Business in Calgary - July 2023

A Champion

FOR ALBERTA

MAC

The Business of Transforming Lives

Raj Brar is on a mission to inspire and transform lives through education. His commitment to offering an enriched learning experience has landed the Bow Valley College Chiu School of Business instructor a prestigious international award.

This July, Brar will be among the teachers recognized for outstanding contributions by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). With a vast network of 1,200 campuses in 60 countries, ACBSP ensures institutions offer students programming of the highest quality and standards. Brar will receive ACBSP’s 2023 Teaching Excellence Award for Associate Degree Programs in Canada (region 11).

“Nothing compares to being involved in our students’ journeys as they work towards their career goals,” says Brar. “This is my dream career.”

Brar strives to bridge the gap between academia and industry by organizing industry-wide networking events at Bow Valley College. He also creates mentorship

programs with industry partners such as Scotiabank and TD Financial.

With more than 11 years of post-secondary instructional experience, Brar incorporates universal design principles in course development, fosters group discussions, and coaches his students in preparing for national case competitions.

Receiving the Teaching Excellence Award is a humbling experience for Raj, filling him with a profound sense of gratitude.

“This global gathering of award recipients and industry leaders offers an unparalleled opportunity to share insights and learn from peers,” says Brar.

This acknowledgement further ignites Brar’s dedication to the world of education and builds upon his unwavering commitment to his students’ success and personal growth.

ASK SAM

DIVERSIFY YOUR PORTFOLIO: 5 WAYS TO INVEST IN REAL ESTATE

QDO YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS ON HOW CAN I INCLUDE REAL ESTATE IN MY INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO?

Real estate offers many opportunities for investors seeking to grow their wealth and generate passive income. Whether you are a seasoned investor or just starting, here are five popular ways you can invest in the Calgary real estate market.

PURCHASING A RENTAL PROPERTY

This is a tried-and-true method for generating consistent cash flow. However, you first must do thorough research to identify neighbourhoods and property types that are sought-after. Also, you should consider hiring a professional property management company to handle day-to-day tasks like finding tenants, collecting rent and managing maintenance. With the continued influx of people moving to Calgary and a shortage of homes available, rental properties are in high demand.

SHORT-TERM RENTALS

With the rise of platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, short-term rentals are increasingly popular ways to invest in real estate. It is imperative to make sure your property is designed, furnished and marketed in a way that maximizes your rental income and attracts a steady stream of visitors. Pay attention to local regulations and homeowners’ association rules, permits, licensing requirements or potential restrictions regarding this type of rental.

HOUSE FLIPPING

This involves purchasing a property, renovating it and then selling it quickly for a profit. Although it can be lucrative, it requires substantial experience and knowledge of construction, design and the real estate market. This is a risky strategy for novice investors since unexpected costs and market fluctuations can impact profitability.

HOLDING A PROPERTY FOR LONG-TERM APPRECIATION

The buy-and-hold strategy involves purchasing a property with the intention of holding on to it for an extended period of time. This approach takes patience and the ability to recognize a property and district with growth potential. I highly recommended using an agent to advise you on identifying promising opportunities.

PRE-CONSTRUCTION PURCHASE

Developers often offer attractive prices during this phase of a project to secure early buyers. This strategy can yield significant returns once the project is finished and demand for the product and the market value has increased. However, it is essential to research the developer’s track record, evaluate the location, and assess the market before making a pre-construction purchase.

There are various avenues for individuals seeking to build wealth and secure financial stability by investing in the Calgary real estate market. Each of these strategies comes with their own unique benefits and considerations. If you are considering investing in real estate, my team can provide expert advice, market insights and personalized strategies tailored to your goals.

TAKE THE FIRST STEP TOWARDS BUILDING YOUR WEALTH THROUGH REAL ESTATE.

LET’S CONNECT AND PAVE THE WAY TO A PROSPEROUS FUTURE.

SYLVAN LAKE | $2,900,000

Luxurious Cape Cod-style lake house with stunning views, over 7000 sf of living space and spectacular outdoor areas on the edge of Sylvan Lake! With 7 bedrooms and a spacious bunk room, it is ideal for accommodating all your family and friends. The heart of the home is the classically appointed kitchen with a baking center and chef’s grade appliances. In addition to the generous dining area a cozy banquette and breakfast bar provide ample space to serve delicious meals. As you step into the bright and airy living room, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking views of the lake and a fireplace to warm you on chilly evenings. The primary bedroom is truly spectacular, and reminiscent of a luxury hotel suite featuring an ensuite clad in luxurious marble. The outdoor spaces include a dock, a boathouse, a sandy area for the kids to play, fire pit and screened in porch. Located just a short distance from the town of Sylvan Lake, you’ll have access to all the small-town charm and amenities that make summer weekends extra fun. Paddling, swimming, golfing, go-karting, or visiting the water park, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to own a piece of lakeside paradise.

RICHMOND |

Environmentally friendly, energy efficient and effortless Scandinavian style in the heart of Marda Loop! Reduce your carbon footprint with this one-of-a-kind LEED platinum targeted architectural masterpiece. Every detail of this sustainable home has been carefully thought out from the geo-thermal heating to the 20 PV solar panels. The contemporary design incorporates reclaimed fir, cedar, structural steel and polished concrete resulting in a perfect marriage of natural materials and industrial elements. Warm yourself by the living room wood burning fireplace. Work quietly from the office nook. Cook health conscious meals from the contemporary kitchen on the induction cooktop. Host friends for dinner in the sunny south facing dining room. Retreat to one of the two second floor master suites, each containing a walk-in closet, ensuite and balcony. Watch your favourite movies in the basement media room, or convert this space into a guest room or gym if you prefer. Stroll down to the shops and restaurants of 33rd Avenue. This is the perfect pied-à-terre for an environmentally minded buyer who prioritizes sustainability and a commitment to a greener future.

This home situated on a quiet cul-de-sac with a large, west facing yard offers many desirable features including an unbeatable price. The sunny living room featuring a bay window creates a bright and inviting atmosphere. An efficient kitchen features wood cabinets and a large window overlooking the yard. The family room is a cozy retreat, complete with a brick fireplace, and the deck is just outside the sliding doors of the breakfast nook allowing for seamless indoor-outdoor living. Upstairs, the large primary bedroom has a peaked ceiling, a good-sized ensuite, and a walk-in closet. Two additional bedrooms on the upper level are perfectly sized for children or guests. Outside, the property’s large, pie-shaped yard is a standout feature and is surrounded by mature trees creating a sense of privacy. It’s just a 12 minute walk to the LRT and parks and playgrounds are nearby. Notable updates include the replacement of all poly-B piping in 2020 and a roof replacement in 2016. With its great price point this property presents an excellent investment opportunity or renovation potential for those looking to customize their living space.

$995,000

31ST AVENUE SW

GRAND AVENUE, NORGLENWOLD, SYLVAN LAKE

SIGNAL HILL | $695,000

SIGNAL HILL BAY SW

THE RANCHMEN’S CASUAL ELEGANCE

Calgary’s iconic Ranchmen’s Club continues to earn an exceptional reputation for tradition, food quality and service excellence and a flair for contemporary uniqueness.

“It’s exciting, rewarding and enjoyable but it’s also a delicate balance,” say the upbeat Will Trow, general manager of The Ranchmen’s Club. “Absolutely respecting the past, while focused on the present and the future. After all, our legacy pre-dates Alberta itself. The Ranchmen’s Club has been the gathering place of Calgary movers, shakers and thought leaders for more than 130 years.”

Track records matter. He emphasizes that the Club’s longstanding heritage and partnerships with local organizations continues to cultivate a unique energy that makes The Ranchmen’s a popular place for Calgary innovators and trailblazers to connect.

A remarkable aspect, and a secret to the Club’s solid reputation, is both an innovative approach as well as a business strategy which successfully blends deep-

BY JOHN HARDY PUBLISHED BY MELISSA MITCHELL

rooted heritage with a contemporary focus for what members want, and how they want it.

And because heritage is a vital factor for The Club’s present and the future, The Ranchmen’s Club has a dynamic, modern perspective.

In 1891, the population of Calgary was 3,876. A local group, calling themselves the Wolves Pack, first met and huddled in a rail/train car for a few years. Then they rented a meeting room above Mariaggi’s Restaurant on Stephen Avenue, and established The Ranchmen’s Club. Fast forward to 2018, when The Club was recognized as Top 100 Platinum Clubs of the World, and the first and only Platinum-ranked club in Alberta.

Trow is gung-ho, keenly in the present, and passionate about the Ranchmen’s Club reputation. He exudes infectious enthusiasm and pride about the many reasons for The Ranchmen’s popularity and success. The superb menus. The fabulous food. The world-class wine cellar. The exceptional

service. The artworks, and the outstanding collection of iconic pieces as well as hosting and celebrating local artists. The Club’s dining rooms and meeting facilities. And the exciting and eclectic roster of The Ranchmen’s events, activities and programs.

With the many features and components that make The Ranchmen’s Club a Calgary tradition, Trow emphasizes the most important bottom line. “The people! First and foremost, Ranchmen’s Club is a community.”

Of course, the essence and the specialness of The Club goes deeper. “We are way beyond being a dining, social or business club. We pride ourselves

on The Club as an environment of connection. What is particularly beautiful about our organization is being a kaleidoscope of different things for each of our members. There’s no doubt about it,” he says with passion. “For all of us, and for our members, the true meaning of our Club is – personal.”

The landmark Calgary location, with the art deco exterior and the hallmark dark blue canopy above the main entrance, is a genuinely special place.

Members and guests delight about the many, distinctive and subtle, aspects of The Ranchmen’s Club experience. It is a place to relax and enjoy getting together with friends, savor excellent food, select from the second-to-none wine list and share the good times of participating in The Club’s impeccably organized events and activities.

For many members, The Club is also a popular place to network, develop professionally and do relaxed and informal business. “Privacy and confidentiality is something we value and prioritize,” Trow points out, “making us an effective perfect place to meet and conduct business.”

Members, guests, visitors and Club staff agree. There is a certain specialness about The Ranchmen’s Club atmosphere. The efficient and personalized service. The look and feel of contemporary elegance. The décor, the layout, the lighting, the artwork on the walls and other special touches in The Club’s signature A.E. Cross Dining Room, the more casual Wolves Den, The Terrace, the various meeting and conference rooms, and even in the main lobby and the corridors.

Relaxing. Comfortable. Welcoming. Contemporary elegance does say it best!

Particularly because Calgary is such a vibrant dining scene, where all generations of foodies expect great food and drink, Will Trow explains that Calgary restaurants may just be The Club’s biggest competition. It is also a winning edge for The Ranchmen’s Club.

Members and guests consistently rave about the superb quality of The Club’s menus, the wine selection and the relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Will Trow credits The Ranchmen’s worldclass chef, Douglas King, for creating menus of outstanding and unique dishes with terrific flavors and made with uncompromising fresh ingredients. From the veal schnitzel, steelhead trout, spaghetti vongole, halibut, Nova Scotia lobster sandwich and more.

The current Ranchmen’s menus are also a terrific way to connect the past with the present. “We have a large demographic who enjoy the classics that never go out of style,” he explains.

photos by Rebecca Hardcastle

“Ranchmen’s is well known for items such as our sensational dry-aged steaks, rack of lamb and our famous Ranchmen’s lobster sandwich. But there are also members who enjoy the new trends, styles and tastes, like steak tartar, wild Newfoundland cod fish and chips and others.

He adds that the Club’s seasonal dishes are also a great way to keep the menus fresh and always offer some slightly different choices for the members. “All the dishes on our menus, and the selections from our sommelier-curated Wine Cellar, are examples of how The Club strives for excellence in culinary arts.”

The feedback is positive and unanimous! In addition to The Ranchmen’s Club facility and the exceptional service, the quality and the flavors of the food are keys for earning The Club reputation.

Another dynamic aspect of The Ranchmen’s uniqueness is the overwhelming positivity and the glowing reviews from long-term and new members alike. A unanimous chorus that, in addition to the fabulous food and terrific service, today’s Club is all about community, networking, relationships, good times – and mingling and schmoozing.

Jaspreet Grewal and Michael Kaumeyer are just two of many examples about The Ranchmen’s unique edge of excellence. A special place for opportunities to network, make connections, and a laid-back way to do business and enjoy relaxed and friendly socializing.

Kaumeyer is founder and co-CEO of Grayhawk Investment Strategies, a respected legacy and relationship management specialist and a proud, 25+ year member of The Ranchmen’s Club. “It is somewhat a family tradition,” he says. “My father was a longstanding member, and I joined The Club, partially because it has always been a unique place to do business. The community of likeminded people has always been a natural fit for me. Not just from a functional perspective, but strategically. I believe very strongly in the importance of literally breaking bread with people I do business with.

“The privacy, the standard of quality service and the facilities are unparalleled in Calgary. And The Club’s service is exceptional,” he adds. “The staff genuinely want to know the members and make the member experiences unforgettable. It is a perfect representation of how I want my colleagues and clients to see my firm, as well.”

