah Buettner Celina Philpot Carla Browne Andrea Crittenden Danielle Favreau 31 Chamber Happenings
Image: Crystal Warlow of JoiPhoto
SPRING 2023

What business issues are keeping you up at night? Come underground with the Chamber, Contrast HR and The Broadway Collective gang for an evening of networking in a fun, casual setting!

Thursday May 25 6:00PM - 733 Broadway Avenue

Chamber Events

2023

SAVE THE DATE

October 12 TCU Place

4 BUSINESS VOICE SASKATOON SPRING ISSUE / 2023 EVENTS

Ending on a high note

As I sit down to write this last Chair’s message, I feel like the time flew by. For myself, it’s the beginning of my final year on the board, which will be in the Past Chair role. Between my time on the board, and prior to that with the Junior Chamber of Commerce, I’ll have been involved with the Chamber for about a decade! The people I’ve met, the lessons I’ve learned, and the meaningful work I’ve been a part of has truly created an unforgettable experience.

Looking back at the last few months we’ve had a lot on the go at the Chamber with some key highlights. I’d like to mention Pins and Pints first because it was just such an incredible night. The Chamber team, and many supporters, went so above and beyond to create an awesome experience for everyone attending. From the food, to the lounge, to prizes and competitions, everything was thought of with the amount of detail that makes you want to come back next year before we got even halfway through the night.

We are celebrating International Women’s Day in this issue and the amazing achievements in our own community. I come from a family with three sisters so I can speak strongly to the successes and struggles I have seen firsthand. Starting from the top, my mother Deb is a founder of our own business, Wiegers Financial & Benefits. Not long out of school she joined the incredibly male dominated insurance industry and made a name for herself. She was and continues to be a fierce participant in the community, which has been instrumental in helping us grow the company to where we are today. Among my siblings, what stands out are stories from my sister Tobi on the challenges of another male dominated industry in the engineering field. These challenges I have witnessed in my own family are still very much a reality for many women in our community. There are certainly ways that we can continue to improve in making the workplace and community more inclusive for everyone. That all being said, there are absolutely a lot of positive stories out there and if you’ve been to any recent BBA or SABEX awards you’ll see many of them recognized on stage as finalists and winners. On our own board we have a near perfect split of men and women and it shows in terms of the diversity of opinion and thought that we have in our discussions.

Lastly, advocacy is part of our mandate but this time around it did feel like the moves we made were bigger and bolder when it came to the airlines. Accessibility to Saskatoon affects

everyone and I’m proud to be part of a group that doesn’t shy away from making a statement on behalf of our community. Between new updates with the airport and all of the dialogue around the Downtown Event & Entertainment District it feels like the future is very bright for our city!

I’m excited to read about the other great stories shared in this issue and although this is my last Chair’s message, I will certainly still be very involved with the Chamber going forward. I’d like to thank Chamber Members and the community as a whole for your support over the years. Good things happen when we connect, inspire, and advocate for our community and I’m proud to have been part of this group!

Sincerely,

5 BUSINESS VOICE SASKATOON SPRING ISSUE / 2023
CHAIR’S MESSAGE
Saskatoon Chamber Board Chair Colton Wiegers
We are celebrating International Women’s Day in this issue and the amazing achievements in our own community. I come from a family with three sisters so I can speak strongly to the successes and struggles I have seen firsthand.
“ “

Associated Speech Consultants Ltd.

Striving to build strong relationships with clients in order to help make lives better with more effective communication. Working with individuals/families/ agencies to develop communication that works. Staff continuously seek out opportunities to learn and apply the most current - research-based strategies to best support our client’s development.

Steve Stoicescu

1805 Broadway Ave, Saskatoon

p: (306) 668-0066

w: www.associatedspeechconsultants.ca

Health Care - Services / Supplies

BOMA Saskatchewan

Actively promoting excellence and represents the interests of building owners and managers through education, recognition, professional development, best practices, and providing opportunities.

Cail Maclean

2102 11th Ave, Regina

p: (306) 596-7926

w: bomasask.ca

Real Estate - Commercial

Brightwater Pools & Construction

Providing construction services for in ground swimming pools.

Craig Taylor

2315 Millar Ave, Saskatoon

p: (306) 653-7665

w: brightwaterpools.ca

Construction

BTC Plumbing & Heating

Commercial and residential plumbing, heating and air conditioning.

Brandon Chapman

p: (306) 371-9449

Plumbing / Heating / Air Conditioning AND Internet

Cadence

An integrated, end-to-end solution that streamlines both the estate planning and settlement processes. Businesses that use Cadence can support their clientele without adding extra work to their plate, and individuals that use Cadence are given more time to focus on living, grieving, and healing.

Rachel Drew /Krystian Olszanski

229-116 Research Dr, Saskatoon

p: (306) 500-9625

w: www.cadencecares.ca

Technology

Christina Smith

p: (306) 281-8242

Individual Members

Cornerstone Maintenance Services

Lawn care, snow removal, landscaping, and yard maintenance.

Valwin Boyko

1406-10th St E, Saskatoon

p: (639) 384-8310

Landscape Services

CTCM Medical Consulting Prof. Corp

A medical consulting professional corporation.

Cory Tremeer

520 7th St E, Saskatoon

p: (306) 612-0673

Consultants - Medical / Disability

Custom Courier

Local courier servicing Saskatoon and area. Delivering to AB, SK and MB on hotshot basis. 119 operators from cars, minivans and half ton trucks to a wide assortment of flat deck, cube vans, specialty trucks and semis.

Jason Gelowitz

4010 Aronec Ave, Saskatoon

p: (306) 653-8500

w: www.customcourier.com

Courier / Delivery Service AND Transportation Industry

New Members

Dreamcatcher Promotions

An Indigenous promotional products company the largest of its kind in Canada and the USA. Your one-stop shop for promotional products and business gifts. Extensive range of promo products will ensure you find something to suit your requirements. With 1000s of selections and offering branded merchandise to fulfill all of your needs.

Michelle Cameron

20-2150 Markham Ave, Saskatoon

p: (844) 504-9595

w: www.dreamcatcherpromotions.ca

Printing Services / Supplies AND Advertising Specialties / Sportswear

Enzogroup Realty Corp.

Commercial real estate, sales, leasing and property management.

Gaby Akl

6-129 2nd Ave N, Saskatoon

p: (306) 668-3606

w: www.enzogroup.com

Real Estate - Commercial AND Property Management

Evco Developments Ltd.

Offering end-to-end construction and project management services. Includes infill development and renovations.

Sterling Summach

217-220 20th St W, Saskatoon

p: (306) 262-5655

w: www.evcodevelopments.ca

Home Builders / Renovations

Guardian Dental Care

Dental office.

Clint Knudsen

154-2325 Preston Ave S, Saskatoon

p: (306) 374-3266

w: www.guardiandentalcare.com

Dental Care - Services / Supplies

6 BUSINESS VOICE SASKATOON SPRING ISSUE / 2023
November 2022 / December 2022 / January 2023 / February 2023
NEWSMAKERS

HireProfile Consulting

Pursuing the development and improvement of good governance practices and aiding Boards and CEOs in meeting their mandates, rethinking governance processes, and improving Board performance.

Mubarka Butt

3318 Millar Ave, Saskatoon

p: (306) 880-1720

w: hireprofile.ca

Consultants - Business

Joy PR Studio

PR, consulting and events, elevating women owned businesses. Offering time management, systems and strategy sessions increasing productivity and revenue + Joy.

Kimberly Evans

415 Frobisher Pl, Saskatoon

p: (306) 717-2774

w: kimberlyjoyevans.com

Consultants - Business

Kasm Consulting

Filling the gaps in your marketing needs and specializing in marketing strategy, digital marketing and online advertising, and online optimization.

Kira Blomquist

p: (306) 361-9894

w: www.kasmconsulting.com

Marketing / Market Research AND HomeBased Business

Kennedy Eye Clinic

An independent full scope optometry clinic providing services to all ages. Services: routine eye exams, emergency eye exams, contact lens fits, dry eye treatment and myopia control.

Courtney Kennedy

100-215 Joseph Okemasis Dr, Saskatoon

p: (306) 952-6464

w: www.KennedyEyeClinic.com

Health Care - Services / Supplies

New Members

November 2022 / December 2022 / January 2023 / February 2023

Love Zone Daycare Ltd.

Providing childcare services in Saskatoon areas.

Melodie Lecitivo

2615 Cairns Ave, Saskatoon

p: (306) 881-0361

w: lovezonechildcare.com

Education / Training

McDougall

Starting approximately 40 years ago as a small family-owned auction business and today widely recognized as one of the leading auctioneering and appraising companies in Saskatchewan. Along the way, building a solid reputation for reliable appraisals and for successful auctions, liquidations, and consignment sales.

Peta McDougall

p: (306) 261-2051

w: mcdougallauction.com/new/index.php

Auctions / Auctioneers AND Customs Brokers / Freight Forwarders

Medicine Shoppe #203/#421

Certified compounding pharmacy focusing on integrative and functional medicine. Whole body wellness is our goal for you.

Courtney Junop

105-1260 Baltzan Blvd, Saskatoon

p: (306) 664-4500

Pharmacies

Merit Contractors Association of Saskatchewan

Advocacy for construction industrytrading, benefits and support. Founded in 1988 and is the only open shop association in Saskatchewan. MERIT Saskatchewan is part of a Canada-wide network and a founding member of MERIT Canada. We are proud to support the open shop construction community, over 85% of the contractors in the province.

Graham Snell

62 17th St W, Prince Albert

p: (306) 764-4380

w: www.meritsask.com

Non-Profit Organizations

Miccar Aerial Ltd. DBA - Good Spirit Air Service

Air charter service provider servicing Canada and the USA. Four aircrafts are located in Saskatoon. In business since 2008 providing safe, reliable and customer focused aircraft charter services.

