September 2013 Business in Calgary by Business in Calgary

Jim Dewald:

Leading

Corporate Fitness & Health

Battling Workplace Myths, Stigmas and Stereotypes oil & Gas - Drilling

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Fall 2013 • Page 63

NEWS

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Contents PUBLISHERS

Volume 23 • Number 9

On our cover…

Pat Ottmann & Tim Ottmann

Jim Dewald, dean of the Haskayne School of Business

EDITOR

John Hardy

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THIS ISSUE’S CONTRIBUTORS

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Oil & Gas - Drilling

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Fall 2013 • Page 63

NEWS

117

DIRECTORS OF CUSTOM PUBLISHING

Bernie Cooke bernie@businessincalgary.com Kim Hogan kim@businessincalgary.com

Brent Trimming brent@businessincalgary.com Carla Wright carla@businessincalgary.com Evelyn Dehner evelyn@businessincalgary.com Renee Neil renee@businessincalgary.com Bobbi Joan O’Neil bobbi@businessincalgary.com

Corporate Fitness & Health

Battling Workplace Myths, Stigmas and Stereotypes

PHOTOGRAPHY

Cover photo courtesy of Ewan Nicholson Photography Inc.

Jim Dewald:

Colleen Wallace Heather Ramsay Parker Grant Nerissa McNaughton Mike Duffield Andrea Mendizabal

Calgary’s Commercial Real Estate Boom

COVER 53 • Jim Dewald: Leading the Leaders

“I love it when students shoot high and want to change the world.” By John Hardy

THIS MONTH’S FEATURES 30 • The Big Business of Calgary Small Business By Colleen Wallace

41 • The Immigration Solution for a Domestic Problem

As our shortage of labour continues to be an issue in Alberta, immigration emerges as a solution. By Nerissa McNaughton

Find us online! Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to circulation dept. 1025 101 6th Ave. SW Calgary, AB T2P 3P4 info@businessincalgary.com

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www.businessincalgary.com 6 • September 2013 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

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Contents

Volume 23 • Number 9

THIS MONTH’S FEATURES (CONTINUED) 48 • Oil on the Move – The Industry Reacts to the energy east Pipeline

TransCanada Corporation’s Energy East pipeline project is welcomed – and cautioned – by those in the know By Nerissa McNaughton

58 • Calgary’s Commercial Real Estate Boom Calgary’s commercial real estate vacancy rates are the lowest in Canada By Parker Grant

81 • Battling Workplace Myths, Stigmas and Stereotypes Workplace depression is an illness, not a weakness By John Hardy

87 • The Facts of Fracking The drilling industry gets proactive By Parker Grant

94 • End-of-Season Secrets

Some Suburban Golfers have Grass Envy By John Hardy

100 • Gaining Momentum

Calgary continues to lead in the residential real estate market and with ongoing net migration and a broader cross section of housing choices, experts anticipate the market will continue to be robust By Heather Ramsay

116 • Meetings, Resorts, and Retreats

BOMA 63 • Calgary News - Fall 2013

41 REGULAR COLUMNS

COMPANY PROFILES 74 • SerVantage 10th Anniversary

98 • Style-Craft Printing Celebrates 50 Years!

105 • Canyon Plumbing & Heating 35 Years Young

10 • Billionaires Against Pipelines By Richard Bronstein

12 • The Energy East Pipeline By Frank Atkins

14 • Rudimentary Flood Analysis from a Retired accountant By Lonnie Tate

117 • Leading Business 121 • The Calgary Report

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

126 • Marketing Matters By David Parker

8 • September 2013 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

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Billionaires against Pipelines • Richard Bronstein

Billionaires against Pipelines By RiCHaRD BRonSTein

would love to meet Tom Steyer. He is a billionaire from California who made his money as a hedge fund manager. It would be interesting to know how a man who made so much money can be such an intellectual clown. Steyer may not be a household name but he is rather important because he is personally financing a very slick campaign to prevent approval of TransCanada’s XL pipeline proposal to ship nearly one million barrels daily of Alberta oilsands bitumen to the U.S. Gulf Coast. His latest folly came a few weeks ago when an anti-XL pipeline television commercial was refused airtime on a Washington, D.C. station because it was so blatantly offensive and packed with scurrilous misinformation. But that seems to be the way of his organization and anti-pipeline opponents in general – to spread fear, lies and propaganda. I understand that some of these people are sincere in their beliefs that continued large-scale petroleum extraction projects are not good for the health of the planet. Surely though, if any of them have an adult brain in their body, they have to realize that constantly shouting that ‘we’re all going to die’ makes people stop listening after a while. I don’t have a horse in this race so it doesn’t really matter to me if the XL pipeline gets built or not. Over all I would prefer if governments and industry all around the world would take the issue of greenhouse gas emissions more seriously than we are doing today. But is the XL pipeline really the tipping point that will destroy all life on earth as billionaire Tom Steyer and his acolytes believe? The latest figures I have seen from the U.S. Energy Information Administration show that world carbon dioxide emissions grew 48 per cent between 1992 (the year of the first Rio summit on climate change) and 2010 to a total of 31,780 million metric tons (mmt). Canada’s emissions grew by 13 per cent. The top emitter is China (8,320 mmt), followed by the U.S. (5,610 mmt), the Middle East (1,785 mmt), India (1,695 mmt) and Russia (1,633 mmt). The rest of the world is relative pipsqueaks. Canada is the no. 9 emitter with 548 mmt while 10 • September 2013 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

Iran has shot up from 21st place to eighth at 560 mmt. For environmentalists to focus their exuberance only on the XL pipeline while ignoring the really big polluters (the top five produce 60 per cent of all global carbon dioxide emissions) is to really not see the 500-pound gorilla in the room. So the rage over XL cannot really be about greenhouse gases. It is about U.S. domestic politics – a sort of attempted coup by the left of the Democratic party to seize the American political agenda. Which is not necessarily a bad thing if in the big picture there could also be policies to rebalance social and economic equality in America. But I have a pretty certain feeling that stopping one pipeline is not going to suddenly transform America into a new social Utopia. All that will happen if XL is not built is that jobs and investment in the U.S. and Canada will be diminished. Not one Torontonian will give up his car, and we’ll be fuelling our SUVs and planes from such caring countries as Iran and Saudi Arabia. The pity is we are contributors to this mess because neither the Chrétien nor the Harper governments had the leadership skills and courage to seriously embrace effective climate change strategies. Successive Alberta governments have also been missing in action. Strategies to reduce dependence on fossil fuels are full of risks. If we had only made sincere baby steps in the 1990s, we might have found the path by now. Instead we zigged and zagged and did pretty well everything we could to skirt around the main issues. Now the problems are even greater, the risks even higher and we still have no plan or program. Because we are collective environmental laggards, XL is at risk and Northern Gateway is at risk. I would even hazard that the newly proposed west-to-east Canadian line is not a slam-dunk either because we have yet to hear from the downtown Toronto crowd. They are not going to be silent – I guarantee you. The only reason California billionaire Tom Steyer’s campaign to stop the XL pipeline might succeed is at least partly our fault because we gave him the stage. Sometimes what you don’t do can come back to haunt you. BiC

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The Energy East Pipeline • Frank Atkins

The energy east Pipeline By FRanK aTKinS

ere is what I consider to be an interesting observation on the anti-oil movement. They have claimed for years that all oil is toxic, and oilsands oil is the worst of all petroleum products. Now they are claiming that people (meaning us) are realizing that what they call a green economy is where all the prosperity lies. Therefore, if you are not on the green economy bandwagon, you are missing out on this green revolution. The problem with these sorts of statements is that they bear no relation to the economic realities of the world. The demand for oil shows no sign of going away, and most of the artificial attempts to develop

The environmental lobby keeps objecting to these pipelines, while not connecting the fact that the reason we want to construct pipelines is that there is an increased demand for oil in the world.

green economics have resulted in very costly failures. Part of the issue with the economic recovery of the European Union is that that they have invested so much money into failed green initiatives that the economy cannot recover in any traditional manner. Of course, the green revolution precludes pipelines. The problem is that, in spite of this green revolution, the world seems to demand Alberta oil, and we keep trying to meet this

demand by proposing pipelines. The environmental lobby keeps objecting to these pipelines, while not connecting the fact that the reason we want to construct pipelines is that there is an increased demand for oil in the world. The latest proposal is TransCanada’s Energy East pipeline. This is a plan for a 4,400-kilometre pipeline to ship Alberta oil to refineries Eastern Canada. This will result in many economic benefits across Canada. There will be local pockets of construction as portions of gas pipeline are converted for oil transport and, of course there will be areas of all new pipeline construction. The pipeline material is constructed in Ontario, which will help the Ontario manufacturing sector. The major benefit to Alberta will be that we will get to move our oil to a different market. I would be willing to bet that this will create more jobs than all of the green initiatives have created so far in all of Canada. Of course, the antioil lobby immediately objected to the Energy East proposal. Apparently we are too naive to see that this does not fit into the green revolution. It seems fairly clear, at least to me, that the anti-oil people have actually contributed to the development of this new pipeline. The Obama administration has pandered to the environmentalists by continuing to dither on approval of the Keystone XL pipeline. The environmental lobby, with some help from the British Columbia government, has delayed the Northern Gateway pipeline. We need to get our oil to market, so now we are going to ship it east. Here is an interesting possibility. There are plans for a marine terminal in New Brunswick, which would allow for overseas shipment of Alberta oil. Therefore, you could imagine a scenario under which Alberta oil is shipped from the East Coast to, say Louisiana, where it could be shipped by pipeline to the refineries that would have received Alberta oil from the Keystone XL pipeline. Clearly this is more costly than shipping via the not-yet-approved Keystone XL pipeline, but at least it will get to the refineries. Apparently the green revolution failed to predict this job-creating initiative. BiC FRANK ATKINS IS AN ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF ECONOMICS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY.

12 • September 2013 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

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Rudimentary Flood Analysis from a Retired Accountant • Lonnie Tate

Rudimentary Flood analysis By Lonnie TaTe

from a Retired Accountant

ll of us are aware of the 2013 Calgary floods. All of us have heard a hundred different amateur solutions to fixing our “flood problem.” I have not seen a common-sense analysis of the underlying facts, so let me give it a try. I’ll stick to the Elbow River because it affects my golf course, a bunch of my friends and me. Some river facts. The Elbow River is 120 kilometres long and drops about 900 metres from its headwaters until it meets the Bow River. On an average day (whatever that means) between 70 and 80 per cent of the flow is glacial and snow melt; the rest is rainfall. The river drains a basin of some 1,200 square kilometres and about 550,000 of us drink it every day. Some Glenmore Dam facts. The dam is one of the heaviest dams in North America. It relies on its weight to keep its reservoir at bay. It covers a little less than four square kilometres and has an average depth of six metres. Its principal purpose is for drinking water with some limited capability to control water flow below the dam. My observations. Whatever rain happens in the catchment basin arrives at Glenmore Dam in pretty short order. A drop of 900 metres is 7.5 metres a kilometre, so there is not much holding the water back. The basin is a pretty rocky place so not much is absorbed when it rains. When it snows, it sticks; only to come down when the temperature rises or it rains on top of the snow. Within my experience, the Glencoe Golf and Country Club has flooded four times in the last 18 years. Sometimes worse than others; 2013 being a catastrophe. The club’s management tells the members the damages for 2013 are in the range of $4,600,000. Money aside, there is a message here – it seems likely that some sort of serious flooding is going to happen every five years or so. Those facts are solid. I’ve read less solid evidence that says that our climate is changing and we may be reverting 14 • September 2013 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

to a climate more like 100 to 150 years ago. I’m not getting into all the global warning stuff. But trend analysis and an understanding of our region’s climatic history has most experts predicting more of the same (like the last 20 years). So what does it all mean? We know the Elbow River basin received a ton of rain in the two or three days prior to the flood. Reports are varied but it is probable that 200 millimetres of rain fell over the entire basin. No one can accurately measure the effect that the rain had on the snowpack in the mountains, but the people of Canmore (different river basin) can tell you it was huge. Let’s just say 200 millimetres of rain released another 100 millimetres of snow melt. So in my amateur analysis, 300 millimetres of water was going to arrive at little Glenmore Dam within a couple of days. You do the math. Glenmore Dam’s capacity is 24,000,000 cubic metres. The added run-off (over a three-day period) was about 400 square-kilometres/metres or 400,000,000 cubic metres. Now the water was going to spread out over floodplains, but I’m here to tell you, a lot arrived at the dam and would not be held back. There was going to be serious flooding below the dam (and for that matter everywhere); and of course, there was. The magnitude for potential water buildup in the catchment basin versus capacity to retain it is staggering. We can’t dredge enough out of Glenmore Dam or build more dams or send the water elsewhere. The picture for the Bow River basin isn’t any better. Bigger river; bigger basin; same imbalance. This all seems pretty gloomy … but I think it is reality. The size of the imbalance between rainfall and snow melt and capacity to handle the run-off is insurmountable. That means we have to plan for these significant events and start rethinking our approaches so that the inevitable outcomes are less severe. Put another way, if you live below Glenmore Dam, don’t build in your basement … it is going to flood again. BiC

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BUILDEX 2013 As Calgary’s premier B2B event of its kind, BUILDEX welcomes 4,000-plus industry attendees, over 225 exhibitors and hosts 35-plus CEU-accredited professional seminars. Taking place November 5-6, 2013 at the BMO Centre at Stampede Park, this annual trade show and conference has everything related to property management, architecture, interior design, construction and renovation. This year’s BUILDEX has several new elements, including Workplace 20/20. In partnership with Steelcase and Teknion, as well as local dealers and designers, this feature area on the show floor will showcase specially designed commercial office spaces to reflect the ever-changing needs of society. The design teams will consider the work environment holistically, including transportation needs, employee interaction and translating company brand into the workplace.

This year’s BUILDEX has several new elements, including Workplace 20/20, (which) will showcase specially designed commercial ofﬁce spaces to reﬂect the ever-changing needs of society.

Above photos by BrettGilmour.com 16 • September 2013 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

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Complementing the feature is a keynote panel presentation on the morning of Tuesday, November 5. Attendees will hear from several internationally recognized leaders in the office design industry on how they are building the workplace of the future, today. Learn how they are creating efficient, safe and smart spaces, and how the workplace is about more than just function. There are several other new initiatives for 2013 including an industry association area that will provide great networking opportunities for professionals from all walks of industry. There will also be a 10-company pavilion from the B.C. Wood Specialties Group highlighting some of the best that B.C. companies have to offer for wood construction. And, returning to BUILDEX will be a heavy-equipment area showing several pieces of large-scale equipment used on job sites across the province. This will all be presented across a redesigned trade show floor. This year’s conference program contains industry content related to the flooding, the recovery efforts and planning to avoid future disasters. The architectural keynote panel, “Venice on the Bow: Rebuilding Calgary After the Flood” and “Crises Communication: Managing the Risk,” are some examples. Other seminar highlights include LED Lighting; Women in Construction; Colour Trends 2013/14 for Professionals by Fawn Chang; and professional development seminars from Court Stevens and Kevin Lust. Annual highlights also include 400-plus construction professionals enjoying the Calgary Construction Association Breakfast to open the first day, plus the Real Estate Market Outlook for Calgary, and the Industry Meet and Greet Reception at the end of the first day. For updates and to register, visit www.buildexcalgary.com. BiC

AirSprint Announces Newly Structured Fractional Ownership Solutions

Chris Richer, president of AirSprint.

“We wanted to ensure that AirSprint’s product offerings remain responsive to the demands of the market and relevant in a very competitive environment.” ~ Chris Richer Certainty is more important than ever to business leaders and entrepreneurs. AirSprint, a private aviation company with offices in both Canada and the U.S., has restructured its fractional programs making it possible to offer clients more certainty, flexibility and value than traditional charter and management companies. The programs have been designed to allow clients to be in control of their capital and to receive the greatest possible experience from their investment in private aviation. AirSprint’s flexible program offerings make the benefits of fractional ownership more attainable than ever. “We wanted to ensure that AirSprint’s product offerings remain responsive to the demands of the market and relevant in a very competitive environment,” says AirSprint president, Chris Richer. AirSprint has taken a unique approach among fractional companies in North

18 • September 2013 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

America by offering certainty to clients choosing private air travel. A common barrier to accessing the premium service and safety benefits associated with fractional private aviation is the capital depreciation risk that is usually taken on by clients. AirSprint now offers a guaranteed rate of depreciation on the value of its fractional interests, complemented by a zero capital entry option for those clients who wish to avoid capital costs. These options are available in both the Citation CJ2+ and the Citation XL/S jets. Clients are only invoiced at the time of their flight; based on occupied hours in the aircraft. AirSprint also restructured the monthly management fee to an annual management fee. AirSprint believes clients will benefit from the consistency and reliability of aircraft, access, cost and service. BiC

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Borger Group of Companies Introduces Respect in the WorkplaceTM

President of Borger Group of Companies, Bill Borger; Superintendent, Terry Apuzza; and Foreman, Salah Hammoud and crew in Cityscape in North Calgary. Left to right: Gordon Moore, Tarek Thayra, Jamil Elrafih, Salah Hammoud, Austin Mackay, Terry Apuzza, Mohamad Jabr, Ghassan Darwiche, Bill Borger and Darren Hart.

Calgary’s Borger Group of Companies is proud to be the first Canadian construction company to roll out Respect in the Workplace™ certification for all of its employees. Respect in the Workplace™ (RIW) provides organizations with harassment, bullying and discrimination solution for workplaces. The focus is about making good people better and empowering the bystander. “We recognize that in order to attract the best people we need to strive towards having the best working environment,” says Bill Borger Jr., president of the Borger Group of Companies. He is optimistic that this program will be beneficial to Borger’s already family-oriented culture. “Everyone does the same mandatory program before entering a job site or our office; I did the program before asking the team to do it,” he continues. Almost 60 per cent of working Canadians have experienced or witnessed workplace harassment, according to a survey released by Queen’s School of Business at Queen’s University and the construction industry often gets a bad rap in this regard. Contrary to construction industry stereotypes about aggressive behaviour, Borger has tried to create a culture built on a foundation of respect, safety and shared accountability. “One of the best ways to deal with workplace culture issues such as bullying and harassment is to find ways to prevent it in the first place. What often stands in the way is the confidence to deal with these issues head on, particularly for 20 • September 2013 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

front-line workers and supervisors. In many businesses the typical response is to turn a blind eye, which never makes things better. Preventative programs like Borger’s are a good opportunity to start the conversation about the behaviours that align with your core values and expectations,” says Debby Carreau, president of Inspired HR. Carreau adds, “Borger is committed to having an environment that is free from discrimination, harassment and workplace bullying. RIW enables Borger and all of their business unit’s employees to fully embrace what is right, and to know what to do and feel safe to act when they see or experience something that is wrong.” The online component of the program takes 90 minutes and is part of the orientation for new team members and is also part of the annual spring orientation. In addition to the online training and certification the culture of respect is brought to life through supplemental programs, contests and communication programs. Respect in the Workplace™ is part of Borger’s ongoing safety program – a comprehensive program modelled on the standards of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) legislation in conjunction with the Alberta construction Safety Association Audit program to ensure they not only meet, but strive to exceed all safety legislation and best practices. “Every year we survey Borger’s employee engagement and focus heavily on the workplace culture, respect and

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productivity,” says Carreau, who also handles Borger’s human resources needs and sits on the advisory board of Respect Group Inc. Every year we see significant gains in the quantitative and qualitative engagement scores. It is really rewarding to see the culture grow over time.” According to Bill Borger Jr., programs such as this are making the firm stronger for the future as they approach their 100th anniversary. “At Borger we feel very fortunate to have attracted the best team in our various industries and recognize our continued success depends entirely on our ability to retain them,” says Borger. “Ninety-four years ago Borger

employees were pleased just to have a job but in today’s world that is no longer the case. This is especially true in Alberta where there is an abundance of employment opportunities. Our employees are not just interested in having the best paying job but also the best working environment. Although we undertake many initiatives to promote a healthy employee culture, we believe that respectful interactions within the team is essential as a foundation towards promoting the best working environment. We are pleased to have implemented the Respect in the Workplace Program™ as part of this year’s human resource initiatives.” BiC

The Calgary Public Library Launches Local Celebrity Ad Campaign and Citywide Contest Campaign reframes the public library to drive memberships In an exciting twist to the Calgary Public Library’s current “Feet Campaign,” some of Calgary’s most recognizable local VIPs are getting involved to encourage Calgarians to obtain a library card. From sports stars and Olympians to culinary masters and newscasters, their iconic library bags not only reveal what they’re into, but also who they are! Blanketing the city with targeted placements this summer, Calgarians can guess who is featured in each ad by visiting www.thereveal.org for a chance to win access to an exclusive event on September 26 – The Reveal – where the VIP identities will be unveiled. To top it off, entrants get a chance to win their very own “Everything You’re Into” ad that could be placed throughout Calgary in the next phase of the campaign. The ads connect with Calgarians, specifically future users who may have misconceptions about what a modern library can offer them, making them rethink their library. The contest drives potential customers to get a library card. With the objectives of increasing (new and renewed) memberships and awareness of the library, the campaign and contest component reaches a technically-savvy target audience through social media, radio and digital interfaces. To complement the Calgary Public Library brand, the tag line “Everything You’re Into” was developed to capture the subject depth of library collections and expertise of library staff. Using a multilayered, targeted marketing strategy, the popular ‘Feet Campaign’ was designed to show individual Calgarians that the library indeed has everything they’re into. Ads appear throughout the city on train platforms, in movie theatres during the pre-show, in lounge washrooms as classic boards and in local magazines as well as commercials. Each ad embodies a library customer, showcasing

22 • September 2013 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

their varied interests through diverse and colourful ‘personalities’ cleverly depicted in the materials filling their iconic purple library bags. The bag contents were designed not only to garner a laugh or raise an eyebrow, but also to encourage people to look at the ads longer, pick up the nuances of each personality and perhaps further identify with that customer. BiC

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24 â&#x20AC;˘ September 2013 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

