May 2015 $3.50 businessinedmonton.com
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT ALBERTA BUSINESS HALL OF FAME’S 2015 LAUREATES CELEBRATING ALBERTA’S BUSINESS LEADERS ANDREW CLARK, JEFF POLOVICK & GORD WIEBE
“UPCYCLING” AND RECYCLING IN BIG BUSINESS: WHAT’S THE BOTTOM LINE?
PAGE 44
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SECTION CONTENTS TITLE
MAY 2015 | VOL. 04 #05
Supporting the visions of entrepreneurs one story at a time
View our elect ronic issue of this mon th’s mag azin e onlin e at www .busi nessi nedm onto n.com
Regulars
Features
Each and every month
Recycling, forestry, travel & tourism - learn how these and other industries are thriving in the city of Edmonton.
10
ECONOMIC FACTORS
Cover
12
URBANOMICS
Josh Bilyk
John Hardy
15
OFF THE TOP
44
EDMONTON CHAMBER OF
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT ALBERTA BUSINESS HALL OF FAME’S 2015 LAUREATES BY NERISSA MCNAUGHTON Celebrating Alberta’s Business Leaders
24
Fresh News Across all Sectors
COMMERCE
Company Profiles 53 KEMWAY BY NERISSA MCNAUGHTON
A Company Built on Core Values
71
EWEL BY NERISSA MCNAUGHTON
Looking Great at 40
79 310-DUMP BY NERISSA MCNAUGHTON
From Summer Job to Corporate Success
83 SUPERIOR BUILDINGS & DESIGN LTD. BY FAY FLETCHER
It’s all about respect
ANDREW CLARK, EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, CLARK BUILDERS; JEFF POLOVICK, PRESIDENT AND CEO, DRIVING FORCE AND GORD WIEBE, CEO, ALL WEATHER WINDOWS.
6
May 2015 | Business In Edmonton Magazine | www.businessinedmonton.com
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
18
COPY EDITOR Nikki Mullett
30
34
ART DIRECTOR Jessi Evetts
jessi@businessinedmonton.com
CONTRIBUTING DESIGNERS Cher Compton
ADMINISTRATION Nancy Bielecki info@businessinedmonton.com
41
REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS Josh Bilyk
THIS ISSUE’S CONTRIBUTORS Nerissa McNaughton Laura Bohnert Rechell McDonald Ben Freeland John Hardy
63
PHOTOGRAPHY Cover photo by Epic Photography Inc.
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
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18 FORESTRY IN ALBERTA | BY LAURA BOHNERT 30 “UPCYCLING” AND RECYCLING IN BIG BUSINESS: WHAT’S THE BOTTOM LINE?
| BY RECHELL MCDONALD
34 W E’LL MOVE YOU …. AND YOUR STUFF
| BY BEN FREELAND
The past five years have seen Edmonton International Airport quietly transform itself into a big player in air cargo. Here’s a look at EIA’s “unglamourous” side.
41 HRIA - ALBERTA HR TRENDS REPORT
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63 WHO NEEDS PARIS? | BY BEN FREELAND
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May 2015 | Business In Edmonton Magazine | www.businessinedmonton.com
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ECONOMIC FACTORS JOSH BILYK
THE ALBERTA ADVANTAGE: WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE NOW? BY AEG PRESIDENT JOSH BILYK
A
ll in, the 2015 Alberta budget represented the biggest tax increase in the province’s history. Albertans of all stripes are ponying up in higher income taxes, fuel taxes, sin taxes, insurance taxes and user fees. The nasty business of tax increases aside, now it’s time to take a very close look at government spending. Alberta Enterprise Group (AEG) members represent every sector of the Alberta economy, ranging from small “mom and pop” retailers right up to the giants of the Canadian energy industry. All together, they employ more than 150,000 Canadians and generate billions in economic activity. In informal surveys and various consultations with our members and the Finance Minister, many indicated they understood the need for our government to increase revenues to narrow the budget gap. Many, but certainly not all, and not necessarily a majority. Many AEG members understand, from operating successful businesses of their own, that when revenues are down the first place to look is “in the mirror.” As we speak, members are trimming budgets, finding efficiencies, and re-thinking planned investments. Raising prices for their customers, although always an option, is a last resort. After all, they exist in a competitive environment. Their customers are either hurting as badly as they are though the downturn or they’ll cross the street to a competitor. So we kept an open mind about the budget, knowing Albertans would be asked to pay more, but expecting the government would be asked to
10
live with less; and the government delivered…tax increases. Sure, there are previously-scheduled spending increases that will be foregone and there is some government belt tightening, but overall the budget was about Albertans contributing more to ever-so-slightly lesson the government’s reliance on volatile revenues. Some complained the Alberta government didn’t go far enough – that it should have increased business taxes. Problem is, tax rates matter when it comes to making investment decisions. Having one of the lowest corporate tax rates on the continent makes for a great sales pitch, and it has paid off for Albertans. Contrary to what you read in newspaper opinion pages, the economy is more diverse and the government less reliant on oil and gas revenues than it has been for a long time. The graph I’m providing, courtesy of Dr. Andrew Leach, associate
May 2015 | Business In Edmonton Magazine | www.businessinedmonton.com
professor at the University of Alberta School of Business, is instructive. It illustrates two important points. First, when controlling for inflation and population growth, government revenues are equal to or higher than revenues in most years since 1971. Second, we see that that difference between government resource revenues and non-resource revenues has actually narrowed. The simple takeaway is the government is neither as poor nor as reliant on resource revenue as they appear. Albertans have been called upon to contribute significantly more. Now it’s time for the government to reassess priorities and bring spending in line with revenues – as they proposed. It won’t be easy or quick, but government needs to meet taxpayers half way. 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.
URBANOMICS
LEVIES, DELAYS AND TALKING IT OUT: WHO PAYS AND HOW MUCH?
