STEPS FOR PROTECTING YOUR BUSINESS WEALTH
KEEPING SASKATCHEWAN WORKERS SAFE WITH MISSION: ZERO
WHAT’S IN YOUR WATER?
south sask
WORKPLACE
SAFETY
EDITION
CROSS BORDERS DRILLING
SASKATCHEWAN EXPERTISE FOSTERING A SASKATCHEWAN VISION
Southern Saskatchewan’s Trusted Ram Retailer
Promaster: All new for 2014 2
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
601 Albert Street Regina - SK, S4R2P4 Phone: (306) 525-5411 www.crestviewchrysler.ca
Best in class towing
RAM 1500: Leader in fuel economy BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
3
CONTENTS 16 10 Economics
Working Together, Planning Ahead
16 Management and
Gord Moker PHOTO Calvin Fehr
Human Resources
A 1998 report by SMARTRISK — a lead to injury. If we believe that injuries Promoting Mission: Zero in the Province, the ational organization that seeks to help are preventable and we believe in the Saskatchewan Compensation Board on Canadians manage the risk in their lives Workers’ Mission:Zero philosophy, we are well Mission: Zero, and Sherry the safety — revealed that Saskatchewan had the on the Knight road toonending our department provincial ountry’s highest overall injury rates, unintentional injury epidemic that is with 435 recorded injuries per day: one responsible for countless hours of pain Export and Trade njury every 3½ minutes. Planning Saskatchewan’s suffering. and Visionand Essential for” Oil and Gas Sector, and eath rate from preventable injuries was what makes Cross Borders Drilling successful SMARTRISK’s report estimated the hown to be 1.4 times that of the national cost of preventable injuries to the verage, and the injury hospitalization Science and Technology Saskatchewan economy at just under ate was twice the national average. Safe $600 million. When that amount is in Your Water? askatchewan attributes What’s the province’s indexed to today’s dollar value, and njury epidemic to cultural norms tracing when workers’ compensation, auto and ack to its agrarian roots. “PeopleProperties, accept other private disability costs (that weren’t njuries as a part of life in Saskatchewan,” included in SMARTRISK’s report) are Offices Interiors ays Moker. “There’s a philosophy of ‘getand added in, the annual cost to our economy er done’ at all costs, it seems, beenWinnona Meetthat’s realtor Johner is conservatively estimated at $1 billion. assed down.” “By working together in support of an Marketing afe Saskatchewan is aiming to create a injury-free Saskatchewan, millions of Howprevention to Handle thedollars Negative on Social ultural shift in which injury in health andMedia social costs will ecomes a core value in the mindset be saved, the economic environment f Saskatchewan residents andEducation with for business will be enhanced, and the askatchewan community leaders. quality of life for our province’s people Fostering Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Innovation There’s a plethora of injury hazards out will be improved,” says Moker. in Saskatchewan Youth here,” says Moker. “The one thing we A central step toward overcoming re working to change is the attitude that nfluences all the unsafe behaviours that the injury epidemic and facilitating
45
63
70 75
80
Cross Borders Drilling
49
SASKATCHEWAN EXPERTISE FOSTERING A SASKATCHEWAN VISION
82 Finance
Safeguarding Your Business Wealth
84 Law
Keeping the Workplace Safe: Privacy vs. Safety
T
hanging and don’t avoid answering. here’s not a business out there that hasn’t had an Also, monitor review sites like Yelp unhappy customer. And and TripAdvisor, and the discussions these days, because of social people have on social media on Twitter media, customers have ways to make and Facebook. It’s your reputation – BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH their unhappiness known far and wide. protect it. Anyone with a social media account or 2. React rationally. Don’t delete and don’t access to online review sites can let the ignore. Often, our first instinct when world know whatever they are unhappy dealing with a negative comment is to about. Sometimes, customers have every hit delete. Resist. Unless the comment reason to be unhappy and let people is profane, inflammatory or libellous, know what is going with a business in leave it there. Customers will react
4
who posted a complaint or a negative comment on social networking sites about their negative experiences, got a response from the retailer. And, from that, 18 per cent of them turned SASK into loyal customers and bought even more. 33 per cent of them turned around and posted a positive review after that, and 34 per cent of them deleted their negative review that they had left earlier.
86 Philanthropy Habitat for Humanity Gala with David Chilton
88 Leisure and Life Event catering, travel and beverages
WITH BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK EDITOR MICHELLE HATZEL
F
irst Word this issue belongs to worker safety, one of the most important concerns of the workplace in business and industry. The red Mission: Zero logo features prominently in these pages, profiling an initiative to raise awareness of safety in Saskatchewan. The Workers’ Compensation Board and partnering organizations are on a mission to decrease Saskatchewan’s incident rates to zero injuries, zero deaths. Read about some progressive business practices leading the way to zero injury as Saskatchewan gets on board with Mission: Zero. In the ongoing planning of regional economic development we learn about the process of growing healthy and strong communities. Paul Huber, associate publisher, draws attention to community safety, stating, “The development and expansion of industry in the province is a great thing, and our publication is working to promote and encourage conversation around any issues. Corporate social responsibility is an important part of this conversation.” To this end, we continue to look at some of the ways organizations work, donate and lead toward socially responsible initiatives in Saskatchewan. As stressed throughout the articles within, none of us works alone, and the success of any project depends greatly on those who work with us. This is also true for our newly retitled Business and Industry magazines. Joining the team late in this issue’s development, I’ve been given a humbling first lesson in seeing the tremendous effort it takes from the entire team to create this publication. I am honoured to write First Word, but the last word must be “thank you” to Associate Editors, Erin Legg and Sherry Lee, for their extensive work on this issue.
/ WELCOME / Business and Industry
The ultimate goal of this magazine is to help promote Saskatchewan business and industry so that our province can enjoy the kind of prosperity relevant to a progressive and forward thinking people. There is a common working attitude that, if you’re going to do something then do it well. This attitude is certainly appreciated in the province. Moving forward we can only hope that considerable planning and vision go into the development of our industries and economy so to make Saskatchewan the envy of the world for its efficiency and productivity. Associate Publisher Paul Huber 306.551.6632
paulh@bizmags.ca
south sask
VOLUME 2 ISSUE 3 Editor Michelle Hatzel Associate Editors Erin Legg, Sherry Lee Graphic Design and Layout Danielle Austin, DeAnne Bell, Elisa Malfitana, Lisa Redden, Natasha Burkholder Staff Writers Apolline Lucyk, Courtney Tait, Katrina Geenevasen, Rebecca Schneidereit, Tobie Hainstock, Tonya Lambert, Trina Annand Photography Cover photography courtesy of Cross Borders Drilling, Athabasca Basin Security, Calvin Fehr, Connie Cronin, Doug Sully, Greg Huszar Photography, Heather Fritz, Jay Trivedi, Ken McLennan, Magna Electric Corporation, McKercher LLP Barristers & Solicitors, Megan Antoniuk Photography, Mike Rao (Habitat for Humanity Regina), Nadine Peppler, PotashCorp, Risk Photography, RROC, The Futures Institute Contributing Writers Brook Thalgott, Laura Small, Michael Lieffers, McKercher LLP Barristers & Solicitors, Paul Huber, Phil Symchych, Sherry Knight, The Saskatchewan Research Council Advertising Consultants Brooke Watson Crystal Reich Jason Booker Randy Glascock Subreena Kaban
brooke@bizmags.ca crystal@bizmags.ca jason@bizmags.ca randyg@bizmags.ca subreena@bizmags.ca
Business & Industry South Sask is published four times a year. We reserve the right to edit any materials chosen for publication including photographs. We reserve the right to reject or accept any article, photograph, image or advertisement. All contents of Business & Industry South Sask is copyrighted 2013 with all rights reserved, except for original articles submitted to Business & Industry South Sask, where copyright resides with the author. No other part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of Business & Industry South Sask or its writers. The name Business & Industry South Sask, its logo and material cannot be reproduced without the written consent of the publishers. The views and opinions expressed in the expert advice columns herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Business & Industry South Sask or the companies it represents. The information contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavour to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act upon such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation.
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
5
Modernize your Office
With over a thousand stores worldwide, Parkland Carpet One not only has enormous buying power, but they have partners in all of the major brands, mills, and manufacturers. They’ve done the research for you. They offer the largest selection of carpet, hardwood, laminate, ceramic tile, vinyl, window coverings, area rugs and more.
1600–8th Avenue, Regina | 306.525.9125 www.parklandcarpetoneregina.com
EVENT CALENDAR Upcoming Conventions, Trade Shows, Workshops and Events
OCTOBER TO DECEMBER 2013
▶
OCTOBER 31
Breakfast with Champions
▶
University of Regina
NOVEMBER 11 TO 16
Canadian Western Agribition 2013 Evraz Place, Regina
NOVEMBER 4 ▶
NOVEMBER 4
See Your Future Education & Career Fair
▶
NOVEMBER 20 TO 24
101st Grey Cup Celebration Regina
Queensbury Convention Centre, Regina
▶
NOVEMBER 4 TO 5
Regional Planning Summit, “The Economic Case for Regional Cooperation” Ramada Hotel, Regina
▶
DECEMBER 3
NOVEMBER 11 – 16
Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Mixer 100 - 1919 Rose Street
NOVEMBER 20 – 24
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
7
WE HAVE YOU COVERED Come see our knowledgeable and friendly staff for all your technology needs. Motorola Commerical Two way radio services: Whether it’s across location or to a remote unit miles away, we have the solution for you. Authorized Telus and Koodo cellular dealer. Rural wireless internet service provider.
JOIN A GREAT TEAM!
Contact Derek at 306.634.9994 today. #1 1254 7th Street, Estevan, Saskatchewan 306.634.9994 | contact@signaldirect.ca
www.signaldirect.ca 8
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
Power Tech Industries Ltd.
Electrical services for oil fields, from battery construction and instrumentation, to general service and maintenance, gas detection, generator rentals, motor sales, VFDs, PLCs, and more! • Locally owned and operated • Well trained and qualified staff • 24-hour service • Visit us on the web www.powertech-industries.com
Power Tech Industries Ltd. 62 Devonian Street, Estevan
306.637.2180
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
9
[ ECONOMICS ]
Working TogeTher, Planning ahead: oPPorTuniTies in The regina region By ToBie HainsTock PHoTos coURTesy oF RRoc
S
askatchewan is a vast province with a highly diverse economy. With exciting recent developments in mining, oil, agriculture and business, we have been experiencing more growth in Regina and area than we have in the past one hundred years. It’s truly an exciting time to be living in southern Saskatchewan. With the rapid growth of our economy comes a number of questions from the people and businesses in the area: what are the challenges and opportunities? How can we prepare for
10
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
this growth? The Regina Regional Opportunities Commission (RROC) is facilitating a Regional Planning for Growth Summit that will examine these and a variety of other questions that citizens and business leaders are asking. The summit will take place on November 4 and 5 at the Ramada Hotel. According to Larry Hiles, president and CEO of RROC, regional experts will examine potential issues involved with rapid growth in the area. “At this time, the region’s ability to accommodate growth is limited at the rate we’ve been experiencing,” comments Hiles. “All of the municipalities in the south need to work together to come up with a proactive plan.” “Currently Saskatchewan has more than 800 municipalities with just over one million people. With the high growth that is taking place across the province, there are increasing provincial and federal government standards surrounding a number of issues such as environment and infrastructure,” states Hiles. “The ability of individual municipalities to afford the expense involved in meeting these standards is a challenge for many of them and speaks to the need to work together.” The Regional Planning for Growth Summit will examine the prospective growth and the effects it will have on the region. The focus will be on such topics as planning and development, infrastructure, finance, transportation and governance. This is a positive step toward building a proper framework in preparation of the expected upcoming growth.
Meeting together and making formal arrangements with other communities creates opportunity to identify common problems and find appropriate solutions; goals and opportunities can be addressed. This is already proving to be successful. Communities such as White City, Pilot Butte, Balgonie, and the RM of Edenwold are working together to develop their growth plans. By potentially sharing such facilities as water treatment, fire protection, transportation planning and recreation the communities are working together to accommodate the increasing demands of this growth activity. In the Moose Jaw-Regina Industrial Corridor, eight municipalities have come together to develop a long-term strategic plan for growth throughout this area. We can be confident that our future will be stable and well planned when communities and municipalities working together with a common purpose. For more information about the Regional Planning for Growth Summit visit www.reginaroc.com or call the RROC at 1.800.661.5099. You can also like RROC on Facebook, follow them on Twitter or connect with them on LinkedIn.
Hiles goes on to say there is a strong need for the all municipalities to work together.
“We need to be prepared for the growth to avoid a big economic boom and then crash.” That being said, Hiles also points out that, because of our diversity in business and industry, all the signals are present for this growth to last a long time. “We
are on the path of long -term sustainable growth, but we need to be prepared for that to happen successfully.” At this summit, business and industry leaders, city and rural governments and concerned citizens can plan together to ensure a healthy and sustainable growth. “It’s important for everyone in a region to have complementary plans,” adds Hiles. Doing this encourages the growth and development of new business and industry across the province.
ABOVE Larry Hiles, president and ceo of RRoc. Photo by calvin Fehr TOP Photo by ken McLennan MIDDLE Photo courtesy of RRoc FACING PAGE Photo by Greg Huszar
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
11
[ ECONOMICS ]
Coaching People to Reach Their Peak PETER NEUFELDT BELIEVES THE LEADER OF A COMPANY NEEDS THREE THINGS TO SUCCEED: VISION, STRATEGY AND EXECUTION. BY COURTNEY TAIT ABOVE PHOTO CALVIN FEHR
S
12
ince 1991, the president of Peak Performance Consulting — a management consulting, training and coaching firm — has been helping leaders grow teams and manage organizations, enabling them
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
to get the best out of themselves and everyone who works for them. “The quality of a business is the quality of its people, and how well they work as a high performance team,” says Neufeldt. “I help people to recognize their wins, identify challenges and
the international software company SAP. “Peter has provided excellent coaching and professional consulting services to me and my internal clients,” says Betty Rogers, administration division managing director of SAMA. “He uses effective questions to guide, challenge and support an individual as he or she progresses in their personal and professional growth.”
opportunities and then develop strategies to effectively meet those challenges.” With a master of social work degree and a range of experience in public sector management, human resources and business ownership, Neufeldt started Peak Performance with a comprehensive understanding of people, behaviour styles and leadership — each of which he applies to his coaching and consulting programs and workshops. One of these programs, Stages of Growth Curve X-Ray, centres on diagnosing the health of a client’s business through an x-ray model known as the “7 Stages of Growth.” Following the diagnosis, Neufeldt assists his clients in planning strategies and developing initiatives for their business and team’s next stage of growth. “You wouldn’t go to a doctor if there wasn’t a diagnosis before prescription,” says Neufeldt. “The coaching comes after this diagnosis. I coach clients on how to lead their teams to get the best out of each person so that they complement each other in their skills, knowledge and attitudes. This helps them to create a results-focused culture where people want to stay.”
