December 2012 Business in Calgary

Meet this year’s Generosity of Spirit recipients

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IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS. Everywhere you go, you’ll be seeing the new Rocky Mountain Equipment brand. We hope you’ll join Canada’s largest Case IH agriculture and construction dealership group in celebrating the close of another wonderful year.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from your friends at Rocky Mountain Equipment!

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Contents PUBLISHERS

Tim Ottmann & Pat Ottmann

EDITOR

Derek Sankey

Volume 22 • Number 12

On our cover…

M. Ann McCaig, Outstanding Lifetime Philanthropist

COPY EDITORS

Lisa Johnston & Nikki Mullett

CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER Kenji Doshida

ADMINISTRATION

Nancy Bielecki nancy@businessincalgary.com Sarah Schenx Info@businessincalgary.com

DECEMBER 2012 $3.50

Jessi Evetts jessi@businessincalgary.com

www.businessincalgary.com

Art Director

REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS Richard Bronstein Frank Atkins David Parker Lonnie Tate Mary Savage

THIS ISSUE’S CONTRIBUTORS John Hardy Mary Moran Andrea Mendizabal Heather Ramsay Benjamin Freeland Stewart McDonough

PHOTOGRAPHY

Cover photo courtesy of Eilidh Tait Light on Paper Photography

Calgary’s Philanthropic Leaders

ADVERTISING SALES

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Meet this year’s Generosity of Spirit recipients

Evelyn Dehner evelyn@businessincalgary.com Rachel Katerynych rachel@businessincalgary.com Carla Wright carla@businessincalgary.com Bobbi Joan O’Neil bobbi@businessincalgary.com Brent Trimming brent@businessincalgary.com

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Cover

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46 • Calgary’s Philanthropic Leaders Meet this year’s Generosity of Spirit recipients

By John Hardy

This Month’s Features 28 • Jumping Ship or Staying the Course

Overall employee contentment in question as many look to change directions

By Devon Babin

40 • Taming the Stock Market Bogeyman

By Ben Freeland

73 • What a New U.S. President Means to Alberta

Calgary businesses digest what last month’s election results could mean for the province over the next four years

By Derek Sankey

View our electronic issue of this month’s magazine online at www.businessincalgary.com

6 • December 2012 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

Downtown Calgary 401 4 th Avenue Southwest SupremeMensWear.com

Contents

Volume 22 • Number 12

(This Month’s Features cont’d) 92 • Aviation Feature and Directory Becoming a Global Village - Business aviation really taking off

108

108 • Making the Sale

Professional organizers and home staging consultants are polishing real estate presentation and directly contributing to the success of sales

By Heather Ramsay

112 • 2012 Year in Review

Looking back at key stories that shaped Calgary

By Devon Babin

BOMA Calgary News 61 • Winter 2012

Company Profiles 57 • Hull Services

Celebrating 50 Years of Helping Kids & Families

92

79 • Jubilee Engineering Consultants Ltd. Contributing to Calgary’s Growth for 30 Years

85 • Assured Communities Ltd. Committed to Quality for 25 Years

76 • Avalanche Air Systems Ltd. Not your average success story…

112 Regular Columns 9 • Democracy Inc.

By Richard Bronstein

10 • Budget Chicanery

By Frank Atkins

12 • Big Company Service

By Lonnie Tate

117 • Leading Business 122 • The Calgary Report

Current developments for Calgary Telus Convention Centre, Tourism Calgary, Calgary Economic Development, and Innovate Calgary

126 • Marketing Matters

By David Parker

8 • December 2012 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

Democracy Inc. • Richard Bronstein

By Richard Bronstein

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Democracy Inc.

hile sleigh bells ring, angels sing and cash registers across North America (hopefully) go ka-ching kaching . . . I wonder what kind of Christmas President Barack Obama will be having.

The problem for the newly re-elected president is that America’s collective Visa card has just about reached its limit, and it’s not even Christmas yet. And no sooner will the fine china be washed and put away, then the president faces the so-called “fiscal cliff,” which if it’s not handled properly, and very quickly, will land everyone in the so-called “abyss.”

For those who perhaps do not understand these highly-technical economic terms – cliff and abyss – let’s simplify a bit.

There is a law in the United States that limits the national debt to some $16 trillion. If the administration and congress cannot find mutually-agreed ways to reduce that debt by January 1, it will result in a “perfect storm,” (another new economic term) in which previous tax breaks will be cancelled and automatic spending cuts will kick in. It is estimated these measures could cost the American economy $600 billion, lower gross national product by three to four per cent, increase unemployment by at least one full per cent, and knock family incomes down by between $3,000 to $4,000 per year. Not such a problem if you make $250,000 a year, but a serious blow if you make the median American family income of approximately $52,000 a year.

In other words, President Obama and the Republican-controlled House of Representatives have to compromise or the U.S. will be in another full-blown recession while it is slowly crawling out of this one.

You would think that Obama’s resounding electoral victory should be a clear signal to all that the voters have spoken and that they overwhelmingly approve his proposals.

But it’s not as easy as that.

One of the problems in modern democracy is that no one ever loses anymore. An electoral defeat today just means the birth of a new electoral strategy tomorrow. After the election Republicans are blaming shortcomings in their campaign, not shortcomings in their ideas. They are convincing themselves that all they need to do is raise hundreds of millions of fresh dollars, find a fresh face to lead, get a fresh new campaign team . . . and let the next campaign begin.

I think what voters would like is if you are defeated, then just shut up until you can come up with better ideas.

But modern democracy means 24-7 campaigning. Providing good government is next to impossible because you have to run for re-election the minute you are elected.

And don’t just laugh at Americans for being pawns in this game. We’ve got the same disease in Canada, and right here in Alberta.

In Alberta we have one person, Daryl Katz, who contributed one-third of the Conservative government’s campaign expenses in the last provincial election – something between $300,000 to over $400,000.

There are several things in this that just makes one’s jaw drop.

First of all that it may be legal, if you slice up that money in $30,000-size cheques.

Secondly, that nobody finds out until after the election. We can mock Americans for the lavish spending of their superPACS, but at least you know before you vote who is putting up the big money.

The third thing is that not a single individual in the Conservative party establishment nor the Redford government seems to find anything wrong with a single billionaire, who does business with the government, putting up 30 per cent of its campaign costs.

If this happened in America sirens would be wailing day and night. Mobs would storm the White House. Every talk show in the country would be on this every hour of the day.

In Alberta, like Calgary Herald columnist Don Braid explained recently . . . it’s just normal Conservative practice of sloshing public money back and forth to each other.

No wonder people are skeptical, disinterested and depressed by democratically-elected governments.

Politics used to be seen as a necessary evil. Now it is an industry in its own right, with each new generation learning how to feather its nest from the previous generation.

It’s not graft and corruption in politics that we need to worry about. Sooner or later someone snitches and the justice system gets involved. A bigger problem is the corrosion of values of elected officials, party representatives and senior administrative officers of bureaucracy. How do we get that back? BiC www.businessincalgary.com | BUSINESS IN CALGARY December 2012 • 9

Budget Chicanery • Frank Atkins

By Frank Atkins

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ere is an old joke: Why were economic forecasters invented?

In order to make weather forecasters look good. It is true that as forecasters, economists have made a lot of mistakes. However, in certain instances, forecasts are crucial. One of these instances is when a government must forecast revenues in order to budget for the future. In this situation, a prudent approach would be to apply conservative assumptions to the forecast procedure. In Alberta this would mean that forecasts of resource prices in the future should be somewhat on the low side. This has the advantage of constraining spending intentions in the future. If resource prices come out higher than budgeted, then the result is a windfall gain that can be saved for the future. This procedure was followed in the early Klein years.

Unfortunately, the current Alberta government appears to be taking the exact opposite approach. In the current fiscal year, in which we have now finished the second quarter, the world price of oil is projected to be $99 per barrel. Clearly, we have not been near this projection for most of the first two quarters of the fiscal year. Further, the world price of oil is projected to climb to $108 over the next three years in the budget projections.

This is a rather odd situation as most private sector forecasts of the world price of oil are quite a bit below those used in the budget. So the question is why would the government use such inflated forecasts? What makes this

Budget Chicanery Here is an old joke: Why were economic forecasters invented? In order to make weather forecasters look good. question difficult to answer is that most private sector forecasters are predicting that Alberta will lead the nation in economic growth over the next several years. This growth will be accomplished with oil in the $90 range over the forecast period.

Apparently, $90 oil is good enough for the private sector but not good enough for the government. This helps to explain why the government has forecast such high oil prices. These high forecasts leave room to continue the excessive spending that has been going on for years, while still being able to say that the budget will be balanced. This is an odd strategy, as sooner or later the government will have to publicly state that their revenue forecasts are too high, and the province will remain in deficit with the current level of spending.

What makes this whole chicanery even more amazing is that the government has deliberately misled the public on this budgeting procedure. On Wednesday, October 24 in question period Finance Minister Horner assured the house that his oil and gas revenue predictions were solely from the private sector and the government had nothing to do with these predictions. I do not think that this is correct.

10 • December 2012 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

On page 53 of the 2012 budget documents, it is stated, “Over the medium term, global economic growth is expected to accelerate, boosting demand, with prices forecast to rise to US$106.25 in 2013-14 and US$108.25 in 2014-15. The forecast increase in price is slightly less than the average of confidential private sector forecasts provided to the government and higher than that of the average of all private forecasters, which is brought down by some forecasters who have not factored in continued growth in global demand.” Notice the last sentence, which I interpret to mean that the government did not agree with the private sector forecasts, so they raised them. They did this so that they could justify excessive spending and still claim to balance the budget. Unfortunately, the second quarter fiscal update is due out in late November or early December. Either we will get even more chicanery in this update, or the government will have to admit that they got caught deliberately deceiving the public. BiC Frank Atkins is an associate professor of economics at the University of Calgary and a member of the Advisory Board of the Institute for Public Sector Accountability.

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Big Company Service • Lonnie Tate

By Lonnie Tate

Big Company Service

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few days ago, my bank of the last 25 years dumped me. The email said (among other things): “The business you currently hold with us does not meet our minimum business levels and does not fall into the category of financial planning that I am mandated to deliver. If you wish to remain with [the bank] there will be a [banking] fee of $100 per month (starting on November 30).

If you are not interested in our … offer and wish to avoid the … monthly fees, you can decide to deal with [our] retail banking division.”

I’ve sanitized the lines so the bank remains anonymous and have corrected the misspellings. The memo went on to instruct me to call in a day or two when the person sending the email would be available.

Well now! I’m not the great financial citizen who I once was. But I thought I have been a pretty good customer, bought my manager lunch regularly, spent $3,000 plus a year on bank services, gave the bank an annual net worth statement and so on. How could anyone ever think that $100 per month to pay some junior person for advice on my personal finances was worth it? It is not. I did call the lower person and later received a call from the manager … but the word was still: we are brushing you off.

I don’t think any of the Canadian banks are different.

Collectively, their procedures are designed to get as many customers as possible inside the door, shut the door firmly, and because there is no real alternative, jerk them around.

An individual customer can either like or lump what they call service.

What is really annoying is that my bank (and the others) are getting by because of their uniform ineptitude. No one is leading because if they were, they would be swamped by customers looking for nice service … not the condescending service they now experience.

Incredibly, the banks are missing why some big corporations who have millions of customers are growing.

Individually, their customer’s sale means nothing. But collectively, customers’ views of their sales and service experience mean everything. Those corporations have streamlined their 12 • December 2012 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

service delivery models with state-of-the-art computer and Internet systems. They are the lowest-cost producers in their fields. But they have also beefed up their customer-facing people to be the nicest people on the planet who will do anything for you.

Let me give you some companies where I have had great service because they have corporate cultures that encourage exactly that. Every one of them have had service delivery glitches and fixed them.

Bank of America – When I wandered into a branch in California to open an account and get a credit card (with my $200 in hand), you would have thought I was the King of England.

No less than a “vice-president” took my wife and me to her office to close the deal. Their telephone and Internet service has been spectacular … their service delivery beats the hell out of my Canadian bank and for way less business.

TD Insurance – I’ve had two recent telephone conversations with someone on the East Coast. He made me welcome, suggested coverage adjustments, organized premium reductions, and we compared my California snowbird living to his Florida experiences. I’ve never talked to him before and probably never will again … but I’m telling you about that really good experience.

Staples – I frequent two stores; one in California and one in Calgary. Their retail sales floors are pretty much identical, and the expertise of their staff is unquestioned.

Two years ago, they had trouble fixing my laptop. After two tries, the sales guy volunteered: “I apologize. We are refunding all the charges, we will give you 25 per cent off any computer in the place, and we will do the conversion.” Wow! WestJet – Even the people at my bank understand what the company stands for and how it is so much better than the alternative. Recently, the WestJet system caused me some angst and I complained mildly to the person on the telephone. Five minutes later, I had a call from another WestJet person who apologized and fixed the problem.

I think fixing an insignificant wrong is the best indication of a superb service culture! BiC

educator |ĕj’ĕ-kātər| n.

1. One who provides information from which something can be learned 2. Someone who encourages personal growth and exploration 3. A resource that opens doors through the sharing of wisdom, skills, and expertise 4. A communicator of knowledge and ideas 5. The Calgary Public Library

Off The Top • News

Billy Poppins The 15th annual Bill Brooks Prostate Cancer Benefit scheduled for January Recognized as the “must-attend” event kicking off the new year, the 15th annual Bill Brooks Prostate Cancer Benefit promises to be nothing short of astounding. Attendees at the SRO 14th annual, themed Bill in Wonderland and held this past January, will recall fabulous food, amazing auction items – both live and silent – libation galore, superb swag-bags, scores of costumed guests and dancing until the wee hours.

That the benefit has raised more than $4.3 million for prostate cancer research, education and treatment since its inception is testament to the can-do attitude of myriad corporations and individuals. “I said I was going to do the event for one year. Good thing my memory is shot,” quips founder and honorary chair Bill Brooks. “With any luck, we’ll top five mil’ this year,” he adds.

The 15th annual Bill Brooks Prostate Cancer Benefit is presented again by the Canada Safeway Foundation. The Billy 14 • December 2012 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

Poppins-themed event takes place Friday, January 25, 2013 at Hotel Arts. Proceeds will fund programs at the Prostate Cancer Centre located at the Southern Alberta Institute of Urology, Rockyview General Hospital.

“The centre is extremely fortunate to have this long-term relationship with the Brooks Benefit. The over $4 million raised has been used to educate Calgary men about the importance of early detection of the disease and also to support the best care for men from diagnosis to aftercare.

We rely solely on the generosity of Calgarians who support events like the Brooks Benefit,” says Pam Heard, executive director of the Prostate Cancer Centre.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Canadian men and one in six men in Alberta will be diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime. Of these, eight men will die every week. And yet, when detected early, prostate cancer is one of the most successfully treated types of cancer.

Tickets to the must-attend event are $300 and are available by calling event partner, the Calgary Health Trust, at 403943-0619 or logging onto www.billbrooksbenefit.com. BiC

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Off The Top • News

AdFarm Founder Kim McConnell Heads to the Hall of Fame This past November, Kim McConnell, a founder of AdFarm, was officially inducted into Canada’s Agricultural Hall of Fame. He is the first-ever communications agency inductee.

The legacy of McConnell’s successes will forever live on alongside other esteemed agricultural leaders including Senator Patrick Burns, Senator Harry Hays, Dr. Bob Church and the fathers of canola, Baldur Stefansson and Keith Downey.

McConnell’s successes are numerous and have rightly earned him a position alongside these individuals; who are credited with such things as the establishment of the Calgary Stampede, the breeding of world-respected crops and livestock, and the development of internationally-respected agri-food products and technologies.

In 1984, McConnell started one of Canada’s first marketing and communications agencies out of the basement of his home. Through the years, he continued to challenge himself to provide creative solutions that ultimately serve to strengthen Canadian agriculture. And since those early days, AdFarm, a marketing and communications firm known for its unparalleled experience in agriculture, has grown to become one of North America’s most-respected communications agencies; with two full-service offices in Canada and four in the United States.

As chief executive officer of AdFarm, McConnell has had the opportunity to work with some phenomenal organizations. His major contributions to the industry include the redevelopment of Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers’ Program, the introduction of Alberta Farm Animal Care and work as an active board member and/or chair for such organizations as Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency, 4-H Canada, Centre for Health and Safety in Agriculture, YMCA, the Alberta Economic Development Authority and Crime Stoppers. Due to his broad industry knowledge and personable nature, McConnell is a mentor to many young people, a strategic adviser to industry organizations and a respected facilitator at agricultural forums at the regional, provincial and federal levels.

Under McConnell’s guidance, the agency has built up a skilled set of communicators who effectively hold his same passion for agriculture. “Kim’s passion, drive and enthusiasm are extremely contagious. Through his sound leadership, the agency has attracted top-notch talent, creating teams that consistently deliver successful creative and mediasavvy solutions. These teams work hard to generate industry connections for businesses operating in agriculture or agrifood,” says Ben Graham, president of AdFarm Canada Inc. “Kim has taught AdFarmers to act as a catalyst for the industry. In doing so, our people have built and branded Canadian agriculture, promoted healthy perceptions of the industry and retooled vital stakeholder relations; all while maintaining strong connections with the media, rural communities and the ever-eclectic urban consumer,” says Graham.

16 • December 2012 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

McConnell is an industry pioneer who continues to be a catalyst for the advancement of agriculture. The induction ceremony itself took place on Sunday, November 4, 2012 in the Centennial Room at the Liberty Grand, Exhibition Place in Toronto, Ontario. BiC

Tourism Calgary Awarded Alberta Tourism Award for Marketing Partnership Three-peat demonstrates that partnership is the key to success for Calgary’s tourism industry For a third consecutive year, Tourism Calgary was awarded with the Alto Award for Marketing Partnership at Travel Alberta’s 2012 Alberta Tourism Awards at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. The award was presented to Tourism Calgary and the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra for a unique social media partnership that highlighted Calgary’s rich arts and cultural scene through a Singing Tweets YouTube video that went viral in days.

“Our Singing Tweets collaboration with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra demonstrates the power of combining strong partnerships with innovative and creatively executed ideas,” says Randy Williams, Tourism Calgary president and CEO. “The growing strength of our organization rests on the quality of our relationships and partnerships with friends like the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and our industry’s many remarkable stakeholders.”

The YouTube video set tweeted tips from Calgarians and visitors on how to stay warm during Calgary winters to choral music. Singing Tweets launched in December 2011 and supported the Experience WOW fully-integrated regional campaign that included paid media, media visits, press releases and social media posting. In less than a week, Singing Tweets media exposure garnered more than $1.2 million in media value including coverage on CNN, NPR, New York Times, Discovery Channel, CBS News, CBC News, News Australia and others.

In October, Tourism Calgary launched its second major social media project, again working with social media agency Village & Co. The project entitled, Tweet Dress, is a new partnership with world-renowned fashion designer Paul Hardy. The project is asking Calgarians and visitors to submit tweets to answer the question, “What’s in style in Calgary?” using the twitter hashtag #styleYYC and the @Calgary twitter handle. The tweets will be used to create a first-of-its-kind dress designed by Paul Hardy.

The Alberta Tourism Awards saw more wins for Calgary as the Calgary Stampede won the award for Marketing Excellence over $25,000 for their centennial campaign We’re Greatest Together. Lola Brown was also awarded with the Tourism Media award for her story Come to Calgary! that was facilitated by Tourism Calgary.

Calgary is forecast to lead the nation’s major metropolitan centres for the second year in a row in 2012. Tourism Calgary believes that the ability to sustain growth for the city’s visitor economy is reliant on continuing to develop partnerships that take advantage of the extensive creative talent and resources in the local tourism industry. BiC

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It started with a vision...

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JAMES S. KINNEAR Kinnear Financial Limited

JAMES S. KINNEAR

Then and now

W

hen James Kinnear moved to Calgary from Montreal in 1980, most of his assets were in the back of the Ryder rental truck, but that didn’t deter him from finding his way in the oilpatch – he was drawn to the cash flows from energy assets. Originally his thought was to encourage Canadian pension funds to consider investments in energy – hence the name Pengrowth for pension fund growth. Later Kinnear realized a major opportunity to provide cash distributions from oil and gas assets to retail investors under the royalty trust model. Jim founded Pengrowth Energy Trust in 1988 with an IPO of $12.5 million. As a pioneer in the sector, he provided vision and leadership over the next 20 years as the trust grew to an enterprise value in 2008 of $4.3 billion, employing 600 Canadians. Average annual compound rates of return on Pengrowth from inception until Jim’s retirement in September 2009 exceeded 14 per cent.

During his tenure of over 20 years, Pengrowth completed more than 50 property acquisitions with a total value of over $5 billion and raised over $3.5 billion in equity and $1.0 billion of investment grade private placement debt. Significant milestones at Pengrowth include the acquisition of Judy Creek and Swan Hills assets from Imperial Oil for almost $500 million in 1997, the largest acquisition and related secondary offering in the Canadian oilpatch to that date. The market capitalization of Pengrowth attained the $1.23-billion level realizing the goal of “1 x 2” in 2000. Also in 2000, Kinnear’s management company, Pengrowth Management Limited, acquired the naming

a vision... gary’s Consumer Choice Award for Businessman of the Year. In 2007, he was the recipient of the Fraser Milner Casgrain Pinnacle Award for Entrepreneurship and Community Service as well as Alberta Venture’s Business Person of the Year. In 2008, Kinnear was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship from Rotary International in addition to the Royal Canadian Golf Association Distinguished Service Award. In 2009, he received the Petroleum History Society’s Preservation Award and an honorary doctorate of commerce from Saint Mary’s University, Halifax. During that same year, Kinnear pledged $2.5 million to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award program in Canada – the largest single donation in the program’s history.

Three years ago, following a shortlived retirement from Pengrowth, he created new domestic and international investment opportunities in the oil and gas industry through Caledonian Royalty Corporation and Caledonian Global Limited. As with the Pengrowth business model, Kinnear’s goal was to provide attractive returns to investors on a tax-efficient basis from royalties on producing oil and gas properties.

Today, he is chairman and CEO of Caledonian and its related companies, Pengrowth Management Limited and Kinnear Financial Limited.

Among his more recent accomplishments, the Kinnear Centre for Creativity and Innovation at the Banff Centre opened in July 2010. Kinnear was the lead private donor during the initial phase of the revitalization of the Banff Centre. Further, in honour of over $10 million dollars which his annual Kinnear Classic golf tournament has raised for the Rockyview General Hospital, his name graces the emergency department.

Celebrating the game changers!

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rights to the Pengrowth Saddledome which was instrumental in keeping the Calgary Flames NHL franchise in the city. In 2001, Pengrowth was the first trust to invest in offshore Canada’s east coast acquiring an interest in the Sable Offshore Energy Project from the Government of Nova Scotia for $256.2 million. Several other large acquisitions followed: Murphy Oil assets 2004 ($550.8 million); ExxonMobil Canada Carson Creek assets 2006 ($475 million); Esprit Energy Trust 2006 ($1.1 billion adding natural gas and coal bed methane potential); and, in late 2006 at the same time as the announcement of the new SIFT tax, Kinnear successfully concluded a $1.04-billion property acquisition from ConocoPhillips.

Pengrowth’s unprecedented success was a combination of Kinnear’s vision, persistence and ethics. Never taking “no” for an answer, Kinnear is results-oriented and has succeeded in seemingly impossible projects and in some very challenging capital market conditions. As a chartered financial analyst, he recognized the maturing nature of the oil and gas industry, the potential for sustained cash flow and the inefficiency of many exploration and development companies in providing a return for investors.

Kinnear is not only an exceptional business leader, he is also an extraordinary citizen and his unwavering commitment to philanthropic endeavours has touched thousands of people. Kinnear was named the Ernst & Young Prairies Entrepreneur Of The Year in 2001. In 2005, he was awarded the Alberta Centennial Medal in recognition of outstanding service to the people and province of Alberta.

The following year, he received Cal-

Gold sponsor

Ernst & Young is a proud supporter of

Off The Top • News

Ski Resort Leader Named Sunshine Chief Operating Officer Dave Riley brings 26 years of experience at premier North American resorts Sunshine Village Ski and Snowboard Resort has named 26-year industry leader Dave Riley as senior vice-president and chief operating officer at the Canadian Rockies’ most successful resort.

Riley, who will also act as senior vice president, sales, marketing and resort operations, was most recently chief executive officer at Telluride, the world-renowned ski and summer vacation resort in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado.

“Dave Riley brings a commitment to excellence and a wealth of unmatched experience to Sunshine Village and the Canadian Rockies,” says Ralph D. Scurfield, president and

Dave Riley

principal owner of Sunshine Village, which last year received more than 34 feet of snow. “He has true passion for improving the visitor experience,

New Location: 3431 12th Street N.E. Calgary, Alberta (403) 283-7575 www.koolspace.ca

20 • December 2012 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

fully understands what the destination market wants, knows customer service must constantly be improved and has the skills to deliver on his convictions,” he adds, noting Riley was selected after an extensive North American search.

Former president of Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort in Oregon, where he worked for 14 years, Riley has also been vice president, operations and finance for Angel Fire Resort in New Mexico and treasurer, controller and director of information systems for Jackson Hole Ski Corporation, Wyoming. He started his career in the ski industry at Keystone Resort in Colorado.

Resorts under his direction have received numerous industry awards for safety, environmental stewardship and guest services.

