April 2015 $3.50 businessinedmonton.com
TED REDMOND TALKS ABOUT SUCCESS THE METHODOLOGY BEHIND THE COMPANY’S OUTSTANDING SUCCESS
GENERATION GAPPING The
NEW AGE OF COTTAGE, CABIN AND VACATION PROPERTIES
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In World Business Class we’ll tune into your rhythm You may cross one or more time zones during your journey. Whatever rhythm your body and mind are in, we accommodate our service to your sense of time. When do you want to sleep? When and what do you want to eat from our menu? Other wishes? We’ll get it just right for you. Visit klm.ca for more information. New: KLM Edmonton-Amsterdam flights start May 5, 2015
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Call 1-855-890-3174 or visit rogers.com/tabletsforbiz for more information. Offers subject to change without notice. A Connection Fee of $20 per line will appear on your invoice. Taxes and no-term price apply in all cases. *$0 down on approved credit (0% APR) with 24-month device financing agreement (“DFA”) on an in-market Share Everything for Business Plan with tablet additional line. Taxes and connection fee extra. Taxes on full cost of tablet are due on your first invoice. Payment of outstanding balance due upon termination of DFA or Share Everything for Business tablet additional line, downgrade to an ineligible plan or transfer of responsibility. 1 Offer ends the sooner of April 30, 2015 or while supplies last. Available to qualified small business customers who are adding an additional tablet line for $10/mo. to their existing Share Everything for Business Plan. (New customers must first activate a Share Everything primary smartphone line then add the additional tablet line in order to be eligible for the offer.) Customers must sign up on rogerspromotions.com/appsforbiz by May 31, 2015 to redeem the credit. The credit will be from either Google or iTunes app store depending on compatibility to your device. Cannot be exchanged for cash. Cannot be combined with another offer. May take up to 3 weeks for customer to receive credit by email. TMTrademarks of Rogers Communications Inc. or an affiliate, used under license. © 2015
SECTION CONTENTS
Supporting the visions of entrepreneurs one story at a time
TITLE
APRIL 2015 | VOL. 04 #04
View our digit al issue of this mon th’s mag azin e onlin e at www.bus iness ined mon ton.c om
Features
Regulars Each and every month
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Edmonton is on the leading edge of progress in the way we communicate, conserve, relate to others and enjoy our downtime. Find out how in this issue of Business in Edmonton.
ECONOMIC FACTORS Josh Bilyk
12
URBANOMICS John Hardy
31
EDMONTON CHAMBER OF
77
EDMONTON ECONOMIC
COMMERCE
DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Cover TED REDMOND TALKS ABOUT SUCCESS BY NERISSA MCNAUGHTON
A NCSG’s president and CEO, Ted Redmond, shares the methodology behind the company’s outstanding success.
Company Profiles 67
HFKS ARCHITECTS INC. BY NERISSA MCNAUGHTON
HFKS Architects Inc. Expertise. Uncompromised. Accountable.
67
73 BROWN & MARSHALL ELECTRIC
BY NERISSA MCNAUGHTON
Brown & Marshall Electric Turns 55
73
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April 2015 | Business In Edmonton Magazine | www.businessinedmonton.com
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Reaching your potential is our business! At AFSC, every idea has a place to grow. AFSC is Alberta’s Business Lender, and we have the financial solutions to help you reach your goals. AFSC Commercial Loans Offer: • Loans up to $5 million • Personalized service and acceptance • No early payment penalty • Competitive interest rates
1-877-899-AFSC (2372) www.AFSC.ca
OFF THE TOP
NEWS FROM THE MONTH
PUBLISHER BUSINESS IN EDMONTON INC.
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Brent Trimming
brent@businessinedmonton.com
Supporting the visions of entrepreneurs one story at a time
Features
continued
EDITOR Nerissa McNaughton
COPY EDITOR
18
Nikki Mullett
ART DIRECTOR
53
39
Cher Compton
DESIGNER
Machine
Aaron Jackson
Machine
ADMINISTRATION Nancy Bielecki info@businessinedmonton.com
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CONTRIBUTORS Josh Bilyk Nerissa McNaughton John Hardy Janet M. Riopel Ben Freeland Parker Grant
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ADVERTISING SALES Jane Geng Evelyn Dehner Renee Neil
jane@businessinedmonton.com evelyn@businessinedmonton.com renee@businessinedmonton.com
DIRECTORS OF CUSTOM PUBLISHING Mark McDonald Joanne Boelee
mark@businessinedmonton.com joanne@businessinedmonton.com
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39
CAN WE TALK
| BY BEN FREELAND
Canada’s telecommunications companies have undergone a little-noticed transformation in recent years – and are quietly transforming the way business works.
GENERATION GAPPING
| BY PARKER GRANT
The new age of cottage, cabin and vacation properties
48
EDMONTON’S THE TRIPLE-HEADED MARKET Industrial, retail and office space
53 57 62
THE EDMONTON MOTOR SHOW KEEPS ON EVOLVING
| BY NERISSA MCNAUGHTON
DIVERSITY: IT’S MORE THAN CULTURAL DIFFERENCES
| BY NERISSA MCNAUGHTON
HR experts weigh in on managing today’s incredibly diverse workplaces
INSPIRING AND REWARDING ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERS
The Alberta Emerald Foundation has been recognizing
| BY NERISSA MCNAUGHTON
achievers in environmental sustainability for over 20 years. Meet two winners from their 2014 Emerald Awards.
April 2015 | Business In Edmonton Magazine | www.businessinedmonton.com
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98 ACRES IN AURUM
matt@yorkrealty.ca
yorkrealty.ca
AURUM ENERGY PARK
ECONOMIC FACTORS JOSH BILYK
MORE WORK NEEDED ON REMOVING BARRIERS TO INTERPROVINCIAL TRADE
Q
BY JOSH BILYK, AEG PRESIDENT
uebec-based structural steel company Canam Group recently announced a 28 per cent year-over-year increase in profits during the 2014 fourth quarter. They accomplished this impressive result despite a fairly weak market in Quebec and Ontario. Canam Group has Edmonton taxpayers, in part, to thank for their success in Canada. The company is providing the 9,000 tonnes (more than 15,000 pieces) of structural steel for the Edmonton Arena project. In fact, the Rogers Place steel is being sourced from Saint Gédéon, Quebec, and the steel for the Winter Garden will be coming from Hamilton, Ontario. As important as it is to support local businesses, this is a great story – a success for free markets and trade across Canada. Despite a steep downturn in our energy industry, Alberta continues to drive investment and employment across all sectors throughout the country, and this is how it should work. With the energy slow down well under way, Alberta companies are starting to look across the country for business opportunities, and finding doors in other provinces aren’t exactly wide open. Other provinces participate in business and trade here, and we’ve seen the benefits in the Edmonton market. It’s times like these that we need to be able to take advantage and engage in the same opportunities throughout the rest of Canada. Time for the rest of Canada to open their doors equally. What is the hurdle? Alberta is open
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for business – we see that in our competitive corporate tax structure. However, there is a litany of trade barriers across Canada and more needs be done to open up opportunities for internal trade. One of the ways the Alberta Enterprise Group (AEG) is doing this is by advocating for Alberta business and hosting delegations of business leader and policy makers from other parts of Canada. It’s critical we keep telling the Edmonton story and emphasizing open competition and freer trade throughout Canada. This is why AEG, supported by our members and partners, has been working to build stronger relationships in Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia, and right across Canada. We need to remind people that the supply chain stretches from our doorsteps to virtually every corner of Canada, from energy and manufacturing to agriculture and technology. The added bonus beyond the business conversations is that people from elsewhere get to see firsthand how we do things here – and that is a very good thing! Absurd rules around trade and transportation are still the norm across Canada. Varying food safety rules prevent the sale of certain gourmet foods in certain parts of Canada; foods that can be sold anywhere in Europe. Provincial rules require refineries to produce different ethanol for different provinces. Canadians still can’t freely or easily ship wine or beer across provincial borders – not to mention coffee creamers.
April 2015 | Business In Edmonton Magazine | www.businessinedmonton.com
The federal government estimates these barriers cost the Canadian economy $50 billion in lost GDP every year, and industry minister James Moore says he is looking to fix it by revamping the Agreement on Internal Trade. It can’t happen soon enough. AEG has been waving the free trade flag, at home and abroad, for years. Alberta companies are understandably frustrated by their lack of access to other Canadian markets. After all, companies from around the world and in every sector find success in Alberta. What’s most important is that Albertans continue to lead by example and keep our doors open to competition and trade. We must resist the temptation to protect our own through restrictive “buy local” policies or other protectionists rules. When trade barriers go up, everyone loses. The road to freer trade in Canada will be a long one. We need to work constructively with legislators across Canada, identify and activate allies, keep up the pressure and remind Canadians that freer trade raises all boats. Alberta Enterprise Group (AEG) is a member-based, non-profit business advocacy organization. AEG members employ more than 150,000 Canadians in all sectors of the economy. Visit www.albertaenterprisegroup.com to inquire about membership in the AEG movement. BIE Alberta Enterprise Group is a member-based, non-profit business advocacy organization. AEG members employ more than 150,000 Canadians in all sectors of the economy. Visit www.albertaenterprise.cato inquire about membership in the AEG movement.
Building Upon a Solid Foundation Almita Piling is Canada’s leading provider of screw piles. Almita designs, manufactures, and installs screw piles for oil & gas, power transmission & distribution, and industrial & commercial construction. Almita can provide cost-effective foundation solutions for any infrastructure ‒ large or small. The company has built a stellar reputation for ensuring its equipment and crews can deliver in any location or circumstance. Almita has office locations in Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, and a fabrication facility in Ponoka. Working with Results has given Almita a strong focus on the activities needed to achieve its strategic objectives. According to Vice President Rich Hiron, “We have been working with Results for almost two years and have developed a vision for growth that is easily understood and shared across the company. Results has helped us develop a weekly rigor and cadence that leads to tangible accomplishments across all areas of our company.” To learn more about Alberta companies unleashing their full potential, visit resultstransforms.com
Results helps clients achieve success through visibility, alignment, accountability and engagement of all employees in executing their strategy. www.businessinedmonton.com | Business In Edmonton Magazine | April 2015
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URBANOMICS
SOLVING URBAN PLANNING PROBLEMS
SOLVING URBAN PL A RAPPORT
T
he dilemma of a community’s strong financial managers, municipalities, and economy, prosperity and growth from a utility companies. town to a city to a big city, is that it invariably “Edmonton’s builders and the entire creates big city issues and big city problems. development industry has a terrific relaOne of the most common areas of big city tionship with the City. There is lots of problems, or contentious issues, surrounds open discussion, there is an open ear. Even aspects of urban planning and development. though we don’t always agree, there’s genThe issue is, reasonably and accurately prouine mutual respect,” he emphasizes. jecting population growth, trends and the “We recognize that the development complex planning and business aspects of… of land is an essential function of our where are people going to live? economy and our focus is also our sloJORDAN DAVIS, CHAIR OF THE URBAN DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE EDMONTON REGION (UDI-ER) Some big cities, like Vancouver and gan: Building Communities Together. Toronto, have unique and challenging comWe meet three or four times a year, we munity growth and housing situations have discussions and deal with the varibecause there is practically no available land for developous issues about promoting wise, efficient and productive ment, so it’s a matter of re-sale of land and re-development. urban growth.” In Calgary, lots of land but restricted use, serviceable Most major Canadian cities, like Edmonton, face difland supply, housing affordability and choices are contenferent challenges when it comes to population and tious issues, with developers often butting heads with the community growth. In addition to vital service and infraCity’s strategy and push for the downtown development structure planning and costs, there’s a gamut of new urban logic of build-up not build-out. planning considerations like sustainability, urban sprawl, “It’s much better and much more productive in Edmonhigh-density development and the most changeable and ton,” says Jordan Davis, chair of the Urban Development tough to forecast – contemporary lifestyles and shifting Institute-Edmonton Region (UDI-ER), the non-profit consumer trends. association representing the land development indusUrban sprawl-haters are on notice. Suburbs will keep try. UDI-ER members are development companies and sprawling and growing. Most cities, like Edmonton, conprofessionals, such as planners, surveyors, architects, front the long-term urban planning of a balance between landscape architects, engineers, contractors, lawyers, inner-city development and re-development, and new
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April 2015 | Business In Edmonton Magazine | www.businessinedmonton.com April 2015 | Business In Edmonton Magazine | www.businessinedmonton.com
URBANOMICS
SOLVING URBAN PLANNING PROBLEMS
ANNING PROBLEMS
IS IMPORTANT
suburban development. Davis is aware that in some major cities, one of the key stand-off issues between the city’s plans and the needs of developers is the contentious topic of high-density development. With some forgivable but enthusiastic professional bias, he points out that “Edmonton continues to grow responsibly. In fact, Edmonton has very smart growth. The planning is solid and good. We don’t have leapfrog development, like Phoenix, where you could drive for a mile or more between developments. “One of the biggest differences between Edmonton and communities like Vancouver and Calgary is that the Edmonton work force is much more spread out, nowhere near the downtown work force of some other major Canadian cities. In fact, the percentage of the Edmonton work force that actually works downtown pales by comparison to areas like Toronto. It’s one reason why development is happening closer to where Edmonton people work, like Nisku, Sherwood Park, Spruce Grove and St. Albert.” Regardless of the positive rapport between UDI-ER and the City, two of the glaring and current Edmonton developer hot topics looking for resolutions are: the timing of approvals and permits (especially engineering plans and drawings) and the traditionally touchy topic of lot levies. “We battle with the City about increased lot levies because it ultimately hurts the building sector and hurts the consumer, because increased levies eventually require downloading and
BY JOHN HARDY
cause price hikes,” he explains. “So far we don’t have a big unaffordability problem in Edmonton, mostly because we don’t have the tight supply and demand situation some other areas may have. Of course, Edmonton prices have increased, but we still produce affordable product.” Davis underscores that Edmonton’s lengthy approval process still continues to be a key topic of discussion between the City and UDI-ER. “We definitely need a much shorter turnaround on submitted plans. For seasonal and other reasons, like the festering labor shortage in many trades, we already have constraints like limited time frames to build, not only the actual house but sewers, roads and other infrastructure. The delays can take a year or more. If developers can’t produce inventory, it impacts supply and demand, and lack of supply invariably causes price increases. “But we have open, healthy discussion. Not always agreement, but we talk and listen. Council understands the issues and right now, they are undergoing a third-party review of the process to get to the root of the problem and ultimately to find a solution that may be implemented by 2016.” Although it’s not taught in any urban planning course and not traditionally part of the urban planning process, Davis beams about the value and potential of a workable rapport. “We have an open relationship; and half the battle is communication.” BIE
www.businessinedmonton.com | Business In Edmonton Magazine | April 2015 www.businessinedmonton.com | Business In Edmonton Magazine | April 2015
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THE ART OF HOME There’s a difference at Brookfield Residential that transforms streets into neighbourhoods, fields into backyards, and finished structures into the places we live. From the green space on the corner to the shops down the street, Brookfield’s holistic community design has made residents the centre of everything for over 56 years. Beyond just blueprints and engineering, it’s what we call the Art of Home.