Off the Top • News

The Driving Force Inc. Acquires Calgary HINO The Driving Force Inc. is celebrating its 35th year in business with the acquisition of a HINO location in southeast Calgary. A premium brand in mediumduty trucks, classes four through seven, Calgary HINO will become a vital part of the company as they continue to grow in Western Canada. Founded by Jeff Polovick in 1978, DRIVING FORCE operates as a vehicle rental, sales and leasing company with 18 locations. With already two HINO dealerships under its umbrella – one in Edmonton and one in Langley, B.C. – Calgary HINO is unique in that it recently opened a DRIVING FORCE rental counter right inside the HINO dealership. “Calgary is our third HINO dealership,” explains Claudette Larocque, director of marketing and communications for The Driving Force Inc. “HINO provides parts, Jeff Polovick with the Calgary Hino dealership team, located at 3660 - 50 Ave. S.E. servicing and leasing, but does not provide rentals. Having a DRIVING FORCE rental counter strategically located within the HINO dealership will have a number of important benefits to Calgarians.” Larocque continues, “The key for a business operator is to minimize downtime, so if they happen to have maintenance required on their truck, they can continue their business by renting a vehicle. We will have a number of HINOs on our rental fleet, so they won’t have any downtime if their vehicle happens to be in the shop. That is critical for a small Jeff Polovick, founder of DRIVING FORCE business owner who has customers relying on them – they will be able to continue operations without having to get themselves to another location. Everything will be available According to company COO Mark Nolin, the Calgary HINO right here under one roof.” acquisition was the perfect addition to the current business That roof is located in a prime industrial area in Calgary’s group. “It fits with our strategic plans to become a national southeast quadrant. fleet provider, focused on commercial trucks of which HINOs “The location in the heart of the industrial area is going being medium-duty trucks, fit perfectly with that realm.” to be very convenient to business owners,” adds Larocque. However The Driving Force Inc. is not done yet as they “The fact that there will be parts, service, sales, leasing and continue their significant growth pattern. now rentals will make it extraordinarily unique. Plus, we “We are looking for additional growth in terms of 2S (parts have the support of our two other dealerships. If people are and service) dealerships that would provide both parts and requiring vehicles that are not on the ground in Calgary, we service through HINO in more remote areas for our existing can transfer them from Edmonton or Langley.” customers throughout Western Canada,” says Nolin. Recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed CompaWhile all 19 of the previous staff at HINO Calgary stayed nies for seven years in a row, The Driving Force Inc. has on to join the DRIVING FORCE team, they are currently acquired platinum status in the program. In addition to looking to expand their team. Both HINO Central and DRIVDRIVING FORCE and HINO components, the company also ING FORCE rentals are currently looking for experienced owns a GM dealership in Whitehorse and an independent staff. Prior to the opening of the DRIVING FORCE counter used vehicle sales centre in Edmonton which supplements August 1 at Calgary HINO, key staff members from both the the 18 DRIVING FORCE locations throughout Western CanEdmonton and Langley locations were on hand to conduct ada and the Arctic. These include locations as far east as extensive training. Iqaluit, Nunavut and as far west as Terrace, B.C., to as far The end result is a win-win situation for DRIVING FORCE, north as Inuvik, N.W.T. HINO and the Calgarians needing their services. BiC www.businessincalgary.com | BUSINESS IN CALGARY September 2013 • 25

Off the Top • News

Author Lorne Rubis Launches a Practical Guide to Living Life with Greater Character

Lorne Rubis

Author Lorne Rubis has launched a new book, “The Character Triangle Companion: A 30-Day Kick Start to an Even Better YOU.” This Kindle ebook is a follow up to his 2011 leadership and management book, “The Character Triangle,” and is currently available for purchase on Amazon. In his 2011 book, Rubis shared a breakthrough method of shaping character by practicing three distinct but interdependent values: accountability (in its simplest form: do it now); respect (be nice); and abundance (give more). In his follow-up ebook “The Character Triangle Companion,” he answers the question, “Can our character be developed or are we born and stuck with it?” He provides readers with a practical guide to living life with greater character through an easy-to-follow, 30-day challenge. “People were asking me to help turn the behaviours into more of a habitat system and were asking me to give additional insights,” says Rubis.

“So that was the call for me to do the follow up and put it into a framework that would allow people to take one small step and have it reinforced to build a habit system around behaviours that they were particularly interested in.” As an example, Rubis says people practice to become a better pianist. In the same manner, people can hone their skills of self-awareness by practicing to become a better listener and increase self-accountability by avoiding the habit of placing blame for mistakes. “Reinforcing those values and turning them into habits I think is an ongoing development challenge for all of us that is worth pursuing,” says Rubis. Rubis argues that truly great leaders are guaranteed to have one thing in common: “They set an intentional path towards continual improvement.” As a result, over the course of 30 days, readers of The Character Triangle Companion learn how to set this intentional path towards improvement by following a simple process. He helps readers to identify his/her life’s purpose, find motivation and consciously practice the core values that are necessary to live with greater character, have an impact and inspire others. For each day of the challenge, Rubis presents key learnings from both research-driven results and experiential leadership. Readers benefit from teachings and anecdotes drawn from some of the best business, leadership and self-improvement experts including Marshall Goldsmith, Stephen Covey and others. He also shares leadership and management best practices from top companies including Apple, the Ford Motor Company, Campbell Soup Company, WestJet and more.

26 • September 2013 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

Rubis’ book and its follow-up supplement have received accolades from many business people including Jamie Brunner, founder and CEO of Kinitex Living Inc. Brunner writes, “Rubis has a way of extracting simplicity from complex ‘real-life’ experiences. His stories are compelling and heartfelt – sometimes he wins, sometimes he loses – but each experience leads to a profound lesson the reader can apply to everyday life. Lorne Rubis is fast becoming one of life’s great teachers. Read the book!” It was a long road for Rubis to get to where he is today. Starting initially as a teacher and then becoming a CEO working out of the U.S. and Europe for 25 years, Rubis joined ATB Financial in April 2012 as the chief people officer, challenged with how to make ATB one of the best places to work in not just Canada but the world. The 200-page quick read, The Character Triangle Companion, delivers a real road map to success for anyone looking to turn goals into actions, increase motivation, boost productivity and improve relationships. For more information, please visit www. lornerubis.com. BiC

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Off the Top • News

The Canadian Legacy Project Gears Up for Second-Annual Calgary Seniors Walk The Canadian Legacy Project is officially gearing up for the Second-Annual Calgary Seniors Walk. Scheduled for Thursday, September 19, the 2013 walk will support the Golden Age Club which offers a variety of social, recreational, health and outreach programs for Calgary’s senior population. Taking place on Stephen Avenue Mall during the lunch hour, the event will cover a four-block route. Young and old are invited to attend – and walk in support of Calgary’s seniors. Jane Hastings, president of the board of directors at the Golden Age Club, says: “The Calgary Seniors Walk has given us opportunities to reach out to seniors throughout the city. It continues to make us aware of the struggles we may face one day. The seniors in East Village come from all walks of life and have so much wisdom to offer. The walk embraces that and gives us opportunities to get together and celebrate life.” The Calgary Seniors Walk consists of a walk like no other and features walkers of all ages and backgrounds. Individual walkers and corporate teams will be coming together to celebrate the contributions older adults make to our city. The Annual Calgary Seniors Walk includes a unique twist – with all walkers under the age of 65 having to walk the event route balancing an egg on a spoon, signifying the difficulties many seniors have getting around day to day. This event is designed to not only raise funds – but raise awareness for seniors. “There are some great things happening in Calgary’s East Village – but we cannot forget about the thousands of seniors living in poverty and as the East Village grows so will the need for the Golden Age Club,” states David Howard, president of the Canadian Legacy Project, presenting partner of the event, and chair of the second-annual walk. Howard adds, “Now more than ever our seniors living in the East Village need our support. Hundreds of seniors were evacuated and continue to be displaced from their subsidized housing since the flood. These seniors are living in temporary accommodations throughout the province until their residences are safe to go back to. The Golden Age Club

28 • September 2013 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

is doing all they can to bring the seniors displaced by the flood, back to the club for fitness and social activities, so they can have some sense of familiarity and community during this tough time. Many of these seniors do not have families to rely on and the members of the Golden Age Club are their social network.” The Calgary Seniors Walk organizing committee is very excited to announce that supporting this year’s walk is even easier than ever. The online registration system offers walkers, teams and supports a central area to register and donate. It is a very streamlined process that was made available for the 2013 event with the support of the Calgary Health Trust. For more information or to donate online, please visit www. calgaryseniorswalk.com. Hype around the walk has been circling the city since June, when the Canadian Legacy Project officially kicked off the event at the Golden Age Club. The launch was hosted by 2013 grand marshal Darrel Janz and featured remarks from David Howard, president of The Canadian Legacy Project; Jane Hastings, president of the Golden Age Club board of directors; Calgary-Fort MLA Wayne Cao; and Sean Chu, representing a team of six candidate challengers in the 2013 Calgary municipal election who will be walking in support the 2013 Calgary Seniors Walk. BiC

Off the Top • News

Business Conﬁdence Continues the Positive Momentum Business confidence continues its positive momentum since March 2013, according to Alberta business leaders interviewed in July 2013. Albertan consumers’ confidence remained steady compared to results from May 2013.

Business Conﬁdence Responses from business leaders about economic confidence continue to rise (7.0 per cent) after the significant dip in March 2013. Most indexes, other than future interest rates, also reflect this positive momentum. There was a 3.7 per cent increase of confidence in current business conditions and an 11.8 per cent increase of confidence in future business conditions. The confidence in future unemployment and fiscal conditions continued to rise with 17.0 per cent and 11.3 per cent increases respectively. However, there was a 17.8 per cent decrease of confidence that future interest rates will remain stable.

Business confidence trends Current business conditions

3.7%

increase

Confidence in the economy

Impact of Rising Interest Rates on Borrowing The recent increases in bond yields and the subsequent possibilities of interest rate hikes are reflected in the decreased future interest rate index. The early signs of interest rate hikes are yet to prompt heavy borrowing in the market. Business leaders are divided on their opinions of borrowing; with 38 per cent indicating now is the time to borrow before rates go up, and 34 per cent indicating that they don’t agree rates will increase much, giving them more time to borrow if needed. “Many Albertans and Albertan businesses have faced hardships over the last several weeks in the wake of the flooding in southern Alberta. It’s promising to see optimism in the market at the moment,” says Ian Gunn, Alberta private company services leader at PwC Calgary.

increase

Future business conditions

11.8%

Future unemployment

17%

increase

Future interest rates

Fiscal conditions

17.8% decrease

11.3%

Consumer Conﬁdence In line with their business counterparts, consumers’ confidence in the economy has increased slightly, by one point compared to May 2013.

increase

Is now the right time to borrow?

34% No

Consumers were asked a similar question in relation to their debt commitments. In the short term (one year), close to twoin-five Albertans feel that the rising interest rates will impact their ability to meet their debt commitments and nearly half are concerned about their ability to pay their debts in the long term (five years), if the interest rates continue to rise.

38% Yes

24% unsure

Consumers’ Views on Career Prospects Consumers feel that unemployment will increase slightly, as evidenced by the slight increase of 3.8 per cent in confidence between May and July 2013. In line with this, they feel that future household income will decrease as well, indicated by the slight drop of 4.1 per cent between May and July 2013. Albertan consumers were asked about their opinions on transporting fuel in light of the two incidents involving railway transport of inflammable materials. One-third of Albertans feel that fuel transport through railways should continue to be developed. A higher proportion (half) of Albertans is of the opinion that more pipelines should be built to transport fuel, reducing dependence on railway transport. The PwC Business and Consumer Confidence Index tracks and determines business and consumer confidence in the current and future Alberta economy. For more information on PwC Alberta and our private company business practice, please visit www.pwc.com/ca/dbia.

Ian Gunn, Alberta private company services leader at PwC Calgary

www.businessincalgary.com | BUSINESS IN CALGARY September 2013 • 29

The Big Business of Calgary Small Business • Small Business Week Preview

Small business accounts for 30 per cent of Canada’s GDP BY CoLLeen WaLLaCe

o paraphrase the legendary lyric: there’s no business like small business! For the adrenalin, the excitement and the many highs and lows which, unlike in big business, are often so personal. When it comes to small business, especially in Calgary, it’s not so much about the bottom line as it is about personal wishes, dreams, aiming high, taking risks, dealing with good days and bad days and the thrill of successes. Often and unintentionally, small business is invariably upstaged. It happens in Calgary and most other dynamic 30 • September 2013 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

business centres, from Toronto to New York, Montreal, Vancouver and London. The big (sometimes giant) businesses usually get the attention, interest and media coverage. It’s almost as if small business must fend for itself. It may be a jarring oxymoron statistic but small business is big business in Canada. StatsCan, the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and other federal agencies agree: 98.1 per cent of Canadian businesses have fewer than 100 employees and are classified as “small businesses.” The small business narrative is an even more exciting and

The Big Business of Calgary Small Business • Small Business Week Preview

“It not only gives our city’s small businesses recognition and an opportunity to share and network with each other but hopefully it encourages them to strive for greater excellence.” ~ Calgary Chamber president and CEO, Adam Legge

• they employ almost 64 per cent of all impressive story in Calgary. Companies private sector workers (6.8 million peowith fewer than 100 employees account ple) across the country for nearly 95 per cent of all Calgary • 13 per cent of small/mid-sized busibusinesses and with consistent annual nesses are in the retail industry increases in the total number of small Although Small Business Week (usually businesses, according to Calgary Ecoone-day) events are held in most Canadian nomic Development, Calgary proudly cities, the innovative ideas, hard work and claims the highest number of small the extensive planning and co-ordination of businesses per capita of all major cities the Calgary Chamber has consistently been in Canada (at a rate of 38.8 per 1,000 praised as it is not only bigger but much population). more dynamic and involved than in most That’s why, for the 13th year in a row, other Canadian business areas. the Calgary Chamber of Commerce and “Aside from celebrating small businesses,” this year’s key sponsor, ATB FinanLegge explains, “the Chamber recognizes cial, are again proving to be different that Small Business Week-Calgary has a and giving credit where it’s due and Adam Legge, Calgary Chamber president and CEO. number of opportunities that both small and devoting an entire week in October to large companies can benefit from. Small celebrate, appreciate, invite networkbusinesses can learn, network and socialize with their peers, ing, boost and award Calgary small businesses during Small while large businesses have the perfect chance to connect Business Week (October 20-26, 2013). with a small business audience through a number of event “It’s a terrific opportunity to profile and recognize the and program offerings.” amazing small businesses in our community,” says Calgary And it’s always a very full week for small business Chamber president and CEO, Adam Legge. “It not only gives goings-on in Calgary, with well-planned networking events, our city’s small businesses recognition and an opportulearning workshops, trade show expos, open houses and nity to share and network with each other but hopefully it more. This year it happens October 20-26, and the complete encourages them to strive for greater excellence.” schedule and list of activities is on the Chamber’s new, desSmall Business Week (SBW) is a clever and trademarked ignated website. 34-year idea, created by BDC to acknowledge and encourLast year, the Calgary Chamber partnered with ATB Busiage the contribution of small business in Canada and special ness to launch SmallBusinessWeekCalgary.com to be the events are independently staged in various cities across the single-largest touch point for all events and activities relatcountry. It’s a worthy and deserving special occasion boost, ing to Small Business Week in Calgary. “The special website because, the BDC figures show that small (fewer than 100 is an easy-to-access hub where everything – and anything employees) and mid-size (100 to 499 employees) businesses – that has to do with Small Business Week is available, makare undisputedly the engine of the Canadian economy, ing it easier for Calgary’s business community to connect account for almost 30 per cent of Canada’s GDP and their with the activity they want to check out,” the Chamber pressuccess is vital to Canada’s prosperity. ident Legge explains with enthusiasm. According to BDC stats: The highlights of the annual Calgary special event are • there are more than 1.2 million small and mid-sized invariably the interesting displays and valuable schmooze businesses in Canada sessions at the Calgary SBW Trade Show Expo, followed by • more than half (55 per cent) have fewer than four the uniquely Calgary SBW Awards. This year it’s all set for employees Thursday, October 24 at the Metropolitan Conference Centre. • only 1.7 per cent are medium-sized businesses www.businessincalgary.com | BUSINESS IN CALGARY September 2013 • 31

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The Big Business of Calgary Small Business • Small Business Week Preview

Nominations just closed and the judges (for each category) are now reviewing and deliberating to vote on the finalists. As Legge details, this year’s awards have five categories: • the Innovation Award (a Calgary small business demonstrating groundbreaking achievements in improving work processes, business concept development or product creation and which has successfully implemented or marketed their developments); • the Customer Service Excellence Award (a Calgary small business dedicated to customer service excellence through the delivery of ongoing staff training or the creation of a service program to improve customer service); • the Community Involvement Award (a Calgary small business whose owners or employees are involved in community groups – charitable, not-for-profit, business or professional associations – whose community work or initiatives have improved life for Calgarians); • the Environmental Stewardship Award (a Calgary small business that has demonstrated a commitment to leading environmental stewardship through improving its operations and limiting its own environmental footprint as well as the environmental footprint of its suppliers or clients); and • the Breakout Business Award (a Calgary small business poised for significant growth, demonstrating an original and solid business concept and generating a buzz in the

business community based on the track record of their management team across similar ventures and the business potential). Businesses which will be shortlisted as ‘finalists’ in their nominated category have the opportunity to be considered for the prestigious Small Business of the Year Award, which will be presented to the Calgary small business that has demonstrated significant business achievement (especially in the past three years) and sustained financial growth, performance, service excellence, involvement in the community, innovation and a commitment to sustainability. “But just being shortlisted for any of the awards is a great way to get invaluable public exposure and, over the past dozen years that our Chamber has been doing the awards program, it continues to attract Calgary attention, new employees, customers and business partners and usually leads to an increase in sales,” says Legge. As the Chamber’s special Small Business Week website bluntly acknowledges, “Small businesses serve as grease that helps to keep Alberta’s economy running smoothly. Many larger companies depend on these businesses to support their daily operations – turning to them for specialized technical services, such as building equipment and machinery to help them grow, as well as the consulting and administrative services needed to keep things running smoothly.” BiC

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| BUSINESS IN CALGARY September 2013 • 33

It started with a vision... It started with a SHINING THE SPOTLIGHT ON ENTREPRENEURS: 20 YEARS IS JUST THE BEGINNING ON ENTREPRENEURS: SHINING THE SPOTLIGHT

t’s true; the news is out. After 20 years of celebrating the vision of countless innovative entrepreneurs, EY’s Entrepreneur Of The Year (EOY) program is no small potatoes. Just ask The Little Potato Company, a finalist in the 2012 program. Or Dr. Alan Ulsifer, the driving force behind FYidoctors, last year’s Prairies winner who went on to be crowned the Canadian Entrepreneur Of The Year and attended the World Entrepreneur Of The Year awards this past June in Monaco. People like Alan Ulsifer and Angela Santiago, CEO of The Little Potato Company, know being recognized as an Entrepreneur Of The Year can go a long way in the business world - especially when you are in the company of corporate giants like 2000 Canadian EOY winner WestJet. Starting with only three aircraft in 1996, WestJet has now set a lofty goal to be one of the five most successful international airlines in the world by 2016. Even with national success stories like The Brick (the 2004 Prairies and Canadian EOY winner) the little guys are not being left off the playing field. Just ask Little Warriors’ founder Glori Meldrum, who suffered childhood abuse at the hands of her grandfather. After founding g[squared], an Edmonton-based marketing and advertising agency when she was 23, she set the wheels in motion to launch Little Warriors in 2008, a charitable organization that educates adults about how to help prevent, recognize and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. Big or small, entrepreneurs from the Prairies are proving that success is possible and many of the distinguished Canadian winners are residing close to home.

This year’s Prairies Entrepreneur Of The Year finalists have been selected by an independent panel of judges (fellow entrepreneurs, past EOY award recipients, academics and community leaders). Along with other facets of success, finalists must demonstrate vision, leadership, financial success and social responsibility. From previous years it is clearly evident there is no shortage of success stories, as these companies are not only proving their staying power today but well into the future.

EY’s dynamic EOY program underscores the fact that when the business community stands behind entrepreneur leaders and empowers them to thrive, there’s no limit to what they can and will achieve.

h a vision... Entrepreneurs turn us on.

20 years of inspiration

Find out why and learn more about this electrifying program at ey.com/ca/EOY. thrive, there’s no limit to what they can and will achieve. From coast to coast, the 2013 EOY finalists represent 50,909 jobs in Canada. EY’s Entrepreneur Of The Year award program proves that successful entrepreneurs – whether company founders or current leaders – take their ideas to the next level. They find creative ways to acquire the capital and resources they need to achieve their goals, they build dynamic teams, and they are leaders in job and economic growth in the Prairies. Congratulations to the 2013 Prairies region finalists!

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® honours outstanding Canadians who have turned their unique business vision into successful reality. In 20 years, the program has achieved several major milestones in Canada including over 8,700 nominations received, more than 3,000 award finalists named, and presented 980 regional awards — including 40 lifetime achievement awards.

20 years of inspiration

National sponsors

The Prairies finalists will be honoured and the winners announced at the awards gala in Calgary on 17 October 2013. The overall Prairies winner will represent the region at the Canadian Entrepreneur Of The Year national awards gala in Toronto on 27 November 2013. The Canadian Entrepreneur Of The Year award winner will then represent Canada at EY’s World Entrepreneur Of The Year awards held next June. Will other Prairie entrepreneurs become the latest Canadian winner joining a distinguished list that includes FYidoctors, Packers Plus, Werklund Capital, The Brick, Veritas (DGC) Inc., WestJet and Propack? According to Rob Jolley, EY’s Program Director for the Prairies Region of Entrepreneur Of The Year, “Entrepreneurs continue to benefit our local and national economies in ways that go far beyond the bottom line. That’s exactly why EY is so proud to support these visionaries with our Entrepreneur Of The Year program.” EY’s dynamic EOY program underscores the fact that when the business community stands behind entrepreneur leaders and empowers them to

Platinum sponsors

Gold sponsor

Ernst & Young is a proud supporter of entrepreneurship

Congratulations to the 2013 Inductees

David Werklund

Clive Beddoe

Bob Brawn

Jack Gallagher *

The Calgary Business Hall of Fame (CBHF) recognizes the lifetime achievements of southern Albertaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most distinguished citizens. These are outstanding individuals who have helped shape our province through their business success, entrepreneurial spirit and philanthropic contributions. Proceeds from the event benefit Junior Achievement of Southern Alberta which provides free financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurial training to young people in grades 4 to 12, and serves 25,000 youth in 108 communities across southern Alberta.