Andrew Kolbeck, general manager of CMI Terminal JV is a leading grain and oilseeds marketer and handler who credits Neufeldt’s several years of coaching for the CMI team’s high performance ranking; in 2012 the company broke sales and handling records, with revenue in excess of $21 million. “CMI JV staff are very excited about these rankings,” says Kolbeck. “As a result we have become even more motivated to succeed and build a great company together.” Along with Stages of Growth, Peak Performance programs include High Performance Leadership, Maximum Achievement, Time Management for Results, Innovation and Strategic Thinking, and Conflict Resolution and Negotiating Skills. “Helping people to grow is really what sets me apart — both helping leaders to grow, and helping leaders to grow their people,” says Neufeldt. “My clients say I give them a new perspective on the way they approach their business.” Peak Performance Consulting 201-2161 Scarth Street, Regina 306.790.4570 peter@peakperformanceconsulting.ca www.peakperformanceconsulting.ca
MAIN PICTURE Peter Neufeldt
Neufeldt works with everyone from solo entrepreneurs and non-profit organizations to corporate companies. He offers both one-on-one and team coaching, tailoring his services to fit individual needs. Peak Performance clients include The Hill Group of Companies, Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency (SAMA), CMI Terminal JV, Regina Chamber of Commerce, and
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
13
[ ECONOMICS ]
Colt ElECtriC riding HigH By Courtney tait Photos By risk PhotograPhy
F
our years ago, Shylo Claypool — a well-known rodeo competitor and journeyman electrician — saw the need for an electric company that could service the residential, commercial, industrial and farming sectors in the Regina area. In the fall of 2009, Claypool and his wife JoLeigh launched Colt Electric, with offices in Regina and Indian Head. The company has seen 100 per cent growth each year since their founding, establishing a strong reputation for excellent service and a diverse skill set in the electrical trade. With over a decade of electrical experience in a variety of fields, Claypool brings a comprehensive knowledge base to every job. Colt is a preferred vendor
14
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
for the Regina location of Halliburton — one of the world’s largest providers of products and services to the energy industry. The company has also worked on several projects with Cross Borders Drilling, a leading service provider. “We have been very impressed by Colt Electric,” says Jared Mills from Cross Borders Drilling. “They get the job done, with expertise in mobile power supply, installation and sizing of generators, pump reactions, and rig wiring and service. They set high standards for safety, do their homework and play by the rules. We’re happy to be associated with Colt Electric.” Working alongside Cross Borders Drilling, Colt has been involved with
Potash Projects for BHP Billiton, a leading global resources company. Colt planned and developed for the Young Hydro Geological Drilling Program in Saskatchewan. A 125 horsepower pump was submersed 300 meters down a hole to pump 1100 gallons of water per minute. The Alberta generator was one of just two of its kind in Canada. “The moment the water was flowing out of the hole, there were smiling faces and hand shaking,” says Claypool. “This was the first well of its magnitude in Western Canada.” Saskatchewan’s natural resource industry and the farming sector continue to grow, raising the demand for multi-faceted companies like Colt. “We strive to
help farmers protect their investment, running efficient power distribution to aeration fans, and providing state-ofthe-art technology solutions such as wireless video surveillance and wireless grain storage monitoring systems,” says Claypool. The Colt team is willing to travel to rural and remote areas to meet its customer’s needs. Colt’s Regina location gives them access to a range of specialists based in the city. The company offers its services throughout Saskatchewan, with competitive rates. “From a house to a farm to an oil rig, we offer 24-hour service,” says Claypool. Many of the company’s journeymen and apprentices come from agriculture backgrounds, enabling them to serve their farming
clients with a solid understanding of the industry. Colt has built lasting relationships with several businesses, continuing their service work after the initial job is finished. “Colt Electric was the electrical contractor for the building of our upscale pub,” says Chad Zipchian, owner of Birmingham’s Vodka & Ale House in Regina.
“They met all our time requirements and budget, and were excellent to deal with.” The company’s proximity to the oil and farming sectors along with local
businesses and residences provides the foundation to continue expanding their client base. Claypool welcomes customers from across the province to call on Colt for service.“The future is bright in Saskatchewan,” says Claypool. “We’re glad to be a part of it.”
Colt Electric Indian Head 306.660.7712 Regina 306.551.3773 www.coltelectric.ca
FACING PAGE shylo Claypool at katepwa Lake in the Qu’appelle Valley THIS PAGE CLOCKWISE young hydro geological Water Well Drilling, young, sk; innisfail Pro rodeo; Delage Farms, indian head
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
15
[ MANAGEMENT/HR SAFETY ]
PROMOTING MISSION:ZERO IN THE PROVINCE A logo is appearing throughout Saskatchewan. On television, in magazines, on vehicles and in newspaper ads, a red circle with white lettering is getting noticed by residents all over the province. The words spell Mission:Zero. The message? An injuryfree Saskatchewan — at work, at home, at play, on its farms and ranches and on its road system — in which the only acceptable number of injuries is ZERO. 16
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
Gord Moker PHOTO Calvin Fehr
BY COURTNEY TAIT
T
he Mission:Zero logo was adopted from WorkSafe Saskatchewan — the partnership between the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board and the Saskatchewan Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety — in 2009 by Safe Saskatchewan, a notfor-profit organization that aims to raise awareness of the province’s unintentional injury epidemic and coordinates provincial injury prevention initiatives. “Our belief is that no one has to suffer from a preventable injury,” says CEO of Safe Saskatchewan, Gord Moker. Supported by a consortium of 12 strategic partner organizations, Safe Saskatchewan is unique in that its partners span the public, private, cooperative and not-for-profit sectors. “We have senior managers appointed from our strategic partners who are on our board of directors,” says Moker. “With that level of leadership comes influence through their organizations and partnership networks.”
A 1998 report by SMARTRISK — a national organization that seeks to help Canadians manage the risk in their lives — revealed that Saskatchewan had the country’s highest overall injury rates, with 435 recorded injuries per day: one injury every 3½ minutes. Saskatchewan’s death rate from preventable injuries was shown to be 1.4 times that of the national average, and the injury hospitalization rate was twice the national average. Safe Saskatchewan attributes the province’s injury epidemic to cultural norms tracing back to its agrarian roots. “People accept injuries as a part of life in Saskatchewan,” says Moker. “There’s a philosophy of ‘get ‘er done’ at all costs, it seems, that’s been passed down.” Safe Saskatchewan is aiming to create a cultural shift in which injury prevention becomes a core value in the mindset of Saskatchewan residents and with Saskatchewan community leaders. “There’s a plethora of injury hazards out there,” says Moker. “The one thing we are working to change is the attitude that influences all the unsafe behaviours that
lead to injury. If we believe that injuries are preventable and we believe in the Mission:Zero philosophy, we are well on the road to ending our provincial unintentional injury epidemic that is responsible for countless hours of pain and suffering.” SMARTRISK’s report estimated the cost of preventable injuries to the Saskatchewan economy at just under $600 million. When that amount is indexed to today’s dollar value, and when workers’ compensation, auto and other private disability costs (that weren’t included in SMARTRISK’s report) are added in, the annual cost to our economy is conservatively estimated at $1 billion. “By working together in support of an injury-free Saskatchewan, millions of dollars in health and social costs will be saved, the economic environment for business will be enhanced, and the quality of life for our province’s people will be improved,” says Moker. A central step toward overcoming the injury epidemic and facilitating
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
17
1=
one injury every 3½ minutes
change in attitudes toward injury has been the Saskatchewan Health & Safety Leadership Charter which is managed by Safe Saskatchewan. Comprised of seven principles, the Charter is a public commitment made by government, business, union and community leaders to advance health and safety in and away from the workplace, and work towards establishing injury prevention as a core value. Currently signed by 341 leaders in the province, the Charter’s tenets include subscribing to the principle that nothing is more important than the health, safety and well-being of employees, contractors, clients, customers, visitors and the surrounding community. It asks that its signatories integrate health and safety into business strategies, processes and performance measures, and that they manage health and safety risks by eliminating, minimizing or controlling hazards. With the goal of continuously
18
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
improving health and safety strategies, programming and performance, the Charter also promotes participation within a health and safety leadership learning community, by providing and receiving information and best practices. Becoming a Charter signatory provides the opportunity to join in the leadership of creating a safer Saskatchewan and supporting the vision of an injuryfree Saskatchewan. Signatories help to position injury prevention as a core value, enhance engagement with employees, and contribute to reducing the cost of injuries to the province. In signing the Charter and the Partnership Agreement for Mission:Zero, signatories are entitled to use and endorse the Mission:Zero logo — with the intention to encourage change in culture, thought and behaviour to bring about an injury-free Saskatchewan. “In many cases, leaders have framed both the Charter and the Mission:Zero Partnership Agreement,
435
recorded injuries per day
and they are proudly displayed in their offices,” says Moker. Charter signatories gather annually at a Leadership Forum to discuss their progress, success and outcomes regarding injury prevention and promoting a healthy workforce. The 5th Annual Saskatchewan Health & Safety Leadership Charter event is being held at Conexus Arts Centre in Regina on Thursday, June 12, 2014. Saskatchewan community leaders can join the Health & Safety Leadership Charter by contacting Safe Saskatchewan to indicate interest in signing the Charter. “We want to maintain the momentum,” says Moker. “If people start to recognize, identify with and embrace Mission:Zero, we feel we are well down the road to cultural transformation.” Safe Saskatchewan 306.352.3810 info@safesask.com www.safesask.com
KEEPING SASKATCHEWAN WORKERS
SAFE
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
19
[ MANAGEMENT/HR SAFETY ]
There’s a little red dot with the words Mission: Zero showing up on more and more work vehicles around the province, but what does it mean?
MISSION: ZERO “Mission: Zero is a call to action,” says Peter Federko, the CEO of The Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board. “It’s a call to all of us to live and work safer in this province. To adopt ‘zero injuries, zero fatalities, zero suffering’ as a goal.” BY APOLLINE LUCYK PHOTOS GREG HUSZAR PHOTOGRAPHY
T
he Mission: Zero initiative came about in 2008, and is being adopted by organizations across the province who are all committed to making Saskatchewan safer and improving Saskatchewan’s current ranking of second-worst in Canada for workplace injury. “It’s not a statistic any of us are proud of,” says Federko. “In our strategic planning session we were talking about creating some urgency, a call to action that might inspire others and cause the injury reduction to happen quicker.” He explains that within the meeting, they discussed potential target numbers, and questioned how far they could push the rate down, and concluded that “at the end of the day, how could any of us
20
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
in good conscience say that any number is acceptable if this was our spouses, our partners, our brothers, our sisters, our friends?” It was thus that they settled on the target from which Mission: Zero was born: “zero injuries, zero fatalities, zero suffering.” Mission: Zero has proved very beneficial for Saskatchewan’s injury rate so far: “Our statistics show that employers who embrace Mission: Zero and commit to the Health and Safety Leadership Charter (formed in 2010) have better injury statistics than those who have not,” attests Federko. It is WorkSafe Saskatchewan’s belief that all workplace injuries are predictable and preventable. WorkSafe Saskatchewan offers training and support to help
employers and workers develop workplace health and safety programs with the goal of preventing, and eliminating workplace injuries and fatalities.
Why is Mission: Zero important for Saskatchewan Businesses? Alongside its employee benefits, Mission: Zero has also proved very beneficial for Saskatchewan businesses. It is more costeffective for an employer to maintain staff than recruit new staff. So it makes sense to invest in injury prevention. As Steve McLellan from the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce comments, “not only does an injury cause pain and discomfort, it also costs money and time, and costs the companies productivity.”
Preventing injuries saves money. Companies don’t have to re-hire and retrain new staff. Safety improves morale. In addition to the cost of the injury, there is often equipment damage when there are injuries. Investing in injury prevention, training for hazard identification and eliminating hazards before there are injuries is smart business. The team at WorkSafe Saskatchewan “have increased awareness for workplace and offwork safety, and have created an enhanced culture of safety,” says McLellan. “Less people are injured and more people are consistently in the workplace, which is very positive for the individual and the workplace.” “Mission: Zero represents an action that presents the single largest opportunity to improve the life and economics of this province, because we can save money, and we can save the pain and anguish that are caused by unintentional injury,” says Federko. “And while WorkSafe is very much focused on eliminating injuries that happen at work, the same is true for injuries that happen outside of work.” “We need to recognize that these injuries are preventable and that it is within our ability or those around us to eliminate them,” says Federko. “It is truly a change in mindset. For whatever reason, we in Saskatchewan seem to have the propensity to accept that injuries are inevitable, a cost of doing business. So what our campaigns, what our strategies and plans are centred around is the change of that cultural belief.”
SAFE WORKER AWARD 2013 Winner: Finalists:
2012 Winner: Finalists:
Carey Gleason - Terry Ortynsky Royal Ford Sales, Yorkton Calvin Greenstein - Novozymes BioAg Ltd. Darren Soyka - Mosaic Potash Leeanne Koshykowski - River Heights Lodge, North Battleford Raymond Campbell - City of Swift Current Randall Getz - Quorex Construction
SAFE EMPLOYER AWARD 2013 Winner: Finalists:
2012 Winner: Finalists:
Articulate Masonry, Prince Albert Titanium Tubing Technology Cenovus International Road Dynamics K-Line Maintenance & Construction Ltd., White City EMW Titanium Tubing Technology
Provincial Chamber of Commerce’s Involvement The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce has been very supportive of Mission: Zero, and has implemented a number of initiatives into their organization in support of Mission: Zero. “For our APEX awards, the largest business awards in the province, we ask businesses as part of the nomination criteria to show us their safety plans to ensure that they have one,” says Steve McLellan, the CEO of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber has also implemented Mission: Zero into their everyday routine. “At the beginning of all of our board meetings, we do a safety briefing, so that we know that all the people in the room or on the phone, or by video conference are safe in the environments they are in. It’s a reminder that we’re conscious of their
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
21
Injuries causing a time loss claim have dropped by approximately 30 per cent.
30%
safety, and when they leave that meeting, we want them to carry that message forward,” says McLellan. Both McLellan and Federko stress the importance of implementing safety reminders into the everyday business routine, to raise awareness about the importance of workplace and off-work safety.
Provincial Safety Associations Mission: Zero has also been adopted as a mandate for safety associations across the province. One such safety association is the Saskatchewan Motor Safety Association (MSA). Founded in 1997, the Saskatchewan Motor Safety Association provides safetyrelated advisory and training services
22
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
to both employers and workers in an attempt to proactively reduce the number of injuries in the C6 industry group Rate Codes. Marty Cobb, the executive director of the MSA confirms that the MSA has adopted Mission: Zero and endorses it to its members through member visits, during training workshops, through webinars, and on their website. “The MSA has also partnered with Safe Saskatchewan to provide a leadership breakfast meeting for their members in Regina, and plan to host one in Saskatoon as well,” Cobb says. “We are also involved with the various Industry Associations under our membership, communicating safety bulletins, participating in their safety committee meeting, and helping
17%
Number of employees working in our industry has grown by approximately 17 per cent.
them along the path of building a positive safety culture for our Industry and Province.” Cobb says that the MSA has recognized a great improvement in injury prevention over the past five years in the Saskatchewan Motor Industry. “When comparing year end 2007 to year end 2012, the percentage of injuries causing a time loss claim have dropped by approximately 30 per cent. In the same time period, the actual days lost due to an injury in the workplace has dropped by approximately 12 per cent, while the number of employees working in our industry has grown by approximately 17 per cent,” remarks Cobb.
Time loss injury rate in Saskatchewan has dropped
43.6%
“It is our belief that the positive results are not due only to the MSA’s efforts but also due to the efforts of our members, partnerships with various industry groups, Work Safe Saskatchewan, Safe Saskatchewan as well as other safety associations working together with the common goal of making Saskatchewan a safer place to work and live,” reflects Cobb. There are many other safety associations across the province who have adopted Mission: Zero, helping employers and employees remain safe. Other important safety associations include Safe Saskatchewan, a private-sector, publicsector coalition dedicated to reducing
unintentional injuries across the province both at work and at home, and ENFORM, which is the Safety Association for Canada’s Upstream Oil and Gas Industry.
Looking towards the Future: WorkSafe Saskatchewan and Mission: Zero have already had a positive impact on the rates of injury in Saskatchewan. Since the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board and the Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety formed WorkSafe Saskatchewan in 2002, the time loss injury rate in Saskatchewan has dropped 43.6 per cent.
80%
of Saskatchewan employers achieve Mission: Zero annually
Every year since the launch of Mission: Zero in 2008, approximately 80 per cent of Saskatchewan employers achieve Mission: Zero annually and more and more business are implementing safety solutions all the time. However, Federko stresses that Saskatchewan is still not quite where we want to be in regards to workplace injuries. Now is the time to adopt Mission: Zero into your daily life, at work and at home. Saskatchewan is continually becoming a better, safer place to live, but safety remains as important now as ever. No one can keep us safe unless we are protecting ourselves.