Grewal, founder, clinician researcher, venture partner and entrepreneur in-residence, has been an active Ranchmen’s member for three years. “As a born and raised Calgarian, I always knew Ranchmen’s as an iconic members club, but having lived abroad for several years, I became a member, partially as a way to reconnect with the Calgary business community and a great way to meet people in a professional and personal capacity. It’s also important to be part of something that’s so meaningful to Calgary’s history.

“The Club provides me with an opportunity to host meetings and events and share everything The

All the dishes on our menus, and the selections from our sommeliercurated Wine Cellar, are examples of how The Club strives for excellence in culinary arts.

Club has to offer with friends and family,” she says. “And it is exciting how Ranchmen’s is evolving and attracting younger and more diverse members. It was also a driving motivation for me to join. I particularly enjoy the access to the various global Reciprocal Clubs, and of course the incredible food and wine, and the terrific curated events that encourage member networking.”

The roster of Club events, activities, the leagues and the diverse programs are extremely popular member features. Ladies Bridge, Men’s Bridge and Mixed Bridge. The Car Club. The Henry Smith and the Dixon Lang Golf Programs. The lively Saturday Slosh League. And various sporting league events, including trap and skeet shooting, James Bond-themed evenings, and fly-fishing trips on the Bow River and the Fraser River in B.C.

In many aspects of Calgary business and social life, there is consensus that the past three pandemic years of commotion and disruptions were unprecedented and trying. Ironically, it also turned out to be a timely and positive, silver lining opportunity for The Ranchmen’s Club to re-group, refresh and update its focus.

Emily Gabryluk, The Ranchmen’s marketing and communications manager notes that it allowed The Club a chance to step back, re-evaluate goals, approaches and the needs of members, moving into a new era. “There are ongoing conversations, strategic sessions and town hall meetings with

members, seeking out their thoughts, opinions and ideas,” she explains.

“It is all about respecting The Ranchmen’s heritage, staying true to core Ranchmen’s values, but also the importance of being trailblazers and innovators.

“Change doesn’t need to be drastic. And sometimes it may not be easy, but it is important. We absolutely stay true to tradition, but we also want to be relevant and up to date. It really is not a re-branding, Just some fresh and exciting ways to enhance an already established and iconic Calgary brand!”

The Club regularly brainstorms with members about celebrating the past while also bringing Ranchmen’s into contemporary times. “It is an ambitious and exciting goal,” the personable Will Trow admits. “But the timing is right and it is a necessary journey.”

By combining heritage and tradition with contemporary excellence, The Ranchmen’s Club is proof that, while most things do change, some things just get better.

By Scott Orban

By David Parker

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Melanie Darbyshire Rennay Craats

John Hardy

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Politics at its Worst!

BY SHANE WENZEL

We have witnessed heated election campaigns before, but seldom with the level of vociferous anger witnessed during our recent provincial election.

Many voters are feeling betrayed by the country they love and discarded from the information highway. But when does reasonable anger end and irrational hatred begin? We witnessed both during this provincial election. Some have even related it to occurrences that appeared during WWII. That may sound exaggerated, but those who are still alive from that time can draw parallels if asked.

What I found most frustrating during this election was the assistance by the mainstream media with their ‘onesided’ reporting and the peddling of some intentionally misinterpreted policies expressed by now-Premier Smith. These misinterpretations appeared to be an attempt to concern, confuse and conflict good ideas by distorting what was really intended. I can relate this past election to a comment made many times by my now-deceased uncle who spent much of his life on the political campaign trail. He often said that politics is a ‘true blood sport’ not to be outdone by war. I am not sure we should really be calling elections a sport as they appear to be turning into mini wars between countrymen.

Interestingly, if you go back in history after women achieved the right to vote in 1920, opponents to that ‘right’ argued women would simply vote for the best-looking candidate, all of which at the time were men. Our current election elicited a lot of angry women on the campaign trail and at the doors, which was hard to rationalize by onlookers. Door knockers faced a tough job, in particular unpaid volunteer non-union doorknockers. I understand that could change in the future as many said the verbal conflict they faced at some doors and

catcalling from ‘paid knockers’ they met on the streets “just isn’t worth it.”

Political campaigns are usually hard-fought and exhausting in Alberta. But this one was particularly challenging. Yet, overall voter turnout numbers did not change as much as people’s attitude. Let us hope professionalism can return to our elections.

On the federal level, with the recent passage of Bill C-11 and Bill C-18 headed for a similar fate it does not appear we will fall back into our ‘happy space’ tomorrow. The next stop will be the CRTC which was originally mandated to be controlled by Canadians but is now afflicted with ‘regulatory creep’ and has expanded beyond its original mandate into servicing big monopolies. It turns out we are faced with big monopolies holding control over what satellite programming will be allowed entry into Canada including popular Netflix, certain American and other news channels, all of which offered Canadians many more entertainment options.

Popular Facebook and other similar forums are also at risk for federal government censorship under the guise of ‘boosting Canadian culture.’ That seems somewhat odd, as the last I heard Canada was accused of having no culture or identity of its own.

The silent majority needs to start speaking up and letting government know we are here, and we do have an identity. Stampede week – Calgary’s number one event along with Flames hockey and Stampeder football – cannot come soon enough!

Shane Wenzel is president of the Shane Homes Group of Companies. Follow him @shanewenzel on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.His column is written for the Alberta Enterprise Group, @AEG on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

PARTS AND SERVICE PROFESSIONALS KEEP YOUR CARS ON THE ROADS

BY RENNAY CRAATS

In a market where new car supply can be limited and preowned cars are often snapped up as soon as they are listed, drivers are paying more attention to maintaining their cars to improve their performance and extend their life. To do that, drivers are looking to their trusted Wood Automotive Group (WAG) dealerships’ parts and service departments to provide them with everything they need to keep their vehicles on the road and running like a dream.

In the 40 years since the Wood family entered the Calgary car market with the flagship Woodridge Ford Lincoln dealership, service departments have undergone a serious evolution as they have kept up with the times.

“There have been huge changes, mostly in respect to technology. The service points on the vehicles aren’t as frequent as they used to be; a lot of fluids had to be changed at 5,000 kilometres and now the lifetime on those fluids is probably triple that,” says Kathy Atkins, retired long-time service manager and director of fixed operations for WAG.

Advancements in design allow modern cars to run more efficiently which has led to a significant drop in warranty and maintenance work. Today’s vehicles are more like a laptop on wheels, employing sophisticated electronics to provide a stateof-the-art experience for drivers. In turn, the skillset of WAG professionals in service departments has grown to be as much technical as mechanical.

The introduction of electric vehicles has also changed service departments, and while the percentage of EVs on the road is still low, it’s growing and WAG’s experience servicing these systems is growing as well.

“Whether you call it a revolution or an evolution, we are facing a disruption right now. We have electric vehicles coming in, and we have to figure out what that will look like,” says Rory Wood, vice president of Parts and Service, WAG.

From additional tire wear from the extra weight of EVs to technicians using special hoists, ionizers and battery testers, today’s shops need to adapt to the direction of the industry so they are ready for EVs. The high-tech, complicated components in both EVs and gas vehicles offer efficiency and automation, and along the way that has all but eliminated many who would tinker with their cars on the weekend.

This has made WAG’s service departments even more indispensable for customers. The team makes it as easy and enjoyable as possible for people to get their vehicles serviced. Customers can receive a text or email reminder outlining the service due, book an appointment online and can either use the shuttle to get wherever they need to be or they can relax with a coffee in the comfortable lounge while they wait for their service to be completed. With multiple service bays and teams of experienced certified technicians, the WAG dealerships pride themselves on doing quality work that gets customers in and out quickly. One dealership even offers a mobile service van for oil changes, tire rotations and regular maintenance right in a customer’s driveway. Valet drop-off and pick-up service make it even easier for customers to get a vehicle serviced with WAG.

“At a lot of service departments, they can’t look after your needs for two or three weeks. That doesn’t do you any good as a consumer when you have an immediate need today. We take care of customers as quickly as possible,” says Gerard LeClerc, one of WAG’s original employees and now-retired long-time service manager and body shop general manager.

Whether customers need an oil change or their tires rotated, require a coolant flush or a government inspection, or to have their engine serviced or get a brake job, WAG’s technicians can perform virtually any service on any vehicle and get customers out the door and on with their day.

For those customers looking for something extra, the parts and accessories specialists are ready to add on elements that help personalize their vehicle. With impressive inventories that span the WAG network, these dealerships can easily source the parts and products customers are looking for. From tow packages and roof racks to running boards and spoilers, WAG delivers custom solutions to add more personality, functionality and fun to their vehicles.

Whether customers are adding a bit of flare or keeping to the maintenance schedule, WAG’s service and parts departments are there to keep customers driving in style.

TOP LEFT: DRIVE-THROUGH LANES MAKE IT EASY FOR CUSTOMERS TO DROP OF THEIR VEHICLES FOR SERVICING IN JUST A MATTER OF MINUTES.

MIDDLE 1: DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENTS ARE EQUIPPED WITH MULTIPLE SERVICE BAYS FOR CARS, TRUCKS, SUVS AND EVEN HEAVY INDUSTRIAL VEHICLES.

MIDDLE 2: SERVICE TECHNICIANS CONNECT THEIR COMPUTERS DIRECTLY TO A VEHICLE’S ELECTRONIC SYSTEM TO DIAGNOSE PROBLEMS.

BOTTOM LEFT: THE WAG DEALERSHIPS’ EXTENSIVE PARTS AND ACCESSORIES DEPARTMENTS GIVE CUSTOMERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO PERSONALIZE THEIR VEHICLES.

PHOTO SOURCE: MITCH WIEBE

In 2023 the Wood Automotive Group celebrates its 40th anniversary. In this edition and in the coming months, Wood Automotive Group Founder and Executive Chair, Gerry Wood and his team will recollect how vehicles have changed in the past 40 years and how serving customers continues to evolve. In this issue we focus on parts and service.

Powered by Wood Automotive Group

Gerry Wood - Founder and Executive Chair Wood Automotive Group

SHINING A LIGHT ON CANADIAN INNOVATION WITH THE DIGITAL COMMERCE CALGARY FINTECH AWARD

BY RENNAY CRAATS

Startup founders know better than most how tough it is to get a foothold in their market, and the scarcity of venture capital funding today only makes it that much harder to grow. DC Bank understands the challenges of growing a startup and is proud to offer not just funding but also a chance for fledgling companies to network with others operating in Canada’s booming fintech space with the second annual Digital Commerce Calgary Fintech Award.

“We are thrilled to provide this opportunity for fintech startups across Canada. With $300K in non-dilutive funding, the largest award in Western Canada, we are making a bold statement in our commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and fostering innovation. This award will enable visionary founders to transform their ideas into reality and contribute to the vibrant fintech ecosystem in Canada,” says Jeff Smith, president, co-founder and CEO of DC Bank.

Over the past few years, Canadian fintech entrepreneurs have pushed the boundaries and innovated new ways to deliver e-commerce solutions, making Canada, and specifically Calgary, a hub for the sector. There is definitely a strong sense of community and collaboration in Calgary’s tech ecosystem, and more companies, both established and emerging fintech businesses, are choosing to grow their companies here. Calgary particularly has real benefits for entrepreneurs, from value-oriented cost of living to access to international markets, the city is quickly becoming a global tech hotbed and is attracting significant investment as well as talent as it develops fintech solutions in everything from debt management to insurtech to paytech.

DC Bank and Platform Calgary strengthen the tech industry further across the country and are helping startups launch and grow their businesses through the Digital Commerce Calgary Fintech Award. This year the award is expanding, giving away more than $300,000 to three fintech startups rather than two, and startups from across the country are eligible to take part in the award and programming. The award brings together national expertise, redefines finance on a national scale and reinforces Calgary’s position as a great place for fintech companies to build their businesses’ future.

The judges choose 25 companies out of a large pool of nationwide total applicants, all of whom are in the seed stage as they gain traction and

actively grow their fintech businesses. Those selected then take part in a variety of workshops and seminars in subject areas including investment readiness, managing software delivery, contracting with financial institutions and identifying customers and sales prospecting. Over the course of the intensive six-week program, applicants are given the opportunity to network with other entrepreneurs, receive mentorship from experts in the field and be part of discussions about emerging trends and challenges in the market.

“In our experience working with almost 500 companies, founders are typically very product focused and lack education and support to build stage appropriate, go-tomarket strategies that will help them succeed,” says Sarah Morrill of 321 Growth Academy and workshop facilitator with the Digital Commerce Calgary Fintech Award. “The 321 Prospecting Workshop gets founders started on a critical step to scaling sales activities, learning tactics they can implement immediately to build the top of their funnel.”

Throughout the process, the pool is narrowed down to 10 semi-finalists, who are chosen based on how innovatively the startup optimizes and enhances the way consumers and companies interact with financial services, with the key factor being its potential to disrupt the financial technology space. The final 10 entrepreneurs participate in in-person events and workshops including pitch coaching and then the top five startups pitch their company to judges live at the Calgary award showcase in October.