LEVIES, DELAYS AN WHO PAYS AN
W
hen it comes to development, home door, we present our points of view, we building, land approvals, delays, lot listen to each other, we discuss, sometimes levies, development charges, building permits, debate and, more often than not, we scheduling and windows of construction achieve a resolution. When we have to opportunity, Edmonton is unique. have to approach the Province with a Edmonton is unique because area development issue, the message goes to developers, builders and the City have Alberta in-tandem versus fractured. a rapport, unlike other cities where “Like the current hot topic of wetlands,” developers and the City make do with he cites for example. “Both UDI-ER and maneuvering, disputes, acrimony, stand the City recognize the relevance and offs and counter-productive confrontation. importance of protecting wetlands. But, RICK A. PRESTON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE URBAN DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE, EDMONTON REGION In Edmonton, the two sides actually since the Province is the regulator, we must t-a-l-k with each other. It’s not a syrupy both tread carefully to balance economic Kumbaya, where things always go impacts with environmental practicalities. smoothly, but the relationship between Edmonton We are hopeful that the City and UDI-ER, together, can builders and the City is one of mutual understanding, effect positive implementation.” professional empathy and respect that seems to have The overused real estate cliché of location-location paved a path of open discussion and dealing with issues. takes on a different spin when it comes to the unique The credit and valuable industry bonus is a result of the situation of Edmonton builders and developers. It is unique relationship between Edmonton Council and the more the challenging situation of location-weather. “Our Urban Development Institute, Edmonton Region (UDIweather window is very short. When it comes to taking ER) representing area builders and developers. They land from approvals to occupancy, we have a 22-week regularly meet, discuss, recommend, propose (occasionally construction season. We have to get things done in a argue), negotiate and usually resolve development matters short time frame.” in the best interests of the community. Preston is upbeat and cites progress achieved by the “We’re satisfied that in Edmonton we have healthy rapport between the two sides. The timely regulatory discussion and adult conversations among adults,” says municipal and regional approvals for land development, Rick Preston, executive director of UDI-ER. “We may specifically engineering drawings, are critical when have differences of opinion, but we leave our egos at the faced with such a short construction season. Timing of
12 May 2015 | Business In Edmonton Magazine | www.businessinedmonton.com
URBANOMICS
LEVIES, DELAYS AND TALKING IT OUT: WHO PAYS AND HOW MUCH?
D TALKING IT OUT:
D HOW MUCH?
BY JOHN HARDY
approvals has been a key issue and much developer submits the necessary, properly discussed,” he admits. completed documents.” “Last year in excess of $1.1 billion Both sides routinely discuss, “and of activity was not realized due to sometimes agree,” Preston laughs, about approval inefficiency. The city saw that various regulatory aspects that ultimately something had to be done and assigned impact housing type choices and price an independent review. We are cautiously point affordability. The current system of optimistic the City can improve approval lot levies and the contentious issue of offtiming this year to get things done in a site levies are frequent topics. shorter time frame.” Open discussion is the “The Municipal Government Act key with the rapport between UDI-ER and Review is happening,” Preston explains. CITY OF EDMONTON, WARD 4 COUNCILLOR ED GIBBONS Edmonton Council. “This is the single-most important piece “It’s a productive and good relationship of legislation facing our industry. It’s only built on trust,” says Ward 4 Councillor open for review once every 25-plus years. Ed Gibbons. “We don’t beat up any developers. We To date, led by UDI Alberta, we are at a point where a try to negotiate and come to a workable conclusion or combination of both optimism and fear prevails. One resolution, because ultimately we have the same goal: aspect is the Province giving cities the ability to expand what is best for our community? When it comes to the definition of off-site levies and who pays for what, planning, there are some hiccups but we work out how like transportation infrastructure. They are multi-billion we can process approvals to service the area faster. It’s dollar expenditures. For example, estimates show that not always easy because there is such huge growth Edmonton and region will require some 60 interchanges and demand. We have about 30,000 people moving to over the next 50 years. At about $100,000 each, the Edmonton every year and about a 30-year land supply. question is, who pays? Both sides agree that the Feds pass It’s one of the discussions we have frequently. Maybe we it down to the province. The province passes it down to need a 50-year supply; whatever must be done to have the city. The city passes it on to developers, but reality is housing choice and affordability. I’m confident that we that most development charges get passed along to home have turned the corner and made considerable progress buyers and affordability gets negatively impacted.” with a better system and timing,” the Councillor points It’s up for discussion at the next meeting of UDI-ER out. “We will now have shorter wait times, assuming the and the City. BIE www.businessinedmonton.com | Business In Edmonton Magazine | May 2015
13
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OFF THE TOP
NEWS FROM THE MONTH
TECHNOLOGY
TEC EDMONTON PARTNERS WITH JANSSEN INC. OF JOHNSON & JOHNSON MEDICAL PRODUCTS
The strategic partnerships keep actualizing for TEC Edmonton, who was hailed last year as Incubator of the Year by Startup Canada, and the 10th Best University Business Incubator in the World by the University Business Index (UBI). Late 2014, TEC Edmonton launched the new TEC Health Accelerator. The purpose of the TEC Health Accelerator is to grow Alberta’s biotechnology sector while providing networking opportunities for medical and scientific entrepreneurs in the region. It is the intent of this Accelerator to broker major financing, partnership deals and revenue growth for clients in the field of healthcare. To date, the Health Accelerator has formed several supportive partnerships, and one of the latest is with Janssen Inc., who is part of Johnson & Johnson. “We’re very excited to partner with Janssen and Johnson & Johnson Medical Products and their