“We need to recognize that these injuries are preventable and that it is within our ability or those around us to eliminate them,” says Federko. “It is truly a change in mindset. For whatever reason, we in Saskatchewan seem to have the propensity to accept that injuries are inevitable, a cost of doing business. So what our campaigns, what our strategies and plans are centered around is the change of that cultural belief.” – Peter Federko BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
23
[ MANAGEMENT/HR SAFETY ]
1M
MTM group is approaching ONE million man hours without a lost time injury for 2013
Expertise and Safety On and Off the Field: Thyssen Mining Construction of Canada BY REBECCA SCHNEIDEREIT PHOTOS CALVIN FEHR
Thyssen Mining Construction of Canada Ltd.’s roots lie in 1870s Germany; when they established themselves in Saskatchewan in 1964, they possessed decades of insight. The ground-freezing techniques which made Thyssen Mining’s parent business — Thyssen Schachtbau — a coal leader have proved ideal for Saskatchewan’s potash.
2M
The corporation is nearing TWO million man hours without a lost time injury for 2013
T
hyssen Mining is now “Saskatchewan’s largest mining contractor,” says safety manager Dave Speerbrecker. In locations spanning North America, Thyssen Mining provides services in every aspect of mining from raise boring to shaft sinking. “Our largest labour pool is in Saskatchewan,” where local operations harvest resources like potash and uranium. Globally, Thyssen Mining is connected to numerous joint ventures and sister corporations. One such partnership is Associated Mining Construction Inc. (AMC), initiated by Thyssen Mining and Redpath Mining. “AMC assists potash customers with expansions and shaft sinking.” ABOVE L-R: Jason Bubley, Curtis Stewart
24
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
Equally successful is Mudjatik Thyssen Mining (MTM), Thyssen Mining’s partnership with Mudjatik Enterprises (“a conglomerate of Northern bands working together,” explains Thyssen’s Kim Ebert). Through MTM, “We have a long term relationship with the First Nations,” Speerbrecker says. “We try to maintain the highest possible percentage of First Nations in our workforce.” There are approximately 900 employees at Thyssen Mining, all who benefit from the company’s safety regulations, as do the 850 employees at other joint ventures. “[It’s a] moral obligation to provide a safe workplace,” says Speerbrecker. Safety begins with training, but many precautions exist in the field. The company’s on-the-job assessments remove guesswork from safety regulations protecting staff; mentoring systems have also been instituted. Many recent hires, Speerbrecker notes, are “assigned with a more experienced [worker]” to ensure training translates to daily tasks. Thyssen Mining’s inclusion in the Saskatchewan Health and Safety Leadership Charter formalized the company’s emphasis on safety. “We’ve been recognized with the Saskatchewan Mining Association for our safety performance,” notes Speerbrecker, who recently oversaw a safety video, shot for internal screening, concerning the company’s most recent lost time injury. “We’re always looking for innovative ways to emphasize safety.” Statistics confirm Thyssen Mining’s culture of safety. “Our MTM group is approaching one million man hours without a lost time injury for 2013,” says Speerbrecker; the corporation itself is nearing two million (likewise in 2013). Thyssen Mining’s raise boring methodology enables them to avoid open raise work, says Spreerbrecker. ”Removing workers from danger is the ‘hierarchy of [hazard] control’s’ first item – ‘eliminate’,” he explains. “Minor changes and improvements to mining equipment designed for use in many facets of mining can reduce vibration, noise exposure and diesel particulate matter, and increase operational ease for crews. We’re innovative with equipment. These innovations may not be visible to the eye, but they impact miners’ health and wellbeing.”
TOP L-R: Dave Speerbrecker, Rene Scheepers, Gord Moker (Safe Saskatchewan) BOTTOM L-R: Jason Bubley, Curtis Stewart
900 + 850 = 1750 Thyssen & MTM employees
individuals who benefit from the company’s safety regulations
Other joint venture employees
Many employees find co-workers become a secondary family to each other, says Speerbrecker. Thyssen Mining makes frequent philanthropic donations, and workplace camaraderie is also applied generously. “Probably every other month, we have a barbeque,” funding varied causes and charities. Furthermore, “We volunteer with the Mine Rescue Competition,” Speerbrecker notes; MTM personnel compete on the local teams. “We want to make sure we support them, and give employees an opportunity to participate in a program that can provide great emergency support.”
Nearly 50 years since Thyssen Mining’s emergence in Saskatchewan, clients recognize the company’s expertise and integrity. “They appreciate our focus on safety [and that] we focus also on staying on schedule and on budget,” says Speerbrecker. Thyssen Mining’s work may be concerned with treasures hidden underground, but their professional excellence is clear to see on the surface. Thyssen Mining Construction of Canada P.O. Box 1997 2409 Albert Street North, Regina 306.949.6606 www.thyssenmining.com info@thyssenmining.com
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
25
[ MANAGEMENT/HR SAFETY ] In 2010, one in every 68 workers in the country was injured while on the job
An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable device that checks the heart rhythm. If needed, it can send an electric shock to the heart to try to restore a normal rhythm.
Helping to Keep Saskatchewan’s Workers Safe BY TONYA LAMBERT PHOTOS MEGAN ANTONIUK PHOTOGRAPHY
H
uman Resources and Skills Development Canada notes that in 2010, one in every 68 workers in the country was injured while on the job, with the highest rates of injuries for 2008 being reported in the construction and manufacturing industries. Whether you work in an office or construction site, in a restaurant or on an oil rig, worker health and safety should always be a primary concern. Zee
26
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
Medical in Saskatoon has the products and the knowledge to help lower the number of injuries in your workplace. Zee Medical in Saskatoon is part of a North American-wide company with over 50 years in the business. For over 30 years, Doug Agnew and his staff at Zee Medical in Saskatoon have been supplying companies across the province with first aid and safety supplies and training.
Businesses sometimes make the mistake of assigning workplace safety to an individual employee, who not only does not possess the necessary expertise but also has numerous other tasks to perform. This can lead to problems like not having aid and safety supplies when they are needed. Doug and his team at Zee Medical evaluate the safety needs of each business and tailor a package to meet those needs. They, then, replenish those supplies and equipment on a regular basis to ensure that everything is up-to-date and on-hand when required. The experts at Zee Medical also provide training in the use and maintenance of the safety equipment, such as Automated External Defibrillators or AEDs. Leaving workplace safety in the hands of experts, like those at Zee Medical, saves lives and money. Having the appropriate safety equipment on-site reduces both the number and the severity of on-the-job injuries — injuries which cost employers millions of dollars annually in lost time and productivity. Purchasing a customized package from Zee Medical also saves companies money by limiting expenditures to only the safety equipment needed for their particular type of business. As companies grow and expand, adding new products or processes and more staff, Zee Medical adjusts their first aid supplies and safety equipment to match these changing demands. This is vital to workplace safety, and something which is often overlooked when safety needs are left to non-experts. Zee Medical in Saskatoon services the entire province of Saskatchewan. Sales representatives cover every area of the province, visiting the companies in their region on a regular basis to ensure that the first aid and safety equipment at a site meet that business’ current needs. No matter what the size or nature of your business, Zee Medical can meet your safety requirements. You are in good hands with Zee Medical. Zee Medical 12-3111 Millar Avenue, Saskatoon 306.933.4681 1.800.465.8777 zeemedical@sasktel.net www.zeemedical.com
STAFF PHOTO L–R Doug Agnew, owner; Darcy Leffler, sales rep; Gord Sharp, sales rep; Brenda Agnew, office manager; Wayne Gerbrandt, sales rep; Ron Hoffman, sales manager
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
27
[ MANAGEMENT/HR SAFETY ]
Keeping Our Industrial Sites Safe and Secure Athabasca Basin Security (ABS) provides security solutions and personnel specifically for large industrial operations. Since opening in 2002, ABS has amassed an impressive list of clients: Mosaic, AREVA, Conoco Philips, Japan Canada Oil Sands, BHP Billiton, PotashCorp and Cameco. Indeed, this list reads like a roll call for the oil and gas and mining industries. By TOnyA LAMBERT PHOTOS COuRTESy OF ATHABASCA BASIn SECuRITy
A
thabasca Basin Security was started to support the mining sector in northern Saskatchewan. It is part of Athabasca Basin Development, a company owned by seven First Nations communities in the Athabasca Basin.
Presently, ABS provides security for sites in Saskatchewan and Alberta, with a head office in Saskatoon and regional office in Fort McMurray. The company is preparing to expand into B.C., Manitoba and Ontario, as well. The company has grown nearly threefold in the past
two years alone, and currently has 140 security personnel and paramedics. Every ABS security professional undergoes a comprehensive 40-hour training course. Employees receive both general and site-specific security training. In addition, all ABS employees have their driver’s licenses and are trained in first aid. Further training in medical and security procedures is provided according to the needs of the contracting company. ABS employees are trained to keep people, information and property safe and secure. ABS is committed to its employees and to hiring locally whenever possible. Offering employees competitive wages and benefits, comprehensive training and a great work environment results in a very low turnover rate. This means that the companies which hire ABS to provide their security are getting a reliable, experienced workforce.
ABOVE L–R Sascha Sasbrink Harkema, director of operations; Ron Hyggen, CEO; Rod Genest, HSE manager; Claire Venne, accounting; Eric Tang, human resources manager; Corinne Greyeyes, office administrator PHOTO by Heather Fritz
28
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
29
Since opening, ABS has built a strong foundation from which to expand. As the company has grown, it has been able to take on more and larger clients. Through its work with large international corporations, ABS has had significant exposure to these corporations’ systems and processes, contributing to ABS’s ability to adapt and meet the needs of new clients. They know that there is no cutting corners and are accustomed to regular audits. The ABS philosophy is “to lead rather than to follow,” taking a proactive rather than a reactive approach to safety and security. As ABS is still a relatively young company, it finds it easier than very large security companies to be flexible and to adjust. Often it is with significant hassle and delay that larger companies make necessary adjustments to increase safety and security measures on the job. “Athabasca Basin Security will not take on a new project, site or contract if they are not convinced that they can do the job well,” says Ron Hyggen, CEO of Athabasca Basin Security. When a company hires ABS to meet its security needs, they are in good hands. With ABS, a company deals with the entire team right from the very beginning, rather than just with a regional sale representative. ABS provides personalized, customized service to help its clients to both establish security and safety procedures on its sites as well as provides the personnel necessary to enforce them. ABS is constantly engaged with its clients, who are able to call and speak directly with top ABS personnel. ABS is an award-winning company certified by the four major directives for the security and safety industries. ABS is the recipient of the Skookum Jim Award. This award is made by the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada to a company that has “demonstrated exceptional achievement and/or service in an aboriginal-run service business for the Canadian mining industry or a Canadian aboriginal exploration or mining industry.” ABS has received its Certificate of Recognition for the Saskatchewan Construction Safety LEFT ABS employees
30
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
Association. This is the national standard for certification in the construction industry. It means you are hiring a company that has “the knowledge and tools to develop an effective safety and health management system to reduce incidents and their associated human and financial costs.” Very few security companies have received their COR designation. Furthermore, ABS has been certified by ISNETWORLD as a safe, reliable contractor as well as by QAS International Ltd. by demonstrating, through documented procedures and manuals, that their operating practices meet set International Standards. This means that employers who hire ABS to look after the security and safety procedures on their sites know that they are minimizing the chance of incidents thereby reducing losses in time and productivity, while their workers know they are working in an environment that has been made as safe and secure as possible. ABS offers a full-range of security services from drug and alcohol testing to GPS tracking in vehicles to closedcircuit video monitoring. They provide static security as well as mobile units and foot patrols. ABS uses top-notch radio and electronic communication systems, and employs standardized and detailed documentation and reporting. “We’ve added a lot of services in the past few years that our clients really appreciate. Drug dogs, paramedic services, access control systems, and surveillance equipment — we work in partnership with our clients to deliver the best security products that are tailored to meet their needs,” states Hyggen. Sascha Sasbrink-Harkema, Director of Operations for Athabasca Basin Security, notes that ABS has recently assembled a Medical Mobile Team of paramedics that travels between the various Mosaic Esterhazy sites in southern Saskatchewan. They operate as the first line of defence. They conduct regular testing on such things as hearing and lungs and also provide treatment for injuries. They lead training and refresher courses for both Mosaic and ABS staff. “We use a collaborative approach with the companies that employ us in order to achieve their security objectives,” Sasbrink-Harkema says.
As part of the company’s commitment to workplace safety, ABS will be signing Saskatchewan’s Mission: Zero in November. “We are constantly exploring new opportunities and improving our company and services for our clients,” says Hyggen. “Our PACT is to be Professional, Accountable, Confidential and Timely, so you can be 100 per cent confident in the security of your site.”
Athabasca Basin Security 324-2555 Grasswood Road E,Saskatoon 306.382.2282 www.basinsecurity.com
ABOVE L–R Sascha Sasbrink-Harkema, director of operations; Ron Hyggen, CEO
PHOTO by Heather Fritz
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
31
[ MANAGEMENT/HR SAFETY ]
Working ToWard Making Mission: Zero a realiTy
A
t SaskEnergy/TransGas, the safety of our employees and the public we serve is a core value and the foundation of our operations. We expect employees to put safety first at work, to continue being safe at home, and to act as safety ambassadors for their family and friends. In everything our employees do, we encourage them to be vigilant, no matter how big or small the task. One incident has always stuck with me. In 2009, a SaskEnergy Service Technician was working at a customer’s home. When he arrived, he noticed four small children playing in the yard.
32
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
After completing his service call, he did a mandatory “circle check” around his truck. He noticed there were now only three children in the yard. He took the time to go back to the house to check if the child was now inside. While the children’s mother was looking inside, our employee began to look outside. That’s when he found the child, playing underneath his truck.
excavation site, or simply pulling out of the driveway on the way to work. Stop and think. It’s simple and effective. It prevents injuries. It saves lives. Safety needs to be a lifestyle choice, no matter where we are or what we are doing.
Our employee took the time to stop, think and take action; by doing so, he prevented a serious injury, or even a fatality.
When we signed the Mission: Zero partnership in 2012, we saw the opportunity for a natural fit with our own safety standards and goals. Over the past several years, we’ve focused on zero being the only acceptable number of incidents or injuries within our own workplace.
This is something we can all learn from, whether we are a home owner putting in a deck, a contractor working at an
SaskEnergy has more employees dedicated to keeping our system running safely than any other job in our
I’m proud that SaskEnergy was the first Crown Corporation to partner with Safe Saskatchewan on the Mission: Zero campaign.
Corporation. This includes keeping our employees safe while they are on jobs ranging from pipeline maintenance to a customer service representative taking a billing inquiry.
By working together with Safe Saskatchewan, the Workers’ Compensation Board and WorkSafe Saskatchewan, SaskEnergy is working toward making Mission: Zero a reality.
For 2013, we partnered with WorkSafe Saskatchewan to further the message with our employees, as well as set an example for other workplaces across the province. We have added the Mission: Zero logo to all SaskEnergy and TransGas service trucks, and used the partnership to share the injury prevention message with our employees, focusing our annual safety week around Mission: Zero.
My name is Doug Kelln, and together with the employees of SaskEnergy and TransGas, we believe in Mission: Zero
I’m proud that SaskEnergy was the first Crown Corporation to partner with Safe Saskatchewan on the Mission: Zero campaign. We encourage other companies to join Mission: Zero and help achieve the goal of an injuryfree Saskatchewan.