FIND YOUR PLACE
LiveBrookfield.com
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NEWS FROM THE MONTH
WMTS SHOW FLOOR
TECHNOLOGY
THE WESTERN MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY SHOW
The Western Manufacturing Technology Show (WMTS) is the largest manufacturing event in Western Canada. The event provides one-stop shopping for the latest technologies and trends in machine tools, tooling and accessories, metal fabrication, design, automation and assembly, advanced manufacturing, plant maintenance and process control. Additionally, attendees will enjoy educational sessions, a keynote speaker, an interactive panel and networking opportunities. The show serves the needs of manufacturers in all industries, including oil and gas, industrial, commercial machinery, construction, mining, agriculture, wind energy and aerospace. WMTS is presented by SME, a non-profit organization serving the manufacturing industry through events, media, membership, training and development. “As oil prices continue to decline, there is some respite for the province of Alberta – a drop in the Canadian dollar that could be worth millions,” says Janine Saperson, event manager, SME. “Generally, a lower loonie is considered positive for the province as it bolsters the value of oil exports and demand for manufacturing, agricul-
WMTS SHOW FLOOR
tural, forestry and other products priced in Canadian dollars. As export profits rise, local businesses become able to invest in new production technologies that are necessary to improve their competitive edge. After all, Alberta is one of Canada’s major metal manufacturing centres with approximately $14.5 billion per year of existing activity.” Attendance was strong at the previous (2013) show, and similar, if not higher, numbers are anticipated for this year’s event. Saperson explains, “WMTS gives attendees from all walks of manufacturing an experience they never www.businessinedmonton.com | Business In Edmonton Magazine | April 2015
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OFF THE TOP
NEWS FROM THE MONTH
forget and often repeat. This is the ideal forum to conduct side-by-side evaluation of machines in action, see what is available and learn how new equipment can benefit operations. There is also the opportunity to meet face to face with experts and peers all gathered under one roof to exchange ideas, find answers and network with the best in the business. It is no wonder that the total verified show attendance in 2013 in Edmonton was 3,165.”
There will be new developments in the works for WMTS and we look forward to sharing them with the marketplace as we ramp up to the event in June.” — Janine Saperson Some special things are planned for the 2015 show. “In 2015, we’re very excited to bring WMTS back to The Edmonton EXPO Centre,” smiles Saperson. “Show attendees will see the latest advances in products ranging from machine tools, welding equipment, design engineering, and part maintenance to process control and automation. We plan to attract new attendees through our keynote speaker and panel discussions about diversity in the workplace. We are working on a robust conference schedule, led by industry experts, to weigh in on timely topics as we continue to facilitate the transfer of knowledge in our industry. There will be new developments in the works for WMTS and we look forward to sharing them with the marketplace as we ramp up to the event in June.” WMTS takes place June 15 – 17, 2015, at the Edmonton EXPO Centre in Northlands (Halls F, G and H). For more information or to register, visit www.wmts.ca or call 1-888-322-7333 extension 4435.
EDUCATION
NEW PROGRAM AT NORQUEST COLLEGE
The Service Industry Skills program is new for NorQuest College as of this year (2015). This program is unique as it focuses specifically on Edmonton’s hospitality needs and also functions as the flagship program for the college’s Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation Hospitality Institute.
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April 2015 | Business In Edmonton Magazine | www.businessinedmonton.com
Steinunn Parsons, a program developer/instructor and commercial transition team director with the Edmonton Oilers, says, “In the Introduction to the Service Industry course, students participate in group activities to identify hospitality venues and jobs in Edmonton. There is, however, flexibility to adapt the program to other Alberta communities if needed.” Parsons, whose past duties have included customer service and management roles for the 2010 and 2012 Olympic Games, continues, “We are building a foundation of knowledge for the hospitality industry,” she says, noting that this program allows employers to concentrate on running their business rather than being teachers. “The employer builds the house that sits on the foundation of their business, and we do all the training.” Before the program’s launch, senior employees at Delta Edmonton South did a pilot of the program to test and critique the training. “We absolutely will be looking at graduates for employment opportunities,” says general manager Colin Perry, who began his career with the hotel chain as a porter. “This program is great for people who are interested, engaged, and looking to grow in the hospitality industry.” Each student begins training with a 12-hour Introduction to the Service Industry course, in which they learn operations, how to maintain a safe and clean work environment, and how to perform guest services. Once the introduction course is successfully completed, students may take one or more of the following five course: • Server/Host/Suite Attendant: A course that focuses on turning one-time visitors into regulars, along with best industry practices. • Concession Worker: Students learn how to operate a concession stand and how to assist in food production while ensuring the quality, quantity and presentation of the dishes. Food safety is a major component of this course. • Guest Services Relations Host: During the six hours of this course, students build on the introductory course to master and exceed guest expectations. • Ticket Takers/Ushers: In addition to validating entrance into an event, students will learn how to enforce facility regulations, maintain order and create a safe environment. • Housekeepers: Cleaning theory and skills, basic chemical use, cleaning tools and techniques are taught in this course. Safety certification (Slip, Trip and Fall Procedure) is a component of this course. Students also have the option of adding to their service industry skills with the following courses: Emergency First Aid and CPR, Workplace Hazardous Material Information Systems (WHMIS), Human Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure and a resume/cover letter writing workshop. With hands-on learning, qualified instructors and information specifically geared to the Edmonton market, the courses taught under NorQuest College’s Service Industry Skills program are sure to enhance many careers as well as the level of service offered in the Capital region.
OFF THE TOP
NEWS FROM THE MONTH
Are you an entrepreneurial star? It’s your time to shine! Canada’s top entrepreneurs are true business stars. Join us in celebrating their achievements. Nominations close 30 April 2015. Submit your nomination today! ey.com/ca/eoy | @EYCanada #EOY
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www.businessinedmonton.com | Business In Edmonton Magazine | April 2015
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TELECOMMUNICATION CAN WE TALK?
CAN WE TALK? Canada’s telecommunications companies have undergone a little-noticed transformation in recent years – and are quietly transforming the way business works. By Ben Freeland
I
t is a well-known fact that telecommunications companies rank among the least-admired companies throughout much of the world. Nowhere is this truer than among Canada’s neighbours to the south, where a recent survey by the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) showed that cable giants Comcast and Time Warner Cable had the lowest customer satisfaction ratings of any company across all industries, including banks, airlines, and health insurance providers. So colossally unpopular are America’s telecom titans that the consumer blog BGR.com quipped that “it’s unfortunate that ACSI didn’t ask how people felt about (cartoon villains) Skeletor, Gargamel, and Cobra Commander,
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April 2015 | Business In Edmonton Magazine | www.businessinedmonton.com
because we get the feeling that Comcast and TWC would have had lower ratings than them as well.” While Canada’s leading cable providers have rarely incited comparisons to 80’s cartoon antagonists, they scarcely receive much in the way of plaudits. Canada continues to trail much of the developed world (including the United States) in terms of Internet download speeds, and when telecoms appear in the news it is typically after somebody has inadvertently incurred an astronomical data roaming bill or a company has launched some sort of challenge to net neutrality. That said, the customer satisfaction picture for Canada’s wireless incumbents is far less grim than for their stateside counterparts. The
TELECOMMUNICATION
CAN WE TALK?
“...Canada has the third most competitive wireless market in the OECD, which is remarkable considering our limited population.” ― Josh Blair
introduction of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission’s (CRTC) new wireless code at the end of 2013 saw wireless phone bills drop on average by $7 per month within a year, and with it rapid increases in customer satisfaction. Of the major players in Canada’s wireless scene, few
have benefitted more from the CRTC’s new regulatory regime than Telus. Not long ago, ranked among the country’s least-admired companies, the Edmontonborn, Vancouver-based telecom reached Waterstone’s Top 10 Most Admired Companies list in 2013, and continues to outperform industry standards for customer
Revolution Cycle 15103 Stony Plain Road Edmonton, AB T5P 3Y2 | (780) 486-3634 | info@revolutioncycle.com www.businessinedmonton.com | Business In Edmonton Magazine | April 2015
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TELECOMMUNICATION CAN WE TALK?
Machine
retention and positive corporate culture. “We currently have the highest wireless customer retention rate in North America,” says Telus chief corporate officer Josh
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April 2015 | Business In Edmonton Magazine | www.businessinedmonton.com
Machine
Blair. “We’ve also reduced our level of customer complaints by 53 per cent over the past three years, while the rate for the industry has gone up by 42 per cent over the same period.” Blair contends that the federal government’s new regulatory framework, which aims to ensure the presence of at least four telecom players in every region, has had a positive overall impact on service nationwide. “Telus has always been something of an outlier as a company, one that’s always been supportive of allowing foreign competition,” he asserts. “And I really have to hand it to the feds for establishing this new system. A recent study from the University of Calgary has shown that Canada has the third most competitive wireless market in the OECD, which is remarkable considering our limited population.” While consumer prices and Internet download speeds may be the most visible aspects of the telecommunications business, Telus and other providers are doing much to transform the country’s communications landscape behind the scenes. While Canada had a 4G LTE penetration rate of only eight per cent in 2013 (compared to 19 per cent in the US and a phenomenal 62 per cent in South Korea), Canada
TELECOMMUNICATION
CAN WE TALK?
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has begun to close the gap thanks to colossal infrastructure investments by Canada’s wireless providers. “We’re currently investing $3 billion a year in LTE infrastructure,” says Nauby Jacobs, vice president of products, services and content with Bell Mobility. “Thanks to this, we’ve
contend with here.” The next frontier of telecommunications, Jacobs asserts, is machine-to-machine communications – the so-called ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT), a front on which he expects Alberta to lead the way. “Alberta has always been ahead
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The next frontier of telecommunicationsis machineto-machine communications – Nauby Jacobs
extended coverage to 86 per cent of the country, and we’re aiming for 100 per cent soon.” Jacobs, like Blair, contends that Canada’s telecommunications market has truly emerged as one of the most vital and competitive in the world. “The market here is significantly ahead of most other countries, especially when you consider the vast distances we have to
SNOW REMOVAL
CONTACT
of the curve in wireless communication, and we’re definitely expecting the province to punch above its weight in terms of industrial applications,” says Jacobs. “The most obvious application is for the resource industry. Oil pipelines, for example, are typically monitored with meters, and these meters are being converted
(780) 473-0384 www.devlinconstruction.com office@devlinconstruction.com
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www.businessinedmonton.com | Business In Edmonton Magazine | April 2015
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TELECOMMUNICATION CAN WE TALK?
“We’re also looking at applications for drilling equipment, so that speed and irregularities can be monitored remotely and transmitted directly to the network.” ― Nauby Jacobs
to ‘smart’ meters that are connected to the Internet. We’re also looking at applications for drilling equipment, so that speed and irregularities can be monitored remotely and transmitted directly to the network. These types of innovations have huge productivity implications for Alberta’s leading industries.” Another transformational trend in the telecommunications business is so-called Push-To-Talk (PTT) – a 21st century twist on old-school CB radio that allows for real-time communication across a wide network area at the push of a smartphone app button. PTT technology has seen a recent upsurge among construction firms and other involved in large-scale projects spread over large areas, and again, Alberta has stood out as an early adopter. “Radio culture has always been huge in
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Alberta, and this new PTT technology has caught on very quickly,” notes Jacobs. Early adopters of this technology have included several construction contractors involved in Edmonton’s downtown arena project and the Alberta Motor Association, for whom it has proven an invaluable tool in maintaining interconnectivity among roadside assistance crews. “Our crews experience dead zones where they have absolutely no coverage,” says AMA IT director Jim Gladden. “Drivers would disappear off of the grid for hours and it was difficult to track them down.” The city of Edmonton, already one of Canada’s most connected cities courtesy of its near-universal WiFi coverage through Shaw Go WiFi, is currently taking steps to provide 100 per cent coverage. Under the banner of the Open City
TELECOMMUNICATION
CAN WE TALK?