“The applicants who stand out and advance are those who bring fresh and disruptive ideas to the fintech landscape. We carefully evaluate factors such as their product or service’s scalability, market potential, the expertise of their team and the viability of their business plans,” says Terry Rock, CEO of Platform Calgary.

The top three fintech entrepreneurs not only gain exposure for their companies but also the coveted cash prizes: $125,000 for first place, $100,000 for second place and $75,000 for third place. There will also be a Community Builder Award of $50,000 given to a startup whose product or service addresses a significant social and community issue.

The Digital Commerce Calgary Fintech Award is the largest fintech award in Western Canada and is setting the standard for how to embrace and foster innovation in fintech across the country. With cash prizes and the game-changing opportunity to learn from experts in the field, The Digital Commerce Calgary Fintech Award is creating tomorrow’s Canadian fintech powerhouses today.

THE CALGARY STAYCATION

EXPLORING THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF LOCAL FESTIVALS AND MORE!

BY ERLYNN GOCOCO

The Calgary Staycation. It is a thing and becoming increasingly popular.

Calgary is known for its warm hospitality and stunning natural surroundings, offering an array of exciting activities and events during the summer months. Locals looking to explore their own backyard or discover unforgettable experiences can find something right here at home. From world-famous festivals to outdoor adventures, the city is brimming with activities to make the most of the summer season.

The city offers numerous unique experiences that captivate both locals and tourists alike.

The Calgary Stampede

Famously known as The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, the Calgary Stampede (“Stampede”) has consistently captivated crowds from all corners of the globe, but locals especially enjoy celebrating this 10-day extravaganza, which showcases rodeo events, live music, delicious food and thrilling entertainment.

PHOTO SOURCE: CALGARY STAMPEDE

This year, from July 7 to 16, the city will once again embrace the spirit of the Stampede, welcoming both locals and tourists alike.

A spokesperson for the Calgary Stampede says, “This is a year of celebration at the Calgary Stampede. In July, we invite visitors to celebrate 100 years of chuckwagon racing at the Cowboys Rangeland Derby. In 1923, the Calgary Stampede staged the world’s first chuckwagon race, inspired by the tradition of cowboys breaking camp and racing home. Today, the rush is still alive, and we are thrilled to celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime milestone with our guests.”

They add, “The world-famous Bell Grandstand Show is back like you’ve never seen it before, all 10 nights during Stampede 2023. Elaborate song and dance numbers, acrobatics and a spectacular fireworks finale in the night sky. If you think you’ve seen the Bell Grandstand Show, think again!”

Calgarians have always enjoyed seeking out a delicious pancake breakfast during the Stampede. This year marks 100 years of pancake breakfasts. A true Stampede staple, with over 200,000 pancakes consumed at community breakfasts over the 10 days of Stampede, locals and visitors alike can look forward to experiencing a long-standing tradition.

“This year, we are bringing back all the iconic Stampede experiences in a big way, showing what truly makes the Calgary Stampede The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.”

The Stampede Powwow will take over the Saddledome July 12 and 13 for a celebration of cultures that is open to everyone. This is a one-of-a-kind event that features incredible drumming and dancers from across Canada and the United States competing for $200,000 in prizing.

The Calgary Stampede Rodeo is the world’s largest outdoor rodeo featuring the world’s best competitors and animals. The Stampede features six major rodeo events: bareback riding, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, tie down roping, barrel racing and bull riding.

For music lovers, the Stampede is renowned for giving fans a full music festival experience, and this year is no exception. With four stages that span multiple genres, there is bound to be something for everyone to enjoy.

The Saddledome is the Stampede’s biggest stage, and organizers are thrilled to welcome some big names this year including international superstar Pitbull, A.K.A. Mr. Worldwide, who will electrify the stage on July 7 to open the first night of Stampede 2023.

Alabama, one of the most decorated country bands in history, will rock the Saddledome on July 8, and on July 15, the best wrestlers in the world will come together when All Elite Wrestling brings a live spectacular to the Stampede.

On July 9, Lord Huron is set to headline a five-band bill featuring St. Paul & the Broken Bones, Donovan Woods, Wild Rivers and Begonia at the Stampede’s most unique concert venue – the Big Four Roadhouse.

For the foodies out there, the iconic Stampede Midway is always memorable and exciting. New foods are made specifically for the Stampede, so visitors will have an exclusive opportunity to try all the new unique offerings the Midway has to offer.

PHOTO SOURCE: CALGARY STAMPEDE

Calgary Folk Fest

Celebrating its 44th year, the Calgary Folk Fest, powered by ATB, will return to Prince’s Island Park, July 27 to 30. It is one of Canada’s flagship, trailblazing music festivals with a national and international profile and a broad, cutting-edge programming vision.

Executive director Sara Leishman says, “We’re excited to share a full line-up of 70 artists from Alberta, Canada and the globe who grace this four-day, multi-staged, familyfriendly cultural and musical extravaganza. The festival will represent a wide diversity of cultures, backgrounds and genres including roots, indie, folk, blues, bluegrass, orchestral pop, hip hop, funk, traditional and current global

Artist highlights include Emmylou Harris, Tanya Tucker, Jeff Tweedy, Digable Planets and Aysanabee.

“The Calgary Folk Music Festival is not only a destination event but also a vital community gathering. With a dedicated team of small staff and an army of 1,700 community volunteers, the festival brings together approximately 53,000 Calgarians and tourists. The organizers strive to make the event accessible and affordable, offering free admission for children aged 12 and under and discounted tickets for youth, students and seniors,” says Leishman.

Local attractions and activities

Outside of the many festivals, Calgary offers an abundance of

THE LIMITED SUPPLY MARKET THE CALGARY MARKET

IS OK, BUT…

BY JOHN HARDY

When it comes to key factors like affordability and benchmark prices, inventory and salesto-listings ratios, consumer confidence, the impact of mortgage rates – and even though Calgary’s real estate market fares slightly better than other major Canadian markets like Toronto and Vancouver – there is a speedbump.

Forecasting the next six months of Calgary’s real estate year can only be a well-intentioned, educated guess, because all the facts and figures are hindsight.

According to CREB’s Q1 Summary, persistent sellers’ market conditions placed further upward pressure on Calgary home prices. As of the end of April, after four months of persistent gains, the total unadjusted Calgary benchmark price was $550,800, nearly two per cent higher than the previous month but still a new monthly record high for the city.

“While sales activity is performing as expected, the steeper pullback in new listings has ensured that supply levels remain low,” says CREB® chief economist Ann-Marie Lurie. “The limited supply choice is causing more buyers to place offers above the list price, contributing to the stronger than expected gains in home prices.”

CREB’s summary tracked that sales reached 2,690 units compared to the 3,133 new listings. With a sales-to-newlistings ratio of 86 per cent, inventories declined by 34 per cent compared to last year.

ABOVE: CREB CHIEF ECONOMIST ANN-MARIE LURIE.

“WHILE SALES ACTIVITY IS PERFORMING AS EXPECTED, THE STEEPER PULLBACK IN NEW LISTINGS HAS ENSURED THAT SUPPLY LEVELS REMAIN LOW,” SAYS LURIE.

But mortgage rates are proving to be a lingering broadside, because the Bank aggressively hiked interest rates, last year. Although it appears to have taken heat off inflation, economists caution about the lingering impact on housing and Canadian real estate. The trends and numbers show that higher mortgage rates, and jitters about possibly more hikes, are keeping many Canadians on the housing market sidelines.

The Bank of Canada is more worried than ever about household debt loads in-general, particularly the crunch of managing payments when a mortgage comes up for renewal or people opt to play it safe and lock-in open mortgages at higher rates.

Stats show that, while only about one-quarter of Canadian mortgage holders have a variable rate loan, the overall effect of mortgage rate hikes has been dramatic, adding thousands of dollars to monthly payments, and extending the term of the mortgage by years.

CREB

and some experienced Calgary

Realtors offer the cautious assurance that, all things considered, the Calgary market is doing okay.

“I don’t see the market cooling because of the interest rates,” says upbeat Jared Chamberlain, broker and co-owner of Calgary’s popular Chamberlain Real Estate Group. “It has stayed stable for several months, which is excellent. However, with the recent news of inflation increasing, it is hard to say what will happen in the coming months.

“Even if the Bank of Canada raises interest rates again, specifically for Calgary, it will likely not cool our market. A true cooling period would mean seeing more listings actively on the market than Calgary’s current demand. And with the number of people continuing to move here from other provinces, on top of the already existing local market demand, that could be a while.”

While CREB does not speculate about the past being prologue, it points out that the most notable challenge in the Calgary market has been related to supply levels. New listings were expected to ease, as higher lending rates would make it more difficult for the move-up buyer.

Crunching the actual numbers, the pace of decline in new listings has exceeded expectations. New listings in the first quarter, declined by 40 per cent, preventing any significant shift in the supply levels given the relatively strong sales.

“Sales are down about 20 per cent, from this time last year,” notes Corinne Lyall, owner/broker at Royal LePage Benchmark. “Interest rates have played a role in sellers holding tight to their current lower rates. This has also impacted an increase in prices, as the decrease in inventory is forcing buyers to bid for the same property.”

“RIGHT NOW, EVERYTHING FEELS HOT. EVERY AREA OF THE CITY AND PRODUCT TYPE CURRENTLY HAS A BUYER LOOKING FOR IT,” CHAMBERLAIN SAYS.

ABOVE: JARED CHAMBERLAIN, BROKER AND CO-OWNER OF CALGARY’S POPULAR CHAMBERLAIN REAL ESTATE GROUP.

The Bank of Canada is hinting an end to rate hikes, at least for this year but, Lyall adds the caution that. “If interest rates do rise, it could impact buyers purchasing ability and stop some from moving forward. But those that stay in the market will continue to bid competitively, especially at the lower price points.”

With occasional hiccups, Calgary is still a hot – sometimes lukewarm –real estate market.

“Right now, everything feels hot. Every area of the city and product type currently has a buyer looking for it,” Chamberlain says. “Much of the time, the homes that are not selling have an asking price way beyond the condition of the house. Some sellers think they have won the lottery and ask crazy, overpriced amounts. And they are shocked when they don’t get multiple offers.”

Corinne Lyall underscores two, unrelated positives of the Calgary market. Migration and condos. “The status of the condo market has improved immensely over the last few years. We have gone from 8.5 months of supply in 2019 to only 1.5 in 2023. As prices increase for single family properties, buyers are moving into the attached and condominium markets.

“And there is a noticeable market impact from inter-provincial migration. Many recent Calgary buyers are from Ontario and B.C., in search of more affordable prices.”

A Champion

FOR ALBERTA

MAC VAN WIELINGEN ON HIS ADVOCACY

WORK IN OTTAWA

BY MELANIE DARBYSHIRE

If one had to list powerful Alberta champions – individuals whose love of this province leads them to advocate on its behalf to the rest of the world – Mac Van Wielingen would be at the top. A recognizable face and name within and beyond our borders, Van Wielingen’s entrepreneurial success and philanthropic generosity demand that when he speaks, others listen. His biography is unparalleled. Van Wielingen is the founder, director (1989 - 2018) and partner (present) of ARC Financial Corporation, the largest private equity investment management company in Canada focused on the energy sector; he is the founder and chair of Viewpoint Group and co-founder of Viewpoint Investment Partners (VIP), a global, multi-asset, quantitativelyfocused investment management company for high net-worth families and institutional investors; he is a founder and former chair (1996 - 2016) of ARC Resources Ltd., a leading company in Canada’s oil and gas sector.

Van Wielingen was a founding member of the Business Council of Alberta in 2019 and currently serves as Chair of its board. He served on the board of directors for the Institute for Corporate Directors (2018 - 2022), as Chair of the board of Alberta Investment Management Corporation (2014 - 2017), on the Alberta Economic Recovery Council (March 2020 to July 2022) and on the advisory committee that created the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation. This past year, he was appointed to the Order of Canada for his visionary leadership in ethical governance, corporate responsibility and philanthropy.

RIGHT: MAC VAN WIELINGEN

PHOTO SOURCE: EWAN PHOTO VIDEO

He is a founding partner of the Creative Destruction Lab and co-founded the Canadian Centre for Advanced Leadership at the Haskayne School of Business in 2012.

“I’m an Alberta patriot,” Van Wielingen, who was born and raised in Calgary to European immigrant parents, admits with a smile. “I love Alberta. My interests are very aligned with my fellow Albertans and Western Canada.”

The fundamental underpinnings of Alberta, he argues with conviction, are very strong. First, our financial position. “About three years ago we had a $17 billion deficit, and now we’re in surplus,” he points out. “It was the fastest and most dramatic turnaround of any province in Canada’s history. Of course it was driven by oil and gas revenues, but also by stringent cost controls. It was an amazing turnaround and a great starting point.”

Indeed, today Alberta is trending toward the lowest debt to GDP ratio in Canada, at about 10 per cent.