CHRIS LUMB, TEC EDMONTON CEO
proven track record for top quality medical products and services,” says Chris Lumb, TEC Edmonton CEO. “Their support of TEC Health Accelerator means better ways to connect the Alberta health and business communities.” Johnson & Johnson Medical Products markets medical devices and diagnostic solutions for use by healthcare professionals and hospitals in Canada. These devices are used for surgical procedures, infection management, neurovascular diagnostics and treatment, breast augmentation
and reconstruction, and more. Recent products include AVEENO Baby Organic Harvest Lotion, ZYTIGA (a pharmaceutical), the ENSEAL jaw
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Ph: 780.446.0886 • Fax: 780.414.6531 Email: 715cunn@telus.net www.businessinedmonton.com | Business In Edmonton Magazine | May 2015
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OFF THE TOP
NEWS FROM THE MONTH
JOHNSON & JOHNSON WORLD HEADQUARTERS
tissue sealer, and the Realize gastric brand. Janssen Inc. is an innovator of products to address the needs of the oncology, immunology, neuroscience, infectious diseases, vaccines, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases branches of medicine. Other established partnerships between the TEC Health Accelerator and the medical community include, Bloom Burton & Co., Genzyme, DynaLife DX, and Merck. Funding for the Health Accelerator is provided by federal, provincial and municipal sources and through corporate, finance and other strategic partnerships. Outside of the Health Accelerator, TEC Edmonton’s original technology-focused accelerating program is still going strong. Between 2013 and 2014, TEC raised $76 million in funding by their clients, created over 300 jobs, generated (by clients) $136 million and maintained a 95 per cent occupancy rate at the TEC Centre. As Edmonton continues to become increasingly known as a technology hub, TEC Edmonton will continue to put our city on the map while launching entrepreneurs into the world. BIE
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May 2015 | Business In Edmonton Magazine | www.businessinedmonton.com
ECONOMY
THE CITY OF EDMONTON’S ECONOMIC NEWS PROVIDES THE FACTS YOU NEED ABOUT OUR ECONOMY
News of layoffs and big box retail closures has many wondering about the security of their jobs, but there is plenty of good news to offset the bad. The City of Edmonton’s Economic Indicators: Labour Force Report indicated 4,800 new jobs (in February 2015) and a steady unemployment rate of 4.8 per cent between January and February of this year. While these promising statistics show the Edmonton Census Metropolitan Area is doing well, the outlook for Alberta was not as comforting. During the same time frame, the province reported a loss of 14,000 full and part time positions and a rise in the unemployment rate from
OFF THE TOP
NEWS FROM THE MONTH
On a national level, only 1,000 positions were lost with strong gains in fulltime employment offset by large drops in part-time employment. Again, these losses were strongest in the natural resources and manufacturing industry. The majority of the national gains were in the service industries. 4.5 per cent to 5.3 per cent. These numbers, says the report, reflect the downturn in the resource extraction sector and in professional services that are tied to Alberta’s oil and gas industry. On a national level, only 1,000 positions were lost with strong gains in full-time employment offset by large drops in part-time employment. Again, these losses were strongest in the natural resources and manufacturing industry. The majority of the national gains were in the service industries. “Although the impact of lower oil prices is evident in some sectors, the diversity and depth of Edmonton’s economy has insured that employment continues to grow in Edmonton and that the City remains a very attractive location for those seeking new opportunities,” cites the Labour Force Report. “Edmonton’s very solid job results in February indicate that any negative impacts from the decline in oil prices have been limited to sectors closely tied to oil and gas. However, if oil prices remain at current levels for an extended period, employment in manufacturing, construction, logistics and professional services will be affected negatively. Nonetheless, it is clear that Edmonton’s economy has enough momentum to weather a temporary shock to Alberta’s energy sector.”1 The Economics Indicators: Consumer Price Index Report, also released earlier this year, had important information. Edmonton’s annual inflation rate edged up slightly between the first two months of the year from 0.7 per cent to 0.9 per cent. The Consumer Price Index Report says, “Edmonton’s annual rate of inflation had run above the national average during most of 2014. However, inflationary pressures evident across Alberta have eased significantly since the third quarter of 2014. Nonetheless, gasoline and shelter costs are starting to move up and inflation in Edmonton will accelerate to the two per cent range over the course of 2015.”2 However, on a province-wide level, consumer inflation was flat during the same time period and on a national level, the increase was just one per cent. In Edmonton, higher gasoline and rental costs offset lower electricity and natural gas, while nationally, the rise in gas and recreational products and services was offset by lower costs for food and clothing. The City’s Economic Indicators reports are excellent sources of information and are available on the City
of Edmonton website. (Go to www.edmonton.ca, type Economic News in the search bar.) The City of Edmonton makes it easy to stay informed on the state of our city’s economy, without the speculation and conjecture that can sometimes accompany the normal ups and downs of the business and industrial sectors. BIE
HTTP://WWW.EDMONTON.CA/BUSINESS_ECONOMY/DOCUMENTS/PDF/LFS_-_FEB_2015.PDF HTTP://WWW.EDMONTON.CA/BUSINESS_ECONOMY/DOCUMENTS/PDF/ECONOMIC_INDICATORS__CPI_FEBRUARY_2015.PDF
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www.businessinedmonton.com | Business In Edmonton Magazine | May 2015
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FORESTRY
FORESTRY IN ALBERTA
IN ALBERTA BY LAURA BOHNERT
T
here has been a lot of emphasis on the oil and gas industry — an industry which currently has Alberta’s economy feeling a little uneasy. However, while the oil and gas industry may be experiencing a bit of a downturn, there is one industry that remains brimming with potential throughout Edmonton as well as the rest of Alberta — the forestry industry.