Celebrating 10 Years

Please join us as we celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the Calgary Business Hall of Fame, October 23, 2013 at the Hyatt Regency, Calgary. For more information or to purchase tickets www.calgarybusinesshalloffame.org or call 403 781 2580.

* awarded posthumously

2012

Calgary Business Hall of Fame Inductees 2011

P. John Aldred

Jack C. Donald

Sydney Kahanoff *

Alvin G. Libin

Theodore Rozsa *

* awarded posthumously

David Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien

Alfred Ernest Cross *

JR Shaw

David Bissett

Clayton (Clay) Riddell

J.C. Anderson

Max Bell *

Harley Hotchkiss

Richard F. Haskayne

Daryl K. (Doc) Seaman

Jim Gray

2005

Edward McNally

Patrick Burns *

2008

Donald Taylor

Hal Kvisle

2006

2009

Allan Markin

Eric L. Harvie *

2007

2010

John M. Forzani

Stan Grad

Frederick C. Mannix *

2004

Edward Galvin *

James Palmer

J.R. (Bud) McCaig

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What are you going to do?

Entrepreneurs. They turn us on. To new ideas, new ways of thinking and new possibilities. That’s why we proudly celebrate their achievements — and you can too. Join us for our electrifying 20th anniversary celebration to meet the Prairies finalists and winners! Thursday, 17 October 2013 Calgary TELUS Convention Centre 120 9 Avenue SE To reserve your seats, go to ey.com/ca/EOYprairies. To learn more, contact Louise Hyland at 403 206 5372 or louise.hyland@ca.ey.com. Learn more at ey.com/ca/EOY. And follow us on Twitter: @EYCanada #EOY20.

20 years of inspiration

National sponsors

National silver sponsor

Platinum sponsors

Gold sponsor

EY is a proud supporter of entrepreneurship

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Relief. Recovery. Resolve. Calgary is strong. And so is East Village, the place where Calgary was founded and where the future of downtown living is being built today. Since 2006, Master Developer CMLC has led the transformation of East Village, and flood-proofing was an integral part of the master plan – in the past five years, we’ve raised the floodplain by up to four feet. That important investment paid off this summer: our two major residential projects sustained little or no damage, and construction continues. Our pride at the efforts of our neighbours and our community knows no bounds. Our commitment to delivering the master plan vision of the community is intact and our resolve is unwavering. We look forward to welcoming you to the newest, oldest, coolest, warmest neighbourhood in town.

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The Immigration Solution for a Domestic Problem • Immigration

The immigration Solution for a Domestic Problem As our shortage of labour continues to be an issue in alberta, immigration emerges as a solution. BY neRiSSa MCnaUGHTon

n the recent cabinet shuffle, Jason Kenney was named the first minister of Employment and Social Development (renamed from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada). Shortly after his appointment, he took to Twitter to announce, “I will work hard to end the paradox of too many people without jobs in an economy that has too many jobs without people.” Poignant words indeed, but how does Mr. Kenney intend

Peter Veress, president of Vermax Group

to bring a solution to this rapidly growing problem? According to Peter Veress, president of Vermax Group, there is a ready and obvious solution to Canada’s labour shortage – immigration. Veress, a former Department of Immigration officer, couldn’t be happier to be at the head of a company that specializes in corporate immigration and international recruitment. “We are working in www.businessincalgary.com | BUSINESS IN CALGARY September 2013 • 41

The Immigration Solution for a Domestic Problem • Immigration

TOTAL, NATURAL AND MIGRATORY POPULATION GROWTH RATES, CANADA, 1972 TO 2010 J20K;..5#3/0%&L.CF2>.10% !"%D235M/820&E32#3/.

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42 • September 2013 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

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The Immigration Solution for a Domestic Problem • Immigration

“[Immigration] - It’s a win for the companies securing desperately needed skills [foreign workers], it’s a win for the foreign trained workers, and it’s a win for the economy.” ~ Peter Veress, President of Vermax Group

a very challenging and dynamic winwin-win environment,” Veress explains with enthusiasm. “It’s a win for the companies securing desperately needed skills [foreign workers], it’s a win for the foreign-trained workers, and it’s a win for the economy.” As Veress points out, Canada is not facing a looming labour shortage

– Canada is in a massive labour shortage; and it could have been avoided. “We have what I call the three horsemen of the economic apocalypse,” he points out. “Negative population growth, aging population and increased demand on skill sets that we simply don’t have. Between 1972 – 1992 we started to see a slow decline of our

natural population growth. We need to have 2.2 children per couple to maintain our population. Right now we have 1.59 according to our last census.” The first horseman is out of the gate; our population is not growing. The second and third horsemen are hot on his heels. Our population is aging and Alberta has $700 billion worth of

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The Immigration Solution for a Domestic Problem • Immigration

projects to complete in the next three to five years. The numbers just don’t add up. We do not have the resources to manage the project load. “The government missed the boat at the first big decline,” laments Veress. In order to send the horsemen racing back to the barn, Veress suggests a strategy that attacks the two facets of the shortage: shortage of labour and shortage of skills. While the hospitality industry is clearly suffering from a shortage of labour, Veress feels the skills shortage is the most critical for Alberta. “Alberta runs on oil and gas. It is our economic engine. In the next few years we will be short thousands of workers [welders, pipefitters and other trades]. If we don’t resource that sector well, it will have a trickle-down effect.” But like any time in history when different cultures arrive on a foreign shore, misconceptions abound. Misconceptions that, according to Veress, are groundless.

Raj Sharma J.D. LL.M, of Stewart Sharma Harsanyi Immigration, Family and Criminal Law

“The misconception occurs when the public thinks temporary or foreign workers are a source of ‘cheap labour.’ If you look at our big infrastructure projects you will see foreign labourers. They get paid what Canadians get paid. They have the same protections

44 • September 2013 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

and rights as Canadian workers; in fact, employers pay a premium for foreign-trained labour when you consider the cost of international recruiting and payment to enter and exit Canada. Hiring foreign workers can be an onerous and costly undertaking if not done right. There is nothing ‘cheap’ about hiring foreign-trained labour.” Veress further points out that incidences of abused immigrant labourers do happen, but they are far from the norm. Government-mandated rules are in place to protect the workers and they hold the companies employing workers to strict labour standards. What it really comes down to is “by hiring temporary foreign workers, Alberta employers are filling contracts they couldn’t otherwise fill, which we need to fuel the economic engine.” Raj Sharma of Stewart Sharma Harsanyi Immigration, Family and Criminal Law, is called on regularly to give his opinion on immigration matters. Chances

The Immigration Solution for a Domestic Problem • Immigration

“While recent media stories seem to suggest otherwise, a foreign worker is likely not taking any jobs away from a qualiﬁed Canadian.” ~ Raj Sharma are, you have heard this talented lawyer speak on CitytV, Global or the Rutherford radio show on CHQR770, or read one of his articles in Alberta Law Review, the Globe and Mail, the Calgary Herald or the Calgary Sun. As an authority on the subject of immi-

gration, Sharma’s views agree with Veress’ that the misconceptions are without merit. “The reality is that to hire a foreign worker, the employer has to show that the wages offered would not exert a downward pressure on the labour

market,” informs Sharma. “Further, they have to demonstrate efforts at recruitment. While recent media stories seem to suggest otherwise, a foreign worker is likely not taking any jobs away from a qualified Canadian. In terms of stigma, I would say that

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The Immigration Solution for a Domestic Problem • Immigration

These are very positive steps, considering the sobering truth that Sharma points out next. “The reality is that the labour shortage is expected to cost the Alberta economy 33 billion dollars over

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Canadians and Canadian society are among the most welcoming in the world. Everyone in Canada – other than the First Nations – is essentially here from somewhere else. This is literally a country of immigrants.” According to Sharma, exciting, positive changes are in full swing. “The new changes, which require additional efforts at advertising and recruiting Canadians plus a fee per foreign worker imposed on the employer is, in my opinion, a balanced response to some abuse of the foreign worker regime. The ability for skilled workers and foreign students in Canada to apply for permanent residence under the Canadian Experience Class is a positive development for both the prospective immigrant and for Canada. The Provincial Nominee Programs, especially for the western provinces, have been a boon for certain provinces that are attempting to mitigate population loss, employers that require workers to meet operational needs and for the immigrant who is seeking a better life for themselves and their families. Finally, the North American Free Trade Agreement continues to allow certain professionals from the U.S. and Mexico to work without a labour market opinion; this is a great option for certain employers.” These are very positive steps, considering the sobering truth that Sharma points out next. “The reality is that the labour shortage is expected to cost the Alberta economy $33 billion over the next four years.” Dale Taylor is the executive director for the Centre of Newcomers in

46 • September 2013 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

Calgary. She is also the co-chair of the Immigrant Sector Council of Calgary, and her view of the situation is somewhat unique. While she strongly believes that “immigration should be encouraged” she dislikes the term ‘foreign worker,’ and she brings up a very valid point. “The government has appropriately decided to address ongoing labour shortage needs,” she says in support of immigration. However, “temporary workers are not a good solution for the long term.” She points out that temporary visas issued for permanent jobs creates confusion. Taylor feels using the words ‘foreign worker’ blurs the line between a temporary visa and immigration. “Temporary workers are not a good solution for the long term, just the short term only. The temporary visa [program] is not an immigration program.” While temporary workers may ease the strain on the burgeoning hospitality industry or address the labour shortage, it is immigration that is going to provide long-term solutions for the skills shortage. However, the labour shortage is getting a boost from an unexpected sector. Women. As the executive director of the Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association (CIWA), Beba Svigir sees first-hand the challenges female immigrants face. “Immigrant women immigrate to Canada for the following reasons: personal safety because of war or persecution in their home countries, to join their family or spouse already in Canada,

The Immigration Solution for a Domestic Problem • Immigration

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economic prosperity or job opportunities, to provide their children with a better education and brighter future, and to work as live-in caregivers or foreign workers. “Newcomers face challenges related to English language skills, employment, culture shock, economic changes, parenting, isolation, etc. However, the challenges immigrant women face are unique. Many immigrant women, regardless of educational and professional experience, struggle with family issues that stem from a role reversal that takes place when they come to Canada.” The CIWA is helping immigrant women fill the gaps in the labour shortage. “CIWA offers a wide range of employment-related programs for professional and mid-to-low skilled immigrant women,” says Svigir. “We work with the non-profit and corporate sector to provide Canadian work experience and employment opportunities for clients. Clients in our professional bridge-to-work programs gain work experience related to office administration, accounting, interpretation and translation. Our mid-to-low skilled clients gain work experience in the areas of commercial and institutional cleaning and in the hospitality, food and beverage and retail industry as cleaners, housekeepers, kitchen helpers, dishwashers, retail associates, etc. Many of the work placements turn into employment opportunities for clients.” Svigir has seen at least two of Veress’ horsemen. “I believe that labour market needs and nation building

drive immigration in Canada,” she firmly states. “Without immigration, Canada will continue to face growing labour shortages because of low birth rates and an aging population. According to Alberta Enterprise and Advanced Education, labour shortages are ‘projected to grow approximately at an annual average rate of 2.4 per cent and could experience a labour shortage of approximately 114,000 by 2021.’ Investing in effective programs that support the integration of immigrants ensures that they are productive members of society and positively contributing to the community and filling these labour shortages sooner. By supporting newcomers, the community is helping itself. Immigration should be everyone’s business because it is the future of the country.” Veress couldn’t agree more. “We live in an age of a lack of availability of talent or in the age of ‘talentism,’” he concludes. “Often, it’s not a lack of money that prevents projects from getting off the ground. It’s a lack of talent. Canada has to get more aggressive in developing thoughtful and well-reasoned strategies to address our skill shortages now and in the years to come.” And with that, Veress’ horsemen hang their heads and start their slow lope back to the barn, and as long as we stay the course in pushing for faster, stronger immigration policies and opportunities for immigrant women of all backgrounds, those homewardbound horsemen will quickly pick up the pace. BiC

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www.businessincalgary.com | BUSINESS IN CALGARY September 2013 • 47

Oil on the Move – The Industry Reacts to the Energy East Pipeline • Pipeline

Oil on the Move

– The Industry Reacts to the Energy East Pipeline TransCanada Corporation’s Energy East pipeline project is welcomed – and cautioned – by those in the know BY neRiSSa MCnaUGHTon

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The existing gas pipeline system consists of several individual pipes running in parallel with each other. This project will entail the conversion of just one of those individual pipes.

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Terminals

Existing Pipeline Conversion

Map courtesy of TransCanada Corporation. Please note that the route will not be finalized until TransCanada has assessed and incorporated input from numerous stakeholders, including First Nation and Métis communities, landowners, local communities and provincial and federal governments.

t has been recently reported that TransCanada Corporation is moving ahead with a project called the Energy East pipeline. This is a $12-billion plan to ship western oil to Quebec and the east coast. This is the largest project in the company’s history and a move TransCanada compares to the Canadian Pacific Railway in its economic impact for the country and trade benefits overseas. 48 • September 2013 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

While reaction to the announcement has been mixed among supporters and those that urge for a more cautious or different approach, it is impossible to ignore the implications this pipeline has for the industry as a whole. When we think oil and gas, we think of the larger companies such as Husky, Imperial Oil and Suncor. However, Alberta is, at its core, a province that runs on the fuel we extract from the

Oil on the Move – The Industry Reacts to the Energy East Pipeline • Pipeline

ground. Therefore, this announcement has a major effect on all the smaller, supporting companies as well. Duane Rae, president of Spectra Energy Liquids, points out that this could be a benefit for our economy – but only if it is handled in the right way. “This is a project that makes sense if more cost-effective routes to major refining markets cannot be accessed,” says Rae. “We support proposals to repurpose underutilized gas pipeline assets for oil transport as long as there is no adverse impact to the natural gas market and the project is directionally positive from a Canadian perspective. “However, the current proposal by TCPL proposes to remove capacity in Eastern Canada for oil transport (North Bay, Ontario to Montreal) that is currently used and required by cur-

Duane Rae, president, Spectra Energy Liquids

rent natural gas customers in Eastern Canada. TCPL is proposing to build a new and more expensive replacement pipeline capacity that would have the effect of increasing the costs for natural gas transportation in Eastern Canada. This proposal – as currently outlined – would negatively impact the eastern gas markets and, as such, will be a significant issue as the project moves forward.” Spectra owns and operates the Express-Platte system, which is one of the three major oil pipelines taking Canadian crude oil to the U.S. market. They recently completed a successful open season where customers bid for all available capacity and they are currently exploring opportunities to expand their system, reaching further upstream into the supply basin and farther downstream to access new markets. As industry experts in pipeline operations, Spectra Energy applauds the safe and effective use of pipeline technology, but sees the benefit of different systems working together to move the product. “Pipelines are the safest, most environmentally friendly and most cost-effective form of transport of both gas and oil within North America,” Rae points out. “Ships are the only way to access markets beyond North America, but pipelines are still required to get the resource to tidewater. Other forms of transport – such as rail, barge and truck – are increasingly being utilized

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Oil on the Move – The Industry Reacts to the Energy East Pipeline • Pipeline

in place of pipelines due to long lead times required to permit and construct pipelines. As well, rail, barges and trucks are being used to augment the pipeline network. For example, our crude oil pipelines (Express-Platte) deliver to rail and barge terminals to reach downstream markets beyond the reach of our pipe.” As for the naysayers, Rae puts this down to misinformation – and in

the oil and gas industry, there is no shortage of information that is misconstrued by oil and gas opponents. As Rae points out, “As the owner and operator of one of only three major pipelines exporting crude oil to the United States, we are dismayed by the misinformation and rhetoric coming from pipeline opponents. We know that pipelines are the safest, most environmentally friendly and most

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cost-effective way to transport oil, and we know that increased pipeline supply from Canada to the United States is beneficial to the economies of both countries. The U.S. has been Canada’s largest and most important trading partner for decades, and we see that relationship continuing.” Another company that has a strong presence in Calgary, EOS Pipeline and Facilities Inc., has greeted TransCanada Corporation’s announcement with great enthusiasm. “I am very excited at the prospects that this announcement presents both for our industry and our country as a whole,” says Alana Turcotte, VP business development and sales. “It is enabling our province to source new markets while simultaneously creating an economic spillover to other parts of our country. It truly is a win-win for Canada.” EOS Pipeline and Facilities Inc. has served northern Alberta and northeast British Columbia’s oil and gas industry for over 20 years with services such as pipeline and facilities construction and maintenance, piledriving, crane services, fire-tube repairs and rebuilds, pumpjack installations, general maintenance, and turnaround work on facilities as well as offering civil services for road and lease programs. To date, EOS has constructed approximately 400 kilometres of pipeline. Turcotte is quick to point out that many companies will benefit from the Energy East pipeline. “This project will have an effect on every company that has a hand in the oil sector of this province/country. As this pipeline will provide increased capacity and access for producers to reach new markets both at home, in the U.S. and abroad, increased production levels in Alberta and Saskatchewan likely will be the residual effect. That benefits people in all aspects of the pipeline industry. New markets and increased sales for producers should result in increased service sector demand.” While TransCanada Corporation moves ahead with the Energy East

Oil on the Move – The Industry Reacts to the Energy East Pipeline • Pipeline

“We are pleased to see both provincial and federal governments working together to ensure there is greater clarity moving forward toward a stated goal of ‘one project – one review’ for new pipeline proposals.” ~ Duane Rae, president of Spectra Energy Liquids

“We believe that there will be progress over the next three to five years in developing new pipelines to move expanding oil and gas production to new markets. Markets and infrastructure requirements will continue to evolve as production grows for many years beyond that.” There is no shortage of information that shows how vital the oil and gas industry is to Canada and in particular, to Alberta; and there is even less doubt that TransCanada Corporation’s Energy East pipeline is going to be a game-changer – and that all eyes will be on them as the project moves forward. BiC

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Jim Dewald: Leading the Leaders • Cover

Jim Dewald:

Leading the Leaders “i love it when students shoot high and want to change the world.” BY JOHN HARDY PHoToS BY eWan niCHoLSon PHoToGRaPHY

Jim Dewald, dean of the Haskayne School of Business

ow superbly fitting and apropos that when Calgary’s iconic Haskayne School of Business (HSB) was conducting an international search to fill its most senior job opening, it would be so true and consistent with the popular business clichés of “hiring from within” and selecting an absolute “perfect fit.” That was the resoundingly positive, on-and-off campus and Calgary business community consensus about this April’s announcement that respected Calgary-booster Jim Dewald was appointed dean of the Haskayne School of Business. Unlike most senior academics and corporate executives, Dewald has a potent double-edged bio and a best-of-bothworlds balance that uniquely and superbly qualify him for the challenging and tremendously rewarding HSB role. Although many Haskayne students, faculty, staff and some members of Calgary’s business community are familiar with Dewald’s exceptional academic skills and genuine passion for students, new ideas and the overall learning experience, he has also paid his corporate dues and earned solid business success as an accomplished member of Calgary’s business community, serving as president and director for numerous successful property development companies.