“My focus at Sunshine Village will be to work with the experienced and talented team to help provide a strong safety culture, successful environmental stewardship and exceptional guest experiences,” says Riley. “Banff is a wonderful international mountain community and Sunshine Village is an iconic alpine resort in the Canadian Rockies.”

For more information visit www. skibanff.com. BiC

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CAPITAL PRESERVATION, WEALTH CREATION, INVESTOR CORPORATE ALIGNMENT

MORTGAGES Urbanstar 1st MIC - Mortgage Investments Introducing UrbanStar Located at the head office in Calgary, Alberta, UrbanStar is a specialized firm that designs, implements and operates real estate asset management solutions for investors. The portfolio strategy of its real estate offerings is firmly focused on investing in selected regional cities in the thriving markets of Western Canada. UrbanStar has the ability to offer an array of real estate services including real estate and mortgage brokerage services. UrbanStar uses its expertise to provide investors with quality land investment opportunities and currently manages over 600 acres of land along highway 1A between Calgary and Cochrane, Alberta. We make this land available to qualified investors through land based real estate investment products.

The Principles and Management

UrbanStar 1st MIC Approved

by Quadrexx As An Exempt Market Product

UrbanStar 1st MIC would like to announce that our current offering has been approved and will be managed by Quadrexx an Exempt Market Dealer for distribution by their Exempt Market Product Agents.

UrbanStar believes that the determining factors behind the success of any organization are the Quadrexx – established in 2003 – is an individuals involved in the day-to-day operations of that company. Experience and excellence in the EMD and a Portfolio Manager (in all the field of traditional and alternative real estate investments are maximized with a team that includes: Western Provinces, Ontario and New Brunswick) that offers investment Dean Gorenc BA, CHRP, AMP | CEO & President. Mr. Gorenc has worked in the Land Banking products and services expanding and Private Lending industry since 2004. His experience includes raising capital for various real beyond what is offered by most EMDs. estate offerings including syndicated mortgages, mortgage investment corporations, raw land and Quadrexx has offices in Toronto and land development offerings.

Calgary and is a true national firm with Peter Fournier | Vice-President Business Development. Mr. Fournier has worked in the Private an expanding asset and agent base.

Lending Industry for 15 years. His experience includes fundraising, product development, land Quadrexx offers a variety of Exempt banking, mortgage investment corporations, syndicated mortgages, dealing with investors and Market products to eligible and accredited investors in the area of equity capital providers at an executive and board level. alternative investments that is Ashif Merani | Corporate Secretary-Barrister & Solicitor. Founder and partner of Merani specifically tailored to the retail Reimer LLP, which specializes in Securities and Corporate law. investor, providing lower correlation to traditional asset classes and not typically available to retail investors.

Our Advisors UrbanStar has assembled a distinguished advisory board that includes: Fred Edwards | President / CEO of Servpro Cleaning (Calgary) Inc. & Servpro Canada Inc., a privately held corporation. Servpro has 44 years in the Calgary Cleaning industry and is composed of a team of over 900 employees. In 2008 Mr. Edwards was honoured with a "Leader of Tomorrow" Award presented by Business Calgary Magazine.

Miklos Nagy CFA, CFP | President, Director, CEO & CIO of Quadrexx Asset Management Inc. Mr. Nagy is Past Chair of CIFPs (Canadian Institute of Financial Planners Association), a member of CFA Institute and sits on the Exempt Market Dealer Board of Canada.

Marie Rajic BA, MA, MPA. Ms. Rajic was former, senior political staffer in Alberta for Prime Minister Stephen Harper's government as the Executive Director Regional Affairs, and was one of Calgary Top 40 under 40 in 2008.

Lee Thiessen MBA | Principle Partner at MNP. Prior to joining MNP, Mr. Thiessen was an Executive Vice President at Altus Group - a public company listed on the TSX that provides real estate consulting, professional advisory and technical services in the global marketplace.

Guy M. Priddle MBA, RPA, CAE. Former President of BOMA Mr. Priddle has been involved in the commercial real estate industry since 1986 and has worked with all types and classes of property including bare land and small retail, residential, large and small industrial, and major downtown class AA office buildings.

UrbanStar Mortgages - Loan Originators

UrbanStar 1st MIC

8-11% Targeted Yield

UrbanStar Mortgages has developed strategic alliances with several experienced mortgage loan originators who have been sourcing, vetting and underwriting commercial mortgages. Many of these mortgage originators provide loans to developers and builders on a short-term basis when conventional lenders will not.

These relationships will provide for an added layer of underwriting that ensures the MIC is only lending on appropriate, risk adjusted opportunities.

Typical mortgage investments include:

Urbanstar 1 Mortgage Corporation offers mortgage investment opportunities on commercial, industrial and residential real estate through its Mortgage Investment Corporations (MICs). The MICs should be of interest to investors seeking an income producing investment with the following features. st

Mortgage Investment Corporation (MIC) Highlights: • Maximum 75% loan to value mortgages • Minimum initial investment amount of $10,000 • MIC mortgages secured by real property • Quarterly payments and targeted yields of 8-11% • RRSP, RRIF, RESP and TFSA eligible • Highly experienced management at all levels • Regularly scheduled closings • LIRA eligibiliy

• Land acquisition • Land servicing • Low rise multifamily residential construction • Income producing property acquisition and redevelopment

How a MIC Works

INVESTOR Interest Income

Share Purchase

POOL OF MORTGAGES MORTGAGE

MORTGAGE

Mortgage Investment Corporations (MIC) UrbanStar 1st MIC offers investment opportunities in Mortgage Investment Corporations. UrbanStar will source or offer mortgage investment corporations that meet our strict due diligence process for vetting alternative investments to our investors.

Mortgage Investment Corporations are companies organized for investors to invest in pools of mortgages. Those funds, in turn are used to provide mortgage loans to selected real estate borrowers.

Profits generated by MICs are distributed to its shareholders according to their proportional interest.The investor in a MIC earns a blended rate of return based on the interest earned from each respective mortgage. The pool is continuously managed with new mortgages replacing mortgages that are matured. A MIC provides a convenient way to diversify a portfolio of investments; funds invested in a MIC are secured by real property.

A MIC is ideal for those investors who want a rewarding yet effortless investment and who do not have the time or interest in assuming the administrative responsibilities attached to running a mortgage portfolio. Investments in a MIC are RRSP, RRIF, RESP, LIRA and TFSA eligible.

Proportional Interest in Pool of Mortgages

Interest Payments

MORTGAGE MORTGAGE

MORTGAGE MORTGAGE

Mortgage Investment Corporations are uniquely Canadian, defined in Section 130.1 of the Income Tax Act. They are tax-free flow-through investments designed to allow people to invest in the Canadian private mortgage market.

Learn more about investing with UrbanStar and its current offerings by visiting www.UrbanStarCapital.com.

This advertisement does not constitute a solicitation or an offer to purchase the securities referred to herein, which is being made to qualified investors under an Offering Memorandum available from our office. There are risks associated with an investment in mortgages and our investments are not guaranteed, the projected results will depend, among other things, on economic factors and market trends.

invest@UrbanStarCapital.com

403-984-4050 403-984-4060

1043 19 AV SE , Calgary, AB T2G 1M1 www.UrbanStarCapital.com

[title] • [section]

LEFT TO RIGHT: ROB JOLLEY, DIRECTOR PRAIRIES EOY, ERNST & YOUNG; DON CARON, CEO, BRICHEM CORP.; DR. ALAN ULSIFER, CEO AND PRESIDENT, FYIDOCTORS; DAN BALABAN, CEO, GREENGATE; LANCE TORGERSON, PRESIDENT, NORALTA LODGE LTD.; ANGELA SANTIAGO, CEO, THE LITTLE POTATO COMPANY LTD.; HENRY FRIESEN, VICE-PRESIDENT SALES AND MARKETING, CONVEY ALL INDUSTRIES INC.; MARCOS LOPEZ, MANAGING DIRECTOR, SOLIUM CAPITAL; CHRIS HOPFNER, CHAIRMAN OF TRICO HOMES; CLIFF WIEBE, PRESIDENT AND COO, POSEIDON CONCEPTS CORP.; SABRINA MASCHMEYER , REPRESENTATIVE DEVFACTO TECHNOLOGIES INC.; LYLE MICHALUK, CEO, POSEIDON CONCEPTS CORP.; AND, COLLEEN MCMORROW, NATIONAL EOY DIRECTOR, ERNST & YOUNG. MISSING: DAVID CRONIN & CHRIS IZQUIERDO, DEVFACTO TECHNOLOGIES INC.

1.

PHOTOS FROM THE ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR 2012 (EOY) AWARDS CEREMONY HELD ON OCTOBER 11TH, 2012 ALL PHOTOS BY BUD MOORE PHOTOGRAPHY

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

1. ROB JOLLEY (PRAIRIES DIRECTOR, ERNST & YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR), BERT AND JEANETTE DEBRUIN (ALTAPRO ELECTRIC LTD.) 2. COLLEEN MCMORROW (NATIONAL EOY DIRECTOR, ERNST & YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR), 3. GORD GILLIES – MASTER OF CEREMONIES 4. AUDREY MASCARENHAS (QUESTOR TECHNOLOGY INC.), DAN BALABAN (GREENGATE POWER CORPORATION), PAT OTTMANN (PUBLISHER, BUSINESS IN CALGARY MAGAZINE) 5. LORNE MOTLEY (EDITOR IN CHIEF, CALGARY HARALD) AND DAVE ROE, VICE-PRESIDENT, (DEVFACTO TECHNOLOGIES INC.) 6. DR. ALAN ULSIFER (FYIDOCTORS) PRAIRIES 2012 ERNST & YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR 7. CLIFF WIEBE & LYLE MICHALUK (POSEIDON CONCEPTS CORP.)

24 • December 2012 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

Off The Top • News

2.

1. 3.

Over 75% of Achievers indicate Junior Achievement is Achievers contribute key to developing $535 million financial literacy to the Canadian economy each year. skills.

1. Marcos Lopez, Solium 2. Red carpet interview with Dean Radomsky, Ernst & Young 3. From Left to Right: Julie & Logan Day - Ernst & Young, Linda & Jim Rakievich - McCoy Corporation, Jeremy Thiessen – RBC, Rob Jolley – Prairies Director Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year

By providing youth with the skills necessary to

become innovative, productive and contributing

citizens, Junior Achievement makes a $535 million impact on Canada’s economy.*

Take a closer look at our IMPACT To learn more about Junior Achievement’s impact

or to invest in engaging Southern Alberta’s youth,business please call By delivering and effective 403 781 2582 or visit to jasouthalberta.org education programs young Canadians, Junior Achievement of Canada fills the need for financial * Boston Consulting Group, 2011 literacy education in schools... free-of-charge.

According to the Boston Consulting Group, 75% of Achievers (Alumni) cite JA Canada programs as having a significant impact in developing their financial literacy skills, decision making skills, analytic capabilities, and business sense.

BIC Half Page Ad_Nov 14.indd 1

14/11/12 11:12 AM To learn www.businessincalgary.com more about Junior| Achievement’s BUSINESS IN CALGARYimpact December 2012 • 25 or to invest in Canada’s youth, please call

Off The Top • News

Kim Caron (Far right), Executive Mat Service Ltd. & Team

The new face of fourth street 1.

2.

Now Open info@anejo.ca #2, 2116 – 4th Street SW www.anejo.ca | @anejoyyc

26 • December 2012 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

3.

1. Dawn Vaasjo & Brian Vaasjo, Capital Power 2. Trevor MacFarlane & Glenn Yuen, Dynamic Risk 3. Dean Shaver, CSI Canada Safety

Off The Top • News

Three-Year Win for Calgary!

Meetings & Conventions Calgary (MCC) is pleased to announce that Calgary has been selected for a three-year commitment to host the Western Retail Lumber Association (WRLA) Prairie Showcase Buying Show and Convention for 2015, 2016 and 2017.

“As this event continues to expand, not only in size but in relevance and scope, it made sense to bring it to Calgary,” says Gary Hamilton, president of WRLA. “This event is an integral part of the WRLA and enables our members to effectively compete and grow their business in a rapidly-changing business environment.”

The event is expected to generate 3,850 room nights and $1.3 million in economic revenue in 2015 and grow each year thereafter. The dates for 2015 are January 21, 22 and 23.

“We are extremely excited Calgary has been chosen to host the WRLA Prairie Showcase Buying Show and Convention for three years commencing in 2015. We are confident WRLA will meet its growth expectations by selecting Calgary and we are eager to collaborate with them to ensure a most successful event,” says Jennifer Stewart, business development manager for Meetings & Conventions Calgary.

The Prairie Showcase offers even more ways than ever for building materials suppliers and retailers to make great deals. It is the largest show of its kind in Canada with over 650 booths and over 265 exhibiting companies.

Established in 1890, the Western Retail Lumber Association Inc. today is comprised of over 1,200 member firms involved in the building supply industry in Western Canada. The WRLA represents the interests of members in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Northwest Territories, northwest Ontario, Yukon and Nunavut, providing a forum for the exchange of ideas and information in the industry. BiC

CanadaSharperEye_BIC2/3pageVert_ol.indd 1

www.businessincalgary.com | BUSINESS IN CALGARY December 2012 • 27

10/11/12 3:20 PM

Jumping Ship or Staying the Course • Continuing Education

28 • December 2012 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

Jumping Ship or Staying the Course • Continuing Education

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Overall employee contentment in question as many look to change directions

by Devon Babin

Y

our employees are looking for work elsewhere.

At least they can be. Major reports have been released over the past couple of months that should raise red flags for employers hoping to keep a stable staff complement. Forbes magazine reacted to a report released by Ranstad, one of the world’s largest staffing companies in the world, and one of the first stats pointed out was, “40 per cent of workers are planning to look for a new job in the next six months,” reads the Forbes article.

A step towards maintaining your healthy and active lifestyle.

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www.businessincalgary.com | BUSINESS IN CALGARY December 2012 • 29

AS A MANAGER, I LEAN ON MANY OF THE SKILLS I LEARNED. PEGGY PARVIAINEN, GRADUATE, CERTIFICATE FOR EMERGING LEADERS

Leaders turn to Continuing Education Business Seminars Today’s workplace challenges you to be the best you can be.

Learning new views and concepts, while continually refreshing and refining your skillset is key to your leadership development.

This winter and spring, take a little time from the regular grind of the office to attend a University of Calgary Continuing Education Business Seminar. Learn from knowledgeable instructors, in five main topic areas—Building Relationships, Coaching, Communication, Personal Effectiveness, and Professional Skills.

Seminars range from half- to multiple-day sessions, typically scheduled from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm at the main or downtown campuses.

You can earn a Certificate for Emerging Leaders by attending 98 hours of Business Seminars. Learn more on our website.

All of the seminars listed here are offered in the upcoming winter or spring sessions. For detailed descriptions, instructors, dates, fees, and locations, go to conted.ucalgary.ca/seminars.

Building Relationships • Building Great Customer Relationships • Effective Meeting Management • Energize Your Workplace: Inspiring and Motivating People • Intentional and Purposeful Relationships • Mentoring Skills • Successful Teams: How to Build Them Coaching • • • • •

Coaching for Quality Performance Coaching to Lead Intentional and Purposeful Coaching Intentional and Purposeful Leadership Power and Science of Coaching

Communication • • • • • • • •

Active Listening Skills Art of Giving and Receiving Criticism Conquering Your Fear of Public Speaking Dealing with the Difficult Conversation Facilitation Skills Good Writing is Good Business Powerful Presentations Writing Winning Proposals

Personal Effectiveness • • • • • • • •

Accountability in the Workplace: Whose Job Is It? Assertiveness Skills Be the CEO of Your Life Creative Conflict Resolution: Making the Most of Differences Creative Negotiating Do Less and Achieve More: Zone of Optimal Performance Effective Writing in the Workplace Emotional Intelligence

• • • • • • • • •

Leadership: From Horse Sense to People Smarts Meeting the Challenge of Leadership Mental Toughness: Training for Success Rhythms of Leadership Road Less Travelled: Finding Unconventional Work/Life Solutions Strategic Leadership Strengthening Your Leadership Skills Stress Less: Managing What’s On Your Mind Work-Life Balance: Fully Engage for Success

Professional Skills • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Accounting for Non-Financial Managers Appreciative Inquiry at Work Building Resilience at Work Building Trust In The Work Environment Business Partnering for Results Decision Making and the Business of Critical Thinking Empowering and Motivating Others Through Effective Delegation Engaging Employees With Meaningful Career Conversations Financial Analysis and Planning for Non-Financial Managers Fundamentals of Supervision Getting Things Done Through Influence Leading Through Generational Differences Overview of Strategic Planning Preventing Catastrophe Project Management: Fundamentals of Project Planning and Organization Succession Planning Team Survival Skills: Take it Outside!

Time Management Toxic Workplaces: Strategies to Create Healthy Environments

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403.220.2988

Jumping Ship or Staying the Course • Continuing Education

Right Management, part of the ManpowerGroup, released a separate report looking at employee satisfaction, and it pointed to a similar negative trend for employees in North America.

Sixty-five per cent of people surveyed were either unsatisfied or somewhat unsatisfied with their job.

Canada and the U.S. are different beasts, Right Management, part of the Mandespite often being lumped together. There powerGroup, released a separate report are, undoubtedly, many employees looklooking at employee satisfaction, and it ing at the possibilities of greener pastures pointed to a similar negative trend for in Canada, and Calgary specifically, but the employees in North America. Sixty-five reasons and motivations are likely much per cent of people surveyed were either different in comparison to their counterunsatisfied or somewhat unsatisfied with parts in the U.S. their job.

“The expectations are different [in the “Job satisfaction is an easily underU.S.],” says David Allwright, dean of the stood workplace indicator,” says Michael School of Business at Bow Valley College.

Haid, senior vice president of talent “With a lower unemployment rate [in Canmanagement for Right Management. ada], it makes it easier to switch careers. If “We’re not asking about fulfilment or people are making a leap, they are making enthusiasm, but just job satisfaction. a leap to something more focused.”

Nevertheless data unmistakably tilt in the Bow Valley College is one of the premiere destinations in the city for continuing Making the decision to change a career wrong direction. Half as many responeducation. Dr. David Allwright, above, is the founding Dean of the School of Business. path is a big one, and the trends are not the dents say they’re satisfied with their job same for all industries or geographic regions compared to those that are unsatisfied. of the country. The University of Fredericton is a small online Sorry to say, this comes as no surprise when it comes from university that has been garnering a lot of notoriety for the workers in the U.S. and Canada, who’ve been giving their quality of their programs. The university’s online EMBA and grumpy and frank feedback for the past two difficult years.”

32 • December 2012 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

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Jumping Ship or Staying the Course • Continuing Education

MBA programs, along with the school’s health, safety and environment programs, are seen as the school’s specialties.

Of the university’s 900 students, just over 500 take part in health and safety related studies while another 200 are pursuing MBAs. Tracy Pugh, admissions manager for the school, points to a specific trend. She finds that there is a definite stream of people leaving traditional trade careers – plumbing, construction, etc. – and entering the health and safety world. In comparison, those pursuing MBAs tend to be continuing a career with a certain focus, generally with one employer and with an eye on moving up the ranks.

“We don’t find [MBA] students are trying to change, they are looking to enhance,” says Pugh.

Pugh also notes that many of the students who have left traditional careers in the trades to explore opportunities in health and safety are in Alberta.

There is an important shift in attitudes toward employee loyalty that has been gradual. The generational change in the workforce may have a lot to do with the amount of individuals actively looking for a career change.

As the baby boomer generation retires and exits the workforce, so does its collective mentality toward employers. The idea of being loyal to an employer is something engrained in the baby boomer generation.

There is an important shift in attitudes toward employee loyalty that has been gradual. The generational change in the workforce may have a lot to do with the amount of individuals actively looking for a career change.

34 • December 2012 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

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Jumping Ship or Staying the Course • Continuing Education

“They tended to be loyal and they tended to value loyalty,” says Susan Quinn, associate professor at Mount Royal University’s School of Business.

With generations X and Y increasingly dominating the workforce, many are looking back and deciding whether or not their parents’ loyalty paid off. Generally, without that undying loyalty to employers, companies need to look at the way they treat and interact with employees and consider making changes.

“Treat them well or they will walk, we’ve been saying this for years,” says Quinn.

This isn’t to say generations X and Y are complaining needlessly. What was simply accepted a couple of decades ago, isn’t today. Management is a big part of any company succeeding or failing. Quinn says there are often occurrences, especially within the oil and gas industry, where individuals are promoted to managerial positions without proper training. They may be good in their previous role, but management is foreign to them.

“People don’t leave their jobs, they leave their managers,” says Quinn, using a play on a workplace cliché. “People are literally escaping their managers and their industry.”

Mount Royal offers a wide-range of continuing education options. Whether it be updating for a current position or moving into a new field, Mount Royal is one of many options in Calgary.

A recent survey released by Ipsos-Reid illustrates just how lacking employee confidence is in their leaders. The survey, entitled Build a Better Workplace: Employee Engagement Edition, reported 61 per cent of Canadian employees don’t trust their senior leaders.

A recent survey released by Ipsos-Reid illustrates just how lacking employee confidence is in their leaders. The survey, entitled Build a Better Workplace: Employee Engagement Edition, reported 61 per cent of Canadian employees don’t trust their senior leaders.

36 • December 2012 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

EDUCATION THAT’S BEEN BUILT TO MEET DEMAND.

THIS CHANGES

EVERYTHING. Alberta is thriving, fed by a steady supply of skilled SAIT Polytechnic grads that know how to hit the ground running. Programs taught by instructors with real world experience and designed through industry collaboration have the potential to deliver thousands of additional skilled trades people, technicians, technologists and degree graduates over the next decade.

SAIT offers bright futures in Energy, Business, Information Technology, Media, Hospitality, Health and Public Safety, Manufacturing and Automation, Transportation and Construction. Our commitment to transforming student lives is what makes them successful. Our reputation as a provider of training solutions to organizations across Canada and around the world is what makes us a leading Polytechnic.

Welcome to SAIT Polytechnic.

SAIT.CA

Jumping Ship or Staying the Course • Continuing Education

“We knew that leadership trust and confidence was an issue in Canada, but we were surprised to reveal the actual low level of trust that working Canadians have in the leaders of the organizations in which they work. And, that this low level exists, despite the significant financial investment and efforts of organizations to improve this perception in recent years. Organizations need to take notice and properly address the issues around employee engagement, trust and confidence in their leaders, because getting it right will ultimately benefit their bottom line and long-term success,” says John Wright, president and managing director, Canadian Management Centre.

Whatever the reason for not being satisfied with one’s job, all employees need opportunities to grow, otherwise their work will suffer and they could move to another company or go back to school to take a different career path.

“Employees may feel stuck, but this shouldn’t mean they can’t grow. Workers need continuing development opportunities to do their job well and to broaden their own capabilities. They should see that their employer is willing to invest in learning and training. In that way, they may progress in their present company and ultimately move into a new job when positions become available,” says Haid. “Step

38 • December 2012 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

one is for the immediate supervisor to initiate a discussion about career development.”

If an individual does make the decision to leave a career and move on to something else, where they are in life has a lot to do with it. The idea of going back to school is tempting for many, but personal situations differ and age can come into play.

“It’s a lot easier to switch when you’re 35 versus 55,” says Wright.

Kids, mortgages, car payments and the rest of life’s distractions can make it hard to decide to pursue something new. Leaving a company isn’t always the best or only option.

Part-time studies are possible, and some employers support employees in updating their professional skills. The more engaged an employer is in an employee, the more likely they are to be content in their job and stay with the organization.

“In working with thousands of companies and hundreds of thousands of Canadians over the past 50 years, we have seen first-hand the direct link between employee engagement and organizational performance. In fact, most successful organizations also have high engagement levels, and companies that choose to ignore employee engagement do so at their peril,” says Wright. BiC

© 2012 Ernst & Young LLP. All Rights Reserved.

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hat a difference five years make! On the eve of the global financial crisis, investment markets across the developed world were awash with confidence.

Five years later, stock market phobia still abounds, and even here in Alberta, where for two years all signs have pointed to a return to pre-2008 economic growth levels, memories of the financial crisis have proven hard to shake off. All across the economic spectrum, people are by and large remaining stubbornly risk-averse, a factor that coupled with the aging baby boomer generation, is making the traditional stock market a much harder sell than it was half a decade ago.

Taming the Stock Market Bogeyman • Investing

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Taming the Stock Market Bogeyman • Investing

As with any type of financial planning, investment professionals all emphasize the importance of a well thought out financial plan as a guiding force for investments.

Lingering public apprehension over the stock market is not difficult to understand. Any cursory glance at the headlines in the business section of any newspaper reveals a battery of doom-and-gloom prognostications, from impending defaults among Europe’s more fragile economies, a faltering Chinese economy and a mounting debt crisis next door – all taking a tremendous toll on investor confidence. And yet for all the well-publicized pounding that stock markets took five years

ago, the overall long-term picture has been one of slow but steady growth decade after decade. This fact, many investment professionals say, escapes many clients. “The advent of the 24-hour news cycle, the proliferation of smartphones and the human tendency to be twice as sensitive to fear and greed have left investors paralyzed by constant macro-event headline risk,” asserts Justin Charbonneau, vice president and portfolio manager at Calgary-based portfolio manage-

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Taming the Stock Market Bogeyman • Investing

ment firm Matco Financial. “The reality is the economy and capital markets today exhibit nowhere near the leverage, exuberance or risks that they did five years ago despite how things appear and feel.”