““The technology is there and cities need to take advantage of it...” ― Nauby Jacobs
initiative launched in June of 2014, the city aims to extend WiFi across the entire city, including current dead zones like the LRT system and the River Valley. Currently, the city is undergoing a pilot LRT connectivity project, which began in February 2015 with the extension of WiFi service to Southgate LRT station. The next step for cities like Edmonton, Jacobs asserts, is the creation of an integrated IoT system along the lines of the Connected Boulevard system pioneered by the French city of Nice, which garnered global plaudits last year. In this system, everything from traffic lights to transit cars talk to one another over the Internet. “The technology is there and cities need to take advantage of it,” he contends. “The additional piece of the puzzle is wallet technology, whereby you can upload your transit pass, building access
passes, and even personal identity cards onto your phone. We’re developing this now. We don’t have a market launch date yet, but it’s not far off.” From the consumer front to smart cities to digitally connected oil drilling and pipeline technology, Canada’s once repudiated telecommunications industry is quietly transforming Canada into a wired country par excellence in spite of geographical challenges that established wireless powerhouses like Germany, Japan, and South Korea have never had to confront. “Most of what we are doing goes far beyond what people are talking about,” says Jacobs. “The Internet of Things is an innovation on par with the electrification revolution of the industrial age. We’re on the verge of some massive transformations. And it’s coming faster than most people realize.” BIE
p o h C p o h C ! e l z Siz Reservations: 780.422.6083 Steak & Seafood prepared before your eyes Sushi & Sashimi
South Side / Downtown / Northgate Centre
www.businessinedmonton.com | Business In Edmonton Magazine | April 2015
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TED ABOUT SUCCESS NCSG’s president and CEO, Ted Redmond, shares the methodology behind the company’s outstanding success. By Nerissa McNaughton
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TED REDMOND TALKS ABOUT SUCCESS
PHOTO BY EPIC PHOTOGRAPHY
TED REDMOND PRESIDENT & CEO. PHOTO BY EPIC PHOTOGRAPHY INC.
www.businessinedmonton.com | Business In Edmonton Magazine | April 2015
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TED REDMOND TALKS ABOUT SUCCESS
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CSG Crane and Heavy Haul Services Corporation opened in 1986 and was founded in both Edmonton and Fort McMurray. The company has 20 branches located strategically across Canada and the United States and has a fleet of over 295 cranes, 78 tractors, 300 heavy haul and conventional trailers and 235 lines of hydraulic platform trailers. NCSG is a fully operated (not rent-to-use) corporation providing services in operations, maintenance, logistics, engineering, project management, and safety. NCSG’s current investor group purchased the company in August 2014, four years after president and CEO, Ted Redmond, joined in August 2010. “I was running the energy products and services business for McCoy Global Inc.,” Redmond explains, “and was approached by the private equity group that owned NCSG. I saw it as a great opportunity to join an Edmonton-headquartered company that had fantastic growth potential.” Redmond was right about the growth potential. Between 2010 and 2014, NCSG’s revenues progressively jumped up each year – dramatically. In 2011, $147.8 million; 2012, $ 191.1 million; 2013, $248 million and in 2014, $271.4 million. While Redmond cites that they are “driven by an excellent, seasoned industry management team; and on top of
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that, we have aggressively added greenfield branches and have completed acquisitions to acquire additional customers and additional people,” as the reason for the company’s success, few can deny the correlation of his start date and the company’s upward trajectory. Business in Edmonton sat down with Redmond to learn the secrets of his success. “This isn’t my original career path,” confides Redmond. “My original career path was engineering.” He has a master’s degree in engineering. Redmond grew up in Edmonton and joined a telecommunications equipment design company in Dallas, Texas after graduating. Within a year, he was running a development team of engineers. “I thought I’d be an engineer, but moved into management,” he recalls. He liked it enough to obtain a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) degree at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and proceeded to work all over the world, mostly in the energy industry. “The greatest challenge in my career was running a couple of smaller businesses I was involved in,” says Redmond as he thinks about his long and winding career path. “In the smaller businesses, you don’t have the same infrastructure and management team. I find with a broader group of management, it’s easier to address the key issues of the business,
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YOU’VE OUTGROWN YOUR TAX STRATEGY.
Where do you go from here? Realizing the full potential of your business requires an understanding of the tax challenges you face both personally and in provincial, national or even international markets. Our tax specialists have the experience and industry insights to provide the customized tax strategies you need to minimize your exposure and maximize returns, wherever business takes you. Contact Mark Bernard at 780.453.5388 or mark.bernard@mnp.ca
www.businessinedmonton.com | Business In Edmonton Magazine | April 2015
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TED REDMOND TALKS ABOUT SUCCESS
such as having access to a human resources or marketing expert. You have someone to advise you on issues. [For example], we have an excellent CFO to run our finances and advise on the business side. It’s more fun and in some ways easier to run a larger business than a small startup.” Redmond continues, “At the start of my career, I wished that I knew what I know now about working with people. When you are working with people, you need to be yourself and people need to get to know you, trust you and like you as a person. Earlier in our careers, many people, including me, have the wrong idea of what a leader is. A leader is not a gruff person that gives out orders. A leader makes sure all the information gets put on the table, that the team analyzes the information, generates ideas and then makes decisions as a team. For me, that is something that you are not trained on as an engineer. It takes time to learn and understand how to motivate people. I’ve learned that through watching the great leaders and employees that I have worked with.” No matter where he found himself on the path, however, Redmond has positive things to say about each step of the journey. “Building and growing a business and working with talented and motivated people,” he smiles in answer to his greatest career reward. “My time at NCSG is teaching me how important it is to build a strong team of professionals that excel in their markets. I have a long background in energy, but was new to the crane and heavy haul industry. It was important, not only for crane expertise, that we developed and hired a strong team. A fair bit of the work we do is also in the construction and maintenance industry.” Redmond focused on building a diverse team to ensure no aspect of the business, from the boardroom to the field, was overlooked. In a presentation Redmond wrote last year for the
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Crane Rental Association of Canada, he further explained the lessons he learned from his career, as well as what he learned as NCSG went from the double millions of digits into the triple. He highly values having a strategy that allows a business to grow in a sustainable way. This strategy must be developed with the management team and clearly communicated with all the employees so they can be actively engaged. Next, he says you must execute that strategy and track your progress. Redmond brings up reasons to have an exit plan – even if you don’t use it. An exit plan gives you a strategic “out” in case the business becomes attractive to the right buyer or if the plan fails during execution. Without an exit plan, businesses may take actions that make them less valuable because it excludes them from a group of potential future investors. The seven acquisitions that NCSG has done in the last three years have been a vital part of the company’s growth. “When we are looking at acquisitions, we look for well-run companies where the management wants to stay on,” confirms Redmond. “We also look for growth potential, a history of profitability and a strategic fit with our north-south energy corridor strategic focus.” Redmond recalls what he learned during the downturn of Alberta’s economy in 2008. “Stop buying equipment, cut costs…don’t give up,” he advises on how to survive a recession. “Act fast and live to fight another day.” Redmond also prizes risk taking and safety as industry objectives, but his number one priority is people. “My time at NCSG has taught me the importance of motivated employees and employee ownership. One of the features we offer is employee ownership to our non-union employees. We have a stock option program and we offer senior people the chance to buy shares in the company
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HEAVY HAUL IN PROGRESS
when they join. That creates a feeling and attitude that we are all owners in the business and share in the profit and growth. Likewise, we work hard to keep the entrepreneurs that we have acquired and to use their talents in the company structure. They have incredible knowledge and expertise, and they know how to grow and run a business. It is very important. Where we have seen some of our competitors fail is when they do not maintain some of their owners [from acquisitions]. “We have a fantastic group of staff that goes above and beyond to make us successful. We have an incredible group of crane operators, truck drivers, riggers – the people that work with our customers every day. The way we have grown is repeat work from existing customers, and that is because our employees do a great job in meeting their needs in a timely, safe, friendly fashion.” When Redmond cites “people” as the greatest investment a company can make, he doesn’t just mean the staff. He also means the communities where NCSG works. “I believe we need to give back in the communities we operate in,” he says firmly, going on to say that he encourages the team to get involved and support local charities, sports teams and initiates. Some of their initiatives include the Parkland Area Youth Emergency Shelter, which provides assistance and meals for homeless teens. “One employee spent a week as a homeless person in Grande Prairie to raise awareness of homelessness and addiction. He did this in the winter!” explains Redmond of the type community engagement NCSG employees invest in. “He is an exceptional person. He took a week of vacation to do the challenge. NCSG donated a week of his salary and many of the employees added personal donations to the cause.” When he’s not helping to grow the company or give back
to communities, Redmond focuses on improving himself. “How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie; I read it 20 years ago and started reading it again recently. I think the words are still as true today as when he wrote that book. His message, that the way to influence people is to understand them, be positive with them and engender trust in them, is the way to move mountains and a truly great leadership philosophy.” Redmond also stays active by participating in water skiing and snow skiing. “In my limited free time, that’s what I love to do,” he laughs. NCSG’s growth and success has been phenomenal over the past few years and the company has a clear objective moving forward. “We will continue to profitably grow the business when the opportunities come before us. The energy sub markets have different cycles. Depending on where we are on the cycles, the growth rate will vary, but over time we will continue to grow the business successfully. We will continue to fill out our north-south energy strategy and have acquisitions in markets that are competitive.” Redmond gratefully acknowledges the management and employees of NCSG whom have stayed with the company over the years and have been instrumental in the growth and success, along with the customers that believed in NCSG and allowed the company to grow with them. Redmond also thanks the investor group that provided capital for continued growth in Alberta’s competitive economy. With over 700 employees more than $200 million worth of equipment a solid strategy to conquer growth, recession and the ups and downs of the energy market alongside dedicated, engaged employees with a reputation for working diligently and safely, there is no telling where NCSG can go – but the best guess is, NCSG will keep going, and growing, forward. BIE www.businessinedmonton.com | Business In Edmonton Magazine | April 2015
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Advocate. Educate. Connect.
Words Are Powerful By Janet M. Riopel, President & CEO
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ords are powerful. The words that the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce is using within our new brand are not only powerful but meaningful. Advocate. Educate. Connect. These are the touchstones that we have chosen to build our brand on. Each of the words encapsulates a valuable part of the work of the Edmonton Chamber. And together these three words: Advocate. Educate. Connect. guide the Edmonton Chamber’s mission to create the best environment for business. Since our new brand launched at the Chamber Ball in January, I have had many opportunities to speak with members. It has been encouraging and interesting to listen as people examine these words, appreciate them from their own standpoint and from that of the Edmonton Chamber, and discover the power and the relevance of three seemingly little words. Advocate means so much more than writing and publishing a policy or position statement. This organization will always speak with a clear voice on behalf of its members, but Advocate is not only about making presentations in public forums. Advocate is a relationship of respect and influence between our organization and key influencers and decision-makers. We seek to have open communication and interaction on matters of mutual interest and of conflict. Educate is a very dynamic word. The Edmonton Chamber takes its role seriously as a source for credible information for the
business community. We publish and share a rich ecosystem of information with our members: policy issues, member stories and practical business insights. Our intent is to take Educate a step further. Throughout the year we host numerous events that bring speakers who offer unique and expert insights to our members. Our goal is to provide forums where you can learn from the expertise of others and put your learnings into practice in your own business. In addition to events, many of our small business members have told us that they need accessible training that is relevant to the day-to-day operations of their businesses. We’ve listened carefully to that request and are in the process of partnering with leading training organizations to bring relevant and affordable educational product offerings to our members. The third touchstone for the Edmonton Chamber is Connect. Most importantly, Connect brings people and ideas together. The Edmonton Chamber seeks to connect its members to each other, to the broader economy, and to key influencers and decision-makers. Connect is made more powerful through the active engagement of our member businesses. Great business opportunities are found and strong relationships are formed at Edmonton Chamber events. As 2015 progresses we’ll be speaking in depth on our new brand and demonstrating how these touchstones: Advocate. Educate. Connect. will guide our actions and mission.
www.businessinedmonton.com | Business In Edmonton Magazine | April 2015
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2015 Volunteer of the Year
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he strength of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce’s advocacy efforts is based on the remarkable efforts of our policy volunteers. During the 2015 Chamber Ball, we introduced the inaugural Volunteer of the Year Award. The award selection criteria focus on contribution to policy development and advocacy efforts, engagement with fellow members and commitment to the Edmonton business community. The Edmonton Chamber is proud to congratulate Rick Butler, President and CEO, Lokken College, as our first Volunteer of the Year Award recipient. Butler has been actively involved with the Edmonton Chamber for many years and currently chairs our Workforce Development Task Force. We sincerely thank Rick Butler for his dedication, time and efforts, as they have proven invaluable to the business community. Congratulations on this distinguished achievement!
Rick Butler, President and CEO, Lokken College [L], and Janet Riopel [R]
The Honourable Kellie Leitch, (centre) Minister of State for Labour and Status of Women, visited World Trade Centre Edmonton for a meeting with members of the Edmonton Chamber on March 4, 2015. Discussion points included mentorship and access to capital.
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April 2015 | Business In Edmonton Magazine | www.businessinedmonton.com
“No one person creates a culture.”
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TED REDMOND TALKS ABOUT SUCCESS
- Jeff Polovick, President & Founder, DRIVING FORCE
Inuvik
Yukon Whitehorse
North West Territories
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Fort McMurray (2) Fort Sask. Edmonton West Edmonton South Leduc Calgary SE Saskatoon Calgary NE
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www.businessinedmonton.com | Business In Edmonton Magazine | April 2015
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Look Ahead A preview of 2015 policy issues By Warren Singh, Director of Policy
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o matter the economic situation we find ourselves in, your Edmonton Chamber of Commerce is hard at work advocating on your behalf. We are part of the business community and our mission is to create the best environment for business through improved services and more efficient regulations. We want to our City to thrive and will advocate for a number of key policies to move forward in 2015. Over the next few months, our objective is to move ahead on key issues affecting your business. Each month we will highlight these policies and provide an in-depth look at why we are advocating for their implementation and how it will benefit your operations. Here are just some of the top issues that the Edmonton Chamber will advocate for:
Reducing Red Tape
The Edmonton Chamber has long been advocating for less administrative burden and lowering the costs of running a business in our City. We strongly feel that the “redtape” should be reduced, thus making for a better business environment. The Edmonton Chamber is proud to be a part of the Red Tape Reduction Task Force at the City of Edmonton. While we’ve seen improvement in our regulatory environment, there is always room to be more efficient. We look forward to serving on this task force in 2015 and working with the City to continue improving the costs to run your business.
Reviewing Local Legislation
The ground rules for the relationship between municipalities, jurisdictions, and the province for the next 20 years need to support our vibrant business community. The Municipal Government Act will be revised in 2015 – it will impact areas of vital interest to your business. Your Edmonton Chamber team is making sure that the Government of Alberta is aware that business wants:
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April 2015 | Business In Edmonton Magazine | www.businessinedmonton.com
1. stable and predictable funding for municipalities; 2. a framework encouraging cooperation between municipalities, regions and jurisdictions; and, 3. efficient, principles-based mechanisms to reduce red tape.