Jim Dewald also has a long-history of Calgary community involvement and service, including volunteer roles with the mayor’s ethical city roundtable, imagineCalgary roundtable and Calgary Attainable Housing. In 1999, he was deservedly honoured as Calgary’s Citizen of the Year. Dewald is gung-ho and overtly excited about the limitless opportunities and possibilities embodied in the catchy Haskayne School of Business branding slogan: Where Leaders Learn to Lead. It’s palpable that he considers it to be so much more than a slogan. For dean Dewald it’s clearly a commitment and a mission and he is revved and ready to champion the HSB challenge of teaching, training and preparing Haskayne-graduate business leaders to confront a significantly transformed and dynamically changing business world. For Haskayne students, he is not only a superb academic and business leader but an inspiring role model. “Calgary’s strength is its business community and amazing entrepreneurial spirit,” Dewald explains with enthusiasm and a combination of fierce professional and civic pride. “So it’s important that we have a great business school in this city. “There has been extensive research done about the evolution and development of effective business leaders and

www.businessincalgary.com | BUSINESS IN CALGARY September 2013 • 53

Jim Dewald: Leading the Leaders • Cover

…leadership is not so much about attributes as it is about behaviour. Leadership drives an organization into the future. It is about vision, about collaboration and people buying in.

entrepreneurs. And guess what?” Dewald says with intrigued fascination and a warm smile. “Very few had dreams of power or personal or professional success. A majority simply wanted control over their own lives. But it’s imperative that today’s and tomorrow’s executives be strong leaders, motivators, entrepreneurs and innovators who can engage people, handle critical and analytical thinking and solve some very, very complicated problems. “They must also be entrepreneurs who look for new opportunities, who can identify and communicate a vision and, more than ever, they must be effectual team leaders and collaborators. The business world has become far too complex for one person to do everything. It may be popular and trendy to reference Steve Jobs as the consummate CEO and a gifted, visionary executive who was famous for doing most things his way and on his own, but Steve Jobs was a rare and truly one-of-a-kind exception, certainly not the rule,” he points out with a persuasive kind of teacher-inclassroom delivery. Reality is a bold, harsh but definite reminder that “being the boss,” being in charge, planning, budgeting, structuring jobs, measuring performance, problem solving, looking after the bottom line and keeping shareholders happy may be important traditional facts of business-executive life but it’s no longer enough. It’s why business school curriculums showcase and stress leadership as the secret of business success and the ultimate senior management skill. As emphasized in contemporary MBA and PhD classrooms and textbooks, leadership is not so much about attributes as it is about behaviour. Leadership drives an organization into the future. It is about vision, about collaboration and people buying in. It’s about empowerment and, most of all, about gifted and focused senior executives who can inspire and implement useful change. Not only do contemporary leaders make crucial decisions, they influence and impact the decisions of others, both directly through the instructions they give and 54 • September 2013 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

indirectly through the examples they set and the atmosphere they generate. Strong leadership rises to the top again and again as the edge that separates world-class companies from the rest. Great leaders are a unique breed with special and vital mindsets: global mindsets, industry mindsets and critical thinking skills that not only deal with complexity and hatch winning competitive strategies but also drive critical innovation, trigger rapid change and create agile organizations that can succeed in complex markets and uncertainty. Although many companies are still regrouping from the aftershocks of the global recession and particularly Calgary-based companies that weathered the 2008 crunch, risk management has also become a priority for senior executives. Effective, successful and market-leading organizations continually innovate, adjust quickly to new business conditions and get a jump on emerging opportunities before the competition. Even Leadership 101 stresses that, despite great enthusiasm and endless good ideas, luck is a non-issue and business success doesn’t just happen. It is impacted by many factors like insightful strategy, market conditions, the economy, risk management and decision-making. Strong and viable success is a result of inspired leadership, invariably triggered by leaders who grasp the critical importance of reacting to change. Jim Dewald acknowledges that the focus, the vision, the priorities, the approach and the actual curriculum of contemporary business schools such as Haskayne must be flexible to adapt and embrace the tremendous complexities, the risks and the warp-speed pace of change that are such unavoidable, key aspects of today’s business environment. Adapting includes traditional core values but business schools continue to ramp up talent and expertise, especially in the currently hot areas of leadership and entrepreneurship. This year, for example, Haskayne appointed three new directors and 10 new faculty members, HSB’s largest

OiLfieLD ServiceS cOMPaNieS MuST cONTiNuaLLY aDaPT TO grOw PrOfiTS internal focus helps companies weather industry changes

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longer rely on top line growth generated by high demand to grow revenue and profits. Rather than depending on the marketplace as a source of profit growth, OFS companies will have to look at improving operations internally. If they don’t, they risk financial difficulties that will compound their challenges and might ultimately ruin their businesses. MNP’s Oilfield Services team has the financial management tools to help make the most of whatever business comes in the door. “Finding cost efficiencies in your own operations is essential,” says Yager. “MNP’s Oilfield Services specialists know where to find opportunities to improve financial performance through key activities like job costing and margins, field ticket flow, collections, cash management and inventory control. Good financial management is always a sound investment. In this market it is imperative.” OFS companies are used to adjusting their products, equipment and services just to stay in the game. Today, that’s no longer enough. Taking the steps to improve financial management before the company is in trouble is a necessary component of remaining competitive in a rapidly evolving industry. To find out more about how MNP’s Oilfield Services team can benefit you, contact David Yager, Oilfield Services National Leader, at 403.648.4188 or david.yager@mnp.ca

“Calgary has such a fabulous, can-do spirit and attitude. Teaching Calgary’s can-do business graduates is my job! I unconditionally love what I do and it fuels me.” ~ Jim Dewald

academic hire for the last decade and an increase of some 14 per cent. According to Dewald, “The energy and expertise of our new staff is invaluable in … helping us raise the bar, enhance research, provide new learning opportunities for students and stay committed to always leaping forward.” Academia rarely admits to having “executives” as in the outside business world but in practical function, Jim Dewald is HSB’s chief executive with weighty responsibility for more than 3,000 undergraduate, MBA and PhD students, 300 faculty and staff, about 20,000 alumni around the world as well as leading the Haskayne School of Business strategic direction for being an internation56 • September 2013 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

ally recognized centre of excellence for business education, research and community outreach. By his own admission, the academic dimension of his life was a spontaneous and wonderful fluke. “I took a break from the corporate world, not quite sure what I wanted to do next and I started thinking that getting a PhD would be a cool thing to do. I enrolled, graduated and I guess you could say I was hooked,” he says with a pleasant chuckle and a shrug. “I’m still here and it’s more exciting and I love it more than ever.” Visually uncomfortable with hearing or using the title “Dr.” and with much understated pride, Dewald uneasily explains that PhD is just one of his credentials. Despite

Jim Dewald: Leading the Leaders • Cover

his B.Sc. (engineering), MBA (organizational theory), PhD (strategy and global management) and a doctoral thesis in strategic decision-making, he is simply not the Dr. type. Dewald has a natural gift – a genuine affinity, enthusiastic interest, respect and admiration for Haskayne students. “No! Today’s MBA or PhD student is not realistic in their expectations. And I think that’s great,” he quips with supercharged but sincere gusto. “I hope we never try to change that. Too often we take away creativity and vision and, especially in the 2013 business world, it’s more vital than ever. I love it when students shoot high and want to change the world. Terrific. I hope one of them actually does.” At work and at play, Jim Dewald lives a dedicated, pas-

sionately caring, demandingly busy and exhausting but fulfilling life. In simpler but accurate terms, he is one of those exceptional and truly rare individuals who asks, “How are you?” – and really means it. The soft-spoken but engaging and charming ‘dean Dewald’ even looks the part – lanky, professorial but casual, often in tweed jackets and grey flannels and almost stereotypically complete with wire-rimmed glasses and a grey beard. He is a consistently calm, open, honest and refreshingly straightshooter, admitting that he neither claims nor pretends to live a balanced life. Like most working professionals driven by passion, Dewald is uncomfortable (often in harmless denial) and anxious to change the subject about the blur between work time and home time. In the plugged-in era of smartphones, iPads and hyper-connectivity, the blur is more hopeless than ever. “By now, my wife, Chris, just rolls her eyes and smiles about it,” he says after 34 years of marriage, “but I’m probably not so good at turning it off. Even when I’m not at my desk, she can just look at me and she knows I’m thinking about the school. But as long as it doesn’t affect home life or my health, I’m fine with it. Calgary has such a fabulous, can-do spirit and attitude. Teaching Calgary’s can-do business graduates is my job! I unconditionally love what I do and it fuels me.” The affable dean, husband, father of two grown children and voracious Calgary booster is perfectly comfortable in his skin and isn’t at all fazed about the stereotypical cliché of being a dry and boring academic, when he grins and shrugs that he has absolutely no guilty pleasures. “My wife is an incredible cook and still cringes about my weakness for a good meat loaf and creamed corn. But I don’t like desserts, I may have a total of five beers in the whole year, I’m not handy, I don’t putter, I have never owned a sports car and, on weekends, I fall asleep in front of the TV while watching golf.” Dinners for two or the good company of six or eight friends having a meal together is precious therapy and Dewald cherishes the annual two- or three-week getaway downtime when he and his wife drive their motorhome to Kimberley, B.C. for “lots and lots of golf and some battery recharging R&R.” Even thoughts of meat loaf, creamed corn and playing golf in B.C. can’t take his mind off what really matters. “I am so very proud of Haskayne’s focus, our constantly updated relevance and the chance to equip the business leaders of the future,” Jim Dewald says with firm conviction and some emotion. “But it’s a bit daunting. All we really know about the future is that things will change.” BiC www.businessincalgary.com | BUSINESS IN CALGARY September 2013 • 57

Calgary’s Commercial Real Estate Boom • Commercial Real Estate

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Calgary’s Commercial Real Estate Boom • Commercial Real Estate

Digital rendering of the Manulife office tower in Calgary. Photo courtesty of Manulife Financial.

t happens in Calgary, and Toronto, Vancouver, New York, Houston, Paris, London and Beijing. Take away all the attractions, the charm and the touristdraw aspects, and of all the indicators of a city’s true value and rank, there are few more solid, reliable and easy to track than commercial real estate. Of course, comparing residential and commercial real estate is a ridiculous apples-to-oranges impossibility, although there may be a vague similarity in the logic. Residential real estate is driven by cost, value and a bunch of warm’n’fuzzies like location, schools, parks, trees, shopping, roads and proximity to the C-Train. Commercial real estate, especially in a dynamic and growing business market like Calgary, is driven by cost, investor value, return on investment (ROI), marketability, current and projected leasing potential, occupancy and vacancy rates, and absorption. According to the latest REALpac/IPD Canada Annual Property Index, documented facts and figures show that the total annual return in Calgary was an impressive 17.4 per cent. Other major Canadian markets surveyed by REALpac/ IPD were Vancouver, Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto. The national total return was 13.1 per cent. “Calgary is definitely showing up to be a strong performer, not only nationally but on the global commercial real estate market,” says Simon Fairchild, executive director of IPD – a subsidiary of MSCI Inc. “There is certainly a lot of optimism about Calgary’s growth and ranking. Investors always look at the long run and both investors and developers are interestedly looking closely at the performance of Calgary. And as all the numbers show, they obviously like what they see.” The REALpac/IPD Canada Annual Property Index – measuring over 2,200 institutional grade properties across Canada, valued at $107 billion – gathers and analyzes global as well as Canadian commercial property trends and values.

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Calgary’s Commercial Real Estate Boom • Commercial Real Estate

Aside from the rave-review numbers about Calgary, Fairchild highlights that in the 13-year history of the index, 2013 is proving to be the sixth highest annual total return, outperforming other investment options like public equities at 5.9 per cent (MSCI Canada Index), bonds at 4.0 per cent (J.P. Morgan 7-10 Year Government Bond Index) and inflation at 1.0 per cent (Statistics Canada). “No doubt about it,” he says with objective enthusiasm, “Calgary is the top-performing city in the report. And the key criteria is based on total investment return. Total annual returns for the three years, five years and 10 years remain robust at 13.7 per cent per annum, 8.6 per cent per annum and 11.6 per cent per annum, respectively. Of the six largest Canadian markets, Calgary generates a total return that impressively exceeded the overall market.” And in that important “overall Canadian market” – particularly in the designated and frequently comparable areas of Calgary, Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa – commercial real estate is so booming and viable that Canadian real estate giant Royal LePage (RLP) jumped in and launched Royal LePage Commercial this April. It was an instant hit. In just six months the division has already grown by 50 per cent with over 240 RLP commercial sales reps doing gung-ho business across Canada. According to several industry indicators, no current commercial real estate market is hotter than Calgary. “Most commercial areas are vibrant and going strong in Calgary,” says Barbara Gibson, manager of the Calgary commercial division and associate broker with Royal LePage Foothills,

Barbara Gibson, manager of the Calgary commercial division and associate broker with Royal LePage Foothills.

“including downtown and suburban office space, retail and industrial space. Aside from being great for business, it’s very exciting because so many new projects are coming on stream in all sectors, and Calgary vacancy rates are so low.” Whether it’s the dynamic momentum of new downtown core construction as well as considerable suburban starts and activity, combined with new and relocating businesses and various other impacting factors, commercial real estate in Calgary has almost become a significant sub-industry. Not only is demand for rental space high – at record levels, mostly in the downtown core – but the commercial version of the landlord market is having a domino effect on very low core vacancy rates and exponentially spiking rents. Vacancy rates and square-footage rental rates vary from new, prime downtown Calgary AA

Trend

space to C space in older buildings and outlying areas, but Calgary’s overall commercial real estate vacancy rates are undisputedly the lowest in Canada. “Calgary’s downtown office vacancy is around 4.5 per cent,” Gibson tracks the columns of RLP numbers. “Broken down by class, less than 1.0 per cent vacancy in AA class buildings; 2.90 per cent in A buildings; 7.84 per cent vacancy in B class buildings; all the way up to 19 per cent vacancy rates in C buildings. This includes about 56 per cent of head-lease space and about 44 per cent of sublease space, with most of the vacant space being in the B and C class buildings and with very little large pockets of space which many companies are looking for.” One of the ironies of commercial real estate is the business equation that: the lower the vacancy rate for the property owner, the higher the lease rate for the tenant. In Calgary, from the downtown core to the burbs, the ironic but business-fact-of-life equation speaks for itself. Calgary commercial real estate stats show that the market absorption (the percentage rate at which available space is leased during a set period) of office space has already surpassed a record and shows no signs of slowing, including the newest Calgary commercial real estate sensation, The Bow. By the time the stunning new jewel of the downtown core opened this summer, it was already “No Vacancy” with all two million square feet of premium space fully rented, mostly by Cenovus and Encana. As the Calgary numbers caution, commercial real estate is a two-sided coin. When landlords enjoy low vacancy rates, tenants cringe about

Vancouver

Calgary

Winnipeg

national

Overall Ofﬁce Vacancy Rate

8.20%

8.10%

10.20%

8.50%

Overall Industrial Vacancy Rate

4.10%

5.45%

3.70%

5.80%

60 • September 2013 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

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Calgary’s Commercial Real Estate Boom • Commercial Real Estate

Although Calgary rates are still lower than the peak levels recorded in golden and pre-downturn 2007, rents have quickly recovered to 75 per cent, 68 per cent and 64 per cent of the peak rates (for AA, A and B class buildings) while C class building rates are only 50 per cent of what they were in peak times.

rising rental rates. Also, Calgary’s sublease market is dwindling, aggravating the likelihood of rental rate inflation. “Net rental rates for AA head-lease space are $40 to $48 per square foot for AA space, $32 to $40 per square foot for class A space, $22 to $30 per square foot for class B and $14 to $22 per square foot for class C space,” according to Gibson’s latest facts and figures. As the REALpac/IPD Canada Annual Property Index and Royal LePage Commercial stats confirm, Calgary is a commercial real estate league of its own, especially when compared to Edmonton and Vancouver. “Vancouver’s downtown office vacancy is a bit higher (about 7.8 per cent) and their rates range from $23 to $42 throughout all building classes. Edmonton is even higher vacancy (at 9.1 per cent) with rental rates from $26 to $40 throughout all building classes.” Although Calgary rates are still lower than the peak levels recorded in golden and pre-downturn 2007, rents have quickly recovered to 75 per cent, 68 per cent and 64 per cent of the peak rates (for AA, A and B class buildings) while C class building rates are only 50 per cent of what they were in peak times. If there’s a shred of legitimacy to the corny cliché that cranes on the downtown skyline are a good omen about commercial real estate investment, at least the next few

years (and beyond) are very good indicators about investor confidence in Calgary. As Gibson reviews the list one by one, it’s clear that Calgary is set for a continuing (and growing) commercial real estate boom. Some of the ready-for-construction, high-profile Calgary examples are: • Brookﬁeld Place, the 56-storey, 247-metre high and 2.8 million-square-foot tower which will be the highest office building in Western Canada – taller than The Bow, which is only 236 metres – and set for 2017 occupancy • Telus is breaking ground on a new, 58-storey, 750,000-square-foot (mixed use with 30 floors of office, 24 floors of residential condos and a few floors of retail) building, also due for occupancy in 2017 • Manulife’s new 27-storey, 564,000-square-foot, ﬂoor-toceiling elliptical glass stunner set to open in March 2017 • various suburban projects such as the WestMount Corporate Campus (a GW Project) near Mount Royal University in the southwest, a number of new projects coming on stream in the beltline as well as Quarry Crossing and Quarry Gate (Remington Developments Project) in Calgary’s southeast quadrant No wonder, when it comes to the roller-coaster of commercial property values, investment potential, ROI, demand and vacancy rates, Calgary is not only resoundingly No. 1 in Canada but also one of the best in the world. BiC

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TOC

Page 1 - BOMA Members Respond: Flood 2013 Page 4 - Hard Lessons: Learning from Disaster Page 6 - BOMA Insider Page 8 - Indoor Air Quality Affects Employee Performance Page 9 - Get Out and Vote!

NEWS FALL 2013

BOMA Members Respond:

Flood 2013 Lia Robinson, CAE Vice President Communications & Client Relations

Photo provided by Oxford Properties Group

atural disasters donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t follow prescribed lines, they refuse to be controlled or curtailed. All we can do is prepare, mitigate the damages, learn and apply that learning to better prepare us for the next disaster, whenever it may arrive. BOMA Calgary members who own and manage buildings are often the most prepared. They have a huge responsibility â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to their tenants and their employees, to the public who visit their buildings and to the building itself, which is an asset for its owners. Understanding that responsibility, most have emergency procedures and plans in place. They train and organize for a day when a disaster may come, whether it is a windstorm, fire or flood. And even then no one is completely prepared, they apply their plans and make decisions with the information they have at the time.

BOMA Calgary News

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

Business in Calgary

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

BOMA Calgary

120, 4954 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB T3E 6L1 Email: info@boma.ca • Web: www.boma.ca Tel: 403.237.0559 • Fax: 403.266.5876

COMMUNICATIONS COMMITEE

Rita Reid, First Capital Realty Jamie Zachary, Calgary Herald Siobhan Koroll, Calgary Herald Jay de Nance, Fairfield Commercial Real Estate Roger Hanks, Skyline Roofing Giovanni Worsley, MNP LLP Kim Bogner, 20 Vic Management Leah Stewart, Sizeland Evans Interior Design Bobbi Joan O’Neil, Business in Calgary Lia Robinson, BOMA Calgary

Photo provided by Oxford Properties Group

“Number of customers able to return to work: Over 15,000 happy customers welcomed back to a dry, safe workplace.” ~ Oxford Properties Group

Throughout the flood, and in the days that followed, owners and managers focused on their buildings, tenants and staff, and BOMA focused on supporting them so they could do the work needed to get back on

Board of Directors

CHAIR Chris Howard, Avison Young Real Estate CHAIR-ELECT Ken Dixon, ATCO Group SECRETARY TREASURER Chris Nasim, GWL Realty Advisors PAST CHAIR Don Fairgrieve-Park, Bentall Kennedy (Canada) LP PRESIDENT & CSO William G. R. Partridge, CAE, BOMA Calgary

Directors

Fred Edwards, Servpro Cleaning Steve Weston, Brookfield Properties Marjorie Cone, H & R Property Management Ltd. Robert Brazzell, Altus Group Corrine Jackman, Hopewell Real Estate Services Cam Gresko, Cadillac Fairview Dustin Engel, Alberta Infrastructure Richard Morden, Bentall Kennedy (Canada) LP Lee Thiessen, MNP LLP Loy Sullivan, 20 VIC Management

The Building Owners and Managers Association of Calgary publishes BOMA Calgary News quarterly. For advertising rates and information contact Business in Calgary. Publication of advertising should not be deemed as endorsement by BOMA Calgary. The publisher reserves the right in its sole and absolute discretion to reject any advertising at any time submitted by any party. Material contained herein does not necessarily reflect the opinion of BOMA Calgary, its members or its staff.

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“Number of service providers

that answered our call for help: 32. We could not have reopened the buildings as quickly as we did without the unquestioning support of our valued service providers, who truly went above and beyond at all hours of the day and night.” ~ Oxford Properties Group

track. Thank you to the building owners and managers, our members, for all they did through the event, and to the service and supplier members who

assisted; they are the heroes of the commercial real estate industry.

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President’s Report

Hard Lessons: Learning from Disaster By William G.R. Partridge, CAE

BUILDINGS

Photo by Cher Compton

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OMA has long been an advocate for our industry and for preparedness. Whether it was preparing a guide for an Emergency Planning manual (1980s) or later for Y2K issues, the World Petroleum Congress or the G8 Economic Summit, being prepared has been top of mind. The flood of 2013 has certainly driven that point home. The effects of this natural disaster were terrifying for many and devastating for those whose homes or businesses were severely damaged or even destroyed. Commercial buildings and their staff have emergency plans to address different scenarios. In most instances they were prepared and they responded well, a testimony to preparedness. BOMA played a role, which we have come to understand was a very important one. BOMA is an invited external partner to CEMA – Calgary Emergency Management Agency, and we were called to the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) on the afternoon of Thursday, June 20. BOMA staff and volunteers manned our desk at the EOC and assisted CEMA in contacting various buildings when evacuations were deemed necessary. BOMA is able to contact all member buildings in the event of this kind of emergency. The flood was the first test for the association at the EOC and from reports received from officials, including Mayor Nenshi, and many affected members, the information pushed out by BOMA by way of its presence at the EOC was regarded as valuable and

Photo by Cher Compton

of great assistance. We are proud to have played this important, albeit, minor role. I have promoted the need to integrate the individual building emergency plans with the City’s emergency plan. An integrated and co-ordinated emergency response, and one which incorporates an appropriate communications plan, is vital to the successful management of a crisis. The response by CEMA and all the first-response agencies and city departments was nothing short of incredible. The manner in which the city, its employees, the staff of affected buildings and innumerable volunteers responded makes one proud to be a Calgarian. We lost some buildings, but we gained a stronger sense of community. Did things go perfectly? No. They never do in an emergency. Decisions must be made on the ground and they must be made quickly. Can we learn from this experience? Yes. It is important to allow time to pass and then reflect on how we could do better next time. Moreover, what can we do on the preventive side at the micro level with individual building preparedness, and at the macro level to address the whole issue of riparian dynamics? We learned from the 2005 flood. (This writer’s home was flooded during that event.) We acted upon the lessons and we made some adjustments. We made physical changes to the building and to the landscaping as was recommended. We also made a commitment to preparing a “go-pack” containing the essentials to keep us going for 72 hours. We have one for each member of the household, as well as the family dog. I have a go-pack in my office as well. BOMA will be reviewing the recommended practices for emergency preparedness with a view to incorporating the lessons of the 2013 flood into our guidebook. But that is only part of the story: we need to be of assistance to tenants helping them building their own emergency plans, where they do not exist, along with business recovery plans. Many Calgary businesses were shut down for several days, even weeks, and this translates into a significant loss of productivity and a hit to local, provincial and even national GDP. Our personal safety commences at the individual level and we build from there.

A big and public thank you to Mayor Nenshi, Chief Burrell and all the folks at CEMA and the EOC. Special thanks to BOMA manager communications & member services, Lia Robinson and volunteers Glen Kitteringham and Ray McPhee for their selfless dedication and sacrifice while taking their posts at the BOMA desk at the EOC. As well, the tireless efforts of first responders, city workers and volunteers in dealing with the emergency. We are all grateful. You are all awesome and make us proud.

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BOMA Insider

The 2013 Mentor / Protégé pairs from the BOMA Mentorship Program.

Welcome to new BOMA members Sable Developments Inc.

Jonathan Renko and John Rooke of BCIMC - Bentall Kennedy (Canada) LP, accept the BOMA BESt Level 4 certificate for Bower Place Shopping Centre.

Golf Classic Co-Title Sponsor

Panelists weigh in at the BOMA BESt Breakfast Session on Waste Diversion.

Welcome New BOMA Member Companies!