Most investment professionals take the view that while volatility is par for the course, it is far from the bogeyman many have made it out to be, and that stock market phobia is much more dangerous. “Filtering out the noise of the day to day while focusing on companies that have resilient and sustainable business models is key,” says Charbonneau.

“Investors nowadays are less focused on return on capital and more worried about return of capital, as well as core income generation. But with yields so low and risk aversion so high, a new risk of negative real returns is a clear and present danger when it comes to the fixed income markets.”

Charbonneau adds that back in 1981 when 30-year Government of Canada bond yields peaked at 15 per cent investors had a bona fide alternative to the stock market, but with the rate currently standing at an unprecedented low of 2.3 per cent, there really is no alternative. “Recognizing we are close to the end of a 30-year plus bond bull market is paramount for investors looking out over the next decade.”

As with any type of financial planning, investment professionals all emphasize the importance of a well thought out financial plan as a guiding force for investments. “Everything depends on the goals of the individual investor,” says

Most investment professionals take the view that while volatility is par for the course, it is far from the bogeyman many have made it out to be, and that stock market phobia is much more dangerous.

Jim Coyle, assistant vice president of investment services at First Calgary Financial. “At First Calgary Financial we really focus on the long-term goals, and once that’s established we can build a portfolio around them.” With a realistic, reasonably long-term plan in place, Coyle asserts that for the average client, a balanced mutual fund portfolio is a sage approach. “These days people are looking for an optimal mix of equity and fixed income products,” he explains. “This usually means mutual fund portfolios with long-term potential that are not too aggressive but not too conservative either.” Coyle adds that while clients remain tentative about the traditional stock market, traditional stocks remain a far

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Taming the Stock Market Bogeyman • Investing

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better bet than many of the non-traditional products on the market. “It all depends on an individual client’s goals and risk tolerance, and it’s all about providing clarity to people.”

Among the consequences of the financial crisis has been an increased appetite across the economic spectrum for nontraditional investment products. This has oftentimes led investors in the direction of exotic and complex products of which they do not have an adequate understanding. The problem of clients buying into products without adequate understanding was highlighted during the asset-backed commercial paper (ABCP) crisis that besieged Canada’s big banks in late-2007, many of which ended up defaulting or becoming very illiquid. Coyle contends that in his line of work he is often confronted with the so-called “celebrity”type investor who falls prey to all the latest investment trends. “You meet people who always want the newest, flashiest thing on the market, and in the past many organizations were all too happy to peddle these exotic products.

Again it comes down to planning, sitting down with a client to discuss their goals and their reasoning for wanting Product X.” Another all-too-common investor mistake is to try to do too much of the work themselves rather than enlist professional help. While the information revolution has made it possible for virtually anybody to manage their portfolios on a day-to-day basis, professionals in the field, as a rule, strongly advise against it. “There’s a trend towards products

Taming the Stock Market Bogeyman • Investing

Above all, investment professionals urge clients need to be realistic in their approach to investment, which in practical terms means long-term goals, realistic time frames and awareness of risks and realistic returns. that require a lot of self-management, but people need to be honest about the time commitment this entails,” asserts RBC Financial planning consultant Sandra Abdool. Charbonneau concurs, adding that more access to information does not necessarily mean better decisions or returns. “The 24-hour news cycle has resulted in dramatically shorter time horizons for do-it-yourself investors, not to mention a tendency for portfolio trading to go up, and this has unfortunately resulted in higher transaction costs and quicker tax realization, both which can result in lower net returns.” He further adds that investing in a company or ETF for less than three to six months is more accurately described as speculating than investing.

Above all, investment professionals urge clients need to be realistic in their approach to investment, which in practical terms means long-term goals, realistic time frames and awareness of risks and realistic returns. It also means taking a step back from the headlines and not panicking. “Investor emotion has a major concern in our business,” says Coyle.

“If you look at the headlines from over the years, they’re replete with contradictory information and it’s no wonder people get bent out of shape. Our job in large part is to temper people’s fears and focus in on those long-term goals.”

Abdool concurs with this view. “There are always opportunities, regardless of where you are in your life,” she contends.

“When I have someone coming to me in their 40s or 50s who has nothing, I first of all congratulate them for doing so and then reassure them that it’s not hopeless. If you’re two years away from retirement there’s not a lot I can do, but if you’ve got a timeline of 10 years or longer, there are always pieces we can put in place.”

As for the much-maligned stock market, investment experts remain cautiously optimistic, buoyed by the knowledge that while market volatility is a fact of life, historical numbers point to slow but steady market growth over the decades. Charbonneau puts it thusly. “If you are someone who focuses more on short-term results and someone who constantly worries about news headlines, having a higher fixed income component would serve you well to help balance out any emotional decision making tendencies.” BiC

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Calgary’s Philanthropic Leaders • Cover

Calgary’s Philanthropic Leaders Meet this year’s Generosity of Spirit recipients Photos of M. Anne McCaig by Eilidh Tait, Light on Paper Photography All other photos courtesy of Monique de St. Croix at Unique Perspectives

by John Hardy

T

his year’s Calgary group of seven are irrefutable proof and a potent reminder that while charity may begin at home, it sure doesn’t end there.

The annual Generosity of Spirit Awards is a Calgaryexclusive spinoff project by the local chapter of the international Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).

The association’s 3,300 worldwide members (from Mexico, Puerto Rico and Brazil to Germany, Australia and Egypt) in 260 chapters (16 in Canada) each hold a National Philanthropy Day to salute and thank an exceptional volunteer.

According to Derek Fraser, the association’s past president, “Most chapters recognize one recipient. But

46 • December 2012 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

Calgary is such a diverse community, we wanted to honour a broader range of caring.”

“Processing the many nominations and the rigorous and complex review and screening takes a jury of seven community leaders and former recipients months to complete before they finalize Calgary’s seven honorees,” explains Janeen Webb, co-chair of Calgary’s National Philanthropy Day. This year, National Philanthropy Day took place on November 15 following the formal appreciation reception on November 8. There were no plaques or statues handed out. Instead the seven distinguished honorees were each presented with a customized portrait that captures the essence of their philanthropic spirit.

Calgary’s Philanthropic Leaders • Cover

HRAC ANNOUNCES ITS NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OUTSTANDING LIFETIME PHILANTHROPIST M. ANN McCAIG

S

uddenly – just when Calgary’s busy and beloved philanthropic-dynamo Ann McCaig was scheduled to speak with Business in Calgary – there was, uh, an incident.

Nothing to do with capital budgets, board agendas or fundraising targets. McCaig barely got home from a frantic four-day business trip to B.C. when she found the Calgary Fire Department on her property. It seems her two dogs chased a cat up a tree.

Even in such a fluky domestic moment, McCaig’s legendary caring was shining through and she takes it all in stride. Fortunately, Calgary’s outstanding lifetime philanthropist happens to be a resilient, remarkably high-energy, disciplined, organized and accomplished multitasker.

Just as well because the bio listing her involvements and achievements would make most people’s head spin.

McCaig takes good-natured offence about being asked “why” at 73, she continues the ridiculous schedule of flying from city to city, meetings after meetings, standing at podiums, shmoozing, lovingly twisting donor arms and juggling multiple on-the-go projects – from co-chairing the Alberta Children’s Hospital’s All for One-All for Kids campaign to raise $50 million; chairing the Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre in Calgary; staging the Tusks and Tails Ball for the Calgary Zoo; serving as chair of the Calgary Foundation and as University of Calgary chancellor; sitting on boards such as Suncor and the Banff Centre Foundation; and earning numerous national and provincial medals and awards.

McCaig’s infectious professional and personal spirit is just one reason why she is acknowledged as one of Canada’s most-respected leaders in the not-for-profit sector; a tireless advocate for youth, education and health and a rarely-takes-maybe-for-an-answer drumbeater and fundraiser.

She is quick to proudly explain that her primary focus is Calgary: currently as chair of the executive board for both the Calgary Stampede Foundation and the Calgary Health Trust, the organization started by her late husband J.R. (Bud) McCaig.

“Philanthropy has become such an important concept and business,” she says. “When I was growing up in a small Saskatchewan farming community, I didn’t even know the word existed. It was just helping out.

‘You need me, I’ll be there!’ That’s just the way life has always been.

“We were raised busy with lots of activities. I joined everything. The choir, the basketball team, the base-

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Fran Parolin Devon Canada Corporation Director Professional Development & Education

Laura Mensch Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP Director Legal Affairs

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For information on events and inquiries please visit www.hrac.org or call 403.269.3303 www.businessincalgary.com | BUSINESS IN CALGARY December 2012 • 47

Calgary’s Philanthropic Leaders • Cover

ball team. I learned fast that collaboration – working with people – was the only way to accomplish something.”

Fast-forward about six action-packed decades and McCaig is still at it. Busy, collaborating and accomplishing.

She motivates. She mentors. She cajoles. And, whether it’s one-on-one or in a group, she builds relationships between charitable organizations and the community. She’s quick to differentiate that philanthropy is so much more than writing a cheque. “It’s about caring, giving and volunteering time and energy.”

McCaig gives credit where it’s due and acknowledges that she was coached and guided by some pillars of Calgary’s philanthropic community – revered Calgary business leader Richard Haskayne, the late Murray Fraser and iconic Alberta Premier Peter Lougheed.

“Peter was especially instrumental in my life. He gave me confidence and would say, ‘just roll up your sleeves and do it.’ He was a true friend,” she says.

With every project, every involvement and every group, McCaig continues to walk the walk of being a truly exceptional people person. “She inspires collaboration and has established a beautiful relationship with the faculty of medicine at the University of Calgary, various partner organizations and Calgary’s community leaders,” says Sally Flintoft, CEO of the Calgary Health Trust.

48 • December 2012 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

Like many driven and successful high-achievers, McCaig constantly struggles to maintain some hopelessly lopsided balance in her life.

“I try to carve out some downtime,” she says. “Every morning when I’m home I go for a nice long walk with my two boxers. We just walk along, they sniff and I look up at the sky, especially when it’s sunny and blue. It almost feels like meditation.

“I escape to my house in the mountains as often as I can and lock myself away with some good books (historical fiction novels) or do some old-fashioned good cooking, like crab apple jelly. Anything but think about myself or schedules and details that have to be looked after.”

With all the challenges and hard-earned successes in her philanthropic life, McCaig does have regrets.

“I have an iPhone that I can’t live without, so I tend to text people more than I call. And that’s a shame. I really miss being out with friends for some wine and good conversation. But with this kind of a routine, friends do suffer,” she shrugs.

McCaig beams about her biggest joy: spending time with her large family. “We have such a great time together! We celebrate everything. Instead of gifts we do family trips.

It’s compulsory and absolutely no sulking allowed,” she says with the in-charge tone of a corporate chair.

C

CREATING A LEGACY FUND FOR AMATEUR ATHLETES

algary is home to many remarkable individuals and dotted among the crowd, there are usually a handful of people that stand for excellence. John Currie, C.M., L.L.D (Hon) is one of these people. He is accomplished, distinguished and inspirational. He is a community champion, mentor and prominent businessman, and he has devoted a lifetime of voluntary contributions to the arts, education, athletics and business sectors.

Currie has been awarded the Order of Canada, Calgary Citizen of the Year and Outstanding Lifetime Philanthropist. He was the first to receive the Distinguished Business Leader Award, cosponsored by the Haskayne School of Business, University of Calgary and the Chamber of Commerce. He has volunteered with over 25 boards in the capacity as president, chairman, governor Jeff Booke, Chief Operating Officer, Talisman Centre and John Currie, The John Currie Amateur Sport Legacy Fund and director, and his efforts have benefited citizens from coast to coast. achievements, and it validates their hard work. It means athletes He is a rare and celebrated individual, and his unwavering are being appreciated and noticed by others, and in many cases, commitment to the City, Province and Country has touched the it helps propel the athletes to achieve their dreams.” lives of countless citizens - from all walks of life.

Recently recognized as the National Training Centre by Water Among his many accomplishments, Currie was a key figure Polo Canada, Talisman Centre is home to 27 sport partners in bringing the 1983 Western Canada Summer Games (WCSG) representing 11 umbrella sports and sport organizations. to Calgary. He was also integral to the development and funding Approximately 4,000 amateur athletes train at the centre on a of Lindsay Park Sports Centre, a world-class venue that hosted regular basis. the Games.

“We want the amateur clubs to be able to use Talisman Centre.

Nearly 30 years later, Lindsay Park Sports Centre, now It is the main reason we pursued the Games,” adds Currie. operating as Talisman Centre represents one of Calgary’s Parallel to the ‘standards of excellence’ found within athletes, most iconic landmarks: it is the busiest and largest highTalisman Centre has strengthened their commitment to Currie’s performance sports facility in Canada. It is home to Olympians, vision in an effort to assist a growing number of athletes. In the world champion athletes, paralympians, and amateur athletes. fall of 2012, Talisman Centre launched a fundraising campaign Talisman Centre has 5,700 public members and annually, to increase the value of the Legacy Fund to $1 million. approximately 1.5 million people pass through their doors. And Talisman Centre would like to extend a sincere note of it is because of Currie’s vision that Talisman Centre exists today. gratitude to John Currie for his vision, determination and When the Centre opened, they received $250,000 from the commitment. They proudly honour his dream - everyday - by WCSG that was used to establish an endowment fund to support helping athletes achieve their dreams and goals. the development of aspiring athletes. Today the vision lives on.

To learn more about The John Currie Amateur Sport Legacy In 2012, the fund was renamed The John Currie Amateur Sport Fund or Talisman Centre visit: Legacy Fund in honour of Currie.

The Fund was established to provide bursaries to amateur athletes, support sport competitions and provide specialized Talisman Centre training equipment at Talisman Centre.

2225 Macleod Trail South • Calgary, AB “We are very honoured to name the Legacy Fund after Mr. www.talismancentre.com Currie. We take pride in supporting athletes: past, present and 403.233.8393 future,” asserts Jeff Booke, chief operating officer, Talisman Centre. “The Legacy Fund provides recognition of the athlete’s www.businessincalgary.com | BUSINESS IN CALGARY December 2012 • 49

Calgary’s Philanthropic Leaders • Cover

Andrew and Tracey Bitcon, Bubbles Car Wash

McCaig is upbeat, focused and consistent. Whether it’s heading a group to fundraise $50 million for the Alberta Children’s Hospital or getting a terrified stray cat down from the tree.

“When it’s all said and done, you’re not leaving a cheque. You’re leaving memories!”

BUBBLES CAR WASH CALGARY OUTSTANDING SMALL BUSINESS PHILANTHROPIST

W

ho would have ever thought that one of Calgary’s distinguished Generosity of Spirit honorees would be called Bubbles? But as Calgary’s philanthropic community, the Alberta Chamber of Commerce and even Rotary International knows, Bubbles Car Wash thrives as one of the most dynamic, committed and deserving honorees as Outstanding Small Business Philanthropist.

Andrew and Tracey Bitcon are a very special Calgary couple. Caring and making a difference seems to come naturally.

“Life is not fair! And that’s something which has bothered us for a long time. We travelled to parts of South America and saw conditions that were so sad,” Andrew Bitcon remembers. “We are so very lucky in Canada and especially in the Calgary community.”

As the sadness gnawed away at them, they heard about 50 • December 2012 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

the philanthropic concept of “social enterprise,” a business with two bottom lines – a for-profit business that provides a hand up instead of a handout.

“More and more we were overwhelmed about Calgary’s homeless families, particularly in winter. We got involved with Inn From the Cold and it touched our hearts,” Bitcon says. “It struck a nerve. Too many people right here in Calgary just need a job to help ease their problems.”

The Bitcons soon opened a car wash and hired single mothers, refugees and learning-disabled young people.

Aside from providing jobs, they mentored their staff to help sort out their lives. Eight years later there are two Bubbles Car Wash locations in Calgary, employing and mentoring more than 50 people.

“When our heads hit the pillow at night, we feel satisfied that it’s been a good day, helping some people get ahead,” Bitcon says.

JOCELYN DAVIS OUTSTANDING YOUTH PHILANTHROPIST

O

n December 26, 2004 a massive earthquake and a horrific tsunami caused deadly devastation on the Indonesian island of Sumatra.

Some 13,000 kilometres away, in Calgary, it forever changed the life of nine-year-old Jocelyn Davis. “I watched

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Calgary’s Philanthropic Leaders • Cover

in horror, glued to the TV and I cried so much,” she remembers. “I realized there were lots of donations from all around the world but I just had to do something. On my own and with some friends, I organized bake sales and some other ways to raise money for those poor people.”

Today Jocelyn Davis is 16, she has been honoured as this year’s Outstanding Youth Philanthropist and her remarkable passion for helping people is stronger than ever.

The articulate and eloquent Grade 12 student is very involved with several projects such as working with Calgary

Guy Huntingford, Calgary Herald Publisher Jocelyn Davis, Outstanding Youth Philanthropist

students to support the Captain Nichola Goddard Foundation and championing the Alberta-PEI youth-to-youth challenge to raise funds to provide solar lighting for first aid and birthing stations in remote Papua New Guinea.

Much of her personal time is spent researching new ways to help. “Volunteering has helped maximize the windows of time and forced me to develop multitasking skills,” she says.

“But I really don’t want to give a goody-two-shoes impression about myself. This is just the way my life is and it is good. I enjoy helping people.”

THE CALGARY HERALD OUTSTANDING CORPORATE PHILANTHROPIST

“

The Calgary agencies are the heroes,” says Lorne Motley, editor-in-chief of the Calgary Herald, this year’s Outstanding Corporate Philanthropist. “Every day our staff comes to work and we cover the Calgary news, the Calgary sports, the politics, the people and everything else that’s Calgary-relevant. It’s always exciting and challenging. Somehow December is different. The Christmas Fund brings out the best in people. Not only in our terrific staff but in the community, from our readers.”

52 • December 2012 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

Of course the money is vital. But the Herald is in a unique situation to also give what other dedicated Calgary volunteers can’t give, even if they wanted to: invaluable exposure.

“Our city has much wealth but we also have much social need. The population is growing, people are living longer and the need grows. The front-line agencies are the real heroes,” says Motley.

In December, while the Herald potently generates donations, reporters work at their keypads to tell some of Calgary’s random stories. The sad stories. The inspirational stories.

The painful but remarkable stories that not only underscore the need but provide precious exposure especially for some smaller agencies that don’t usually get much public attention.

Last year was a phenomenon for the Christmas Fund, with a final total of $4.8 million – all proceeds donated to local charities such as Fresh Start Recovery Centre, Inn From the Cold and others.

Moltley, a 15-year veteran with the Calgary Herald, is upbeat and positive, crediting Herald readers for the donations while he proudly acknowledges the Herald’s 400 employees.

“It’s such a great feeling. There’s so much extra effort and selfless dedication from our staff. Not only the writers but the day-to-day coordination of the Christmas Fund, organizing raffles, bake sales and other fundraisers. Our volunteering staff makes it all happen.”

An AlliAnce of Business And community orgAnizAtions

st depends “ The economy of Provo activities. a lot on oil and gas The energy sector is one of the engines that drives the Alberta economy – without a healthy energy industry, Alberta’s growth will not be as strong.

”

Pak Wong, Motel Owner at the Greenhead Motel in Provost, Alberta

www.albertaisenergy.ca Alberta is Energy showcases the men and women of Alberta, their careers, challenges and accomplishments. Our goal is to build awareness of how the energy industry touches all of our lives. Alberta is Energy is supported by Alberta’s business associations and our more than 3,500 members. We are Albertans – from the high-rise office workers to the general store employees – with a vested stake in the long-term responsible development of Canada's oil and gas resources.

Calgary’s Philanthropic Leaders • Cover

Tom and Debra Mauro, Outstanding Philanthropic Family

TOM AND DEBRA MAURO - OUTSTANDING PHILANTHROPIC FAMILY

T

om and Debra Mauro are fiercely proud of their family of 600. It includes their two grown sons, three beautiful granddaughters, the 80 men and women employed at Albi Homes, their 500 “adopted kids” at Holy Cross School, their long list of personal and professional friends, and the board and staff of Calgary’s Child Advocacy Centre.

The prominent Calgary couple’s values and passion for their community underscores why the Generosity of Spirit judges have honoured them as Calgary’s Outstanding Philanthropic Family – all 600 of them.

In so many ways the Mauros personify the phrase, “just really nice people,” who started with nothing other than strong, immigrant-family values and ethics and who worked hard to achieve great success.

“Sometimes we don’t realize how much parents influenced us until after they’re gone,” Tom Mauro says with emotion.

54 • December 2012 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

“My mom and dad were such generous, caring people.

Helping people was a basic. If you knocked on our door any time around five o’clock, guaranteed you would be invited in for dinner.”

“We were both raised in Catholic families where giving back was the norm,” Debra remembers. “Not necessarily just money but time, energy and spirit. We both learned early that caring and helping is not a solo function. It takes commitment and hard work from lots of people.”

The Mauros lead by example. They set a path for “their family” to continually give back to many causes including fundraising millions for SAIT’s Trades and Technology Complex to even “adopting” Holy Cross School where they donate money and time regularly.

“Calgary is a tremendous community,” Tom says. “Doing what we can to help is our duty and responsibility.”

Calgary’s Philanthropic Leaders • Cover

QR77/WESTIN CALGARY CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION OUTSTANDING PHILANTHROPIC GROUP

M

ost Calgarians don’t know that, despite the bluster and bravado of sparking opinions about MLAs earning their keep, webcam voyeurism, Calgary’s tainted meat and gas prices, Calgary’s most popular radio personality, Dave Rutherford, is a gung-ho musher and chairman of the QR77/Westin Children’s Foundation.

The terrific work of the foundation is the reason why QR77 and the Westin hotel are honoured as Outstanding Philanthropic Group.

“It’s hard to believe that in a city as well off as Calgary, there are still kids who are in-need, kids who go to school every day on an empty stomach. And it’s a well-known fact that hungry kids struggle with concentration and are more likely to have behaviour problems,” he says.

Every year before Christmas, QR77 and the Westin host a 12-hour radiothon broadcast live from the Westin with lots of action.

“Last year we helped raise $230,000. Although we are very appreciative for the support and generous donations from our corporate and local organization friends,” Rutherford says, “but on the phones or in-person on Pledge Day

QR77/Westin Children’s Foundation, Outstanding Philanthropic Group From l;eft to right: Dave Rutherford (QR77), John Vos (QR77), Kimberly Paton (Westin) Didier Luneau (QR77), Betty Jo Kaiser

at the Westin we rely on the $5-per-grandchild pledgechallenges from beautiful grandmas, the hard-earned $20 babysitter donation, the bowling team challenges, the ‘$25 in memory of...’ callers or the inspiring $10 pledge from the unemployed caller on the line.”

Ultimately the eight members of the foundation’s volunteer board decide where the money goes but organizations

Platinum investor

Thank you to our generous investors

Gold investors

silver investors

luncheon PresentinG investor

Youth Forum PresentinG investor

GenerositY oF sPirit™ recePtion PresentinG investor

Thursday, November 15th, 2012 event & technoloGY investors

Bronze investors

Friend and alumni investors

media investors

Black Fund Development Inc. Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations Canadian Association of Gift Planners Thompson Penner & Lo LLP, Certified General Accountants FROGBOX Duncan and Verda McNeill Hamilton + Partners

www.businessincalgary.com | BUSINESS IN CALGARY December 2012 • 55

Calgary’s Philanthropic Leaders • Cover

“We openly encourage applications from everywhere and we seem to migrate toward smaller organizations that don’t usually get much public attention or don’t have fundraising ability. If we can give $10,000 to a small group, it could be their lifeblood for the year.”

GORDON TALLMAN OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUAL PHILANTHROPIST

“

Gord Tallman, the Generosity of Spirit, Outstanding Individual Philanthropist honoree

such as the Food and Nutrition in Schools program (FANS), which serves breakfast in more than 130 Calgary schools, the Boys and Girls Clubs of

Calgary’s Ready, Set, Go pre-school and family programs, and other children’s charities have been helped by the QR77/Westin Children’s Fund.

WE NEVER SAY NO. WE NEVER GIVE UP. WE NEVER TURN ANYONE AWAY.

CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES PROVIDED AT 1/3 THE COST OF HOSPITAL-BASED PROGRAMS.

PLEASE DONATE

SINCE 1914

403-270-1723 WWW.WOODSHOMES.CA

CRISIS OUTREACH - STREET SERVICES - RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT - FOSTER CARE 56 • December 2012 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

I’m too busy to retire!” chuckles Gord Tallman, the Generosity of Spirit, Outstanding Individual Philanthropist honoree.

After 42 years, mostly as a senior executive with RBC, Tallman keeps a hectic calendar: from being one of Mount Royal University’s ambassadors, personally setting up a scholarship for single parents and leading the Open Doors campaign for St. Stephen’s Anglican Church.

“There’s a cliché about a truly happy person only doing the things he really wants to do. Well,” he says with a deep laugh, “I’m a very happy person.”

Contrary to another cliché about never looking back, Tallman admits to looking back a lot, and it feels good.

“My father died when I was eight. We had no money. People from the area, the church and farmers dropped off things at our door,” he remembers.

“Helping out people who need was one of the basics of growing up.

“The need is greater now but not much has changed. We are very fortunate in this community. There’s a lot of success and much wealth in Calgary. Unfortunately there’s also a lot of need. And it feels really good to help,” he says.

Tallman was particularly touched when his five-year-old grandson wanted a fishing rod. He reminded his grandson that he had a piggy bank.

The little guy snapped, “No, grandpa.

I’m saving that for a needy person.”