Carol Yaholnitsky /Michael Yaholnitsky

PO Box 128, Yorkton

p: (306) 786-3345

w: www.goodspiritair.com

Air Transportation - Maintenance / Service / Training

Mitacs Inc.

National not-for-profit agency supporting companies in their innovation challenges. We connect companies with expertise across Canada, provide matching funding for projects, source international talent in collaboration with universities.

Zsuzsa Papp

117 Science Pl, Saskatoon p: (306) 491-2769

w: www.mitacs.ca/en

Non-Profit Organizations

NumaCorp

Specializing in custom management software and business automation solutions for construction, industry and trades. In-depth knowledge of the industry, business, and management allow us to help clients to streamline and automate their entire business from the field to the back office.

Bernard Lau

401-15 Innovation Blvd, Saskatoon p: (306) 986-8316

w: www.numacorp.com

Technology

Optimum Craft Building Inc.

Construction company.

Penny Korte

138 Campion Cres, Saskatoon

p: (306) 961-3941

Construction

7 BUSINESS VOICE SASKATOON SPRING ISSUE / 2023
NEWSMAKERS

NEWSMAKERS

New Members

November 2022 / December 2022 / January 2023 / February 2023

Peter Lucas

The resourcing solution that fuels your projects with a team of highly qualified and specialized candidates are ready to deliver innovative solutions for your projects.

Kylee Auckland / Leah Lagacy

904-201 21st St E, Saskatoon

p: (306) 716-9323

w: www.peterlucas.ca

Contractors

Planet Fitness

An American franchisor and operator of fitness centers based in Hampton, New Hampshire.

Karlee Arden / Natalya Knoblauch / Natalya Knoblauch

810 Circle Dr E, Saskatoon

p: (639) 638-1090

w: www.planetfitness.ca/gyms/saskatoonriver-city-sk

Health & Fitness

Roadex Services Ltd.

Specialized flatbed transportation throughout North America.

Jeremy Twordik

237 Melville St, Saskatoon

p: (306) 249-1080

w: www.roadexservices.com

Transportation Industry

Sandbox Mutual Insurance

An insurer serving the three Prairie provinces for their home, auto, commercial, and farm insurance needs.

Rachel Kehrig

250 Willis Cres, Saskatoon

p: (306) 518-2350

w: www.sandbox.ca

Insurance Companies / Agents

Saskatchewan Soccer Association

Designated Provincial Sport Governing Body (PSGB) for the sport of soccer in Saskatchewan and is a full member of the Canadian Soccer & Sask Sport.

Rahim Mohamed

300-1734 Elphinstone St, Regina

p: (306) 780-9225

w: www.sasksoccer.com

Sports Club AND Non-Profit Organizations

Saskatoon Community Service Village

Our member agencies serve citizens in need and strive to provide meaningful programs that promote empowerment of the community. Engaging citizens, advocacy and leading progress, the Village brings together a huge array of expertise in the non-profit sector.

Maura Gilllis-Cipywnyk

506 25th St E, Saskatoon

p: (306) 975-7760

w: www.villagesaskatoon.com

Non-Profit Organizations

SIMS (Saskatoon Institute for Medical Simulation)

Medical simulation training centre. Patient safety is the most compelling reason to embrace simulation into healthcare education. Most critical medical errors occur in Acute Care where team effectiveness can be the pivotal factor that determines the outcome for the patient. Until now, very little training provision has existed to rehearse team effectiveness. Simulation addresses this training requirement in a way that no other training methodology can.

Jan Hiebert

1100-3530 Millar Ave N, Saskatoon

p: (306) 291-8284

w: www.sksims.ca

Education / Training

Staxon Construction

Specializing in framing, custom home building and renovations. Transforming your dreams to reality.

Leighton Wiwchar / Teagen Wiwchar

PO Box 396, Grandora

p: (306) 371-5747

w: www.staxon.ca

Construction AND Contractors

Sundawg Solar Inc.

A full-service solar energy contractor, providing design, procurement, installation, and service throughout Saskatchewan.

Ryan Pitka

100-4002 Arthur Rose Ave, Saskatoon

p: (306) 912-9988

w: www.sundawgs.com

Electrical Contractors / Equipment / Services

The Hive Professional Network

Connecting individuals and teams to coaches, mentors and networks to guide them on their journey as they grow and evolve towards their personal and professional goals. The founders are committed to establishing supportive and safe communities in common areas of interest. Together, we can shape the future of coaching, mentorship and networking to connect as many people as possible

Jason Beres / Greg Cooper

1170-424 Spadina Cres E, Saskatoon p: (306) 717-4130

w: www.thehiveprofessionalnetwork.com

Business Development / Information Services

TMG The Mortgage Group

Founded in 1991 and is Saskatchewan's largest mortgage brokerage. Offices in Saskatoon and Regina and brokers servicing every city and town in Saskatchewan.

Ken (Bud) Jorgenson

506 Queen St, Saskatoon p: (306) 717-6530

w: www.tmgonline.ca

Financial Services / Planning

Women Building Futures

A non-profit organization serving women across Canada. Supporting women's economic security through employment training and support services.

Natasha Martynes

10326 107 St NW, Edmonton

p: (639) 994-0611

w: www.womenbuildingfutures.com

Non-Profit Organizations

8 BUSINESS VOICE SASKATOON SPRING ISSUE / 2023
9 BUSINESS VOICE SASKATOON SPRING ISSUE / 2023

3D Safety Consulting

614225 Saskatchewan Ltd.

617311 Saskatchewan Ltd.

621451 Saskatchewan Ltd.

ABC Canada Technology Group Ltd.

Abode Crafted Wood Furnishings

Action Mechanical Inc.

ADA Architecture Inc.

Adams Lumber (1982) Ltd.

Advanced Electronic Solutions Ltd.

Advertising ONE

AECOM Canada Ltd.

Affinity Credit Union

Al Anderson's Source For Sports

Allied Physicians Medical Prof Corp.

aodbt architecture + interior design

Arbour Crest Tree Services Ltd.

Aspire Too

Assemblée Communautaire Fransaskoise

Associated Engineering (Sask) Ltd.

ATL Heritage Services Corp.

AutoLogics Repair

Basaraba Services

Bath Fitter

Bench Strength Marketing

Bill's House of Flowers

Bit Service Company Ltd.

Black Fox Farm & Distillery

BLOK Dental Studio

BN Steel & Metals Inc.

BNT Sales Agency Ltd

Boardwalk REIT

Brainsport The Running Store

Bridges Health

Broadway Business Improvement District

Brunsdon Lawrek & Associates

Brunskill Pharmacy

Buckwold - Western

Business Development Bank of Canada

Business Furnishings (Sask) Ltd.

Butler Byers Insurance Ltd.

Cameco Corporation

Canada Building Dental Group

Canadian Blood Services

Canadian Brewhouse on Mcclocklin Rd

Canadian Corps of Commissionaires

Canadian Indoor Air Quality Investigators

Canadian Light Source Inc.

Canadian Tire Associate Store

Canadian Western Bank and Trust

Canpotex Limited

Cargill Limited

Carnivora™

Catalyst Technologies Ltd.

CCA Consulting

Cherished Memories Funeral Services & Crematory

Chicken Farmers of Saskatchewan

Choice Nutrition

Choice Payment Solutions

City of Saskatoon - Assessment Branch

City of Saskatoon - Saskatoon Land

Coca-Cola Canada Bottling Ltd.

CoHR Solutions

Colliers International

Member Renewals

November 2022 / December 2022 / January 2023 / February 2023

Comfort Suites Saskatoon

Commerce Holdings Limited

Concentra Bank

Concept3 Business Interior Ltd.

Concorde Group of Companies

Connect Energy

Cosmopolitan Industries Ltd.

Costco Wholesale Inc.

CP Technical Services Ltd.

CPA Saskatchewan

Creata Beauty Professional Beauty Products

Credit Bureau Collections

Crosby Hanna & Associates

Cuelenaere LLP

Custom Labels Inc.

Custom Trenching Ltd.

Dakota Dunes Golf Links LLP

Dan McEachern CPA Prof. Corp.

Daniels Wingerak Engineering Ltd.

DCG Philanthropic Services Inc.

DDJ Accounting Services

Della's Music House

Denovo Window & Door Inc.

Derrick Stretch Realty Inc.

Des Nedhe Development LP

Desjardins Financial Security Investments Inc.

Destinate Group

Díreenís Catering

DK Security Solutions Inc.

Don Morgan - Minister of Labour Relations and Work Place Safety

Doug Finnie

Dr. K. Walker Dermatology

Dr. Leslie Macaskill Medical Prof. Corp.

Dr. Naomi Whelan, ND

Dream Development / Homes by Dream

Drop Dead Gorgeous Day Spa

Dutch Growers Garden Centre Ltd.

Dylan Pearson

Dynacare Insurance Solutions

Dynamic Agencies

EJS Equipment Services

Emco Plumbing Ltd.

Ens Auto

ERCO Worldwide

ET Works Canada Ltd.

Evident - Corporate Investigations & Security Consulting

Evolve Family Law

Excelsior Mechanical Inc.

Farms and Families of North America Inc.

FASD Network of SK

Fast Consulting

FCC

Filosophi Wise Cuisine

Fire Sand Glass Ltd.

Firebird Business Consulting Ltd.

First Nations Bank of Canada

Five Star Excavating Ltd.

Food Centre

Fresh Living

Full Line Ag Ltd.

furnaceguys Home Heating & Cooling Inc.

Furry Friends Animal Hospital

GFG Resources Inc.

Glenwood Auto Service

Global Gathering Place

Global Infobrokers Inc.

Globex Management Corp.

Golden Opportunities Fund Inc.

Gordon Tootoosis Nikaniwin Theatre Inc.