Developing Our Workforce
Your Edmonton Chamber is asking the provincial government to create a cohesive, integrated policy structure for workforce training and development. This is a big idea with implications on your search for a skilled workforce. We’re seeking an education system that works for students and employers through the further integration of K-12 and post-secondary programs, and a credentialing process that gives priority to learners and future employees from an outcomes-based perspective. We are also advocating that the federal government develop an effective Employment Insurance program – a program that actually supports a competitive labour market with high productivity.
Removing Barriers to Market Access Our city has unique geographic advantages conducive to expanding your business. To fully leverage these advantages, we’re asking decision makers to focus on removing barriers to inter-provincial trade; formalize local partnership arrangements; and better connect Edmonton to inter- and intraregional markets. Work has already started on developing a Northern Circumpolar Institute and a Regional Economic Development initiative. We need to build on that momentum.
Developing Our Energy Responsibly Responsible energy development in Alberta and Canada is not a pipe dream. The Edmonton Chamber is advocating
for regulatory processes that are fair, predictable and efficient. And, we are urging the Government for processes that balance our current competitive advantages with world-class environmental protection standards. By supporting investment in responsible energy development, we support a better future for all Albertans and Canadians.
Enhancing our Taxation Regime
The Edmonton Chamber has consistently advocated for a fair, sustainable, and simplified tax system from all three orders of government. And, we will not stop advocating for a tax system that reduces compliance costs until that system exists. The Edmonton Chamber values member input on policy development and issues. For more information on volunteering and to read our current policies please visit edmontonchamber.com/chamber-in-action.
Warren Singh joined the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce as Director of Policy on March 2, 2015. You are welcome to comment and engage on the policy that effects your business. You can reach Warren at wsingh@edmontonchamber.com – and connect with the Edmonton Chamber on Twitter @edmontonchamber or on LinkedIn.
Members in this Issue Alan Ross, Board Chair, Alberta Emerald Foundation in Environmental Stewardship on page 62
Budget take a hit?
We can help. Many of our programs qualify for the Canada-Alberta Job Grant NorQuest offers professional development training through flexible calendar and customized delivery for organizations of all sizes. Whether you need to increase productivity, enhance customer service, or improve employee engagement, we can help meet your goals. Some of the areas we train in include: •• ••
Upcoming Events The 46th Annual Golf Tournament Don’t miss the best business golf tournament of the season.
••
••
••
••
June 19 at The Quarry To register online visit edmontonchamber.com/events *Sponsorships are still available. Email Gwynne Turner for more information gturner@edmontonchamber.com
••
Service Industry Customer Service Supervisor and Management Project Assistant/ Project Management Lean and Lean Six Sigma English in the Workplace Strategic Social Media
Maximize your corporate training budget The Canada-Alberta Job Grant pays 2/3 of eligible training costs. We’ll help you through the whole process. Learn more at norquest.ca/CAJG.
Learn more 780.644.6480 ContractTraining@norquest.ca norquest.ca/corporate
Step Forward
www.businessinedmonton.com | Business In Edmonton Magazine | April 2015 NQ-BIE-3.3125x9.75_CorpTraining2015.indd NQ-BIE-3.3125x9.75_CorpTraining2015.indd 11
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15-03-02 15-03-02 1:21 1:21 PM PM
Connecting Business Breakfast with the Honourable Maxime Bernier
Guests pose for a group shot with Minister Bernier following the Breakfast. From L to R: Bill Blais, VP Land Development, Maclab Enterprises and VP of Board, ECC; Honourable Don Scott, Minister of Innovation and Advanced Education (Government of Alberta); Janet Riopel, President & CEO, ECC; Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of State, Small Business, Tourism and Agriculture (Government of Canada); Jerri Cairns, Partner, Parlee McLaws, Board Chair, ECC; Ken Kobly, President & CEO, Alberta Chambers of Commerce.
Premium Speaker Series Gregg Saretsky, CEO of WestJet was the first speaker in the Edmonton Chamber’s Premium Speaker Series – where we bring top leaders from across Canada to speak to our members. Preston Manning is the next speaker in the line-up and will speak at a luncheon on May 20, 2015.
Gregg Saretsky speaks about WestJet’s secrets to successfully building a corporate culture.
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April 2015 | Business In Edmonton Magazine | www.businessinedmonton.com
Attendees talk business before the luncheon.
June 18th | 6pm | The Sutton Place Hotel Join us in celebrating Business in Edmonton’s Leaders Awards. We will be honouring 20 individuals for their business acumen, contribution to community and to their industry. These are the people that are making Edmonton a great city to live and work in. Business in Edmonton will feature your Leaders in our July 2015 issue.
Cocktails - 6:00pm • Dinner - 7:00pm Semi-formal dress code
Please RSVP to 780-638-1777 ext. 230 Nancy@businessinedmonton.com
Platinum Partner
Gold Partners
www.businessinedmonton.com | Business In Edmonton Magazine | March 2015
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Edmonton Chamber of Commerce | EVENTS |
Mayor’s 2015 State of the City Address Luncheon Join us for Mayor Don Iveson’s State of the City Address as he looks ahead to a new year and new opportunities for the City of Edmonton.
Monday, April 27, 2015 Shaw Conference Centre 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Members $74.95 + GST Non-members $94.95 + GST Tables of 10 available
Title Sponsor
T 780.426.4620 | F 780.424.7946 | edmontonchamber.com/events
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March 2015 | Business In Edmonton Magazine | www.businessinedmonton.com
RECREATIONAL PROPERTIES
GENERATION GAPPING
GENERATION GAP PING The new age of cottage, cabin and vacation properties BY PARKER GRANT
F
rom Pigeon Lake and Sunset Beach to Lake Isle and Glennifer Lake, Edmonton’s cottage and vacation properties aren’t changing as much as the cottage and recreational property owners are changing. “Some things never change,” says Elton Ash, regional executive vicepresident of RE/MAX of Western
Canada. “Recreational properties will always be emotional investments. They are always about quality of life and they will always be about discretionary dollars. For most of last year, there was steady activity and no big surprises. Prices continued strong but during the year, we noticed a shift in interest from
Boomers planning to retire along with Generation Xers (34-54 year olds) and even Millennials (young thirtysomethings) with young families considering cottages and cabins.” The annual RE/MAX Recreational Property Report, published every May is not only a valuable monitor and forecast of local recreational property
www.businessinedmonton.com | Business In Edmonton Magazine | April 2015
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RECREATIONAL PROPERTIES GENERATION GAPPING
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April 2015 | Business In Edmonton Magazine | www.businessinedmonton.com
RECREATIONAL PROPERTIES
GENERATION GAPPING
Living the Lakeside Dream – One Hour From Edmonton
D
o you long for a property near a beautiful lake where you can swim, sail, fish and go for long and peaceful nature walks?
Have a magical place where you and your family not only enjoy the many amenities like golf, neighborhood and family barbecues, farmers markets and community dances, but a place where your family becomes a part of a community that welcomes you? Why dream when all this and more is right in your back yard and less than one hour from Edmonton. Only one out of every 300 Edmonton families owns a lake property within 50 miles of Edmonton, and many of these properties have been in the same family for generations. These families are in on Edmonton’s best kept secret – that lake living is close, affordable, and lifeenriching in so many ways. It’s not going to be a secret for much longer as more and more Edmonton and area families realize the benefits of lake living. It starts with over 128 days of frost-free weather, which is greater than Calgary’s 87 days and comparable with Kelowna’s 151 days. Why have a far-flung vacation rental in another province or country that you can only enjoy for a few weeks at a time? Our four beautiful seasons mean yearround lake living fun: swimming, boating, golf and fishing in the summer, horseback riding and hiking in the spring and fall, cross country skiing, sledding, ski-doing and ice fishing in the winter; all without the long lineups and tourist crowding you see in popular travel-to destinations. The three main lakes close to Edmonton are Lake Wabamun, Isle Lake, and Lac St. Anne. Lake Wabamun, in particular, is noted for its beaches and swimming. The Lake waters are infused with clear mountain runoff from underground springs. With Kapasiwin Provincial Park to the east, Seba Beach to the west, and 30 miles of lakeshore in between, visitors to the Wabamun Lake area wish they could stay – but few realize they actually can! Lake living can be very affordable, especially when you compare the cost of a three-week family vacation with the cost of a year-
round-use lake home. With properties from $100,000 to over $2 million, Edmonton’s lakes cater to every style, budget and property wish list, and that’s not all! When you invest in lake property, you build real estate equity that you can leverage. Did you know you can access as much as 80 per cent – 95 per cent in some cases – in home equity as financing on a second home? The resulting mortgage is cheaper than rent, especially with long term rates under 3 per cent. It just makes good financial sense to buy near a lake where the values keep rising (the highest valued real estate is always near water) and outdoor, healthy, family fun creates an impression on you and your children – memories that will last a lifetime and with less stress, a longer more fulfilled life. You can choose to live at your lake property full time, use it as a vacation or second home, rent it out, or hold it as part of your investment portfolio. No matter why you choose lake living, you will be assured that you have made a smart, responsible choice. You can save vacation and investment dollars while you and your family enjoy the best years of your lives. Are you ready to get in on Edmonton’s secret before this opportunity is exposed and you find yourself in competition with too many other buyers? Build your family’s lake legacy today Wayne William Heine of RE/MAX Excellence lives and sells lake living west of Edmonton, specializing in everything that’s on the three prime lakes: Lake Wabamun, Lac St. Anne and Lake Isle. Wayne has owned the same lake property for 24 years. It was his weekend getaway and he is now proud to call it his main home. Wayne’s knowledge of this market regarding pricing, amenities and events is legendary. Your first meeting with Wayne begins in his air conditioned, bathroom-equipped mobile office. The mobile office gives Wayne all the tools on a country road a city realtor has in a downtown office. As a well-deserved winner of the Real Estate Association’s of Edmonton’s Inaugural Marketing Excellence Award, Wayne has both the experience and knowledge of the area to make your lake living dreams come true. Call Wayne today at 780-991-5107 or visit his website www.edmontonlakeproperty.com to get started.
www.edmontonlakeproperty.com www.businessinedmonton.com
| Business In Edmonton Magazine | April 2015
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RECREATIONAL PROPERTIES GENERATION GAPPING
ELTON ASH, REGIONAL EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT OF RE/MAX OF WESTERN CANADA.
markets, it is also a valuable source of comparables, detailing market activity summaries for 41 regions across Canada. Last year’s RE/MAX Report highlighted a few small communities west of Edmonton where buyers were snapping up recreational property. Prices started at about $180,000, but the majority of properties were in the $250,000 to
have retired. Outdoor activities such as fishing, boating and swimming on the area’s many lakes in the summer, as well as snowmobiling and skiing in the winter, draws buyers to the region. Marmot Basin in Jasper National Park is a huge draw for skiers and snowboarders in the winter. Last year, postrecession sales in Lake Isle, Lac Ste. Anne, and Wabamun continued to recover as buyers regained their confidence in the economy. The Report was published months before the slump in oil prices but, according to Edmonton area real estate analysts, the slump should not impact values and recreational property prices will likely remain stable. For various reasons, and with recreational properties more than residential real estate, trends change. Families and lifestyles change. Boomers, Millennials and GenXers change. Attitudes change. Likes and dislikes change. Jobs and routines change. Together, they may be causing changes to the tradition of relaxation and getaways to cottages, condos and recreational properties.
Price points and the Canadian vs. U.S. dollar along with other factors impact the recreational property trends of location, location, location. $350,000 range. The most expensive property sold was a 1,600-square-foot, four-bedroom home in Sunset Beach, Lake Isle. It sold for $413,000. Most buyers in the area are in their 40s or older, particularly Baby Boomers looking for a place where they can spend more time once they
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April 2015 | Business In Edmonton Magazine | www.businessinedmonton.com
RECREATIONAL PROPERTIES
GENERATION GAPPING
15 Minutes to Tee Off or Take Off That’s the beauty of Lakestone. It’s within a short drive of five golf courses and Kelowna International Airport. Revel in the convenience and come home to a lakefront paradise that inspires leisurely paddles on the lake, scenic walks and dining on the deck at sunset: The good life is right outside your door.
LAKEVIEW HOMESITES FROM THE LOW $200,000s Sales Centre: 9295 Okanagan Centre Rd W., Lake Country, BC
LAKESTONELIVING.COM 1 877 766 1213 This is not an offering for sale. Such an offering can only be made by way of a disclosure statement. The developer reserves the right to make changes to drawings, plans, specifications and prices without notice. Prices do not include GST. E&OE.
www.businessinedmonton.com | Business In Edmonton Magazine | April 2015
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ESCAPE
TO THE RESIDENCES OF LAULE’A By Fay Fletcher
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ith the average winter temperature in Edmonton dipping into the double digits below zero, it’s no wonder why Edmontonians seek out warm places to vacation with their families. Stephen Petasky, founder of The Luxus Group and an avid traveller, wanted to experience vacation properties in warm locations that had all the comforts of home, while still allowing for an immersive cultural experience. This desire led him to create Luxus Vacation Properties – a collection private equity funds which own and manage luxury vacation properties on behalf of investors. “We now have $85 million in real estate and facilitate 2,000 vacations per year for Western Canadians,” says Petasky with pride. This success has led to the Group’s latest endeavor – Luxus Developments; and what better place to develop than a destination Edmontonians already know and love? Yes, that place is Hawaii.
of paradise. The homes are designed with a true sense of place, enabling each resident to feel that authentic Hawaiian atmosphere but with a modern, energy-efficient design. At the Residences of Laule’a, homes and yards blend effortlessly, creating a harmonious flow from the welcoming courtyard, through the meticulously-designed home, to the spacious back yard. “On the Big Island there is very little available land within the mature resorts, so we see this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” explains Petasky. “We have timed the Residences of Laule’a perfectly with the growth and needs of the market.” Laule’a boasts both attached and detached homes. All homes have pools, spas, and amazing frontage to the Francis H. I’i Brown South golf course, along with views of either the ocean or Mauna Kea volcano – which, at over 4,200m, provides a breathtaking backdrop to the community. No detail has been overlooked in these luxury houses that are to be carefully crafted using the highest quality of standards and materials. “We love the Mauna Lani resort because of “We have two exciting design themes, Tranthe access to shopping, a fitness club, a spa, sitional Hawaiian and Modern Island. Both the golf clubhouse, the historic King’s Trail, the are flexible and allow the beauty of the culture to shine through while allowing for your own Kalahuipua’a fishponds, and other amenities, unique touches and customizations,” says Petall on one of the most beautiful pieces of asky. “We’re also offering a number of options for personalization – both inside and out – so land on Earth.” that everyone can create their perfect dream — Stephen Petasky home.” “We love the Mauna Lani resort because of the access to shopping, a fitness club, Luxus Developments is creating The Residences of Laule’a, a spa, the golf clubhouse, the historic King’s Trail, the an exclusive community with just 17 homes, in the Mauna Kalahuipua’a fishponds, and other amenities, all on one of Lani resort on Hawaii’s Big Island. the most beautiful pieces of land on Earth,” says Petasky. “This is a very unique market,” says Petasky. “You get more The first phase of The Residences of Laule’a was released value on the Big Island of Hawaii. For the price of a two bedfor sale in March. To learn more, get pricing or receive room condo in Maui, you can get your own private home updates, visit www.laulea.ca. with a yard and pool. On the Big Island you also get that au“In the winter there are plenty of great things to do here thentic Hawaii experience with all the amenities that come in Alberta,” concludes Petasky, “but nothing makes the with a world class resort.” winter quite as enjoyable as knowing you have opportunity Laule’a is a Hawaiian word that means peace, happiness to escape to paradise.” and friendship, all of which you will experience in this piece
44 April 2015 | Business In Edmonton Magazine | www.businessinedmonton.com www.laulea.ca
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www.businessinedmonton.com | Business In Edmonton Magazine | April 2015
RECREATIONAL PROPERTIES GENERATION GAPPING
Whether these changes are positive or negative is a matter of opinion. Price points and the Canadian vs. U.S. dollar along with other factors impact the recreational property trends of location, location, location. Priorities change and the rationale and reasons for recreational properties are shifting.