Grandpa got glassy-eyed ... but made sure the boy got the fishing rod, anyway. BiC

Hull Services | 50 Years

C e l e b r a t i n g 5 0 Ye a r s o f H e l p i n g K i d s & Families

Table of Contents

3 6 8&9

Message from Hull Services Executive Director It Started With A Vision

Growing To Meet The Needs • A Message from Glenn McNamara • Introduction • Hull Today • Program Categories • Support Services

10 &11 12&15 15

Evidence Based Models – Proven Outcomes

A New Vision – Hull Services Next 50 Years

• Hull Services – A Rebrand • Brain Development – The NMT Model • Social Enterprise and Social Policy • Funding Activities

The William Roper Hull Award

• The William Roper Hull Community Leadership Award

Hull Services | 50 Years | Page 2

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C e l e b r a t i n g 5 0 Ye a r s o f H e l p i n g K i d s & Families

A Message From Hull Services Executive Director

H

ull Services new vision, steering us for the next 50 years, may seem unattainable. We envision a world where kids are free from mental health and behavioural health challenges. Often the root causes of these challenges, such as child abuse, neglect, poverty, among others, result in serious social issues – for example, mental health, addictions and crime. We know that these challenges impact kids, their families and society and that we are all part of the solution.

Achieving our vision requires a movement, effective leadership, higher awareness and working collectively. Equally, we need a plan and social policy to guide our collaborative efforts. It is only by working together with government, community and corporations that the solution can be achieved.

To prepare for our next 50 years, Hull has expanded and refined our programs to include models that are evidenced-based, meaning that they are researched by third-party organizations and replicated to show their effectiveness. Demonstrating efficiency, being accountable and providing proof that our programs and services work, are critical to those we serve, our funders and the community. Hull is a leader in developing outcomes monitoring; we have evolved into a multidisciplinary organization that employs psychologists, social workers, special education professionals and child and youth care counsellors along with many other professionals.

Hull’s continuum of services ranges from prevention, early-intervention and education to intensive residential treatment. While funding is often concentrated at the treatment end, this only addresses challenges after they have escalated. Residential treatment is an essential service but we believe the long term solution is in prevention and early intervention programs, reaching kids and families before residential treatment needs to be considered.

Engaging the general public to believe in this vision and participate are essential because social issues affect everyone, either directly or indirectly. Everyone can be part of the movement. People can donate or volunteer, they can also advocate by approaching their MLA’s to bring the issues of children’s mental health forward on political agendas.

Mr. Hull had a vision and 87 years after his death, it remains the same. He wanted to build a happy place for all; we too are striving to help these kids and families. They all have the potential to be happy, productive human beings that make a positive contribution to society – and collectively, we can help them.

George Ghitan Executive Director

Hull Services | 50 Years | Page 4

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C e l e b r a t i n g 5 0 Ye a r s o f H e l p i n g K i d s & Families

It Started With A Vision W

illiam Roper Hull first arrived in Calgary in 1883. At that time he envisioned, “There will be a city of at least 25,000. I see homes, schools, shops and churches with everything one needs for a happy life, and I will help to build it.”

The subsequent success William Roper Hull created in business, social and family life reflected his dedication to making his vision of Calgary a reality for himself and for others.

He introduced southern Alberta’s first large-scale, mechanical irrigation system on his Bow Valley Ranche in Fish Creek Provincial Park. He employed hundreds in Calgary’s first integrated meat-packing enterprise. He built Calgary’s first performing arts centre, the Hull Opera House. He built Calgary’s first skyscraper, the Grain Exchange Building, and was a constant contributor to many charitable organizations of Calgary’s growing community.

Mr. Hull’s greatest legacy was his commitment to enriching the lives of children. At the time of his death, he left an estate worth millions and designated a large portion to establishing a home for destitute kids who had no families or could not reside at home.

William Roper Hull was one of Calgary’s pioneers making major contributions to the quality of life as an entrepreneur, builder and philanthropist. His legacy to our city and the establishment of the William Roper Hull Home in 1962, now known as Hull Services, contributes daily to enrich the lives of thousands of others.

William Roper Hull’s foresight continues to inspire Hull Services today, and will continue to inspire future generations for years to come.

Above: The Bow Valley Ranche House, designed in 1896 by Calgary architect James Llewellyn Wilson, fits in beautifully with the foothills landscape. Glenbow Archives PB-863-2 Right: The Successful Wolf - The Pack of Western Wolves, ca 1893, was formed by southern Alberta ranchers who met in a boxcar by the stockyards to drink and play cards. Several Wolves later founded the Ranchman’s Club. Glenbow Archives NA-2307-23

Right: The Opera House – Calgary’s first performing arts centre opened in 1893. As expected, The Hull Opera House attracted international performers. Glenbow Archives NA-1315-14 Left: William Roper Hull in his late fifties – This photograph was featured in a lantern slide show in 1931 in a series of Calgary school lectures about pioneer life in Calgary and southern Alberta. Glenbow Archives S-222-21

Hull Services | 50 Years | Page 6

Business in Calgary would like to extend our congratulations to Hull Services!

We wish you great success in your future endeavours.

Suite 1025, 101 - 6th Avenue S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2P 3P4 403.264.3270 | info@businessincalgary.com | www.businessincalgary.com

Congratulations Hull Services on your 50 th Anniversary!

Hull Services | 50 Years | Page 7

C e l e b r a t i n g 5 0 Ye a r s o f H e l p i n g K i d s & Families

Growing to Meet the Needs

S

ix years ago, Glenn McNamara got involved with Hull Services on the recommendation from a colleague, and it turned out to be a very rewarding experience. As the past chairperson of Hull Services Board of Governors, McNamara observes how Hull has grown and evolved.

“Hull is a great organization. They are one of the top-run charities in the city and they play a critical role in providing the necessary social services in Calgary and southern Alberta. They have expanded their services through sound strategic objectives that provide a wholesome and integrated approach.

They have a good understanding of the social and psychological experiences of those they serve. Hull adapts to the needs of the community and they recognize it’s a continuum of support.

The people behind Hull Services aren’t standing still – they are constantly monitoring research in Alberta and throughout North America. They apply new methods and techniques to improve the quality of the programs and services they deliver. Hull studies these

H

ull Services’ early years provided residential care and treatment for emotionally-disturbed and behaviourally-disordered children and youth. Often referred to back then as, “delinquent” kids, Hull began with two residential cottages caring for 24 adolescents.

Over the years, Hull’s programs and services expanded. Philosophies shifted beyond residential care and Hull began operating both pre-and post-residential care programs and services within the community. A continuum of services emerged incorporating prevention and early-intervention models – reaching kids and families sooner, before needing to consider residential care.

Today, Hull operates 28 programs and services positively impacting the lives of nearly 3,500 kids, youth, young adults and families every day. Programs address a multitude of complex needs within six primary categories.

Prevention and Early-Intervention programs provide services that strengthen the well-being of families by becoming involved early before behaviour problems escalate or become a pattern. More than 2,650 infants,

methods as well as their own programs to ensure they have the right impact. They are results-based: if we aren’t making a difference, then why are we doing it?” asserts McNamara.

“Hull’s strategy has always been low-key, but with a big impact – our notoriety does not Glenn McNamara, Past Chair, Hull Services Board speak to the impact of Governors we’ve achieved. The public doesn’t hear about the people who have come through Hull’s front door and gone on to live a normal life. Hull deals with a part of our society who’s been harmed and they are often underprivileged, and it’s a remarkable day when you see these kids and families graduate from a Hull program,” he says. kids, youth and families receive services within seven prevention and early-intervention programs.

Family-Based Services reinforce the preservation of families. Hull believes that children and youth belong in families, living in the community. Support for natural, foster and kin families strives for permanency helping the families to remain intact and receive the assistance they need to thrive. Over 325 individuals and their families are served within five family-based programs.

School-Based Services assist students with diverse academic, emotional and behavioural needs.

Establishing a positive learning experience for students and their families, while meeting their scholastic requirements, helps students gain self-esteem, confidence and appropriate coping and social skills. Nearly 275 students and their families receive educational and career development support at William Roper Hull School and other schools throughout Calgary.

Adult Services bridge the transition for young adults with mental health and developmental disabilities toward greater independence. In situations where

Hull Services | 50 Years | Page 8

supported living is required, adults are placed within settings that offer structure, safety and community integration. Nearly 140 young adults ages 16-24 access two programs for assistance.

Residential Treatment assesses and treats high needs and high-risk kids and youth with serious challenges. When behaviours escalate out of control due to mental health, addictions or abusive experiences, immediate, intensive treatment is required. Round the clock care and therapeutic services are implemented from arrival through transition until youth can return to the community safely. Up to 80 kids and adolescents may reside at Hull on any given day. Nine programs provide critical treatment for these kids in care.

iginal Resources

Casey Eaglespeaker, Abor

Community Group Care offers treatment and supportive services for youth in a home-like setting, allowing young people to continue their progress before being reunited with their families or transitioning to another permanent community placement. Two group homes can accommodate 13 youth who require transitional support.

The following support services equally play a role in assisting Hull as an Agency, its staff and the people it serves.

Aboriginal Resources provides training, cultural experiences and consultation to staff, children, volunteers and community members.

Bethany Wall, Fundraising Coord

inator and John Phin, Resource

Development Director

Community Engagement offers a range of volunteer supports including special skills, youth volunteers, special events and group involved volunteers (GIV).

Jack Fair Clinic provides psychiatric and medical consultation, health education and full-time nursing care for Hull clients.

Mentors Matter Program is a volunteer Agency support program providing mentor volunteers for youth and children affiliated with all Hull Services’ programs.

Recreation Services offers specialized opportunities for children and youth, through camps, outdoor pursuits, work experience and leadership training.

Hull’s Recreation Partnership Program helps youth learn social and leisure skills, heal traumas, gain self-worth and have fun.

Sheri Ewing, Hull Nurse

Training Services facilitates training programs for staff development.

Hull Services | 50 Years | Page 9

C e l e b r a t i n g 5 0 Ye a r s o f H e l p i n g K i d s & Families

Evidence-Based Models – Proven Outcomes

C

aring for kids and families is important. Ensuring that care is competent, measurable and effective is equally important. More than ever, kids and families, stakeholders, funders, donors, volunteers, staff and the general public expect assurances that programs work, because social issues affect everyone. Providing proof becomes essential.

Hull Services is the largest Agency in Western Canada utilizing 10 evidence-based intervention models.

Evidence-based models are defined as being wellspecified, researched for decades in well-controlled studies by third-party investigators, and are replicable.

Two of these models, Fast Track/PATHS and Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT) are the only ones in Canada. While some titles of these models may sound completely academic, their practical inclusions and positive results are clear.

Attachment, Self-Regulation and Competency (ARC) is a framework for intervention with youth and families who have experienced complex traumatic stress. William Roper Hull School joined the Calgary Board of Education’s initiative to create trauma-sensitive schools.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a treatment model for psychological and personality problems. CBT combines two forms of therapy: cognitive restructuring, which identifies and changes stressful thoughts, and behaviour modification, which alters inappropriate or unhealthy behaviours. Hull’s Pre-Adolescent Treatment Program (PTP) has successfully implemented CBT for kids in care. PTP also uses the trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy model (TF-CBT), which focuses on helping kids overcome negative feelings and behaviours resulting from traumatic experiences.

Community Parenting Education (COPE) is an adult education program for parents of children with disruptive behaviours. Cpep, Hull’s Community Parent Education Program, uses the COPE model.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a system of therapy originally developed to treat persons with borderline personality disorder, in which a severe emotionally-unstable personality often develops because of traumatic childhood experiences.

Dr. Emily Wang, PTP Director and NMT implementation site coordinator and Kathleen Hagan, Fast Track/ PATHS Program Director

DBT is also effective in treating individuals with other issues such as eating disorders, behaviour problems, chemical dependency and sexual abuse victimization. DBT combines cognitive behavioural techniques with concepts derived from Buddhist meditative practices. DBT is utilized in whole or in part within Hull’s Bridging the Gap, TRACC, Lasting Impressions, Family Initiatives and Voluntary Detox programs.

Fast Track/PATHS are a community based, early intervention and prevention program for children with serious behavioural issues and are at risk of developing conduct disorders. PATHS (Promoting Alternative THinking Strategies) is a social-emotional learning curriculum designed to facilitate the development of self-control, emotional awareness and problem-solving skills with elementary school students.

Functional Behaviour Analysis (FBA) is a problem-solving process for addressing challenging behaviours in children and adolescents. FBA begins as an assessment to help determine the reasons behind the problem behaviour. Hull’s Cottage Seven Residential and Day Program has successfully used FBA in addressing the learning and behaviour for children and adolescents with developmental disabilities.

High-Fidelity Wraparound (HFWA) is a process that helps families with complex needs that are at significant risk of breakdown, or are preparing for a youth being reunited with the family. The Calgary Wrap-

Hull Services | 50 Years | Page 10

around Initiative, established in 2006, is a partnership with Hull Services, Calgary and Area Child and Family Services, McMan Youth, Family and Community Services and Enviros.

Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT) is an internationally-recognized treatment program for adolescents and their families struggling with drug or alcohol abuse. Hull Psychological Services uses MDFT for adolescents and their families at their request, by appointment, with a fee-structured plan.

Stop Now and Plan (SNAP®) is a cognitive behavioural strategy designed to help children and adults effectively manage emotional responses to stressful situations before they act. SNAP® teaches kids and adults to stop and think of alternate ways of expressing emotions such as anger and make better choices to control impulsive and aggressive behaviours. Hull’s New Roads Program is a licensed user of SNAP® and in partnership with the City of Calgary – Community and Neighbourhood Services and the YMCA Calgary.

Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) is an intervention and prevention program for parents. Its strategies aim to prevent severe behavioural, emotional and developmental problems in children as well as support families with current and potentially future problems before they escalate. Hull’s Family Initiatives Program delivers Triple P.

We take pride in our 30 year relationship with Hull Services and wish them the very best on their 50th Anniversary and for many years to come.

Suite 1600 Dome Tower 333 7th Avenue S.W. Calgary, Alberta T2P 2Z1 Email: info@burstall.com • Telephone: (403) 264-1915 • Facsimile: (403) 266-6016 • Facsimile: (403) 265-8565 www.burstall.com Hull Services | 50 Years | Page 11

C e l e b r a t i n g 5 0 Ye a r s o f H e l p i n g K i d s & Families

A New Vision - Hull Services Next 50 years

C

elebrating 50 years of helping kids and families is a significant milestone. Hull is proud of its past. Taking time to reflect begs the question of the future, “What will Hull look like in another 50 years?”

Following in the footsteps of William Roper Hull, whose initial vision was not only realized but also surpassed beyond his imagination, the Hull Agency recently launched a new vision and mission, a new look, new name and new website in preparation for the next 50 years.

Throughout its history, Hull’s name has changed more than once. It began as the William Roper Hull Home, which was quickly shortened to Hull Home, a name many Calgarians still recognize. As programs and services expanded, the name became William Roper Hull Child and Family Services, which was shortened to Hull Child and Family Services at the turn of the millennium. Once again, programs and services have expanded and now, since July 2012, it is called Hull Services.

Refreshing the name, logo and website was only part of the rebrand. Creating a new vision and mission for the agency to continue serving the kids, youth, young adults and families long into the future is vital.

Hull’s vision: Children free from behavioural and mental health challenges that impact them, their families and society.

Hull’s mission: Providing leading-edge and effective behavioural and mental health services for children and families. Hull is a leader in advocating and engaging others towards realizing the vision.

As Hull has evolved since 1962, so has research, data and programs regarding kids, youth, young adults and families. One comprehensive study entitled Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) identifies a direct link between childhood trauma and negative consequences later in life.

Childhood trauma can occur during pregnancy or after childbirth, as well as during a child’s formative years.

Trauma may involve genetics or biological circumstances, and may result in developmental delays. Trauma can also be experienced environmentally, for example, abuse

Hull Services | 50 Years | Page 12

(sexual, physical and emotional), neglect, domestic violence, poverty or social disadvantages. Research over the last 10 years has demonstrated that when trauma is experienced at a young age, it alters the development of the brain, leading to a more sensitive stress-response system and altered behaviours as well as a decreased ability to regulate emotion and action.

The impact on behaviour, physical, mental and emotional health is significant, and this in turn increases the risk of addiction issues, violence, depression, academic impairment and more.

Brain Development – The NMT Model

A revolutionary, evidence-based practice that incorporates understanding of neuroscience and brain development has been created. It is called the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics.

NMT was developed by Bruce D. Perry, M.D., Ph.D. Perry is the senior fellow of the ChildTrauma Academy (CTA), a not-for-profit organization based in Houston, and Adjunct Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences at Northwestern University School of Medicine in Chicago.

We are thrilled to congratulate Hull Services on their 50th Anniversary!

We have been supporters of Hull for nearly 20 years.

We strongly believe in the work they do and have witnessed first hand the benefits, not only to the people they serve but to the larger community.

Hull remains near and dear to our hearts and we continue to advocate on their behalf.

Their work is so important and we look forward to being part of the Hull family for years to come. ~ Rick and Julie George

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C e l e b r a t i n g 5 0 Ye a r s o f H e l p i n g K i d s & Families

Kendice Limoges, Hull Psychological Services and Safe Directions Clinician

The NMT approach allows clinicians and caregivers to better identify the strengths and vulnerabilities of a child and to better target developmentally appropriate activities and interventions to help restore more normal brain development. This serves to promote lifelong changes in health and wellness.

Hull Services is currently using the NMT approach in several programs.

By understanding these key components, NMT builds the capacity to support kids who have been traumatized. In addition, while many kids at Hull have benefited from NMT, the agency’s knowledge in the area of brain development allows us to begin to use a preventative and educational approach in other areas (including school systems) to improve brain functioning. As well, Hull can educate parents and teachers about improving kids’ capacity to learn, take in new things and regulate their emotions.

Hull Services has partnered with Perry and the CTA to participate in the NMT Training Certification.

Upon completion of certification (June 2013), Hull Services will become an NMT flagship centre for the ChildTrauma Academy. This designation means that Hull will act as a regional centre of excellence and be actively involved in training and research activities with the CTA and its learning network of other clinicians and programs throughout the world.

Social Enterprise

For 50 years, Hull Services has been helping kids and families. It is our business. It is what we do and we do it well. Hull is committed to constantly improving

our effectiveness and holding ourselves accountable to a higher standard. Our children and families deserve the very best and that is what we strive for, that is our goal, our standard.

Accountability includes and demands a great deal of training for our staff. Investing in our staff and constantly increasing their skill level help to ensure the optimum delivery of our programs and services, which ultimately benefits everyone we serve.

Many of Hull’s programs require a referral, a few programs are publically accessible. One such program is Hull Psychological Services (HPS).

HPS provides therapeutic supports for a number of issues families may experience such as conflict, depression, anxiety, stress or separation and divorce. In addition, HPS works with families struggling with their teen’s use or abuse of drugs and alcohol. Clinicians within HPS are registered and provisional psychologists trained in the evidence-based model, Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT), which is the only MDFT program being delivered in Canada.

HPS is unique in that it is Hull’s only fee-for-service program. This allows the program to sustain itself financially while providing services to those who have the ability to afford the fees, either by their own means or through employer health plans.

HPS extends Hull’s 50-year knowledge base to the general public, offering the highest level of care and expertise within our range of clinical services.

Social Policy

In the spring of 2012, Alberta Human Services launched a public initiative to gain input from all Albertans to create the framework for a new Social Policy.

Entitled, Speak, Share, Thrive, the framework describes the future direction of social policy in Alberta and all citizens have been invited to share their thoughts and opinions on their vision of social policy within our Province.

Social policy determines the kind of society we want for our families, our community and ourselves. It is about how we meet human needs and how individuals, communities and governments come together to solve social issues.

Hull Services applauds this initiative whole-heartedly! We have hosted a few focus groups with our Board of Governors, our MLA, Dave Rodney, and numerous community members.

Hull Services | 50 Years | Page 14

kids, youth, young adults and families in our community.

A new and exciting opportunity for Hull has recently emerged to further our work with Aboriginal Communities. Hull Services has received funding to develop a 3-year demonstration project in the area of Intergenerational Trauma for Aboriginal Families, responding to the lasting effects of colonial and residential school experiences. This program, under development, will utilize the wisdom of the elders, as well as western interventions.

Funding Activities

This important project collectively enlists the influence of everyone to help shape the future of support for all Albertans. It will guide agencies like Hull, our vision and mission in serving kids and families, as well as other social supports and services. It will outline the very way people are helped in Alberta for many years to come.

Through focus groups, online surveys, blog posts and other tools, Albertans have been providing their feedback to the who, what, when, where, why and how social policy will be delivered.

To see the work that has been done, visit http://socialpolicy.alberta.ca

Moving Forward

Hull Services continues to enhance our programs and services. We are proud of our past, grounded in our present and always looking forward - anticipating the needs of

Donations, bequests’, gifts and sponsorships fund a range of residential and community-based services at Hull. Volunteers add a tremendous level of support.

One hallmark program is the Mentors Matter program that is second to none. The outcomes are impressive.

Donors and volunteers quite rightly want to know their gifts and support produce outcomes that solve problems and address issues. They want to know they make a difference and they want to support an organization that captures their imagination of what’s possible.

Hull Services helps people take control and change their lives. Kids and families confront the barriers to wellness and reach the milestones and goals set by their therapists and counsellors. The change in their lives is significant. The potential savings to society is immense.

Hull Services has identified priorities for funding needs in programs and buildings. It will take five years, strong staff skills and hundreds of volunteers to raise over $30 million. The journey will be amazing and the results will be wonderful. If this captures your imagination, please give Hull Services a call.

The William Roper Hull Community Leadership Award When William Roper Hull first arrived in Calgary in 1883, he envisioned, “There will be a city of at least 25,000. I see homes, schools, shops and churches with everything one needs for a happy life, and I will help to build it.” And help to build it he did.

William Roper Hull’s foresight continues to inspire Hull Services today, and will continue to inspire future generations. Hull Services strives toward realizing Mr. Hull’s vision to build a happy, healthy community; that’s our motivation.

In honour of Mr. Hull and to celebrate our 50th anniversary, the William Roper Hull Community Leadership Award has been created.

This annual award will recognize a Calgarian with a similar social vision and sense of social responsibility, while reflecting the spirit and principles that

guide Hull Services. It can be about answering a social problem or making a difference within the community. However the vision is shaped, the honoree is leading the charge and working toward making their vision a reality.

The William Roper Hull Community Leadership Award celebrates achievements, dedication, determination and other values that characterize Hull Services, which are demonstrated daily in its programs.

The honoree is defined by those who know them as visionary, entrepreneurial and philanthropic, someone others look to for leadership and whose actions convey Calgary at heart.

This inaugural award will be presented on the eve of Hull’s 50th anniversary at this year’s Hullelujah fundraising event on December 13, 2012.

Hull Services | 50 Years | Page 15

Her name is Angela.

Sexually abused in her own home, she ran away and fell into “street” life where she spiraled downwards. An attempted suicide brought her to Hull where she began to rebuild her life. Angela has since earned her Ph.D., is a university professor and is happily married and raising a family.

His name is Tim, a normal 7 year old from a typical middle class family. A brain infection left Tim developmentally delayed and behaviourally unmanageable. Tim has become a vibrant adult who operates a small business, is close to his family and actively volunteers in the community.

His name is Charlie, he came to Hull at age 8, angry, hurt, guilty, violent, a bully…alone.

He witnessed his mother beaten to death; he was also violently abused. Today, Charlie is a happy, healthy, caring big brother to his siblings in his foster home.

Why would a 13-year-old child end her poem with, “…and life’s a place I wish I’d never been”?

Hull Services would like to thank everyone who has supported us throughout our 50-year history. You have contributed to our work, you have enriched our community, and you have helped many kids, youth, young adults and families succeed.

Hull’s commitment to community and working together has resulted in collaborating with numerous agencies and organizations in eight of our 28 programs. We sincerely want to recognize the following Partners for their many contributions: • Alberta Health Services • Calgary and Area Child and Family Services • Calgary Board of Education • Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association • Children’s Cottage Society of Calgary • ChildTrauma Academy • City of Calgary-Community and Neighbourhood Services • Closer to Home Community Services • Enviros • McMan Youth, Family and Community Services Association • Pathways Community Services Association • Renfrew Educational Services • Salvation Army Community Services Calgary • The United Way of Calgary and Area • Woods Homes • The YMCA

THANK YOU!

2266 Woodpark Avenue S.W. Calgary, AB T2W 2Z8 • t: 403-251-8000 • www.hullservices.ca Hull Services | 50 Years | Page 16

What a new U.S. President Means to Alberta • U.S. Election

What a new U.S. President Means to Alberta Calgary businesses digest what last month’s election results could mean for the province over the next four years

By Derek Sankey

A

lbertans looked on as U.S. President Barack Obama was re-elected for four more years with good reason: it was facing a “fiscal cliff” as American voters cast their ballots last month, with $600 billion in automatic spending cuts and tax increases set to take effect in January. The U.S. is seeing anemic economic and job growth, it holds massive debt and the Federal Reserve continues to print money, which ultimately reduces the value of our own.

There is a lot going on these days in American politics – all of which combined could have a direct impact on Alberta and all of Canada for that matter.

Watching our largest trading partner languish in political gridlock, with so much at stake, could have profound consequences for Alberta’s energy industry and other key sectors, such as manufacturing. If the biggest and most powerful economy returns to a recession, there is no doubt going to be an impact north of the border.

The world shifted its focus from Europe’s debt crisis to the U.S. economy and its “fiscal crisis,” but also Obama’s intentions with respect to energy from an Alberta perspective.