Government of Saskatchewan - Ministry of Trade and Export Development

Graham Construction and Engineering

Grant Thornton LLP

Great Western Brewing Company Limited

Greenbryre Golf and Country Club

GreenSTEM Technology Corp.

Handy Special Events

Harden & Huyse Chocolates

Henry Moulin & Associates at Coldwell Banker Signature

High Arc Electrical

Home Instead

HomeStyles

HSBC Bank Canada

Hudson Energy

Hues Art Supplies

Hughes Recruitment Inc.

Humboldt Electric Ltd.

Hundseth Line Construction Corp.

Imagery

Imagine That Media YXE

InfraReady Products Ltd.

Ingredion Plant Based Protein Specialties (Canada), Inc.

Inland Audio Visual Interlink Research Inc.

International Road Dynamics

J & T Income Tax Service Inc.

J-S Gauthier Creative Services Inc.

Jamaica Food Basket

Jazz Custom Cabinets Ltd.

JDS Building Supply Ltd.

K. Sutherland Architect Ltd.

Karnalyte Resources Inc.

Ken Cheveldayoff - MLA Saskatoon Willowgrove

KeyLeaf

Kinnaird Bagpipes & Reeds Inc.

Kinzel Cadrin & Associates Consulting Inc.

Konica Minolta Business Solutions (Canada) LTD.

KPMG MSLP

Laser Impressions Inc.

Lawson Heights Mall

LB Distillers Inc.

Legacy Developments Inc.

Lewis M. Carter Manufacturing (Canada) Ltd.

Lift Accounting

Listowel Trophies Ltd.

Loraas Disposal North Ltd.

LutherCare Communities

Mac & Sons Plumbing & Heating

MacDermid Lamarsh

Mackie Physiotherapy

March's Fire Safety Ltd.

10 BUSINESS VOICE SASKATOON SPRING ISSUE / 2023
NEWSMAKERS

Member Renewals

Martensville Plumbing & Heating Ltd.

Maximum Training

McCabe Insurance

McClelland Debusschere CPA

McClure Place Association Inc.

McKercher LLP

MCP Talent Entertainment & Speakers Bureau

Medicine Horse Tours Inc.

Meewasin Valley Authority

Metis Nation - Saskatchewan Secretariat Inc.

Michael Rogalski

Mid-West Group of Companies

Mid-West Railcar Services (2001) Ltd.

Midtown Plaza

Minuteman Press Saskatoon

MLT Aikins LLP

MNP LLP

MOTIF Marketing Ltd.

National Bank of Canada

Nordic Industries (1979) Ltd.

Norseman HDD Underground Solutions

North 49 Physical Therapy Prof. Corp.

North Country Customs

Nu Vu Auto Glass & Repair

Nutrien

One Stop Property Maintenance

OPA! of Greece

Outtabounds

Paddock Wood Brewing

Paramount Day Spa & Salon

Park Funeral Chapel

Pattison Media

Pawlovich Chiropractic

Payworks

Peace Hills Trust Company

Pembrook Capital Advisors Inc.

Percy H. Davis Ltd.

Persephone Theatre

PIC Investment Group Inc.

Polar Refrigeration Service Ltd.

Prairie Crane Inc.

Prairie Laser Ink and Toner Supply Inc.

Prairie Office Moving & Installation

Prairie Proud

Prairie Pulse Inc.

Prairie Roots Dental Studio

Prairie Wild Consulting Co.

Prairies Economic Development Canada

Prime Equine

Prism Coffee Corp.

Pritchard & Associates

Prosper Financial

PWM Private Wealth Counsel

PWP Holdings Inc.

Quadrant Newmedia Corp.

Quality Sheet Metal Inc.

Quicklinkt Solutions Inc.

R.M. of Corman Park

Radius Community Centre for Education & Employment Training

Rainbow International Restoration

Rawlco Radio

Refresh Inn and Suites

Remai Property Group Inc.

Riide Taxi

November

River Landing Limited Partnership Inc.

Rob Friesen Real Estate P.C. Inc.

Rock Creek Woodsmoke Grill + Bar

RONA Inc. / HC Saskatoon - Preston

Rooterman

Rosler Construction

Rumley Periodontics

Ryan Miller

S & E Trusted Online Directories

Sabtronic Systems Inc.

SARC

Sask Pork

Saskatchewan Abilities Council

Saskatchewan Blue Cross

Saskatchewan Health Authority

Saskatchewan Indian Equity Foundation Inc.

Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority

Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies

Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists

Saskatchewan Media Production Industry Association

Saskatchewan REALTORS® Association

Saskatoon Agri-Auto Parts Inc.

Saskatoon Airport Authority

Saskatoon Auto Connection Inc.

Saskatoon Boiler Mfg. Co. Ltd.

Saskatoon Clayworks

Saskatoon Co-operative Association Limited

Saskatoon Community Foundation

Saskatoon Dental Group

Saskatoon Dermatology Centre

Saskatoon Downtown Youth Centre

Saskatoon Folkfest Incorporated

Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre

Saskatoon Funeral Home Co. - Prairie View Crematorium

Saskatoon Import Auto Service

Saskatoon Industry Education Council

Saskatoon Market Mall

Saskatoon Metal Mfg.

Saskatoon Opera

Saskatoon Prairieland Park Corporation

Saskatoon Public Library

Saskatoon Public Schools

Saskatoon Sexual Assault & Information Centre

Saskatoon SPCA Inc.

Saskatoon Transit

Saskatoon Zoo Society

SaskPower

SaskTel

SaskTel Scotia Centre Retail Store

Secrets Hair & Esthetics Studio

SGI West Claims Centre

Sheraton Cavalier Saskatoon Hotel

Sheri Willick, REALTOR® - Associate Broker, Coldwell Banker Signature

Shiron Holdings

Smokerbroker Holdings Ltd.

SMT Business Strategies

Soccer Locker

Soul Paper

Speech Language Network Ltd.

SREDA Inc.

SST Trucking

St. Paul's Hospital

St. Volodymyr Villa Corporation

Stantec Consulting Ltd.

Star Egg Company

Sterling Homes Ltd.

Sunnyville Farms Ltd.

Super 8 Motel

Sutherland Beer & Wine Store

Sutherland Business Improvement District

Sutton Benefits & Pension

Sylvia Fedoruk Canadian Centre for Nuclear Innovations

TCU Place

TD Commercial Banking

Terminal Systems International

Text2Car

The Barrister Group

The Centre

The Lemon Tree Salon & Studio Ltd.

The Mosaic Company

The Neighbourhood Church

The Optimist Club of Saskatoon Inc.

The Rent-It Store

The Saskatoon Club

The Saskatoon Colostrum Company Ltd.

Thomson Jaspar & Associates

Three Farmers

Thurston Engineering Services

Trades Labour Corporation

True Potential Health Services Inc.

Tucker Cleaning Inc.

Twisted Goods Inc.

Tyson Pederson Consulting Ltd.

U of S - President's Office

Uniglobe Carefree Travel Group

unINK Internet Marketing Corp.

United Way of Saskatoon and Area

University of Regina - University

Advancement & Communications

Valerin Technologies Ltd.

VB Strategic Planning Solutions

Veeman Law

Vendasta

Verb Media - Parity Publishing Inc.

Vern's Place Husky

Victory Majors Investments Corporation

VIDO

Virtex Grain Exchange Ltd.

ViviGro Sustainable Solutions Ltd.

Voce Developments Corporation

W.D. Plastics Ltd.

Wendel Clark's Classic Grill & Bar

Westcrest Embroidery Corp.

Western Development Museum

Western Premium Property Management Inc.

Westwood Funeral Chapel

Whitecap Development Corporation

Wine 4 You

WMB Management Ltd.

Wright Construction Western Inc.

Wurtz Industries Ltd.

YasTech Developments Inc.

YWCA Saskatoon

Zed Engineering Inc.

11 BUSINESS VOICE SASKATOON SPRING ISSUE / 2023 NEWSMAKERS
2022 / December 2022 / January 2023 / February 2023

14North Construction

With its 10th Anniversary approaching 14North Construction is heading into another Saskatoon construction season grateful for the opportunity to bring to life the projects of many wonderful, repeat customers. Providing general contracting services in the commercial and large-scale residential markets 14North Construction can adapt their services to a multitude of customer needs. Founders and brothers Jon and Mike Paul possess a shared love of building that only grows with age and experience. Looking to design a project? Do you have a plan you want brought to life? 14North Construction delivers unmatched customer service.

www.14northconstruction.ca

Aspira Hunter Village

Aspira Hunter Village resident Perry Foster, 93, has been an enduring and influential member of the Saskatoon business community. Not only was he heavily involved in the Chamber of Commerce of Saskatoon, but he is also the former owner of Industrial Machine & Manufacturing, which for many years was the largest machine shop of its kind in Saskatchewan. In late 2022, Perry received a Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal - an award that recognizes outstanding Canadians - for his contributions to Saskatoon and Saskatchewan.

As a long-time resident of Hunter Village, Perry experienced the previous administration and witnessed the positive transitional changes that took place last year when Sienna Senior Living (Aspira) took ownership of the building. “What I have noticed is that the staff and management - in particular, our general manager Mark Savard - seem to have more

Members In The News

Barbershop Films

The foundation of who we are at Barbershop Films is centred on creativity. This pertains not only to the video work that we produce but is also engrained in how we operate business. We are constantly looking to create new opportunities, for ways to expand and evolve, to offer greater technical and creative video solutions to our clients.