...the cost of a cottage is a much deeper and complex decision than merely the listing price. “We expect that the demographic switch will continue this year and technology has a lot to do with it,” Ash suggests. “Technology allows the GenX or Millennial vacation property buyer to be more rural, but still be connected. With good quality Wi-Fi in many recreational property areas, the generation that is so used to being
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plugged-in 24/7 will be interested in being connected at the cottage or maybe even the mobility of working by remote from the cottage. It’s definitely a big feature that just didn’t exist about five years ago.” People already involved in recreational properties or just starting to consider it, have something important in common with similar recreational property factors in Montreal and Toronto. Approximately five years ago, recreational properties in Phoenix, Scottsdale and (Whitefish) Montana were as hot with Alberta snowbirds as they were in Florida for snowbirds from Toronto and Montreal. The American housing market collapsed. The Canadian loonie was strong and frequently at par. Recreational property deals were irresistible. Fast forward to 2015 and a lot has changed. The U.S. housing market resurgence started in 2013 and got even stronger last year,” Ash explains. “Now U.S. housing prices are near pre-recession levels. The bargains are gone and the exchange rate is in the prohibitive 20 per cent range. No doubt about it, whether it’s Arizona, Nevada or Florida, Canadian interest in U.S. recreational properties has dried-up.”
RECREATIONAL PROPERTIES
GENERATION GAPPING
Seasoned recreational property owners or recent cottage and cabin owners from Edmonton have some recreational property basics to consider, because the cost of a cottage is a much deeper and complex decision than merely the listing price. Personal finance consultants warn against considering recreational property as an investment because these types of properties are slow to escalate in value. They suggest carefully and realistically reviewing finances and determining if, according to cash flow and savings, owning another property is logical and affordable. An important consideration is the 32 per-cent guideline. The combination of mortgages, property taxes and utilities for all the properties you own should not exceed 32 per cent of your gross income. Financial institutions call this the gross debt servicing ratio (GDSR.) The experts also caution that the mortgage for a cottage likely won’t be a conventional mortgage and for recreational properties, many financial institutions offer collateral mortgages with rates more in line with consumer loans than with traditional mortgages and shorter amortizations. Personal finance experts say that the price of a cottage or cabin is just
the beginning. It’s the cost of maintaining the property that can really add up. A common mistake made by new recreational property owners is underestimating the combined annual costs of maintenance, taxes, insurance, utilities and renovations. As Ash and other real estate tax specialists agree, aside from the emotional decision and the sunsets, hammocks, walks in the woods and enjoying good times with visiting friends and family – from Marmot Basin, Phoenix, Lake Isle, and Lac Ste. Anne – recreational properties are a serious business. However, when you consider the many other benefits, such as the long-term effect on your overall portfolio, the well-known benefits of spending time in nature, the memories you and your family will build as you spend days at the lake and the effect lake living has on your physical and mental wellbeing, perhaps the trick is to not just look at the dollars and cents, but to also consider the value and sense. Things may be changing in all demographic groups, but no matter what the economy or the trends are up to, the desire to have an affordable escape to a recreation property has not wavered – and that is something worth looking into. BIE www.businessinedmonton.com | Business In Edmonton Magazine | April 2015
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COMMERCIAL RETAL ESTATE EDMONTON’S THE TRIPLE-HEADED MARKET
Edmonton’s the Triple-Headed Market Industrial, retail and office space By John Hardy
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he story of Edmonton’s commercial real estate can be summed up as steady, strong and getting stronger. The tricky thing about most commercial real estate markets like Edmonton is that it is usually impacted by different factors than residential real estate. When it comes to commercial real estate, unlike residential, one category type does not fit all, particularly when tracking strengths and slumps. While the ups and downs and spasms of the economy gradually or eventually impact all types of real estate, the flux in commercial real estate depends on various factors that affect the three separate and specific types of commercial real estate: office, industrial and retail. What impacts one type, may not impact the other two.
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When the economy or the oil price slump gets some companies to be cautious about the office space sector of commercial real estate, they do not necessarily impact other commercial real estate numbers like Edmonton’s factory, warehouse or industrial space; and when retail takes a hit or a recent broadside, like the massive Target shut down, it doesn’t directly affect Edmonton’s office space. The Minneapolis-based retail giant has given up on Canada after hemorrhaging operational losses of more than $2 billion US over two years. Late last year, Target filed for protection under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act and has closed (or is closing) most of its 133 Canadian stores, including six in the Edmonton region. In many ways, Edmonton’s commercial real estate actually
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COMMERCIAL RETAL ESTATE EDMONTON’S THE TRIPLE-HEADED MARKET
“In the past five years or so, all commercial real estate asset classes in Edmonton have been strong. Office space is strong. Retail and particularly industrial rates are increasing.” — John Frederickson EDMONTON’S JOHN FREDERICKSON, REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT OF PRAIRIE REGION WITH COLLIERS INTERNATIONAL.
functions as three separate sectors, although there is no denying that, obvious or subtle, immediately or eventually, Edmonton commercial space and rates are directly or indirectly affected by the ups and downs of Alberta’s energy sector. Slump or no slump, the energy sector is bound to keep Edmonton a key player, especially in the industrial sector of Edmonton’s commercial real estate market, according to the recent CBRE (the world’s largest commercial real estate services firm) report: Energy Sector Trends, Global Energy Hubs. “Demand has yet to soften in spite of the lowest oil prices in four years,” the crunched numbers and trends show. “Energy projects have long horizons which should provide continued stability and growth in these markets.” The report tracked that Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver
and Winnipeg account for 45 per cent of industrial real estate construction, despite only representing 28 per cent of the country’s industrial inventory. The CBRE statistics also emphasize that, all things considered, 2015 is a strong cycle for commercial real estate in Canada. Major chunks of capital boosts the rank of Canadian commercial real estate. “We have never seen capital markets so deep, with domestic and global capital pursuing commercial property across Canada. Real estate has a larger role than ever before in many investment portfolios. The challenge is finding a home for all this capital,” says Peter Senst, president of CBRE Canadian Capital Markets. According to the report’s forecast, Canadian commercial real estate purchases are expected to total $25.5 billion in 2015, and developers in Canada are adding 21.7 million
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COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
EDMONTON’S THE TRIPLE-HEADED MARKET
square feet of new office space to the market. “In the past five years or so, all commercial real estate asset classes in Edmonton have been strong,” says an upbeat John Frederickson, regional vice president of the Prairie Region with Colliers International. “Office space is strong. Retail and particularly industrial rates are increasing. It’s clear that investors want to get into the Edmonton market, especially the NW sector of the city, to get the yields they want. Retail is a boom sector of Edmonton’s commercial real estate market. It’s part of an Alberta trend. The numbers show that Alberta consumers just can’t get enough of shopping. According to recent StatsCan numbers, retail sales in Alberta recently spiked to over $6 billion, by far the highest year-over-year retail sales growth in the country. It’s undis-
putable! Retail is a significant business in Edmonton and throughout Alberta. Various statistics show that retailers are the largest employers in the province. More than 10.9 per cent of Alberta’s labour force works in some kind of retail. According to the Retail Council of Canada (RCC,) compared to the rest of Canada, Alberta retailers are doing very well. The numbers show that not only is Alberta leading the country for retail sales growth, it is almost doubling the national average. The Council’s year-to-year summaries show that Canada’s average of retail sales growth was 4.9 per cent. Ontario is approximately 2 per cent, B.C. is 3.8 per cent, Saskatchewan is 5.4 per cent and Alberta is 9.4 per cent. Insiders and analysts point out that retail is a key reflection of
www.businessinedmonton.com | Business In Edmonton Magazine | April 2015
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COMMERCIAL RETAL ESTATE EDMONTON’S THE TRIPLE-HEADED MARKET
any community’s economy and where it is headed, because it is ultimately a measure of consumer confidence and security about jobs and wages. Recent retail sales trends and numbers show that Alberta has the strongest economy in the country and Alberta consumers are confident. “New retailers are coming to Edmonton,” Frederickson notes, “for various reasons, not just because we are a nice place. There is lots of new migration, there is strong employment, disposable income, consumer spending is high and it contributes to give us strong retail numbers. “The failure of Target was a fluke and was not a result of the Edmonton or any other Canadian market. It was a result of the retailer’s poor execution. As far as we can tell, at least in the Edmonton market, most landlords are fine replacing Target with new tenants, even with some change of use.” Frederickson agrees that low oil prices indirectly impact some aspects of Edmonton commercial real estate. “Unlike Calgary, a lot of Edmonton’s office space is law firms, engineering and field services. Of course, the situation causes some uncertainty. There’s quite a bit of wait and see, but no major impact or project cancellations, so far. “Of course Edmonton’s office market is tied to oil but more closely tied to other commercial real estate factors like the economy, employment rates and migration,” he
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points out. “Edmonton also has an unprecedented supply of new office buildings coming on stream in 2016, 2017 and 2018. Landlords are trying to structure their leases to go past those dates, to get them past the hump of new space coming on the market. “Vacancies will likely be going up,” Frederickson guesses. Owners of [certain] older buildings will be spending capital to upgrade their space, like the reno of lobbies, hallways and the modernization of elevators, to compete with the new inventory coming on stream.” Edmonton’s commercial real estate market has many examples that show the Edmonton area’s industrial, retail, office and even residential real estate is dynamic and strong. Like the recent sale of a sprawling, former industrial site just south of the Stadium LRT station (that is set to become an infill) a walkable residential and commercial community being developed by Brookfield Residential. The project will feature retailers, access to the Commonwealth Recreation Centre from Jasper Avenue close to the LRT line, Commonwealth Stadium and the river valley. Absorption rates, new investment and other factors will help Edmonton weather the impact of the latest (cyclical) oil industry downturns and keep Edmonton’s commercial real estate market somewhere between strong and dynamic. BIE
EDMONTON MOTOR SHOW
THE EDMONTON MOTORSHOW KEEPS ON EVOLVING
THE EDMONTON
MOTORSHOW KEEPS
ON EVOLVING BY NERISSA MCNAUGHTON
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his year’s Motorshow takes place between April 9 – April 12 and is filled with new vehicles, family fun, something special for collectors, charitable giving and a bittersweet goodbye. Nobody knows the Edmonton Motorshow quite like Bob Vilas. After years of crossing the country putting on auto shows, he settled in Edmonton to manage our event – which he has done with pride for the past 16 years. In total, Vilas has been sharing the fun and excitement of cars, trucks and accessories for over 40 years. “I’m a little melancholy about it,” Vilas says as he prepares to pass the torch on to his assistant. “The Edmonton Motorshow has been my baby. We took it from a show that was a few cars in a parking lot to a true entertainment experience for folks.
We changed the value of the ticket; you don’t have to be a car buyer to go and enjoy the show. We tried to create a destination for folks. We have looked at it and tried to understand that it is not part of their buying dollars, but their entertainment dollars. With that in mind, we went about to change the show to make sure we delivered on the value. It’s worked out very well. It’s been a really good run for me and I can’t complain. This is probably the best relocation I’ve ever had!” Vilas will not be letting down show enthusiasts as he moves on. His successor has 13 years of experience and
the groundwork has been set for a seamless changeover. Edmonton isn’t the only show transitioning this year,
“We ran out of room and have now expanded into a new pavilion called Auto Exotica.” — Bob Vilas but Vilas says this will be one of the smoothest conversions in Canada. That being said, his last year is gearing up to be one of his most exciting. “We ran out of room and have now expanded into a new pavilion called Auto Exotica,” informs Vilas. What’s
www.businessinedmonton.com | Business In Edmonton Magazine | April 2015
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EDMONTON MOTOR SHOW
THE EDMONTON MOTORSHOW KEEPS ON EVOLVING
When the 111 year old, European-headquartered Rolls Royce approaches Edmonton asking to put their cars in our show, one has to wonder, are we still in Truck Country? going into Auto Exotica? Only the world’s top names in high-performance luxury cars. McLaren Racing holds 20 world championships and 182 Grand Prix victories. You can see three of McLaren’s innovative cars, the new 650, a 12 and a convertible, in the new pavilion. The McLarens will be in good company. “We were also approached by Rolls Royce,” smiles Vilas. “We’ve never had these two brands in the show before.” Lamborghini will also make an appearance in Auto Exotica, whose exclusiveness limits this showroom to cars in the $250,000 and over range; but don’t worry about missing out on past favourites like Bentley, Aston Martin, Mercedes, Audi and Lexus. They will be waiting for you over in Luxe Lane. When the 111 year old, European-headquartered Rolls Royce approaches Edmonton asking to put their cars in our show, one has to wonder, are we still in Truck Country? “Ah, we are still Truck Country by far!” assures Vilas. “The manufactures all realize that this is the Truck Capital of Canada event and not by a little – by a lot. Yes, there is a new pavilion and yes it’s exciting because they are exotic cars, but we try to bring something in for everyone and every taste. You will see trucks with a variety of trims and also a slew of upgraded trucks, one of which tops $130,000.”