“When you look at other fundamentals – business sentiment, investment sentiment – they’re all strong,” he continues. “Capital investment levels this year are expected to be about $65 billion. In 2020, they were $48 billion. And then the number of people moving to Alberta is at the highest pace in two decades. That’s driven by affordability and opportunity. Our labour market and wages are moderate. You put all the pieces together and it’s a very robust picture for Alberta.”

However, it’s not all rosy. Van Wielingen has serious concern when it comes to politics, both within Albertan and within Canada relating to and affecting Alberta. “I worry about the lack of cohesion and unity within this province,” he says, “and the divisiveness. There’s an enormous divergence of perspectives growing within Alberta. There’s more polarization.”

This concern has influenced the Business Council’s work, in particular its Define the Decade initiative. “We were intentionally trying to create perspectives that are more unifying to all Albertans,” Van Wielingen explains. “We’re not just representing business and business interests. We’re trying to create a better life for all Albertans.”

His concerns, and those of the Business Council, naturally extend to policy in Ottawa: “What we all want is a united

Canada that functions well, but I’m not convinced that it’s functioning very well anymore.”

A prime example of this disfunction is the federal Liberal government’s often antagonist policies towards Alberta’s energy industry. “This is where some of my disillusionment has arisen over recent years,” Van Wielingen admits. “The essence of it is Alberta’s lack of representation at the decision making level for national policy.”

Sentiments of alienation arise in this province, he explains, because we’re not at the table making decisions that have an impact on our livelihoods: “It’s very natural we’d be uncomfortable. It would be unnatural not to be.”

“But worse than that,” Van Wielingen continues, “is the tendency towards polarization. That polarization gets amplified because various groups seek to take advantage of it for their own interests. So polarization persists. It’s the activist community for sure, and there are normal political dynamics that contribute too. But it’s an unusual situation because there are 8 million people in Western Canada –in the energy producing region – who have virtually no representation in national policy.”

ABOVE: MAC VAN WIELINGEN, CHAIR OF THE BUSINESS COUNCIL OF ALBERTA, SPEAKS AT THE GENERAL COUNCIL MEETING ON FEBRUARY 23, 2022.

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To rectify the situation, Van Wielingen has become a familiar face in Ottawa, regularly travelling there to pitch Alberta and its interests to the federal government. He testified to the Senate committees and to the House of Commons Finance Committee on Bill C-48 (the ‘no more pipelines’ bill) and C-69 (the tanker ban bill), for example.

“Every time I go I have certain themes,” he says. “My relationships in Ottawa are strong. I’m very comfortable expressing myself candidly.”

This June, he travelled again to Ottawa to meet with key federal Ministers and the Prime Minister’s office. “I’ve been emphasizing the critical importance of using regulatory efficiency as part of our national competitive strategy. Canada has a reputation where major projects can’t get built, and that needs to change for our country to reach its environmental, economic and Indigenous partnership ambitions,” he says. “Canada no longer has a choice about the importance of regulatory effectiveness.”

“The broad perspective I’ve been arguing is with respect to the Europe-lead environmental and climate movement, and the problems they’ve got themselves into now, particularly with Russia,” he says. “The loss of attention and focus on the

basics of energy policy is something I’m continuously talking about. Because it needs to be understood, so we can chart a different path.”

In particular, he points to the size of the bet that Europe made on the assumption that Russia wouldn’t invade Ukraine. “They bet everything – their competitiveness, prosperity, affordability, food supply, price levels,” he points out. “They bet the farm and lost. It reflects a lack of strategic thinking. Their perspective became so narrow and rigid.”

He cautions a similar mindset permeates in Ottawa. For example, the reluctance to develop LNG export facilities, a reluctance also seen in Germany. “It’s just another example of [Germany] failing to appreciate the risk they were taking,” he says. “And now they’re building these receiving facilities on a real hurry-up basis. It looks like they’re going to overbuild capacity, but that’s ok, because they should never take that kind of risk again.”

“Another theme in my comments relates to the credibility of the entire decarbonization initiative,” Van Wielingen continues. “If we’re not careful, we, as energy and institutional and government leaders, will lose credibility. In Europe they have lost a lot of credibility.”

ABOVE: MAC VAN WIELINGEN SPEAKS AT CANADIAN’S ENERGY LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY DISCUSSION AT THE PETROLEUM CLUB IN 2019.

Van Wielingen notes that he’s not arguing against climate action or decarbonization, rather for an intelligent and pragmatic implementation of decarbonization strategies. “Emissions caps and reductions targets have to be grounded in realism,” he cautions. “What really worries me about the emissions caps is that the federal government knows that the oil sands players in particular cannot meet those early year deadlines. That’s what I spoke about in Ottawa.”

Van Wielingen also says that ESG as a standalone construct is too narrow: “It needs to be conjoined with economics – E-ESG.” Canadian energy ESG standards and performance, as noted many times in the pages of this magazine and others, are as good as it gets in the world relative to other energy suppliers.

“Whether in the energy business or the resource business, we’re in the business of environmental solutions,” Van Wielingen offers. “So it’s not just energy. It’s energy and environmental solutions. It’s agriculture and environmental solutions. It’s a vision for Alberta that I think really does need to take hold.”

He is encouraged by the fact that more recently federal officials have been more receptive to his message: “Europe’s energy woes have put things into a larger context, involving energy policy, security, reliability and affordability. Now people listen, whereas before they didn’t. The dialogue and tone have changed in Ottawa.”

An encouraging change in tone, to be sure, that must be built upon. “My argument to Ottawa is always: why won’t you stand in front of the industry, so you’re facing outward to the public and international community and point to the extraordinary positives and advantages of Canada’s energy and resource sector,” he says. “Because it can be evidenced over and over.”

While Van Wielingen’s approach is based on dialogue, he’s not opposed to a stronger tact, such as is outlined in Premier Danielle Smith’s Alberta Sovereignty Within A United Canada Act. “Alberta needs a different style and approach to represent itself,” he opines. “The linear and analytical ‘just show them the facts’ approach hasn’t worked. It’s not working. I’m very comfortable with a more ambitious, a bit

more aggressive style, which starts to look a little bit like Quebec’s style. I’m very comfortable with that.”

“We need leadership that is more willing to be colourful, dramatic, to really shake things up,” he adds.

The opportunity costs of not developing Alberta’s energy resources are too much. “Global oil and gas demand has still not peaked,” Van Wielingen points out. “Oil and gas are going to be around for multiple decades. So the question becomes:

‘What is Canada’s strategy?’ Because in that context, our oil sands are arguably the most reliable supply of oil in the world.”

“Once we break the back of the carbon emissions problem,” he continues, “we’ll be very competitive on that basis as well. It’s in everyone’s interests – Europe, our allies, the developing world – that Canada stays in the market as a reliable oil supplier.”

He also welcomes more advocacy from Alberta business, institutional and community leaders. “We can’t be complacent and passive and rest on our laurels,” he warns. “We’ve learned that. Leaders in all sectors need to step up and speak on behalf of Alberta. We need multiple voices in multiple channels. I do see that happening more.”

Beyond Alberta’s energy industry, Van Wielingen sees economic diversification as growing off of the backbone of both energy and agriculture. For example, on the energy side there are renewables, carbon capture, hydrogen and petrochemicals. On the agriculture side there is food processing. And the tech sector is embedded in everything.

“The perspective needs to be on the synergies between these core parts of our economy and developing ancillary businesses and sub-sectors,” he urges. “To continually expand and add value.”

Alberta’s entrepreneurial spirit, foundational to this province, will continue to attract more and more people here, who in turn will help to evolve the culture and our industries. “And I don’t think that’s a bad thing,” Van Wielingen chuckles. “We’ll always have that great entrepreneurial spirit which will continue to be extremely important to the future of Alberta.”

“WE NEED LEADERSHIP THAT IS MORE WILLING TO BE COLOURFUL, DRAMATIC, TO REALLY SHAKE THINGS UP,” ADDS VAN WIELINGEN.

Canada's future is unbuilt.

Canada has big goals for the environment and for the economy.

To meet them, we need to build a lot of major projects —and build them fast.

We set up our regulatory systems to stop bad things from happening. Now we need them to make good things happen.

Future Unbuilt is a vision for a model regulatory system that enables us to reach our environmental goals and be our competitive edge.

HEALTH CARE AND SERVICE

Part of the DNA of FYi

BY RENNAY CRAATS

photo by Riverwood Photography

As a young optometrist in Grande Prairie, Alberta, Dr. Alan Ulsifer loved providing quality eyecare to patients, but he loved the business side of optometry even more. Throughout his early career, Dr. Ulsifer took interest in optometry advancements and lens manufacturing driven by software and diamond cutting that allowed for better, more personalized lenses. As his career progressed, he quickly discovered a new game-changing technology that was cost prohibitive for a single practice. Dr. Ulsifer started thinking about how he could turn “me” into “we” to open the possibilities for himself and his colleagues.

“Back then, I started talking to people about merging our practices together so instead of having a bunch of small entities, we’d create one big one. Consolidation is usually private equity driven, which is not necessarily good for the industry or the patient,” says Dr. Alan Ulsifer, CEO of FYidoctors. “It came down to if consolidation is going to happen, why can’t a bunch of doctors do it to control our own destiny and drive what the industry looks like?”

It turned out a group of doctors could in fact do just that. And they did. Dr. Ulsifer initially approached 10 optometry clinics about the possibility of consolidating, and he wasn’t sure how his plan would be received. Word spread and he found that many others saw the benefits of a large network of doctors and when it came time to merge and form FYidoctors in 2008, 23 entities from across the country signed on.

GROWING FYIDOCTORS

During the early years, the newly-consolidated group focused on building systems that provided great value as they integrated the two dozen businesses that were to operate as one. Once they had established the framework of the FYidoctors group of optometrists, they again looked to expand the brand. By 2014, there were 100 FYidoctors locations from British Columbia to the Maritimes, and the following year the group moved its state-of-the-art ophthalmic laboratory and distribution

photo by Riverwood Photography

centre to Delta, British Columbia, which houses the technology that piqued Dr. Ulsifer’s interest to start with. Even as FYidoctors grew, the fundamental focus for the brand remained first and foremost to provide advanced eyecare to patients. It is critical for people to get their eyes checked regularly and studies show that almost half of people couldn’t tell you their eye doctor’s name and haven’t seen their optometrist in the past three years. In a world of screens, it is more important than ever for people to monitor and maintain eye health, and FYidoctors wanted to make that process as easy and efficient as possible.

“Small issues that really wouldn’t bother you in the past become bigger issues when you’re staring at a screen all day. We have huge amounts of evidence that looking at a screen is causing progression of myopia, and when you’re more nearsighted there’s much more risk of eye disease and things like retinal detachment,” shared Dr. Ulsifer.

The doctors can treat this issue with special spectacle or contact lenses to prevent its progression, but the key is early diagnosis. That makes it even more important for people, especially children, to have regular eye exams. As with myopia, most eye disease is treatable, but because it is often painless, people don’t know there’s something wrong with their eyes until late into the disease’s progression.

TECHNOLOGY FOCUSED

FYidoctors uses every weapon in its arsenal to battle eye ailments, and a benefit of a large organization is they can carry the best technology and training to stay on the cutting edge of the industry. FYidoctors prides itself on using the latest tech available to best detect issues with patients’ eyes during examinations, employing everything from retinal and optic nerve scans to 3D and wide field imaging to specialized tests to measure eye fluid pressure and get a complete picture of a patient’s eye health.

To increase the reach of eye health professionals, the organization is currently beta testing tele-optometry which allows optometrists to conduct eye exams virtually to ensure every Canadian can access eyecare regardless of where they live. To further the goal, FYidoctors is currently building its first of many mobile clinics that will allow doctors to donate their time to serve outreach areas.

“Our ultimate goal is to really be the innovators in remote eyecare and mobile clinics,” Dr. Ulsifer says. “We’ve really pushed the medical eyecare, the quality examination and care piece of it. That’s the key driver in our organization.”

EXPANDING THE SCOPE

The organization has built on the eyecare foundation of FYidoctors and added an eyewear component with the acquisition of frame companies like BonLook, a Montreal retail optical organization. FYidoctors acquired this brand to cater to younger, trendier, style seekers looking for affordability who view glasses as accessories, while the FYidoctors retail optical division covers everything from entry-level products to luxury designer frames to ensure there is a style and price point that fits all encompassing needs.

“We’ve done a lot of research on the optical consumer and there are different types of consumers that look at optical eye wear product differently,” continues Dr. Ulsifer. “We have affordable products, we have BonLook, we have competitive two-for-one packages, and most of the wellknown luxury brands. Because we own our own supply chain, we can compete with anybody out there.”

The company has expanded significantly under the FYidoctors banner, attracting more optometrists who want to take advantage of the technology, marketing expertise and supply chain that the consolidated group can offer. Dr. Ulsifer honed the clearly successful model and started to think about how he could replicate it in adjacent fields. A few years ago, he entered the rapidly growing medical aesthetics space with the purchase of three clinics in Calgary offering non-surgical rejuvenation services including cool sculpting, Botox, fillers, laser hair removal, laser skin contouring and body shaping. Dr. Ulsifer took all he had learned with the optometry division and integrated the locations using the FYidoctors model. In short order, this new division had acquired 37 clinics and a recent merger with its biggest competitor boosted that number to around 80 medical aesthetics clinics across the country. As of late 2022, about 30 per cent of them were operating under the Dermapure brand and the rest will eventually follow suit.