Doug Kelln, President & CEO SaskEnergy 1000-1777 Victoria Avenue 306.777.9842 www.saskenergy.com FACinG PAGe L–r Doug Kelln, President & CEO, SaskEnergy/TransGas; Gord Moker, Safe Saskatchewan; Phil Germain, Workers’ Compensation Board. ABoVe Doug Kelln, President & CEO
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
33
[ MANAGEMENT/HR SAFETY ]
One SOurce, One SOlutiOn: Magna ElEctric industry lEadEr By Katrina Geenevasen Photos Calvin Fehr
34
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
O
ffering power system solutions to customers throughout North America and select international markets since 1996, Magna Electric Corporation (MEC) has become the go-to source for customers seeking quality products and service in the electrical power systems market. The industries that MEC support continue to experience significant growth, which allowed the creation of Magna Electric’s Major Projects division. It’s designed to deliver turnkey industrial and utility construction projects including new installations,
Photo courtesy of Magna electric Corporation
automation and control system upgrades, management services and upgrades to existing facilities. With unprecedented 700 per cent growth in the last seven years, the success of the company speaks for itself. “It’s been really incredible,” says Mike Tate, vice-president of business development with Magna Electric. “We pride ourselves in providing customers with a turnkey solution and by doing so we’ve become known as a onesource, one-solution organization.” One of the products manufactured by Magna Electric in-house is electrical service buildings for the oil and gas sector. Whether it’s new installations, upgrades to existing facilities, or ongoing repair/maintenance contracts, Magna Electric is always up to the challenge. “It’s something that many customers currently get delivered from other provinces, which of course, is not the most efficient way,” says Tate. “We’re proud of our ability to deliver in a timely fashion, and obviously, geography plays a big part in that.” Furthermore, Magna Electric’s in-field service work, which takes place across western Canada, provides the electrical maintenance support that companies both big and small require to properly manage their sites and to ensure
efficient production continues. A large majority of Magna Electric customers are repeat clients. And that, says Tate, is the ultimate compliment. “When they call you back for further work, that says something,” he says. While quality service in a timeconscious and cost-effective manner is a high priority for Magna Electric, dedication to safety is also fundamental. “Obviously, you don’t get a second chance if you make a mistake,” says Kerry Heid, Magna Electric CEO. “We’ll be working on a pipeline one day, we’ll be in an underground mine the next, and we could be in a power plant the next day. It’s really a set of dynamic job sites that we’re on, so we don’t have a lot of room for error.” Their award-winning safety program is second to none in the industry, with numerous accolades and awards to prove it. They have been given Saskatchewan’s Safe Employer Award, named as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies and were recipients of the ABEX award as Saskatchewan’s Business of the Year in 2011. “We are working in an industry whose typical classification is one that has hazards to it, and we have been able to operate without hurting anybody, without fatalities, in an industry when
fatalities happen every construction season,” says Luis Wilson, vice president of corporate services. The company participates heavily in the development of electrical safety standards and maintenance standards, says Heid. “We’re involved in the development of safety standards,” says Heid. “We actually bring the latest wave of doing things back to Saskatchewan, and we train the rest of the industry. We train our clients, we train ourselves internally, and I don’t know how many people can say this, but we’ve actually trained some of our competitors from time to time.” It’s no surprise Magna has become one of the success stories that define what the new Saskatchewan is all about, says Heid. “We’ve grown exponentially, and had a lot of success doing it. I don’t know if a lot of people know what’s going on inside Saskatchewan, but it’s a pretty amazing place to be right now.” Magna electric 1033 Kearns cres., regina 306.949.8131 www.magnaelectric.com
Facing PagE BacK rOW l–r trent robbins, Jarret solberg, FrOnt rOW l–r Kerry heid, Mike tate
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
35
[ MANAGEMENT/HR SAFETY ]
WORKPLACE SAFETY… EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY! By Sherry Knight
A
lthough we have a ways to go, Saskatchewan has significantly improved its safety record between 2008 and 2012. Phil Germain, vice president, prevention and employer services for Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) states workplace safety is everyone’s responsibility, not just that of a department in your organization. It’s critical: safety is important every second, every day. In many cases, those who lose their lives are those who work alone: for example, crop dusters (this has been a particularly
36
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
bad year for accidents) and farmers working with their equipment. In his early life, my grandfather lost his left arm in a farm accident — it was caught in an auger when he was trying to free a stoppage. Fortunately, he lost his arm to just above the elbow and was able to carry on, losing the ability to do two things in life: he could no longer roll his cigarettes nor tie his shoe laces. The farming industry typically has about one-third the fatalities as all other industries combined. And, generally, farming injuries are not included in WCB statistics.
Youth aged 14 to 24 are 25 to 35 per cent more likely to be injured on the job than someone over the age of 25. Why? They are undertrained. They are naive. They are not assertive. Training is the employer’s duty, just as it is for a parent to teach a child how to stay safe around the home and on the streets. Every new employee needs to have training in all the work place situations — and this can be as simple as cleaning up spilled water, oil or any other liquids to reduce slips. If everyone was responsible, then it would not be a case of,
“It’s not my job!” which destroys much of one’s accountability.
Accountability is important; it is a job for everyone. Think about it: do you want your teenage child working at a company where the first day on the job is not spent indicating what the job is and how one needs to watch for safety issues? How is one to know what to do and what not to do if they are not shown the correct way to do the job? Even lifting is a safety issue: employees need to be trained in how to lift heavier objects in a manner that does not harm the body. Every employee, regardless of age, has the right and the responsibility of addressing any unsafe situation. Sometimes “newbies” are unsure about their responsibility and more seasoned employees fear retribution if they bring these issues to another individual or to the boss. Every person in the organization should care about their own and their co-workers’ safety. When it is addressed, it needs to be supported. Many large organizations have started health and safety departments. They have found their staff to be negligent in safety situations, so rather than change
attitudes and provide an environment where people hold themselves and their co-workers responsible for safety, they have put a department in place to help create a safe workplace. There a possibility this may allow staff to think, “Safety is not my job, it’s that of the health and safety department!”
Youth aged 14 to 24 are 25% – 35% more likely to be injured on the job than someone over the age of 25.
Let’s make everyone responsible for safety. Remember, if you are a director for an organization, you could be held personally responsible for the safety of the people in your organization. It seems the wallet is sometimes the best reason to help others stay safe. You don’t need a health and safety department. What you need is proper training to help everyone be assertive and be safe.
Even lifting is a safety issue: employees need to be trained in how to lift heavier objects in a manner that does not harm the body.
Sherry Knight is president and CEO of Dimension 11 Ltd., Saskatchewan’s human resource specialists dedicated to seeing businesses throve through talent management — recruitment, retention, executive coaching, training, organizational development and career transition. Sherry can be reached 306.586.2315 or by email sherry@dimension11.com.
at at Sherry Knight
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
37
TAILORED TO ANY INDUSTRIAL/ COMMERCIAL NEEDS
INDUSTRIAL & COMMERCIAL— PROACTIVE SAFETY TRAINING PAYS OFF IN SPADES! STAYING ON TOP OF YOUR BUSINESS MEANS LOOKING AFTER YOUR EMPLOYEES’ SAFETY We have a 1,600 square foot warehouse, fully equipped with all the necessary equipment and highly experienced instructors to properly assist and train your staff. We’ll provide the effective health and safety solutions and the right skills to help your workers succeed in the workplace. SERVICES • • • • •
Safety Inspections Safety Audits Safety Perception Survey Site Safety Support Ergonomics
COURSES • • • • • • • •
Lift Truck Overhead Crane Mobile Crane Rigging Skid Steer Aerial Lift Telehandler Trackmobile
• • • • •
Respiratory Protection Generic WHMIS Confined Space Awareness Supervisor Safety Safety Management Systems • OH&S Committee Training • Site Specific Courses
See our Course Schedule at www.proactiveconsulting.ca 135A HENDERSON DRIVE, REGINA 306-543-6108 | 1-877-543-6108 | WWW.PROACTIVECONSULTING.CA
Chris Budzich CRSP–Owner
Dealing with Life's Big Events When life changes, so does your financial situation. In fact, life's major events often call for adjustments in financial strategy, changing your spending, saving, investing, insurance and estate planning. Consider your financial picture when you encounter: • Marriage
• Children leaving home
• Buying a house
• Retirement
• Birth of a child
• Divorce
• A pay raise
• Job loss
• An inheritance
• Major illness
When you face these or other life-altering developments, it's a good time to sit down with your financial advisor. With professional help you can make the most of what life has in store.
Tyler Knibbs, Financial Advisor, Edward Jones Unit 3 - 461 King Street, Estevan 306.634.4870 • www.edwardjones.com MKT-7395-C_BULLETIN
“Highest in Investor Satisfaction with Full Service Brokerage Firms” For J.D. Power award information, visit jdpower.com.
BUSINESS www.edwardjones.com Member - Canadian Investor Protection Fund
AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
39
[ MANAGEMENT/HUMAN RESOURCES ]
Since 2003 International Manpower has brought 40,000 skilled and unskilled international employees to Canada to work in a wide variety of industries.
Finding Workers for Your Company How can an employer fill open positions? BY MICHAEL LIEFFERS PHOTOS NADINE PEPPLER
F
irst, the job applicant needs to have all the necessary skills and qualifications. Then, the person needs be willing to move to where the work is – this may be remote locations or busy urban centres. Employers prefer to hire Canadians as it is costly to bring a worker to Canada from another country. Employers make every effort to fill open positions with Canadians, however in our busy economy we have labour and skills shortages. When this happens, International ManPower, a part of Mercan Group of Companies, has the resources and knowledge to turn to international workers to fill the gap.
40
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
Hiring a foreign worker and bringing them to Canada is a tasking process. There are multiple governments (Canadian, provincial and foreign) with laws governing the process that must be followed. These laws and regulations are constantly changing and it takes an expert to keep on top of the situation. IMP has the professionals and specialists on staff to help client companies with this. Their team’s knowledge goes above and beyond the paperwork of entering workers into Canada. Mercan Group uses a multi-step approach to help its clients fill their job openings. The first step, says Lieffers, is “advertise the position
locally and nationally, including First Nations groups, educational institutes, youth, people with disabilities and other underrepresented groups. The preference is always to hire locally/nationally first especially as all costs are covered by the employer to hire internationally.” When international recruitment is needed, Mercan Group industry experts at their overseas offices source, assess and test the candidates. They often work with third party assessors, including the SIAST Skills Passport Program, to find qualified candidates who must first complete stringent practical and theoretical testing. When a successful candidate is found, Lieffers explains, “This is just the beginning of their relationship with us. Employers interview candidates using technologies such as Skype or travel to our overseas offices to a personal face-toface experience. If practical exams can be completed, often employers gain the results on the trip or with other documentation.” “I travelled overseas to find mechanics, welders, painters, and truck drivers. IMP had the overseas road test set up for the drivers. They had a welding facility ready for me to witness welding exams. I was able to see how the shortlisted candidates interacted with my instructions as well as the tasks presented to them. I would not hire workers without IMP and their testing processes,” says a client of IMP. Lieffers further explains, “The real work happens after they land in Canada. We not only make sure they have someone to pick them up from the airport, have a place to stay and arrange health care, but we also ensure their documents are in check. We ensure the employer has all their ducks in a row. The Government programs are stringent due to the ‘human factor’ and place an enormous responsibility on employers. Our In-Canada services for employers ease the pressure so the employer can run their business while we manage and monitor their corporate and foreign worker documentation. It is an ongoing effort for employers, as they must deal with the always changing government programs. With that said, we continue to work with employer to find Canadians to fill their future open positions.” Mercan Group works with numerous business owners across Canada that require and greatly appreciate the depth
of services that they would not be able to successfully run their business without. “I was not aware of the In-Canada tasks involved with hiring international workers. IMP’s team assisted my HR staff build their employee files and explain what items may arise in the work place. If workers had questions, IMP was a phone call away. If my HR team had questions, IMP was a phone call away. Our business crosses many provincial borders. The complexity of our international recruitment program is not easy to keep in check. We cannot employ international workers without IMP’s In-Canada services,” says a client. Mercan Group also aids workers who wish to gain permanent residency status in Canada. Lieffers adds that “a large percentage of the workers choose to stay – it is our job to find programs available to workers and employer to make this a reality. Even if they are in remote locations, they want to make Canada their new home. Canada offers them a
stable economy, health care, and good education - Canada offers newcomers the opportunity to be middle class.” Since Mercan Group has brought nearly 40,000 new employees to Canada to work in a wide variety of industries. If your company is having difficulty filling a position, International Manpower can help you to find a Canadian worker whenever possible and a foreign labourer whenever necessary.
International Manpower Canada & Mercan Group of Companies 1-305 Idylwyld Drive North, Saskatoon 306.651.5335 michael@impcanada.ca www.impcanada.ca
MAIN PICTURE AND TOP Clients BOTTOM Part of the Saskatoon team
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
41
[ MANAGEMENT/HUMAN RESOURCES ]
Entrepreneurs Are you a female entrepreneur who is passionate about your business idea or existing business? Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Inc. (W.E.) can help you start, expand and succeed in business. By Laura SmaLL, CEO
W
Business Advising
The organization makes a difference in female-owned businesses throughout the province by offering business
Business advisors work one-on-one with you to find the information you need to make good business decisions. It’s our role to make sure you have the tools needed to start and operate successfully. From advice on how to start a business to managing your current business, our services are designed to assist you with all your business concerns.
.E. is a not-for-profit organization supported by Western Economic Diversification Canada that exists to support Saskatchewan women in all stages of business development from idea to maturity and beyond. Our priority is to help women throughout Saskatchewan achieve their entrepreneurial goals and provide them with the means to grow their business dream into a successful reality.
42
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
advising, lending, training, mentoring and networking opportunities.
Lending Financing is a huge hurdle in the development of any business. W.E. guides you on the best options; provides financing and assists in developing credit relationships with other financial institutions. Since its inception in 1995, W.E. has lent over $28 million to Saskatchewan women in business.
Training Entrepreneurs usually start their business because they are passionate about their product or service, but they usually don’t have the same passion for business management. Whether you have a new business or one in operation for several years, you may struggle with understanding and applying essential business skills like forward planning, financial management, marketing or operational control. Business skills training is a must for small business owners. W.E. offers a variety
If I was looking for start-up or expansion capital, how long does it take to get a loan from Women Entrepreneurs?
of business development seminars designed to inform women and provide them with the tools to apply information on the various components of business.
Mentoring W.E.’s mentorship programs expose new entrepreneurs to successful business owners who can guide and support them during the establishment of their business venture. Mentorship relationships provide several positive benefits, including acquiring the skills and knowledge to tackle various business challenges. Mentors also feel a sense of renewal, become rejuvenated and are willing to try new ideas in their own businesses.
Networking W.E. understands the importance of business networking and provides opportunities every month for business owners and professionals to meet and get connected.
Do I need to be a member to access Women Entrepreneurs’ programs and services? For some services, yes. We have two different memberships available: full and associate. Both of these memberships give you unlimited access to our business advisory services where you have the opportunity to sit down one-on-one with a business advisor and specifically discuss any issues or challenges you would like help with in your business. Depending on the type, these memberships also offer other benefits, including discounts on training seminars, use of client
resources, networking and mentoring opportunities and access to our lending program.
I want to start a business. What do I do? Several likely steps include: •
Develop a concept or business idea.
•
Decide if this is right for you. Do you have the necessary skills and time to start this business?
•
Conduct investigative research and a feasibility study. Could this become a viable business?
•
Write a business plan. Your plan will vary based on the nature of the business you want to open.
While some of this may sound insurmountable, Women Entrepreneurs can help guide you through the process. Even though opening a business is a lot of work, it is fun and exciting as well; make sure you enjoy the experience.
How long it takes to get a loan depends on several variables; the most important is whether you have completed your business plan. A business advisor at Women Entrepreneurs will meet with you and assist you in compiling the necessary information. Once your plan is finalized, a loan application is completed. From there, a review and recommendation takes approximately two weeks. For further information on how Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan can assist you with your new or existing business, call to register for Business Beginnings. This is a free one-hour session offered twice a week in both Saskatoon and Regina that will introduce you to the entrepreneurial process and further describe all of the programs and services you can access in order to help you succeed. Women Entrepreneurs is supported by Western Economic Diversification Canada.