Trucks will include a Nissan Titan, and while Vilas won’t give away all the shows secrets, he hints that Toyota and Mitsubishi will have something special for us as well.
As always, the Edmonton Motorshow will carry the largest aftermarket accessory pavilion in Canada.
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Our trucks are synonymous with our Albertan lifestyle of acreages, ranches, farming and, of course, that sweet oil patch in the north. With oil prices dipping faster than the speedometer of a car going past a cop on the freeway, will Albertans be hauling back on buying trucks and cars? Vilas doesn’t think so. “I think it won’t have a major impact on individual buying. It will affect big fleet purchases. When you need to change your vehicle, you need to change your vehicle. Fifty dollars a barrel or $80 a barrel is not make or break. When you have a big company and have to change a large number of trucks (fleet), you may decide to wait until prices stabilize, but we have not seen a direct impact [on individual purchases] yet.”
EDMONTON MOTOR SHOW
THE EDMONTON MOTORSHOW KEEPS ON EVOLVING
Gripping beauty. Chiseled to perfection, featuring twin chrome exhausts, striking headlamps and LED tail lamps – the 2015 CLA 250 4MATIC pairs its athletic physique with an award winning All-Wheel Drive system, gripping the road like no other. No matter where you go, its exceptional fuel efficiency, standard sport suspension, and ferocious air intakes means it will always bring its A-game. Finally, a well-appointed sporty 3-spoke Nappa leather steering wheel and heated front seats add the definitive touch of ultimate driving comfort. To see for yourself, visit your local dealer or mercedes-benz.ca/CLA The 2015 CLA 250 4MATIC. Starting at $36,800.*
Š 2015 Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. *2015 CLA 250 4MATIC with optional Premium Package and Premium Plus Package with Bi-Xenon Headlamps shown above, National MSRP $42,000. All-in pricing up for the 2015 CLA 250 base model up to $37,615 dependent on region. Taxes, license, registration, and insurance are extra. Please contact your local dealership directly for exact pricing details and total pricing applicable in those provinces. *National MSRP pricing is shown and is intended for information purposes only. Prices do not include taxes, levies, fees, freight and delivery charges, insurance and license fees, as well as any other products or services not listed that may be available to you through your selected Mercedes-Benz dealership. Vehicle prices subject to change. Dealer may sell for less. These prices do not apply in provinces with total/all-in pricing requirements.
David Morris Cars, 17407-111 Avenue, David MorrisFine Fine Cars, 17407-111 Avenue,780-484-9000, 780-484-9000,davidmorrisfinecars.mercedes-benz.ca davidmorrisfinecars.mercedes-benz.ca www.businessinedmonton.com | Business In Edmonton Magazine
| April 2015
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EDMONTON MOTOR SHOW
THE EDMONTON MOTORSHOW KEEPS ON EVOLVING
As always, the Edmonton Motorshow will carry the largest aftermarket accessory pavilion in Canada. Even Vilas, who has seen the evolution of vehicles and accessories for over 40 years, is surprised by the new offerings. “Neon lights, special rear lights – they have more stuff on trucks now than you can shake a stick at. It’s insane! There is a one where the whole bed of the truck pulls out and extents into a ramp. There are all kinds of body kits and things that affects the cars’ breathing and horsepower. We even have a fuel treatment that is better than for your engine. I’ve been in the business a long time and I find myself saying, really?” He laughs and shakes his head at the plethora of technology available. “There’s even more. We have some surprises that you just have to show up to find out, including a couple products that will be almost simultaneously launched between the New York show and our own.” However, it’s not the fancy new gadgets that Vilas likes the most. It’s the old cars in the collector’s auction. Last year’s auction sold 92 per cent of its inventory in just three days. Here, you will not only find your favourite classics, if you show up on Friday night you can also buy memorabilia for your custom garage, such as old gas pumps and signs. Once again, the Precious Metal Gala, a charity event benefiting Edmonton school’s shop programs, will take place on the Wednesday before the show. Thanks to last year’s Gala, the Motorshow was able to donate $160,000 to high schools with shop programs, and $200,000 in life-changing scholarships, all benefiting young men and women inter-
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ested in Edmonton’s automotive industry. The old and the new, the standard accessories and the aftermarket goodies, the booths and the interactive stations, the photos and the video walls, the new trucks and the exotic cars – it’s all waiting for you at this year’s Motorshow. Vilas has elevated this event over the years to the point where the average time for each patron enjoying the show jumped from 45 minutes to 3.5 hours, and from a parking lot to over a kilometre of exhibition space. “A car show is for everyone,” says Vilas. “If you have any mild inkling of interest in automobiles, you will find something here that catches your fancy. It’s a show that I’ve built that I would be more than happy to pay to attend.” The hotly anticipated Edmonton Motorshow is one of Edmonton’s highlights, and like the man that put us on the map in the world of car shows, it is very special to the Capital City. The Edmonton Motorshow runs April 9 – 12, 2015, in the Edmonton Expo Centre. For directions, pricing, and information on the Precious Metal Gala, visit www.edmontonmotorshow.com. BIE
Business in Edmonton Congratulates Bob Vilas and his team on 16 years of outstanding work. Thanks for everything, Bob! We will miss you and we wish you all the best as you enjoy a well-deserved retirement. May you always be driving the car of your dreams.
HUMAN RESOURCES
DIVERSITY: IT’S MORE THAN CULTURAL DIFFERENCES
Diversity: It’s more than cultural differences
HR experts weigh in on managing today’s incredibly diverse workplaces By Nerissa McNaughton
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oday’s workplaces are an eclectic mix of races, generations and personalities. The long-trumpeted mass exit of the Baby Boomers simply did not happen as more and more Canadians remain in the workforce past their 70s. Law enforcement and military personnel switch careers to work civilian jobs work alongside career academics. And how does Generation X relate to Generation Y and Millennials when they are all vying for the same positions? This increasingly diverse workplace must be managed in order to ensure everyone’s needs are met. Let’s take a closer look at why. First up, we have immigration. There is no doubt that immigration has done wonderful things for our workforce, but cultural differences can cause tension. “The impact of globalization and JIM FRIES increased communication is everywhere,” says Jim Fries, partner with Cenera, a human resources and business consulting firm. Cenera’s alliances with Career Partners International and Cornerstone International Group enables them to work through more than 150 partner firms in over 46 countries. “One of the biggest [workplace diversity] changes I’ve seen is increased cultural awareness of our differences and a
willingness to understand other cultures. There is desire and interest to inform and educate the workforce on different ways we see the world of work.” Fries continues, “People are seeking to communicate internationally in a way other cultures understand. This means an increased awareness of the complexity and differences between peoples.” Then Fries brings up a very interesting point. “People are becoming savvier about cultures, even between English-speaking ones.” He goes on to explain that the American communication style is typically very direct and to the point. Likewise, those with military or law enforcement backgrounds tend to be more assertive and comfortable with their authority. While there is nothing wrong with this cut-to-the-chase and quick, decisive style (indeed, there are situations where this management style is critical to success) those from cultures or corporations that have a more collaborative style of decision making – where everyone discusses decisions and has input – may have a difficult time relating to a decisive boss. The on-point boss may feel he or she is not doing their job properly if they are constantly seeking input, but the subordinates can also feel like they are not being heard. When you look at it that way, there is so much more to www.businessinedmonton.com | Business In Edmonton Magazine | April 2015
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Dale Carnegie® Training Continues to Raise Great Leaders By Fay Fletcher
J
ust over 100 years ago, Dale Carnegie started giving public speaking lectures to professionals. It soon became apparent to him that the average businessperson needed more than great speaking skills; they needed to learn how to get along with others in work and social settings. Mr. Carnegie was humble enough to realize that he also needed education in this area. Mr. Carnegie’s feelings on the subject were summed up by this John D. Rockefeller quote, “The ability to deal with people is as purchasable a commodity as coffee or sugar, and I will pay more for that ability than any other under the sun.” Determined to help everybody, from the executive to the homemaker, attain this ability, Mr. Carnegie undertook a journey of research and discovery. The result? How to Win Friends and Influence People. The book, published in 1936, has sold over 15 million copies worldwide and continues to have a lasting impression on how we interact with others today. Mr. Carnegie’s methods on how to work with and talk to people tick every box on the success checklist: the methods are enduring, have tangible results and are embraced by people from all walks of life, all over the world. The delivery of his method continued to refine during his lifetime and long after his death. Today, those interested in igniting their careers or personal lives, along with employers seeking ways to engage their workforce, can attend Dale Carnegie® Training in over 90 countries and in over 30 languages. The Edmonton fran chise for Dale Carnegie® Training has been in the Capital City since the 1940s. In
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1984, David and Heather MacAngus joined John M. Fisher & Associates, the firm that owned the franchise. In 2007, Mr. and Ms. MacAngus purchased the franchise rights for Northern Alberta, Northern Saskatchewan, the Yukon and North West Territories. “Research shows approximately one-third of our workforce is engaged,” says the MacAngus team. “Companies become more productive as their people are actively involved in improving processes and making a difference. The culture moves in a more positive direction and creates a more engaged workforce. Trainers guide participants to clarify who they are and identify what they can do differently or better to get the results they and their organizations require.” Edmonton’s Dale Carnegie trainers have passion, integrity and enthusiasm. They are absolutely committed to Mr. Carnegie’s methods and ideals, as it takes nearly two years of training to become a Carnegie instructor. Courses are interactive and taught in practical environments. Students enjoy a tactile approach while having a strong support system to coach them through the areas of personal leadership, confidence, risk taking, people skills, effective communication and approaching life and work with balance and enthusiasm. Ready to take your life to the next level? Those wishing to succeed in business and all aspects of their social and personal life can attend special engagement workshops that run quarterly in Edmonton. The core program, The Dale Carnegie® Course, is offered monthly in Edmonton, three times per year in Grande Prairie and twice per year in Fort McMurray. The Leadership Training for Managers, Dale Carnegie Sales Course, and High Impact Presentation Programs run two - three sessions annually. Visit www.edmonton.dalecarnegie.com to learn more.
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EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT
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#310, 4209 99 St, Edmonton • 780-430-5920 www.businessinedmonton.com | Business In Edmonton Magazine | April 2015
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HUMAN RESOURCES
DIVERSITY: IT’S MORE THAN CULTURAL DIFFERENCES
BRUCE BAKER, PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER OF HR ALL-IN INC.
consider when you are crafting effective business communication than where in the world you hail from or what generation you were born in. The key, as Fries points out, is to be adept at managing expectations. Corporate policies that are explicit help employees understand the intention and objectives of the policy. When the expectations of the leader are clear, and employees have an opportunity to understand those expectations, misunderstandings across all groups and styles are minimized. “There are assumptions we all bring into the workplace,” he says. “They are not right or wrong, better or worse, they are simply our
“The younger generation wants to be treated at the same level and to grow and develop. The young ones expect a lot more, while the Baby Boomers and Generation X, to a certain degree, are more accepting of the status quo.” — Bruce Baker expectations. We need to find ways to talk about these expectations within each person’s cultural and communication framework.” Is this happening in the workplace? “I do see a shift,” Fries confirms. “I do see people seeing the value of setting clear expectations.” It’s great to see that as a whole, we are making posi-
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tive headway in workplace cultural diversity. How are we doing on the generational side of things? Bruce Baker is the president and founder of HR ALLIN Inc. in Edmonton, an innovative human capital solutions team that believes the only way to make a difference, is to be that difference. When asked if he saw more diversity in the workplace than 15 – 20 years ago in terms of gender, generation and culture, Baker answered with a definite, “Absolutely, yes!” Baker explains why managing this diversity is so important. “In many respects, the difference is how you manage and how you influence people. [We expect] the same results from young people that you would expect from Baby Boomers and older. We are still looking for the same output, product, quality and standards, but what is changing is that we are being held accountable to a different standard. There is a need to grow, develop and move at a different pace. The younger generation wants to be treated at the same level and to grow and develop. The young ones expect a lot more, while the Baby Boomers and Generation X, to a certain degree, are more accepting of the status quo.” How does Baker feel about flexible polices to address the different needs across a diverse workplace? “That depends on the policy,” he points out. “Corporate policies should be the same because the policy is an expectation of the product.” However, he says that while the policy holds everyone to the standard of the company, there is room for flexibility in the delivery of it. “How you get people to achieve this is different, and should be different. Just because they fit in a generation bucket doesn’t mean they should feel the same way [as the others in the company within that generation]. Policies, at the end of the day, are guides. Polices should work for us, we should not be working for the policy. If the policy is out of date, we paralyze ourselves.” Like Fries, Baker sees positive direction in the ways companies are embracing diversity. “Trends include pro-
HUMAN RESOURCES
DIVERSITY: IT’S MORE THAN CULTURAL DIFFERENCES
viding balance as it relates to social activities. A lot of companies are focusing on employee engagement, and part of employee engagement is understanding that the workplace is social. It’s a small society. The companies that are more forward-thinking are offering places to let your hair down, such as game rooms, open lunch rooms and the option to bring your kids or pets to work.” One company he worked with had a green rooftop kitchen. The rooftop had a grassy lunch area where employees could mingle and enjoy activities during the summer months. Social interaction, green spaces and active time away from the desk are all healthy ways to increase productively and wellbeing. “Another opportunity is access to social networking, the HR expert continues. “That is one way people engage today so companies want to open it up, but have structure around it.” Other trends Baker mentions are interest group clubs within the organization, such as women’s clubs and book clubs; along with the ability to work from home and have a virtual workplace. “Why have your employees work in office when you have the technology to work away from the office? There are pros and cons, but it saves overhead, provides flexibility and is a lot more balanced for the employee.” A quick glance around any workplace shows that diversity is here is to stay, and that is a very good thing for all of us. With diversity comes change, and with change comes better work environments. “It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength,” said the late author Maya Angelou, and she is absolutely correct. When we embrace diversity we become stronger, have access to more life-changing ideas, build better social support networks enjoy a greater richer, more fulfilled life. BIE
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ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
INSPIRING AND REWARDING ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERS
Inspiring and Rewarding Environmental Leaders The Alberta Emerald Foundation has been recognizing achievers in environmental sustainability for over 20 years. Meet two winners from their 2014 Emerald Awards.