This 2021 expansion brought with it a restructuring; FYidoctors became one of the optometry brands

alongside Visique in Quebec, FYidoctors USA, Factory Optical and Optiks International, now operating as individual divisions under the FYihealth group umbrella. This structure better reflects the broader health focus of the evolving organization moving forward.

“There’s multiple banners and different business segments, so calling it FYihealth group made more sense. We’ll probably continue to expand into other areas as we continue to grow,” Dr. Ulsifer mentions. “I see tons of opportunity to grow different verticals in healthcare and use what we’ve already built to leverage that for other entities that we consolidate.”

ABOUT FYIHEALTH GROUP

FYihealth group has created a collaborative framework that allows professionals in the clinics to focus on patient care rather than the complexities of running a business. The Home Office located in Calgary wants the future practices who join to feel that it was the best decision they ever made. The organization steered away from managers dictating how things would be done and instead adopted a Coaching Culture where everyone works together to provide value and improve performance. There is a customer service program in place, named the Patient Pathway, which helps coaches envision and then implement ensure the team is providing the best customer experience at every visit and at every location.

FYidoctors and ATB

HOMEGROWN PARTNERSHIP SEES SUCCESS BEYOND BORDERS

While Alberta is known for its entrepreneurial spirit, FYidoctors has accomplished a rare feat - they’ve shown how innovative thinking and a creative approach can change an industry. Their journey to becoming Canada’s largest eyecare provider has included a strong focus on their clients and building partnerships that support their long-term vision. For more than 15 years, ATB has been proud to partner with the forward-thinking team that has guided FYidoctors’ success.

Wes Jardine, managing director, Corporate Banking, Diversified Industries at ATB Capital Markets says about the business model, “It was unique. It was a doctor-owned, doctor-led company. We call this a roll-up strategy. The FYidoctors brand incorporates standalone clinics but allows the doctors to take on ownership while keeping the independence that led them

to create their own brand in the first place. This partnership empowers each owner with shared buying power and resources.”

Jardine continues, “Today you see similar structures in other industries such as dental, but in 2008, this was very new. FYidoctors came to us with 33 original clinics that they wanted us to help them bring together. The vision and drive of the founder, Dr. Alan Ulsifer, along with our team’s research that supported their case, gave us the confidence to help them move forward.”

Tim Hart, managing director, Investment Banking, Diversified Industries and Growth and Innovation at ATB Capital Markets adds, “What impressed me is that ultimately, FYidoctors is laser focused on patient care and partners with other doctors that share that same

dedication to patient care. Now, their integrated model allows them to manufacture their own lenses. They are locally creating high-quality products and solutions that fit consumers’ budgets.”

Hart continues, “FYidoctors is not looking for the highest bidder when they partner with clinics. They are looking for strong partners that share their ambition. This led to tremendous success and growth that they did not anticipate. New systems (accounting, processing, etc.) were necessary to quickly accommodate this growth but for FYidoctors, ultimately, the challenge of rapid growth is a long-term advantage.”

ATB helped FYidoctors buy clinics by providing a combination of equity and bank debt to keep pace with the growth. Being nimble and in constant communication with FYidoctors meant ATB has always been in a strong position to quickly support their client through acquisitions.

ATB was pleased to provide FYidoctors with the financial solutions they needed to grow, including credit, loans, cash management, capital market strategies, financial markets expertise and investment banking advisory.

Hart adds: “ATB enjoys working with FYidoctors because they are an innovative, entrepreneur-led company. They are a born-and-raised Alberta success story that has grown to care for patients across Canada - and beyond. They’re proof that an Alberta company can grow meaningfully in size and scope when they have flexible financial support from their financial partners who believe in their vision and potential. We congratulate FYidoctors on all of their success and look forward to continued partnership.” www.atb.com

“ATB enjoys working with FYidoctors because they are an innovative, entrepreneur-led company. They are a born-and-raised Alberta success story that has grown to care for patients across Canada - and beyond.”

The effectiveness of the programs and philosophies employed throughout the organization is easy to see. The Delta laboratory manufacturing facility has become one of the largest lens providers in Canada and it produces and ships more than 3,200 orders per day. FYidoctors was named one of Canada’s Top Growing Companies in 2022 in recognition of its threeyear revenue growth of 65 per cent – an impressive accomplishment for an already large entity – and Dr. Alan Ulsifer was named the EY Entrepreneur of the Year in 2012. The organization has been named one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies by Deloitte and Canadian Business for the past four years running, was recognized as one of Canada’s 50 Most Engaged

Workforces and won the award for Most Innovative Use of HR Technology in 2021.

“The awards are nice but that’s not why we’re here. We want to create an environment where people feel proud that they’re having an impact on people’s lives. The two words that describe what we do are ‘enhancing life’. That’s our core DNA,” says Dr. Ulsifer.

FYihealth group has expanded its corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy to form the Enhancing Life Foundation. Every October during Enhancing Life month, team members choose to support over 100 different charities and outreach programs to help enhance the lives of underserved people across the country.

The organization also provided significant funding to the Eye Institute at the University of Montreal and the University of Waterloo to support research and training. These centres utilize virtual reality to diagnose issues while training optometrists to detect eye disease and advance vision care and health in the country. On top of this, FYihealth group is a presenting sponsor for Fighting Blindness Canada’s efforts to help people living with vision impairment while conducting ground-breaking research to one day prevent it.

WHAT’S NEXT?

FYihealth group continues to innovate and improve its services in eyecare and medical aesthetics while constantly looking for ways to expand into other health

photo by Riverwood Photography

care sectors that could benefit from the scalable platform that is in place.

“We’re really about trying to be that expert in the space, whether eyecare or medical aesthetics, that is a safe, trustworthy place to go and have the best care possible,” says Dr. Alan Ulsifer.

With around 400 clinic locations across the country and 10 in the United States, and a dedicated staff of over 4,500

professionals delivering unparalleled health care service, it’s clear that FYihealth group is just getting started.

SIT! STAY!

WORK.

BY JOHN HARDY

Of all the whirlwind of recent changes and transformations in the workplace, none are quirkier (or sappier) that the trend of taking dogs to work. Large workplaces, like Apple, Google, Amazon, Etsy and Alberta’s ATB Financial, and an increasing roster of smaller, usually more intimate workplaces, like Calgary’s Global Power Technologies (GPT) and others, have formal or informal workplace policies that welcome mostly dogs, but sometimes cats, to the office.

Although the option has been around for more than five years, some companies trace the trend back to pandemic and

DOGS AT WORK

post-pandemic times, as a way of adding a relaxed, friendly and cozy feel to the workplace. Many business leaders and HR types also credit bring-your-pet to work as a stressreducing, office mood and productivity booster as well as a potent staff recruitment and retention tool. While some employment lawyers, HR consultants and even veterinarians offer cautions.

Of course, there are many working environments where allowing dogs is inappropriate, risky and impossible. The presence of vehicles, machinery and other health and safety risks. So the trend is mainly confined to offices.

PHOTO SOURCE: JAMIE STREET UNSPLASH

PETS AT WORK CAN MAKE EMPLOYEES HAPPIER, INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY, TEAM MORALE. IT EVEN BOOSTS EMPLOYEE RETENTION BY MAKING THE WORK ENVIRONMENT A MORE WELCOMING AND RELAXED PLACE, LESS LIKELY TO HAVE PEOPLE WANTING TO LEAVE.

Countless recent studies show that pets in the workplace do have, a mostly positive and sometimes negative, impact on work atmosphere and staff moods. Pets at work can make employees happier, increase productivity, team morale. It even boosts employee retention by making the work environment a more welcoming and relaxed place, less likely to have people wanting to leave.

Research shows that bringing pets to work can help decrease office stress, increase morale, increase communication and socialization and improve relationships. Most (not all) people like dogs, and dogs in the workplace can act as an icebreaker, encouraging more interaction among employees and enhancing teamwork.

“Much feedback about businesses which allow staff to bring their dog to work suggest that it can actually increase not just employee satisfaction, but engagement as well,” notes the positive and upbeat Christian Cook, professor and academic director at the Academic Development Centre of Calgary’s Mount Royal University.

“Some employers permit pets, some welcome them, and some even have informal ‘dog jobs’ or create ‘canine ambassador’ kinds of roles to formally welcome the pet. And there’s the important advantage of the social component. Small talk is simply better with a pet! Also, employees can bond around the care and connection with pets in the workplace, and it can create or extend the camaraderie in a work setting and make for a more social and informal atmosphere.”

MEET SCOTCH!

Scotch is BDI’s greeter and customer calming specialist! When he’s not busy working, he loves a round of ball, some high quality meat and a nice cuddle with his family.

Dino’s favourite foods are turkey and chicken and his favourite toy is his stuffed hedgehog. Dino is 14 years old and goes everywhere his mommy goes – averaging 12 flights per year! Dino’s role at Pete The Plumber is to be available for commercial shoots and public appearances. He will appear in the Stampede Parade this year.

Photo by Riverwood Photography

Dr. Jocelyn Forseille, assistant registrar with the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) says, “Dogs at work have been shown to have a positive influence on people’s wellbeing. It can lend a relaxing influence with positive affects on a work team, and in work many situations, both staff and clients coming into the business are positively affected.”

Dogs at work is a proportionally trickier and tougher call in larger offices, where management is cautious about the basic fact that large volumes of staff can mean potential distractions, disruptions and chaos with many dogs and exponentially many random situations. For obvious and practical reasons, dogs at work are easier to manage in smaller offices.

“We welcomed our first dog as a positive culture builder as a trial office activity around 2018,” explains Laura Kennedy, president/co-owner at Calgary’s Global Power Technologies (GPT), industry-respected as a world leader in the design,

manufacture and distribution of Hybrid-compatible Thermoelectric Generators. “In the Calgary office, we now have about 30 people, with two dogs that are present for a few days a week.

“For sure there is more interaction and casual conversation definitely contributes to positive mood, morale and culture. No doubt about it. Most of our staff seem to enjoy their company, and they become the new ‘water cooler’ chat area, wherever they are.

“It would be hard to say they add to productivity, but they do provide a brief distraction from the normal work activities, and they definitely provide some happy discussion topics and help build a positive and light-hearted office environment. If you’re having a tough day, a visit with a dog for belly rubs sometimes helps to blow some steam and get back into a better frame of mind.”

LEFT: OATI, BUSINESS IN CALGARY MAGAZINE’S VERY OWN OFFICE DOG. ABOVE: DR. JOCELYN FORSEILLE, ASSISTANT REGISTRAR WITH THE ALBERTA VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION (AVMA).

“DOGS AT WORK HAVE BEEN SHOWN TO HAVE A POSITIVE INFLUENCE

ON PEOPLE’S WELLBEING. IT CAN LEND A RELAXING INFLUENCE WITH POSITIVE AFFECTS ON A WORK TEAM,” SAYS FORSEILLE.

Management, HR types and even veterinarians admit that despite the warm ’n’ fuzzy positives of bringing a dog to work, there are cautionary negatives and downsides.

Some documented disadvantages of a dog-friendly office are risks and issues for co-workers with allergies or phobias. Studies suggest that as many as 3 in 10 people are allergic to animals with fur, including dogs. Others may simply be uncomfortable around dogs.

And distractions and disruption. Dogs barking, whining and snoring in the middle of the office can be very annoying, distracting and disruptive.

Vets and experienced HR departments explain that for even the most cute, adorable and well-behaved dog, most office settings have far too many purses, backpacks and garbage cans to resist sniffing or worse.

“Let’s face it,” the AVMA’s Dr. Forseille says, “it can be distracting for the owner, as well as the other office staff, when the dog has to be taken outside a ‘bio break’ or a walk when necessary, as well as the possibility of allergies, phobias and dog dislikes from co-workers.”

Similar to how most people don’t like every single person they meet, some dogs may not get along with certain dogs. A dogfight at work can be disruptive and dangerous, and harm relationships between co-workers, clients or customers.

Surveys from some dog-friendly offices shows that some employers designate separate work areas, adopt leash rules restricting dogs from roaming the office, or limiting the days that animals may come to work. There are also prohibitions against animals in communal spaces such as lunch and break rooms, restrooms and conference rooms.

Experts underscore some other potential problems to consider when setting formal or informal dogs in the workplace policies and procedures.

One notoriously touchy topic is liability and responsibilities. Aside from the obvious cleaning-up after an accident, there are issues about bites or scratches. Some employees may have cynophobia – a fear of dogs, which can also create an unsafe work environment. They can become a health and safety workplace liability.

GPT’s Laura Kennedy agrees that, “A common downside is the odd accident (sorry, Brian, about your shoe) and barking. We try to keep it to a minimum, but dogs can both get overly excited from time to time, and barking or crazy behaviour can be disruptive. There is also a risk that it may feel unfair that we can’t, or don’t, welcome all dogs all the time.”