The

Atlas Glass Ltd., Serge Mulholland

Hemisphere Engineering, Jeff Smith

BOMA Building Guide

Bentall Kennedy Retail, Jonathan Renko

Hilti Canada Corp., Andrew Cummings

Caledonian Exteriors, Sue Scott

Maglin, Ronay Shelton

now available!

Concept Group, Lorne MacIntyre

Morrell Siding and Roofing, Greg Morrell

Request

DRP Law, Ryan Robertson

Tandem Marketing Design, Todd Fraser

EllisDon Construction Services Inc., Patti Stebbe

United Decorating Inc., Dwayne Wallace

Entro Communications Inc., Chris Herringer

WestPark Parking Services Inc., Darren Morgan

2013-2014

your copies at

info@boma.ca or 403.237.0559

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Indoor Air Quality Affects Employee Preformance

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he vast majority of today’s workforce spends most of their day indoors. With this in mind it is important to consider the indoor environment and the associated air quality. Those buildings that have chosen to partake in the BOMA BESt program have made a conscious decision to ensure the well-being of the occupants in their buildings. As buildings have become more efficient in energy consumption, air quality has traditionally suffered, due to less ventilation. Additionally, tenants are challenging the designs of the buildings we occupy through highdensity staffing and cubicles, which can adversely affect air quality.

Those buildings that have chosen to partake in the BOMA BESt program have made a conscious decision to ensure the well-being of the occupants in their buildings. Included in the BOMA BESt program is an entire section dedicated to controlling and evaluating the overall indoor air quality within that building. When the air quality in a building is known and proven to be of good quality, the overall performance of occupants improves and absenteeism, due to illness and air quality related matters, decreases. When comparing different leasing options, a prospective tenant in an office building should ask the question: “Is this building part of the BOMA BESt program?” Participation in this program is one more sign of an owner/ property manager who cares about their building and all of its occupants no matter how big or small the lease may be. Dennis French is the president of DF Technical & Consulting Services Ltd., with 3 locations and staff of 18 Certified Indoor Environmental Consultants and Expert Witness (Court of Queen’s Bench) on Indoor Air Quality and Assessments.

Get Out and

Vote! By David Parker

ctober 21, election day, is fast approaching and I do hope that many will make the small effort to visit a polling station and exercise their right. Shame on those who do not. There are surely some important questions to be addressed by incumbents and would-be aldermen. To date only Gord Lowe of the current slate has announced he will not run, which means we could have almost the same council as we have endured since the last election, although there is rumour again of Dale Hodges retiring. I wonder why he sat out the vote on the disbursement of the $52 million, while all others who represent wards affected by the flooding backed Mayor Nenshiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s initiative. No one is expected to seriously challenge Nenshi who was followed around like a rock star by paparazzi during the floods; but who comes under a deal of criticism by some aldermen about not recognizing that they too were busy working in their communities. Not all of them though; if you watched the TV news coverage there were some who took every opportunity for a photo op. There are some serious candidates who appear quite confident of winning seats. Businessman Kevin Taylor is making a second run for Ward 7 after he lost by a narrow margin last election, and he has been hard at it since he announced his candidacy months ago. Another re-entry is policeman Sean Chu who knocked at my door many weeks ago to say he was contesting Ward 4 again. Newcomer to civic politics but veteran in the political arena, James

Maxim, is working hard to represent Ward 11 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; while also working hard to rebuild his flood-damaged home. For those involved in the development industry now is the time to bug aldermen as to why the promised overhaul of planning procedures is just not working satisfactorily. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a complaint that I hear very frequently, even from householders waiting for permission to upgrade their properties.

Other observations of city happenings I hear quite often are perhaps headed by our love of bicycle transportation. I wonder just how much money has been spent on painting lines and logos never mind road dividers. Other observations of city happenings I hear quite often are perhaps headed by our love of bicycle transportation. I wonder just how much money has been spent on painting lines and logos never mind road dividers. 9

The late Harold Milavsky commented we are a downtown city and should make every effort to get people in and out of the core as quickly as possible. That means by public transit, which isn’t easy for so many, or by car.

Photo by Cher Compton

Maybe we have to license bicycles again as I don’t see why a car user should be the only payer. I like bicycles, I used to race them and love watching professional racing, as well as shoppers in Europe pedalling along cobbled streets with daily grocery items stuffed in handlebar baskets. But I bet they live within walking distance of the shops and they don’t suffer the same winters as we do. The late Harold Milavsky commented we are a downtown city and should make every effort to get people in and out of the core as quickly as possible. That means by public transit, which isn’t easy for so many, or by car. I very rarely see a cyclist on 10th Street NW and new bus and bike lanes – the one on Northland Drive is 10

dangerous as few drivers take any notice and trying to merge again across 52nd Avenue is chaotic. And what happens when school is in and they are filled with half a dozen yellow buses? Where does the cyclist go? I also wonder how much of our taxes are spent on building miles of sound barriers – many where I don’t see the need. No doubt how taxes are spent will be the key election topic, with a hoped-for promise to make decisions after all costs are determined. Just consider the huge overrun of the West LRT and the yet-to-be-told total cost of the Peace Bridge, including the extensive approaches, and we have good reason to get out and vote.

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The team at SerVantage.

Our Service – Your Advantage… that’s SerVantage Raising the Bar on Cleaning Standards for Commercial Property Owners Written and photographed by Mary Savage

hen a client asks for one thing and they get something else, it’s a problem – period. Yet the solution is simple: listen to your clients and give them what they want. “Eighty per cent of problems arise because of miscommunication,” says Hugh Deas-Dawlish, vice president, SerVantage Services Group, Alberta division. Ironically, SerVantage is not a communications company. They are a full-service facilities maintenance company. Their core business is commercial, health care and retail janitorial services. However, in order to better service their clients they have expanded their business over the years to include parkade, window and construction cleaning. They also provide line painting, concrete grinding, polymer applications and other related services. They have achieved remarkable growth because their approach is simple: they listen to their clients and provide proactive, creative solutions. They consider themselves to be solution providers – and it’s been their mandate from day one.

Nearly 40 years ago John Petersen, CEO, bought the Vancouver company from his father, then known as Scandinavian Building Maintenance, changing the company name in 2004 to SerVantage Services Group. Petersen has built SerVantage over the years based on honest, ethical service that goes above and beyond what the client expects. Three decades later, Petersen’s son, Craig Petersen, COO, opened the Calgary branch and put those same practices in place to begin developing the business in Alberta. Joining John and Craig is Rob Spanier, CFO. Spanier has been with SerVantage over 20 years and has worked closely with the Petersens to help grow the business. When Craig opened the Calgary branch in June of 2003, they had 60 employees and four building contracts. Today the COR certified Calgary operation employs over 400 people and services 35 buildings, and in the past six months they have added an additional one million square feet in service contracts.

SerVantage 10th Anniversary

“At a time when most companies seem to be growing through acquisitions we prefer to grow our company organically by earning the trust of our clients. Our expansion comes from creating new relationships with property management companies and also from working vertically within our existing client base,” says Deas-Dawlish. SerVantage is fortunate to work with clients that treat them like partners, which enables them to provide solutions for issues that arise outside of their scope of work. “We try to foster a relationship where our clients feel comfortable coming to us to help them solve problems that may not be directly related to cleaning,” comments Deas-Dawlish. “We partner with suppliers that provide the most effective and innovative products,” says Deas-Dawlish. “We stay on the cutting edge of technology for products, equipment and processes in order to enable us to provide the best service possible to our clients. We were one of the first companies to do ATP testing: a cleaning method to check a surface to determine the biological content – we go above and beyond normal cleaning. On a regular basis, we test the high-traffic touch points to ensure our processes and procedures are being effective,” he continues. SerVantage has built a business that also goes above and beyond industry requirements: they are active members of BOMA (Building Owners and Managers Association) and ISSA (International Sanitary Supply Association). Two years ago, they received accreditation with CIMS (Cleaning Industry Management Standard) and CIMS GB (Green Buildings). And they achieved both certifications with honours. ‘Green’ cleaning is a large part of SerVantage’s business and they have been proponents of green cleaning products and processes for years. CIMS and CIMS GB are not industry requirements, in fact there are only a handful of companies in Canada that have achieved this status – partly due to the stringent approvals process. In 2009, SerVantage was the first commercial cleaning company in Western Canada to receive the Environmental

Stewardship Award awarded through the Environmental Choice Program to companies based on their ‘environmental best practices.’ According to Deas-Dawlish, “Green cleaning requires a commitment to working with specific chemicals and propro cesses,” he adds. “Today, green cleaning is essential in order to participate in the bid process of many new buildings and LEED initiatives.” Likewise, when it comes to municipal and government building contracts, you have to be COR certified, although as a cleaning company, it’s not an industry requirement. SerVantage achieved COR certification two years ago to illustrate their commitment to the health and safety of their clients and employees. “The cleaning business is simple yet complex – whether it’s 80,000 square feet or 800,000 square feet – there are so many variables that come into play. Our job is to manage these variables and make our clients’ lives easier. We try to anticipate any potential issues and provide solutions to circumvent them,” he comments. “We are very fortunate to work with a lot of exceptional people – both our clients and employees. Our clients feel more like friends and the SerVantage team always goes the extra mile in an attempt to exceed their expectations,” says Deas-Dawlish. “We have an amazing team, from our front-line employees to our senior management, who work tirelessly to ensure our clients’ needs are met. It’s not a glamorous business, but it’s a very challenging and exciting industry and we are exceptionally lucky to have the client base that we do – it is because of them that we enjoy coming to work each day,” he remarks. As the Calgary operation celebrates their 10th anniversary, the SerVantage team pauses from the workday to extend a sincere note of gratitude to all of their clients, business partners, suppliers and employees. SerVantage acknowledges the importance of every relationship and the role it has played in contributing to their success.

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Congratulations Servantage on providing 10 years of excellent service and dedication to the Calgary area. We at PlanetClean® would like to express our gratitude for being chosen as a partner in your successful journey throughout the years. Many years of continued success. 16 Locations across Western Canada to serve You planetclean.com Tel: (403) 252-3356 Toll Free: 1 (866) 447-4510 www.planetclean.com

SerVantage 10th Anniversary

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Agrium: Leader of the Pack A

n exceptional wolf can survive on its own, but it’s only in the strength of the pack that these creatures of the night truly thrive.

each other better in a different setting than work. It also allows us to connect with people from other employers, and that’s always fun, too!”

That’s why it’s fitting that Agrium Inc. has chosen a howling wolf as its emblem for this year’s Calgary Corporate Challenge, says Karen Kawucha, chair of Agrium’s CCC committee.

A global manufacturer and retailer of fertilizer and other agricultural inputs, Agrium has sponsored Corporate Challenge for each of the past 14 years.

“We’re stronger together. It might be a cliché, but it’s also true. And it’s as true in business as it is on the volleyball court, the soccer pitch or even the trivia battlefield,” she says.

“Throughout all the areas in which Agrium employees work and live, we are known for our strong community outreach program that focuses on company investment and participation,” explains Lecky.

More than 250 employees from Agrium’s Calgary head office, as well as the Carseland manufacturing facility located 30 minutes east of the city, are expected to suit up for CCC activities this year. They’ll participate in events ranging from basketball and baseball to mountain bike racing and the 10K run, to cribbage and darts – as well as the CEO Challenge, thanks to strong support from the company’s senior leaders. “Corporate Challenge is a a lot of fun,” says Rose Lecky, Agrium’s manager, corporate social responsibility. “It’s a chance for us to get some exercise while we get to know

Agrium’s Corporate Challenge T-shirts bear the slogan ‘Leader of the Pack,’ and Kawucha says that’s not mere bravado. “We do plan to be leaders of the pack at all events this year – hopefully in terms of wins and losses in many cases, but definitely when it comes to camaraderie, sportsmanship and fan attendance. We invite all employees to get involved. Whether you’re a player, a volunteer or a spectator, you’re part of this team, and we need you!”

Team building matters Building a great team or finding a great organization can be a challenge. You need a partner who can advise you and help you make these tough decisions. Randstad Canada works in every industry and with all types of professionals, in finding innovative ways to access the labour market. We find the right positions for the right people, helping individuals find valuable contracts and helping companies hire for permanent roles. For help building your team, or standing out among the crowd, visit www.randstad.me/CalgaryTeamwork and learn how Randstad Canada can help you.

About Randstad Canada Randstad Canada is the Canadian leader for staffing, recruitment and HR Services. As the only fully integrated staffing company in the country, we understand the recruitment needs and demands of employers and job seekers across all levels and industries. Through our insightful knowledge of local markets, employment trends and global network of recruitment experts, we are shaping the Canadian world of work.

Team Murphy is ready to lay down the law in the 2013 Calgary Corporate Challenge! Murphy Oil Canada is proud to continue its participation in the 2013 “Creatures of the Night” CCC. This year Murphy is enrolled in 19 events ranging from basketball to cribbage to laser tag. The CCC is a great way to build corporate culture and kickstart those morning elevator conversations!

“The CCC is a unique way to bring our employees closer together and instill pride in our organization.”

“The atmosphere around CCC time is always electric.” “My favorite part is talking team strategy after a hard fought game!”

About Murphy Oil Corporation: Murphy Oil Corporation is a worldwide oil & gas organization that entered the Fortune “100 FastestGrowing Companies” at #78 in 2006. We offer exciting employment opportunities for individuals seeking a challenging and rewarding career in the oil & gas industry. The strength of our values is in the strength of our people. Review available opportunities.....become a part of the Murphy Oil Team! For more information please visit www.murphyoilcorp.com

GREAT PEOPLE MAKE GREAT TEAMS. With ATCO, you will join our unique and diverse world which includes a healthy and safe work environment, a commitment to the communities where we live and work, and an opportunity to grow your career across our various companies. ATCO employs more than 9,000 people worldwide in nine companies engaged in Structures & Logistics, Utilities, Energy, and Technology. Great opportunities for great people.

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Battling Workplace Myths, Stigmas and Stereotypes • Corporate Fitness & Health

Battling Workplace Myths, Stigmas and Stereotypes Workplace depression is an illness, not a weakness BY JOHN HARDY

t’s a fact of Calgary work life. In intimate, boutique offices where only a handful of staff work closely together, in busy and noisy plants, sprawling warehouses and in soundbaffled workstations spotting the serpentine hallways of shimmering glass towers – health problems abound at work. Some are more common, some more obvious and some more stealth and hard to notice than others. It ranges from a gamut of health issues – the excruciating pain of sudden migraines, sciatica and other debilitating back pain and carpal tunnel flare-ups to hips, knees, asthma puffers and the side effects of chemotherapy. Some health problems are openly talked about at work. Some are private. Some too delicate or raw. And others are sadly still stigmatized and hushed, like mental health problems. Especially today’s most common workplace mental health problem: depression. Depression affects men and women of any age and education, and it doesn’t discriminate by job title or rank. Nearly three million Canadians will experience depression at one point in their life. Most often, it affects people in their working years, between 24 and 44.

National and Calgary-specific stats undisputedly document that the incidence of diagnosed and undiagnosed depression in the workplace is alarmingly high. The Canadian Mental Health Association says that more than 500,000 Canadians miss work each day due to various mental health reasons (clinical depression being the most common) and almost one in two Canadian employees are currently experiencing or have previously experienced some type of mental health issue. Professionals agree that depression has become a worldwide problem in many industrialized countries. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), depression will soon become the second most common cause of disability, after heart disease. Perhaps the most traditional and misinformed cliché labels depression as “the blues.” Mental health specialists and clinical depression sufferers agree: “if it was only that simple!” Everyone gets the blues or feels sad from time to time. But a major depressive disorder – usually just called “depression” – is different than “the blues.” It’s feelings of severe despair over an extended period of time and almost every aspect www.businessincalgary.com | BUSINESS IN CALGARY September 2013 • 81

Battling Workplace Myths, Stigmas and Stereotypes • Corporate Fitness & Health

It is estimated that between compensation to sick workers and lost productivity, mental health issues (predominantly depression) cost the Canadian economy $51 billion a year.

of life can be affected, including emotions, physical health, relationships and work. But when depression interferes with a person’s personal and work life, no amount of “cheering up” can make the depression go away and no amount of exercise, vitamins or vacation can make it disappear. For people with depression, it does not feel like there is a “light at the end of the tunnel” – there is just a long, dark tunnel. That’s because depression is an illness, not a weakness. Depression affects the total person – body, feelings, thoughts and behaviours – and comes in various forms. Some people have severe mood swings, alternating between depressive lows and manic highs. At work, those and other classic symptoms often com-

Morgan Craig-Broadwith, manager, Workplace Mental Health, CMHA - Calgary Region

bine with chronic fatigue, frustration, touchiness and performance issues and require professional treatment as well as workplace understanding. “Calgary figures show that depression and anxiety are overwhelmingly the most common mental illnesses in the workplace,” says Morgan CraigBroadwith, manager, Workplace Mental Health of the Canadian Mental Health Association for the Calgary Region. “The stats are in-line with Canada’s national numbers and it shows that 10 years ago, about nine per cent of people experienced depression and anxiety in the workplace. Now it has more than doubled to about 22 per cent and antidepressants are the most commonly used drug and the leading prescriptions on company health benefit plans.” Aggravated by myths, misunderstandings, clichés and ignorance, depression impacts employee productivity, judgment, the ability to work with others and overall job performance. Depression also interferes with concentration and decision-making, often causing disruptive and costly mistakes. Sadly, it can also be a vicious cycle. When an employee is depressed, their moods affect the mood of fellow staffers and, as research has shown, employees who silently or openly suffer with depression are more likely to abuse alcohol and drugs, which compounds problems both on and off the job. Although the health and well-being of the individual is an absolute prior-

82 • September 2013 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

ity, workplace mental health issues like depression and anxiety are very much legitimate business issues. Depressed employees are proven to have consistently poor performance, frequent sick days, higher rates of absenteeism and long-term disability. It is estimated that between compensation to sick workers and lost productivity, mental health issues (predominantly depression) cost the Canadian economy $51 billion a year. A study from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health tracked that about 41 per cent of employee short- and long-term disability claims are due to mental illness, primarily depression. Understanding and managing employee depression is a multilayered fact and a challenge of contemporary work life. Contrary to simplistic assumptions and superficial stereotypes, some (by no means all) depression is caused by work. Various North American and British research studies have identified common workplace risk factors and, while they suggest that stress can sometimes be a healthy part of a workday, there is consensus that workloads and prolonged and chronic stress and tension can trigger workplace depression. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) recognizes the popular and misused business catchword “burnout” as a diagnosable pattern of workplace stress in which exhaustion – more and more the tendency for the employee to delay or not take

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xecutive healthcare is fast becoming an important part of the benefits that companies provide to their top talent. For well over 20 years, organizations have recognized that protecting their leaders and star performers offers a substantial long-term return on investment. An executive health assessment typically provides a head-to-toe examination as well as a battery of advanced tests that range from important biomarkers to observing the heart under the stress of exercise. Most companies offering executive health services follow the same basic evidence-based prevention guidelines, but the overall landscape is changing fast. First, companies have begun to realize that the early detection of disease is only a small part of prevention. The real goal of prevention is to help the executive build resilience to fend off disease or disorders. Early detection of cancer or cardiovascular disease is

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good, but never detecting anything is better. As a result, many companies are upping their game by enrolling their leaders in comprehensive programs of health and prevention. These programs offer a multidisciplinary team approach to prevention, but also give the executive advanced medical care when they need it. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Organizations now recognize that it is worth a little extra investment to help their executives overcome lifestyle challenges that are increasing their health risks, and provide fast, expert care when a medical problem surfacesâ&#x20AC;?, says Don Copeman, the founder and chairman of Copeman Healthcare Centres in Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton. According to Copeman, many companies now offer the same services to the spouse and family of the employee, which is highly valued as a benefit. The cost of such comprehensive services range from about $2,000 to $5,000 per year.

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Established in 2005, Copeman Healthcare serves the healthcare needs of thousands of discerning individuals and their organizations from clinics in Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton. Through trusted healthcare partners they are able to service most areas of the country. The organization is growing fast, in step with the demand for better returns on executive health investments through more comprehensive programs.