Our roots are thoroughly entrenched in Saskatchewan. We started, over 20 years ago, as Studio 10 Productions – a company committed to providing Saskatchewan with world-class video production. Over the years, we have undergone a name and branding change, and expanded our operations to British Columbia and Alberta, as well as multiple locations in Saskatchewan, all with

our primary motivation unchanged: to provide the best possible services to our clients and partners right here in Saskatchewan. Our expanded operations across Western Canada have allowed us to reinvest back into our home. We have recently purchased and are renovating a building in downtown Saskatoon that will serve as a state-of-the-art production studio. Additionally, we continually invest in the latest cinematic technology, and have significantly grown our local team of filmmakers and technicians, so any production demand can be met in-house, and more importantly, creative possibilities remain limitless.

www.barbershopfilms.ca/work

of a desire to make things better for the residents here,” said Foster of the switch to Aspira. “A person can tell when things are being done willingly as opposed to when something is mandated,” he added. “There is no question, I most definitely have a voice here with Sienna Senior Living (Aspira).”

Foster went on to say that retirement with Aspira is simple, worry-free, and full of comfort and care with so many amenities that make retirement here a carefree, joyful way to live. www.aspiralife.ca/our-locations/ saskatchewan/saskatoon/aspira-huntervillage-retirement-living/

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Jazz Custom Cabinets Ltd.

Celebrating 15 years in business!

Established in 2008, owners Dean and Michelle Mosure, along with their dedicated employees, continue to provide beautiful, quality cabinets for their customers. They offer computerized design services, quick estimates, affordable pricing to suit every budget, many different options to choose from in their showroom, cabinets custom-built in their shop and installed by their own team, and a firm commitment to customer satisfaction.

Dean and Michelle would like to take this opportunity to thank all their customers, suppliers, contractors, employees, family, and friends for their valued support over the past 15 years and look forward to many more wonderful years!

www.jazzcabinets.com

Orano

Orano Canada invests $1 million to empower women entering the trades and technology

On February 14, leading uranium producer Orano Canada’s president and CEO, Jim Corman announced the company’s $1 million donation to Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Women in Trades and Technology (WITT) program.

WITT supports women’s success across industries by having coordinators at each campus to assist students in their trades or technology journey. The program features a robust curriculum that teaches women valuable skills while encouraging various career options to help address barriers that may limit them from entering those fields. “We pride ourselves on being an equal opportunity employer.” Corman said during the announcement. “Orano is committed to hiring more women at our McClean Lake operation, ensuring pay equity and advancing women to more senior and

Members In The News

Market Mall

Leadership Saskatoon

Leadership Saskatoon is excited to announce that Kimberly Kroll-Goodwin, MBA, CFRE has joined our team as Executive Director. Kim brings 12 + years of experience in fundraising and the non-profit sector. She is passionate about leadership, education, and building highly effective, engaged teams. Our staff team is small, made up of Michelle King as our Program Director, and Cassie Josephson as our Communications Director. We rely heavily on volunteers, and every year we have over 70 people give their time and knowledge to support our 10-month leadership development program. Applications for our 2023-2024 program year are now available on our website. We would love to have you apply for our program or volunteer with us!

www.leadershipsaskatoon.com

Market Mall and its recent updates go beyond just the exterior; with more updates on the way, Market Mall recently launched The Spot/Pop Shop a community inspired space perfect for hosting events, non-profits, and pop-up businesses. This fresh new space is only the start of a new feel for Market Mall! Events have been getting bigger and better at Market Mall – with a 25,000 sq foot Halloween haunted house, a yearly Youth & Kids Mini Golf event with big prizes to be won, and other seasonal events such as a walkable holiday display and carnival themed kids summer events, Market Mall has events that are a fit for everyone!

Aside from Market Malls upgrades and events, a new selection of stores and services are open at Market Mall – Tim Horton’s, Mary Brown’s Chicken, the brand-new Associated Radiologists, and the soon to open, Royal Pizza. Market Mall looks forward to continuing to grow and expand bringing you more shopping, services, and events!”

www.strathallen.com

supervisory positions … we need to be a part of that change.”

The investment will be disbursed over ten years and aims to bolster enrolment by expanding accessibility to WITT for women across Saskatchewan. The WITT, powered by Orano program will achieve this by increasing mentorship opportunities, customizable workshops, exploratory training sessions, and programming in rural and northern

communities.

In addition to helping build a diverse, inclusive, and qualified workforce for Saskatchewan’s trades mining industry, Orano Canada’s donation also includes an annual scholarship for an exceptional female student enrolled in a trades or technical program at Sask Polytech.

www.orano.group/canada/en

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NEWSMAKERS

Ryde YXE Cycle Studio

Founded in February of 2016, Ryde YXE Cycle Studio was co-created by Shaina Lynden and Bradie Mustoe as the first dedicated indoor cycling studio in Saskatoon. Since its inception, Ryde YXE has remained 100% female owned and operated, and employs a diverse and dynamic part time staff. With two operating locations located at 741 7th Av North and 1804 McOrmond Dr, Ryde offers over 55 scheduled weekly classes that combine aspects of physical, mental, and

Members In The News

Trusted Saskatoon

Supporting Businesses, Consumers, and the Community is What We Do Best.

I immigrated to Saskatoon in 2006 and launched TrustedSaskatoon.com in 2011 to support local businesses. I wanted to dominate local online advertising and reward integrity-driven, locally- owned companies

emotional well-being, while providing a total body workout within a safe and inclusive atmosphere. Whether you are looking for a new way to get into a cardio routine, join a supportive community, or give back, Ryde YXE has something for everyone. Try our new Ryder 3 Rydes for $30, hop into a $10 Ryde for change charity class on Friday nights, or check out our custom app for booking with ease. Thank you for supporting local! www.rydeyxe.ca

with unique advantages in the marketplace. The company has evolved, and in 2014, Trusted Marketing Services launched to help clients with websites, graphic design, social media, animated videos, and more. What has stayed the same is our commitment to supporting local.

We could save money by hiring remote international workers and sourcing our suppliers online. However, those choices would not help our local economy, which is my focus, as it benefits all of us as citizens. Trusted donates time, money and services to local non-profits, which we have done since inception; In May, I will participate in the 2023 Sanctum Survivor 36hr Challenge to raise funds and awareness for Saskatoons' most vulnerable citizens.

The best marketing and business advice I can offer is to prioritize supporting local. It may mean I retire a few years later, but I will do so with the satisfaction that I did the right thing for the community that has done so much for me.

www.trustedsaskatoon.com

Refresh Inn & Suites

Refresh Inn & Suites is a small family-owned hotel located on College Drive across from the Royal University Hospital and University of Saskatchewan. Due to our location, we cater to families who have loved ones in the hospital or people visiting the U of S, or those needing to be close to down town. We opened our doors in July of 2014 as we saw a need for more accommodation for people close to the hospital and university. We have been very busy since, including through the entire pandemic. Our rooms include free NETFLIX in every room, 4-piece ensuite washrooms, custom beds and mattresses in every room and access to a common gourmet kitchen for people to cook their own meals if they choose. We offer free parking and are immaculately clean. We hire great staff and buy local products when possible. We are environmentally friendly and have barrier free/wheel chair accessible rooms. We are different than most hotels as we get to know our guests, especially those who end up staying longer for visits to the hospital or university and then return for medical appointments. We try to support our guests during their highest of highs, like when a baby is born or following a successful surgery or treatment, as well as their lowest of lows like when they lose a loved one to illness or disease. Recently, we were very pleased to be able help a young man with cerebral palsy in his journey from Ukraine to Saskatoon. www.refreshinnandsuites.com

14 BUSINESS VOICE SASKATOON SPRING ISSUE / 2023 NEWSMAKERS
SUBMIT YOUR STORIES:
bv@saskatoonchamber.com

CUSTOM TRAINING HELPING YOUR ORGANIZATION SUCCEED.

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GET RESULTS WITH CUSTOM TRAINING.

We’ll work with you to build a training program designed for your business and team goals.

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WHY CHOOSE THE U OF R?

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15 BUSINESS VOICE SASKATOON SPRING ISSUE / 2023
UOFRCUSTOMTRAINING.CA Centre for Continuing Education

NEWSMAKERS

These ladies mean BUSINESS!

Parr Auto Body

Chelsea Stebner

www.parrautobody.com

CRAVINGS

maternity-baby-kids

Jordana Jacobson www.shopcravings.ca

Interlink Research Inc.

Silvia Martini

Ryde YXE Cycle Studio

Shaina Lynden & Bradie Mustoe www.rydeyxe.ca

Chess Club Agency

Sherri Behiel & Larry Anderson www.chessclub.co

Impact Marketing Services LTD.

Sue Sebestyen & Terri Rasmussen www.impactmarketing.ca

Definitely you Spa

Cookie McEwan www.definitelyyouspa.com

Paramount DaySpa Salon Boutique

Laura Dutka and Sarah Dutka www.paramountayspa.com

Black Fox Farm and Distillery

Barb Stefanyshyn-Cote www.blackfoxfarmanddistillery.com

HireProfile Consulting

Mubarka Butt www.Hireprofile.ca

Cadence

Rachel Drew & Rachelle Perron www.cadenceco.com

Honey Bun Cafe

Joscelyn Armstrong www.honeybun.ca

Drop Dead Gorgeous Day Spa

Bailey Kreuger www.dropdeadgorgeousdayspa.com

Wilton Academy of Music

Nicole Wilton www.wiltonmusic.com

Back2Nature Wellness & Adventures

Kyla Bouvier www.back2naturewellness.com

Kasm Consulting

Kira Blomquist www.kasmconsulting.com

Honey Cut Studios

Tara Mewis www.Honeycutstudios.com

Sutton Benefits & Pension

Andrea Hansen www.benefits.suttonplanning.ca

Champêtre County

Francine Edmondson www.champetrecounty.com

Bench Strength Marketing

Carla Trobak & Jill Sauter www.benchstrengthmarketing.ca

SaskMade Marketplace Emily Yan www.saskmade.ca

Fresh Dish Catering & The Avenue Room

Evelyn Reisner www.freshdishcatering.ca www.theavenueroom.ca

Real Canadian Property Management Professionals

Carla Browne www.professionals.realpm.ca

YXE Notary Nadine Rolph www.yxenotary.ca

Bill's House of Flowers

Jana Ellis www.billshouseofflowers.com

Essence Recruitment Inc. Tracy Arno www.essencerecruitment.ca

Kennedy Eye Clinic Dr. Courtney Kennedy www.kennedyeyeclinic.com

Handy Special Events

Juniper & Oak Consignments

Diana Pereira & Marion Ghiglione www.sohandy.com www.juniperandoak.ca

Verolingo Communications

Véronique Loewen www.verolingo.com

Local Flooring Group

Nicole Guerequeta www.localflooringgroup.com

The Prairie Grazer

Meghan Hawkins and Cristie Zyla www.prairiegrazer.ca

16 BUSINESS VOICE SASKATOON SPRING ISSUE / 2023

Stick & Stone Counselling Services

Chelsey Gareau www.stickandstonecounselling.com

Dynamic Agencies Ltd. Nahanni Dearing www.dynamicagencies.com

The Whole Heart YXE

Chelsey Danish www.thewholeheart.ca

Holly Decker Makeup Artistry

Holly Decker www.hollydecker.com

Cascade Communications Inc.