I have an existing business. How can Women Entrepreneurs help me? Women Entrepreneurs supports women in all stages of business: from start-up, to expansion, to succession planning. We can help you with business advising, expansion lending, training opportunities to further grow your business, mentoring and networking opportunities and various other aspects relevant to your current business.
Laura Small,CEO Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Inc. 108-502 Cope Way, Saskatoon 306.477.7173 100-1919 Rose Street, Regina 306.359.9732 info@womenentrepreneurs.sk.ca www.womenentrepreneurs.sk.ca
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
43
44
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
[ EXPORT & TRADE/OIL & GAS ]
PLANNING AND VISION ESSENTIAL FOR OIL AND GAS SECTOR
2
BUSINESSREGINA
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
45
BY PAUL HUBER
S
askatchewan has always been affectionately known as the “breadbasket of the world” with its rich soil and vast prairies. Naturally, our economy has focused primarily on agriculture, but it’s clear today that what is under the soil is changing the province’s economic landscape and making us the envy of the country. Saskatchewan is holding onto an abundant resource with potential yet to be fully developed. The oil and gas industry is booming in the province and production, though still second to Alberta, is at an all-time high. The development of this industry is an interesting one. Production has been climbing dramatically in recent years, and the general expectation is for this growth to continue. Since 2007, there seems to be a renewed business spirit establishing itself in the province, which is manifesting itself as prosperity and economic growth that are attracting immigration, migration and optimistic investment. In this economic climate, prospects for the province seem limitless. Spend some time down in the southeast of the province and certain issues emerge that concern not only the industry, but the province as a whole. Whether it is National Geographic’s damning depiction of Alberta’s oil sands, the contested development of national pipelines, or environmental spills and other catastrophes, oil production is a contentious issue. However, the reality is that this resource is going to be developed. The development and expansion of this industry in the province is a great thing, and our publication is working to promote and encourage conversation around any issues.
Saskatchewan is currently the second largest oil-producing province in Canada with approximately 14 per cent of all crude oil production. Corporate social responsibility is an important part of this conversation. It is well known that Calgary is the corporate hub of oil and gas in the country, but as Saskatchewan expands its market share in this commodity there should be a migration east by corporate entities. The reason for this is two-fold: there should be the obvious desire to have close proximity and observation of one’s sector, and large corporations need to feel responsibility to profit margins and community investment. Our recent summer edition featured The Mosaic Company, whose corporate citizenship is an excellent example of community involvement and investment. Crescent Point is another example to highlight, considering their involvement in getting the STARS air ambulance program going in the province. The demand for corporations to be socially responsible is simply a reality in the world we live in, and Saskatchewan is a region where the expectations are high.
46
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
It has been mentioned that it is not business as usual in Saskatchewan. This may seem threatening, but really it is a testament to our strong communities and their expectations for fair business practice. Once trust is established, the rewards are numerous. Companies and corporations benefit from better recruitment, employee retention, risk management, and what one may call a communal license to operate. Opponents may argue that corporate involvement and investment does not benefit the financial bottom line, but much evidence points to the contrary. Saskatchewan is currently the second largest oil-producing province in Canada with approximately 14 per cent of all crude oil production. Figures from 2011 indicate sales of $12.7 billion with $1.7 billion coming back to the province in royalties and bonus bids. There is an estimated 33,200 person-years of direct and indirect employment associated with our upstream oil and gas industry alone. This kind of economic growth brings with it strains on infrastructure and community planning. Both inside and outside of oil-producing communities there is concern regarding the management of such lucrative sectors. How does a community effectively support an influx of transient workers? How does it cope with the strain on its roadways and utilities? Can it be expected that small communities such as Estevan, Weyburn, Swift Current or Kindersley handle the incredible planning strains associated with organizing an efficient infrastructure that will benefit not only the industry but also the community? These are areas of concern, and better involvement from corporations as well as government needs to happen. The opportunity is there to take the initiative to establish the most optimal of functioning oil sectors.
It is wise to look to our neighbours to the south and west to consider their successes and failures while developing their oil and gas sectors. An obvious example of success is the twinned highway connecting Alberta to the United States. Another example is the promotion of Alberta’s eco-tourism industry. A major issue in Saskatchewan is that there is a lack of recreational activities. How do companies here attract employees when Alberta’s cities and their recreational venues are far more appealing? Why is there not a large-scale event complex like the West Edmonton Mall being planned for Regina? Why are our parks not being developed to help entice tourism to the province? Why are there so few direct flights in and out of the province? Our current situation can be easily remedied; we live in a great province and we need to promote it better. It is answering the simple question about why people choose one place over another to live and work. Public safety in the oil and gas industry is another concern. The rising crime rates in Williston, North Dakota have garnered international media attention. Violent crime rates for the small community back in 1999 were at very low levels (37.5); fast-forward to 2011, and the rates have already surpassed the national average (241.1). Crime, sex offences and property damage are all weighing heavily on this community, and it all adds up to a solid example of a community overwhelmed by the spin-off effects of an oil boom. Proactive thinking can alleviate many of these issues. How do you provide communities with all the amenities to ensure a safe and functioning community? The answers are complex and certainly not obvious. Like infrastructure and community planning issues, this problem also deserves thought and consideration
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
47
to help prevent its potentially hazardous consequences. In the issues ahead, we will continue to engage in discussing the Saskatchewan oil sector and its development into the future. Speaking at the Petroleum Safety Conference in Banff, Rex Murphy, CBC commentator, made some very endearing comments to the sector and its positive impacts on the country as a whole. He pointed out how the oil sector has been providing gainful employment to Maritimers since the collapse of their traditional fisheries sector. Mr. Murphy’s words address something most Canadians would hold sacred: the aid and assistance of their countrymen in need. They also point to the importance of learning from our mistakes — treating our natural resources with respect and harvesting them smartly and efficiently. The oil and gas industry in Saskatchewan holds incredible potential, and it is certainly an exciting time to be in the province. While we enjoy this prosperity, it is important to remember that good planning and vision ensure the continued success of the sector and the province.
Be Recognized for your work! ü ü ü ü
Floorhands Derrickhands Drillers Rig Managers
Apply today!
Eagle Well Servicing is a great place to work. Whether you are a seasoned oilfield worker, or just breaking into the industry, Eagle offers more consistent hours and more opportunity for advancement. You can’t go wrong with a rig job at Eagle Well Servicing.
Email resumes to: Estevanrigjobs@iroccorp.com Or call: 306.634.8235 www.eaglerigjobs.com
Well Servicing
[ COVER STORY ]
Building a Stronger economy one JoB at a time By Trina annand PhoTos CourTesy of Cross Borders drilling
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
49
I
n 1956, Hubert Mills and his fellow farmers worked to build a horse-driven wooden drilling rig. At a time when no water infrastructure existed in central Saskatchewan, Mills realized the need for a well drilling service, thus creating the foundation for what is now a booming family-owned-and-operated drilling business: Cross Borders Drilling. After starting with a single rig, the company has evolved to a multifaceted drilling powerhouse, offering coring, preset surface casing, water source, environmental and geotechnical drilling, as well as project management and consulting.
Family ties In the 1980s, Mills’ sons, Grant and Greg, started working the rigs. After a few years, Greg went on to work around the world as a consultant, further developing the skills needed to build that branch of the company. “After working with several large companies, such as Exxon, my father realized that there was a demand for quality drilling companies,” remarks co-owner, Jared Mills, Greg’s son.
“The whole family worked in the industry, so we decided to pool our experience and knowledge. And Cross Borders Drilling was created.” Today, with Greg and his wife, Norah, in semi-retirement, Jared and his brothers, Tyler and Wyatt, have partnered with Brock Slater and Graham Haus to ensure Cross Borders remains an industry leader. This new generation is working with the established systems that have made the company what it is today, and are constantly seeking advances that will propel the company further. “Throughout it all we never forgot that hard work, determination and respect for one another made us successful. We never put our families second; we always cared about doing the best job possible. It’s the same attitude we bring to work today and every day,” says Mills.
50
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
Saskatchewan Story of Success The Mills family set up Cross Borders’ head office in Pilot Butte, with its satellite office located in Alberta — an industry rarity, but indicative of the family’s dedication to the strength of this province. “As a drilling family, we understand that this is a feast or famine industry. We’re focused on developing divisions and acquiring other companies so we can offer our people year-round work, as much as it is possible in this industry,” notes Mills. Even while working rigs in Alberta the company hires people from Saskatchewan, but emphasizes the family and community bonds that exist for their employees. Cross Borders is a company that is dedicated to changing the stereotypical rig life (such as “gone for months at a time” and “money-hungry
rough guys”) for a more balanced one. “It used to be that you’d go out and work for a hundred days or more, straight,” notes Mills of times past. “But now, it’s two weeks on and two weeks off. We believe in building stronger communities, not tearing them apart.” The employees of Cross Borders are the key element of its success. While the total number varies — from 40 to 140, depending on the season — the company’s philosophy of success starts with employee development. “We are helping blue collar workers get the skill sets we wished that we had been given when we started working in the business. We offer our employees money management, personal development and proper training to make them more employable. We also give pensions and offer profit sharing,” remarks Mills. This unique approach means that the company has an 80 per cent retention
rate of quality staff members during low season. This loyal staff base gives Cross Borders a leg up in the industry, ensuring clients get the best possible service from people who truly care about the job they are doing.
Sound Safety and environmental leadership In an industry that was once known for danger and injuries, Cross Borders is making strides in on-the-job-safety. Mills notes, “We are a small company, but technically advanced when it comes to drilling. We are focusing on building
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
51
automated, hands-off machinery. This new technology will allow us to make quick changes while maintaining high levels of safety.” He pauses, smiles, then adds, “Everyone needs to go home to their family at night.” With a record of zero fatalities and no serious permanent injuries since the company was founded in 2006, this is clearly a philosophy that works. The company has purchased equipment from Australia to make the most advanced and automated rigs in Canada. In 2014, Cross Borders will have the first fully automated core drilling system working in the tar sands of northern Alberta. These systems, in conjunction with the company’s personal accountability system, will ensure daily safety for each and every employee. Mills emphasizes that environmental responsibility is the only way for the oil and gas industry to step into the future. He recounts his education at the University of Regina in environmental studies, geology and geography. “One of my instructors told us that the best way to change the world was from the inside out.” So what does this mean for a company like Cross Borders Drilling? “By being on the outside, it would be impossible to change the oil and gas industry,” he notes. However, the industry “is no longer filled with people who don’t care about the environment. Several of our employees plant trees in the off-season. We even have an employee who works with Greenpeace.” The company also takes environmental precautions on the job site, including laying protective mats to preserve natural landscapes from potential spills and preserving the habitat to be left as originally was.
Building a Better Saskatchewan “With an eye for change, Mills hopes for greater collaboration between industry, government, and Saskatchewan citizens. It’s the concept of planning for a rainy day. We are currently in a boom time so now is the best time to invest in the future. Our resources are finite so it is important to cultivate plans for future diversity. This means investing in infrastructure,
52
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
education, culture and recreation. ‘The oil and gas industry really needs to work with the government to ensure we have a stable infrastructure. We are too heavily dependent on natural resources that are not renewable. A diverse economy is a strong economy,’ notes Mills.
“During great times we need to develop industry and better our communities. That means when things slow down, we will have worked for something sustainable and see the betterment in the province.” By focusing on improving the business of drilling by ensuring an established crew of happy and successful employees, taking technological advances to ensure safety and environmental responsibility, and by promoting all sectors of the province’s economy, the team at Cross Borders Drilling is ensuring this boom is just the beginning.
Cross Borders Drilling Pilot Butte, Saskatchewan 306.781.4484 306.781.4502 www.crossbordersconsulting.ca |
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
|
53
[ EXPORT & TRADE/OIL & GAS ]
L–R evan Winter, Terilyn, shelley, emily & andy schroeder, denille and riley shaver
Oilfield B ServiceS TruSTed and True
eing such a fast-moving industry, the oilfield sees a lot of businesses come and go. For more than 25 years, clients have counted on A & S Oilfield Operating to provide dependable and expert service.
As a prominent contract operating/consulting firm in the Estevan area, A & S provides a wide base of expertise. This experience and knowledge has been acquired by owners, Andy and Shelley Schroeder. According to Shelley, things first got started about 27 years ago. “Andy was working for Schindle & Bazin when he had the opportunity to move up from crew hand to foreman. From there, he was given the opportunity to learn more and supervise more,” she recalls. As time progressed and Andy’s experience and expertise grew, the next step was to start up their own business.
Professional Expertise
By ToBIe HaInsTock pHoTos courTesy of a & s oIlfIeld operaTIng
It takes a lot of years of hard work and dedication to build up a strong reputation in any business, but particularly in the oil industry. 54
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
Today, Andy and Shelley are pleased to say that the Estevan firm has truly become a family business, with daughter, Denille, and sonin-law, Riley Shaver, working alongside them. Riley has been in the industry for about seven years, and he is an invaluable right-hand man and lead operator. His responsibilities include keeping production moving, troubleshooting production equipment and doing some of the consulting work. Denille works in the field operating and also does all the production accounting for their clients. Andy and Shelley, with their team of dedicated employees, provide contract operators to gauge and report the production numbers to the
owners, conduct lease preparation and maintenance, provide site supervision, and do pretty much anything else their clients require. According to Andy, the strength of his approach to oilfield consulting is being able to focus on the hundreds of details involved while maintaining an eye on the big picture. Andy explains that there’s a lot of work that goes into constructing a lease. Scouting the location to make sure it will work, getting it surveyed and taking care of the environmental and government forms must all happen before dirt moves on a lease. Once the lease is constructed, there is production to look after, maintaining the flow lines and at the end of the cycle, working on the lease reclamation. Andy’s extensive experience in all aspects of the operation is what his clients can trust and value.
Safety First It was a little over five years ago that A&S made the decision to expand their business into the safety aspect of the industry. “I am a certified health and safety administrator, construction safety officer, and internal/external safety
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
55
auditor,” states Shelley. She continues by explaining that she works with companies to develop and implement their health and safety management system. Shelley assists them in developing their program to meet industry standards and to obtain COR/SECOR certification, depending on the size of the company. Shelley explains that staying current with the safety qualifications and OH & S regulations is vital to her profession. “When it’s busy, practicing safety in the oil industry is very important,” she comments. “When it slows down a bit, it’s an ideal time for companies to reeducate and learn new standards.” Honesty, integrity and professionalism are what keep clients coming back to A & S Oilfield Operating. Their reputation has remained solid, and companies know that they can trust Andy and Shelley and their team to offer the best service. “We’ve been very fortunate to be able to work all this time with such an amazing list of clients who have put their trust in us,” Shelley states humbly. For more information about A & S Oilfield Operating, visit them in Estevan at 106 Souris Avenue or call 306.634.4087.
A&S Oilfield Operating Ltd. 106 Souris Avenue, Estevan 306.634.4087
56
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
TO US, YOUR IMAGE IS EVERYTHING Locally owned and operated, specializing in: • embroidery, silk screening, heat press
• lease signs • hardhat decals
We encourage you to contact our valued team to learn first-hand why we are the leader in providing complete advertising, and signage solutions that make a powerful impression. Nothing is too big or too small!