After congratulating Obama on his re-election, Alberta Premier Alison Redford said in a statement that she looked forward to working with the newly re-elected president, its administration and all of the members of Congress to advance the vast and highly important relationship that exists between the province and the U.S.

www.businessincalgary.com | BUSINESS IN CALGARY December 2012 • 73

What a new U.S. President Means to Alberta • U.S. Election

On the energy industry, Canadians in general support President Obama over Mitt Romney in a landslide: • When it comes to energy, 49 per cent believe Obama will do more to encourage energy imports from Canada compared to 26 per cent favouring Romney; 14 per cent saying neither and 12 per cent who didn’t know • On the economy, 65 per cent also believe Obama would do the best job spurring economic growth compared to 18 per cent for Romney • When asked which U.S. presidential candidate would do the best job of tackling the U.S. debt (a crucial matter with potential implications for Alberta’s and Canada’s economy), 65 per cent favour Obama; 19 per cent Romney; 10 per cent neither; six per cent did not know Source: Forum Research

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“The Alberta-U.S. partnership extends to members on both sides of the aisle and we look forward to continuing our active engagement as a leading provider of responsibly-developed energy resources,” Redford told reporters, even while Alberta has no official current representative in Washington, D.C. Former mayor of Calgary and the last person to fill that role, Dave Bronconnier, was optimistic about relations between Alberta and the U.S., but chalked up the unique nature of American politics as being “visceral.” Redford, meanwhile, reiterated her expectation for Alberta-U.S. engagement to grow over the next four years.

Many pundits were left questioning whether any Canadian issue matters much if it lands on the president’s desk.

Would it have really mattered if Romney won?

The real issues for Alberta are fairly simple: the U.S. economy directly impacts Alberta’s energy exporters and manufacturers; its energy policy – particularly on issues such as Enbridge’s proposed Keystone XL pipeline – could drastically change the course of how Alberta producers export their product; and the “fiscal cliff” felt like déjà vu as investors recalled the gridlock over previously raising the U.S. debt ceiling. That led to the country being stripped of its Triple A credit rating.

On America’s economic situation, one political commentator noted that the U.S. posted its fastest growth in job creation in eight months and the fact annual housing starts – which fell to a low of 450,000 at the height of the downturn – have now stabilized and are forecasted to reach 900,000 by 2013. Continued on page 78

What a new U.S. President Means to Alberta • U.S. Election

The industries most important to the Calgary Economic Region – and the most likely to feel any impact from the new U.S. presidential administration (note underlined industries): Industry Goods-producing industries Manufacturing Construction Primary and utilities Services-producing industries Transportation & warehousing Information & cultural industries Wholesale & retail trade Finance, insurance, real estate & leasing Business services Personal services Non-commercial services Public administration & defence All industries

2011 (Millions $) 23,325 5,284 4,625 13,416 41,184 3,683 2,220 6,739

Distribution (%) 36.2 8.2 7.2 20.8 63.8 5.7 3.4 10.4

11,370 6,424 3,243 5,520 1,986 64,509

17.6 10.0 5.0 8.6 3.1 100.0

Source: Calgary Economic Development

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www.businessincalgary.com | BUSINESS IN CALGARY 2012-11-07 December 2012 • 75 2:06 PM

10th Anniversary • 10th Anniversary • 10th Anniversary • 10th Anniversary • 10th Anniversary •

Not your average success story…

R

ick Ball always had aspirations of owning a business one day, but he never imagined it would employ 20-plus people and find him working throughout Western Canada.

He also never imagined his company would place 48th in the top 100 most profitable Canadian companies in 2010, and be one the province’s 50 fastest growing companies in 2012.

In 2002, Ball started Avalanche Air Systems Ltd., an HVAC and sheet metal business, and after 10 years, the company has carved out a well-respected reputation. From multi-family and condominium projects to big-box retailers, restaurants and assisted-living complexes, Avalanche has become one of the leading HVAC installation and sheet metal companies to call for design-build projects.

Last year, Avalanche placed 49th in the top 200 most profitable Canadian businesses and they were a finalist for the Merit “Contractor of the Year” awards. In addition to their full fabrication shop, they are innovative thinkers, they take pride in their work and their crews are equipped with leading-edge technology, so they communicate in real-time data.

Not surprisingly, Avalanche’s unabated growth is due largely to their innovative approach. “We are continually looking at new ways to move forward, provide better communication and engage new ideas as much as possible,” says Rick Ball, president.

“Two years ago, I developed an app for iPads and it helps us organize projects, communicate in real time and complete jobs quicker – we’ve made it very user-friendly. Most of the forms can by used by many trades and we created it for field applications,” adds Ball.

Avalanche’s forward-thinking approach keeps them ahead of the curve – in an industry that is sometimes slow to embrace change. “We are always looking for ways to give ourselves a bit of an edge and the technology helps us stay ahead of the game.

Our field employees all have smartphones and iPads, so they can access any site information – in real time. It makes us more effective,” adds R.J. Sigurdson, head project manager.

Standing: (left to right) R.J.Sigurdson, Troy Henderson, René Ball, Kevin Sernowsky. Seated: Rick Ball

“We can relay information to the crews in the field much faster and it’s been a huge benefit for many contractors. Rick is willing to invest in new tools to help us do our job more effectively and it’s helped every layer of the business,” says Sigurdson.

Avalanche’s forward-thinking approach keeps them ahead of the curve – in an industry that is sometimes slow to embrace change.

10th Anniversary • 10th Anniversary • 10th Anniversary • 10th Anniversary • 10th Anniversary •

• 10th Anniversary • 10th Anniversary • 10th Anniversary • 10th Anniversary • 10th Anniversary Avalanche’s key people include Troy Henderson, who has worked with Ball from the beginning. Henderson started as an apprentice and today he’s a field foreman. Kevin Sernowsky, field foreman/supervisor, has been with Avalanche for seven years and has a great reputation for “getting things done right.”

And René Ball, Rick’s wife, is another key person within the company. René looks after administration and safety.

“There are innovators, followers and then those people that simply won’t change. I consider Rick to be an innovator: he’s always coming up with new ideas, constantly solving problems and improving the overall management organization,” remarks Sigurdson.

More recently, you’ll find the Avalanche crews working throughout the city: from numerous multi-family projects in Calgary, Cochrane and Airdrie to projects downtown. Currently noteworthy

Congratulations Avalanche Air Systems on your 10th anniversary!

1407 - 108 Ave. S.W Office: 403.243.5052 • Fax: 403.243.5072 techair@telusplanet.net

projects include the Champagne Condos in Quarry Park and the Seton commercial development in southeast Calgary.

To learn more about the Contractor forms App, visit their website and click on the hard hat icon.

Avalanche Air Systems Ltd. C-1235 40 Avenue NE Calgary, AB www.avalancheair.ca 403.278.4567

Congratulations Avalanche Air Systems on your th 10 Anniversary!

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78 • December 2012 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

“Most large U.S. companies have ample cash reserves to support future hiring and investment,” says Jock Finlayson, executive vice president of the Business Council of British Columba and a columnist for Troy Media.

“Many businesses have been reluctant to spend. But this caution should ease over the next six to 12 months.”

When it comes to the fiscal cliff – and the ability of members of Congress and the House of Representatives to work together under a new Obama presidency in general over the next four years – many remain cautious.

Jack Ablin, executive vice president and chief investment officer at BMO Harris Private Bank, called for “some kind of conciliatory rhetoric on both sides of the aisle” to give investors some confidence and stability going forward.

Ablin has shifted his position on U.S. stocks since the election from “overweight” to “neutral” as our American neighbours face the recurring potential of the economic abyss. In a media conference call, he said: “With the higher tax rates, the risk in earnings is likely to the downside. With a Mitt Romney victory, we would have seen an upward skew to the earnings next year.”

For Calgary’s economy, the headquarters of the vast majority of energy producers in Canada, the impact of decisions such as Keystone – and no doubt others – are being watched closely as they plot where and how to export their bitumen and natural gas. It’s an issue being played out not only with Keystone, but the Northern Gateway pipeline proposal – another contentious effort by the industry to seek new markets beyond the U.S. due to its continued uncertainty on Keystone.

The U.S., meanwhile, has actually become a net exporter of oil for the first time in half a century and continues its efforts to become energy independent within a decade. That means Alberta producers would lose ground as the U.S. continues its drive to develop more of its own shale and conventional natural gas and oil.

A lot hangs in the balance. Calgary energy firms wait to see if Obama makes any significant policy decisions on matters crucial to the companies that export the majority of their product to the U.S. The manufacturing industry waits anxiously to see where the American economy heads in coming months, since we export so much of our product there. The health of their economy ultimately impacts Calgary manufacturers directly.

Alberta energy producers are waiting to see if Obama’s election slogan of “Moving Forward” will translate into their energy projects moving forward. It’s hard to tell at this stage, but it seems clear that it might not have really mattered whether Obama or Romney won. Both of their policies showed a clear desire for energy independence within a decade, eroding Canadian market share. That’s one direction where the U.S. is moving forward. BiC

Contributing to Calgary’s Growth for 30 Years

W

hen Hamid Mohamed started Jubilee Engineering Ltd. in 1982, Calgary was entering a recession thanks largely to the national energy program (NEP). Many companies had laid-off more than half of their workforce, projects were shelved and prospects were slim. And then the call came.

An old friend was working for a survey company that needed a civil engineer on a consulting basis. If Hamid started a busi-

ness, there would be opportunities for them to work together and it sounded like a good idea. He worked as an independent consultant for about 10 years and hired contractors for drafting and field supervision. By 1993, Jubilee Engineering was firmly established as a reputable civil engineering company within the city.

Thirty years later, Jubilee Engineering has completed over 2,500 projects in urban development, country residential communities, industrial and commercial subdivisions, infrastruc-

Jubilee Engineering Consultants Ltd. • 30 Years

th 30 Anniversary ture and roadway projects. The scope and breadth of their expertise redefines the term “one-stop shop” and for colleagues who have worked with Jubilee Engineering, three words come to mind: trustworthy, personable and professional.

During Jubilee’s 30 years history, Hamid built the business through solid relationships, so it comes as no surprise the majority of their business is derived from previous clients and referrals. Up until the early ’90s, businesses did not have the luxury of advanced technology: they communicated via phone, fax and meetings. Cellphones were on the rise, but emails, iPhones and text messages had yet to arrive, so much of their business was done face to face.

Jubilee is the quintessential one-stop shop in the engineering sector – making them an industry leader in private, industrial, commercial and multi-residential projects. Beyond urban, country and commercial development, they also undertake storm water management, erosion and sediment control, noise analysis, and sanitary servicing studies, to name a few, and the majority of the work is completed in-house. Additionally they handle construction surveys as well as the development and site servicing plans for shopping centres, apartment buildings, town houses and industrial complexes.

During his late teens, Hamid received a scholarship to study civil engineering at Nairobi University and immigrated to Canada after he graduated. He landed in Toronto and after a few years, he headed west with a friend to look for work – having heard Calgary’s economy was good. Shortly after arriving in Calgary, he met Shenoor. They married and started a family, and ironically, both Hamid and Shenoor were originally from Tanzania, Africa yet they met in Calgary.

Hamid has visited city hall, for permits and approvals, likely more often than he has met with clients. And to this day he is still a frequent and prominent visitor to city hall.

Second only to Jubilee’s engineering expertise, Hamid attributes the company’s success to maintaining these longstanding relationships.

“Over the years, we’ve worked with the City of Calgary on hundreds of projects. During 2011, we completed approximately one third of all the work, on private sites, for the circulations at the city. We have a very good reputation and most of the architectural firms use our company for development site servicing plans within the city,” comments Hamid Mohamed, president.

Jubilee’s first large-scale project took them to Canyon Meadows in 1985 where they designed and built the infrastructure for the Candle Crescent subdivision. The 20-acre parcel of land, located south of Elbow Drive, is home to about 75 quarter-acre lots that back onto Fish Creek Provincial Park. This project proved to be significant because it paved the way for Jubilee to foray into unique, large-scale country residential developments and during their 30-year history, Jubilee has helped to develop in excess of 4000 acres throughout the city and countryside. Noteworthy projects include Morgans Rise, Pinnacle Ridge, Morning Vista, Grandview Park, Grey Meadows, Stonepine, Calling Horse Estates and Jewel Valley, and also the communities of Cimarron and Sheep River in Okotoks. Jubilee also provided Engineering Services for Royal Vista Business Park, a 56 hectare commercial project.

285010 Wrangler Way, Rocky View, Alberta T1X 0K3 Ph 403.273.1144 Fax 403.248.3730

Congratulations

Jubilee Engineering Consultants Ltd.!

1212 34 Avenue SE • Phone: 403.277.1171

Jubilee Engineering Consultants Ltd. | 30 Years | Page 2

“

“I started working with Jubilee Engineering during the early 1990s. We had a multi-family project and we needed an engineering firm. Since that time, we’ve done about 1,000 projects together. Hamid is always personable, professional and brings a level of expertise to any project that is unsurpassed – he is among the best.

With civil engineering, it very important to follow the city’s specification and the staff at Jubilee Engineering understands the process extremely well. They have a great reputation and know how to get the job done.

Inner-city projects are very challenging because the services are in older neighbourhoods and don’t meet current standards. It frequently comes down to what the city will require in order to bring the project up to code, what are the costs and how creative are we going to have to be.

A good civil engineering firm can save a client additional costs through good design, so when it comes to site work, we advise clients not to worry about Jubilee’s fees because – in the long run - they will save the clients money.

The Jubilee Engineering staff always have a positive attitude, they take responsibility, they are accountable and they come up with good designs. When Jubilee Engineering is on board, I never have to worry about the calibre of work.”

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Cimarron, an Okotoks community, is the largest project Jubilee has taken on to date. The 550-acre parcel includes the development of two shopping centres, infrastructure of major intersections, twinning the southern portion of Southridge Drive and the development of 2000 residential lots between the shopping centres. The project also included the design and construction of two sanitary siphons.

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Jubilee Engineering Consultants Ltd. | 30 Years | Page 3

th 30 Anniversary “The city is very particular about the quality of work they accept and there’s a system in place. If you’re not familiar with the specifications, it could be more difficult. The longevity of our core group of employees makes a big difference and we are able to get approvals on time so our customers can meet their deadlines. Most companies have lost touch with the people who are involved with the approvals process,” he adds. “I spend a lot of time at the city, meeting with all the different people and departments involved in the process. We have developed a mutual trust and it’s partly because of the quality of work we do.”

Inside the Jubilee office, you will find a group of very dedicated and loyal employees. “We pride ourselves on our staff and most of our senior people have been with us for 18-20 years,” says Hamid. “During the early 1990s, we started hiring engineers full time and they are all still with us. Our core group is very strong, we treat them like partners and profit-share with them – it’s the only way to keep quality people, and their hard work has made the company successful.”

When Hamid reflects on 30 years of business, one of the things he enjoys the most is the interaction with the people. “I am an engineer, but I am also a communicator and we get to know the families of the people we work with – we’ve made a

Congratulations

Jubilee Engineering Consultants Ltd. on your 30th Anniversary!

lot of friends along the way,” he says. “Most of our work today is from repeat customers and referrals; I haven’t made a phone call to drum up work in a very long time and I owe the company’s success to the people who have worked with us for a long time – I couldn’t have done this on my own.”

As Jubilee Engineering celebrates their 30th anniversary, they would like to extend a sincere note of gratitude to all of the partners, suppliers, customers and employees who have contributed to the company’s success.

If you are interested in learning more about Jubilee Engineering, the services we provide or the diverse clients we serve, please feel free to contact us.

We would be happy to talk with you.

Suite 200, 4393 - 14th Street N.E. Calgary, Alberta T2E 7A9 Phone: 403.276.1001 • Fax: 403.276.1012 www.jubileeengineering.com

Congratulations Jubilee Engineering Consultants Ltd. We wish you many more years of success!

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Jubilee Engineering Consultants Ltd. | 30 Years | Page 4

th 30 Anniversary

Touted as one of the finest subdivisions in Canada, Morgans Rise fetches more money per square foot than any other subdivision in Alberta. And it’s another example of the calibre of work you’ll find with Jubilee Engineering. Jon Stucky, president, Hydra Enterprises Inc., is the man behind the vision for Morgans Rise and Mohamed helped him realize his vision – when the parcel of land was still a moose pasture.

“Jubilee Engineering was referred to us by our planners. They have been in the business for 30 years,” says Stucky. “And when you’re working with that level of experience, it’s a real pleasure. He has surrounded himself with tremendous people – they are experts. When we installed the utility services, the staff made sure the work was being done according to the specs and the crews were on site 24-7,” he explains.

“At the end of the construction phase, it was a $6-million expenditure and we had one issue that cost $50,000 – that’s all – and that was remarkable to me. The success of Morgans Rise is attributed to the competent and talented group of people who had my back.

Hamid is a tremendous individual, he has a great sense of humour and is a pro all the way,” Stucky adds.

Congratulations Jubilee Engineering Consultants Ltd. on your 30th anniversary!

We wish you many years of continued success.

Phone: 403-640-0708 • Fax: 403-640-0785 m.moledina@tristarcommunities.com www.tristarcommunities.com

Jubilee Engineering Consultants Ltd. | 30 Years | Page 5

th 30 Anniversary

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Congratulations Jubilee Engineering Consultants Ltd. on your 30th Anniversary!

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Jubilee Engineering Consultants Ltd. | 30 Years | Page 6

Communities Ltd.

Galleries Renfrew

Assured Communities Ltd. Committed to Quality for 25 Years

T

he team at Assured Communities Ltd. has a good eye when it comes to land development and homebuilding, and their extraordinary 25-year track record is proof positive. From single and multi-family projects to recreational properties, Assured understands the market, but more importantly they understand what buyers are looking for: an exceptional location coupled with a well-designed layout and qualitybuilt product at a competitive price point.

However, if being a successful land developer is that straightforward – in a highly-competitive industry – the market would

be far more saturated. As Gene Fabro, president and CEO of Assured Communities, has succinctly observed, there is no magic formula when it comes to successful development; it takes decades of experience with a keen eye. “It’s a complex process and there isn’t a simple formula that allows you to plug in the numbers and it spits out a road map,” asserts Fabro. “You have to consider land price, construction costs, density, your target market and how long it’s going to take you to complete a project. In this business, there’s a long cycle and the bigger the project, the more risk you’re taking on.”

Assured Communities Ltd. • Commited to Quality for 25 Years

Communities Ltd.

Over 25 years, Assured has designed and developed in excess of 1,000 single and multi-family homes throughout the city along with several recreational properties in the Rockies – all giving rise to their outstanding reputation as a quality builder.

Recently, Assured won the Platinum Award of Distinction for “20 years of claim free service” from the Alberta New Home Warranty Program – a level reached by very few builders. “We have always been committed to building quality homes with good design – I would never build a house that I wouldn’t live in myself,” asserts Fabro.

About 10 years ago, Assured started developing smaller inner-city town home complexes that provide an alternative for buyers looking to live close to the core, but not in an apartment condominium.

Their signature building style and approach to design – with the town homes for this market niche – provides an upscale “gallery” concept that incorporates an artistic element along with leading-edge design and high-quality materials. The developments house 10 to 20 homes that vary in size, fit and finish. Their target market: buyers who are on their second or third home, want a maintenance-free lifestyle and a short commute to downtown.

Galleries Altadore, Galleries Marda Loop and most recently Galleries Renfrew, currently under construction, showcase the innovative design and craftsmanship found in an Assured

L-R. Bill Brunton, Site Supervisor; Joe Neidemayer, Assistant Site Supervisor; Gene Fabro, President and C.E.O.; Ashif Dhalla, V.P. Finance and C.F.O.

home, and in the right location. “The first time Fabro looks at a site, he can tell whether a particular design concept will work – keeping in mind the demographic and right price point. He can visualize the plan and these gallery-type projects have been very successful,” explains Ashif Dhalla, vice president and CFO. “The real estate market and economy is shifting all the time, so when we see a parcel of land, we know if the concept is going to work and whether we should act quickly.”

Looking back over 25 years, Fabro is very familiar with Alberta’s economic climate. “You have to build a quality product and that drives your reputation,” he remarks. “Buying a home is the single-largest investment that anyone will make in their life.

People buy from us with confidence – knowing their big investment has very high value.”

Although Fabro has a keen eye, he has not always worked in the industry. During the early 1980s, he worked as an environmental planner, but when the economy slowed, he returned to school to earn an MBA in finance.

Assured was started when Fabro, his brother and a small builder teamed up and purchased four lots in the northeast neighbourhood of Castleridge. They built and sold the four houses and bought a few more, but eventually they ran out of

Congratulations on your 25th anniversary!

J.R. Electrical Services Ltd. • Commerical • Residential • Industrial • Inspections Ph: 403-869-3530 • Fax: 403-452-1357

Assured Communities Ltd. • Commited to Quality for 25 Years • Page 2

Communities Ltd.

Galleries Renfrew Tucked inside the community of Renfrew, Assured offers upscale town homes that are seven minutes to downtown and three minutes to the shops and services in Bridgeland. As an infill community, Galleries Renfrew offers a 12-unit complex that’s currently under construction with occupancy beginning this month. Units vary in size: up to 1,550 square feet with three levels of living space and an attached single-car garage.

There are seven floor plans and various options including full basement development with a two-piece bathroom.

In keeping with their signature style, Assured has named each model type after the Canadian Group of Seven artists capital. The brothers and the small builder sold their interests to the family-owned holding company and that allowed them to continue and grow. Twenty-five years later, it is still a familyrun operation.

“Companies used to build projects in phases. You bought a site and built as much as possible and as large as possible because anything would sell during a boom. Today it’s the opposite: you can still build in phases, but you build one cycle at a time, so you’re not stuck in a project for a long period of time,” comments Fabro.

Although the market is always shifting, there is one aspect of the business that keeps Fabro excited and engaged – even after 25 years. “When I watch a customer walk through their new home, they sparkle with excitement. We instil an extremely high standard of excellence with all of our trades and supplier partners, so

– as life imitates art in the complex. Fit and finish include Hardie Board siding, low E windows, granite countertops, a deck off the kitchen and a private yard. The town homes are geared more for the move-up buyer with a price in the mid $390’s.

Located west of Deerfoot Trail at 1116 Renfrew Drive NE, the site offers lots of green space with easy access to all the shops and services of Bridgeland, 16 Avenue North, Edmonton Trail and Centre Street. There is a new home information centre on site, open Monday to Thursday, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., weekends and holidays, noon to 5:00 p.m. it’s a rare occasion to see a home with deficiencies on the turnover day,” he says. “To see a happy customer is priceless.”

As Assured celebrates their 25th anniversary, they pause for a moment to extend a sincere note of gratitude to all the engineering and architectural consultants, business and trade partners, suppliers, employees and customers who have helped them achieve this milestone – they couldn’t have done it without their support.

Communities Ltd.

2028 10th Street NW Calgary, AB • 403.282.7120 info@assuredhomes.com • www.assuredhomes.com

Assured Communities Ltd. • Commited to Quality for 25 Years • Page 3

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Becoming a Global Village • Aviation

Becoming a Global Village Business aviation really taking off

T

he differences between Calgary and Edmonton are black and white to anyone who has spent even casual time in the cities – but at least in one area they are remarkably similar: they share the growing importance of business aviation to their economies and future prospects.

It’s easy to see why when you track the numbers. Even though forecasts project a respectable national growth of 2.2 per cent in 2013, it pales in comparison to Alberta, with 3.0 per cent growth projected for the province and the Calgary Economic Region anticipated increase of 3.8 per cent in 2015.

Where there is economic growth, there is corporate growth. And when companies expand and compete, they increasingly turn to business aviation as a strategic business tool.

While business aviation typically represents a small percentage of aircraft movements, it is an important economic partner at any airport. The Calgary Airport Authority, which operates both the Calgary International and Springbank Airports, is well aware of business aviation’s contributions, and works in close partnership with the sector to ensure access, even during the current airport expansion.

“The large corporate aviation sector in Calgary is reflective of the number of companies headquartered within the city,” says Garth Atkinson, the Calgary Airport Authority’s president and CEO. “With over 20 corporate flight departments and large charter operations to the oilsands, the

Where there is economic growth, there is corporate growth. And when companies expand and compete, they increasingly turn to business aviation as a strategic business tool. corporate sector at Calgary supports over 700 jobs and has a total value-added GDP impact of over $150 million. We are currently seeing another round of new leasing activity and significant expansion of the corporate aviation sector at our airports.”

None of this is a surprise to the president and CEO of the Canadian Business Aviation Association (CBBA), Sam Barone, who’s been working with both the airport and Calgary’s business aviation community for years. “Our Alberta members’ equipment can run the gamut from single turbine to multiple jet aircraft, and they can operate anything from one to dozens of airplanes. No matter their size, they all use business aviation as a corporate tool and competitive advantage.”