PHOTO COURTESY OF WEST FRASER
18 May 2015 | Business In Edmonton Magazine | www.businessinedmonton.com
FORESTRY
FORESTRY IN ALBERTA
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FORESTRY
FORESTRY IN ALBERTA
Forestry, according to the Alberta Forest increase of nine per cent in 2012. “This Products Association (AFPA), a non-profit healthy run for the forestry industry has association that represents companies that allowed us to make investments into those are invested in forestry in Alberta, plays an new facilities.” important role in Alberta. In fact, after the The forestry industry is also on a hiring oil and gas industry and the agricultural path. There is a lot of new demand for skilled industry, the forest products industry is trades and truck drivers, explains Mulligan. the third largest generator of GDP (Gross The forestry industry already affects approxDomestic Product) in Alberta’s economic imately 50 Alberta communities, directly sector, bringing in around $4 billion in sales providing between 12,000 and 15,000 jobs each year. This should come as no surprise within the industry, and each of those jobs BROCK MULLIGAN, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AT THE AFPA considering the range of Alberta’s forests. creates approximately 2.5 other jobs. In total, The AFPA reports that more than 60 per the AFPA reports that approximately 40,000 cent of Alberta is covered in forest, providing people are employed by the forestry industry. just over 30 million hectares of forested In 2011, the AFPA launched a program lands — “an area that’s a little bigger than called Work Wild, which reaches out to the size of Japan,” reports Brock Mulligan, high school kids to talk about careers withdirector of communications at the AFPA. in the forestry industry. Since the program Further, the AFPA has invested launched, first-year programs relating to forapproximately $1.5 billion in new projects estry at the University of Alberta and the between 2011 and 2015. These new projects Northern Alberta Institute of Technology within the forestry industry include power have seen two and three times the enrollgeneration and facility cogeneration, which ment. “These are both encouraging trends involves burning waste materials like for the forestry industry,” explains Mulligan. TED SERAPHIM, WEST FRASER, PRESIDENT & CEO sawdust and bark to generate electricity. “The forestry industry provides a variety Alberta’s power generation has increased of careers,” Mulligan explains. “It is a significantly over the past few years. The competitive industry, and it is invested in forestry industry now generates 442 megawatts of power environmental responsibility, so you can feel good about — enough to power three Grand Prairies — and most has working in the industry.” come on stream in the last 10 years, Mulligan reports. “Alberta,” Mulligan continues, “is becoming a major “The forestry industry in Alberta,” says Mulligan, “is forestry province,” and one of the members of the AFPA, economically strong, and this economic strength makes West Fraser, can provide an attestation for the emergence it extremely valuable for economic diversity purposes.” and growth of the forestry industry as a state of commerce Over the past few years, Mulligan continues, the industry within Alberta. has been experiencing revenue increases. In 2013, revenue West Fraser is the largest lumber producer in the increases averaged at 14 per cent. This followed an average world. It is the largest plywood producer in Canada,
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May 2015 | Business In Edmonton Magazine | www.businessinedmonton.com
FORESTRY
FORESTRY IN ALBERTA
PHOTO COURTESY OF WEST FRASER
and it is also the largest pulp producer in Canada. West Fraser is a fairly large company, and while its head office is run out of British Columbia, “Alberta,” explains Ted Seraphim, president and CEO of West Fraser, “is a significant part of the company, and it has grown significantly. Approximately 30 per cent of company sales are made in Alberta.”
“Alberta,” quotes Seraphim, “is a great place to do business.” West Fraser has 14 operations, including saw mills, plywood, panel products, pulp and paper, in 10 different communities throughout Alberta. Of the $1.5 billion the AFPA has invested in new projects and innovations within the forestry industry over the past five years, West Fraser has invested approximately $500 million — about one-
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FORESTRY
FORESTRY IN ALBERTA
third of the total amount. “The result [of investing in the Alberta industry],” Seraphim explains, “is that we now have world-class mills, and we are very proud of them.” West Fraser’s traditional investments focus on rebuilding sawmills and pulp mills, but they have also invested in both energy and bioproducts. West Fraser’s lignin project, run out of a pulp mill in Hinton, Alberta, is the first of its kind. The project produces adhesives and other bioproducts out of biomasses that have historically been produced using petrochemicals. West Fraser also invests in a large biogas plant at a pulp mill in Slave Lake, Alberta. Basically, as Seraphim explains, the innovative front of the forestry industry is focused on “taking products with otherwise no value and creating bioproducts with them.” However, projects like this have made Alberta an asset for companies like West Fraser. According to Seraphim, “the support the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta provide for transforming industry is another reason to invest in Alberta. Alberta is an important part of our company and future, so it’s important as a company to demonstrate our commitment to the province of Alberta.” “West Fraser is excited about its future in Alberta,” states Seraphim. “Our investment in the Alberta market has resulted in world-class operations. We can now compete in any market, strong or weak, and we are excited about that, and the ability to diversify in all different products.
Diversity,” Seraphim continues, “gives us the confidence that we will be able to compete well in all markets. The forestry industry ran strongly when the market was down — particularly in Alberta — and our continued investment in Alberta’s industry will enable us to continue to run our business through thick and thin.” Another organization that has founded itself in the forestry industry in Edmonton is The Forestry Resources Improvement Association of Alberta (FRIAA). FRIAA was established in 1997 as a non-profit industry association. Its objective, according to Todd Nash, consulting services manager, has been investing in the improvement of Alberta’s forest resources, as well as the management of Alberta’s forests. “FRIAA provides funding for a wide range of projects that are related to forestry,” Nash explains. These include “projects in areas such as forest resource enhancement, reforestation, wildfire reclamation, mountain pine beetle control and rehabilitation, FireSmart and wildfire prevention. Government, industry, universities and educational institutions, researchers, consultants and other forestry organizations are all involved in FRIAA’s programs and participate in FRIAA’s projects,” Nash continues. “FRIAA’s programs and initiatives represent a unique and highly effective partnership of government, industry and the forestry community at large in pursuing common objectives
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May 2015 | Business In Edmonton Magazine | www.businessinedmonton.com
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FORESTRY
FORESTRY IN ALBERTA
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of enhancing the forests of Alberta. FRIAA considers forestry to include understanding, managing and utilizing the full range of forest resources and values in a sustainable manner for the benefit of society,” states Nash. “In this context, forest resources and values are interpreted broadly to include timber, wildlife, wildlife habitat, water, recreation, biodiversity and others. “FRIAA’s overall purpose is to deliver programs and initiatives that improve the forest resources of Alberta and en-
hance the management of Alberta’s forests. This purpose supports the Government’s core objectives of sustaining and enhancing Alberta’s forest resources.” The forestry industry has become an important site for growth and diversification within the Alberta economy, and as more companies continue to invest in the industry’s innovative future, forestry’s potential for growth promises to hold a lot of potential for Alberta’s economic sector. BIE
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COVER
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT ALBERTA BUSINESS HALL OF FAME’S 2015 LAUREATES
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT ALBERTA BUSINESS HALL OF FAME’S 2015 LAUREATES BY NERISSA MCNAUGHTON /PHOTOS COURTESY OF EPIC PHOTOGRAPHY INC.