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s we become more and more aware of the need to protect our planet (from ourselves) and as we find creative ways to innovate environmental sustainability, the outlook for conservation of our resources becomes more positive. Yet, this is an uphill battle. When an estimated $190 million can be found to pour into the movie Pacific Rim, but epic fundraising efforts barely keep resource conservation projects afloat, it is clear humanity still has ways to go in sorting out our priorities. The Alberta Emerald Foundation (AEF) knows that rewarding and inspiring environment leaders is a great way to garner interest, respect and education about environmental issues, which is why they created the Emerald Awards. Alan Ross, partner with Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, is the board chair of the AEF. A board member since 2010, he was pleased and excited about assuming the chairmanship
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role. “The people on the board were a dynamic team,” he praises. I thought about the nature of the awards; honouring success within the environmental field was very laudable and very beneficial. For all those reasons, I was interested in working with the Emerald Foundation and have stayed with them for several years. This year the Foundation celebrates 24 years of honouring, celebrating and motivating environmentalists, in addition to providing youth environment engagement grants and programs to raise awareness. Despite 24 years of success, however, the AEF is not immune to the changing times. “Like every other not-for-profit, currently the current oil and gas economy will mean we have to redouble our efforts on the fundraising and awareness side. Even with 24 years, there are people just discovering us for the first time,” says Ross. “There certainly are many outstanding examples of
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
INSPIRING AND REWARDING ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERS
“Alberta is often reported in an unflattering light, but the Foundation and awards showcase our innovation and technology, celebrating the hard work and dedication of the people that are dedicated to protecting the environment.” — Alan Ross ALAN ROSS, BOARD CHAIR, ALBERTA EMERALD FOUNDATION
environmental excellence that receive no attention. Alberta is often reported in an unflattering light, but the Foundation and awards showcase our innovation and technology, celebrating the hard work and dedication of the people that are dedicated to protecting the environment. All of that goes a long way in changing the attitude of people coming out of Alberta.” AEF is making a difference. Last year saw a record-setting 17 awards presented. The finalists represented a wide variety of backgrounds and industries, including community groups and non-profit organizations, government institutions, individuals and businesses. Bob Peel was a winner in the individual commitment category. Peel has spent his entire career focused on animal conservation and, as the Foundation points out, “How many people can say they saved an entire species?” Peel can. Peel grew up in Calgary next to the city’s famous zoo. After graduating with a degree in zoology in 1970, he had trouble finding a job. So, it was back to school for Peel who attended Mount Royal College for environmental technology. Things went well from that point. He was hired as a teacher after graduation and spend the summer holidays working for Environment Canada. But then he saw the ad. The Calgary Zoo was hiring an apprentice zookeeper. Peel thought it would be a fun thing to do for a summer. That summer stretched into 42 years. “I’m still between semesters,” he jokes. “It was an exciting time to start with the zoo. There was a brand new generation of zookeepers that had just started seven years before us. I worked with a group that was committed to changing how they kept animals and was committed to conservation.” The words “zoo” and “conservation” are not normally associated, but that is because most people don’t realize that zoos are not just habitats for people to observe. Zoos
are breeding, conservation and research facilities. Peel was part of the team that envisioned a conservation centre in 1975 and saw it come to life in 1983. “We wanted to change the fact that too many animals were being taken from the wild to supply zoos. That had to end,” explains Peel. “But we went a step further in taking animals that needed help, breeding them and putting them back in the wild. Calgary got involved, first with whooping cranes. We are still the only facility in Canada that breeds whooping cranes. Later we got involved with the Vancouver Island marmot that was going extinct. We have definitely made a huge impact on that species. It’s looking more favourable now.” The centre is now working with sage-grouse. “They are on their way out without intervention,” says Peel sadly. “They are a tough species to propagate, but we are going to do it.” Peel retired from his senior curator position at the zoo in 2013 and was asked to stay on part time at the conservation centre until they filed the position. Once again, fate intervened. When Calgary flooded, it had a big impact on the zoo. While Peel was able to help evacuate some of the animals, his biggest impact would be continuing on at the conservsation centre so efforts could be concentrated on rebuilding the zoo. He agreed. “Hats off to my colleagues at the zoo for the tremendous job they have done in restoring, changing and making the zoo better,” praises Peel. “Even when money was limited in coming in, the zoo didn’t stop conservation efforts locally and abroad.” Peel’s tireless efforts have ensured whooping cranes, marmots, sage-grouse and more will remain a vital part of Alberta’s environment, and the zoo works constantly towards enhancing the lives of animals all over the world through education, conservation and protection. www.businessinedmonton.com | Business In Edmonton Magazine | April 2015
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Inglis Environmental Helps Edmonton Stay Green By Fay Fletcher
“C
ompost matters!” says Inglis Environmental Ltd.’s president, Brent Hamilton. “I believe in the whole system, from collecting and processing our organic wastes rather than landfilling them, through to placing the compost back in the soil in all sorts of different applications so that we return the value and maintain the health of the soil. We can have such a positive impact on everything from residential gardens, to storm water runoff, to cropland and mining reclamation. The list is endless.” Hamilton, a man of principle and action, founded Inglis in 2004 to serve Edmonton’s compost and organic waste management needs, and to move forward with new ventures in food waste collection. From the start, his business was very well received. “I had early success selling compost to waste handling businesses and drilling rigs for solidification work. When dried out, one of our composts makes a great absorbent product,” says Hamilton. “For the food waste collection service, I can easily say that our most notable contract was the first, with a local conference centre that was eagerly committed to diverting their organic waste and to supporting a local startup business.” Inglis provides several services. Organic waste collection provides businesses and the hospitality industry containers to separate their organic waste. The waste is then removed by Inglis. Diversion consulting sees Inglis educating companies looking to keep organic and recyclable materials out of landfills. Freight services are provided through established relationships with private contractors. “Depending on volume of product to be shipped and the location, we use various companies to achieve the best shipping results. We do all sorts of deliveries, from projects in the city to long haul sites as far away as Fort McMurray,” Hamilton explains. Inglis is also a distributor for the City of Edmonton’s Second Nature products of horticultural, agricultural, absorbent and reclamation composts. “Selling compost to many different markets is the backbone of the company. It’s quite amazing to work
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with people from agriculture, horticulture, landscaping, oil and gas and all sorts of retailers around the city,” smiles Hamilton, and while he is the sole staff member of Inglis, a great network of contractors, customers and city staff members has allowed him to adopt a positive corporate culture for his company that spans every industry and compost need. “It’s a bit of a niche market, selling compost. There are not a lot of others doing it locally; we’re proud to be the distributor in this area,” says Hamilton. “For food waste collection, we are still the ‘little guy’ out there, but we pride ourselves on customer service and the flexibility to fit each one’s needs. Inglis is still innovating. “The next exciting project that is now underway is creating a new value-added product from our base compost, a pelletized product that we can ship further and access new markets with due to its physical characteristics.” Inglis is making – and helping other Edmontonians to make – a great impact in the area of environmental responsibility, and Hamilton is very grateful for those that have worked with him to reduce the volume of unnecessary waste going into landfills. In 2014 alone, Inglis customers diverted 110 metric tonnes of organic waste and purchased over 20,000 metric tonnes of compost. The company was recently invited to donate to the Edmonton Ronald McDonald House by diverting their food waste. Hamilton is looking forward to being involved with the noted charity. “All our customers who are diverting their food waste are important and we appreciate them very much. I would like to thank all the people at the Shaw Conference Centre and Edmonton Economic Development that have supported our organics diversion program since the beginning. They are a true inspiration to the commercial sector in terms of their commitment to the program. Additionally, the folks at High Level Diner exemplify the program’s success in the restaurant sector,” praises Hamilton.
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ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
INSPIRING AND REWARDING ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERS
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: RÉAL BOUCHARD - SESA BOARD CHAIR, ROBYN CAMPBELL - ALBERTA MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT, ROB HARLAN - SESA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, WARREN SARAUER - SESA PAST BOARD CHAIR
BOB PEEL
BOB PEEL
“The Emerald Awards was a big surprise for me. I didn’t think [the nomination] would go anywhere, but it did,” says Peel of his AEF honour. “When I won, I was choked up. I wanted to put hundreds of zoo people up with me. I accepted the award on their behalf.” Another winner was the Solar Energy Society of Alberta in the community group and non-profit association category. At 39 years old, the Society is one of the oldest solar energy non-profit associations in North America. “We were founded as a non-profit with the goal to provide objective, high-quality information on solar technologies to Albertans, and since we do not sell products or services, we are a unique source of information that serves the public and the small but growing solar industry,” says Rob Harlan, executive director of the Society. Is interest in solar energy growing in this region? “Yes, absolutely,” confirms Harlan. “There is a tremendous increase in interest in Alberta as there is all over the world. I think it’s increasingly clear to people that our existing relationship with energy is not sustainable. It is too costly from a health and economic standpoint. Proven energy alternatives are now readily available. The cost of solar systems has dropped dramatically. People are interested in it from a cost savings standpoint but also because they are beginning to understand the ramifications of global warming. A lot of people want to be part of the solution, not part of the problem.” Harlan cites several examples of landmark buildings that use solar energy, including: The Edmonton International Airport, eight Edmonton community leagues, the Camrose Performing Arts Centre and the Mosaic Centre, which is the world’s most northerly net zero energy commercial build-
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ing. “It’s a 30,000 square foot commercial building that is capable of generating all the energy it uses in a year,” Harlan explains. “Solar is the primary energy source, along with some geothermal. It’s designed with energy efficiency in mind at every stage. It’s a wonderful example of what is possible. Alberta is home to a lot of net zero buildings and has become a national leader in this area.” Harlan sees a great future for solar energy. “Solar is incredibly exciting! Ultimately, solar energy represents an entirely different paradigm. Presently, in Alberta, our energy needs are being met by large facilities owned by larger corporations, and the fuel is typically non-renewable. The process of extraction and use come with substantial costs. Solar power is inherently democratic. It empowers individuals and communities to meet their own needs and to provide for others. We are talking about our needs for electricity, space heating, water heating and even transportation being met by a clean renewable resource. These are not just utopian ideas; the technology for all of this exists right now. Another big advantage is in terms of economics. Once the capital investment is amortized, the long-term savings can be quite amazing. If you look 25 years out on these systems, you see that the energy costs become minimal. This is true on a residential, commercial, and industrial scale.” The director recalls his excitement upon learning that the Solar Energy Society of Alberta had been nominated for an Emerald Award and his comments perfectly sum up the function of the Foundation: “I think the Emerald Awards are a really important opportunity for us to enjoy what is good, beautiful and hopeful around us and to be reminded that we are not alone. We are a community.” BIE
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Katz Group Centre for Pharmacy and Health Research, U of A, Edmonton Strathcona County Community Centre, Sherwood Park
HFKS HFKS Architects Inc.: Expertise. Uncompromised. Accountable. HFKS Architects Inc. may be Alberta’s best kept secret. Although you have seen and admired their work across Alberta, many are unaware of the team and history behind some of the province’s most iconic buildings and other structures. Designing away from the limelight, HFKS has created, restored and improved many of Alberta’s high-profile healthcare, long term care, research, historical buildings and infrastructure – projects with construction values that, at times, exceed $400 million per project. “With experience comes design excellence,” points out Sergio Poles, an architect and one of four HFKS principals. “We are in close contact with our clients and their operations. We understand their projects and their needs,” agree architects/ principals: Christopher Filipowicz and Janet Koshuta, as A. Robert Timms, also a HFKS principal and David Brookes, specification
ARCHITECTS
40 YEARS
writer, and the firm’s longest running member (since 1968) join the conversation. The firm focuses on design excellence and projects that will enhance or change lives, and they do this across a diverse range of sectors. From long term care facilities to biohazard containment laboratories, municipal buildings to infrastructure, preserving history through replication and restoration, and designing beautiful places of worship, HFKS is the firm that can do it.