405 Kensington Avenue, Estevan | 306.634.9846 | www.crownad.ca
[ EXPORT & TRADE/OIL & GAS ] since
1968
eleven dealerships
Superior Automotive Services with a Family Approach By Trina annand PhoTos Calvin Fehr
In today’s highly mobile society having a vehicle is a necessity. since 1968 Crestview Chrysler has been serving regina and area, becoming a member 58
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
of the Knight automotive Group in 1976. in total there are 11 dealerships proudly serving saskatchewan, Manitoba and alberta.
l
m ifeti e
engine wa
rranty
67,000 facility
Sq. foot
Crestview Chrysler is a one stop shop with a complete service center and a 67 thousand square foot facility. Last year the dealership added a fast lane drive through where clients can have a 20 minute oil change and tire alignment check with no appointment necessary. What truly sets the Knight Automotive family group of dealerships apart is the people that work there. At Crestview Chrysler Gord Mayer, service manager, has been with the company for 30 years. Developing long term relationships with clients is a key. “Here at Crestview Chrysler we spend a lot of time focusing on building such a strong team environment that our customers feel part of that atmosphere when they walk in the door. We carry a fantastic selection of vehicles, with lifetime engine warranty,” says Jodi Jansen, General Sales Manager. “With a strong focus on customer service we are able to fulfill the needs of our clients with products and services including our fast lane oil change, service/parts department and our body shop.”
Jodi Jansen, general sales manager
A
s a local family owned dealership we believe in investing in our community by donations and through offering fleet discounts for a variety of customers and industries including our newest partnership with the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan,” notes Dave Kerr, Fleet Specialist. As a Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram dealer Crestview offers Chrysler’s exceptional variety of fleet vehicles. As the longest standing Chrysler dealership in Saskatchewan, Crestview knows the local industries well and can offer amazing deals.
“
Returning to the Chrysler line up this year is the Ram Promaster. The cargo van is available in a wide variety of configurations and offers up to 530 cubic feet of cargo space with a V6 engine. Also coming to the fleet line is the first light duty Ram truck to be offered with a diesel engine. “We have one of the best truck lines out there, especially with our Cummins engines. When combined with Crestview’s full service Five Star Certified dealership status, it is an unbeatable offer,” remarks Kurtis Anderson, Digital Manager.
“Over the years we have built a staff that is truly passionate about the industry. I have seen a shift in the industry over the years. We have actively recruited tech savvy, motivated people from the younger generation as a result. We have embraced the new retail attitude and built our team accordingly,” says owner Ted Knight. By channeling the power of new technologies, whether they are media, automotive or diagnostic Knight Dealerships have survived and even flourished in the tides of time. “Like many dealerships across Canada we are family based and oriented, my sons Kyle and Kevin work with me. We truly believe in the principals of community building, integrity and fairness,” notes Knight. With a family approach to business and thousands of dollars in discounts there is no better time to buy a vehicle or a fleet of vehicles from Crestview Chrysler. Knight Crestview 601 Albert Street Regina 306.525.5411 www.crestviewchrysler.ca |
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
59
[ EXPORT & TRADE/OIL & GAS ]
DeDicateD to Maintaining iMpeccable custoMer service By ToBie HainsTock PHoTos doug sulley
More than 13 years ago, Gary and Shelly Lavoie decided to start their own mobile cleaning service. it was going to be a “win-win” situation with gary looking after the trucks and service side of the business and shelly managing the office. not only would the business offer a good solid living for the lavoies’ young family, it would be a legacy — something gary and shelly could pass along to their five children. 60
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
W
ith years of experience and knowledge in the industry, Gary knew what it would take to make their new business a success. The Lavoies took a step of faith by renting a shop and purchasing their first pressurewashing unit. By May 2000, Lavoie Mobile Cleaning was open for business. Lavoie Mobile Cleaning offers services to clients seeking oilfield cleaning and vacuuming tanks, treater vessels and heavy equipment. They also jet freeze lines, clean up oil spills and provide shop cleaning services. From the day they first opened their doors, Lavoie Mobile Cleaning was out to ensue customer satisfaction by offering impeccable service. Gary’s philosophy has always been that a business’s greatest asset is its staff. Gary has been pleased to offer employment not only to his family but to highly dedicated and professional people. Lavoie’s long-term dedicated staff offers high-quality expertise that is
a cut above the rest. Gary’s niece, Leah, is safety coordinator and office manager. Long-time staff, Matt and Travis, oversee the pressure washing, and Brad looks after the vacuum service business. Lavoie Mobile Cleaning is also very pleased to welcome Gary’s son, Landon, on staff full time. Lavoie Mobile Cleaning continues to grow and serve clients throughout the southeast. Located in their present shop since 2010, Gary and his team offer a fleet of top grade equipment featuring two vacuum units, including a tri-drive vacuum truck, two steam cleaning pressure washing units and a tandem pressure washing truck that allows automated tank cleaning. Most recently Lavoie Mobile Cleaning has added a bigger wash unit that allows them to work on 400 to 500 barrel tanks. “The demand for our service is steadily increasing,” says Gary, “but we are dedicated to keeping our standards up. We still supply the same top quality service
“The demand for our service is steadily increasing,” says Gary, “but we are dedicated to keeping our standards up. We still supply the same top quality service from employees who are committed to offering highly professional service.”
ABOVE staff of lavoie Mobile cleaning
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
61
L–R gary and shelly lavoie
from employees who are committed to offering highly professional service.� He points out that one of the many ways he and his team offer excellent service is by staying educated on the latest technologies and keeping their equipment up to date. Lavoie Mobile Cleaning is also dedicated to being actively involved in their community and in causes that are important to them. The Diabetes Foundation is one of the many charities that Gary spends time supporting through fundraising, sponsorships and volunteering services. Dedication, hard work and loyalty are all key elements to having a committed team and a successful business. Gary and Shelly are pleased to note that their business continues to maintain the same standards as when they first started out. For more information about Lavoie Mobile Cleaning Service, visit their office at 114 Schneider Street in Estevan or call 306.634.8500.
Lavoie Mobile Cleaning Ltd. 114 Schneider Street, Estevan 306.634.8500 safety.lmc@sasktel.net
62
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
[ SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY ]
What’s in Your Water? G By The SaSkaTchewan ReSeaRch council
rowing up, we were told in school that Canada contains more than half the world’s fresh water. This resource, it was said, would sustain this country and guarantee us a supply of fresh, clean drinking water for centuries to come. But then tragedy struck Walkerton, Ontario, when their water became contaminated with E. coli bacteria; this was followed by the cryptosporidiosis outbreak in North Battleford, Saskatchewan. Both events caused thousands of people to become ill, and several residents of Walkerton died as a result of drinking contaminated water. Canadians in every region began to question the safety of their water supply, no longer taking its quality for granted. As a result, water quality testing has become an even more important need for everyone from global industry to municipalities to individual well owners. The Saskatchewan Research Council’s (SRC) Environmental Analytical Laboratories has expertise in this field, having provided water quality testing services to large cities and companies, as well as to homeowners and well owners across Canada for more than 40 years. Laboratory Manager Brenda Stanek says in a world where one billion people lack access to safe drinking water, water quality testing can truly save lives. “Even though most Canadians have easy access to clean drinking water, water quality testing is important to ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy
this essential resource in the same way we do today.”
Municipalities Drinking water and waste water in municipalities across Canada are typically regulated by each individual provincial government. There are strict regulations that each municipality must adhere to and meet in order to ensure the safety of its drinking water and the safety of its citizens. Saskatchewan residents can visit http://www.saskh20. ca/MyDrinkingWater.asp to see the required tests and the test results for each individual municipality. Through specific bylaws, municipalities also regulate what can be discharged into the public sewage works and storm sewers. There are maximum levels set for parameters such as biochemical oxygen demand, suspended solids and grease, as well as types of wastes that are strictly prohibited from being discharged into a sewer.
Business/Industry Businesses and industries and how they may impact the environment are also typically regulated by each individual provincial government. In Saskatchewan,
64
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment has proposed new and amended legislation that suggests resultsbased regulations for industry. This will mean that the new way of protecting the environment will be to define the desired outcome by law and then empower industry to determine how that standard will be achieved or surpassed. Stanek says that from an environmental standpoint, water quality testing is extremely important to the safety and long-term life of many industries, including key Saskatchewan industries such as mining, agriculture and oil and gas. “Companies nowadays have a responsibility to ensure that their operations aren’t negatively impacting the environment and the people around it.”
70
%
of the Earth is covered in water. 2.5% of that is freshwater.
Two reasons for businesses to test water: Special testing may be required. A company may require the water that they use for their process or for manufacturing to be purer than their local tap water. For example, minerals naturally present in tap water may be detrimental to their process or equipment.
Canada has the 3rd largest supply of renewable freshwater in the world, after Brazil and Russia.
Regulatory requirements to effluents.
due
Due to environmental concerns, there are different regulatory requirements in place depending on the specific industry and the different effluents involved. For example, the uranium industry is regulated by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC).
Homeowners/ well owners Stanek says that for homeowners or well owners, the responsibility to test the water is solely on the individual. “Water quality testing for homeowners is typically done to ensure tap or well water is safe to drink however, there are a few concerns to keep in mind.”
Five reasons for homeowners to test water It is a homeowner’s responsibility. It is the responsibility of the owner of a new or old well to ensure the safety and quality of the water. There are no legal testing requirements. However, when a new well is constructed, the water
should be tested before use. It is advisable to recheck the well annually or after modifying it in any way.
It is needed for a mortgage. When applying for a mortgage on a property with an independent water source, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) requires that the water supply is tested for nitrates and coliform before it will support the mortgage. Nitrates may occur naturally and are acceptable up to 45 mg/litre. There is no acceptable level for coliform.
It stinks. If water has a rotten egg odour or there is red slime in the toilet tank, this indicates the presence of iron or sulfur bacteria. These organisms do not pose a health risk, but their presence makes the water unpalatable and can corrode plumbing equipment and clog screens and pipes in a well. Disinfecting the well and water system using shock chlorination usually eliminates the problem.
Water is discoloured or it doesn’t look right. Water discolouration can be caused by the presence of iron and/or manganese. These are not detrimental to a person’s
health, but if iron levels are high, it could cause red, brown or yellow staining on laundry, dishes and fixtures. Manganese acts similarly, but causes a brown-black stain. Water may have an offensive taste and odour and water system piping and fixtures can get clogged. Treatment depends on factors such as the concentration and form of iron and manganese in the water.
There is worry about lead. Plumbing pipes can become corroded or show signs of mineral and lead buildup. Many older homes used lead pipes in their plumbing systems. Copper pipes have replaced lead pipes, but until the late 1980s, lead soldering was often used to join the copper pipes.
How is water tested? Water testing should be carried out by an accredited laboratory. SRC’s Environmental Analytical Laboratories is an accredited facility that performs a variety of specific tests. If you have questions about the quality and safety of your water or would like more information about SRC, go to www.src.sk.ca/analytical.
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
65
[ SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY ]
Our Business Is All About Improving Yours: Leveraging the Cost of Your Mail BY TRINA ANNAND PHOTOS BY CALVIN FEHR
In today’s fast paced business sector, every minute counts. After all, time is money. Now, more than ever, businesses large and small need to maximize their productivity to be able to compete and better serve their customers. At Webb’s Office Equipment Inc. the knowledgeable staff has been helping build business in Saskatchewan for 25 years. Many things have changed over the years, from customers’ needs to environmental concerns, but one thing remains the same: their dedication to helping businesses to communicate better with their clients. ABOVE: Michelle Keith
66
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
“
W
e pride ourselves on providing innovative solutions with a local focus. Our customers are becoming more tech savvy and we have found the best technology on the market to suit their needs. In our 25th year, we are expanding purposefully, ensuring we are here for another 25 years,” remarks Michelle Keith, special project manager. As an independent, family-run office solutions retailer, Webb’s is able to bring in the products that best serve their customers — a local business with the support of strong, international brands. This approach also means that customers get to speak to a person in their community when they need service or have questions. One of Webb’s most advanced products is the Neopost Output Management Software (OMS) system. Neopost, which started as a mailing machine company, has expanded its focus to becoming a full communications-based provider as the market is changing. “Companies are getting smarter about how to best communicate with their clients. Neopost now offers software that allows our clients to specifically target their customers and answer their customers’ needs,” notes Keith. Neopost’s OMS system is a unique and highly intelligent software system which uses barcodes to track individual client invoices. Barcode tracking allows clients to differentiate their offers and advertisements to specific markets and industries from within their client list while remaining a fully automated mailing process with 100 per cent closed loop security. It is also capable of automatically routing these mailings directly to email to accommodate customer requests. The software is a solid framework that becomes a custom program as it is tailored with each customer’s specific business rules. With a fully automated Neopost system, clients can focus less on the tedious aspects of their business and more on their customers. “With Neopost software and automated mailing systems, what would have taken four people three days now takes a single person one day. Mail is no longer simply ‘the cost of doing business.’ It is an opportunity to touch your customers. OMS allows staff to stop stuffing
L - R: Herb Grant; Rob Yaremko; Zeeshan Muhammad; Ron Ubell
envelopes and spend more time working at more profitable tasks,” says Keith. With reduced manual labour in the mailroom, our clients can focus on driving their business with customer satisfaction and powerful, effective communications. Webb’s service philosophy is much more than quick service; the team of technicians focuses on preventative maintenance so that business can run smoothly. As a local, family owned and operated company, the Webb’s team understands the challenges of small independent businesses. As a leader in office optimization, they can
truly make a difference for big business as well. “I love working with clients, being their problem solver. I create solutions that they have never imagined or thought possible. ‘The way it’s always been done’ was often dictated by the tools available at the time, but that concept is a thing of the past. Communication is no longer designed around the tools; the tools are now designed around communication.” Webb’s Office Equipment Inc. 1175 Winnipeg Street, Regina 306.569.0651 800.667.9895 http://webbsofficeequipment.ca
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
67
[ SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ]
Quality it SolutionS Helping people & Community
I
n 1997, four IT practitioners – Graham Murray, Jacob Koshy, Darwin Perrier and Wes Heard — were working as technology specialists primarily in the pipeline and utility industries in Edmonton, Alberta. Utility companies were embracing technology as a means to improve operational processes; reduce costs and increase efficiency. The partners saw a need to help organizations find quality IT resources who could help deliver business results. Out of this need, ARC Business Solutions Inc. was formed. Client satisfaction, quality delivery and longterm partnership became the three key principles the company was founded on.
to help deliver technology solutions to organizations.
Flash forward 15 years and ARC now has offices in Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto and Regina. It is still delivering quality technology solutions to clients based on its three principles. However, the organization has grown from humble beginnings to a robust company which employs approximately 120 full time staff, resources or practitioners
Professional Resource Services:
68
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
Since 1998, ARC Business Solutions has grown beyond its modest beginnings in the utility sector. Today, IT services and solutions are delivered extensively within both the public and private sectors throughout Canada and the United States. ARC still provides expert service and solutions to the utility sector but has expanded beyond and does business in a variety of industries, including government, Crowns, energy, private, financial, insurance and health care. It operates in the following business verticals:
ARC provides professional, certified technology resources who manage projects, develop business requirements, develop and test solutions and provide ongoing support on a variety of platforms and applications.
Enterprise Content Management Solutions: ARC is an award-winning, recognized leader in the strategy, design, implementation and support of valuedriven Enterprise Content Management (ECM) solutions focused on EMC’s Captiva/Documentum and Microsoft’s SharePoint, and augmented by historical experience in FileNet and Livelink, amongst others. ARC’s certified experience and solutions span the entire lifecycle of document and records management, enabling organizations to efficiently manage their content.
Managed Services: ARC provides a complete suite of services to assist small and medium companies in managing their technology infrastructure; computer hardware, networks and software solutions or upgrades and help desk services. ARC’s professionals are all certified and hold accreditation in many areas.
and accounting and revenue assurance systems. Application areas include: oil/ gas/pipelines and utilities.