Celebrating Alberta’s Business Leaders
J
unior Achievement (JA) is a global organization that uses entrepreneurship as a tool to prepare students for the workforce. Programs start in elementary and are carried through junior high and into high school. With approximately 27,000 students reached each year by Junior Achievement of Northern Alberta & NWT, it’s no wonder why the Capital Region has produced so many successful entrepreneurs. Each year, three of the Edmonton region’s top business leaders are inducted into the Junior Achievement Alberta
Business Hall of Fame. In its 35th year, the Alberta Business Hall of Fame has been honouring the men and women who not only show exemplary business leadership, but who are also active in the community and in mentorship. These are the business people that help to shape and improve Alberta and the Canadian economy. This year’s inductees are Andrew Clark, Executive Chairman, Clark Builders; Jeff Polovick, President and CEO, DRIVING FORCE and Gord Wiebe, CEO, All Weather Windows.
ANDREW CLARK, CLARK BUILDERS
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lark Builders has been named twice as one of the Best Employers in Canada, ranked among the 50 Best Managed Companies and has earned the title of Entrepreneur of the Year (Prairies) in their industry’s category. Andrew Clark was 23 when he started his business. “Some have said I was lucky for being in the right place at the right time, but I know from personal experience that people are always watching or hearing about you, even though you may not know who they are,” says Clark. “Jack Decker told me that he heard what a great superintendent I was and started paying attention to how well I ran two jobs at the same time. He said that anybody who works that hard should be running their own business and gave me the opportunity to build his new shop. That was how I got my start.”
24 May 2015 | Business In Edmonton Magazine | www.businessinedmonton.com
“While I’m very proud of every building I’ve personally had a hand in creating, my proudest achievement is the leadership role I played in creating a construction company that has enjoyed consistent growth regardless of the economic climate of a particular time,” Clark continues. “That has only happened because of the great people that I’ve been fortunate enough to have alongside of me to make this consistent growth a reality.” Clark says leading by example is the best way to create the culture and competency of a business. “The entrepreneurial leader is constantly looking for ways to grow and improve the business. The leader needs to be a visionary who is always confident and yet an open minded leader regardless of the challenges a business will undoubtedly face as it grows.”
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JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT ALBERTA BUSINESS HALL OF FAME’S 2015 LAUREATES ANDREW CLARK, EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, CLARK BUILDERS; JEFF POLOVICK, PRESIDENT AND CEO, DRIVING FORCE AND GORD WIEBE, CEO, ALL WEATHER WINDOWS.
www.businessinedmonton.com | Business In Edmonton Magazine | May 2015
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JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT ALBERTA BUSINESS HALL OF FAME’S 2015 LAUREATES
Charitable giving plays a large role in the lives of Clark and his team. “Organizationally, we believe that construction is a local business and each branch chooses a charity to support annually. In the past, that means that we’ve volunteered time, resources and committed dollars to non-profits such as iHuman, Habitat for Humanity, and Ronald McDonald House.” Clark feels that mentoring youth to become successful young business leaders is very important for the growth of our city and country. “Business people are the job creators for our children and grandchildren of tomorrow. We live in a global economy and if we don’t have strong business leaders and job creators, the future of our country will be a dismal one.” When it comes to advice for young Achievers, Clark speaks from experience. “Personally I didn’t like school and couldn’t get out of it fast enough – and had the marks to prove it! Poor school grades aren’t necessarily reflective of how skilled you can be as a business leader. Business is exciting and personally rewarding. If you have lots of passion for something and you aren’t afraid of hard work, it will reward you with a very satisfying life.” “Shocked and surprised” are the words Clark uses to describe his reaction to being selected for the Alberta
“Business people are the job creators for our children and grandchildren of tomorrow. We live in a global economy and if we don’t have strong business leaders and job creators, the future of our country will be a dismal one.” ~ Andrew Clark Business Hall of Fame. “This recognition is a tremendous honour, not only for myself, but for my long time business partner of the last 37 years, Bill Giebelhaus. [I’m grateful for his] co–leadership and that of Paul Verhesen, our current President and CEO, senior leaders, as well as the constant dedication of our loyal and long term staff. I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank each of my family members for the patience, encouragement and support that they have provided to me over the last 41 years.”
JEFF POLOVICK, DRIVING FORCE
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n 2014, DRIVING FORCE was recognized as one of Canada’s 10 most admired corporate cultures. This year DRIVING FORCE is honoured as one of Canada’s top employers (small and medium business category) as well as being one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for the ninth year in a row. Founded in 1978 and still led by Jeff Polovick today, DRIVING FORCE has not slowed down for over 30 years.
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“I think to be a good leader you have to know where you’re going,” says Polovick. “The route can take you through some interesting times and challenging terrain, but you fundamentally need to know where you want to end up. In order for the journey to be successful I think it’s important to be able to alter your destination from time to time, to realign with new opportunities. To be an entrepreneur, I believe that you must be able to accept
YOU’VE OUTGROWN YOUR TAX STRATEGY.