Aviation Directory • Aviation

ALBERTA AVIATION OPERATORS ABITIBI HELICOPTERS LTD. Bertrand Perron, President/Director of Operations Toll Free: 1-800-247-9591 Aircraft Operated: (10) AS-350FX2, (1) AS-350BA +, (1) AS 50 BA (4)AS-350B2 (1) Bell 205A-1 ADVENTURE AVIATION INC. Michael Mohr, Ops Manager Tel: (780) 539-6968 Aircraft Operated: ( Cessna Skyhawk C172 One Piper Twin Comanche PA30 One Cessna Centurion P210N AGRIUM INC. Robert Garback, Aviation Manager Tel: (403) 216-5090 Aircraft Operated: (1) Citation Sovereign AHLSTROM AIR LTD Michael Helsch, Chief Pilot / Base Manager Tel: 403-721-2203 Aircraft Operated: (1) AS350 SD2 AIR PARTNERS CORP. Tim Morgan, President / Founder Toll Free: 1-877-233-9350 Alternate Number 403-291-3644 Aircraft Operated: Citation V, Beechcraft King Air 200, Beechcraft premier AIRBORNE ENERGY SOLUTIONS LTD Rob Wharf, President/CEO Toll Free: 1-888-496-3222 Aircraft Operated: (6) Robinson RH44, (16) Robinson RH44 Raven II (RH44 II), (6) Bell 206 B (B206),(1) Bell 206 L3, (4)(2) AS350 BA, (2) AS350 B2 (3) Piper Navajo A-31, (1) Cessna 208 Caravan, (4) Cessna 172, (2) Cessna 206, (1) King Air 200, (1) King Air 350 1() Bell 205 A1-17 (1)Bell 212, (1) M1-26 ALBERTA GOVERNMENT AIR TRANSPORTATION SERVICE Rob Madden, Director of Flt Ops Tel: 780-427-7341 Aircraft Operated: (2) KA B200, (1) KA 350, (1) DH 8 ALTA FLIGHTS (CHARTERS) INC David Robertson, President Tel: 780-890-1330 Aircraft Operated: (4) Metro 23, (3) King Air 100, (2) Dornier 228, (2) Piper PA31, (4) Cessna 172, (, (1) Cessna Citation II AVMAX GROUP INC Don Parkin, Executive VP Toll Free: 1-888-524-9444 Aircraft Operated: CRJ -8, BAE 146, Dash 8 BAR XH AIR INC Brent Gateman, President Tel: 403-527-3328 Aircraft Operated: (2) BAE Jetstream, (6) King Air 200 CALGARY POLICE SERVICE Cameron Dutnall, CP Tel: 403-567-4150 Aircraft Operated: (2) EC120 CAN-WEST CORPORATE AIR CHARTERS Natalie Hanczak, Flight Coordinator Tel: 780-849-5353 Aircraft Operated: (4) BE20, (1) PA31, (2) C206, (2) C185, (1) C210, (1) Beech Baron, (1) PA350, (1) Citation V CANADIAN HELICOPTERS LIMITED Don Wall, President/CEO Tel: 780-429-6900 Aircraft Operated: (17) AS350B2, (27) AS350BA, (1) AS350D, (1) AS355F1, (1) AS355F2, (2) AS355N, (6) AW139, (9) BH206B, (11) BH206B3, (11) BH206L, (1) BH206L1, (10) BH212, (1) BH407, (1) BH412, (1) BH412SP, (3) EC120B, (4) R22B, (2) R22B2, (4) R44 II, (6) S61N, (10) S76A, (1) S76A++ CATHTON INVESTMENTS LTD/CRA INVESTMENTS LTD Ernie Poole, Aviation Manager Tel: 780-890-7443 Aircraft Operated: (1) Falcon 900C

CCI/DIA Aviation Ernie Poole, Aviation Manager Tel: 780-890-7443 Aircraft Operated: (1) Hawker - Siddley 800 DELTA HELICOPTERS LTD Paul Stubbs, Ops Manager Toll Free: 1-800-665-3564 Aircraft Operated: (9) Bell 206B, (4) Bell 206L3, (4) A-Star 350BA, (4) Bell 204b, (4) AF350-B2 EDMONTON INTERNATIONAL SHELL AEROCENTRE Sarah Gratton, Aerocentre Manager Toll Free: 1-800-668-4766, Tel: 780-890-1337 Aircraft Operated: No Aircraft listed E-Z AIR INC Ezra Bavly, Pres/Ops Mgr/CFI Tel: 780-453-2085 Aircraft Operated: (1) Bell 206, (1) Robinson R44 EDMONTON FLYING CLUB Ralph Henderson, President Tel: 780-454-4531 Aircraft Operated: (3) C-152, (2) C-172, (1) 172SP, (2) DV-20, (1) MFD Simulator, (1) DA40, (2) DA42, (1) Eclipse 500 Simulator EDMONTON POLICE SERVICE S/Sgt Dave Berry, Unit Manager Tel: 780-408-4218 Aircraft Operated: (1) EC-120 ENERJET Tim Morgan, President/CEO Tel: 403-648-2800 Aircraft Operated: (2) Boeing 737-700NG

PHOENIX HELI-FLIGHT INC Paul Spring, President Tel: 780-799-0141 Aircraft Operated: (2) Euro 120, (1) AS350B2, (1) EC 130B4, (1) AS355N, (1) 355NP, (1) 350B3 REGIONAL 1 AIRLINES LTD William (Bill) Houghton, Director of Operations Toll Free: 1-888-802-1010 Aircraft Operated: (1) Dash 8-100, (2) Dash 8-200, (1) Dash 8-300, (1) King Air 300, (2) CRJ200 RIDGE ROTORS INC. Hans Nogel, Ops Mgr Toll Free: 1-877-242-4211 Aircraft Operated: (2) B206B2, (1) A Star 350 B2, (2) R44 RILPA ENTERPRISES LTD Ken L. Mizera, President Tel: 403-275-3035 Aircraft Leased: (10) Bell 206B, (1) HU500D, (1) HU500E, (1) 204B, (1) 205B, (2) AS350 ROTORWORKS INC. Jim Hofland, Office Manager Ryan Cluff, Comm Pilot/David Buckland, Comm Pilot (1)Robinson r66 Tel: 780-778-6600 Aircraft Operated: (2) R22 Robinson, (2) R44 Robinson WESTJET AIRLINES LTD Toll Free: 1-888-937-8538 Aircraft Operated: (13) Boeing 737-600, (65) Boeing 737700, (13) Boeing 737-800 ALBERTA CHARTER OPERATORS CHARTER FIXED WING

EXECUTIVE FLIGHT CENTRE FUEL SERVICES LTD Treovr Caswell , FBO Manager Tel: 780-890-8640 Aircraft Operated: All aircraft up to Boeing 737-700 Series

ADVENTURE AVIATION INC. Michael Mohr, Ops Manager Tel: (780) 539-6968 Aircraft Operated: (3) C172, (1) Twin Comanche PA30 (1) Cessna Centurion p210N (1) Precision Flight Controls “Cirrus II” Simulator.

GEMINI HELICOPTERS INC RochDallaire, President Tel: 780-402-2444 Aircraft Operated: (2) EC 120, (14) R44, (4) AS350, (2) Bell 205

AIR PARTNERS CORP. Tim Morgan, President / Founder Toll Free: 1-877-233-9350 Aircraft Operated: Citation V, Citation Ultra, Citation Encore, Challenger 604, Citation X, Citation XL, King Air 200

GUARDIAN HELICOPTERS INC GraydonKowal, President Tel: 403-730-6333, 403-232-1748 Aircraft Operated: (2) Bell205, (3) AS350BA, (3) Bell 206B, (1) PA31P, (3) Bell 417, (1) MD 530F

AIRBORNE ENERGY SOLUTIONS LTD Allan Tomke, President/CEO Toll Free: 1-888-496-3222 Aircraft Operated: (6) Robinson RH44, (16) Robinson RH44 Raven II (RH44 II), (6) Bell 206 B (B206),(1) Bell 206 L1, (4)(2) AS350 BA, (2) AS350 B2 (3) Piper Navajo A-31, (1) Cessna 208 Caravan, (4) Cessna 172.

INFINITY FLIGHT SERVICES William Vasquez, Ops Manager Toll Free: 1-877-VIP-7900 Aircraft Operated: (1) King Air B100, (1) Citation V INTEGRA AIR INC Brent Gateman, President Toll Free: 1-877-213-8359 Aircraft Operated: (1) PA31T Cheyenne, (1) Cessna 172 Floatplane, (2) BAE Jetstream – 3 KENN BOREK AIR LTD Brian Crocker , VP Operations Tel: 403-291-3300 Aircraft Operated: (3) Beech 99, (8) Beech 100, (4) Beech 200, (41) Twin Otter, (2) DC3-T, (2) EMB-110 MILLAR WESTERN INDUSTRIES Brad Whalen, Chief Pilot Tel: 780-451-2588 Aircraft Operated: (1) Hawker 800A MOUNTAIN VIEW HELICOPTERS Paul Bergeron, President/CP Tel: 403-286-7186 Aircraft Operated: (3) R22, (2) R44, (1) Bell 206 PEREGRINE HELICOPTERS Glen Hansen, President Tel: 780-865-3353 Aircraft Operated: (1) B206B3, (1) Bell 206 L3

ALTA FLIGHTS (CHARTERS) INC David Robertson, President Tel: 780-890-1330 Aircraft Operated: (4) Metro 23, (3) King Air 100, (2) Grand Caravan, (2) Dornier 228, (2) Piper PA31, (4) Cessna 172, (2) Cessna Citation 501, (1) Cessna Citation 550 ARIES AVIATION SERVICE CORP Marvin Keyser, President Toll Free: 1-877-730-6499 Aircraft Operated: (2) LR36 Lear Jet, (4) PA-31 Navajo, (1) Cessna Caravan AVMAX GROUP INC Don Parkin, Executive VP Toll Free: 1-888-524-9444, 403-291-2464 Aircraft Operated: CRJ -8, BAE 146, Dash 8 CANADIAN NORTH Mark Gillespie, Senior Manager Charters Tel: 403-705-3118 Aircraft Operated: (4) Dash 8, (9) 737-200 Combi, (2) 737-300 CAN-WEST CORPORATE AIR CHARTERS Natalie Hanczak, Flight Coordinator Tel: 780-849-5353 Aircraft Operated: (4) BE20, (1) PA31, (2) C206, (2) C185, (1) C210, (1) Beech Baron, (1) PA350, (1) Citation V

Aviation Directory • Aviation

CENTRAL AVIATION INC Colin MacLeod, Ops Manager Tel: 403-242-9130 Aircraft Operated: Cessna Citation 500 Executive Jet, (2) Piper Navajo Chieftain, Piper Seneca, (2) Waco ENERJET Tim Morgan, President/CEO Tel: 403-648-2800 Aircraft Operated: (2) Boeing 737-700NG INFINITY FLIGHT SERVICES William Vasquez, Ops Manager Toll Free: 1-877-VIP-7900 Aircraft Operated: (1) King Air B100, (1) Citation V INTEGRA AIR INC Brent Gateman - Toll Free: 1-877-213-8359 Aircraft Operated: (1) PA31T Cheyenne KENN BOREK AIR LTD Brian Crocker, VP Operations Tel: 403-291-3300 Aircraft Operated: (3) Beech 99, (8) Beech 100, (4) Beech 200, (41) Twin Otter, (2) DC3-T, (2) EMB-110 NORTHERN AIR CHARTER (P.R.) INC Rob King, President Tel: 780-624-1911 Aircraft Operated: (1) Cessna 185, (1) Aztec, (1) Navajo, (1) King Air 100, (4) King Air 200, (1) Beech 1900 SKY WINGS AVIATION ACADEMY LTD. Dennis Cooper, CEO Toll Free: 1-800-315-8097 Locations in Red Deer and Okotoks Aircraft Operated: Cessna 172, Power Senaca I, Piper Navajo, Alsim 200 C REGIONAL 1 AIRLINES LTD William (Bill) Houghton, Director of Operations Toll Free: 1-888-802-1010 Aircraft Operated: (1) Dash 8-100, (2) Dash 8-200, (1) Dash 8-300, (1) King Air 300, (2) CRJ200 SUNWEST AVIATION LTD Richard Hotchkiss, President/CEO Toll Free: 1-888-291-4566 Aircraft Operated: (1) Falcon 900EX, (1) Challenger 604, (2) Cessna Citation Sovereign, (2) Gulfstream G150, (2) Hawker 800, (2) Lear 55, (4) Lear 45, (2) Lear 35A, (1) Citation V, (5) Beech 1900D, (4) Metro liner 23, (2) Metro II, (1) King Air 350, (4) King Air B200, (4) Piper Chieftain, (3) Caravan C208 SWANBERG AIR INC Toll Free: 1-877-637-8977 Aircraft Operated: (4) Jetstream 31, (1) Challenger 601, (1) PA31-350 Navajo Chieftain

BLACK SWAN HELICOPTERS LTD Linda Johnson, President Toll Free: 877-475-4774 Aircraft Operated: (1) FX 2, (1) B206B, (2) R44, (1) B204C

PRECISION HELICOPTERS INC John Carlton, GM Toll Free: 1-877-545-5455 Aircraft Operated: (1) AS350BA, (1) AS350D2

CANADIAN HELICOPTERS LIMITED Don Wall, President/CEO Tel: 780-429-6900 Aircraft Operated: (17) AS350B2, (27) AS350BA, (1) AS350D, (1) AS355F1, (1) AS355F2, (2) AS355N, (6) AW139, (9) BH206B, (11) BH206B3, (11) BH206L, (1) BH206L1, (10) BH212, (1) BH407, (1) BH412, (1) BH412SP, (3) EC120B, (4) R22B, (2) R22B2, (4) R44 II, (6) S61N, (10) S76A, (1) S76A++

REMOTE HELICOPTERS LTD. Jeff Lukan, President Tel: 780-849-2222 Aircraft Operated: (1) AS350B2, (2) AS350DA, (1) Bell 204 – c model, (2) Bell 206, (2) Bell 212, (2) BA (1) B2 (2) FD2

DELTA HELICOPTERS LTD Paul Stubbs, Ops Manager Toll Free: 1-800-665-3564 Aircraft Operated: (9) Bell 206, (4) Bell 206L3, (4) A-Star 350BA, (4) Bell 204, (4) AF350-B2 E-Z AIR INC Ezra Bavly, Pres/Ops Mgr/CFI Tel: 780-453-2085 Aircraft Operated: (1) Bell 206, (1) Robinson R44

RIDGE ROTORS INC. Hans Nogel, Ops Mgr: Toll Free: 1-877-242-4211 Aircraft Operated: (2) B206B2, (1) A Star 350 B2, (2) R44 SLAVE LAKE HELICOPTERS LTD George Kelham, President Debbie Kelham, Owner Tel: 780-849-6666 Aircraft Operated: (4) AS350 B3, (1) Bell 206B-3, (1) EC 120 SLOAN HELICOPTERS LTD Troy Sloan, President: Tel: 780-849-4456 Aircraft Operated: (1) RH44, (1) EC120B, A5350

EDMONTON POLICE SERVICE S/Sgt Dave Berry, Unit Manager Tel: 780-408-4218 Aircraft Operated: (1) EC120B

THEBACHA HELICOPTERS LTD Kim Hornsby, President/DOM Tel: 780-723-4180 Aircraft Operated: (1) AS350B2 (1) Bell 206B, (1) AS350B2

GEMINI HELICOPTERS INC RochDallaire, President Tel: 780-402-2444 Aircraft Operated: (2) EC 120, (14) R44, (4) AS350, (2) Bell 205

WOOD BUFFALO HELICOPTERS Michael Morin, President & Operations Manager Tel: 780-743-5588 Toll Free: 1-866-743-5588 operations@woodBuffaloHelicopters.ca Aircraft Operated: (4) AS350 B2, (1) EC120B, (3) B206B

GREAT SLAVE HELICOPTERS INC Jeff Denomme, President Tel: 867.873.2081 Todd Johnson, VP of Sales and Marketing Tel: 780.232.2589 Springbank Base Facility Tel: 403.286.2040 Aircraft Operated: Bell 206B Jet Ranger, Hughes 500, Collibri EC120B, Bell 206 Long Ranger, Bell 206L1, Bell 206L3, Bell 206L4, Eurocopter AS350BA, Eurocopter AS350B2, Eurocopter AS350B4, Bell 205A1+, Bell 205A1++, Bell 212, Bell212HP, Bell212S GUARDIAN HELICOPTERS INC GraydonKowal, President Tel: 403-730-6333, 403-232-1748 Aircraft Operated: (2) Bell205, (3) AS350BA, (3) Bell 206B, (1) PA31P, (3) Bell 417, (1) MD 530F HIGH COUNTRY HELICOPTERS HjalmarTiesenhausen Toll Free: 1-877-777-4354 Aircraft Operated: Bell 206, 206 Long Ranger

JET CHARTERS AIR PARTNERS CORP. Tim Morgan, President / Founder Toll Free: 403-291-3644 Aircraft Operated: Citation V, Citation Ultra, Citation Encore, Challenger 604, Citation X, Citation XL, King Air 200,Citation 501 550 AIRSPRINT INC. Chris Richer, President: Toll Free: 1-877-588-2344 Selling interests in Citation XL/S and CJ27 AURORA JET PARTNERS - HEAD OFFICE / EDMONTON BASE 3759 60 Avenue East Edmonton International Airport, AB T9E 0V4 Phone: 888-797-5387 TOLLFREE 888-797-5387 Fax: 780-453-6057

HIGHLAND HELICOPTERS LTD. Terry Jones, Ops Manager Tel: 780-459-5661 Aircraft Operated: (24) Bell 206B, (2) Bell 206 L-3, (2) AS350 BA, (15) AS350 B2

CANADIAN NORTH Mark Gillespie, Senior Manager Charters Tel: 403-705-3118 Aircraft Operated: (4) Dash 8, (9) 737-200 Combi, (2) 737-300

ALBERTA CHARTER OPERATORS CHARTER ROTARY WING

MOUNTAIN VIEW HELICOPTERS Paul Bergeron, President/CP Tel: 403-286-7186 Aircraft Operated: (3) R22, (2) R44, (1) Bell 206

ENERJET Tim Morgan, President/CEO: Tel: 403-648-2800 Aircraft Operated: (2) Boeing 737-700NG

ABITIBI HELICOPTERS LTD. Bertrand Perron, President/Director of Operations Toll Free: 1-800-247-9591 Aircraft Operated: (10) AS-350FX2, (1) AS-350BA +, (1) AS 50 BA

MUSTANG HELICOPTERS INC Tim Boyle, Ops Manager Tel: 403-885-5220 Aircraft Operated: (7) HU500D, (11) AS350B2, (4) 205-17, Bell 212, Bell 407

AHLSTROM AIR LTD. Kyle Wadden, Chief Pilot & Base Manager 403-721-2203 Aircraft Operated: (1) AS350B1

PEREGRINE HELICOPTERS Glen Hansen, President Steve Wotton, Chief Pilot, Ops Manager Tel: 780-865-3353 Aircraft Operated: (1) B206B3

WETASKIWIN AIR SERVICES LTD. Ron VandenDungen, Director of Flight Ops Tel: 780-352-5643 Aircraft Operated: (1) Cessna 150, (2) Cessna 172, (1) Piper Twin Comanche

AIRBORNE ENERGY SOLUTIONS LTD Allan Tomke , Director Toll Free: 1-888-496-3222 Aircraft Operated: (6) Robinson RH44, (16) Robinson RH44 Raven II (RH44 II), (6) Bell 206 B (B206),(1) Bell 206 L1, (4)(2) AS350 BA, (2) AS350 B2 (3) Piper Navajo A-31, (1) Cessna 208 Caravan, (4) Cessna 172, (2) Cessna 206, (1) King Air 200, (1) King Air 350

PHOENIX HELI-FLIGHT INC Paul Spring, President Tel: 780-799-0141 Aircraft Operated: (2) Euro 120, (1) AS350B2, (1) EC 130B4, (1) AS355N, (1) 355NP, (1) 350B3

92 • December 2012 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

SWANBERG AIR INC Toll Free: 1-877-637-8977 Aircraft Operated: (4) Jetstream 31, (1) Challenger 601, (1) PA31-350 Navajo Chieftain NORTH CARIBOO Lanny Benoit, Chief Pilot Toll Free: 1-866-359-6222 Aircraft Operated: Citation 2, Dash 8, Beech 1900, King Air 200, King Air 100, King Air 90, Twin Otter AIRCRAFT SALES PRAIRIE AIRCRAFT SALES LTD. Kathy Wrobel, President Blair Douglas, Sales Associate Tel: 403-286-4277 Email: sales@prairieaircraft.com Website: www. Prairieaircraft.com Aircraft Operated: (1) Caravan

Becoming a Global Village • Aviation

As any other corporate tool, business aviation needs investment and renewal to continue to operate at peak efficiency. Here too, the signs are positive.

Barone’s view is echoed by the local business aviation operators. While business aviation flights are being used routinely to ferry employees and equipment to worksites, operators are now seeing more long haul and overseas trips as a growing part of their business. One, just returning from a trip to Australia, says that this type of travel is becoming more common as more and more Alberta-based businesses make their mark on the world stage.

“We live in a global trading village,” Barone explains.

“Canada – and to an even greater extent, Alberta – punches above its weight economically, but, given our population and size, commercial airline service may not be able to serve all interests all the time. Business aviation is often the best or only transportation option available for many Alberta companies, opening the door to global commerce by efficient access to national and international metropolitan centres and production facilities.”

While business aviation has been long recognized as an important element of a corporate strategy that saves time, money and delivers essential products and people where and when they are needed, it also boasts some not-soobvious advantages for Albertans. For some, it’s a great negotiating tool.

If you have ever been involved in business negotiations in Toronto, you know what this means: keeping one eye on the clock so you don’t miss the flight home. With a business aviation aircraft waiting for you, the problem vanishes. One veteran of the commute says his business aviation option gave him the freedom to focus on what was important; to negotiate his deal in his own time and in his own way.

“This is a fundamental part of the business aviation

advantage,” Barone comments. “It not only supports, but drives, corporate engagement.”

As any other corporate tool, business aviation needs investment and renewal to continue to operate at peak efficiency. Here too, the signs are positive.

According to a recent economic outlook, Canadian corporate balance sheets are healthy, which in turn is expected to support business investment growth, likely even more so in Alberta, where the forecast is growth of 3.0 per cent against the national outlook of 2.2 per cent. A number of reports already suggest that replacement and new aircraft are being ordered, based both on public announcements and on longrange forecasts.

While the corporate advantages of business aviation are critical, it is also important to remember the human factor.

“Our members are like the corporate knights of the sky – and they are dedicated professionals,” says Barone. “They go where and when they’re needed. It goes beyond corporate efficiencies – they donate flight time to charities like Hope Air which transports patients and their families. They serve remote locations that are too small to ever see scheduled air service.”

“The CBAA is the only national organization dedicated to the unique needs of business aviation, and there is no shortage of issues, regulations, costs and challenges we deal with every day,” Barone concludes. “Yet, on the whole, I am optimistic. It’s pretty obvious that even the best commercial air service can’t be all things to all people, and if we are to succeed as an international trading power, which is a goal for every level of government, business aviation will be a part of that success.” BiC

Professional • Transparent • Cost Effective Aircraft Management Programs Central Aviation Inc. (403) 242-9130 www.centralaviation.ca 94 • December 2012 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

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outhland Transportation has been moving passengers safely for over 40 years. A well-known school bus company, Southland also offers customized charter bus services to get you where you need to go.

To keep you safe this holiday season, charter operations manager Andrea Rioux suggests chartering a bus for office or family parties. Southland has a variety of buses to suit any group. The most cost-effective is a school bus, which seats 46 adults. Smaller group can charter the 13-passenger Mercedes Sprinter. For longer hauls, try a motor coach, which seats 55 adults and has a washroom on board.

Besides avoiding the stress of snowy roads, parking and impaired driving legislation, booking a bus is also costeffective says Rioux. Flat rates for in-town travel allow a group as small as four people to save money on transportation by hiring a bus.

Southland is committed to safety and service. The company provides safe, professional drivers and has maintenance support throughout the city and province. Get a quote online at www.southland.ca/charters or phone (403) 398-2244 to speak to a booking agent.

To keep you safe this holiday season, charter operations manager Andrea Rioux suggests chartering a bus for office or family parties. Southland has a variety of buses to suit any group.

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CALGARY NEWS

WINTER 2012

Page 1 - Flight to the Suburbs? | Page 3 - President’s Report | Page 4 - Inside the Industry | Page 5 - Who’s Who in the Zoo | Page 8 - New Neighbours

Flight to the Suburbs?

It’s a Matter of Perspective.

Sandy McNair

A

t 800,000 square feet, Imperial Oil’s recent decision to move from downtown to a new build-to-suit campus in 2014 and 2016 is a milestone for Quarry Park.

It will move the 400-acre mixed-used development past the halfway point in achieving its four-million-square-foot office component objective. And as the first energy major to move out of downtown the decision is significant. But, does this decision signal a new trend or is it an exception?

Let’s start with some facts. The Calgary office market is large and growing quickly. During the past 10 years exactly 100 new office buildings containing 15.2 million square feet

have been completed, representing 24 per cent of the current total inventory. These 100 new office buildings are located in the downtown, the beltline and the suburbs.

Looking forward we will assume that the 18 office projects that have been started in Calgary which contain an additional 3,362,215 square feet, will be completed. More projects are positioned to start and some of them may proceed, however we will not include them in these calculations, yet. All of this generates a past, present and future view of the proportion of the total Calgary office market that is located in each of the downtown, the beltline and the suburbs as follows:

% OF TOTAL CALGARY OFFICE MARKET Downtown

Beltline

Suburbs

Past – Q4 2002

68.4%

10.3%

21.9%

Present – Q4 2012

63.7%

25.9%

25.9%

Future – Q4 2016

62.9%

10.9%

26.3%

For reference, 49.3 per cent of Greater Toronto’s office inventory is now in the suburbs compared to 47.9 per cent 10 years ago. Similar figures for Greater Vancouver and Greater Montreal are 42.6 per cent now versus 38.0 per cent 10 years ago and 20.3 per cent now versus 19.1 per cent 10 years ago.