Enterprise Mobile Solutions:
Utility Sector Consulting: ARC has a specialized vertical of experts in delivering solutions to utility companies (gas and electric in particular) across North America. The expertise spans both the regulated and de-regulated environments in Canada and the U.S. in delivering solutions like: CRM/CIS, billing, load settlement, commodity management
ARC’s Mobile Solutions focuses on two key aspects for our customers: “Business Function Mobilization” leverages mobile platforms to enhance effectiveness/ efficiency for work order processing, workflow type applications, and bringing information and computing capabilities for field workers. “Commercial Market Applications” are solutions that make it easier for customers to interact with companies to increase loyalty, brand and revenue. ARC is proud to announce the opening of its Saskatchewan office in Regina and the appointment of Ms. Sheryl Britton as managing director. With its western philosophy of people and community, ARC believes it can bring forward a strong value proposition to
assist Saskatchewan businesses meet the fast-paced economy. In addition to helping businesses grow their footprint and solve issues through the delivery of quality technology solutions, services and knowledge, ARC contributes to the Saskatchewan economy by providing job opportunities and supporting community initiatives.
Sheryl Britton, Managing Director Photo by Calvin Fehr ARC Business Solutions Inc. Suite 1740, 2002 Victoria Avenue, Regina 306.525.2211 | www.arcbus.com
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
69
[ PROPERTIES, OFFICES & INTERIORS ]
Winnona Johner Celebrates ten Years of real estate exCellenCe By ReBecca SchneideReit PhotoS doug Sulley
A
s of September 8, 2013, Winnona Johner has been a realtor in the Estevan area for 10 years. When asked to describe the realty philosophy she’s developed in that decade, Winnona doesn’t hesitate: “Work for the clients, not for yourself.” That “clients first” attitude prevails at Estevan Real Estate Professionals, the agency established by Winnona and her partner, Diane Jocelyn, in 2011. With some three decades combined experience, Diane and Winnona can satisfy every kind of client. “We walk clients through from start to finish,” says Winnona, who helps buy and sell various property types, including “residential, commercial, condos, farms [and] acreages.” Ease and convenience for clients is key at Estevan Real Estate Professionals. In 2012, the agency purchased, renovated and set up shop at their new 4th Street location. This building, adjacent to plentiful city parking, is readily accessible by walk-in clients. Individuals who wish to take advantage of Estevan Real Estate Professionals’ services, but who work demanding
70
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
schedules — for instance, those employed in Estevan’s oil and gas industry — will find Winnona quite willing to accommodate all hours. She’s happy to make herself available on short notice, or on evenings and weekends. “With the oil and gas people, and even with night shift people, we just have to work around their hours,” says Winnona. “We accommodate everybody.” Estevan Real Estate Professionals’ comprehensive website is another definite benefit for time-strapped clients. The site features resources on buying and selling properties, allowing clients to prepare themselves for the process in advance. They also offer “auto email” to notify clients if real estate similar to what they’re looking for is posted. “We’ll set up an auto email, and as soon as any of the real estate companies set up a listing, it automatically goes to their email,” Winnona explains. Estevan Real Estate Professionals’ numerous industry memberships speak to Diane and Winnona’s commitment to excellence. They’re Multiple Listing Service (MLS) members, as well as part of the Association of Regina Realtors and
Winnona Johner, Realtor
the Estevan Chamber of Commerce, to name just a few of the many professional groups to which they belong. As a realtor, Winnona’s personal style is thorough. “You’ve got to be very careful,” she says, noting that she encourages clients to seek both general home inspections and more specific furnace, gas and sewer inspections before committing. “It’s always the best $500 or $600 you ever spent,” she points out, if such an inspection does turn up a problem. After 10 years in the trade, there’s no question that Estevan Real Estate Professionals is exactly where Winnona Johner wants to be.
“It’s my passion. I can’t imagine doing anything else. Every day is different.” Based on the high volume of referrals and return business Estevan Real Estate Professionals enjoys, it’s evident that Winnona’s clients know they benefit from her love of her work.
If you’re searching for a property in the Estevan area — residential or commercial, acreage or condo — Estevan Real Estate Professionals is the local name who can put you on sure footing every step of the way.
Estevan Real Estate Professionals Winnona Johner 1228 4th Street Estevan P: 306.634.9898 C: 306.421.5725 wjohner@myaccess.ca www.winnonajohner.com www.estevanrealestate.com
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
71
Energy Cost Savings &
A BETTER ENVIRONMENT
The patented Aeroseal sealing process is the most effective, affordable and viable method of sealing the central heating and cooling and ventilation ductwork in residential homes and commercial buildings. • The Aeroseal duct sealing system effectively seals the leaky ductwork from the inside by using a UL tested and approved sealing material. It’s clean, safe and guaranteed. • You’ll immediately receive energy savings and a noticeable improvement in comfort. • Aeroseal process won the “Best of What’s New” award from Popular Science magazine, and the “Energy 100” award from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The DOE also rated the Aeroseal duct sealing process as one of the 23 most beneficial technologies available to American consumers that has come out since the agency was created. • When the sealing process is completed, the results are verified and provided to the customer. • Reduces duct leakage up to 90 per cent, reduce energy usage, improve indoor air quality and circulation in residential and commercial buildings.
306-570-7325 | www.aerosealofregina.ca 72
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
Jim Dielschneider - owner
THE RIGHT EXPERIENCE. THE RIGHT TOOLS. THE RIGHT PRICE.
Owned and operated right here in Regina, Start To Finish Construction always gives every project, large or small, our complete attention. We pay special attention to the little details, because those details are the difference between a good job and a great job. The right experience, the right tools, and the right price. Start To Finish Construction offers polite and timely service and works hard to exceed our customers’ expectations. Let us turn your latest project into a joy.
SERVICES Interiors
Exteriors
• • • • • • • •
• • • • • • •
Kitchens and Bathrooms Basement Replacement Basement Finishing Painting and Trim Ceilings Flooring Wall Bracing Drywall
New Masonry Masonry Restoration Roofing Siding Fencing Decks Garages
306.531.4438 | stfconstruction@ymail.com | www.stfconstruction.ca BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
73
74
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
[ MARKETING ]
How to Handle tHe negative on
Social Media
T
here’s not a business out there that hasn’t had an unhappy customer. And these days, because of social media, customers have ways to make their unhappiness known far and wide. Anyone with a social media account or access to online review sites can let the world know whatever they are unhappy about. Sometimes, customers have every reason to be unhappy and let people know what is going with a business in a reasonable, rational manner. And sometimes customers don’t, and business owners can be faced with a social media nightmare playing out for every customer and prospect to see. However, you can prepare yourself to mitigate the bad stuff before it gets out of hand. closely. Keep an eye on your social media pages. Answer questions and reply to comments in a timely manner – don’t leave people
1. Monitor
76
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
hanging and don’t avoid answering. Also, monitor review sites like Yelp and TripAdvisor, and the discussions people have on social media on Twitter and Facebook. It’s your reputation – protect it. 2. React rationally. Don’t delete and don’t
ignore. Often, our first instinct when dealing with a negative comment is to hit delete. Resist. Unless the comment is profane, inflammatory or libellous, leave it there. Customers will react badly to what can be perceived as “censorship.”
3. Respond quickly. If someone has a
complaint, be polite and ask them to privately message you with the details, and let them know you want to help them. You do have the power to turn a negative in a positive. A 2011 study done by The Retail Consumer Report found that 68 per cent of consumers
who posted a complaint or a negative comment on social networking sites about their negative experiences, got a response from the retailer. And, from that, 18 per cent of them turned into loyal customers and bought even more. 33 per cent of them turned around and posted a positive review after that, and 34 per cent of them deleted their negative review that they had left earlier. 4. Personalize, apologize, and keep it professional. Don’t create a standard
message to respond to every negative comment. Be sincere in your response. People respond better when they know they are dealing with a real person, not a faceless business. Sometimes, all it will take is an apology, and acknowledgement of the person’s issue. Your customers will appreciate that you’re making an effort.
In 2012, the bakery relocated to Winnipeg Street, rebranded as Sweet Ambrosia. 2012 ended with the Facebook group’s posts getting nastier, and review sites featuring very negative reviews about the bakery. “These people wanted us to close down,” says Ashlee. “We contacted a lawyer and were told that there’s not much we could do.” Finally, they decided to address it publicly. The bakery told their story on its own Facebook page. The response was overwhelming. “Our customers were so supportive,” says Ashlee. “We’d been dragged through the mud for so long that we’d lost sight of the fact that many more people love our bakery than hate it.” After Sweet Ambrosia went public, local media picked up the story, and not long after, the Facebook boycott group disappeared. “We still get the occasional nasty email and bad review online. It’s not entirely gone, but we’ve come through it,” says Ashlee. Ashlee and Kim have learned a lot about social media since their business began, and they have plenty of advice to share with other entrepreneurs. “Don’t be afraid of social media. We’re an extreme example of what can happen when things get irrational. Social media brought us down, but it also brought us back up,” says Ashlee. “And remember that the happy customers far outnumber the unhappy ones.”
5. Inform. If you’re dealing with a
situation where many customers are being affected, you can avoid being “piled on” by being upfront. For example, if your website is down, keep your customers informed. Let them know you’re working on the problem, and that you will keep them posted as information becomes available.
6. Persevere. Accept that you’re not
going to please everyone and don’t take negative comments personally. Acknowledge your own mistakes when they happen, and learn from the experience.
a case Study in Social Media Gone Wrong Social media can be rewarding, and tough: a lesson learned for Regina bakers Kim Flichel and Ashlee Mitchell. In 2009, Kim and Ashlee started a bakery on 13th Avenue – Kim and Ashlee’s Cakes and Cookies – and their business flourished. In 2011, they discovered a Facebook group calling for people to boycott the bakery. “We monitored it, and discovered that while some of the comments were cruel and untrue, the group was small,” says Ashlee. “So we chose to not acknowledge it. For a while, that was okay.”
Social media is a place for people to share their thoughts and opinions – positive or negative – and it’s up to you on how you handle it. While it’s hard to see negative comments on social media, you can work your way through it. Don’t panic or overreact – think about the opportunities this presents. You’ll learn something about your business and your customers, and if you handle it well, you can come out the other side that much better off. Brook Thalgott is a Regina-based writer and consultant. Educated at the University of Regina, Simon Fraser University and BCIT, she has more than a decade of experience in marketing, communications and social media.
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
77
[ MARKETING ]
30
Facebook and Twitter handlings for various clients
30,500
Over 30,500 “likes” on their clients’ Facebook pages combined
Strengthening Community Through Social Media Two years ago, a designer, a philanthropist and a social media strategist joined forces to launch sMedia, which has since become a leader in social media, online advertising and marketing in Saskatchewan. BY COURTNEY TAIT
T
wo years ago, a designer, a philanthropist and a social media strategist joined forces to launch sMedia, which has since become a leader in social media and online advertising and marketing in Saskatchewan.
handlings for various clients, receiving more than 54,000,000 impressions, 487,000 social interactions by 137,000 unique users, and over 30,500 “likes” on their clients’ Facebook pages combined, they’ve raised over $40,000 for non-profit organizations across Saskatchewan.
community participation in charitable causes,” says Regan Hinchcliffe, philanthropist and sMedia’s account executive. “We believe that social media is all about community, so a truly successful social media campaign or strategy should be community focused.”
Not only has the Regina-based business managed over 30 Facebook and Twitter
“Our ultimate vision as a company is to use the power of social media to increase
Co-founded by Tayler Ursu, Regan Hinchcliffe, and Marshal Finch, sMedia
ABOVE L-R: Marshal Finch, Tayler Ursu, Regan Hinchcliffe, Tommy Douglass PHOTO BY: Calvin Fehr
78
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
has planned and executed six social media charity fundraisers. The agency won the 2013 Media Award by the Regina & District Food bank for their annual 1 “Like” = $1 to the Regina Food Bank Facebook Fundraiser, which has raised $5000 in the last two years. Along with philanthropic work, sMedia has been noted for their innovative research and product development. Canadian Automotive News published an article in August 2013 that featured the company’s social media tool Post Aggregation Ranking software (PAR). “We developed a piece of software that ranks Canadian dealerships’ Facebook pages against each other based on interaction, and subsequently the main brands based on their dealerships combined. It gave a great snapshot of the entire auto industry on Facebook in Canada.” The agency manages five of the top 50 Facebook pages of car dealerships in the country, including Mercedes Benz in Regina, who holds the #2 spot. In addition to social media, they offer graphic, web and digital billboard design, mobile apps, experiential marketing and YouTube, Google Adwords, Google Display Network and Re-Targeting advertising. sMedia works with both big and small companies. Their services increase their clients’ exposure approximately 30 times what can be achieved with traditional media such as radio and newspaper ads. “It saves them money, and they can
reach more people,” says Marshal Finch, sMedia’s social media strategist. The agency custom-tailors their services to each client, providing solutions designed to help them accomplish their business goals. sMedia is currently developing new and innovative products to expand into the automotive industry across Canada, including a mobile app and inventory Google advertising. “We see ourselves as the only true social media agency in Saskatchewan,” says Finch. “Other marketing and advertising agencies slap social media services on their website because “social media” are buzz words and they want to look modern. Social media is more than just about talking about it, setting up a Facebook page, and posting. There is a strategy behind everything we do.” sMedia plans to continue developing strategies that foster symbiotic relationships between business and nonprofit organizations. Their overarching vision? To use social media to make the world a better place.
54,000,000 Received more than 54,000,000 impressions
487,000 137,000
487,000 social interactions by 137,000 unique users
Social Media That Works.
sMedia 306.775.0062 marshal@smedia.ca www.smedia.ca
$40,000 Raised over $40,000 for non-profit organizations across Saskatchewan
5 sMedia manages five of the top 50 Facebook pages of car dealerships in the country.
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
79
[ EDUCATION ]
Fostering Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Saskatchewan Youth BY APOLLINE LUCYK PHOTOS COURTESY OF FUTURES INSTITUTE
M
ore than four years ago, a group of young Saskatchewan professionals were discussing the future of Saskatchewan. It was experiencing positive growth, but many young residents were leaving the province year after year. They wanted to do something to foster a greater sense of Saskatchewan pride in the younger generation, and the Futures Institute for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Leadership Development Inc. (FIELD) was launched. FIELD provides mentoring and training opportunities for Saskatchewan’s future innovators, leaders and entrepreneurs. They facilitate conferences and seminars to create support structures and networking opportunities for Saskatchewan professionals, and have had many high profile speakers present at their conferences, such as Steve McLellan, CEO of Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, and Darci Lang, a renowned motivational speaker from Saskatchewan. The executive board is comprised of Chair, Fred B. Olayele and Vice Chair, Lisa Davey, along with Deysi Castro, Prince Andrew, Ruth Tanen, Steven Thomson, Shalini Mathias and Jordan Brears. They also have a supportive advisory board: Susan J. Gorges, Stephen Ozoigbo and Doug Lawrence. This winter, FIELD is holding an exciting initiative: the Saskatchewan Youth Empowerment and Innovation Challenge (SYEIC). This challenge will invite students from all over the province to propose innovative projects for Saskatchewan. SYEIC will accept proposals for a wide range of ideas. “It could be social innovation, preventing high school bullying for example. So, if you have come up with a solution to address that, we see that as an innovative idea,” says Olayele. “Or you could propose a new recycling or garbage disposal system.” He stresses that the challenge aims to fuel all types of innovation, so students are encouraged to think outside of the box when formulating their proposal. FIELD Chair, Fred B. Olayele
80
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
“We will have cash prizes as well. And then for those who are lucky enough to come up with an innovative idea that can be commercialized, we’re going to look for partners to help them develop that further. If it’s a social problem or an environmental problem that they’ve got a solution to, then we can push those to the relevant provincial ministries to see if they can develop a policy around that.” Although the focus will be on the three finalist teams, students from all of the top 10 teams will be eligible for prizes. “An initiative like this is really going to help our youth to be entrepreneurial,” Olayele says. “And entrepreneurship drives economic growth. It is the engine that creates jobs in the province. So investing in entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership now will ensure our province’s economy continues to grow and strengthen in the years to come.”