Where do you go from here? As your business continues to evolve, so should your tax structure. Whether you’re responding to ever-changing regulations, expanding across provincial borders, or ensuring the greatest net profit after a strong year, you need an up-to-date tax strategy that supports the specific needs of your business. Led by Mark Bernard, our local team of tax specialists deliver tailored solutions to ensure you minimize your tax exposure and maximize your returns, so your business can continue to grow. Contact Mark Bernard, CA, at 780.453.5388 or mark.bernard@mnp.ca
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JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT ALBERTA BUSINESS HALL OF FAME’S 2015 LAUREATES
“Regardless of the career you choose, make sure you have a passion for what you’re doing. Don’t be afraid to try some different things as well. Sometimes you have to experiment to find out what interests you.” ~ Jeff Polovick risk as an everyday part of your life. An entrepreneur looks forward to the daily challenges that affect the game.” He credits his team for their many recognitions as a best-managed company. “This is a recognition that the whole team achieved, not just one or two individuals. The program has certainly made us a better company and it’s a respectable third-party endorsement that measures us against some of the best companies in Canada.” DRIVING FORCE is also a driving force in several community and charitable initiatives. Polovick explains, “We support many charities, but the three that are the most important to me are Fort Edmonton Park, The Alberta Association for Community Living and Little Warriors. Fort Edmonton is a vital part of capturing the essence of our history. The Alberta Association for Community Living plays an important part in assisting those with developmental disabilities, and Little Warriors is a charitable organization that is committed to the awareness, prevention and treatment of child sexual abuse.” Personally, he has been a Rotarian for 29 years and is very active on the Rotary’s charities and volunteer opportunities.
After many years of driving the company forward, Polovick is looking forward to being in the passenger seat. “Our latest destination is ‘Mars’ which is a metaphor that describes the current journey that we are on,” smiles the founder. “We want to triple our sales over the next six years. My succession plan is currently in play so at the end of 2015 I will become a spectator as the rest of the team sails on to Mars. I’m looking forward to being a supporter from the sidelines.” How does he feel about his Alberta Business Hall of Fame induction? “I was and still am deeply humbled by this recognition. Junior Achievement is an organization that is an important part of educating our young people to appreciate how the concepts of business really work in our world. The programs are delivered at multiple levels in the schools that participate in the programs. I was first introduced to Junior Achievement many years ago when I volunteered to teach a program to a grade nine class.” Polovick’s advice for up and coming Achievers is, “Regardless of the career you choose, make sure you have a passion for what you’re doing. Don’t be afraid to try some different things as well. Sometimes you have to experiment to find out what interests you.”
GORD WIEBE, ALL WEATHER WINDOWS
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hree-time winners of the Manufacturer of the Year Award, and five-time champions of the Canada’s Best Managed Companies program, All Weather Windows is headquartered in Edmonton with nine branches across Canada and over 1,000 dealers nationwide. All Weather
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Windows has two manufacturing facilities and employs over 1,100 employees. “All Weather Windows was founded in 1978 by my uncle, Harry Buhler. He asked me and his brother-in-law, Henry Banman, to join him in this exciting new venture.
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JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT ALBERTA BUSINESS HALL OF FAME’S 2015 LAUREATES
This was a great opportunity for me as I had only entered the window business in 1977,” reminisces Wiebe. “I am honored that All Weather Windows has been recognized as a Platinum Best Managed Company and that we have received numerous awards throughout the years recognizing our Chaplaincy program, our Lean Culture, and our health and safety program. We play to win, and the awards and recognitions indicate that we are moving in the right direction. We have assembled a great team and the employees conduct themselves with the highest degree of integrity each and every day. As the business has grown, so too has our commitment to supporting our community through charitable giving. I am pleased that my children are now actively involved in the business and showing a great passion for it. These are all things that make me proud.” His time as CEO has taught Wiebe a lot about leadership and entrepreneurship. “Care for your people and show it in tangible ways,” he encourages other leaders. “Challenge your people. If done in a positive way, they will appreciate it and rise to the occasion. Far too often, we spend an inordinate amount of time focusing on people’s weaknesses or failures when time is better spent supporting people to develop what it is that they do well, celebrating successes and wins. Focus on the strength of your team. As for entrepreneurship, be innovative and be bold. Don’t let fear creep into your decision making.” Wiebe is a strong supporter of the JA program. He explains, “JA encourages confidence and provides young people with a platform to engage with other like-minded individuals. JA brings young people together and provides them with an opportunity to connect and form friendships and business relationships that will last for years to come. JA also teaches young people how to develop a framework that they can then use to successfully manage a business later on in life. JA equips young people with the tools and principles they will need to be successful not only in business, but in all avenues of life. “The best advice I can offer to new and aspiring Junior Achievers is to seize the opportunities that are before
“The best advice I can offer to new and aspiring Junior Achievers is to seize the opportunities that are before you and don’t be afraid to try new things. Test your environment. Voice your opinions – they count. Challenge yourself to learn something new each day and step outside of your comfort zone. Ask tough questions of yourself and find the courage to ask tough questions of the people who surround you.” ~ Gord Wiebe you and don’t be afraid to try new things. Test your environment. Voice your opinions – they count. Challenge yourself to learn something new each day and step outside of your comfort zone. Ask tough questions of yourself and find the courage to ask tough questions of the people who surround you.” The induction to the Alberta Business Hall of Fame means a lot to Wiebe. “I know a number of the former inductees as well as my fellow inductees. To think that I would be put in the same league as them is a truly humbling experience,” he smiles.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THIS YEAR’S INDUCTEES D
uring the induction dinner and ceremony on May 7, Clark, Polovick and Wiebe will stand before friends and colleagues as JA formally recognizes them as business and community leaders, shining examples, and inspirations to us all. The gentlemen join many other leaders in the Alberta Business Hall of Fame, including John and George Pool (inaugural inductees in 1980), Dr. Francis Winspear (1984), Dr. Charles Allard 1989), Eveline Charles (2003), Jean Paré (2004), Lois and Ted Hole (2005), John Stanton (2006) and Ralph Young (2014).