Let’s move beyond the facts and into some opinions. The motives to stay in downtown Calgary or move to the suburbs are different than they would be in Toronto, Vancouver or elsewhere. In Greater Toronto there is a realty tax savings of about $10 per square foot per year to move from downtown

to the suburbs. The realty tax incentive in Calgary is minimal. In all suburbs, including Calgary, new office buildings can be built faster and the land is less expensive, resulting in lower costs and rents. However, in most suburban locations vast amounts of parking are required, and that has real costs, even if it is made available to employees for free.

As employers battle to recruit, retain and grow talent, corporate locations, amenities and facilities play an important role. In Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal the battle for younger talent is more often occurring downtown and at transit-centric locations. Calgary’s enthusiasm for the BOMA Calgary News

1

BOMA Calgary News BOMA Calgary News is a co-publication of BOMA Calgary and Business in Calgary.

Business in Calgary 1025, 101 - 6 Ave. SW, Calgary, AB T2P 3P4 Tel: 403.264.3270 • Fax: 403.264.3276 Email: info@businessincalgary.com Web: www.businessincalgary.com

BOMA Calgary 120, 4954 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB T3E 6L1 Email: info@boma.ca • Web: www.boma.ca Tel: 403.237.0559 • Fax: 403.266.5876 CHAIR Rita Reid, Cominar MEMBERS Kristen Wilkinson, N//Ergy Solutions Inc. Jamie Zachary, Calgary Herald Carol Lewis, Calgary Herald Siobhan Koroll, Calgary Herald Jay de Nance, Fairfield Commercial Real Estate Roger Hanks, Skyline Roofing Giovanni Worsley, MNP LLP Kim Bogner, 20 Vic Management Bobbi Joan O’Neil, Business in Calgary Lia Robinson, BOMA Calgary

The key driver of corporate real estate decisions should be worker productivity and effectiveness. backyard barbecue seems well established with Canada’s highest levels of single-family home ownership. While still the envy of some cities, Calgary’s commute times and costs have been climbing sharply as investment in transit, roads, bridges and parking in downtown fail to keep up with the growth in the office inventory noted above.

The key driver of corporate real estate decisions should be worker productivity and effectiveness. Typically corporate culture and the working environment are the result of many factors – leadership, management style, growth and investment strategies, strategic partners and suppliers, and even more factors, including corporate real estate decisions.

Will the downtown, the beltline and the suburbs all continue to experience growth? Yes. Will there be more headline-grabbing exceptions to Calgary’s historic patterns? Yes. Will the government’s actions and inaction impact the outcome? Yes. Will the exceptions become the pattern and indicate Calgary’s office market is dramatically pivoting and experiencing a full flight to the suburbs? Not likely as the data confirms that downtown continues to dominate the total Calgary office market, just less so than 10 years ago.

SANDY MCNAIR IS THE PRESIDENT OF ALTUS INSITE. THE ALTUS INSITE TEAM LEVERAGE EXTENSIVE TEAM-WIDE EXPERIENCE AND MARKET INFORMATION TO PROVIDE PERSPECTIVE TO CLIENTS IN CANADA’S COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT, DEVELOPMENT AND LEASING COMMUNITIES. WWW.ALTUSINSITE.COM

Executive CHAIR Don Fairgrieve-Park, Bentall Kennedy (Canada) LP SECRETARY TREASURER Chris Howard, Avison Young Real Estate PAST-CHAIR Peter MacHardy, GWL Realty Advisors PRESIDENT & CSO William G. R. Partridge, CAE, BOMA Calgary

Your Outsourced Human Resource Department and Business Partner

Recruitment

Directors Fred Edwards, Servpro Cleaning Bill Bird, WAM Development Group Steve Weston, Brookfield Properties Ken Dixon, Oxford Properties Group Marjorie Cone, H & R Property Management Ltd. Robert Brazzell, Altus Group Chris Nasim, GWL Realty Advisors Corrine Jackman, Hopewell Real Estate Services Cam Gresko, Cadillac Fairview The Building Owners and Managers Association of Calgary publishes BOMA Calgary News quarterly. For advertising rates and information contact Business in Calgary.

Publication of advertising should not be deemed as endorsement

by BOMA Calgary. The publisher reserves the right in its sole and absolute discretion to reject any advertising at any time submitted by any party. Material contained herein does not necessarily reflect the opinion of BOMA Calgary, its members or its staff. © 2012 by BOMA Calgary.

Printed in Canada.

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BOMA Calgary News

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President & CSO’s Report

Are You Ready for a Sudden Emergency?

By William G.R. Partridge, CAE, President & Chief Staff Officer

A

general evacuation order has been issued. You have a few short hours to prepare. Are you ready? What are the consequences if you are not? Hurricane/tropical storm Sandy forced one of the largest evacuations seen on the eastern seaboard. It also precipitated the largest pre-emptive shut down of the public transportation system thus reducing evacuation options.

We all have an expectation to be safe; a condition we often take for granted. Recent events, such as the major weather event on the east coast, are reminders of our vulnerability and perhaps our lack of preparedness. It is fact – we have no control over these kinds of events. What we can control is our response to them. BOMA Calgary members who own and operate most of Calgary’s office, retail, industrial and other buildings have emergency plans aimed at a disciplined response to virtually every type of emergency.

A number of years ago I was stranded in Innisfail for three days by a freak spring snowstorm. A typical response to an emergency is anxiety, particularly when separated from loved ones. There is uncer-

peregrine-horizontal-no-bleeds.indd 1

tainty about how long the emergency might last, along with distress about one’s physiological needs like water, food and medications. Having just returned from a business trip, I was completely unprepared.

I was totally dependent upon others for my very survival. Needless to say, I have completely changed my approach to personal safety and survival. Not only do I have a “go pack” at home, I have one in my office and another in my vehicle. I am therefore able to sustain myself for at least 24 hours or longer if necessary.

BOMA is an invited partner with CEMA, the Calgary Emergency Management Agency, and works with this group through our Public Safety Committee. This means that BOMA is a key communications partner to assist in disseminating critical messages should there be a major citywide emergency. BOMA also sends out important messages, such as pending wind incidents. In co-operation with city officials, BOMA has crafted a set of best practices. These are of course aimed at one thing – public safety.

Despite all the planning and preparation there is every likelihood that in a general emergency, particularly a cata-

strophic one, the emergency responders may not be able to reach people for as much as 72 hours. As participants in an emergency planning event in Washington, D.C. this October, senior BOMA staff contributed to a hypothetical scenario involving a dirty bomb that required buildings to be locked down immediately.

What would you do in that situation? Do you have all your emergency numbers for your spouse, your children? Do you have your medications to see you through the next 24 to 72 hours?

The prevailing planning information encourages us to have a “go bag” in our home, but do you have one at work? In your car? We can never know when a major emergency might occur so it does pay to be prepared.

Preparation is why the BOMA Public Safety Committee is dedicated to keeping building occupants safe. The safety teams contemplate emergency situations and plan for them. In particular, if people have to take shelter in an office building, plans are in place. BOMA takes your safety seriously and the association, together with CEMA, works to ensure a timely and appropriate response to any local situation.

10/01/12 11:09 AM

BOMA Calgary News

3

Inside the Industry Tom Farley, President and Global Chief Operating Officer, Brookfield Office Properties

By Kyle Decaire, Leasing Representative, Bentall Kennedy (Canada) LP; BOMA Next Gen Committee

BOMA Calgary News: Was there a defining moment or key person in your life that influenced you most in your career path?

Tom Farley: There were many key people, but not one specific person. I had several positive mentors, as well as negative mentors. Having both of these allowed me to see both sides of the industry – what to do and what not to do. These positive and negative mentors allowed me to have a balanced approach to the industry, peers and my employees.

BCN: How did you enter the commercial real estate industry?

TF: I entered the business world at IAC (a financial institution), which was not a

mainstream bank, and it taught me a lot about the financing side of business.

Through IAC, I began working on the financial side of real estate transactions and projects.

After seeing the success and financial opportunities in the real estate industry, I joined Morguard Investments working in Toronto and Calgary. I stayed with the company for 12 years; however major bank collapses in the early 1990s led to a significant change in the industry. I joined Brookfield in 1993, and lead a major reshuffle in its business, including selling off the banking assets, and offloading and reworking much of its debts and liabilities.

BCN: Do you feel mentoring is important? Who was your mentor and how did they affect changes in your life?

TF: Mentoring is important to aid a young employee. It allows that person to learn from the mentor’s positive and negative experiences. My experience with mentors enabled me to learn what to do and build off of those decisions. Through my mentors I learned how to handle situations when things don’t work out, and how things might go off track.

BCN: It’s nice for students/new entrants into the commercial real estate world to line up traits they see in themselves and those traits that executives deem important. Are there any special character traits (imaginative, cooperative, thoughtful, etc.) that are helpful for thriving in commercial real estate (yours or ones observed)?

TF: There are three things I would say are important to survive in this industry.

One, hard work; things do not come easy or instantly. You should commit yourself to doing the work that it takes to get the job done. Two, longevity; if you find something you’re good at or you have skill with, stay with it. Eventually if you are good at something, success will find you. And lastly, skill; the key is to identify what your strengths are and commit to doing something that highlights your unique attributes.

BCN: What do you advise or suggest for up-and-coming leaders in the industry?

TF: Differentiate yourself – try to set yourself apart from your peers in the industry. Cash flow – having an understanding of cash flow and finance is the key to any facet of the business world and it is the underlying part of anything in the real estate industry.

Succession planning – always have a plan for the future leaders in your company. Retaining employees is the key to success. B

4

BOMA Calgary News

Who’s Who in the Zoo!

Welcome to new member companies, Genivar Inc., Allied Properties REIT and Avenue Commercial

Rod Olsen, Bentall Kennedy (Canada) LP accepts their latest six BOMA BESt Certificates

Tom Bartolini, Ron Huebert and Ken Erdman, GWL Realty Advisors accepts the BOMA BESt Level 3 Certificate for 5th and 5th

Nawaz Damji and the Oxford Properties Group Team accept the BOMA BESt Level 4 Certificate for Ernst & Young Tower

Golf Classic Co-title Sponsor

Bentall Kennedy Ranks 1st in Sustainability ( 2 years in a row! )

Bentall Kennedy is ranked #1 in the Diversified Commercial Real Estate category in the Americas by the 2012 Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark Research Report. The survey findings represent 450 participants, 36,000 properties, and over $1.3 trillion in assets. But for us it represents a win / win for our clients and the communities in which we live and work: Clients Win

Communities Win

• Attracting the best tenants • Delivering extraordinary tenant services • Achieving higher and more sustainable value for our clients’ assets

• Creating healthier work places • Improving air quality due to lower CO2 emissions • Consuming fewer natural resources in high-efficiency buildings

6053_beke_BiC_v1.indd 1

www.bentallkennedy.com

12-10-29 BOMA Calgary News 5:14 PM5

Who’s Who in the Zoo!

Ryan Laverty, TransCanada Energy Ltd.; Bill Partridge, BOMA Calgary; Don Fairgrieve-Park, Bentall Kennedy LP and BOMA Chair; Rollin Stanley, City of Calgary; Darrell Swan and Russ Hantho, both TransCanada Energy Ltd. at the BOMA Breakfast with Rollin Stanley

Building on the Bow Landmarks in Calgary Commercial Real Estate

This year, give the gift of this incredible photo collection available at Amazon.ca

ALLEN SAPP, RCA

Bill Partridge, BOMA Calgary (L) and Don Fairgrieve-Park, BOMA Chair (R) with guest speaker Ken Thordobson, CFAA and Daryll de Waal, CFAA

Jo-Anne Baxter, Dundee Realty Management accepts the latest Dundee BOMA BESt Recertifications!

Wayne Scherger and Alia Ashraf, Bentall Kennedy (Canada) LP accept the BOMA BESt Level 3 Certification for BP Centre.

BOMA Members at the Education Centre Building Tour

together Commissioning a

greener future

At CFMS Alberta Ltd., we understand the importance of improving the performance of the mechanical and electrical systems in buildings.

Working with owners, consultants, contractors and suppliers, our team is dedicated to provide a commissioning solution that helps to optimize energy performance, while addressing your needs and goals, without compromising quality.

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BOMA Calgary News

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BOMA BESt -

the Building Environmental Standard Congratulations to the latest certified buildings!

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Shawn Searle, eCycle Solutions Peter Palaj, Salvation Army Community Services

Northwest Territories British Columbia Alberta Saskatchewan Ontario Quebéc New Brunswick Prince Edward Island Nova Scotia

BOMA Calgary News

7

New Neighbours*

By Robert Henderson, CORE Database *(VALUES REPORTED IN THIS ARTICLE ARE FOR THE LAND VALUE EXCLUSIVE OF STRUCTURES ON THEM.) [LEGAL NAMES].

T

he formation of the United States of America has been cause for considerable geographical turmoil over a long period of time, largely due to the inaccurate definition of its borders. The Mitchell Map of 1756 defined British interests and ambitions in North America, and this map later defined the borders of the U.S.A.; the residual territory on its northern border was tentatively recognized as British, including the area that would become Western Canada.

Over time, the issue became how to make the map fit the geography. To this day, the Mitchell Map is the prime reference document of the Canada-U.S. Boundary Commission, which has yet to resolve remaining border issues related to the inaccuracies of this map. For Western Canada, the interests and presence of American colonists in the area above Lake Superior, the Lake of the Woods and Rainey River Portage were non-existent, but that area was included on the Mitchell Map and became, in theory, part of the northern border of the United States.

The Mitchell Map also charted a major north-south river running west of Lake Superior and this became part of the

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BOMA Calgary News

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western boundary of the United States by treaty in 1783.

However, the geography of the area does not permit a major north-south river due to the continental crown point in the region – a high land ridge that prevented water movement between Hudson Bay and waters to the south. This water passage was a long-cherished relic of the Strait of Anian Theory, which held that a major water channel split North America in two allowing direct passage from Europe to the Orient.

This continental crown point, which guides the headwaters of the Mississippi River south to the Gulf of Mexico, the St. Louis and others eastward into Lake Superior, and the Red River north to Lake Winnipeg and Hudson Bay, defines the boundary of Rupert’s Land – Hudson’s Bay Company charter territory, and that was yet to be surveyed.

The Mitchell Map gave reassurance to the territorial ambitions of the British after the Seven Years’ War, but after the Treaty of Paris, it would be the U.S.A. that would force the geography of the area through its territorial ambitions to further define the boundary between the two countries. This process is ongoing. While the geographic foundation of Western Canada was in its infancy, the philosophical foundations had already been laid and were undergoing refinement on the other side of the Atlantic, in Scotland.

Borders were well defined as July signalled a strong thirdquarter start with the old Shoppers on Eighth Street West and 16th Avenue South selling for a reported $5.5 million, and the building on the corner of Ross [Fourth] Street and Smith [11th] Avenue, which sold for $386/sq.ft. in 2007, was reported to sell for $273/sq.ft. The parking lot across from the IBM centre on Smith Avenue, just west of Scarth [First] Street sold for $4.5 million, while the City’s Land Corporation bought the parking lot west of the St. Louis Hotel and beside the LRT right of way on Stephen [Eighth] Avenue for $231/sq.ft. The vacant lot on Angus [Sixth] Avenue just east of Sixth Street West was reported to sell for $338/sq.ft. and the Humboldt office condo, off Angus Avenue on Seventh Street West, was reputed to sell for $5.5 million to the owner of the surrounding parking lot.

August was very quiet with an office condo unit, plus parking, in the Brownstone on Pacific [10th] Avenue between Osler [First] Street and Drinkwater [Macleod Trail] Street selling for $1.524 million. September rebounded slightly with the old Bank of Montreal branch on the corner of Fifth Street West and Stephen Avenue selling for $2 million. The parking lot west of the furniture store on McIntyre [Seventh] Avenue just west of McTavish [Centre] Street was reported to sell for $317/sq.ft. and the CP Telecommunications Building on the corner of Drinkwater Street and Atlantic [Ninth] Avenue was reputed to sell for $6.19 million.

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Making the Sale

Making the Sale • Real Estate

Professional organizers and home staging consultants are polishing real estate presentation and directly contributing to the success of sales

by Heather Ramsay

M

listings and helping to sell homes aking the decision to faster and for the best price. sell your home is not According to David Pellettier, an easy one. Nor is the realtor with Remax Central, orgapreparation and organization nizing and staging a home before required to show it, sell it and putting it on the market is critical. then actually pack and move. It “Homes that are prepared propcan be a daunting process for erly are typically selling for 20 the most organized and experiper cent more than those that are enced homeowner. However, with not. Organization and staging are the recent shifts in the Canadian imperative. They ensure that when residential real estate market and potential buyers enter the home tightening inventory in Calgary, they experience the ‘wow factor’ of it has become increasingly importhe property. They see the form and tant for properties to be presented Rhonda Gervais, CEO, Organizing function of the home, and more and marketed exceptionally well.

Matters Inc. readily envision themselves living Doing so is proving to have a there. A home should be showcased. It needs to be direct impact on just how quickly and successfully clean, crisp, uncluttered and manicured approprithey sell. ately inside and out,” explains Pellettier.

In order to make the overall process and expeOrganizing Matters Inc. is one such group that rience of selling a home more manageable, an has been helping Calgarians get better organized increasing number of real estate agents and homefor over 10 years, be it when preparing to sell owners are turning to experts such as professional or otherwise. They are a professional organizing organizers and home stagers for assistance. Their group that provides hands-on home and office ability to create order out of chaos and showcase organizing. According to Rhonda Gervais, CEO a home are directly contributing to the value of

108 • December 2012 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

Making the Sale • Real Estate

of Organizing Matters Inc., it’s easy to become overwhelmed with the mountain of details required in selling a home. “We work directly with clients to break the process into manageable steps and build a strategy and schedule for completion. Tackling one project or room at a time eases the panic and stress in the situation and ensures greater success,” says Gervais.

“Moving is a significant life transition.

Our goal is to make it an easier and smoother one before, during and after the move.”

Gervais explains that it all comes down to sorting and systems, and letting go of items. Clutter and volume are distracting, both in a physical space as well as mentally. “There is no one set rule for organizing. Personality, lifestyle, routine and busy families all impact the way a home functions.

Some people are filers and pilers with paper, while others are folders or hangers with clothing. It’s important to create systems that actually work for each client. Only that way will they be used and maintained.”

When it comes time to get organized and ready to sell, Gervais suggests the following:

sion of the maintenance and care of the home. Off-season clothing can be moved from closets and stored, creating more space and functionality.

• Garage – Utilize vertical space.

Install basic shelving, place items in large bins and get items off of the floor. This not only creates order and ease of access, but also reduces trip hazards.

• Checklists – Create a basic checklist of tasks to complete before every showing. The preparation time will be quicker and family members can more easily assist on a daily basis.

• Packing – Simplify, prioritize and label. Pack like items together and items that will go in the same room together, and label well. Prioritize your unpacking. Dishes and clothing are priority over keepsakes that can be put away later.

Detailed labelling helps movers as well as anyone assisting with unpacking.

• Acknowledgment – Spend time in all spaces of the home and avoid obsessing about perfection. Give yourself credit and acknowledgment for getting one project done at a time.

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• Trouble Areas – Tackle nagging areas that are a daily distraction. Take the time to go through, sort and purge.

Getting these areas on track will give a great sense of accomplishment.

• Office – Clear off surfaces. Put away papers, personal items and information and simplify the area. Utilize cabinets and drawers for storage.

New $4.4 Million Showhome coming December 2012 in Watermark at Bearspaw

• Containers – Use clear containers or bins with lids and label them.

Labelling allows for quick reference and clear bins allow the contents to be seen.

• Seasonal Items – Set up a bin or storage system for all seasonal items.

Label bins and ensure that items are put away soon after a special event and not left out. This contributes to curb appeal as well as the impres-

Your concierge builder For more info visit www.wolfcustomhomes.ca

www.businessincalgary.com | BUSINESS IN CALGARY December 2012 • 109

Making the Sale • Real Estate

While the professional organizing industry continues to grow in popularity and more and more people are enjoying the emotional, psychological and physical benefits of getting their life sorted and running more smoothly, home staging is growing too. Yvonne Laanstra started Staging Calgary in 2007 and offers full-service staging, be it fully-occupied or vacant homes. “The greatest challenge for sellers is to make their home presentable and liveable at the same time. We get emotionally attached to our home and used to the items around us, but a buyer is looking at the home as a product. How it is organized, presented and displayed are key contributors to buying behaviour. A well-staged home highlights the value and functionality simultaneously. It also ensures the photographs and online presence stand out.”

When it comes to staging, Laanstra suggests the following quick tips:

that have everything tidied up and all items removed from the floor, look larger.

• Depersonalize – Remove anything that carries a name or personal information. Photographs of family members, bills and other items should be out of sight. This is for confidentiality reasons as well as creating the opportunity for potential buyers to envision themselves and their family in the house.

With sales activity continuing to move in a positive direction and new listings on the decline in Calgary, it is going to continue to be important for homes to be featured and marketed well. “Calgary is a competitive market. Sellers that are motivated must appreciate that investing in a professional organizer and stager will get them the results they are looking for,” says Pellettier. “A home is a product; how it is packaged, wrapped and delivered, is what makes the difference.” BiC

• Closets – A key selling feature in most homes, closets 110 • December 2012 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

• Curb Appeal – Maintaining the exterior and lot is critical year round and makes the first impression. Subconsciously, what is seen outside is a reflection of what the home is like inside. Having Christmas lights or other decorations up out of season, is a no-no!

• Organize – Create space and flow in the home. Find ways to contain items and ensure the overall feel of the house is orderly and well kept.

• Clean – Take pride in the home you are selling. Demonstrate care and the true value in the home by ensuring it is spotless. If door knobs are dirty, chances are prospective buyers will figure the furnace filters are as well.

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Looking Back • 2012 Year in Review

Year

in Re

view

Looking back at key stories that shaped Calgary

By Devon Babin

L

ooking back at the past 12 months, it’s safe to say it has been an exciting year for Calgary’s business community. As the largest city in the province that reigns as the economic driving force for the country, Calgary has seen plenty of action in some of the key industries that keep the city ticking. The following are a few significant stories that affected cow town and the surrounding area over the past year.

Development – The Bow The long-anticipated opening of The Bow in downtown Calgary began with a trickle this past August as employees of Cenovus Energy began to move into Calgary’s newest office tower. At 59-storeys, The Bow is the tallest building in Canada outside of Toronto. Located on a prime piece of land at the corner of 6 Avenue SE and Centre Street, The Bow has quickly become a fixture in the Calgary skyline. The building’s noteworthiness has only been strengthened by one of Canada’s most well-known energy companies – Cenovus Energy – calling floors three to 28 home to approximately 2,100 of its employees.

More than just something pretty to look at, The Bow is a state-of-the-art design that was planned with Calgary’s notoriously unpredictable weather in mind. In 2011, The Bow was nominated for an award by the industry trade publication, Canadian Consulting Engineer.

For The Bow’s nomination the publication wrote, “The BOW’s aerodynamic crescent shape reduces wind resis-

112 • December 2012 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

Photo Courtesy of Cenovus

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Looking Back • 2012 Year in Review

tance, down draft and urban wind tunnels. Its unique design maximizes natural light and occupants’ views, and creates open, centralized spaces, including a sky garden system. The tower’s form and mass were developed to adapt and utilize Calgary’s climate, including seasonal sun paths, rainfall, wind, temperature and humidity.”

Agriculture – XL Foods Echoes of the 2008 Listeria outbreak that tarnished Maple Leaf Foods’ reputation countrywide could be heard throughout Canada when it was first learned in early September that meat contaminated with E. coli had been detected in trimmings at the XL Foods plant in Brooks, Alta. – about two hours east of Calgary.

Controversy quickly boiled over as Canadians learned just how far-reaching the issue was. On Sept. 13, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) removed the plant from the list of establishments allowed to ship meat to the U.S. By Sept. 16 health hazard alerts began for various products that came from the plant and by Sept. 21 no less than five health hazard alerts had been issued.

The CFIA closed the plant as it went through an intense investigation. Approximately 2,100 employees of the plant 114 • December 2012 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

were temporarily laid off as the company worked to remedy all remaining issues. On Oct. 17 it was announced that Brazil’s JBS SA would be taking over and managing XL Foods operations in Canada under its JBS USA subsidiary, including feed lots and facilities in Brooks, a meat packing plant in Calgary, along with two facilities in the U.S. “As the world’s largest producer of animal protein, we know full well the commitment it takes to manage worldclass operations that produce safe and nutritious products for consumers around the world to enjoy. We believe our experienced team will prove an invaluable asset in the management of XL Lakeside and we look forward to exploring our options to purchase XL assets in the near future,” said Bill Rupp, president and COO, JBS USA Beef in a release to the media.

It took until Oct. 23 for the XL Foods plant in Brooks to meet all CFIA’s requirements and receive their licence back to continue processing meat products.

Energy – Takeover tantrums When a number in the range of $15 billion is thrown around, people take notice. When that number applies to a

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Looking Back • 2012 Year in Review

potential takeover of a major Canadian energy company, it turns into a media frenzy. In July, the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) made just such a bid for Calgary-based Nexen – one of Canada’s largest energy companies with operations around the globe and a major stake in the oilsands.