While particularly smaller, more intimate offices tend to keep things informal and undocumented, “With or without a formally worded policy, if a business allows pets at work, they absolutely would be best served by having a policy and procedures to help employees understand what is expected,” Cook points out.

When it comes to dogs at work, love it or not so much, she has the ultimate workplace cautionary bottom line: “For dog-friendly office programs to work, it must be stated, understood and agreed that employees are responsible for their pets at work.”

ABOVE: DAKOTA, IN THE “BARKETING DEPARTMENT” OF CALGARY’S GLOBAL POWER TECHNOLOGIES (GPT).

The Evolution

of Allied Metal Ltd

published

by Brittany Fouquette photos by Riverwood Photography

With nothing but a manual brake, single-hit punch, air shear and a commitment to produce quality metal products, Ed Ireland started Allied Metal Ltd in 1968. Since then, the company has attracted a team of perfectionists with a shared vision to operate a company that redefines the standards of quality and service in manufacturing. Over the past 55 years, they have worked together to grow Allied into the industry-leading business it is today.

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For 20 years, Ireland built a reputation for quality and service for the company before selling it to Dave Meyer Sr in 1988. Meyer Sr launched a period of growth and modernization that included doubling the size of the facility and buying Allied’s first CNC punch press – an incredible piece of technology for the time – to propel Allied forward. His son, Dave Meyer Jr, took over the operation in 2000 with partner Brian Jones and continued to upgrade equipment to keep up with the everchanging industry.

Allied soon welcomed new president, Bernard Deschner, whose vast sheet metal manufacturing experience helped grow the company even more. The facility doubled to 6,000 square feet, and doubled again in

2010 to 12,000 square feet, as the company continued to grow and modernize the shop. It was at that time Deschner’s long-time protégé, Glen Brooks, came on as General Manager of Allied Metal Ltd.

“When I started working with Bernie over 20 years ago he owned the largest sheet metal manufacturing company in Western Canada. He showed me design, estimating and the ins and outs of the business, so when he decided to retire in 2018, Dave Meyer brought me on as a partner and that’s when I fundamentally started making changes,” says Glen Brooks, president of Allied Metal Ltd.

What started as a small operation in a 1,500-squarefoot facility in 1968 has ultimately all but outgrown its current 25,000-square-foot space as it expanded the welding department, added a crane, introduced an in-shop powder coating system and brought on more of the latest manufacturing equipment including full CNC punch presses, a CNC laser and brake presses. At the same time, the company was awarded UL50E certification which expanded its offerings to include CSA-certified electrical enclosures. This certification allowed Allied to offer a larger degree of component customization to create the best tailor-made solutions and the company grew exponentially.

“Through 2021 and 2022, we saw almost unsustainable growth. All of a sudden the flood gates in Alberta opened and we went gangbusters,” he says.

Allied enjoyed 188 per cent growth during that time; the team was faced with the challenge of attracting additional staff to accommodate surging demand while still maintaining the high service and quality levels that spurred the growth in the first place. Allied continued to provide superior products to its long-time customers while bringing new ones into the fold during one of the most challenging economic times for Alberta businesses.

“All at once, everyone was coming to us and we were watching other companies that used to be competitors slowly closing their doors. We’re so thankful for our customers for supporting us the way they did. We were right to focus on quality,” says Selina Kirton, business administration manager for Allied Metal Ltd.

What they are doing right is applying 55 years of expertise and experience to a wide variety of projects for Allied’s client base. Over the past decade, Allied has diversified the business significantly and while it continues to value and serve its oil and gas clients, the company has also branched into electrical components like high voltage switch gears and custom lighting consoles, building recovery tanks for restoration trucks and producing micro-canning solutions and framework for brewing systems.

The company covers the gamut of precision sheet metal fabrication services including laser cutting and shearing, CNC punching, forming or bending metal and welding pieces together for assembly. Allied also expanded to

An Allied team member sprays powder coating onto an aluminum extrusion to provide an even protective coating.

A punch operator verifies the tooling and program on the CNC punch press. This is a vital step in ensuring accuracy for quality conformance.

A welder performs GTAW (Tig Welding) to weld a coupler to a stainless steel panel.

include in-house powder coating so it can offer the add-on service of an attractive and protective finish for customers’ projects. On top of that, it also has trusted external finishing vendors that allow the company to offer clients full turn-key solutions.

Allied prides itself on building strong relationships with suppliers and clients so the team can provide incredible products and unparalleled service. The company gives the same level of personal attention whether they are supporting their large clients with operations in Chile, Texas and Mexico or they are helping grow a small company located just down the street. As Allied grows its international presence, the team ensures it always takes care of its clients at home.

“Our vision statement is we want to be globally recognized as a company that changed the quality and service standards for manufacturing. That’s what we focus on,” he says.

Providing quality that they can be proud of is a pillar of the company, and Allied is one of the few sheet metal fabricators to qualify for ISO9001 certification to reinforce this focus. This designation shows clients how seriously the company takes quality standards and Brooks and his team strive to be the gold-star standard of quality in manufacturing.

Glen Brooks, president of Allied Metal Ltd.

Metal on Demand.

We carry a wide variety of stainless steel, aluminum and carbon, including 304, 316, 5052 and galvanized.

403-250-2866 (Calgary)

780-469-0402 (Edmonton) www.ryerson.com

Bay 13

666 Goddard Ave NE Calgary, AB, T2K 5X3

contact@emission-rx.com

1-403-452-5633

www.emission-rx.com

The team knows that products are only as good as the staff making them. Allied invests heavily in in-house training in order to maintain high quality levels across the organization, all the while working toward getting the precision sheet metal trade certified at a technical school to grow the industry in the future. The company promotes from within whenever possible, pays above-average salaries with generous overtime policies, and is thinking outside the box to increase employee engagement while promoting even more of a work-life balance.

“We try to show our people how much we value them and what they do for us, because without them nothing gets made,” he says.

The company is also looking at upgrading equipment and moving toward integrating more automation into its processes. Precision sheet metal work takes a toll on the body and automating will transition staff to positions of material handling and front-office support while the equipment does the heavy lifting.

As technology advances the industry, Allied has kept pace by exploring the latest equipment to see how it can add value for clients. The team has also looked online to stimulate growth, and the corporate rebrand in 2020 introduced a new powerful website that is driving traffic to Allied Metal Ltd and accounting for about 20 per cent of its new work. Brooks has also introduced a customer resource management tool that has resulted in significant business for the company.

“We want to really stay on the forefront of technology and customer service. The CRM we brought in was fantastic and has definitely taken us a step farther in the right direction,” he says.

That direction will lead Allied Metal Ltd to establish itself as the go-to precision sheet metal fabricators in the region, growing the business as it supports customers as they grow theirs. Even after 55 years in business, the management team continues to innovate and evolve the company with an eye to the future as it strives to becomes North America’s industry leader in precision sheet metal fabrication.

www.spectrumpowder.com

12-666 Goddard Ave NE Calgary, AB, T2K5X3 (403) 291-3511 www.alliedmetal.ca

Aero-Tech specializes in providing aluminum welding, stainless steel welding, skid fabrication, and custom fabrication services for industrial companies. In addition, we also offer welding repairs so whether a large project or small project look to us as your welding specialists.

SAFETY AND SERVICE

PUTS CITY WIDE TOWING ON TOP

When City Wide Towing started servicing Calgarians in 1963, it quickly became Calgary motorists’ first call after a break down or accident. In the 60 years that followed, City Wide expanded and grew beyond traditional automobile towing and roadside assistance, and today it offers a wide range of towing, equipment relocation and recovery services delivered by the largest fleet in Western Canada.

City Wide Towing started with a vision to grow and be the best in the industry. “It started small scale and has grown substantially over the past 60 years. As the industry and city have grown, so has the demand

for towing. We have continued to expand our fleet and leverage technology to meet the demands of our client base,” says Jeff Hribnak, Southern Alberta operations manager for City Wide Towing.

City Wide employs over 100 people who are dedicated to providing a professional and timely customer service experience out of the head office in Calgary along with a branch in Red Deer which became part of the group in 2017. Calgary houses a centralized dispatch and customer service office for all logistics within the province. City Wide’s customer service team and operators are available 24/7, 365 days of the year.

written by Rennay Craats | published by Brittany Fouquette

“City Wide Towing never shuts down. Each employee plays an integral part to providing ondemand service,” says Tanya Bigler, Customer Service manager for Alberta.

City Wide’s operators, customer service and dispatch staff undergo extensive training before they can independently assess transportation needs for clients to ensure exceptional service is delivered every time.

“Typically, when called upon, a motorist could be having one of their worst days. They are stressed to say the least, and the internal and external team here works hard to reduce as much of the chaos for them and get them back on their way or get their vehicle off the road so they and other motorists can move around safely,” says Ken Ruddock, president, Western Canada, for City Wide Towing.

City Wide strives to create a positive experience for everyone, fostering a culture of positivity, respect, safety, community involvement and personal and professional growth. This has attracted hardworking, upbeat people, and many employees have been helping the company grow through the decades.

“This incredible and hardworking team is committed to the overall success and legacy of City Wide Towing, showing up every day regardless of blizzards, flooding and every other crisis large or small, and always working hard to maintain longstanding client relationships it values with various industries: dealerships, autobody shops, roadside assistance, construction, equipment rental houses and a 30-year relationship with the City of Calgary and Royal Canadian Mounted Police,” says Bigler. “We are here to serve and without the team this would not be possible.”

all calls in the customer service centre. A strong, knowledgeable team of representatives provide clients with accurate solutions that will meet their requirements. In a bid to do their part environmentally, City Wide has transitioned to electronic invoicing which has reduced the company’s environmental footprint while expediting the client experience further.

A robust fleet of at least 55 units is on the road every day. City Wide’s dynamic fleet is comprised of light, medium-duty wreckers, parkade-specific units, single and dual axel flatbeds that support hauling or towing equipment between 10,000 and 25,000 pounds, and a tractor-trailer fleet that hauls items over 25,000 pounds including 40-foot shipping containers, fire engines, transit buses and agricultural equipment. Lastly, the company has heavy wreckers for lifting, hauling and recovery of various heavy units. Nothing is too obscure or unique for City Wide Towing to commit for their clients.

“I have even towed a sushi bar! Basically, if it fits on a deck and is not overweight, we can tow it. They can also tow two vehicles at a time, so we use them a lot for multi-vehicle accidents. We send a couple of trucks into a scene and tow as much as possible using fewer resources,” says Hribnak, referencing the heavy single deck fleet that is capable of towing two all-wheel drive vehicles from a single location.

To operate such a fleet, City Wide has a team of accomplished and professionally trained operators who are skilled in various aspects of towing, recovery and roadside assistance. Management teams strive to promote from within, encouraging and facilitating employee advancement by offering additional training, continued education or tuition

Ken Ruddock President, Western Canada

Photos by Brad in YYC Photography

Jeff Hribnak Operations Manager, Southern Alberta

Tanya Bigler Manager of Customer Service, Alberta

Norman Carrier Customer Service Floor Lead Alberta

benefits and peer mentorships. City Wide’s operators are consistently encouraged to grow their skillsets, whether that is cross-training or upgrading their classification of license to include Class 1 and Class 3 vehicles or working towards leadership positions.

“One would start training within the light fleet and then you could move into other positions within the company. You’re not limited if you are committed to learning. There’s room to grow within the company both in the field and in the office,” says Hribnak.

Every day, the goal is to pick up a client’s vehicle or equipment quickly and professionally while keeping safety top of mind for City Wide operators on the road. In March of 2017, a tow truck operator in Saskatchewan named Courtney Schaefer was killed after being hit by a car while working, and the industry used this tragedy to push for change. The “Slow Down Move Over” campaign aims to raise awareness about dangers emergency responders face at the side of major roads and to urge people to slow to 60 km/hr and move over a lane to give them room to do their job safely.

The campaign quickly spread across Canada. In Calgary, police, fire department, EMS and several towing companies including City Wide stage an event every March where they come together to line a stretch of Deerfoot Trail with emergency lights flashing to draw attention to the cause. It has been very effective and as of September 1, 2023 “Slow Down Move Over” will become part of Alberta legislation, backed by substantial fines, to deter speeding motorists and focus on keeping all responders safe.

“As part of the campaign, the Alberta government also allowed a trial of blue lights along with standard amber lights on tow trucks, and it is helping. It really catches people’s eyes,” explains Hribnak. “We may be a small industry, but we look out for one another. Everyone deserves a safe working environment and to go home at the end of the day.”

Caring for the communities they live and work in, City Wide donates time and towing to various local businesses, festivals and community events such as Calgary Folk Fest, Global Fest, MADD campaigns, marathons, charitable and non-profit organizations in assisting them with setting up their events. An example is the globally recognized Calgary Stampede in July, and “City Wide works for Calgary Exhibition & Stampede to ensure the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth runs efficiently behind the scenes,” says Bigler.