Battling Workplace Myths, Stigmas and Stereotypes • Corporate Fitness & Health

vacation time is becoming a common burnout risk factor – combined with self-doubts about the value of the person’s work or the ability to do it can lead to depressed moods and diminished work performance. According to the APA, burnout could account for as many as 69 per cent of new cases of depression among workers and preventing burnout in the workplace is a vital step in the global fight against employee depression. “There are various causes. Some are work related and some are not,” explains Kathy Jurgens, national program manager of the Mental Health Works program of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). “We live in a much faster-paced, constantly plugged-in work world and there’s a lot more pressure than ever before. “But the workplace is also changing in a good way,” she says with positivity about a usually touchy topic. “It’s very encouraging that, bit by bit, people are more openly talking about mental health issues at work and very, very slowly it’s being better understood. But the stigma is still huge.” Unfortunately, many depressed people still suffer in silence because they do feel embarrassed and they fear being perceived as weak, unreliable, vulnerable or troubled. Too often,

Kathy Jurgens, national program manager of the Mental Health Works program of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)

even the employee doesn’t recognize depression as a treatable illness. “Changing attitudes and perceptions is difficult and slow,” Jurgens admits. “Just 10 years ago it was unheard of for depression to be a topic of conversation, in private and especially at work.” Some mental health professionals are convinced that slowly decreasing stigmas and stereotyping about depression and more open discussion may be partially making it seem that the private problem is more prevalent than before and while much of the cause for depression may be work related, the cause and the blame is by no means exclusive. “The workplace environment will continue to change,” Craig-Broadwith suggests with a broader perspective. “And, especially with technology, we are plugged in and accessible and we continue with a drastic shift in worklife balances. Our ways of connecting with each other are also changing. Technology is terrific but it changes the way we interact. We may be becoming more isolated with less and less ‘real’ human contact.” Last year, an Ipsos-Reid Report (Incidence of Workplace Depression) was done for Great-West Life and underscores some possibly positive workplace changes. More than 84 per cent of employers realize they should get involved when an employee shows signs of depression – but 63 per cent said they needed more training. That’s why Calgary’s Morgan CraigBroadwith is busier than ever. She is booked solid, months in advance, leading conferences, seminars, workshops and coaching management and HR people. “From a business cost perspective as well as a human factor, it’s vitally important that we engage senior and front-line managers with the skills and tools to properly deal with depression in the workplace.” The encouraging and positive aspects of the challenge is that more than 80 per cent of people with depression can be treated effectively, usually without missing much time from work or need-

86 • September 2013 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

Symptoms of workplace depression include: • difﬁculty in concentrating, remembering and making decisions • decreased productivity • inability to concentrate • decline in dependability • unusual increase in errors in work • frequent lateness, increased absenteeism • lack of enthusiasm • decreased energy; fatigue; comments about being tired all the time • irritability • persistent sad or ‘empty’ moods; morale problems • complaints of unexplained aches and pains • alcohol and/or drug use ing costly hospitalization. There is a choice of treatments available, including medications, psychological therapy or a combination of both. The treatments can usually relieve the symptoms of depression in a matter of weeks, and four out of five people with depression can be successfully treated. Unfortunately, the stats don’t lie. Mental health (especially depression) in the workplace is a private issue, a society issue and very much a business issue. In Calgary and other workplaces, companies, managers, HR professionals and fellow employees are on the front line of one of the biggest workplace health challenges in modern times. And there’s a consensus among mental health professionals and consultants: the crucial first step is to purge the rampant, misinformed stigmas and ignorant stereotypes about depression and focus on readily available facts and the genuinely caring positives of what can be done about it. BiC

The Facts of Fracking • Oil & Gas - Drilling

The drilling industry gets proactive BY PaRKeR GRanT

ecause there is such a misleading and hopeless standoff between perception and reality and because the momentum of public perception can be a damaging distraction for any business (especially the oil and gas industry) the drilling business is refreshingly on the offensive with some overdue, factual, informational and proactive image building. “Hydraulic fracturing has been around since the late ’40s. It’s vital to the energy industry but, for many reasons, the facts have gotten confused by Hollywood

The process of Hydraulic Fracturing www.businessincalgary.com | BUSINESS IN CALGARY September 2013 • 87

4 minutes. That’s how long it takes to switch between EM and MUD PULSE technologies without tripping, using the world’s one and only dual telemetry MWD system. Allowing you to drill faster and save time and money. You won’t find a quicker, more efficient system out there.

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The Facts of Fracking • Oil & Gas - Drilling

“We are doing brieﬁngs and presentations and talking to people in the community about our operations…we are genuinely asking for and wanting their speciﬁc local input.” Dr. Roberto Aguilera, Schulich School of Engineering, Professor, Conoco-Phillips Chair in Tight Gas Engineering and author of the Journal of Canadian Petroleum Technology

Mark Salkeld, CEO, Petroleum Services Association of Canada (PSAC)

movies and some misleading articles,” says Dr. Roberto Aguilera, professor and ConocoPhillips-NSERC-AERI chair in the chemical and petroleum engineering department of the Schulich School of Engineering at the University of Calgary. “Frankly, maybe because things were so busy since the energy boom began but the industry and academia, especially here in Alberta, have a done a lousy job in conveying the real message to the public and all the misinformation has never really been challenged or proven wrong.” Although the industry-slang term “fracking” has caught on with media, politicians, critics and protestors, it specifically refers to how the rock is fractured apart by a high-pressure mixture. Experts also refer to a “frac job” and a “frac unit.” Most of the fairly recent (five to seven years) commotion and controversy has targeted fracking: the process of extracting natural gas from shale rock layers deep within the earth, making it possible to produce natural gas extraction in shale plays that were once unreachable with conventional technologies. Often misunderstood and simplistically misrepresented by some critics, protest groups and lay media, horizontal drilling (along with some traditional vertical drilling) now allows for the injection of highly pressurized fracking fluids into the shale area, creating new channels “in the rock” so natural gas can be extracted at higher than traditional rates. It’s a long drilling process and drilling teams often drill more than a mile into the earth’s surface. Despite some inaccurate anti-fracking allegations, the well is eventually cased with cement – primarily to ensure groundwater protection – and the shale is then hydraulically fractured with water and other fracking fluids. Recent advancements in drilling technology have led to new man-made hydraulic fractures in shale plays that were once not available for exploration. In fact, three-dimensional imaging actually helps scientists determine the precise locations for drilling. Critics of fracking often claim that the process releases methane into the atmosphere and leaves groundwater sup90 • September 2013 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

~ Mark Salkeld plies vulnerable to harmful chemicals in fracking fluid. And after taking the high ground, and mostly saying nothing, during the past seven or so years of surging fossil fuel posturing, crusading, accusations and recent anti-fracking protests, the industry is now gung-ho with serious, factual and positive pushback. “The industry is not defensive. It’s taken a while but we’re simply fighting back; we’re explaining,” explains Mark Salkeld, president and CEO of the Petroleum Services Association of Canada (PSAC). “One reason why the anti-fracking movement has gained momentum is because the services sector has exponentially perfected the technology of multistage hydraulic fracturing in combination with directional drilling in the past 10 years or less.” Earlier this year PSAC launched its Working Energy Commitment, a proactive and ambitious program aimed at opening up lines of communication between PSAC’s oil and gas industry members and the public in designated locations across Western Canada. “We are talking face to face with local residents, landowners and elected officials in certain areas where our industry is active,” Salkeld says, openly proud not only of the industry’s efforts but the encouraging and enthusiastic feedback from communities. “We are doing briefings and presentations and talking to people in the community about our operations, sharing information about various issues from traffic resulting from increased industry activity, water use, water quality and monitoring concerns to scientific facts about fracturing fluid and the behaviour of site workers – and we are genuinely asking for and wanting their specific local input. “It is helping us develop a formal hydraulic fracturing code of conduct to define mutual expectations for working with stakeholders, as well as standard practices for sound technical and environmental performance when fracturing a well.” PSAC – the national trade association of the service, supply and manufacturing sectors within the upstream petroleum industry, representing a diverse range of almost 260 member

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The Facts of Fracking • Oil & Gas - Drilling

Infographic courtesy of Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP)

companies, employing more than 80,000 people and contracting almost exclusively to oil and gas exploration and production companies – is already getting positive feedback and response from residents in local communities, media, industry and academic insiders as well as the Alberta and local governments. The extensive use of fracking has revolutionized parts of the energy industry and has triggered sometimes confusing, 92 • September 2013 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

double-barrelled accusations from various protest groups. One loudly heard concern is pinned on the basic fallacy that fracking uses enormous amounts of water which may impact the environment when it is transported to the fracking site. There are also the allegations that some potentially carcinogenic chemicals used in fracking may escape and contaminate groundwater around the fracking site.

The Facts of Fracking • Oil & Gas - Drilling

“We know how to properly drill and hydraulic fracture; especially in Alberta we have tremendously high standards and we are solidly regulated.” ~ Dr. Roberto Aguilera The industry, independent global experts and government regulators consistently argue and explain that rare pollution incidents are inevitably the result of specific bad practices and not inherent risks of the fracking process and techniques. “Alberta is one of the best regulated systems in the world,” Salkeld says with conviction and professional pride. “And we’re determined to be proactive, explain it to people in our communities and ask for their input and questions.” “It’s a common shock-value strategy to warn about the water used in fracking poisoning the soil. Our research and various findings from around the world show that the probabilities are very, very small,” Aguilera says with much professional expertise. “It is highly unlikely that the fractures could reach the groundwater. The fact is that we have superb and sophisticated skills and technology. We know how to properly drill and hydraulic fracture; especially in Alberta we have tremendously high standards and we are solidly regulated.” The true standoff (again and still) may be public perception versus technological and scientific fact and reality. “Like our Working Energy Commitment info sessions in the various Alberta communities,” Salkeld says to illustrate the conflicting views. “We’re just telling them the factual truth. The other side’s arguments are not based on fact. Ours is. But it’s not easy when we’re up against misinformation and alarming the public with naive concepts like ‘fiery water.’” The other concern is a more generalized frustration: the accusation that the effectiveness and sudden popularity of fracking is deviously distracting energy

companies (and governments) from the commitment to invest and keep working toward renewable sources of energy and encouraging an indefinite reliance on the “environmental threat” of fossil fuels. Most researchers and academics tend to be objective when it comes to today’s energy controversies and, despite trendy, random and often wellintentioned arguments, debates and protests there is professional consensus that while the anti-fossil fuel movement is determined and gets attention, the practical realities of a viable scientific time-frame for switching from fossil fuels is way out of whack. “The 10-15 year range is wishful thinking but absurd,” Aguilera shrugs. “We need fracking because we will need fossil fuels for several decades, not only for the time it will take science and industry to develop the required supply of renewables but we will need fossil fuels just to maintain our standard of living. “Our research team looks at the complete, big picture and the numbers go back to 1850 – to the days when wood and cow dung were the popular energy sources. The evidence is clear. Everything in the energy industry comes in waves and the cycles last for several decades,” he explains. “We project that maybe by 2030 one third of our energy will come from solids, one third from liquids and one third from natural gas. It’s a long-shot guess but maybe around 2050 or 2060 we may reach the target of close to zero emissions. Not before.” As Aguilera and his Schulich School of Engineering trending, projections, stats and research documents show, despite some alarming and simplistic misinformation, fracking is just part of the contemporary cycle. BiC

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www.businessincalgary.com | BUSINESS IN CALGARY September 2013 • 93

End-of-Season Secrets • Golf

End-of-Season Secrets Some Suburban Golfers have Grass Envy BY JOHN HARDY

race yourself! For suburban golfers, the biggest let-down has nothing to do with putts, swings, drives or birdies. It’s the shock of finding out that most of the grass on the course – the lush, emerald green, neatly manicured, no dandelion or crabgrass, beautiful grass you walk on, tee off on, swing on and bounce in the cart, up and down the gently rolling mounds and hills on – is the same grass at home; it’s just that the course crews have more time and they are smarter and better at it. Sorry! It’s the truth. Now that wind-down golf season is happening and golf course turf crews prep for the time-consuming and finicky seasonal shutdown, it’s a good time for the suburban golfer to finally find out what golf course grass pros do that’s different and how (and why) they do it.

James Beebe

94 • September 2013 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

Much to the shock and surprise of some home grass putterers, it is not special grass. Golf course grass is (give or take) mostly the same as home grass. The secret to no chickweed, crabgrass, dandelions and sparse clumps of dead or dying brown grass seems to be in techniques and routines. “Most golf course fairways and roughs are basically the same Kentucky bluegrass as people have on their home lawn,” says friendly but hectically busy James Beebe, golf course manager at the popular Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club, minutes from the Calgary core. “Putting greens are intentionally different. They are bentgrass because they can be cut to a lower height – down to an eighth of an inch – to make for an ideal putting surface.” Beebe and his small but hard-working Priddis turf-care army start their

End-of-Season Secrets • Golf

Despite lay assumptions about watering, Beebe explains that golf courses do not necessarily water every day or in heavy doses. Contrary to what backyard experts think, watering can be a problem, at home and on the course. day well before dawn and work into late afternoon, going through the preset schedules, routines and daily to-do lists, looking after the two courses, 120 acres of turf that includes 50 acres of fairways, tees, bunkers and roughs and a total of more than five acres of greens. As even the most ambitious and dedicated of suburban mowers of lawns will concede: that’s a lot of grass! Professionals like Beebe and his Priddis crews also have two secret weapons the average backyard putterer doesn’t have: time and lots of work. Beebe and fellow greenskeeper professionals agree. Proper golf course maintenance is genuinely a science in terms of what needs to be done, how to do it and, vitally important, when to do it. Way beyond the cutting ritual, golf course turf-care crews have many chores the suburban lawn connoisseur would never think of: aerating, careful testing of soil, top dressing, irrigation, fertilizing, basic cosmetic maintenance (ensuring “everything looks good” around the cup, at the edge of the bunkers, the pins and flags and along the pathways) and a long list of special, time-sensitive preventative maintenance and seasonal prep. From Calgary’s mid-April to midOctober, while most backyard warriors focus mostly on regular mowing strategy (with a sweatband and a tall cool one on a nearby table) and usually dreaded seasonal fertilizing rituals

when the big bags are on sale at the local garden centre, the pros are working hard at their grass science. “We regularly test the soil and send it to a lab in Ohio for soil nutrition. The kind of soil under the grass is crucially important for the quality and the condition of the grass,” he explains. Despite lay assumptions about watering, Beebe explains that golf courses do not necessarily water every day or in heavy doses. Contrary to what backyard experts think, watering can be a problem, at home and on the course. “Yes, golf courses do have extensive irrigation systems and people often see the sprinkler heads shooting out water but, unlike home systems, golf course irrigation is not on a daily timer, to come on and off at the same time every day. It’s very important that we irrigate only when the soil needs it,” he emphasizes a key difference between lawns and fairways. “Golf course supervisors rely on specialized technology, like digital moisture probes, to monitor moisture levels in the soil.” He explains that too much watering can not only cause mould and mildew problems for grass but, on a course, it affects the firmness of the turf and even the bounce of the ball. Golf course maintenance pros are quick to point out that, although it’s possible to micromanage turf mainte-

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www.businessincalgary.com | BUSINESS IN CALGARY September 2013 • 95

End-of-Season Secrets • Golf

nance, testing the water for nutrients and elements is also a key aspect of proper (and professional) grass maintenance. Of course homeowners couldn’t and wouldn’t analyze the water that comes out of the hose or sprinkler system but most golf courses do test and monitor their water quality about once a month. Mostly, not exclusively, they are checking for pH levels. The pH (acidity) level of the water ultimately affects the pH level of the soil and the nutrients the grass gets and it also helps determine the type and amount of the fertilizing that will be done.

The not-so-cryptic golf course secret is timing. Partially for marketing (and gung-ho seasonal mood) reasons, most lay grass buffs are revved and over-ready for lawn work by the May long weekend and anxious to do (and spread) whatever it takes to get the grass looking lush and green.

96 • September 2013 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

On golf courses, it is already fertilizing season when scheduled and very specific fertilizing is happening. It is also confusing for suburban golfers who are puzzled why their front lawn doesn’t look much like the 12th fairway at Canyon Meadows, Maple Ridge or The Glencoe. Without citing Gardening 101 or Basic of Golf Course Maintenance protocols, proper fertilization means the tricky art and science of knowing exactly what the soil needs. The most common fact (and mistake), realized or not, is that the pH is too low and the soil becomes overly acidic. In that extremely common situation, the soil needs lime. The pros may add commercial lime and sometimes a specific fertilizer mixture high in nitrogen (like the familiar bags of 19-4-6, nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium). The not-so-cryptic golf course secret is timing. Partially for marketing (and gung-ho seasonal mood) reasons, most lay grass buffs are revved and over-ready for lawn work by the May long weekend and anxious to do (and spread) whatever it takes to get the grass looking lush and green. For some of the rituals, the timing is good. For others, like low pH and the lime/high nitrogen mixture, it’s bad timing and a well-intentioned mistake. Some suburban lawn fans even rent spreaders in the spring and go up and down, fertilizing their way to a lush, green golf course-looking lawn. And then, disappointingly, it doesn’t happen. The professional golf course grass secret: it takes six months for lime or the 19-4-6 to properly release in the

End-of-Season Secrets • Golf

It’s about the time it takes to do all the essential chores and preventive maintenance manoeuvres that are critically important for “putting the course to bed for winter.” ground. Gung-ho backyarders often put it down in the spring and wonder why the grass is neither lush nor emerald green. Lime or 19-4-6 time should be happening now, in the fall. Also misunderstood by many Calgary area golfers, this year October 14-25 will likely be the sad and dreaded, endof-season shutdown and closing time for many of Calgary’s links. Misunderstood because weather is not necessarily the point. It’s about the time it takes to do all the essential chores and preventive maintenance manoeuvres that are critically important for “putting the course to bed for winter.” “It’s not so much worrying about an early winter or the first snow,” Beebe says. “There is so much that must be done before winter hits and it takes time,

lots of time – and decent weather – for our staff to get it all done.” Unlike the predictable annual rush of drivers, desperately lined up with their winter tires, outside the local automotive shop doors the morning after the first snow, golf course maintenance crews don’t have the luxury of that kind of panic. “Not only blowing out the irrigation system but basic turf maintenance, removing the cups and pins, applying fungicide and covering the greens with a special ‘bubble wrap’ tarp to prevent snow mould (Calgary’s constant freezing and thawing could be devastating damage with puddling on the greens) and other winter kill damage which would be catastrophic and impact next season.” And next season … lush and green grass envy will start all over again.iC BiC

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www.businessincalgary.com | BUSINESS IN CALGARY September 2013 • 97

Celebrates 50 Years!

The team at Style-Craft Printing. Photos by Kim Hogan.

hen John MacEachen made the decision to purchase a small Calgary printing shop and leave the security of his full-time job as a shop foreman in 1963, it was likely a dream to imagine that 50 years later, his family would be running one of Calgary’s most successful printing companies. But that’s the special story of Style-Craft Printing, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2013! The business, technology and the various customer needs have changed dramatically since John started his small company in the basement of the Western Oil Examiner building on 8th Avenue and 5th Street SW. He built the business, one customer and one machine at a time, moving to three different locations. In 1980, they built a new location constructed on 12th Street NE, which is still home to Style-Craft Printing. The second generation got involved and today sons Jeff, Don, Rob and son-in-law Brad Gibbs work together running the business and growing the hard-earned list of loyal and satisfied Style-Craft customers (and yes, John does still have his own office in the building). The 50-year anniversary is a special milestone for the MacEachen family and for Style-Craft Printing. For half a cencen tury, the company has consistently serviced their clients with a solution-oriented approach, coupled with state-of-the-art and up-to-date printing technology. “All of our sales consultants have been in the industry for many years. They listen to the customer and they know how to achieve a desired printing effect,” says president, Jeff MacEachen.

L-R: Jeff MacEachen, Don MacEachen, Rob MacEachen, and Brad Gibbs

“Thanks to the skill and experience of our sales team and production staff, we better understand what the customer is looking for so we can better help them achieve optimum results.” Style-Craft Printing offers a full range of the most up-to-date print services which include digital and offset printing, design and layout, packaging and mail services as well as full bindery services. Some of Style-Craft’s specialty services include embossing, foiling, book binding and much more. Style-Craft’s line of products include everything from brobro chures, corporate publications, flyers, presentation folders, corporate letterheads, envelopes, business cards, business forms, manuals, newsletters and annual reports. With the latest technology, client specifications, files and finfin ished proofs can be sent via Style-Craft’s FTP site. Style-Craft also offers online ordering. Technology keeps changing at such a rapid pace but StyleCraft continues to invest in the latest and best equipment in the industry. “We are a Heidelberg shop: from the printing presses to bindery.” The acquisition of the SM52 Heidelberg press enabled Style-Craft to compete economically in the digital market (high-

Style-Craft Printing 50th Anniversary

end, colour photocopying). The SM52 can produce four-colour process with aqueous coating, all in one pass with the efficiency of high-end photocopying, but with offset printing quality. “When a client has a small print run, we used to print them digidigi tally, but with the addition of this newest press, we can produce it offset and price it comparable to digital. It’s an investment in the future of our products and our service,” says Jeff. Style-Craft also uses specialty letterpress and offset machines, some dating back to the ’60s that run as smoothly as the day they were first installed. “To maximize the quality of our products and service to our clients, we made a commitment,” says Rob MacEachen, “that everything – from start to finish – whenever possible is done by us, in-house! From the reps who listen and detail the client’s needs, the creativity of our in-house graphic designers, our production and all the way to our own in-house truck and driver for reliable, on-time deliveries.” “It gives us total control over everything we do and how we do it.” Style-Craft is a member of the Calgary community and has always been an industry leader. They are proactive in environmental practices. They were one of the first commercial printers in Calgary to go to an alcohol-free operation and they continue their commitment to be green. They were also one of the first printers to use vegetable-base inks and originally offered recycled paper at no extra charge to their clients – when other printers were charging a premium. “We try to recycle everything – nothing is thrown out if it can be recycled,” Rob explains. “We’ve always been an indus-

try leader and a big supporter of the environment.” With 50 years of loyal support from their Calgary clients, StyleCraft has grown to 36 full-time staff – and nearly half of them are long-term employees who have been with the company for more than 15 years. That special distinction, along with the highest quality of product, time-sensitive, personalized service and StyleCraft’s exceptional reputation are the ultimate testimonial.

www.style-craft.ab.ca Congratulations Jeff, and all of the staff at Stylecraft Printing for the 50 years of continued business and the excellent service you have provided to the Calgary and area businesses over the years. Well deserved…

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Style-Craft Printing 50th Anniversary

Gaining Momentum • Real Estate

Gaining Momentum

features are included in pricing, which provides buyers with algary certainly has done it again! Even in the aftergreater value for their dollar. math of the outrageous and unforgiving flood in Secondly, there has been greater interest and activity in June, our city’s ‘Come Hell or High Water’ attitude the move-up market, especially in lake communities within significantly motivated droves of passionate people and the city as well as communities in surrounding areas. These resources to rebuild, and reinforced just what makes Calare most commonly single-family homes with a footprint gary so dynamic, dedicated and successful. Albeit there was of 2,000 square feet or more. The move-up market also speculation earlier on that the flooding would likely have a includes those within the inner city, where buyers want to negative impact on local real estate, the number of home be near transit and amenities. sales, pricing and statistics prove otherwise. There is no Thirdly, there has been a resurgence of investors, which question that Calgary’s real estate market continues to lead Walters says have been missing for some time and is encourand diversify. aging to see. “As vacancy rates continue to drop, there is In early August, the Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB®) going to be increasing need for inventory in the rental marreleased its monthly statistics for the residential real estate ket as more and more people are calling Calgary home.” sector. During the month of July, there were 2,268 sales It appears that buyers are also becoming more confitransactions that took place which was a 17 per cent increase dent and elaborate in what they want in their homes. Doug over the year prior, and a six per cent increase this year. Of Whitney, president of Canadian Home Builders’ Associathose sales, 1,575 were single-family homes. According to tion – Calgary Region, is seeing trends in new communities, CREB®, while the flood devastated the city and surroundhouse styles, kitchens, bathrooms and other features. “Opening areas, the overall activity increased in all sectors. “The concept kitchens continue to be the biggest trend, and that current market is far stronger than predicted and sales have puts the focus on the most important room in a home – exceeded our expectations,” states Becky Walters, CREB® the kitchen. We are seeing more upgrades in kitchens from president. industrial stainless steel appliances to quartz countertops Walters goes on to explain that the pent-up demand from and hardwood floors. Storage is a must and walk-in panthe past two years is now shifting. “Calgary has seen incredtries have become standard. Luxury ‘spa’ bathrooms have ible net migration. Over 30,000 individuals came to the city become more common in master suites, last year alone. That figure is consistent as well as adjoining walk-in wardrobes,” with the year prior as well. The result is explains Whitney. strong demand for all types of housing and It also appears that many buyers today many people who came here within the past are more into contemporary styles, sleek year or two, now have their feet under them clean looks and minimalist design. And and are ready to leave the rental market and while two-storey homes are still the hot enter the new home or resale markets,” says product, Whitney explains that “in many Walters. “The level of activity is certainly ways they are a function of price. It’s less anticipated to continue.” costly to build a two-storey which makes The result of ongoing strengthening in the that layout more popular.” market has created a moderate adjustment With a citywide resale price increase of close in new-build offerings and overall housing to seven per cent over the same month last choices available to buyers. According to year, the growth has pushed the residential Walters, there have been three trends within resale market into a sellers’ territory. July’s the local market. The first is that new homeunadjusted benchmark price for a singlebuilders are offering better products. Now, Becky Walters, CREB® president family home was $461,600, a condominium more often than not, upgrades and different

100 • September 2013 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

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Gaining Momentum • Real Estate Population: Driving Demand for Land and Housing Part 1

Suburban Residential Growth Map 3:

Actively Developing and Recently Completed Communities with Sector Population Growth (April 2011 - April 2012)

North Sector New Suburban Communities Population Gain = 4,528 (27%*)

Northwest Sector New Suburban Communities Population Gain = 273 (2%*)

Northeast Sector New Suburban Communities Population Gain = 2,900 (17%*)

SGH

NOL

EVN

SHW

RSN PAN

KCA

SKR

ROY

SAD

TAR

CGR

WSP

West Sector New Suburban Communities Population Gain = 1,637 (10%*)

Centre Sector Population Gain = 4,861

ASP

SPH

East Sector New Suburban Communities Population Gain = 0 (0%*)

Population Growth Summary 2011-2012 City Total

+29,289

New Suburban Communities

+16,787

Actively Developing Communities (23) +15,015 Recently Completed Communities (4)

+1,772

Central Sector

+4,861

Remainder of City

+7,641

Between April 2011 and April 2012, population gains were the greatest in the Southeast and North Sectors. These two sectors accounted for over half of Calgary suburban population gains at 59 per cent.