Jen Quesnel-Sutherland and Farha Akhtar www.cascadecommunications.ca

Infinity Events & Decor Colleen Shalley www.infinitymanagement.ca

Clarity Coaching & Development

Jolene Watson, Professional Speaker & Trainer www.jolenewatson.com

Joy PR Studio

Kimberly Joy Evans www.joyprstudio.com

Breck Construction

Bobbylynn Stewart www.breckconstruction.ca

Sixteen Safety Services Inc.

Andrea Crittenden www.sixteensafety.ca

Imagine That Media YXE

Staci Nahirney www.imaginethatsask.ca

Saskatoon Institute for Medical Simulation (SIMS)

Jan Hiebert www.sksims.ca

Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy & Compounding Centres

Medicine Shoppe #203 & Medicine Shoppe #421)

Courtney Junop medicine-shoppe.ca

The Sandbox in the City

Juanita and Megan Schindel www.thesandboxinthecity.com

Rock & Bloom

Heather Adams www.rockandbloom.com

Home Instead

Karen Charyna www.HomeInstead.com/3023

Twisted Goods Inc. Angelica Fehr www.twistedgoods.ca

Prairie Wild Consulting Lenore Swystun www.prairiewildconsulting.ca

Advanth LLP- Chartered Professional Accountants Fangliang (Linda) Yu www.advanth.com

Saskatoon Medical Arts Pharmacy

Brenda Yuzdepski

Awasis Boutique

Christine Marie www.awasisboutique.ca

Bill’s House of Flowers

Jana Ellis www.billshouseofflowers.com

RAW yxe Cosmetic Enhancement Clinic

Michelle Wilderman www.rawyxe.com

Hope Hair Recovery

Jennifer McCowan www.hopehairrecovery.com

Global Infobrokers Inc. Praxis School of Entrepreneurship

Monica Kreuger www.praxisschools.ca

Touchstone Development Corp

Denise Selby www.homesbytouchstone.ca

JOLENE WATSON

Professional

Creating Connections

(306) 220-0739

jolenewatson@live.com www.jolenewatson.com

NEWSMAKERS
These ladies mean BUSINESS!
As women achieve power, the barriers will fall. As society sees what women can do, as women see what women can do, there will be more women out there doing things, and we’ll all be better off for it.
Sandra Day O'Connor
17 BUSINESS VOICE SASKATOON SPRING ISSUE / 2023
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Autobody Bosses

The changing face of collision repair in Saskatoon

There was a time when women avoided going to the local autobody shop to drop off their vehicle let alone working in that industry. It was a male dominated field and women weren’t necessarily welcomed. Female customers felt inadequate and taken advantage of for not understanding technical automotive language. The few female employees in purely administrative roles contended with inappropriate images on the walls and derogatory comments. We’ve all seen and heard the stereotypes. That’s an image that the industry is working hard to repair.

Today, of the forty autobody shops in Saskatoon a dozen count women in leadership roles and the number of female journeyperson automotive technicians is on the rise. The three collision repair shops leaders featured here are proud to work in and promote their evolving industry.

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Image: Crystal Warlow of JoiPhoto

Chelsea Stebner

Parr Auto Body

The Managing Partner of Parr Auto Body, Chelsea Stebner, came to the industry early in her career. She grew up with a dad as a mechanic so automotive shops were a familiar environment. After graduating high school, she knew that university wasn’t likely for her so she started working in retail stores and took a business administration course. “I got involved in the industry by accident - pun intended,” says Chelsea. With her diploma in hand she got her first job in the industry in a collision shop providing administrative services.

“It was a steep learning curve the first year. I needed to understand the language, the parts, the repairs and the processes. And I quickly realized that at the end of the day it was all about customer service. Being helpful and showing kindness to customers at a pretty stressful time and understanding what the technicians and the entire team need to be effective and fulfilled in the shop.”

After a few years in the collision shop, she moved on to a short stint in an administrative role in government and realized that it was not for her. She eventually found herself back in a repair shop a few years later, this time at Parr Auto Body. She attributes her success in the industry to having a good mentor. Tom Bissonnette took her under his wing and encouraged her to take courses, learn on the job and continually grow. And when he retired, she was ready to become the company’s Managing Partner. Today, her focus on continuous learning is as strong as ever. “Our industry is always evolving and everyone on the team has to stay current. Cars are computers on

wheels today and the technical changes are constant, so training is definitely a high priority for our team. We don’t just focus on automotive training, we understand that people’s interests evolve so when employees ask for different types of development, we listen. For example one of our employees expressed interest in getting her business certificate, now she’s enrolled and we’re happy to support her with her studies,” explains Chelsea.

At Parr Auto Body Chelsea is creating a people focused culture. It means camaraderie within the team, treating everyone (including customers) like family and living their values of honesty integrity, safety, craftsmanship and community daily. She explains that along with her partners, she wants everyone within the team to know that they are valued. They want their customers to know that they care. She adds: “To achieve that, when we hire people, we of course look at their knowledge and experience, and we pay attention to their personality. Do they have traits that demonstrate their respect for people and their desire to help and constantly improve? Gender doesn’t really enter in the equation; we just look for good people. That’s how today nearly half of our team of 22 people are women, including six of our technical people such as our lead detailer, journeyperson collision repair technicians, parts and insurance liaison and others.”

“Really what’s important for us is that when people walk in the door, they see themselves represented in our team; they feel welcomed and cared for. And they know that we’re going to do our best to get them back on the road safely as quickly as we can. That’s how we change the image of our industry one collision repair at a time.”

20 BUSINESS VOICE SASKATOON SPRING ISSUE / 2023 COVER STORY
Image: Crystal Warlow of JoiPhoto
Really what’s important for us is that when people walk in the door, they see themselves represented in our team; they feel welcomed and cared for.
“ “
Chelsea Stebner, Parr Auto Body

Kim Kos Kavia Autobody

In 2006, in search of a Monday-to-Friday job she approached Raj Kavia then owner of the company.

“I felt welcomed in the shop every time I would stop by. I was a customer and Raj became a friend. One day I asked him for a job. I started as a parts person and eventually became part of the leadership team as the office manager. When Raj retired in 2019, I became one of the owners and the general manager. Late last year, we were acquired by the Auto-Canada group, it was a good opportunity. Now I still get to lead but we have AutoCanada’s network and comprehensive systems to keep growing and providing excellent service. It’s allowed me to have more balance between work and home with my husband and two children.”

Kim explains that the original owners were immigrants of East Indian descent originally from Africa. The Kavia family had left Africa and after a few years in Europe arrived in Canada in 1983. Having been in the automotive services industry since their days in Africa and after acquiring experience in innovative paint technologies while in Europe, they quickly opened a shop in Saskatoon. First on 11th Street and later, they built their state-of-the-art facility on 33rd Street. The shop organically became the go to for many immigrants and people of diverse backgrounds. The values of respect and trust is what attracted and retained customers and workers alike. “These values and our multi-cultural workforce continue to carry us today. We have the same expectations of everyone and we provide equal and fair treatment for all. It also means that we take time to educate our customers, in particular women and young people, about the repairs their vehicles need and the insurance process in non-technical terms,” says Kim.

At Kavia trust, equal and fair treatment also means that the pay structure is based on credentials and experience and that accolades are team based. “Everyone works together, helps each other, and owns and resolves mistakes together,” states Kim.

At the beginning diversity at Kavia was mostly ethnic, today it spans the full spectrum. Kim says, “The industry is changing. It’s not dirty, dusty and with heavy parts like it use to be. Today many parts are in aluminium, so lighter, and the work is more detailed and increasingly computerized. It means that the old excuses and stereotypes that people used to exclude women from that work are no longer valid.”

“The collision repair industry is creating jobs and women definitely belong here. There are jobs we didn’t envision years ago. For example, who knew that one day we’d need IT people to repair vehicles?!” exclaims Kim.

Kim’s team now counts 26 staff including eight of them women. She is proud to say that her latest apprenticeship recruit is a young woman who received the inaugural Kavia Scholarship at Saskatchewan Polytechnic for being at the top of her class as a collision repair technician. “It’s nice to see many women entering the industry on the technical side. This industry has a lot to offer in terms of job satisfaction, good salaries and opportunities for growth. When women see other women in this type of industry it opens their eyes to opportunities and that’s a good thing.”

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When you start out taking the Emergency Medical Technician training, then enroll in university to become an elementary school teacher and end up working in a home centre, there’s nothing that really prepares you for owning and managing an autobody facility. Yet today Kim Kos is the Collision Center Manager at Kavia Autobody.
The industry is changing. It’s not dirty, dusty and with heavy parts like it use to be.
“ “
Kim Kos, Kavia Autobody
Image: Crystal Warlow of JoiPhoto

Brittany Huber Dodge City Collision

For Brittany Huber with the new year came a new job title and responsibilities; on January 1, 2023 she became the Body Shop Manager at Dodge City Collision Centre. But don’t let her youth fool you, Brittany has a history of working in places that don’t often attract women.