City Wide Towing has assisted when called upon during times of crisis and have demonstrated

Logistics

fortitude and skill for six decades to become the trusted name for over 60 years in various Alberta municipalities. The City Wide team is proud to offer support for local law enforcement agencies, everyday Albertans and travellers alike when in crisis to alleviate the stress and provide a dependable service as a community ally.

Remaining Alberta strong, City Wide Towing is humbled to celebrate 60 years serving Albertans.

Photos by Apex Media Works

DELIVERING WOW! for 30 Years

written by Rennay Craats | published by Melissa Mitchell photos by Riverwood Photography

While some destinies are etched in stone, Doug Lacey’s was chiseled in concrete. When he entered the concrete restoration business to combat musty, damp or leaking basement foundations in 1992 with his company, Protecrete Canada, he could never have imagined what it would become over the next 30 years.

“Doug started the company basically as a one-man crew and then evolved to basement systems when he got into the waterproofing side of it,” says Mike Aasen, general manager of Doug Lacey’s Basement Systems.

That one-person operation has since grown to support a staff of 30 employees who service southern Alberta residential property owners as well as occasionally insurance companies and structural engineers. It is the go-to company for clients from Ponoka down to the U.S. border and into British Columbia to the Saskatchewan border. What began as concrete repair quickly branched out to include waterproofing services, which brought a membership in the Basement Systems network and a name change to reflect the scope of the company’s services.

Doug Lacey’s Basement Systems | 30 Years

Doug Lacey, president & founder

In a short time, Doug Lacey established himself as one of the most esteemed and reputable dealers of Basement Systems’ waterproofing products and systems. This affiliation allowed the Doug Lacey’s team to bring customers the best patented, energy efficient products paired with best installation practices to all but ensure a successful resolution of a litany of issues.

“Our purpose is to redefine our industry as Alberta’s leaders in waterproofing and foundation repair,” says Zack Munir, president of Doug Lacey’s Basement Systems.

In its 30 years in business, the company has done just that. The team provides a custom solution to address any basement and crawl space problem, with expertise in foundation repair, basement waterproofing, sump pump installation, crawl space sealing and structural support, mold and rot control, French Drain and weeping tile installation and energy efficient dehumidifiers. The company has the ideal product and system for every problem and customizes the solutions to each situation. Technicians can recommend the drain system that is best suited to the foundation design, with WaterGuard Below-Floor Drains for conventional basement waterproofing, TrenchDrain Grated Drainage systems for diverting water from an outer entryway like a garage door or hatchway toward a perimeter drain, and a WaterGuard IOS Perimeter

Drain that addresses the special requirements if there is iron bacteria in the water.

The knowledgeable team assists clients with everything from small repairs to significant projects taking months. They recently responded to a call in Lethbridge about walls cracking upstairs only to find the house was sinking two inches on one side. Over the course of four weeks, the team gutted the basement in order to lift the home back to level to ensure there would be no further issues.

“They moved in a year and a half ago and weren’t expecting big issues,” says Aasen. “They were understandably upset but they were extremely happy with our service, and we got really good reviews from them.”

Doug Lacey’s Basement Systems professionals cover the gamut of basement problems and pride themselves on providing effective solutions that will keep a client’s finished or unfinished spaces in both new home builds and existing homes dry, all with as little disruption as possible. With the incredible team of waterproofers, foundation repair experts and basement remodelers who undergo significant and ongoing training, it’s easy for the company to confidently stand by its work.

“We are backed by a nation-wide warranty program for all of our customers. We are part of a 400-plus

Doug Lacey’s Basement

dealer support program across North America. That’s hundreds and hundreds of years’ experience between all of our dealers,” says Munir.

If the team encounters an unusual or particularly challenging situation, they can access the international Basement Systems Supportworks network for advice along with tested and proven techniques for handling these challenges. They have seen and done it all and its members stay on the cutting edge to make sure it stays that way. The vast and varied experience Doug Lacey’s has gotten from this network has made the company a leader in foundation repair and waterproofing and has established it as an expert in radon gas mitigation.

This odorless gas is found in properties across the country, with homes that have crawl spaces being at higher risk. Exposure to radon is dangerous, contributing to lung cancer-related deaths every year, and Doug Lacey’s takes mitigation seriously. As a member of the National Radon Defense network, Doug Lacey’s technicians receive extensive training to install radon mitigation systems to expel this dangerous gas. The team installs a sub-slab depressurization vent that is compatible with the existing waterproofing system in the house, and it collects the gas, pipes it upwards and forces it out of the house.

The team knows that finding dangerous gas, discovering a compromised foundation or coming upon a leak in a basement is stressful for customers so the company makes it as easy as possible for homeowners to find the help they need as affordably as possible. Customers can rest easily knowing they are in good hands with the Doug Lacey’s team. The professionals respond quickly to customers’ inquiries, provide a free inspection and estimate to let people know where they stand, and then offer easy-to-access financing options to eliminate the barriers that a lumpsum payment may present.

To add another level of confidence, all of the basement systems include lifetime warranties that are transferrable if customers should sell their home. Some of these systems require yearly checks to maintain the warranty, and the company’s knowledgeable 24hour service team is there to support customers with maintenance service as well as emergency response.

“We do the annual service after a system has been installed to ensure everything is in top-notch working order,” says Aasen. “If there is an emergency and something fails, our service department would be called out to quickly go and address the different scenarios for customers.”

The company was built on service and even as the company has grown and evolved, it has maintained that focus. It operates according to the company’s WOW! Service program that applies to all departments

throughout the company. Each area of the business has service expectations clearly laid out to ensure Doug Lacey’s vision for taking care of customers is met in every interaction. This program guides staff to exceed expectations through simple yet often overlooked practices such as introducing themselves, effectively communicating the proposed plan to customers, actively listening to clients to ensure their needs are met, and delivering even more than was promised or expected. The goal is a great customer experience on every job.

This guide creates a customer-first focus where calls are answered within two rings, staff smile and are friendly and polite, and the team follows up to ensure customers are satisfied and happy so they continue to be customers over the long term. No company is perfect, but the team strives to provide the best possible product and is accountable if something doesn’t go according to plan. It is this high level of service that has made Doug Lacey’s Basement Systems a benchmark in the field.

The WOW! Program isn’t limited to expectations towards Doug Lacey’s valued customers either; it outlines the path to a positive work environment for the staff through teamwork and respect. As a familyowned and operated business, the company treats all employees and customers with the same respect and consideration and thinks of them all as part of the

Lacey family. The WOW! standards are what keep staff engaged and happy, which is proven effective by the number of long-time employees nearing the 20-year employment milestone with the company.

“To be able to help more customers in southern Alberta is our number one goal. We just need to keep focused on what we’re good at as we’re expanding in that role. Focusing on our employees will get a return from our customers. If we take good care of our employees they will take care of our customers,” says Aasen.

They have succeeded with that goal on all levels. Doug Lacey’s Basement Systems has received accolades for service and quality for decades, and the fact that customers take the time to cast their vote for the company shows the management team that they are on the right path. From being named Silver and Platinum winners in the Best Home Improvements & Renovations category by Community Votes Calgary over the past few years to recognition as a “Rising Star Dealer” by National Radon Defense, Doug Lacey’s is proud to be recognized by the industry and consumers alike.

While awards are appreciated, the team isn’t sitting on its laurels. hey continue pushing to do better to create the best possible experience for clients and staff, thus earning their position among the top of the industry.

“We need to keep innovating, learning and leading to provide solutions to our customers. And we need to continue with Doug’s vision and keeping with the family dynamic. Even though we’re growing the business and it’s non-stop changing, we still want to emphasize the family focus,” says Aasen.

That family focus extends beyond the company, and Doug Lacey’s Basement Systems proudly gives back to the community through everything from sponsoring the Junior A hockey team in Okotoks to supporting employees’ children’s activities. Being a rodeo family, the Laceys are also thrilled to sponsor a talented upand-coming 13-year-old bull rider and bareback and saddle bronc rider named Gavin.

For 30 years, Doug Lacey’s Basement Systems has been a fixture in the industry and the community, and the team looks forward to continuing to deliver WOW! to its southern Alberta customers for another 30.

Doug Lacey’s Basement

BLUE RIDGE MASTERS THE ART OF EXCAVATION

written by Rennay Craats | published by Courtney Lovgren

Damon Grover, Garth Bates and Neil Bates.

Photo by Riverwood photography.

From humble beginnings come great things, and that was certainly the case for Neil Bates. For the past 45 years he has grown Blue Ridge Excavating from a one-person outfit operating out of his home to a thriving business with 31 highly skilled employees, a stable of talented subcontractors and an impressive fleet of heavy equipment. The Blue Ridge team works hard to exceed expectations as it grows, delivering everything their clients need to keep their projects moving forward. Over the decades, the business has seen the best and worst of times and has managed to come out the other side stronger.

“We had a few good years to start and then 1982 came. That was an ugly year. We had five builders go broke in one month. Every bit of cash flow we had saved to get ahead we used. It was tough,” says Neil Bates, founder of Blue Ridge Excavating.

As is always the case, the ebb turned to flow and the economy picked up again, allowing Neil to focus on building the business and expanding its services. His son, Garth, grew up around the business and would “supervise” from the back seat of the track loader where he’d nap while his dad worked. Now Neil works shoulder-toshoulder with his son and his son-in-law, Damon Grover, watching proudly as the next generation builds on what he created to make it even better.

“There’s not a lot of family-run companies in our industry that can make the jump to that second and third generation. We’ve been really lucky,” says Damon Grover, co-owner of Blue Ridge Excavating.

In reality, luck had nothing to do with it. Neil established the framework for a successful business that had room to grow, and he has staffed it carefully with a team that is as committed to service and quality as he is to allow that business to flourish. He is proud of the long-time employees, some with close to 30 years with the company,

Photo by Riverwood photography

Blue Ridge Excavating

who mentor the talented young recruits, so the company remains successful moving forward. This year, the family business welcomes its third generation when Damon’s daughter joins the team as a summer student. The “family” in the family business encompasses more than just the Bates and Grover clans; the entire Blue Ridge staff is considered part of the family, too. The CORcertified company does all it can to keep this family happy and safe at work, and it defers to a safety consultant who manages the program to ensure all rules are followed and that safety policies are in place.

Blue Ridge has earned its great safety record as its team provides comprehensive excavation services to a variety of long-time commercial and residential clients. The well-trained team ensures that the grading is correct, the structure is in the right location on the lot and addresses any drainage issues before construction starts. The company is also a great resource for clients looking to add construction components to the property, from rock retaining walls to riding rings to accent or irrigation ponds.

“But really, the meat and potatoes of the business is residential in the city and surrounding areas. We work as far as Airdrie down to Okotoks and High River and then from Chestermere to Canmore,” says Damon.

Residential projects make up the lion’s share of Blue Ridge’s workload, and beyond excavation and backfilling, the services have evolved to include quick trench and compaction services as well. When the project is done, the company provides clients with grading certificates to show that the work complies with Calgary bylaws.

Photo by Riverwood photography

Photo by Riverwood photography

Photo courtesy of Finning

403-257-6444 |

recycling, constructs both private access and paved roads and builds graveled or paved parking lots. Blue Ridge recently participated in its biggest project yet: building a parkade by digging out a 24-foot-deep space that spanned a half-city block. No matter the project, Blue Ridge prides itself on providing innovative and effective solutions and

The company works closely with major builders and contractors and those strong, decades-long relationships have helped build all aspects of the business. The family has no interest in being the biggest; they have focused on measured, organic growth as a means to better serve its client base.

“We’re at the point now where we are still able to have that personal touch with our customers and our employees. If we get much bigger, we’ll lose that connection. It’s a fine balance,” says Garth Bates, co-owner of Blue Ridge Excavating.

The company has found a great balance, maintaining its high service levels while growing with the times. Blue Ridge has invested significantly in technology and equipment over the past few years. The ownership team has upgraded and expanded the fleet as one-size-fits-all excavators just don’t meet the needs of an evolving industry. The machines are technologically enhanced as well, and Blue Ridge uses lasers on graders for more accurate leveling as well as technology on excavators to help make basement digs faster, more accurate and safer.

The company also makes employees’ phones a powerful work tool by becoming an early adopter of a locally created software called Nektar. This app is now helping more than 200 companies in Calgary more easily manage their businesses.

“We’ve been able to automate our timeslips, all of our inspections, all of our safety forms are all right in the app on everybody’s phone. It’s been really great,” says Damon.

A sincere congratulations to Blue Ridge Excavating on achieving the milestone of 45 successful years in business throughout the Calgary area! We look forward to continuing to support you for all your work truck sales, service, parts, and repair needs.

Photo courtesy of Finning

The management team is finding new, modern ways to enhance the business without compromising the personal connections that have kept clients coming back for 45 years. As the second and third generations carry on Neil’s legacy of hard work and service, the company will continue to deliver the high-quality results clients have come to expect from Blue Ridge Excavating.

Photo courtesy of Finning

The Calgary Chamber exists to help businesses thrive. As the convenor and catalyst for a vibrant, inclusive and prosperous business community, the Chamber works to build strength and resilience among its members and position Calgary as a magnet for talent, diversification and opportunity. As an independent, non-profit, non-partisan organization, we build on our 132year history to serve and advocate for businesses of all sizes, in all sectors and across the city.