Considering China is such an important trading partner for Canada, a decision by the federal government to allow the deal to go through was not made hastily. The government had 45 days to make a decision under the terms of the Investment Canada Act; Industry Minister Christian Paradis had until Oct. 12 to make a final decision. That decision was delayed a Alison Redford further 30 days and at the time of publication no decision had been made.

What surprised many was another takeover bid that was quashed by the federal government. In comparison to the CNOOC takeover offer, a much smaller offer of $5.2 billion

by Malaysian state-owned energy company Petronas was rejected. The potential CNOOC-Nexen deal for Calgary-based Progress Energy was small, but was not approved by Min-

116 • December 2012 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

ister Paradis. Petronas extended its offer for 90 days in hopes an agreement can be made with the federal government.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper promised clearer guidelines to be released in the near future for companies looking to invest or purchase Canadian companies.

As for Petronas, at the time of publication the company was given 30 days to return with a proposal that could, potentially, be to the government’s liking.

“The long-term health of the natural gas industry in Canada and the development of a new LNG export industry are dependent on international investments such as Petronas,” says Michael Culbert, president and chief executive officer of Progress.

Politics – Redford returns The provincial Conservatives had been a virtual lock in government for decades leading up to the 2012 provincial election. First elected as an MLA in 2008, Alison Redford succeeded former premier, Ed Stelmach, in 2011. In the most recent provincial election, however, the Progressive Conservative government faced the Wildrose Party which had gained a tremendous amount of support, especially building up to the election.

In a conservative province, the Wildrose Party and its leader, Danielle Smith, were deemed as truly right-wing alternatives to Alison Redford and her Progressive Conservatives. While many polls had Smith’s party leading going into the April election, Redford and her Progressive Conservatives came out on top, with 61 seats in the legislature, losing only five seats.

The leadership race, it turned out, was just the beginning of the challenges Redford would face. A deficit approaching $3 billion was the first hurdle Redford’s government had to accept and overcome.

“Revenue decreased by $400 million in first quarter because of lower bitumen royalties, lower conventional oil royalties and lower Crown land lease sales. Expenses increased by $5 million due to disaster funding. Based on the results so far this year, Alberta could see a deficit of between $2.3 billion to $3 billion,” said a government release to the media.

The next hurdle, and not the last, is an ongoing battle with British Columbia Premier Christy Clark over royalties on a potential Northern Gateway pipeline that would bring bitumen from Alberta to the B.C. coast to be shipped to Asian markets. How this stalemate will work out is anyone’s guess, but at the time of publication there was signs of Clark opening up to options other than receiving royalties.

The business headlines in 2012 were plentiful. We can’t wait to see what 2013 has in-store. BiC

DECEMBER 2012

Success Secrets from Accomplished Calgarians

iF series speakers (from left to right) Lori Stewart, Darlene Fedyna, Mogens Smed and Michael Sikorsky

I

f there is one thing Calgarians know, it’s not to listen to the naysayers.

We’re a city of entrepreneurs and mavericks. A city that’s never been too caught up in what others have said can’t be done.

To celebrate some of the city’s leading change makers, the Calgary Chamber held its fourth iF series event, which is based on the notion that all great ideas begin by wonder “what if… ” Building on this belief, the iF series event held on October 29 brought together a number of prominent

business and community leaders to share the “what if…” idea they chose to pursue that led to their success.

One of the speakers, Mogens Smed, founder and CEO of DIRTT Environmental Solutions, spoke candidly about the need to ignore anyone who tells you that something can’t be done. This is a lesson that Smed knows all too well.

Smed’s company, DIRTT – which stands for Doing it Right this Time – designs and builds sustainable modular workspaces. Today, the company is worth $140 million and is the recipient of more than 25 prestigious awards for its www.businessincalgary.com | BUSINESS IN CALGARY December 2012 • 117

2012 Board of

Directors

“It’s not brains that determine if a company is successful; it’s about building a team and a culture that performs together well.”

– Mogens Smed, founder and CEO of DIRTT Environmental Solutions

Executive Dave Sprague – Chair Glenn McNamara – Immediate Past Chair Leah Lawrence – 2nd Vice Chair Joe Lougheed – Vice Chair (Chair Elect) Rob Hawley – Vice Chair, Finance Adam Legge – President & CEO Directors Kelly Blackshaw Don Chynoweth Melodie Creegan William Flaig Doug Firby Arlene Flock Eva Friesen Guy Huntingford Rob Lennard Denis Painchaud Dilan Perera Linda Shea Chuck Szmurlo Paul Waddell Management Adam Legge, President & CEO Ben Brunnen, Chief Economist Craig Watt, Director of Programing & Connectivity & Chief Strategy Officer Michael Andriescu, Director of Finance & Administration Jackie McAtee, Director of Marketing & Communications.

Kim Koss, Vice President, Business Development Leading Business magazine is a co-publication of the Calgary Chamber and Business in Calgary The Calgary Chamber 600, 237 8th Avenue S.E. Calgary, Alberta T2G 5C3 Phone: (403) 750-0400 Fax: (403) 266-3413 calgarychamber.com

agile architectural solutions. But when the company started in 2004, people dismissed it as a crackpot idea. Smed heard all types of criticism, ranging from there is no way a business could be eco-friendly and profitable to you can’t have a manufacturing company based in Calgary; it needs to be located in China to be competitively globally.

Fortunately, however, Smed chose to ignore the critics.

“If you listen to the naysayers all you’ll get is a kick in the teeth,” said Smed, who encouraged the audience of 125 people to not be caged by previous conceptions of what can or cannot be done, and to surround yourself with employees who believe in what your company is doing. “It’s not brains that determine if a company is successful; it’s about building a team and a culture that performs together well,” he added.

The importance of building a team of employees that are pumped by the opportunity to help your organization reach its goals was reiterated by several iF series speakers, including Lori Stewart, founder of the Awe-

some Foundation Calgary. “Velocity and direction are the two factors that determine a company’s success,” said Stewart. “You need people heading in the right direction and at the right speed. You can’t have them intersecting or heading off in different trajectories.” iF series speaker Darlene Fedyna, owner and president, Gymtastics Gym Club, offered an add on to Stewart’s advice, pointing the importance that a company’s top brass can have in shaping the culture and success of an organization. “As a founder, you have to be a contagion,” Fedyn said.

“You need to be that be that thing which is magnetic and draws people in to what you are doing.”

However, Fedyna did acknowledge that every work environment has people who don’t believe in what your organization is trying doing. To deal with the doubters, she offered this advice: “If people don’t fit in your culture, you need to weed them out.”

For More information, visit: iFseries.ca

Economic Outlook 2013 What your business needs to know to survive and thrive in the year ahead

B

oth Calgary and Alberta’s economy have exceeded growth expectations over the past few years. But heading into 2013, things are expected to cool slightly as a struggling global economy will likely have a “downdraft” effect that will slow growth in the local economy, leading to a decrease in both oil demand and prices, and a pullback in provincial energy sector investment.

Among the factors that will contribute to the slight slowdown in the local economy are a deepening Eurozone recession, declin-

118 • December 2012 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

ing Chinese GDP and looming structural reforms in the U.S. If these global factors take a turn for the worse, it could have serious implications for both Canada and Alberta.

Households in Canada are over-leveraged and continue to be a risk with a debt-topersonal income ratio of 165.8 per cent; while in Alberta mortgage delinquency rates are nearly twice those of the Canadian average. Needless to say, an unanticipated economic shock, increase to interest rates or deterioration of credit conditions could put Albertans in a real bind.

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“The risks of a global downturn are now higher than they’ve been since 2008, but despite the weakened global economy, Calgary and Alberta will continue to be the envy of the country in the year ahead.”

- Ben Brunnen, chief economist with the Calgary Chamber.

“The risks of a global downturn are now higher than they’ve been since 2008,” said Ben Brunnen, chief economist with the Calgary Chamber. “But despite the weakened global economy, Calgary and Alberta will continue to be the envy of the country in the year ahead.”

Calgary will close out 2012 with 4 to 4.2 per cent GDP growth, and looking ahead to 2013 all indicators suggest the city will be one of the economic leaders of the country, with GDP growth in the 3.8 to 4.0 per cent range. Alberta is also expected perform well in 2013, with a stable unemployment rate in the 4 per cent range and annual GDP growth on the order of 3.5 to 3.8 per cent.

However, while Calgary and Alberta are both expected to be among the leaders in economic growth in Canada, it’s important to note that this growth could very easily be derailed, so businesses need to be prepared in the event of an economic shakeup. “In this heightened risk environment, economic fortunes may change on a monthly basis and successful businesses will be those that maximize resiliency,” said Brunnen.

To prepare for the economic environment in 2013, Brunnen offers the following tips:

1. Diversify and expand your credit base Interest rates are expected to remain low and credit access favourable for the immediate future. Businesses are encouraged to secure access to diverse forms of low cost credit now, to mitigate the risk of their financing options drying up in the event of a global recession.

2. Exercise caution in your expansion plans The risks of a global downturn are now higher than they’ve been since 2008, and Calgary businesses are encouraged to exercise caution in their expansion plans. This means doing in depth research before moving on new products and opportunities to ensure that the demand will not dissipate at the first sign of slowdown.

3. Offer value, flexibility and customized solutions Economic fortunes change on a monthly basis in this heightened risk environment, and successful businesses will be those that are best able to tailor their product mix to changing client needs and sectors. This approach enables businesses to respond nimbly to changing economic circumstances at a moment’s notice, and will help ensure resiliency over time.

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a neW brand at the Center oF energy So. Why rebrand? For the Calgary telUS Convention Centre (CtCC), the anSWer iS Simple: to give it a Stronger voiCe in an inCreaSingly Competitive marketplaCe.

the Calgary telUS Convention Center: - has innovative and up-to-date products and meeting solutions

- collaborates with partners to develop and deliver solutions - has an entrepreneurial team that identifies and meets client needs - offers great amenities that promote social networking and interaction - along with Calgary, offers creative juxtapositions, opportunities and situations - brings together global leaders and thinkers

“Our rebranding mainly started five years ago when the city’s promotional authorities—such as the CTCC, Calgary Economic Development and Tourism Calgary—began coordinating our efforts to attract visitors and business to Calgary,” Heather Lundy, CTCC’s director of Marketing, says.

The efforts gained considerable momentum when CED introduced an encompassing rebrand for the city: CALGARY—be part of the energy.

“They really nailed what Calgary is about,” Lundy says.

“And we wanted to tie into it.

Energy is what we are. It’s more than oil and gas. It’s the vibrancy of the city, the youth of our citizens, our global outlook and the innovation that we bring to everything we do.”

Working with Sasges Inc., who developed CED’s rebrand, the CTCC began a thorough and methodical rebranding process.

“A brand is the essence of an organization,” Sasges principal Rita Sasges says. “In rebranding, one of the most important steps is to understand how your organization is viewed by people from within and outside of your

organization. The answers are often frank and revealing.”

For example, the CTCC learned the convention centre is not top of mind with out-of-town users, and that despite drawing 220,000 people and generating $105 million in economic activity and 990 indirect jobs every year, Calgarians don’t see it as a vital economic contributor.

The CTCC also confirmed its staff is seen as energetic and entrepreneurial and that as a hub of opportunity and vibrancy, Calgary has meeting environments people are looking for. “oUr rebrand SignalS a neW Way oF approaChing bUSineSS at the CtCC, one that Will be in Stride With the energy and optimiSm oF Calgary.” marcia lyons, CtCC general manager

As the rebranding process continued, the CTCC’s personality emerged: friendly, inviting, confident, bold, enthusiastic, contemporary and dramatic.

This personality is now embodied in the CTCC’s new brand.

“The logo captures who we are and the overall rebrand creates an opportunity to talk with Calgarians about who we are and how we contribute to Calgary,” Lundy says.

Calgary-Convention.Com 1.800.822.2697

Benefiting from tourism

BY STEWART MCDONOUGH

I

n 2012 we expect that visitors to our city will spend $1.5 billion sleeping in our hotels, eating in our restaurants, experiencing our attractions, revelling in our events and festivals, and shopping in our malls and unique cultural districts. These are export dollars that sustain our attractions, make our events profitable and ring the tills in the tourism-related businesses that employ one in 10 working Calgarians.

Tourism Calgary leverages City of Calgary investment with co-operative campaigns and resources from tourism partners including critical support from the Calgary Hotel Association and Travel Alberta. The investment results in the ability to attract more than 5.1 million visitors annually to our city who support a tourism economy that contributes $52 million in tax revenue to the City of Calgary.

5.1 million visitors support a tourism economy that contributes $52 million in tax revenue to the City of Calgary Co-operative campaigns and aligned marketing efforts are becoming the norm in 2012 rather than the exception, with growing collaboration between Tourism Calgary and the city’s other promotional agencies. Calgary. Be Part of the Energy is now being consistently applied by Tourism Calgary and Calgary Economic Development with more partners making strides towards the same.

In 2012 $1.5 billion will be spent by visitors in Calgary’s tourism businesses that employ 1 in 10 working Calgarians Through the combined efforts of the city’s tourism industry, over the first three quarters of the year Calgary hotels sold 134,515 more rooms than during the same period the previous year. And while business travel remains strong (four percentage point increase overall year-over-year) weekend occupancy is growing on pace and showing strength in Calgary’s leisure tourism market (3.8 percentage point increase and 61,000 of all incremental sold rooms). In fact, hotel occupancy has grown for 20 consecutive months.

Through virtually all Tourism Calgary activity visitors are directed to the city’s tourism businesses. To date, visitcalgary.com has directed more than 100,000 referrals to partner sites.

Destination marketing organizations are charged with generating awareness and building urgency to visit. Fortunately, our tourism products continue to expand and enrich our offering.

Calgary opened 2012 with the IIHF World Junior Championship. A resounding success by every measure selling 570,000 tickets; earning $21 million in profit; and driving more than $85 million in economic activity for the province. Tourism Calgary was a driving force behind the bid and planning teams responsible for uniting Calgary and Edmonton in the best World Juniors ever.

Tourism Calgary was largely responsible for sharing the Cultural Capital of Canada story outside the city’s boundaries pitching media, telling as yet untold stories and

122 • December 2012 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

inviting visitors to experience a Calgary that would welcome them with our traditional western hospitality but surprise them with a cultural diversity and cosmopolitan vibe that can energize any guest.

2012 was of course the year of the Calgary Stampede Centennial. Tourism Calgary partnered with the Stampede on several marketing campaigns and public relations initiatives helping drive out-of-town visitation and alltime record attendance. Other Calgary attractions continued strong growth with the addition of the Penguin Plunge exhibit at the Calgary Zoo and the second year of operation for both TELUS Spark and Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame.

In partnership with these members and myriad others, Tourism Calgary had generated more than $4.7 million in media coverage as a result of direct media and public relations activities in the first three quarters of 2012. These stories highlight local businesses resulting in significant attention and increased visitation.

By the end of the year, Calgary will have led the nation’s major metropolitan centres in visits and visitor spending growth for the second straight year. While we still have challenges to overcome including an over-reliance on domestic travellers, increased competition from Brand USA and impending labour issues to name a few, Calgary’s visitor economy is strong, growing and has an optimistic future.

Supporting Local Technology Entrepreneurs Innovate Calgary recognizes its volunteers

BY ANDREA MENDIZABAL

C

onnecting with the right people and resources is a key element when building a technology company.

“When I started working within the Calgary tech community in 2000 there were limited resources available to people and companies that were launching new products,” says Scott Pickard, President and Chief Executive Officer of Business Infusions Inc., an advanced technology company delivering a best-in-class software solution to businesssavvy veterinarians and practice managers.

“Over the years, the resource base has increased dramatically and there are individuals that have committed to giving back to new entrants to the market,” says Pickard.

Pickard is also a volunteer mentor in Innovate Calgary’s Go-To-Market program, a unique four-month applied program that matches early-stage innovators with seasoned entrepreneurs who provide mentorship throughout the program.

Go-To-Market is one of Innovate Calgary’s many entrepreneur development programs and services that rely on the support and expertise of volunteer mentors, guest speakers and panellists.

Innovate Calgary’s volunteer experts are individuals who are passionate about sharing their story, knowledge and expertise. Hailing from within business, industry, government and the technology sector, they offer enhanced value for Innovate Calgary’s entrepreneur programs and services by providing program participants with mentorship, coaching, advising, engagement and connections while directly contributing to the development and growth of Calgary’s advanced technology community.

“It is a sense of giving back that makes me spend time with people who have the passion and fortitude to take this path.

The ecosystem foundation for tech in Calgary is growing and it is the obligation of people who have been successful to provide insight to market entry opportunities, capital and professional networks. We all ‘own’ this landscape in Calgary and it is up to us to grow it,” says Pickard.

Innovate Calgary thanks the many volunteers for their commitment in supporting local entrepreneurs, companies and clients over the past year via its entrepreneur programs and services including: Entrepreneur Boot Camps: intensive workshops to assist early-stage companies develop effective investor pitches, with valuable feedback from a volunteer panel of seasoned investors.

Go-To-Market is one of Innovate Calgary’s many entrepreneur development programs and services that rely on the support and expertise of volunteer mentors, guest speakers and panellists.

Go-To-Market: a program designed to help companies develop skills to maximize successful market entry, product launch and revenue growth. It combines a comprehensive go-to-market curriculum with applied learning, access to experts and one-on-one mentoring by a volunteer mentor.

Innovator’s Toolkit Series: the series is focused on providing the most effective best practices for company development, and is designed to provide technology innovators with valuable insight from “been there, done that” mentors, entrepreneurs and executives.

Speaker Series: an opportunity for interactive dialogue on technology commercialization and business incubation.

Volunteer panellists and moderators share their stories in areas ranging from resources for technology startups to intellectual property strategy.

“With the help and expertise of volunteer mentors, guest speakers and panellists, Innovate Calgary assisted over 100 local entrepreneurs, companies and clients over this past year. It is through volunteer support that we are able to deliver high-value programs and services that assist with the growth of Calgary’s innovators and our advanced technology community,” says Steven McIlvenna, Director, Entrepreneur Development.

Innovate Calgary is always looking for experts to volunteer as guest speakers, mentors and panellists. For more information about Innovate Calgary and current volunteer opportunities, contact 403.284.6400 or visit innovatecalgary.com. www.businessincalgary.com | BUSINESS IN CALGARY December 2012 • 123

BUSINESS IN CALGARY AUGUST 2008 • 49

Attracting the World to Calgary

BY MARY MORAN

O

ver the past two years we have watched Calgary recover from the global recession much faster than in many parts of the world. Although by all accounts, Calgary and Alberta are in enviable positions, there are challenges that come with being the economic driving force in Canada.

As of October 2012 the unemployment rate in Calgary was 4.7 per cent and according to the Conference Board of Canada, this is expected to drop further in 2013 as job creation and demand for skilled workers continues to rise in Calgary. In Alberta, the unemployment rates by cohort paint a more vivid picture for a labour crunch, with unemployment rates for ages 20-24 at 5.9 per cent, and unemployment rates for ages 25-plus at 3.2 per cent.

Research predicts a shortage of 120,000 workers in Alberta over the next decade and many companies in Calgary are already facing a labour crunch.

Now well into its second year, the Calgary. Be Part of the Energy campaign was delivered to an international audience in 2012 as Calgary Economic Development led marketing campaigns and a delegation of Calgary-based employers to Dublin, Glasgow and Aberdeen to promote Calgary and attract highly-skilled and qualified workers looking for opportunities to work abroad.

In September, Calgary Economic Development took part in the World Heavy Oil Congress in Aberdeen, Scotland whereby the Calgary story and job opportunities were shared with hundreds working in the energy industry. In addition to a three-day exposition and conference, speaking events and media interviews took place to broaden the reach for the Be Part of the Energy messaging provided in-market.

In October, Calgary Economic Development led a delegation of 45 representatives from a variety of industries on a two-week mission to Dublin, Ireland and Glasgow, Scotland. Employers were greeted by over 12,000 potential candidates at the Working Abroad Job Expos in both cities and over 1000 resumés were collected and 200-300 positions are estimated to be filled as a result of the expos. The delegation was honoured to have Minister Jason Kenney, minister of citizenship, immigration and multiculturalism, join in Ireland, providing unique discussion opportunities for Calgary companies.

In addition to the scheduled expos, the Calgary story was shared through numerous media interviews with national print, radio and television outlets in both Ireland and Scotland leading up to and during the mission including coverage on BBC radio in Scotland and The Late, Late Show

124 • December 2012 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

Calgary Economic Development delegation at the Working Abroad Expo in Dublin, Ireland.

and RTE national television in Ireland with an estimated equivalent ad value of over $1.7 million overall.

More recently, Calgary Economic Development led a delegation to Toronto where an exclusive Be Part of the Energy breakfast event was hosted for professionals working within Toronto’s recruitment industry and for members of the media. The breakfast was presented in conjunction with the two-day Global Energy Career Expo and the Calgary message was shared with hundreds of pre-screened attendees who are looking for employment opportunities in the energy sector and are ready to make the move to Calgary.

In 2013 people attraction will remain a priority. Calgary Economic Development will continue to build on the success of the Be Part of the Energy campaign with two labour missions planned as components of an integrated and targeted marketing and communications plan that provides value for Calgary, its partners and stakeholders.

Calgary Economic Development is a catalyst, a conduit and a connector and we are opportunity-makers, helping to spark and fuel Calgary’s growth. Our job is to connect people with resources that can help them grow their careers or businesses, thrive in new locations or markets, and feel at home in our community. We offer a wealth of information to help everyone succeed and we tirelessly promote Calgary, in Canada and around the world. We’re exhilarated about our role in shaping and sharing Calgary’s story, and we’re proud to be part of the energy. For more information visit www.calgaryeconomicdevelopment.com or follow us: @calgaryeconomic.

Feeding the

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We are committed to bringing a world of energy and ideas together.

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David Parker • MarketingMatters

MarketingMatters ••••••••••••••

By David Parker

C

algary-based White Iron has won an amazing six Telly Awards, the prestigious recognition bestowed upon the finest films and videos, online productions, and TV commercials and productions.

Not bad for a competition that attracted some 12,000 international entries in which one award deserves a big pat on the back.

White Iron’s awards were for a diverse group of work including two major network launches.

Creative director John Cameron and his team helped launch a new Canadian sports network that included show opens for the Toronto Raptors, Ottawa Senators and Toronto Blue Jays, and show opens and packages for a new Canadian news network.

For ESPN, White Iron introduced a new stadium for the 61st College World Series baseball tournament in Omaha, Neb. It also shot, edited and animated a promotional piece to promote the Global X-Games for ESPN. Crews went down to Norton Air Base in San Bernardino, Calif., to shoot an Infiniti M Hybrid promotional piece for Critical Mass, and the sixth Telly was created for locally-owned Greengate Garden Centres.

Applause for executive vice president Jean Merriman and her talented team.

•••••••••••••• Kathy Thompson has made a move to Houston, Texas, and her position as manager of marketing and communications at Strategic Group has been filled by Lauren Herschel, formerly with Bridgewater Bank.

Congratulations to John Larsen, president of Corplan Group, who is the recipient of the 2012 prestigious Master Communicator Award. It’s IABC’s highest honour recognizing lifetime achievement in the communications field and was presented to Larsen in Ottawa.

Last year he integrated his company into Global Public Affairs, a Canadian government relations and lobbying company managing public policy issues for corporate clients across Canada and internationally.

The result has been a very successful innovative, full-service agency with offices in Victoria, Vancouver, Edmonton, Toronto and Ottawa as well as Calgary where busyness has resulted in the hiring of Carol Howse as a senior associate.

Howse has a diverse background of more than 30 years in the communications field in Calgary as manager of media relations for one of Canada’s largest energy companies, as a business writer and columnist with the Calgary Herald and business correspondent for the National Post.

•••••••••••••• Ad Rodeo has announced its 2012/2013 board of directors which includes five new members. President is Mariko Miyagishima of Scout and director of communications is Rob Daintree of Venture Communications.

•••••••••••••• Tom Donoghue has been elected to the board of directors of the Worldcom Americas Region Board of Worldcom Public Relations Group, a leading partnership of global public relations firms with more offices in more cities and countries than any other.

Donoghue started his career in journalism with the Winnipeg Tribune and Brandon Sun and was then recruited by the federal government as a speech writer and in media relations.

He came to Calgary to join TransCanada PipeLines but joined Francis Williams

126 • December 2012 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

& Johnson as manager of public relations and became a partner in 1991.

In 2002 he became president of Donoghue and Associates that has gained extensive experience in areas such as reputation and crisis management and in preparing clients for public and media exposure.

He has given courses throughout the U.S., South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and the Caribbean including teaching public speaking to 40 Jesuit scholastics in the foothills of the Himalayas and to Addis Ababa to deliver a crisis communications program for the Ethiopian government.

Donoghue will serve as at-large chair for Canadian partner relations, peer review and recruitment.

•••••••••••••• Twist Marketing has developed such a niche of expertise integrating tourism that economic development, brand and marketing strategists Chris Fields and Stephen Lund were asked to make presentations at the Travel Alberta Industry Conference in Banff.

Fields is also delivering presentations to the TIANS conference for Nova Scotia Tourism as well as two sessions for HOST, the upcoming conference for Saskatchewan Tourism.

•••••••••••••• Jamie Leong-Huxley has joined Larry Clausen at his Calgary office of Cohn & Wolfe as executive counsel.

A graduate of Mount Royal University, she gained her MBA at Queen’s and took a course in political economics and the environment at Oxford and has 27 years of experience in communications including as director of community engagement at Canada West Foundation.

Parker’s Pick: A great aviation inspired logo for McCall Landing shopping centre from BKDI Architects.

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