“JA isn’t simply a program that teaches about business, but most importantly, it teaches us about who we are,” said former Achiever Martin L. The laureates show that this is also true of showing who we are as a city. We are pleased to express our appreciation and thanks for everything the laureates have done for our workforce, economy and community over the years, and JA looks forward to continuing to shape bright young minds that influence the future. BIE www.businessinedmonton.com | Business In Edmonton Magazine | May 2015
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REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE
“UPCYCLING” AND RECYCLING IN BIG BUSINESS: WHAT’S THE BOTTOM LINE?
“UPCYCLING” AND RECYCLING IN BIG BUSINESS:
WHAT’S THE BOTTOM LINE? BY RECHELL MCDONALD
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REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE
“UPCYCLING” AND RECYCLING IN BIG BUSINESS: WHAT’S THE BOTTOM LINE?
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pcycling is a form of reusing objects destined for the trash, for a higher purpose. At its heart, upcycling is about taking an item with a particular purpose, that may no longer suit that purpose, and renewing it to serve a new and better purpose. It’s a very popular practice amongst do-it-yourselfers, who are finding new and creative ways to recycle furniture and other items they may have previously discarded. An example of this could be converting an old broken dresser or desk into a bathroom vanity. However, upcycling and recycling in this vein isn’t just a domestic pursuit. In fact, some businesses, like Edmonton’s Earth Legacy, a landscaping company, and Greys Paper Recycling, are founded on the principles of upcycling and recycling. These principles have also seeded themselves in the City of Edmonton’s operations through their Construction and Demolition Waste Recycling Facility (C&D). The C&D Facility is the destination for a lot of the waste that is produced from commercial or residential construction and demolition projects. While the facility isn’t producing works of modern art out of scrap drywall, it is repurposing materials for a variety of uses. “The materials that come into the C&D Recycling Facility are either sold to recycling processors or used in the City’s operations. An average of 70 per cent of mixed loads are diverted from landfills. The materials recovered at the facility have a variety of uses,” explains Renée Rudy, commercial waste specialist at Waste Management Services. In fact, a lot of the materials are processed and reused in City projects. Untreated wood is chipped and used for composting, drywall is used as a compost amendment, concrete is crushed and used as roadway base and asphalt shingles are used to create new shingles or ground up (by a private company) to become a component of asphalt mix for road paving. There is, however, one nagging question – a question at the heart of any good, or bad, business decision. Is upcycling or recycling in this capacity really cost effective? If you think about the added labour, special equipment, facilities – the whole lot – is anything being saved in the budget at the end of the day? According to Rudy, on the scale the City is upcycling C&D waste, they are on target to save about $1.3 million in commodities, because if they couldn’t get what they needed from recycling, they’d have to go to market and purchase these commodities at retail prices. The City isn’t the only business extolling the costsaving virtues of upcycling and recycling building material. Arinna Grittani, president of Earth Legacy Inc., explains that once you work out the kinks involved in making recycling part of your business, the savings can follow. “Sometimes upcycling requires a lot of extra labour to separate and clean materials, as well as areas for storage. It definitely takes more consideration and planning. Sometimes money can be saved in raw materials, but not always, and it definitely depends on the project and work being done. Once systems and policies are in place for upcycling, it becomes more efficient and thus more cost effective.”
GREYS PAPER RECYCLING DIRECTOR AMIT AHLUWALIA STANDING IN THE PLANT’S VIEWING GALLERY. PHOTO COURTESY OF GREYS PAPER RECYCLING PRODUCTS INC.
EARTH LEGACY PRESIDENT ARINNA GRITTANI IN FRONT OF ONE OF THE COMPANY’S SUSTAINABLE DESIGNS. PHOTO COURTESY OF EARTH LEGACY INC.
Earth Legacy was founded on the value of sustainability, which means that recycling and upcycling where possible have always been an inherent part of the plan and business model. “Finding ways to upcycle is imperative to maintaining our integrity as a truly sustainable company. Reducing our waste during operations is always, has been, and always will be, of high priority.” In this regard, Grittani’s company is light years ahead of the majority of established companies who, if interested in being more sustainable, have to retrofit their business practices to accommodate the change in their fundamental goals. A change, which Grittani believes is becoming more essential if a business wants to remain competitive in a market where consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the impact they have on the environment. As the consumer grows more concerned for the environment, they begin choosing companies that are, as Grittani puts it, accountable for the waste they produce and the sustainability of the products/materials they source. www.businessinedmonton.com | Business In Edmonton Magazine | May 2015
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REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE
“UPCYCLING” AND RECYCLING IN BIG BUSINESS: WHAT’S THE BOTTOM LINE?
WORKERS SORTING WASTE MATERIALS AT EDMONTON’S C&D FACILITY. PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF EDMONTON.
Earth Legacy begins a project by incorporating what’s already on site, rather than discarding it. Old bricks and rocks find new homes as the base of water catchment systems, old concrete slabs are broken down and converted to walkway flagstones, logs become seating and play structures, and even old landscape fabric is reused as work tarps for carrying and covering materials. Most of us may look out in our untouched backyards and see a mess of “stuff” that simply needs to be carted off so the facelift can begin, but Earth Legacy sees the potential to reduce material cost and repurpose perfectly usable materials. “Upcycling provides a huge resource bank of materials that have already been produced. I won’t be surprised in the future when we begin to mine the landfills. They are sitting on a gold mine of opportunity!” exclaims Grittani. While many businesses are considering the cost of converting to sustainable practices in dollars and cents, companies like Greys Paper Recycling are dealing in a much more precious commodity. Business in Edmonton asked Greys Paper Recycling director, Amit Ahluwalia, about the cold hard cash the business is saving by using 100 per cent recycled materials to produce their paper. And the response? “We save trees.” It’s enlightening to hear from a company that it’s not the dollars and cents that drive them each and every day, it’s the core value of their business and its purpose in protecting the environment.