She’s worked for an automotive parts supplier, in a cement company and for a wholesaler of safety, facility maintenance and industrial supplies. “I’ve never been afraid to try a new job, jump in a new industry and learn something new. I came to Dodge City five years ago as an office manager, then I became an assistant manager and today I manage the collision centre,” says Brittany with a smile.

Although she is the first woman to hold this position at Dodge City Collision, Brittany is quick to point out that within the Dodge City dealership women represent about 25% of the employees. Brittany explains, “Obviously we understand the benefits of having a diverse team and we want to attract women, but it’s not always easy when it is just plain hard to hire technicians overall. There’s a shortage of qualified technicians so I would encourage anyone to consider entering the automotive and collision repair industry.”

“We think of different ways to recruit and retain people in the industry. One of these ways is by offering training. Young people are often focused on growing their career, we offer them the opportunity to do that. Dodge City is also part of the AutoCanada group, it gives our people access to many opportunities for training and a vast network of industry people to learn from. Recently we started a group chat across AutoCanada’s operations dedicated to women. It allows us to not only talk about challenges but also brainstorm solutions to make our operations more welcoming and attractive for women and others.”

When talking with Brittany it is easy to see that she is determined and has a passion for her job. She talks about being focused on creating a culture built on respect for people, processes and procedures and attention to details. Asked about how women fit in her vision, she says that “Women need to understand that the road in this industry might not always be smooth because it takes time to change old habits; but it is truly rewarding and the key is to not quit. Although some people, men in particular, may be skeptical and doubt women’s ability and knowledge, women can rise above that. Here when someone questions one of our ladies’ repairs recommendations and asks to speak to the manager, they’re generally shocked when I walk in. It makes me laugh. Clearly, we still have a ways to go, but thanks to many women who are paving the way, like Chelsea Stebner, Kim Kos, and a few others, we’re making strides.”

22 BUSINESS VOICE SASKATOON SPRING ISSUE / 2023 COVER STORY
I’ve never been afraid to try a new job, jump in a new industry and learn something new.
“ “
Brittany Huber, Dodge City Collision
Image: Crystal Warlow of JoiPhoto

Womanly Totally Locally!

Every time we choose to shop, support and enjoy local, our dollars grow Saskatoon’s economy, create jobs and build a better quality of life for us all. According to Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan, in the province women-owned small and medium enterprises represent nearly 14% of businesses, contribute 26% of the total GDP and employ about 33% of Saskatchewan’s workforce. Accordingly, at Totally Locally women-owned businesses are well represented. In fact, in the Experts, Workout, and Goods sections of the YXE Market Hub website over half of the businesses featured are women-lead. One may argue that this level of representation may be due

to the specific categories in which more women may own businesses, but we beg to differ. The pets section features two women-owned services providers and women entrepreneurs are also well represented in the Eats and Outings sections. In fact there isn’t a single section without a woman-owned business. Clearly these women-owned businesses take their local promotion to heart and it would be great if as a community we took to heart to support them! Next time you’re looking for a locally owned venue for supper, for an activity to do with your family and friends, or for expert advice or services, check out www.totallylocally.ca!

CAMPAIGN 23 BUSINESS VOICE SASKATOON SPRING ISSUE / 2023

By all account, the construction industry is booming across Canada, including in Saskatchewan. It means that job opportunities abound at every level and in all areas of the trades. This bodes well for women in particular. Until recently the construction industry hadn’t been overly welcoming to women. In 2021, women were still vastly underrepresented at only 12% of the construction workforce in Canada (13% in Saskatchewan). And of the women involved in the sector, 76% of them worked in office support roles (61% in Saskatchewan). Further, depending on the trade women earned between 11% and 16% less than their male counterparts.

Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce member, Véronique Loewen, recently sat down with Bobbylynn Stewart, Chief Executive Officer of Breck Construction, for a Straight Talk on the participation of women in the construction sector.

Q: Have you noticed a change in the construction industry in terms of gender diversity?

A: There are encouraging signs that the industry is on the cusp of a significant shift. There is a growing focus on diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and organizations are becoming more aware of the data showing that companies with greater diversity in their leadership teams are more successful. However, while some progress has been made, women are still underrepresented particularly in leadership

Straight Talk with

positions. A study from 2019 showed that women represented only 4.5% of executive positions in the Construction industry in Canada. And in 2021 in Saskatchewan, women in the trades working on site represented only 6% of the workforce – that’s only 2,250 women out of 35,300 on-site workers. As the industry is facing a significant labour shortage with a large percentage of the current workforce set to retire in the coming years, women are increasingly recognized as an untapped talent pool to help to address this shortage.

Another reason for the ongoing evolution of the industry is that many of the large industrial and institutional clients are making diversity part of their selection criteria. I've seen some of these organizations set specific targets for the percentage of women on site if awarded a contract, or targets for spend with certified women-owned businesses. These measures are slowly encouraging the increase of gender diversity throughout the supply chain process.

Q: From your perspective, what are some of the issues that contribute to women remaining under represented in the industry and the barriers to entry that they face?

A: The industry has traditionally been male dominated, which has created a culture that is not always welcoming or supportive of women. Safety is always top of mind and that includes women feeling safe at work. Unfortunately, women may face bias and discrimination when applying

24 BUSINESS VOICE SASKATOON SPRING ISSUE / 2023 STRAIGHT TALK

for jobs or seeking promotions. They may also experience harassment, particularly if they are the only woman on a crew. Truly it all reflects the fact that there are still many stereotypes and misconceptions about the types of work that women are capable of or interested in. For example, there may be assumptions that women are not strong enough to perform physical labor, or that they are not interested in jobs that involve working with tools or machinery. I hear quite often that women won’t want to work in construction because of the hours, physical exertion, or the atmosphere. I have also heard that women aren’t suited for construction because they are more natural caregivers so they are better matched for roles such as nursing or teaching.

There’s also the fact that with few women in the industry, those who are interested in pursuing careers in construction may have difficulty finding role models or mentors for guidance and support. In addition to women experiencing isolation, this can make it challenging for them to navigate the industry and access opportunities for training and advancement.

The overall work environment can also be a challenge. For example it can be difficult to find women appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and they can have no choice but to wear standard PPE, when we all know that they do not fit women properly and that beyond discomfort, ill-fitting PPE can be putting them at risk of injury. Or women may have limited access to facilities such as bathrooms or changing rooms compared to their male counterparts.

But hey, it's not all doom and gloom! Things are starting to change, and companies are recognizing that they need to do better; there are more resources available than ever before to help women navigate the construction world. So don't worry, we're making progress!

Q: : Thanks for taking us through some of the challenges that women face in entering the industry. Before we go any further, tell us a bit about you and about Breck.

A: Well, my educational background is in government studies, specializing in privacy and access and I have a Master of Business Administration. Prior to taking the leap into construction, I worked in healthcare in the area of privacy and compliance. Breck has been in business for 20 years and I have been involved in the company for about 19 years, although my involvement was more peripheral in the early days. My husband, Royan, is Breck’s Founder and President and we own the company together. We have four children between the ages of 21 and 30 and they have all worked for us at one time or another but none currently. Our youngest daughter is currently studying business and has an interest in construction, but there is no pressure!

We have three operating companies under the Breck Construction Group of Companies – Breck Construction, Breck Scaffold Solutions (Ontario), and Systems Scaffolding (Regina). Currently, we have about 150 employees, but we have had up to 300 people depending on our slate of projects.

Q: When did you become Breck’s CEO?

A: : I became CEO on paper about a year ago. As the company’s majority owner, prior to being named CEO, I was doing the work but didn’t take the title. It was a decision that was a long time coming, in fact Royan and I were going to make the change about seven years ago, but at that time others in the industry warned us about making that move and encouraged us to keep Royan as the face of the business to ensure we would be taken seriously. Finally, last year, we decided that it might be somewhat hypocritical of us to promote gender diversity in the industry if we are not willing to take demonstrate it at the leadership level within our own organization.

Q: : Going back to the discussion about gender diversity, what are some of the measures that you are implementing at Breck to attract, retain, and promote women?

A: : DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) is one of our stated company values. We take steps to live up to it to ensure that it’s not just words on paper. For example, we ensure that women receive equal pay and we work closely with our union partners and other organizations to actively recruit individuals who are underrepresented in the construction industry and we take steps to ensure our hiring processes are inclusive and unbiased. We also provide specific training to our male employees on gender-specific issues and how they can be leaders in promoting diversity, such as the "Be More Than a Bystander" program. We adhere to a zero-tolerance harassment policy and train our supervisors to know how to effectively respond to incidents. We partner with industry organizations and associations, such as the Office to Advance Women Apprentices and Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology(SIIT) to promote gender diversity, and we are now an Employer of Choice through WBF (Women Building Futures). Our involvement with SIIT also includes scholarships for their Women in the Trades program. Finally, we prioritize working with diverse suppliers and subcontractors to engage with and support underrepresented communities in the construction industry. All of these measures are not only the right thing to do, they also make good business sense.

At Breck we’re working hard to move the needle although for now women only represent 25% of our management team. It’s better than the industry average but I know we can do better. We are recruiting more women into our organization so I am confident that we will see the number of women within our management team grow in the coming years. And we also regularly review our employee demographics to ensure we are tracking progress and identifying areas where we can improve, particular for the technical roles.

As you can tell, I’m a passionate DEI advocate; our team makes it a priority to ensure that all aspects of our organization, from recruitment and policies to procurement, promote and embrace diversity.