Executive Board members and volunteers at the 2012 4th Quarter Business Innovation & Leadership Networking Dinner in Regina
“The contest is open to all of the high schools in Saskatchewan, and major post-secondary institutions, including the University of Regina, the University of Saskatchewan and SIAST,” Olayele adds. Each school will have two teams submit a proposal for an innovative project, and each team will be granted the chance to present their project to a panel of judges made up of professionals from around the province. After the proposals have been reviewed, the 10 strongest proposals will be selected to continue to the next phase of the challenge — an intensive two week mentorship period. “We are going to match them with mentors, trainers and coaches to develop their life skills so that we can provide a level playing ground for all the contestants,” Olayele adds. These mentors will be from all over
the province, drawn from areas such as academia, industry, government and the business community. They will utilize their resources to help the students strengthen their business plans for the final round of the contest. Following the mentorship period, the 10 teams will submit their detailed business plans for assessment by a panel of internal and external judges. Three finalist teams will then be chosen to formally present their business plans in June 2014. The announcements of the winners will be made at the SYEIC Awards Gala in Regina in September, which will be a high profile red carpet event. Participating students will also be eligible to win some amazing prizes. “We are looking to award one year tuition free, all expenses paid for,” Olayele says.
“It’s easy to do programming like this,” adds Olayele, “but at the top of our mind is a strategy. We want to keep them here. It’s happening big here — if people are willing to immigrate to Saskatchewan from Eastern Europe, India, Africa, Indonesia… then we can see we have everything here. And when we say we want to keep them here, it doesn’t mean we don’t want them to go and see the world,” he adds. “You can go to Toronto; Vancouver; London, England; Maryland or Vegas. But while you are there, we want you to still think home. And after this opportunity, we want you to come back home and contribute.” For those looking to get involved with this exciting initiative, FIELD offers a range of sponsorship packages to support the event while generating your business more exposure. Along with these, they also offer customized sponsorship packages for those looking to contribute to the project on a greater or smaller scale. For more information on the Futures Institute for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Leadership Development Inc., please visit www.futuresinstituteinc.org/. For more information on the Saskatchewan Youth Empowerment and Innovation Challenge, please visit www.futuresyeic2014.ca.
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
81
[ FINANCE ]
The recent financial crisis wiped out half of the stock market’s value and devastated many businesses when their customers crashed and credit tightened up or disappeared. We don’t want to go through that again. BY PHIL SYMCHYCH
SAFEGUARDING YOUR BUSINESS WEALTH 82
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
The Four Business Wealth Factors
Valuation
Cash Flow
Management Reputation
you with a complaint. The best car dealers thrive on customer problems that they can solve and thereby create a loyal customer. 4. Bad prospects make lousy customers. Qualify your customers. The final factor is management: can your management team run your business without you? Here are some tips:
H
ere are four steps to protect – and maximize – your business valuation and your wealth.
The Four Business Wealth Factors The first wealth factor is valuation: what your business is worth? Tips to increase valuation include: revenue: Companies that have ongoing maintenance contracts, for example, are more valuable than companies who must find a new customer for every sale. 2. Build up equity: Aggressive tax strategies that reduce retained earnings can hurt your valuation. 3. Proprietary processes: Obtain patent protection to protect unique ways of doing things. 4. Strategic buyer: A larger company that can leverage your proprietary processes or customer list can pay more. 1. Recurring
The second factor is cash flow: are you creating or consuming cash? A good business will use its cash to create more cash … it’s really the ultimate renewable
resource. You can maximize your cash by: 1. C = M V 2 where Cash flow equals your Margins multiplied by the Velocity (speed of payment) multiplied by your sales Volumes. Maximize all of the factors! Any single factor that is low (or nil) will kill your cash flow. 2. Be your own bank. Ensure that you have healthy cash reserves so that you don’t offer excessive discounts that reduce margins. 3. Borrow wisely. Interest rates are low. A good banker can help you accelerate your profitable growth. The third factor is reputation: how loyal and happy are your customers? Evaluate how much of your business comes from referrals or repeat business. To protect your reputation: 1. Talk to your customers and find out what they like and what else you can do for them. 2. Always use written contracts with your customers (and suppliers) and stipulate what both parties must do. 3. Offer a warranty or guarantee so that your customer is encouraged to call
1. Focus on results and metrics. 2. Draw an organizational chart of the key positions. 3. Ensure all key persons have a successor being trained to replace them. 4. Develop career paths to retain your best people. 5. Share real-time information to improve decision-making and accountability. The final tip: The average small business in Canada sells for three to five times EBITDA. Any improvement in EBITDA will strengthen the value of your business and your wealth.
What steps do you need to take to safeguard your business value? Phil Symchych CA, MBA is the president of Symco & Co., author of Phil’s Profit Points, co-author of the upcoming book called The Business Wealth Builder and an expert in maximizing business valuation for elite owners of privatelyheld businesses. For more information, go to www.symcoandco.com. Phil Symchych 306.992.6177 phil@symcoandco.com www.symcoandco.com
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
83
[ LAW ]
Keeping the Workplace Safe: PRIVACY VS. SAFETY BY MCKERCHER LLP BARRISTERS & SOLICITORS
E
mployers are responsible under occupational health and safety legislation to maintain a safe workplace, and they can face both civil and even criminal consequences for failing to carry out this duty. Drug and alcohol testing is a tool that some employers use to help ensure a safe workplace. Drug and alcohol testing, however, is one of the more complicated areas where the law intersects with employer
84
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
policy. The legality and efficacy of such policies depends on compliance with multiple areas of the law, including Occupational Health & Safety, human rights and privacy. Unfortunately, the recent decision of the Supreme Court of Canada in Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada, Local 30 v. Irving Pulp & Paper, Ltd. (“Irving”) has likely led to more questions than clarity in the area.
In Irving, it was ruled that random drug and alcohol testing of unionized employees is not permitted, unless it is proven that there is an existing workplace problem with substance abuse or in other “extreme circumstances,” which the Court did not define. While it was confirmed in Irving that employers can subject employees engaged in “safety sensitive” work to drug and alcohol testing, the Court went on to place serious limitations on testing, suggesting,
for example, that the employer needs to be binding, but it provides some insight able to demonstrate that it has reasonable into the Commission’s interpretation of grounds to believe that the employee is the law regarding testing as it applies impaired while on duty or involved in in Saskatchewan. an incident causing safety concerns. The While the Irving decision leaves many Court also left room for testing as part of questions unanswered, including a return to work program after treatment the absence of information on prefor substance abuse. Thus, in order to employment testing, it is important for justify a testing policy in the workplace employers who use alcohol and drug (at least in the unionized workplace) the testing to consider the implications employer will need to be able to prove more than the fact that the workplace Even in a non-unionized workplace, an involves safety risks.
employer must justify the intrusion on
The extent to which privacy resulting from random testing Irving will impact by reference to the particular risks in a non-union settings remains to be particular workplace. seen. However, it of Irving on employer policy. While was stated as an aside in the Supreme Court’s decision that “even in a nonemployers continue to be accountable to unionized workplace, an employer maintain a safe workplace, the Supreme must justify the intrusion on privacy Court appears to have endorsed the resulting from random testing by notion that employers can only use reference to the particular risks in alcohol and drug testing as a tool in very a particular workplace.” There are limited circumstances. somewhat conflicting decisions across Marie Stack is a lawyer in McKercher Canada on testing in the non-unionized LLP’s Saskatoon office, with a practice workplace. The Saskatchewan Human focusing on Corporate Commercial Rights Commission has published an Litigation and Employment Litigation online guide to drug and alcohol testing and Arbitration. in the workplace that is not legally
■
RIGHT: Marie Stack, lawyer McKercher LLP Saskatoon
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
85
[ PHILANTHROPY ]
S
eptember 10 was an exciting day for Regina’s Habitat for Humanity supporters. That evening, the Miller Thomson LLP law firm hosted an exciting gala event at the Delta Regina Hotel, coming close to raising $100,000: the amount necessary to build a Habitat for Humanity home. The evening included a silent auction, upscale dinner and featured speaker, renowned David Chilton, author of the Wealthy Barber and panel member on CBC’s Dragon’s Den. The night ended with a live auction of big-ticket items, such as dinner for eight at Crave Kitchen and Wine Bar, an outdoor patio set from Sunshine & Ski valued, and a dream vacation at Casa Piazza in Manzanillo, Mexico. David Chilton’s address was a highlight. “David Chilton was a phenomenal speaker,” says Rob Gartner, chief operating officer at Habitat for Humanity Regina. “He was very engaging, and just did a phenomenal job. I know people were raving about his presentation.” Chilton himself enjoyed the gala immensely. “There was a strong sense of community, and a lot of people were there specifically to tie into Habitat for Humanity,” comments Chilton. “The MC was excellent, and they had really good silent auction prizes which they got through quickly at the end of the night,” he remarks. “It was just well organized from all of those perspectives. People got to sit at their own tables with people they knew, so there was a lot of give and take, and back and forth. It was pretty obvious to me that the people who organized it
Supporting Habitat for Humanity: Miller Thomson LLP Sponsors a Night with the Wealthy Barber BY APOLLINE LUCYK
LEFT David Chilton photo courtesy Mike Rao
86
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
TOP Homeowners (middle front) with Trades and Skills Construction Apprenticeship Program students and instructors who built the Miller Thomson home in 2013. LEFT L-R 2013 event organizers Stephanie Thompson, Krista Loydl, Judith Martel, Michelle Sadden, Sarah Short. RIGHT Miller Thomson partner, Greg Murphy, welcomes nearly 300 guests to the 2nd Annual Tool Belts and Ties Gala
had done so before, and that’s why the evening went over so well.” This event was Miller Thomson LLP’s second time organizing a major gala for Habitat for Humanity Regina. Last year’s speaker was Lezra Martin, the lawyer who helped Rubin “Hurricane” Carter prove his innocence from a false murder charge. He obtained Carter’s release from jail, a story made famous by the 1999 film, The Hurricane, starring Denzel Washington. “[Lezra] was a very inspiring person,” says Peter Bergbush, a partner at Miller Thomson LLP, and chair of the board of Habitat for Humanity Regina. “He was able to tell a little bit about his struggles out of poverty, eventually becoming a lawyer and providing some assistance to Rubin Carter.”
Chilton’s speech was equally fruitful. “It was a non-stop stream of entertaining stories about his business career, and his involvement with the Dragon’s Den television show, and also how he got to know the two authors of the Looneyspoons cook books,” adds Bergbush. This year’s event offered many ways for guests to support Habitat for Humanity Regina. With a portion of ticket proceeds going to support this worthy cause, companies were encouraged to buy tables and invite their entire staff to attend. The successful silent auction offered many impressive items donated by Regina businesses. The big-ticket items in the live auction also generated some significant funds. Though the final numbers are not
quite in, Bergbush attests that “we got a significant way there, so we certainly will, with a little more effort, be able to sponsor a house again.” The gala gave Habitat for Humanity an opportunity to reach out to many people who knew little about them. “There were a lot of people who attended who don’t typically get exposed to Habitat for Humanity,” says Gartner. “So, we had a wider audience, where we got a chance to educate them on what we do, and why we do it.” With this year’s successful event behind them, planners anticipate even bigger things for the future. For more information on this year’s event, visit www.toolbeltsandties.com.
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
87
[ LIFE & LEISURE ]
Unique Food and Superb Service BY TRINA ANNAND PHOTOS CALVIN FEHR
Eating stimulates all the senses, and a great meal has the ability to change a person’s mood. Food is one of the key components of any event. To make a truly aweinspiring event, great food and a great location make the difference between forgettable and memorable. At The Saskatchewan Science Centre, there is a hidden gem: Rushton’s Catering. For the past 15 years, the caterer has been delighting children’s parties, office celebrations, weddings and foreign dignitaries with fantastic food and impeccable service. 88
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
“
W
e provide a diverse menu; we can take inspiration from different cultures and unique flavours. We can do pretty much anything our clients want. We try to find ways to say ‘yes’ to our clients,” remarks Rob Harrison, owner and chef. The company has catered events that include everything from popcorn and cookies to elaborate multicourse meals. Rushton’s Catering has had the honour of cooking for Prince Charles and Camilla, two Governors General, all of the Lieutenant Governors, and the last three governments. As the official sponsor of the Globe Theatre’s opening nights, all food is provided by the caterer. The company believes strongly in giving back to the community and donates food to local shelters.
“Rushton’s Catering consistently provides Globe Theatre and its patrons with outstanding catering services. Our patrons rave about the quality, taste and selection that Rushton’s Catering provides. Service is always gracious and efficient. We can always count on Rob and his staff to be on time and go above and beyond what is ever expected. You should see how clean they leave our kitchen!” — The Globe Theatre Though Harrison can cook with any ingredient including exotic items such as saffron and kangaroo, he is a strong promoter of the local produce movement. “The closer we can buy things to home, the less environmental footprint is created through transportation. We also get to support the local economy; if the local economy is doing well, it helps us all do better. We have some amazing products right on our doorstep,” notes Harrison. By using the Science Centre as their home base, Rushton’s can cater large and small scale events in the unique space. Whether it is a 500-person corporate event or a 12-person meeting, guests can choose a private dining experience in the Sunlight Room or the fun of an event on the exhibit floor. The Sunlight Room itself is a fully functioning restaurant complete with a patio, bar and separate entrance. The Centre provides a striking background for any event with its large floor-to-ceiling windows and stately brick architecture. The building has a unique atmosphere created by its past as a power house nestled on the shore of Regina’s scenic Wascana Lake. When catering outside the centre, Rushton’s Catering can provide excellent culinary experiences for as many as 2300 people. New this year will be a sandwich program where all West Jet flights out of Regina will feature Rushton’s sandwiches. “As a chef, you are only as good as your last meal. One bad meal can ruin a reputation, and that’s why we’re very diligent about the quality of our meals and food safety. Every meal that goes out has to be as perfect as possible,” says Harrison. Rushton’s Catering 2903 Powerhouse Drive, Regina 306.569.8538 www.rushtonscatering.ca
MAIN PICTURE L–R Kimberley Knourek, Rob Harrison, Nicole Roskeesci
T R AV E L
YOUR
WA Y Denise Taylor
C
ustom and personalized travel planning for your next vacation or business trip. TravelOnly agent Denise Taylor is committed to finding you the best deals for your flight and accommodations.
She’ll get you there for less! vacation packages flights cruise deals 90
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
online hotel booking car rentals group travel vacations
Denise Taylor 306.388.2338 dtaylor@travelonly.com www.dtaylor.travelonly.com
FRESH IDEAS
SERVING SOLUTIONS
Colony Coffee & Tea Saskatchewan owned
Colony Coffee & Tea features a complete line of coffees, teas, coffee equipment and coffee-related supplies for office and industry environments as well as restaurants and cafes. Serving solutions to suit each customer’s needs, whether it is traditional brewing equipment, beans, portion pack coffees, or the now-popular single-cup systems like Keurig K-Cup brewers.
Machines provided at no charge! Free delivery to your business! Call now for your free trial and high-grade coffees samples!
Colony Coffee & Tea Toll Free: 1.866.545.5282 www.colonycoffee.ca
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
91
Get the Job Done with Colt Electric Serving residential, commercial, industrial and farming sectors throughout Saskatchewan. We have been very impressed by Colt Electric. They get the job done, with expertise in mobile power supply, installation and sizing of generators, pump reactions, and rig wiring and service. They set high standards for safety, do their homework and play by the rules. We’re happy to be associated with Colt Electric. —Jared Mills, Cross Borders Drilling
Colt Electric was the electrical contractor for the building of our upscale pub. They met all our time requirements and budget, and were excellent to deal with. — Chad Zipchian, owner, Birmingham’s Vodka & Ale House in Regina
Delivering excellent 24-hour service at competitive rates. 92
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SOUTH SASK
ABOVE Shylo Claypool, owner
Colt Electric | Box 58, Indian Head 306.551.3773 | www.coltelectric.ca