NEB CPF

MCT

EVE

MAH

AUB SVO

CHA CRA

South Sector New Suburban Communities Population Gain = 2,153 (13%*)

LEG

* Percentage of total population growth in New Suburban Communities

SET

WAL

Example of communities that are currently ‘building-out’: Northwest Sage Hill Evanston Nowlan Hill Sherwood Southwest West Springs Aspen Woods Silverado Northeast Redstone SkyView Ranch CityScape Saddle Ridge Southeast Mahogany Auburn Bay Walden Legacy

Southeast Sector New Suburban Communities Population Gain = 5,296 (32%*)

Map courtesy of The City of Calgary

calgary.ca/geodemographics

John Hall, The City of Calgary

apartment was $267,600, and a condominium town house was $294,500. With a 20 per cent decrease in the overall active listings and a combined increase of 26 per cent in the condominium apartment and town house market, experts anticipate that pricing will continue to increase at a moderate rate. The City of Calgary also says that it has been a robust year for development applications, and it is expected that the number of applications will only continue. John Hall, coordinator, subdivision services/land use planning and policy with The City of Calgary, explains that much of what is happening in the city is a result of conscious

102 • September 2013 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

1-15

planning and an effort to balance greenfield and inner-city development, as outlined in the Municipal Plan. “In the past few years we have seen substantial growth in the areas along the edges of the city. These greenfield spaces have physically increased the overall geographic size of the city and also generated some great mix-use areas. Of late we have seen trending towards more inner-city redevelopment, activity in existing and mature communities and two-lot splits. There has been significant interest and activity along the LRT lines and large applications such as the recent Stadium Shopping Centre project,” explains Hall.

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Gaining Momentum • Real Estate

Proposed Stadium Shopping Centre Redevelopment Plan

Above: Map of location for proposed Stadium Shopping Centre redevelopment plan, and examples of proposed streetways and building spaces. Courtesy of The City of Calgary

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institutions. According to the plan, it is to also include a network of streets, sidewalks, pathways and open spaces, creating an overall sense of community and activity. Hall goes on to explain that opportunities for redevelopment such as two-lot splits as well as legal suites mean that Calgarians will see the benefit of a broader cross section of living choices. “The greatest factor in our market right now is affordability. Net migration to the city is expected to hold which means we’ll continue to see momentum in development. It’s encouraging to see living options diversify and an emphasis on quality community design that includes mixed-use activity centres.” As new development applications continue to roll in and new community construction and redevelopment are taking place in the residential sector, growth in Calgary continues. “At any one time, there is building-out taking place in as many as 20-plus communities in Calgary. That is on top of new construction and other redevelopment. We are certainly in growth mode,” says Hall. With the approaching fourth quarter, industry experts are optimistic that the year will finish strong. How deserving of a city and its people who are the national powerhouse, and continue to work towards rebuilding and always improving their city. BiC

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104 • September 2013 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

35 Years Young Written and photographed by Mary Savage

Left to right Canyon owners Jason Chupik (President), Mark Chupik (Vice President), Sarah Linquist (Credit Manager and Partner), Harry Chupik (Chariman), Alex Chupik (CEO)

“Here for you: The Canyon assurance…”

hirty-five years ago, Harry and Alex Chupik established a company that has become synonymous with the kind of leadership, vision and entrepreneurial spirit found throughout Calgary’s history. The Chupiks are driven to succeed, but they are also ethical and it’s their approach to business that has set them apart. The brothers started Canyon Plumbing & Heating Ltd. for two simple reasons: they needed to secure their future, but more importantly, they were driven to ‘build

a better business.’ They wanted to provide better service, better products and better pricing than what the market had to offer during the late 1970s. And they succeeded – not only as business owners, but also as industry leaders. Their progressive thinking has helped shape the industry as they have elevated the trade. They have educated their customers and business partners, won numerous awards and most recently, they have successfully transitioned the business to the second generation.

Father (Harry Chupik) top left; and his son (Jason Chupik) bottom left; together with Harry’s brother (Alex Chupik) top right; and his daughter (Sarah Lindquist) bottom centre; and son (Mark Chupik) bottom right.

For anyone who has worked with Canyon, it’s easy to see why the company has built a very loyal following: they listen. “We are great listeners. We listen to our customers and find the best solutions possible, and that’s how businesses succeed,” says Jason Chupik, president and second-generation partner. While Harry and Alex reflect on Canyon’s history, they both agree – light-heartedly – there are two key motivators when it comes to being successful: fear and money. And these motivators have served them well – keeping them sharp and always striving to ‘do better.’ They worked hard: an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay, and having grown up on a farm, neither knew any other way. They were young and ambitious, and they wanted more than an hourly job. Harry’s forte was managing the business while Alex ran the construction crews, and their strengths complemented one another magnificently, but they were also learning from the ‘school of hard knocks.’ “If you wake up in the morning and you like what you’re doing, you’ve got 50 per cent of life beat … and if you like where you’re going, that makes all the difference,” adds Alex Chupik, CEO. As the Canyon reputation slowly permeated the homebuilding and construction market, their business grew at an unabated pace. They weathered the economic peaks and

valleys, and they rebounded as a stronger entity each time. All the while, they remained true to their original vision, and all the people they worked with were taking note. Over the course of 35 years, Canyon has not only developed excellent relations among homebuilders, suppliers and manufacturers, but also among homeowners, industry associations and charities. However, any business is only as successful as the people behind it and the owners recognize their employees are truly the driving force behind Canyon’s success. They have helped to shape the industry through forward thinking and an unwavering commitment to their customers. And they have risen to become one of the largest plumbing companies in Canada. Although they have worked in both the commercial and residential sectors, a number of years ago they realigned the company’s direction to focus on the residential market. Today they work exclusively in the residential market: new home construction, multi-family, custom homes, renovations, hydronic radiant in-floor heating, service and maintenance. The majority of their business comes from homebuilders and developers – averaging about 2,500 new homes annually. The balance of their business caters to homeowners wishing to renovate kitchens, bathrooms, hot-water systems and in-floor heating. “We provide

Canyon Plumbing 35th Anniversary | 2

you’ve really outdone yourselves. Congratulations to the new management team for bringing Canyon Plumbing into their 35th year! It is always an absolute pleasure doing business with you. from all of us at Bartle & Gibson

We are proud to have partnered with you for over 30 years.

bartlegibson.com

Building Success

excellent ‘plumbing makeovers’ and the best way to tackle any renovation is to be well informed,” adds Jason. “If you want or need everyday service, Canyon will be there. Our focus is to do all aspects of residential and do it right.” During the early 1990s, Canyon was the first plumbing company to build a showroom in Calgary – a showroom that has garnered international recognition and since its inception, has become a ‘prototype’ for design and selection the world over. Inside the showroom, you will find only the ‘best of the best’ and they have recently rolled out a new two-year warranty program that covers parts and labour – another industry first. Years ago, Canyon developed an in-house software program that was originally designed to make their operation more efficient – and it did so in spades. The software was so successful that Canyon started selling the packages to their competitors to help streamline the industry by working smarter. The software fosters sustainability, improved applications and more efficient operations. It’s specific to the plumbing and HVAC industry, so it increases business flow and reduces errors, and the program has proven to be very effective among suppliers and manufacturers. Canyon customers benefit greatly due to the organized

BAYWESTHOMES.COM

Congratulations Canyon Plumbing on your 35thAnniversary As a valued partner to Baywest Homes for many years, we applaud this occasion and your continued success serving the land development & new home industry.

Canyon Plumbing 35th Anniversary | 3

Canyon’s Mantra The essence of Canyon’s mantra is captured in the company’s mission statement: to be a passionate long-term partner for our customers, our employees and our community. Complementing their mission statement, Canyon also subscribes to five key pillars that are integral to their daily operations: quality, passion, trust, confidence and accountability.

and accurate information it provides so that service and solutions provided are right from the first call. While the brothers were busy growing the business, they also had the foresight to engage another type of growth: succession planning. And as Harry and Alex near retirement, their progressive thinking has positioned Canyon to thrive for decades. Today, the second generation is poised to lead Canyon through the next 35 years – and beyond. Harry’s son, Jason, is president. Alex’s son, Mark, is vice president and daughter, Sarah, is credit manager and partner – all moving forward as a strong and united front. The generations collaborate – drawing upon a vast body of expertise and knowledge. Jason, Mark and Sarah have embraced their fathers’ original vision and philosophy of building customers for life. “We want to work with our customers – forever,” says Jason Chupik, president.

“Small jobs are a big deal to us…” After 35 years, there isn’t much that Canyon hasn’t seen – unless you’re talking about new products. And when you step inside their 8,000-square-foot showroom, hundreds of product lines await. From kitchen and bathroom fixtures to

boilers and radiant in-floor heating, their showroom offers an endless selection that engages your dreams. “When we built the showroom, we raised the bar in our industry,” says Harry Chupik, chairman. “We’ve had plumbers come from all over the world to see our showroom and many companies have modelled their business after ours.” When the big-box stores started to appear in Calgary, Canyon responded not only to the industry, but also to help homeowners navigate a seemingly complex process. “We wanted to have control of the products. We had to ensure the better quality products were being installed in the home to prevent leaks and water damage, which sometimes was the result of poor quality products,” says Harry. “If you have control all the way down the line – from the customer’s request to the plumber’s work order – typically you don’t have any errors. It’s a complex trade, but we have simplified the process,” adds Jason. “It’s very important to listen to the customer: it allows us to give them the best advice so they can build the best home possible. And our goal is to provide the best representation and support. It gives us a competitive edge and that’s why we’ve added the two-year parts and labour warranty,” he continues.

Congratulations Canyon Plumbing on 35 years!

T 416 234 6264 | 800 760 3388 | F 416 231 0929 | www.mirolin.com Canyon Plumbing 35th Anniversary | 4

Congratulations Canyon Pumbing on

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Showhome Hours: Monday - Thursday: 2 - 8 pm Saturday, Sunday & Holidays: 12 - 5 pm

Canyon Plumbing 35th Anniversary | 5

And new technologies offer leading-edge options: digitized controls, energy and water efficiency, water calculators and renewable technologies – all of which help the environment and are cost conscious. “There are some very exciting things emerging and we are watching these trends develop. There’s a new faucet that comes to market every day and we are continually screening the products,” asserts Mark Chupik, vice president. Canyon’s showroom offers the quintessential one-stop shop with global access. “For a product to appear in our showroom, it has to be a quality product at the right price,” asserts Mark. “If we can’t order the product or it’s not up to our standards, then it’s pulled from the showroom floor. All the products have to meet certain criteria – we only carry ‘plumber approved’ products.” This same mentality has also fostered Canyon’s drive and philosophy to build ‘customers for life.’ For Canyon, it’s not uncommon to hear from customers 10 or 15 years later – either for parts or because they’re renovating. And Canyon keeps all of the customer’s data on file, so when they call for a part, there’s no guesswork. “We are here for you and always will be,” adds Jason.

“We’re more than a set of hands…” Like their fathers, both Jason and Mark are journeymen plumbers; in fact, Mark ranked sixth ‘best plumber in the world’ during the 2003 World Skills competition. Unlike Jason and Mark, Sarah never aspired to be a plumber. She pursued the business side, like her Uncle Harry and Aunt Rosemarie, Sarah specializes in accounts receivables and other financial duties, gradually taking over from Rosemarie. Today, as the trio leads the company forward, they carry a drive to educate their customers, elevate the trade and raise awareness. “Plumbing is a profession that has

prevented more diseases than doctors have cured,” says Mark. “As a plumbing apprentice, you are taught that plumbing is about safeguarding human health and safety.” As Mark points out, having clean, hygienic conditions is something we take for granted. “Without clean hands, how do you prepare your food and bath your children … we are on the front lines and we are trying to elevate the trade, so it reflects our resolve to hire the best plumbers.” Plumbing is also about energy, efficiency and water conservation that include the “Green” best practice opportunities that occur throughout the day. For example, letting your faucet run for five minutes uses as much energy as a 60-watt light bulb running for 14 hours (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). Once again, Canyon is leading the industry with an incredible selection of green products to help homeowners maximize our natural resources. Their website provides dozens of tips on how to conserve water or how clients can stop into their showroom and talk to one of their experts. “Our showroom salespeople are trained to help our customers determine the best products for their application. We educate our customers so they can make informed decisions,” adds Jason. “We are very innovative and forward thinkers, getting the products ahead of time to match the market and what the customers are looking for.”

“We’re always thinking ahead…” Twenty years ago, Harry and Alex had the foresight to plan for the future – long before their children expressed an interest in the business. Two decades later and as fate would play out, the second generation is poised to lead the company forward.

Corey Homes Congratulations

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35th Anniversary!

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Canyon Plumbing 35th Anniversary | 6

Canyon is leading the industry with an incredible selection of Green products to help homeowners maximize our natural resources. But it didn’t happen overnight, nor without a lot of hard work and dedication. And when you consider the success rate of passing a family business from one generation to the next, only 30 per cent of families achieve a successful transition. Jason, Mark and Sarah have been involved with the business for well over a decade. They started working part time while still in high school and they learned the business from the ground up – initially starting with ‘grunt work.’ But the more time they spent at Canyon, the more their desire grew. “Although the three of us looked at other career options, there was never any question of what the future held for us and eventually all roads led back to Canyon,” observes Sarah Lindquist, credit manager and partner. Over the years, the Chupik family has worked with the Canadian Association of Family Enterprises (CAFE) and they have played a key role in assisting with the transition. The family enrolled in CAFE’s Road Map program: a universitystyle program that’s specifically designed to help family businesses transition from one generation to the next. “It’s very important to recognize how CAFE has helped us. With a family business, you can do and be whatever you want, but everyone has to share the same vision. You need a cohesive group that can talk about the issues and find solutions,” says Mark. Among the awards that Canyon has won, the CAFE Achievement Award is something the family is extremely proud of. “Harry and Alex had complementary strengths and they worked very well together for decades,” says Jason. “As Mark, Sarah and I started to work more closely, we learned to respect our roles within the organization and how we complement one another.” Canyon has had the good fortune of hiring many family members and at one time, they had about 17 employed. Likewise most of their employees have been with the company long term and that speaks to the internal environment that the Chupik family has built. “We have a lot of employees who have been with Canyon for 15 to 25 years. They have grown with the

company and have contributed to our success – it’s their commitment and dedication that has helped build the business,” notes Harry.

“Thank you, Calgary…” As Canyon celebrates their 35th anniversary, they extend a sincere note of gratitude to everyone who has contributed to their success – from the customers, homebuilders and employees to the business partners, suppliers and manufacturers. “We have grown with the homebuilders, we have a lot of strong ties and we are very grateful for those partnerships. The same is true of our customers and suppliers – it’s always been about the people,” adds Jason. The Chupik family graciously acknowledges the support and commitment from every single person who has helped shape the company and on behalf of the family, simply put, “Thank you … to everyone.”

www.canyonplumbing.com

Congratulations Canyon Plumbing and Heating Ltd.

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35 th Anniversary!

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Canyon Plumbing 35th Anniversary | 7

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Canyon Plumbing 35th Anniversary | 8

Business Financing

Getting along with your banker will help your firm thrive

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Employers and Employees Agree:

A Flexible Workforce is the New Reality A new employment trend is sweeping the business landscape of Alberta and the rest of the country, with the temporary workforce growing at three times the pace of the permanent workforce in the last three years. Today, almost 14 per cent of the Canadian workforce consists of temporary employees, and the reasons for this striking trend are clear.

Flexible Scheduling. One of the key reasons that drive individuals to seek out temporary work over permanent work is the desire for a flexible schedule. Temporary workers often have commitments to education, community, family or other employment obligations that make a 9-5 schedule undesirable and project-based work more appealing.

Employers Gain

Equity. While hiring temporary work can come at a cost advantage to employers, without an expectation to provide employee benefit packages, The Personnel Department has built their business on the premise of equality and inclusion. “Just as a full time employee would receive benefits upon passing the probationary period, our Fieldstaff receive a 100 per cent employer paid benefits package after three months of work,” says Elena Romero, manager of Staffing Services. “We eliminate the two-tiered workforce so that our Fieldstaff get equitable pay, meanwhile our clients enjoy the benefits of working with retained Fieldstaff of high quality and skill.”

Access to Specialized Skills. While traditionally temporary workers had been employed to fill roles of lower skill, today, temporary workers or contractors are often hired to complete critical projects in highly specialized roles such as IT Developers, Heavy Duty Mechanics, and Pipefitters. By leveraging flexible workforce solutions, employers can effectively grow their business – boosting productivity and increasing their bottom line. The advantages don’t end there; many employees prefer it too.

Employees Prefer Diverse Experience. In the case of new graduates, the need to gain work experience and enter the job market quickly is essential. Nia Parsonage, Fieldstaff at The Personnel Department agrees “temporary work was the easiest way get my foot in the door of my industry. By taking on positions geared to my skills, I gained valuable experience that I can now compete with”. In the case of established professionals, the draw of temporary work is also evident. By working on temporary contracts or projects, professionals are able to enjoy new environments, work in a variety of industries, and expand their network - all without the burden of administration costs associated with self managing their own consulting business.

With flexibility in the workforce yielding advantages for employers and employees alike, it’s no surprise that the trend toward temporary staffing is projected to continue. For more information on the Flexible Workforce, call The Personnel Department (1.855.266.7030).

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Cost Effectiveness. In working with staffing agencies, the agency, not the employer, becomes the employer of record, responsible for the worker’s administration costs. Since the cost of hiring temporary workers in the short term is often less expensive than the cost of recruiting and retaining permanent employees, employers can increase capacity and maintain productivity while benefiting from cost savings.

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Flexibility. The ever-changing business environment and unpredictable economic landscape demand that organizations remain flexible and adaptable to changes in market demands. Hiring a flexible workforce can be the most viable solution as the volume of needs changes. Such was the case of the Calgary flood, where The Personnel Department successfully utilized social media, hiring fairs and an existing talent pool of available Fieldstaff to quickly provide 103 labourers to restore commercial building damage.