25 BUSINESS VOICE SASKATOON SPRING ISSUE / 2023 PROFILE STRAIGHT TALK

Women At The Top

According to the Government of Canada only 17% of Canadian small and medium-sized businesses are owned by women and in 2021 about one-third (35.6%) of management occupations, and 30.9% of senior management level positions were held by women. The statistics are trending positively as only 24.1% of leadership positions were held by women back in 2001. Sadly, we’re still a long way from the 47% women equity target at all organizational levels recommended by the Saskatchewan Human Rights

Sarah Buettner Saskatoon Club

Did you know that there are over 200 private clubs across Canada, including golf clubs? Only six percent of them are led by a woman - the Saskatoon Club is one of them.

Appointed as General Manager of the Saskatoon Club in 2021, Sarah Buettner is the youngest private club GM across Canada and the first woman in the Saskatoon Club’s 115 years history. Until 1989 women were not allowed to be members and it took another 15 years for the first woman, Shelly Brown, to be elected as Chair of the board of directors in 2004. In 2021, Crystal Dahl was the fifth woman to lead the board. That year the Saskatoon Club’s entire leadership was female with Crystal, Sarah, office manager Sandy McNiven and newly promoted to the position of Executive Chef, Dana Chadorf.

Sarah who grew up in watching her mom manage the Faculty

Commission based on the percentage of women available to work between the ages of 15 and 74 years old.

Women are still vastly underrepresented in many sectors and in leadership roles, yet there is hope as demonstrated by the women profiled in these pages. Whether they ascended to the top role after years in the corporate trenches or created their own path through entrepreneurship, they are paving the way across many industries.

Club at the University of Saskatchewan started her career in the golf and private club sector early while studying to obtain her business degree in marketing and a hospitality management diploma. Her work in private clubs took her all the way to British Columbia over the years, but she was delighted to come back to her roots in Saskatoon when the previous GM recruited her as his Assistant GM at the Saskatoon Club. Always the constant learner, as if life wasn’t busy enough at The Club and with a young family (she has two daughters, ages two and four), she is currently working on her Master of Business Administration.

Sarah is proud to say that the Saskatoon Club is one of the leaders in terms of women equity in the private club sector across the country, and she is also quick to point out that her focus is on member engagement. “Part of my role is to make sure that our Club offers what our members need and want and is reflective of the people of the community. Of course restoring and maintaining the building is important, but so is creating new spaces for our members to work and play, fostering partnerships with other groups and facilities and attracting and retaining members,” says Sarah.

Talking about attracting and retaining members and in particular women, Sarah explains that The Club hadn’t been at full capacity of members since 2007. “When I arrived in 2019 The Club had 500 members including 26 women. In the past year alone we’ve added 200 members and now count over 200 women, about a third of our membership. And we still have about 100 lifetime members - with over 25 years of membership and over 65 years old. We’re set to reach full capacity of members this year and then we will have a wait list,” Sarah adds.

Sarah concludes, “We’ve heard loud and clear what our members have been asking for – a downtown hub where the community is represented and they feel comfortable working and having fun. They want more opportunities to meet people and broaden their networks. They’ve told us that they want easy access meeting spaces, exquisite catering, well-equipped athletic facilities and plenty of events, including family friendly socials. We’re listening. We now offer over 250 member events per year and we recently opened the member only Upper Lounge Cask and Oak. We’re focused on offering a premium experience to our growing diverse membership.”

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Celina Philpot Conexus Credit Union

While Conexus Credit Union (Conexus) enjoys a strong recognition for its employment and support of women at all levels of the organization, until September 26, 2022 it had never had a woman as Chief Executive Officer. On that day, first generation Canadian (her parents immigrated from Portugal’s Azores Islands), Winnipeg native, wife, and mother of two teenagers, Celina Philpot earned the top job.

To say that she grew up in Manitoba’s Credit Union system is an understatement. Celina started as a Credit Union Teller at 19 years old where she continued working while going to university earning her Bachelor of Commerce. Since then, she hasn’t stopped learning; earning a project management certificate and an MBA, while developing on the job. She quickly moved from Teller to Loans Officer to Front Line Manager and taking on increasing responsibilities leading IT projects, administrative and strategic planning functions, marketing and sales teams until she reached the C-suite twelve years ago. She comes to Saskatchewan’s Conexus with over 25 years of experience in the Credit Union sector.

Celina’s quick to recognize that although financial institutions have always had a high number of women employees, it hasn’t necessarily been reflected in the leadership. “We

recognize that there’s still a gap with only about 44% of credit unions in Canada being led by female chief executives. And this is something we’re working on. It might take a few more years but with the efforts the industry is making in terms of mentorship, educational support and continuous dialogue, we’re making progress,” says Celina.

With 30 Conexus locations across Saskatchewan, branch managers leading these branches are made up of eight men and seven women. In Saskatoon, Conexus has three locations, with one of them being led by a woman. Within Conexus’ board of directors and executive management team, 50% of them are women. Celina explains that whether at the corporate office or at the local branch level, they are focused on their core business, being a financial institution that reflects the local communities and answers their needs. “If we’re focused on why we’re here, who we are and what our members and employees expect of us, we can’t help but move the needle on diversity, equity, and inclusion. It means that we’re offering an alternative way to bank that’s easy and convenient and that we support people through employment, training, and community investment. For example, even though we need to keep up with the constant pace of change and the evolving needs of our members, we can’t just keep advancing technology without making sure that we have ways to also support our members who might not be as tech savvy or have the latest devices. That’s the sort of thing that keeps me up at night.”

Discussing the advancement of women in the workplace, Celina remarks that there are still a lot of opinions around whether a women should work or stay at home. “While we are making progress, there’s still a lot of work that needs to be done. Our society still hasn’t come to terms with understanding that every woman is different, some thrive staying home and contributing to their household and the community that way, while others prefer to pursue a career. Working mothers are often criticized, and that creates guilt. There’s no reason a woman can’t have a career and a family if she chooses. Unfortunately, it’s that type of negative view of women in the workforce that can lead to unfair practices, such as lack of equal pay and advancement opportunities,” she says.

“In many organizations the old pay systems were built with inequity, but this is changing. At Conexus, our pay philosophy isn’t based on gender but rather on market competitiveness. This means that the pay scale is built around the job rather than around the individual. It means that if you’re a branch manager in a mid-size market you get paid the same as the next branch manager in a similar market size. That’s one way to bring equity in the workplace,” says Celina.

“Studies show us that diverse teams are more innovative, make better decisions, and are better equipped to serve diverse customer bases. Lots of progress is being made, and I’m proud to see this as it’s not just the right thing to do but a smart business decision,” Celina concludes.

27 BUSINESS VOICE SASKATOON SPRING ISSUE / 2023
PROFILE

Carla Browne

Real Property Management

Real estate and property management are related fields, however there are clear distinctions. Carla Browne’s career has involved both.

Real estate refers to the land itself, what grows or is built on it. Real estate is classified as residential (such as houses, condominiums, duplexes), rural (farms and acreages), commercial (shopping malls, apartments, office or industrial buildings) or lastly institutional (like churches, schools, hospitals or airports). The real estate industry refers to the people and organizations that buy or sell real estate or help others do so. Carla Browne started her work life in real estate in 1993. She obtained her Real Estate Licence and Broker Licence and eventually became the provincial Broker for six CENTURY 21 offices owned by Conexus Credit Union in Regina, Saskatoon, Moose Jaw and Prince Albert until these offices were sold. Her intimate knowledge of the real estate industry has been an advantage for what came next.

In 2013 she ventured into a property management franchise. Property management is the ongoing oversight of residential, commercial, or industrial real estate by a third-party contractor. There are clearly synergies within real estate and property management, and Carla has in-depth understanding of both. As the Broker of the Real Property Management Professionals office in Saskatoon and the President of the Canadian-wide organization with offices in Vancouver, she says, “people often have misconceptions about property management.” “Property management is not just fixing property issues and collecting rent. It’s more than that. It’s helping maximize property investors’ wealth through well-establish processes. It’s about helping people and working closely with both sides, the renters and the owners/investors. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, it meant being in constant communication with many renters who found themselves in difficult situations. We wanted to ensure they could continue to be housed. It required empathy in sensitive situations, while not neglecting property investors. I’m proud to say that we had less than 1% defaults during the pandemic. In property management the client experience is key, on both sides,” she explains.

Having responsibility for the Real Property Management Canada national brand, she has the opportunity to see the evolution of the industry across the country. “When I started in real estate and later in property management, there weren’t many women involved. The number of women has definitely grown over the years. It’s easier to attract people when they can see themselves already represented. It’s true for women and other underrepresented people. In our Vancouver office seven within a staff of eight are women and in Saskatoon we’re all women,” she says.

However, Carla explains that the number of women achieved in these two offices is less by design than it is by the desire to build an “A team.” She attributes the organization’s success to teamwork, a supportive and learning environment, a good measure of risk-taking, a strong focus on ethics and caring for people. “We have high standards. We want people who are detailed oriented and share our values. We know pretty quickly if someone will be a good fit within our culture and we address it right away. To reach our goals we have to all be pulling together in the same direction, it starts there. It just so happens that many of the people that meet our criteria lately have been women. But we want to attract all types of people. In Canada over 30% of people rent their home and many of them are single people, single mothers, young families and newcomers. That’s another reason to ensure that our employees and investors are diverse,” she adds.

The 2016 recipient of Canada’s Top 100 Elite Women in Real Estate, former Director of the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce as well as past Director of the Saskatchewan Landlord Association, and currently a Director of the Saskatchewan Real Estate Commission, Carla Browne ends by saying that the industry is growing, and she invites people to consider it as a career or as an opportunity to diversify their investment portfolio.

28 BUSINESS VOICE SASKATOON SPRING ISSUE / 2023 PROFILE

Andrea Crittenden

Sixteen Safety Services Inc.

“When you’re a Red Seal Journeyperson Construction Electrician with experience working in pulp and paper mills, and all types of construction sites, and that prior to entering the field of safety experience didn’t come easy given that the last four companies you contacted to get a job told you point blank that they don’t hire women or asked to “see your hands” as if that’s the determining factor for your ability to perform the job; when that happens, you create your own job,” says Andrea Crittenden with a wink.