As an experienced leader in laboratory design, HFKS’ projects include laboratories for chemistry, physics, microbiology, vivarium, and molecular genetics. “There are four levels of general bio safety classification”, Timms explains. “We have designed a level three (BSL3) and several level two facilities (BSL2).” “This speaks to the very careful process, from the initial planning, through design and documentation to execution, contract administration and post-construction,” adds Filipowicz. HFKS’ laboratory work is proudly seen at the University of Alberta’s Li Ka Shing Centre for Research Innovation, the Katz Group Centre for Pharmacy and Health Research, the Heritage Medical Research Centre, chemical technology and culinary arts instructional labs at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, along with many other labs that focus on innovation, research, health and technology. Balmoral Medical Isotope & Cyclotron Facility was a unique project for HFKS. Through repurposing
HFKS Architects 40th Anniversary www.businessinedmonton.com
| Business In Edmonton Magazine | April 2015
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Central Alberta Cancer Centre, Red Deer Extendicare Michener Hill, Red Deer
of the former Balmoral Curling Club, a new, highly advanced facility unlike any other was created to accommodate a research and academic facility for University of Alberta and Alberta Health Services teams working on medical isotope research and the production of medical isotopes. The functional requirements of the facility include a cyclotron vault, laboratories (cGMP clean rooms, radioiso-
CONGRATULATIONS HFKS ARCHITECTS ON YOUR 40TH ANNIVERSARY BDO proudly serves local businesses. Assurance | Accounting | Tax | Advisory 9897 34 Ave W, Edmonton 780 461 8000 www.bdo.ca
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HFKS Architects April 2015 | Business In Edmonton Magazine | www.businessinedmonton.com
tope, chemistry, research and development, instrumentation), materials handling and administrative offices. As experts in the field of health care design, HFKS was responsible for the $106 million phased renovation and expansion of the Cross Cancer Institute, the creation of the 280-resident Extendicare Michener Hill facility in Red Deer, the $23.5 million Tom Baker Cancer Centre in Calgary, and the recent Lethbridge and Red Deer Cancer Radiation Therapy Centres – to name just a few. HFKS has the privilege of working with the Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton, creating and preserving their beautiful churches, including renovations at St. Joseph’s Basilica, which has stood majestically in Edmonton for over 100 years. Yet, HFKS is easily able to transition between the old and the new, as proved by a modern church with a traditional design, the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Stony Plain. The award-winning Holy Trinity was so impressive, the firm was asked to replicate it in Grande Prairie. When HFKS designs a building, be it a place of healing, education, research or worship, no detail is overlooked. Each and every project focuses on the seamless integration of beauty and functionality, longevity and environmental sustainably, community spirit and emotional/physical wellbeing. The Strathcona County Community Centre, another major HFKS public project, forms a key component of central Sherwood Park. A source of civic pride, this $100 million complex combines the seat of the county’s governance and its administration, the library, the art gallery, a range of both public services and private commercial enterprises, and more. A measure of sustainable development applied to the Community Centre brought about the LEED® Gold Canada NC certification, to date the only facility at this level in the county.
40th Anniversary
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Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Spruce Grove, AB
HFKS is responsible for bringing many historical buildings back to life. Bronze work, door pulls, copper elevator doors, arches, plaster work, marble, carvings, engravings, wood finishes – these are just some of the considerations required to make a building look the way it did a century ago, while
including modern touches such as plumbing and an HVAC system. The level of detail put into a restoration is nothing short of amazing. For example, during the 1980s, HFKS spent a couple of years restoring the 1930s Solicitor General’s building. Every square inch of the building was restored
An icon of architectural excellence since 1975
and elevated to how it had been envisioned in the 30s. Other restorations, including work on Edmonton’s Legislature building, receive the same level of care and attention to detail. Some buildings cannot be restored, but HFKS is still able to preserve their history. Replica building projects for the firm include several structures at Fort Edmonton Park that respectfully remind us of times gone by. Buildings are far from HFKS’ only
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HFKS Architects 40th Anniversary
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“...Every project touched by HFKS is special, lasting, and a credit to Alberta’s landscape.” specialty. Bridges and transit infrastructure are also created. HFKS bridges more than gaps across rivers and roadways. Each bridge or overpass is designed with utility and beauty in mind, ensuring that these large structures are safe, lasting and blend into their natural surroundings. While you won’t find HFKS out tooting their own horn (they are far too busy creating, designing, and restoring for that) the architecture industry and their numerous satisfied clients are more than happy to give the firm the recognition it so richly deserves, as evidenced in numerous awards and recognitions received over the years. HFKS has served Alberta since the 70s. While the name has changed over time to reflect the different partnerships, the firm’s commitment to quality, excellence, and expertise has never wavered. From master planning, predesign services and studies conducted before each project breaks ground, to the phases of
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design, execution, conclusion and aftercare, every project touched by HFKS is special, lasting, and a credit to Alberta’s landscape. Think of HFKS the next time you drive past the wild roses imprinted on the Anthony Henday’s overpasses, when entering a church makes you feel peaceful, when you enjoy the upgrades to some of Calgary’s LRT stations or when you stroll over the long footbridge at Fort Edmonton Park. The secret is out. HFKS has been designing all around us for decades, and they are just getting started in showing us what they can do to keep Alberta progressive in our hospitals and research labs and commemorative in our history while also providing excellent facilities for our seniors and beautiful houses of worship. The firm offers heartfelt thanks to their clients. “They give us strength and place their trust with HFKS,” says Filipowicz. “That’s a tremendous responsibility.” The firm is also grateful to their founders, particularly, William (Bill) Hamilton. At one point, Hamilton was the only principal, allowing the bridge of continuation to go on unabated. HFKS looks forward to continuing to serve the needs of Alberta in a timely, professional, experienced and accountable manner from both Edmonton and Calgary offices.
Soprema would like to congratulate SopremaARCHITECTS would like to congratulate HFKS INC th for their 40 Anniversary. We wish HFKS ARCHITECTS INCyou th continued in future for their 40success Anniversary. Weyears. wish you continued success in future years.
Strathcona County Community Centre, Sherwood Park Strathcona County Community Centre, Sherwood Park
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HFKS Architects 40th Anniversary
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CONGRATULATIONS TO HFKS ON 40 YEARS OF INNOVATION AND PROGRESS - FROM THE TEAM AT ARROW ENGINEERING Edmonton | Calgary | Saskatoon ArrowOnline.ca
MECHANICAL HFKS | ELECTRICAL | STRUCTURAL | CIVIL Architects 40th Anniversary www.businessinedmonton.com | Business In Edmonton Magazine | April 2015 71
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Interlab is very proud to be associated with HFKS.
Congratulations on 40 years of innovative design and client satisfaction. www.interlab.ca | 780.968.2568
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Happy 40th Anniversary. All of us at Profile Electrical extend our warmest congratulations to HFKS Architects as they celebrate 40 years in business. We look forward to being part of your success in the years to come. www.profileelectrical.ca Rick@profileelectrical.ca 1-780-444-2604
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HFKS Architects April 2015 | Business In Edmonton Magazine | www.businessinedmonton.com
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Brown & Marshall Electric | 55th Anniversary
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BROWN & MARSHALL ELECTRIC TURNS 55
Brown & Marshall Electric’s roots as an Edmonton corporation go very deep. Cofounders James Brown and Dave Marshall launched the company in 1948 and incorporated in 1960. During the 50s and 60s, they found themselves running one of the biggest electrical contracting firms in Edmonton. Today, company president Jeff Dux continues their innovative and entrepreneurial spirit.
Following a desire to be his own boss, Dux purchased Brown & Marshall in 1997. At that time, the company was located on the north side of Edmonton. Four years ago, thanks to Brown & Marshall’s rapid expansion, Dux moved the operation to the current location on Parsons Road to take advantage of increased work and office space.
The location and staff may have changed since the 50s, but the many things Brown & Marshall stands for have not. “Quality service, reliability and dependability,” says Dux firmly, explaining just a few of the attributes that contribute to the company’s success. “Our main niche is institutional and commercial with some
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light industrial. The quality of our work is what sets us apart from our competitors.” Dux is also very proud of their outstanding safety record and ensures all the staff are updated as core-certified contractors able to work on live (electrified) equipment. Brown & Marshall works closely with the University of Alberta (U of A), a relationship they secured in the late 90s – an ongoing position that is still active today. “That is when we had the backing to say we got our foot in the door,” smiles Dux as he remembers how he felt when he learned the company would be working longterm for the U of A. The large project is just one of many locations and buildings to experience the Brown & Marshall touch, as the company services all of Western Canada, with 90 per cent of their
Business In Edmonton Magazine | April 2015
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Brown & Marshall Electric | 55th Anniversary
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Mark Longhurst & Ian Horton
Longhurst started as an apprentice and is now a job site foreman. Horton, an estimator/project coordinator, has been at the company for over nine years. “As a company, we try not to just be a job,” says Longhurst. “Working at one place for just one or two years happens a lot in the industry, but here more than 50 per cent of our guys have been long term with the company. I tell people I have been an electrician for “As a company, we try not to just be a job. Working at one eight years and have only place for just one or two years happens a lot in the industry, had one job. That’s shocking to them.” Longhurst, who but here more than 50 per cent of our guys have been long apprenticed under Dux, reterm with the company.” -- Jeff Dux flects on his career at Brown & Marshall, “It’s my job, but it’s more than that. I feel like I have a stake in it. I’ve been here my entire electrical career and I would like to stay here for the rest of it too always tricky. Because of our size, there is no place for anyone to hide within our company. Everyone has if I could. We pride ourselves on doing the job right. You’ll be hard pressed to find someone that would do to be a key member,” he explains. His strategy for the job as well as us. I never felt pushed to do somecarefully assessing skills and how each member fits thing below my standards just so we could make a into the company has paid off. Dux has been rewarddeadline or a few extra bucks.” ed with loyal, long-term staff, including his two longest term employees, Mark Longhurst and Ian Horton. Horton agrees, saying, “This is my home away from projects in the Edmonton region. In addition to delivering high-quality services on time and on budget while developing long-lasting customer relationships and garnering positive word-ofmouth advertising, Dux puts a lot of time and energy into building the right team. “Quality employees are
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Brown & Marshall Electric | 55th Anniversary
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President Jeff Dux
Have a market. Do your homework. Check the quality of people you are hiring. You need people you can trust. Owning your own company and putting your own stamp on the way things are done, finishing projects on time and on budget with happy clients – these are some of the perks.” The perks extend to the staff as well. Dux ensures they have a good time building comradery both in and out of the office through team building events such as barbeques and horse racing. In his time away from work, Dux enjoys being a family man, chasing his two energetic kids, working out and playing golf. As a corporation and on his own, he likes to give back to the community that supports Brown
“Have a plan. Have a market. Do your homework. Check the quality of people you are hiring. You need people you can trust. Owning your own company and putting your own stamp on the way things are done, finishing projects on time and on budget with happy clients – these are some of the perks” -- Jeff Dux home. Each job we do as a company, we treat it as though it’s for ourselves, not a client. I treat it like it’s my business we were going to move into, or my building. We strive to get better every day with what we do as a whole and as a group. There is no room to be satisfied with what you already do. You need to be leading by example, and we do a great job of that.” Leading by example is how Brown & Marshall got to 55 years in the business. As they mark over half a century of service this year, Dux looks back on what it takes to be an entrepreneur. “Leading by example versus just barking orders is how I like to work. If I’m not willing to do it myself, then I can’t expect other people to follow me.” His advice to fellow entrepreneurs is, “Have a plan.
Brown & Marshall Electric Congratulations on your 55th Anniversary! We wish you many more years of continued success!
www.sheppardinsurance.com
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Brown & Marshall Electric | 55th Anniversary
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& Marshall by donating to various charities, including the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation. “The future plan is continued growth,” concludes Dux. “We are growing at a pace we are really happy with right now. We plan to expand and hold steady at 20 employees.” On behalf of Brown & Marshall, Dux would like to thank
their general contractors, suppliers, accountants, lawyers and everyone that has ties in the growing company, including on and off site staff. Dux feels it is a pleasure to be part of a historical Edmonton company and to bring it into the future in a strong and sustainable way.
CONGRATULATIONS CONGRATULATIONS Brown & Marshall Electric on 55 years of
ON 55 YEARS!!
successful business!
We wish you continued success for years to come!
Supporting Brown & Marshall as an ECAA member since 1982
Your friends at
www.ecaa.ab.ca
Congratulations to Brown & Marshall Electric on 55 years of business!
Providing professional accounting services throughout northern Alberta. www.givens.ca | 780-482-7337
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EDMONTON.COM
THE STORY OF SAM
WWW.SAMDESK.IO
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gnite Edmonton is one of the initiatives launched under the Edmonton Economic Development Corporation umbrella to promote high-growth entrepreneurship in the city. The site features several success stores, including the story of SAM. SAM, which stands for Social Asset Management, was built at Startup Edmonton with the purpose of building the best tools to search, curate and tell stories with social media content. “My background has always been in broadcasting and media productions since I was a teen,” says SAM founder James A. Neufeld. The Edmontonian was working in
Like many entrepreneurs, he started out small. SAM originated in his basement, but the company was an instant success and he was soon in need of more workspace. Norway when he experienced the moment that would change his life. That moment was the 2011 tsunami in Japan. As Neufeld and his colleagues waited for news to come through the traditional channels so they could broadcast it, he thought of Twitter. “We booted up our phones,” smiles Neufeld. “Sure enough, there was great content coming in; unfiltered videos and content in real time as this natural disaster was unfolding!
Meanwhile other news correspondents were waiting for helicopters to fly out.” Neufeld, realizing how powerful social media was as tool for news correspondents, thought, “surely someone is already building a tool to help journalists in these situations,” but as 2011 turned into 2012 and 2012 turned into 2013, no such tool materialized; so Neufeld decided to build one.
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It’s been just eight months since the official launch of SAM, and the trajectory of the small business has been nothing short of amazing. Like many entrepreneurs, he started out small. SAM originated in his basement, but the company was an instant success and he was soon in need of more workspace. In 2014, he moved the base of operations to Startup Edmonton where he had access to an office, a likeminded community of entrepreneurs and other tools to further his growing business. “The community at Startup Edmonton is so diverse in terms of the focus of people and companies. I’m constantly being inspired
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to think differently about our own startup and the tactics we use to market, develop, sell and the tools other startups are finding value in. I think this is a huge advantage of Startup Edmonton, as it’s not a pure tech work space – there are fashion brands, food, bio, hardware and creative startups,” confirms Neufeld. It’s been just eight months since the official launch of SAM, and the trajectory of the small business has been nothing short of amazing. “We are proud to count some of the top newsrooms in the world
April 2015 | Business In Edmonton Magazine | www.businessinedmonton.com
as our customers,” Neufeld exclaims with pride. “As of last week, SAM now powers social media workflows for the world’s three largest newsrooms.” High-profile clients include Financial Times, The Wall Street Journal, Toronto Star, Reuters and The Associated Press, among others. “While there are certainly a lot of players in the social media marketing and management space, we’re one of the very first to be a pure inbound curation tool,” Neufeld concludes. “We don’t look at social networks and see marketing or engagement opportunities. We see millions of stories being told and shared. Finding, managing and telling these stories is what motivates us here at SAM; and we’re thrilled our platform is helping storytellers like Financial Times, Reuters and The Associated Press do exactly that.”
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