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L O D G E

SEPTEMBER 2013

Business Recovery Task Force

collaborating to support flood-affected businesses

hat could be a muddy future for businesses affected by June’s flooding has led to the creation of the Calgary Business Recovery Task Force to help get struggling companies back to pre-flood levels of business activity. The Business Recovery Task Force was created in July and led by the Calgary Chamber of Commerce and Calgary Economic Development. The task force aims to get businesses up and running as quickly as possible, while simultaneously encouraging community members to support their local economy so the world knows the city is open for business after June’s devastating floods. In addition to the hundreds of homes affected by the floods, many of Calgary’s businesses were closed, damaged or withThe Calgary Chamber of Commerce has set up kiosks in areas affected by flooding to provide information to help businesses get out power for several days. back on their feet as quickly as possible. “Many smaller companies that experience a disaster without preparedness plans may never reopen,” says ask questions and discuss risk assessments and other issues Adam Legge, president and CEO of the Calgary Chamber. “We impacting their livelihood. These kiosks, along with a busiare doing everything we can to help businesses in the Calgary ness recovery expo, were attended by City of Calgary staff, region open and get back to business as quickly as possible.” Alberta Health Services, banks, insurance companies and The task force has two specific objectives. First, to ensure the Government of Alberta. that businesses are cleaned up and repaired as quickly as “At times like this collaboration is key to getting commupossible, and to help business owners prepare to reopen. nities rebuilt and businesses up and operating as quickly as The second objective is to ensure business and investment is possible,” says Alberta’s deputy premier Thomas Lukaszuk. coming back to the flood-affected areas, which will be done “I am delighted to see the co-operation of the Calgary Busithrough a comprehensive local, national and international ness Recovery Task Force and know that, collectively, they marketing and communications campaign. will have a significant impact helping companies and our “Building on Tourism Calgary’s national marketing cameconomy.” paign launched in early July, our task force embarked on a The task force is comprised of 12 local and national organicomplementary communications and marketing campaign zations: The Calgary Chamber of Commerce, Calgary Economic to ensure Calgarians and the world know that companies in Development, Government of Alberta, Tourism Calgary, Calgary Calgary are ready for their business,” says Bruce Graham, Hotel Association, City of Calgary, C-Biz and Calgary’s Busipresident and CEO of Calgary Economic Development. “Calness Revitalization Zones (Bowness, Bridgeland, Chinatown, garians and southern Albertans can do their part by shopping Montgomery, Calgary Downtown Association, Uptown 17th, at local businesses and taking advantage of the restaurants, 4th Street, Inglewood, Kensington, and Victoria Park), Calgary hotels, parks and attractions right here at home.” Chinese Merchants Association, Canadian Federation of IndeThroughout the past few months, the Calgary Chamber pendent Business, Haskayne School of Business, Bissett School set up kiosks in affected areas where business owners could of Business, and Calgary Counselling Centre. www.businessincalgary.com | BUSINESS IN CALGARY September 2013 • 117

2013 Board of

Directors Executive

Chamber Member Spotlights As Calgary’s leading business organization, the Chamber has the city’s top companies and business organizations as its members

Joe Lougheed – Chair Dave Sprague – Immediate Past Chair Leah Lawrence – Chair Elect Rob Hawley – 2nd Vice Chair Denis Painchaud – Vice Chair, Finance Adam Legge – President & CEO Directors David Allen Bill Brunton Eva Friesen Guy Huntingford Rob Lennard

Safeway Inc. Safeway Inc. is a Fortune 100 company and one of the largest food and drug retailers in North America, based on sales. The company operates 1,694 stores in the United States and western Canada and had annual sales of $41.1 billion in 2010. In 2010 Canada Safeway made over $24 million in donations to community organizations. Making a real, positive difference in the neighbourhoods we serve is at the Heart of Safeway. We sum up our commitment to you, our customers, employees and stakeholders, in a simple way: “Creating better lives, vibrant neighbourhoods, and a healthier planet.” We know our choices can make a genuine difference beyond the walls of our stores. For more information, visit www.safeway.ca

Dilan Perera Linda Shea Paul Waddell Management Adam Legge, President & CEO Michael Andriescu, Director of Finance & Administration Kim Koss, Vice President, Business Development Scott Crockatt, Director of Marketing and Communications Rebecca Wood, Member Services Manager

Husky Energy Inc. Husky Energy is one of Canada’s largest integrated energy companies. It is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, and is publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols HSE and HSE.PR.A. The company operates worldwide with upstream, midstream and downstream business segments. A combination of technological innovation, prudent investment, sound project management and responsible resource development allows Husky to deliver strong returns to shareholders. Learn more at HuskyEnergy.com.

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

TransAlta Beginning as a small, local power company in 1909, TransAlta has transformed over the last century to become an experienced and well-respected power generator and wholesale marketer of electricity. With approximately $3 billion in annual revenue, more than $9 billion in assets and power plants in Canada, the United States and Australia, they’ve proven their worth as a power generator, as a community member and as a solid investment. Learn more at TransAlta.com.

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118 • September 2013 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

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You’ll find everything to rent from cars to Class 7 Hino trucks at DRIVING FORCE located in Hino Central. Ph: 403-296-0776 Hino Central, a division of The Driving Force Inc., one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies.

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Small Business Week Organizations of all sizes can benefit from getting involved with Small Business Week BY CATHERINE STONE

Small Business Week, which runs from October 20 to 26, pays tribute to the contributions that small and medium-sized businesses with fewer than 100 employees make to the Canadian economy. In Calgary, the Calgary Chamber of Commerce is the go-to source for all events and activities relating to Small Business Week in the city. Aside from celebrating small businesses, the Chamber recognizes that Small Business Week has a number of opportunities that both small and large companies can benefit from. Small businesses can learn, network and socialize with their peers, while large businesses have the perfect chance to connect with a small business audience through a number of event and program offerings.

Sponsor a Small Business Week Award The Small Business Week Awards is the largest event in Calgary which celebrates the accomplishments of small businesses and savvy entrepreneurs. Coming in as a sponsor of an award is a great way to gain exposure to this valuable market segment. As a sponsor, your company’s name

and logo will be featured prominently on SmallBusinessWeekCalgary.com, which last year was viewed by 6,000 people. It will also be included at the awards ceremony that is attended by up to 200 people. If you’re interested in sponsoring an award, contact Paige Ross, pross@ calgarychamber.com.

Host an event or learning workshop Once again the Calgary Chamber has partnered with ATB Financial to launch SmallBusinessWeekCalgary.com, which is the single-largest touch point for events and activities relating to Small Business Week in Calgary. This website lets larger companies that either offer services useful to small businesses or are interested in hosting an event relevant to a small business audience to post what they are doing online where it will get noticed and attended by the right type of people. It — quite simply — is the easiest way to get directly in touch with the largest small business audience in Calgary. If you have something to post on the website, visit SmallBusinessWeek Calgary.com/events.

Showcase your company at Small Business Week Expo The other highlight of Small Business Week is the trade show expo which is held before the Small Business Awards ceremony on Thursday, October 24. This event gives businesses the opportunity to display their products or services, discover new businesses and network with others in Calgary’s business community. The event typically attracts up to 200 attendees and sells out quickly. If you’d like to book a trade show booth, contact events@calgarychamber.com.

Making the voice of business heard The next municipal election in Calgary is October 21. As part of our efforts to make sure the issues in the business community are addressed during the campaign, the Calgary Chamber is asking its members for their input. We’ve sent our members a short survey to collect their thoughts about the business climate and quality of life in the city, fiscal management at city hall, growth and devel120 • September 2013 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

opment issues including transportation and implementing flood-resistant measures, as well as their thoughts on issues around competitiveness, such as red tape and the availability of housing. The Chamber will keep our individual members’ responses confidential, but they will impact the policies we develop and advocate for during the election.

The PeoPle aT The CenTre of energy The Calgary TELUS Convention Centre’s (CTCC) success is built on the commitment and dedication of the staff and team members who operate the facility. A great example of the CTCC’s committed team members is Hans Jansen who recently retired in August after many years of valued service to Calgarians and visitors to our city. Hans worked for the Calgary Marriott Hotel (the exclusive food and beverage supplier for the CTCC) as senior catering event manager. Hans came to Canada as a visitor in 1970 and decided to stay. He spent his first Canadian years in Winnipeg and Toronto before accepting a position with the Four Seasons Hotel in Calgary. Hans started in September 1974 and he was present for the official launch of the Convention Centre in November of that year. Over the years, Hans has worked with hundreds of clients making professional connections and good friends, with many returning for events year after year. Through years of tremendous growth and change, Hans has been an important part of many events in Calgary’s history. He fondly remembers the Calgary Flames announcing the acquisition of the Atlanta Flames and the impending team move to Calgary. He remembers the 1988 Olympics as an endless succession of meetings and parties and how the Centre hosted the ABC TV roundup party. Hans was in charge of the catering to the media centre for the 2002 G8 Summit held in Kananaskis. His team was responsible for providing meals for the 500 to 1400 international guests. Hans comes from a legacy of hospitality; his family owned hotels in Holland and he was born into the industry. He is a seasoned hotelier who credits much of his success to his focus on building positive relationships with all stakeholders. “My role is to make sure that all of the pieces work together,” says Hans. He insists, “To do that effectively I must ensure the client’s needs are met, our employees have the information they need, and our suppliers are able to provide what is required. With good relationships in place everyone is able to relax a bit and the process is more successful for everyone. You can’t be successful without good relationships at every level.” During his almost 40 years working with the Convention Centre, Hans has seen a variety of changes and enjoyed working with many interesting people, both as clients and as team members. “This is a great facility for Calgarians”, says Hans, “it has served the city well, but now needs to expand again to keep up with the growth of the city. We continue to do well with repeat customers, but some of them are not able to come to Calgary because our convention facility is no longer big enough to meet their needs.” Han’s dedication to meeting the needs of the CTCC’s clients sets a standard for the hospitality industry and an example for the many people who came after him to the industry in Calgary. Hans plans to enjoy his retirement, but will take on some occasional contract work . Everyone who has worked with Hans Jansen will miss his work ethic, his energy, and his many skills.

Calgary-convention.com www.businessincalgary.com | BUSINESS IN CALGARY September 2013 • 121

Spicing Up the Marketing Mix BY MIKE DUFFIELD

he year 2013 has been significant for Calgary’s culinary scene with accolades, awards and national media all bringing attention to the innovative restaurateurs and chefs in our city. The National Post has even crowned Calgary as “Canada’s next culinary capital” and with good reason. And all of this couldn’t have come at a more opportune time for Tourism Calgary, creating the perfect platform to promote what our city has to offer to a whole new audience. In 2012, Calgary’s culinary scene was on the rise and Tourism Calgary was seeking opportunities to spread the word to its target geographic markets: Edmonton, Saskatoon, Regina, Toronto and Vancouver. With the emerging culinary scene in Calgary and the rising popularity of the Food Network’s Top Chef Canada, a partnership between the two seemed like the perfect fit. Along with its partners the Calgary Hotel Association and Travel Alberta, Tourism Calgary successfully enticed the Food Network to film the season finale of Top Chef Canada Season 3 in Calgary. To ensure this partnership was more than merely a flash in the pan, Tourism Calgary designed a fully-integrated marketing campaign across all of its communication channels to maximize the opportunity. The ultimate goal: to transform a nationally broadcasted culinary competition into a key driver of destination awareness and visitation to our city. On May 13, 2013, Top Chef Canada announced Calgary as the destination for the highly anticipated Season 3 finale and Tourism Calgary launched its culinary campaign blitz. Throughout the six-week campaign, Tourism Calgary engaged a captivated audience through social media channels, contests and giveaways, culinary-themed travel packages, leveraged media stories, traditional and digital ad buys and created original Top Chef Canada multimedia content for the web – all of which drove traffic to visitcalgary. com to ensure Calgary was top-of-mind during the key travel-planning period for summer vacation. While Top Chef Canada has a wide national audience, the partnership opportunity also allowed Tourism Calgary to specifically infiltrate markets with high barriers to entry. “Our research shows that Torontonians are curious about Calgary

122 • September 2013 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

and open to considering our city for future vacations. Our partnership with Shaw Media offered a unique opportunity to gain access to a major target market,” says Gisele Danis, VP Marketing and Communication at Tourism Calgary. On the airing date, Tourism Calgary led a ‘Calgary takeover’ of Toronto’s The Morning Show. The opportunity was used to showcase Tourism Calgary’s partners, the Calgary Stampede and Tour of Alberta, as well as Calgary-based Top Chef Canada competitors, Nicole Gomes and Chris Shaften. While in Toronto, Tourism Calgary took the opportunity to host a viewing party for 40-plus top-tier media and entice them to visit Calgary in the future and experience it first hand. To gain maximum exposure and engagement through social media channels, Tourism Calgary led a social media strategy that could be leveraged by all of its tourism partners. Through the creation of tools and a coordinated schedule, Tourism Calgary’s partners were able to join the online conversation with a consistent voice. With all communication channels aligned, Tourism Calgary saw new campaign record heights: • visitcalgary.com spiked to a single-day record high with 7,273 visits with significant increase in Calgary’s primary target markets: Edmonton, Regina, Saskatoon, Toronto and Vancouver. • Tourism Calgary’s social media engagement grew 528 per cent over the last previous daily high. • The ultimate Calgary Culinary Weekend contest received more than 3,000 entries in less than two weeks. • Tourism Calgary generated more than $1.5 million in media equivalent value in earned media. The unique partnership with Shaw Media offered Tourism Calgary much more than 60 minutes of media exposure. It enabled Tourism Calgary to shine a spotlight on a unique destination experience that much of Canada was unaware of, provided access to geographic markets that would have otherwise been out of reach, the opportunity for celebrity endorsements that added credibility and appeal to our messaging, and a high level of engagement with a new audience. The campaign was a success by all accounts and has provided Tourism Calgary with a successful framework for future initiatives. BiC

‘Rediscover our City’ Campaign Supports Flood-affected Businesses

he Calgary Business Recovery Task Force is an initiative led by the Calgary Chamber and Calgary Economic Development that aims to get businesses up and running as quickly as possible, encourages community members to support their local economy and ensures the world knows that the city is open for business after June’s devastating floods. In addition to the hundreds of homes affected by the floods, many businesses in Calgary and region were closed, damaged or without power for several days. The task force has two specific objectives. First, to ensure that businesses Business Recovery Task Force members: Mayor Nenshi, Adam Legge from the Calgary Chamber, Wellington Holbrook from ATB Financial and Bruce Graham from Calgary Economic Development. are cleaned up and repaired as quickly as possible, and to help business owners prepare to reopen. The second objective is to ensure Albertans to go down to the areas affected by the flood business and investment is coming back to the flood-affected and show their support by eating, drinking and shopping at areas, which will be done through a comprehensive local, those businesses that were closed or damaged by the flood. national and international marketing and communications The campaign has been made possible through the generous campaign. support of ATB Financial, the Calgary Hotel Association, Approximately 4,000 of Calgary’s businesses were closed, NATIONAL Public Relations, Evans Hunt Group, the Calgary damaged or without power for several days. The Calgary Herald, CTV, Corus Entertainment, Pattison Outdoor, CBS Chamber estimates that roughly 100 businesses that sustained Outdoor Canada and the Government of Alberta. the most damage in neighbourhoods like Mission, Victoria The task force is comprised of the following local and Park and Chinatown are still working to reopen and for some, national organizations: The Calgary Chamber, Calgary it could be months. Economic Development, Government of Alberta, Tourism Now that most Calgary businesses have reopened their Calgary, Calgary Hotel Association, City of Calgary, C-Biz doors to welcome customers back, Calgary Economic and Calgary’s Business Revitalization Zones (Bridgeland, Development has been busy creating the marketing campaign Bowness, Chinatown, Montgomery, Calgary Downtown aimed at encouraging citizens to support the businesses that Association, Uptown 17th, 4th Street, Inglewood, Kensington, were affected by the flood. The rediscover our city campaign and Victoria Park), Calgary Chinese Merchants Association, profiles businesses and flood-affected areas on a number Canadian Federation of Independent Business, Haskayne of platforms including newspaper, online, radio, television, School of Business, Bissett School of Business, and Calgary outdoor advertising and social media. Counselling Centre. Building on Tourism Calgary’s national marketing To learn more about the campaign visit yycisopen.com or campaign launched in early July, the rediscover our city follow #yycisopen on Twitter and Facebook. BiC marketing campaign invites Calgarians and southern www.businessincalgary.com | BUSINESS IN CALGARY September 2013 • 123

Tech Showcase 2013 BY ANDREA MENDIZABAL

algary’s tech community is showcasing some of the newest advanced technologies driving innovation. The annual Alastair Ross Technology Centre’s Tech Showcase, presented by Innovate Calgary, takes place on September 12, 2013 for an afternoon of electrifying energy, interactive displays and a grand pitch competition as competitors vie for a $15,000 prize package. From robotics demonstrations and unmanned aerial vehicles to the latest in advanced technologies including digital media and improved oil and gas tech, this year’s display of technology is expected to be one of the largest, most interactive shows in its 14-year history. Take a stroll through the soil remediation trailer, developed by University of Calgary scientists, and have a hands-on look at how this mobile innovation succeeds at cleaning up hazardous PCBs in soil using ultraviolet light – the first technology of its kind in the world. Want to meet Chuck the Robot? Or maybe you’re a kid at heart and are itching to drive a really cool robot in support of the SWAT Bots competitive robotics team? Or if you’re a music guru, you will want to play with iConnectivity’s innovative interfaces that enable musicians to interconnect their instruments and vintage equipment with the latest modern devices such as tablets and mobile phones to create music via apps. Later in the evening, stay for the monthly New Tech Meetup, taking place under The Bennett Jones Event Tent, as they bring together the startup, business, academic and investor communities to network, socialize and take part in tech company presentations. “Tech Showcase is a venue for Calgary’s advanced tech sector to gain exposure and build connections, and it’s also a place where we can show Calgarians of all ages some of the finest technologies that are being developed in our city’s vibrant tech community,” says Dave MacKillop, Manager of the Alastair Ross Technology Centre. “This year we’re excited to partner with Beakerhead as a 2013 Program Partner, and we expect Tech Showcase 2013 will have one of the most expansive displays of dynamic and interactive tech.” Tech Showcase takes place earlier this year as Innovate Calgary partners with the inaugural Beakerhead, a citywide event that, for five days in September, will activate the streets of Calgary with art, engineering, science and feats of ingenuity. Beakerhead runs from September 11 to 15 with

124 • September 2013 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

T more than 70 organizations in Calgary and beyond working together to create an amazing, large-scale, five-day program of events that include exhibits, workshops, competitions, movie nights and even a ‘green’ carnival. Among some of the most interesting and innovative technologies displaying at the Tech Showcase is the return of the Perfect Pitch Contest. Each participating exhibitor will deliver their perfect 60-second pitch to a team of judges comprised of seasoned investors and entrepreneurs. The top three scoring companies will then take to the stage and pitch to the community under The Bennett Jones Event Tent, and the crowd will vote for the company with the best pitch. The standout company will receive a $15,000 prize package that includes a $2,000 cash prize plus a host of in-kind prizes and services to help accelerate the winning company’s business. More than 500 Calgarians are expected to walk through the doors of the Alastair Ross Technology Centre, a building dedicated to the growth of Calgary’s advanced technology sector, to witness and take part in the innovative, dynamic and entrepreneurial spirit that lives here. To learn more about Innovate Calgary’s Tech Showcase and to RSVP to attend this free event, visit innovatecalgary. com/TechShowcase2013. To learn more about Beakerhead and for a full listing of Beakerhead events happening around Calgary, visit Beakerhead.org.

MAKE IT HAPPEN AT THE CENTRE OF ENERGY

THIS YEAR, THE CALGARY TELUS CONVENTION CENTRE WILL SPARK 600 MEMORABLE EVENTS. –

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT:

calgary-convention.com

David Parker • MarketingMatters

MarketingMatters

By DaViD PaRKeR

any Calgary companies were affected by the ravages of nature that hit this city last June, inconvenienced and having to spend a lot of time and energy in cleaning up the floodwaters. The basement of Venture Communications was flooded and its ping-pong table and classy old jukebox are no more, but president Jennifer Lightbody says client Regus came through to provide temporary accommodation during the eviction period. Staff worked hard and with the help of Venture’s Toronto office was able to provide near seamless attention to clients’ needs. The agency fit so well into the old Victoria Park sandstone schoolhouse but the 45 Calgary staff are making a move to the north side of the river. Venture’s new address will be in the office building at the corner of Kensington Road and 26th Street NW, the three-storey former head office of UMA Engineering. Lightbody says at the outset Venture will take possession of the basement and first two floors but will eventually take over the entire building. And I’m sure they will welcome their neighbour on the adjacent retail space – a new Calgary Co-op liquor store. •••••••••••••• Melodie Creegan of Mosaic Studios met Leah Murray when Murray was on the board of the Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre and responsible for communications. Creegan says most of her agency’s

work is business to business — advertising, trade shows, media and digital communications — and she had been looking for the right person to head up a department focusing on public relations. The two hit it off and Murray has joined Mosaic as director of public and government relations. She adds a good deal of bench strength having accumulated lots of industry experience when she worked in Ottawa for 15 years developing proven communications and engagement solutions for a broad range of clients that include Treasury Board of Canada, Agriculture Canada, Canadian Payments Association and the Canada-Israel R&D Foundation. Among Mosaic’s new clients Murray will be working with is the Northern Lights College at Dawson Creek that has other campus locations in Chetwynd, Fort Nelson, Fort St. John and Timber Ridge. •••••••••••••• Sheldon Lachambre, formally of WAX Partnership, has joined Cult Collective as vice president account services. Account director at WAX for the past three years, he was responsible for leading accounts such as Honda Prairie Dealers Association, Enbridge, Alberta Securities Commission and the CORE shopping in TD Square/Holt Renfrew. Prior to that Lachambre was on contract to look after the marketing and communications for the Grey Cup Festival, on leave from Trigger Communications. A Wynyard, Saskatchewan product, he lived in Nashville, Tenn. working for a sports marketing firm on the entry draft for the Nashville Predators before returning to Canada and Calgary. At Cult Lachambre will be responsible for new business development as well as overseeing Cult’s clients that include

Wholesale Sports Outfitters, Parkbridge Lifestyle Communities, the United Way, and Free and Easy Traveler. He has also been given the task of spearheading Cult’s North American industry event called ‘The Gathering’ that will attract 20 to 25 cult-like brands to the Fairmont Banff Springs next February. Having enjoyed marketing experience with the likes of Reebok, NHL, CFL, Ford, Molson and Pepsi Frito-Lay he has a taste for the big brands. •••••••••••••• Congratulations to Larry Clausen who is celebrating 25 years in the Calgary public relations business. He launched his own company during the ’88 Winter Olympic year in which he took on the assignment of media chief at Olympic Plaza. Clausen sold his Communications Incorporated company to Res-Publica and joined its National Public Relations office but was later asked to take over its Cohn and Wolfe brand in Calgary with responsibility for Western Canada. •••••••••••••• August was a busier than usual time for Rita Sasges. She moved her Sasges Inc. offices from a lower level space along 10th Avenue into the fifth floor of an 8th Avenue SW tower and was the guest creative director for Applied Arts magazine for two months. Sasges also has a contract as the magazine’s design commentator for a year. BiC

Parker’s Pick: Just have to applaud the new University of Calgary billboard on Crowchild Trail. Great photo and simple message – just how a poster should be designed.

126 • September 2013 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | www.businessincalgary.com

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