Supporting a Vibrant Downtown Through Transportation

Transportation plays a pivotal role in Calgary’s downtown landscape, impacting work commutes, cultural exchange and economic growth. From leisurely walks and invigorating bike rides along the city’s extensive pathways to having an efficient public transit system, transportation choices shape the connectedness, experiences and opportunities that downtown Calgary has to offer. The Calgary Chamber is dedicated to advocating for vibrancy and transportation enhancements, recognizing these factors are essential in facilitating commerce.

DOWNTOWN VIBRANCY

Downtown vibrancy in Calgary encapsulates the energetic and thriving atmosphere that defines the heart of the city. It is a dynamic centre where diverse cultures, bustling businesses and vibrant events converge, creating excitement and vitality. Transportation plays a critical role in fostering connectedness within Calgary’s downtown. The city has a variety of transportation options including buses, trains and pathways that work to enable movement and connectivity between city quadrants and downtown. Transportation

allows residents and visitors to explore different neighbourhoods, engage in cultural activities and connect with various communities. Feeling connected to Calgary’s downtown is crucial as it creates opportunities for economic exchange, a sense of belonging and community engagement. When people feel connected, they are more likely to participate in local events, support local businesses and contribute to the community. By supporting a diversity of transportation options across Calgary and the downtown core, the city can stimulate economic growth, attracting people, businesses and investments.

Additionally, when our downtown is thriving with arts, entertainment, sports and cultural events, it becomes an appealing destination for skilled professionals seeking new opportunities. By creating an attractive city, Calgary can effectively compete in the global talent market and retain local talent, fostering a robust and skilled workforce. Ultimately, by investing in the attractiveness and vibrancy of downtown Calgary, the business community can attract and retain the talent it desperately needs, fueling economic prosperity and securing a thriving future for the city.

LEVERAGING TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS

Calgary offers a diverse range of transportation options that cater to the needs of its residents and visitors. Walking and cycling are popular choices, with Calgary boasting the largest pathway network in North America, comprising over 1,000 kilometres of pathways. Additionally, the city’s public transit system is anchored by an expanding C-Train, coupled with its bus network. However, as Calgary’s population is growing and its borders expanding, it is important to acknowledge the need for growth and innovation in order to maintain Calgary as a leader in transportation. Governments’ investment in the Green Line LRT is step forward. However, there are challenges and limitations around the availability and safety of transportation options, which must be accounted for.

One significant challenge is the availability and cost of parking. Calgary is the third most expensive city for parking in North America, with an average monthly cost of $366 for a parking stall. This scarcity of parking spots can create inconvenience and frustration for residents, workers and visitors who rely on private

vehicles. Adequate transit infrastructure could be part of the solution but presently, multiple areas have limited coverage and frequency, making it difficult for individuals to rely solely on public transportation for their daily commute. Further, Calgary’s winter weather poses additional limitations: snow, ice and extreme cold temperatures can impact road conditions, making a commute more challenging, particularly for cyclists and pedestrians. Safety concerns are also prominent, as indicated by the Calgary Police Service’s 2022 third quarter data, which showed a rise of 5.5 per cent in violent crimes and 1.2 per cent in property crimes within the city over the past five years. A poll commissioned by Alberta Municipalities further reveals that 61 per cent of respondents believed crime in their area was increasing. Safety concerns can deter individuals from using certain modes of transportation or accessing specific areas, impacting mobility and transportation experience.

Transportation directly impacts a businesses’ success and growth. An efficient transportation system, including a well-connected public transit network, shared spaces and affordable parking options, enhances accessibility for

employees and customers alike. It reduces commuting stress, attracts talent to the city and promotes a vibrant downtown, driving economic activity. By investing in transportation options, businesses can benefit from increased foot traffic, improved customer satisfaction and a stronger sense of community engagement. While Calgary’s transportation options are not perfect, several unique opportunities exist to better our systems.

UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY

Amidst the challenges, Calgary has unique opportunities to enhance transportation options and further attract people to spend more time downtown. One such opportunity lies in the concept of shared spaces, which entails a program enabling merchants and community groups to utilize sidewalks, streets, as well as other adjacent public spaces like parks, parking lots and plazas for various neighborhood, commercial and cultural activities. Reducing red tape to allow for the repurposing of underutilized spaces for parking could provide alternative revenue while maximizing land use efficiency. Calgary can create vibrant and inviting environments that encourage social interaction, support local businesses, keep costs low and prioritize the wellbeing of pedestrians and cyclists all at once.

Another significant opportunity lies in the ongoing investment in the Green Line, Calgary’s major public transit expansion project. This initiative will enhance accessibility and connectivity across the city, enabling more efficient movement between quadrants and downtown. Additionally, the expansion of fare-free zones could make public transit more affordable and appealing, encouraging people to choose public transportation over driving.

Ride-sharing platforms present yet another opportunity. By embracing innovative ride-sharing services, Calgary can offer convenient transportation options for short and long trips alike. These services can complement existing public transit options and provide flexibility for individuals who prefer not to own a car or solely rely on public transportation. Designating more carpooling lanes and implementing programs that incentivize carpooling can also contribute to reducing traffic congestion and promoting a more sustainable transportation system. Platforms like Communauto, which offer shared vehicle services, provides flexible transportation solutions for residents and visitors alike, minimizing the need for private car ownership.

These unique opportunities in transportation options tie back to incentivizing people to spend more time downtown. By leveraging and expanding these options, Calgary can create a vibrant and accessible downtown experience. It allows individuals to easily navigate the city, enjoy a range of activities and amenities and connect with different communities. With key infrastructure investments like the Event Centre and Entertainment District, the expansion of transportation must also be recognized. Combined, investments in building and transportation infrastructure like Calgary’s Green Line, further amplifies the city’s potential, providing a platform for cultural enrichment, economic stimulation and community engagement all the while promoting accessibility and ease of transport for Calgarians.

Emphasizing shared spaces, carpooling, Communauto, the Green Line, affordable parking and ride-sharing not only support transportation challenges but also contribute to enhancing the overall appeal of downtown Calgary. These options provide convenience, affordability, sustainability and flexibility, making downtown a desirable destination for both residents and visitors, ultimately fostering a thriving and connected urban environment.

PATH AHEAD

The transportation landscape in Calgary plays a crucial role in the overall livability, economic vitality and attractiveness of the city. It is essential for individuals to have convenient and accessible transportation options to navigate their daily lives and connect with different areas of the city. By addressing transportation challenges such as the cost of parking, lack of transit infrastructure, winter weather limitations and safety concerns, Calgary can create a more seamless and efficient transportation experience for its residents and visitors.

Ultimately, transportation in Calgary is about fostering a thriving and inclusive city. By addressing challenges, embracing unique opportunities and creating a robust transportation ecosystem, Calgary can enhance its appeal, improve quality of life and build a sustainable future for residents and businesses alike.

The Calgary Chamber is committed to representing businesses of every size and sector across the city, advocating for your interests on critical matters.

McKenzie Meadows Golf Tip: The Successful Golf Shot –50% Swing, 50% Alignment

BY SCOTT ORBAN, PGA EXECUTIVE PROFESSIONAL, MCKENZIE MEADOWS GOLF CLUB

One of the most important aspects of a playing lesson is showing golfers whether they are physically aligned to the intended target. Golfers are immediately shocked to learn where they are physically aimed in comparison to where they think they are aimed (mental alignment).

Golfers are busy working on the golf swing with this move and that move, with little to no consideration of their target. Does it make sense that if you had a perfect golf swing but are not aligned properly to the target, the ball would not fly there?

If you are working on your swing without putting in the work on alignment, you will not take your golf swing from the range to the golf course. When you work on your target alignment, you learn to coordinate your swing to fit this proper alignment. Fitting your golf swing to the physics of proper target alignment allows you to maximize your ball striking ability and become a more proficient player.

To be physically aligned, you must define a target line through the ball to the intended target, set the clubface squarely on the target line, and align your bodylines parallel to this imaginary target line. Bodyline includes the feet/ stance, knees, hips, arms and shoulders, and all must be square or parallel to the target line.

The mental alignment is how you have trained your brain to accept where your golf shot will go the majority of the time. For example, most of us know our tendency to hit the ball right or left of our target. If a right-handed golfer tends to slice the ball to the right, this becomes the mental target/ alignment. The physical alignment will be to the left to compensate. When this happens, the golfer will be plagued with inconsistency, while developing a poor shot shape and also a poor mental target/alignment.

A professional golfer has excellent physical alignment. They have learned and trained their swing to work in concert with this alignment, leading to coordination, familiarization and eventually confidence. This confidence soars when the mental alignment matches the physical alignment.

We want to play the same clubs as the pros! Play the same balls as the pros! So why not train like the pros?

The pro golfer is religiously training their perception of proper alignment for every shot by:

1) Defining a target line (from behind the ball to the target).

2) Setting the clubface in a square position to the target.

3) Setting the bodyline parallel to the target line.

4) Learning to swing from this position to train and coordinate themself.

5) Working toward having the physical and mental target match so as to play with confidence and conviction.

6) Understanding their ball flight shape and the influences of a lie, thus allowing for adjustments of their physical alignment to fit the situation for each shot.

HTTPS://WWW.MCKENZIEMEADOWS.COM/ACADEMY/GOLF-TIPS

THIS GOLFER’S OPEN STANCE PROMOTES AN ERRATIC BALL FLIGHT AS SHOWN.

LIMITED MEMBERSHIPS

Membership has never been more exciting

Our brand new state-of-the-art Clubhouse will be opening its doors in June and from the moment you step inside, you’ll be met with unparalleled service that will elevate your member experience to new heights.

Mickelson National Golf Club welcomes you. Our 18-hole championship course has been meticulously designed to enhance both the challenge of play and the natural beauty of the area. Each hole is a unique destination, offering expansive views of Alberta’s endless skies and majestic mountains. Mickelson National Golf Club is proud to be ranked #20 on the SCOREGolf Top 100 couses in Canada list for 2022.

Through the groundbreaking technology of LaunchPad Golf and Canada’s largest putting course, The Crater, Mickelson National has cultivated its own unique lifestyle beyond the course.

It’s more than just a golf course. We’ve created a community, a lifestyle, and a legacy. Our Club is a place where friends and family can come together and make lifelong memories.

Explore our little piece of paradise today! To learn more about our various membership options and to tour our facilities, please contact our Membership Director, Jag D. Sahota, at memberships@mickelsonnational.com

MICKELSONNATIONAL.COM

34122 EAST HARMONY TRAIL, ROCKY VIEW COUNTY

Parker’s Pen

BY DAVID PARKER

The voice of the people was heard and listened to, thank goodness, as the decision to ban fireworks was reversed by the City.

Never heard of Common Sense Calgary but it’s a good name for a group of people obviously fed up – like I am –with the nonsense in being far too sensitive in trying to address cultural, community and environmental effects like celebrating our Canada Day.

Let me say from my long association with our Chinese community, they love fireworks.

I was privileged to attend the ceremony in Daqing, Northern China, when a road was renamed Calgary Avenue. I was standing next to the man whose job it was – seemed dangerous to me – to hold a long pole studded with firecrackers. When they went off, he was forced to jump up and down with the force.

But the people loved it.

And we can thank Wayne Chiu, founder of the Trico Group of Companies, for his many years of support of the Globalfest – guess what – dubbed as an international fireworks festival.

It was a long provincial election but thank goodness it’s all over with.

It was certainly the cause of yet another of my gripes about unwanted messages invading my precious time. One could certainly tell how scared the UCP was in this city because during the last couple of weeks before voting I was called with ‘personal’ messages from the Premier at least once and sometimes twice a day.

Recordings ignored but add several text messages and emails to urge me to vote, and it became quite annoying.

I’d heard that some developers – out of towners – were holding off on investment decisions until after the election.

But good to see that local investors kept their confidence. Like ATCO that is spending a lot of money to totally renovate its two-tower complex on the corner of 11 Avenue and 8 Street S.W. And keeping it as high-class office space with all the amenities that attract tenants today.

Also watch for a development by Ronmor Holdings of its full city block of land it owns across from where the new Calgary Event Centre will be built.

On my map there is only one small Rocky View County space left separating Calgary from Airdrie. And that city is encroaching farther south towards that line with a massive development by Vesta Properties.

Just below the under construction QEII overpass at 40 Avenue, the Langley, B.C.-based company is well underway with of its South Point Village master-planned residential development that will showcase 617 new homes. Dirt is also being moved between the homes and the QEII for its additional 50 acres to provide a retail, restaurant alley and auto mall hub that will be a destination for people from a wide area.

Stampede is just around the corner, and we should all get down to the grounds and have a great time.

But don’t succumb to gluttony.

Thoughts of walking the midway remind me of those awful contests of seeing how many hot dogs one could eat before throwing up.

Eat and drink responsibly and healthily.

Final Words

One whiskey is good for you, two are too many, three are never enough.

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