Andrea started Sixteen Safety Services Inc. seven years ago, when her second child was just three weeks old. “I started taking safety training back in the early 2000’s when I was working for the pulp and paper mill in Prince Albert. Back then safety wasn’t quite as organized as it is today. I have to thank my old employer for providing me the opportunity to develop my career in that field. Now, safety is top of mind no matter which industry people work in. I started Sixteen Safety as a “side gig” but it quickly became my full-time work. My husband who co-owns the company, has always been supportive and behind the scenes from the start. He joined me full time in 2018.”

Today Sixteen safety offers a full suite of safety training options along with specific safety consulting and technical inspection services. In 2022, they hired 25 people, including 11 women and 16 self-declared Indigenous people. “I’m pretty proud of these numbers. Last year we also hired 16 people for one of our biggest projects to date, on that team there were 31% women and 92% Indigenous people. Our business is woman owned and certified Indigenous owned as my husband is Indigenous. I grew up in La Ronge where I was immersed in the Cree cultures. It’s important to Sean and me to be able to do what we can to support people from traditionally underrepresented groups in a lot of industries,” says Andrea.

Andrea explains that the safety consulting and training sector is growing and that there is an increasing number of women involved as independent safety consultants, but until recently there were only a few of them owning one of the six largest safety services providers in the province. Her counterpart recently sold her business, leaving Andrea as the only woman owner for that size of business. “I would encourage women to try this field of work. There are plenty of people willing to help them realize their potential. At Sixteen Safety Services, we are able, in some cases, to recruit people at an entry level and train them internally. It’s one way to experience the sector and learn skills that are in demand,” she adds.

Andrea attributes her success to the fact that she and her team walk the talk thanks to their extensive field experience. They have been in the trenches so they understand what people go through on the job. She explains, “We make sure that the content of our training is in synch with what people experience in the field, and that our services are the ultimate in safety. The services we provide may mean life or death for someone; we take it very seriously. We require our team members to be well-experienced and competent prior to being launched alone, to follow our systems and procedures, and share our values anchored in team work and respect for people. In this line of work, when what you teach can impact people’s lives drastically, we make sure that we hire people that show a high level of care, ethics and professionalism. Ultimately, we want to teach people that safety is number one at work and at home. You can’t do things right at work and then forget what you know when you’re working in your own backyard,” concludes Andrea.

29 BUSINESS VOICE SASKATOON SPRING ISSUE / 2023 PROFILE

Danielle Favreau Karnalyte Resources

Have you heard of the Wynyard Potash Project? Maybe not as the focus is currently on some of the major potash projects being advanced by some of the largest potash mining companies in the world right here in Saskatchewan. Yet, Karnalyte Resources is quietly raising capital and advancing the Wynyard Potash Project through a series of studies. At the helm of this junior exploration company is Danielle Favreau.

Danielle is Karnalyte’s Interim Chief Executive Officer. Since the fall of 2019 the company has been through multiple restructurings, laying off most of their team but retaining Danielle, formerly the Chief Financial Officer as its only employee. “On the organizational chart, it appears that I’m a one-woman show but in reality, we are a mighty team of seven core people and several others contracted for their particular expertise in engineering, exploration and mining techniques, legal and regulatory affairs, financial controls, and communication. Yet, I wear many hats, working closely with the board of directors and the technical teams, overseeing regulatory and government relations, raising capital, and advancing community engagement and our ESG strategy,” explains Danielle.

For the Saskatoon native, University of Saskatchewan accounting graduate, mother of two, who worked in public practice and with another junior exploration company prior to joining Karnalyte in 2015, the focus today is clearly on updating the bankable feasibility study (originally issued in 2011, and updated in 2012 and 2016) and advancing a project where ESG is embedded. “We received our environmental approval for the project back in 2013 and that’s still valid, but we need to update the technical report if we want to be in a position to be the next greenfield potash mine in Saskatchewan, and ESG is absolutely top of mind,” she says.

“On the ESG front, we have a solid project in terms of environmental footprint, we have plans to keep our greenhouse gas emissions as low as possible although we’re looking for alternatives to natural gas to further reduce our carbon emissions. We are proposing to build a solution mine,

which means no tailings or salt tails piles. On the DEI side, we are in the process of developing our policies in terms of diversity and inclusion, and our community relations plan. As a start-up with a small team, we’re spread pretty thin so building everything from the ground up takes time,” adds Danielle.

Danielle acknowledges that the investment community and the financial market regulators are pushing ESG and DEI forward. Many funding institutions are requiring publicly traded companies to report on these two fronts. “There’s definitely an important shift. When I think of women in the industry on the DEI front, I believe that amid the labour shortages the industry is facing that women must be part of the solution. The environment is becoming more welcoming for women. I certainly have benefited from this shift at many levels and in particular from within the industry. Many of the women already in leadership positions in the mining sector have reached out to me and been extremely supportive and helpful. It’s that kind of support that helps us all attract and retain women, and build a more inclusive industry,” Danielle concludes.

30 BUSINESS VOICE SASKATOON SPRING ISSUE / 2023 PROFILE
“ The environment is becoming more welcoming for women. I certainly have benefited from this shift at many levels and in particular from within the industry.
Danielle Favreau, Karnalyte Resources “

Chamber Pins & Pints Bowling

Tourney Presented By Saskatchewan Blue Cross

Saskatoon got to roll and rub elbows with businesses across the city at the Chamber's 1st Annual Pins & Pints Bowling Tourney.

Luncheon with The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources Canada

The Minister discussed his vision of the Canadian economy from his perspective as Canada’s Natural Resource Minister, and former Minister of Environment & Climate Change. He highlighted the work he is doing to engage all provinces and territories in discussions on the economic opportunities they want to leverage for the future.

OPEN CALL - Saskatoon LandGovernance and Options

An audit completed by PwC in 2017 raised several options around the governance model for Saskatoon Land and the potential to establish a Municipal Development Corporation in Saskatoon.

Members provided input as City Administration prepared its report to Saskatoon City Council.

31 BUSINESS VOICE SASKATOON SPRING ISSUE / 2023 HIGHLIGHT REEL
Chamber Happenings
Clae Hack CFO City of Saskatoon Mike Jordan Chief Public Policy and GR Officer City of Saskatoon

Chamber Happenings

PowerHouse Series

Decision makers. News makers. Business leaders. This series features those who are shaping our local and provincial economy.

Unpacking the Act with Hon.

Bronwyn Eyre

Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Honourable Bronwyn Eyre, talked through the purpose and

focus of The Saskatchewan First Act, including its implications for Saskatoon businesses, our economy and future

resource development. A following indepth Q&A session explored what the Act will mean for our city and province.

The Road to Rogers and Edmonton's Ice District

We connected with the experts who helped develop one of Canada's most successful arena/entertainment districts, from financing to design to construction. They answered our questions and explored ways Saskatoon's business community can lead the charge here at home.

Beyond the Ice!

While a conference centre is more unknown to the local community than a large arena with concerts and sports, the economic impact is significant, and the contribution to the local community is substantial. Discussed and discovered how the conference centre fits into the Downtown Entertainment and Events District, learning the features that will bring in MORE business to our community, and the potential with a new enhanced facility.

32 BUSINESS VOICE SASKATOON SPRING ISSUE / 2023
HIGHLIGHT REEL

PowerUP! Series

Power up with practical advice and resources to give you an edge in today’s competitive environment. This dynamic

Chamber Happenings

series features industry experts who provide real-world tips and tools to boost your business – right away!

expertise on Employer Branding: Providing a solution to the labour shortage.

Chamber Underground

If you’re a business owner or workplace leader, with business issues that are keeping you up at night, come underground and connect with people like you over wings and craft beer.

Lana

presented on the topic Business Owners: Transition from Operator to Owner. Lana uses her expertise to help business owners create strategies that are both healthy and sustainable. She teaches them how to empower themselves and their teams so they can reach new heights in their lives and businesses.

33 BUSINESS VOICE SASKATOON SPRING ISSUE / 2023
REEL
HIGHLIGHT
Sheppard from BizAcademi Larry Anderson from Chess Club and Shonna Caldwell from Insightrix teamed up to bring our members their

Chamber on Tap

Big Ideas. Lessons Learned. Advice from those who have started up and started over. It's all on tap in this series of social events where our business community comes together over cocktails to hear from our city's movers and shakers.

Chamber Happenings

34 BUSINESS VOICE SASKATOON SPRING ISSUE / 2023 HIGHLIGHT REEL
Veronique Loewen from Verolingo Communications was the special guest for February's Chamber on Tap. Darren Anderson from Love my Mind Initiative and Anderson Marketing Group was Chamber on Tap's special guest in April. Kurt and Rodelle Genoway from Hometown Homes shared a special night with Nadine Kanigan as the guests for March's Chamber on Tap.
35 BUSINESS VOICE SASKATOON SPRING ISSUE / 2023
Shaina Lynden Director Ryde YXE Cycle Studio Stephanie Clovechok Director Discover Saskatoon Louis Aussant Director aodbt architechture + interior design Claire Marentette Director PCL Construction Management Inc. JESSICA YACHYSHEN Director Stantec Consulting Ltd. Wanda Waldner Secretary National Bank of Canada Tammy Sweeney Director TCU Place TODD ANTILL Director NUTRIEN TREVOR JACEK Director Mid-West Group of Companies Joseph Gill First Vice-Chair McKercher LLP
Chamber Board of Directors: Working for You!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tanis Taylor Chair CCA Consulting Colton Wiegers Past-Chair Wiegers Financial & Benefits
PANTONE P 110-15C C85 / M30 / Y00 / B31 R00 / G107 / B157 #006B9D
Joel Pedersen Second Vice-Chair Fitness 2J2

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