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“Seventeen trees are cut to make every ton of paper, so at full capacity we are saving 680 trees a day,” explains Ahluwalia. At full production, the Greys plant will produce 40 tonnes of paper per day – accounting for the 680 trees – but these production figures also mean that 14,400 tonnes of waste paper is being diverted from landfills too. “Greys philosophy is to provide paper products to the community in a way that does not compromise the environment. Canada is ranked number one in deforestation, but with our unique process you do not need to cut a single tree to make paper.” Their process also alleviates worry about the harmful chemicals and carbon emissions associated with their industry. That’s right, no nasty byproducts; Greys is a sustainably green company through and through. The name, “Greys,” was taken right from their product, which, after being mechanically processed from a combination of diverted waste paper and waste cotton (primarily from hotels and hospitals), results in a light grey paper product. Although Greys is seeing a lot of success in their process and unique product, Ahluwalia is still very in tune with the sentiments expressed by Grittani, in that profitability can take time to achieve, but it’s well worth the wait. “Innovation takes time, just as software or new technology can pass through up to 20 beta test releases before the final public release, so too must today’s recycled paper products be prepared
REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE
“UPCYCLING” AND RECYCLING IN BIG BUSINESS: WHAT’S THE BOTTOM LINE?
In an age where we are faced with some fairly startling statistics about the state of our environment and its limited carrying capacity, it’s not unwelcome to see companies with massive potential matching their financial aspirations with their environmental ones.
to follow a similar path. This is 100 per cent Canadian technology and the paper is made in your backyard; however, getting product to market takes time.” With Greys amazing advancement in sustainable paper products, so comes the revelation of its potential value in other markets. “We are currently working with many economic development agencies in multiple States; in the coming months we will formalize our expansion to the United States,” Ahluwalia shares. “We are also expanding to China. Due to China’s increasing population pressure, they had to convert forests to farmland. We think China is the perfect place for Greys to expand because it is the place in which we could do the most good. Five Greys facilities alone could save approximately; 1,750,000 trees, 102,000,000 gallons of water, and 125,000 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions per year!” So what’s the hard financial line on all of this, and more importantly, should it matter? While you certainly need money to keep a business going, should a business only continue going for the sole purpose of making money? In an age where we are faced with some fairly startling
statistics about the state of our environment and its limited carrying capacity, it’s not unwelcome to see companies with massive potential matching their financial aspirations with their environmental ones. It’s an added bonus that Edmontonians get to be part of a city that is making a real effort to reduce waste, not simply by beefing up residential recycling campaigns, but by tackling the massive and unavoidable amounts of waste produced by the construction industry. Subsidizing city work and operations with recycled materials and diverting large amounts of materials from landfills are incredible feats – one that has been compounded by Enerkem Alberta Biofuels, which opened last year. This waste-to-biofuels facility will bring the city’s diversion rate from over 50 per cent to more than 90 per cent once the facility is fully operational. All-in-all? There is money to be made in sustainable businesses practices. Yes, it requires more work, effort and planning (especially if you’re trying to convert your business), but the reward of it all will be a business with legacy potential that will be relevant for generations. BIE
Simple Change. Big Difference. Green Plans are all about ACTION. Deciding to manage Food Waste, ensuring it goes to a composting facility and NOT the landfill, is truly a green action that your customers will appreciate. Commercial, source separated organic waste collection services. For more info call 780.554.0923
inglisenvironmental.com
www.businessinedmonton.com | Business In Edmonton Magazine | May 2015
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AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT - PART 1 WE’LL MOVE YOU …. AND YOUR STUFF
WE’LL MOVE YOU …. AND YOUR STUFF The past five years have seen Edmonton International Airport quietly transform itself into a big player in air cargo. Here’s a look at EIA’s “unglamourous” side. BY BEN FREELAND
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alk to just about anyone workport now provides the region with ing in the air cargo business and over 60 non-stop passenger destinathey’ll invariably tell you that theirs tions, including recent international is the neglected, “unsexy” side of additions Reykjavik and Amsterdam, commercial aviation. Even though giving EIA three non-stop Europepassenger aviation is scarcely the roan connections for the first time in mantic phenomenon it was in the decades. At the same time, EIA has 1960s, it still receives outsized attenundergone equally stunning growth tion compared to windowless jets that on the cargo side. While the last five typically live in faraway corners of years have been rough for the global airports, well removed from passenair cargo market, EIA has grown its ger activity. It is perhaps this physical cargo business by 25 per cent, with isolation that makes air cargo an “out five consecutive years of growth. It of sight, out of mind” business. At Edhas also seen massive facilities inmonton International Airport (EIA), vestments, with a new $10 million NORM RICHARD , EIA CARGO BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR however, the expanding EIA Cargo air cargo apron, a new road carriVillage and the ever-increasing numer hub for Rosenau Transport, and a ber of cargo jets stacked on its newly expanded apron is 210,000 square foot warehouse facility due to open in the typically the first thing one sees when arriving at the airfirst quarter of 2016. port, and thanks to its optimal geographic position and EIA cargo business development director Norm Richard proximity to mixed industrial and commercial developremains bullish on the future of the airport’s cargo operaments, EIA Cargo is on fire – and for once people appear tions, even in light of economic uncertainties. “We’re still to be taking notice. growing,” he asserts. “We’ve seen Cargojet up-gauge their The past decade has been good to EIA. In 10 years the operations to a wide-body 767 aircraft. FedEx’s wide-body airport has doubled its passenger throughput from 4.1 milAirbus A310 operations are doing well. We had 50 carlion passengers in 2004 to 8.2 million in 2014, placing it as go charters in 2014 with big aircraft like the 747 and the one of North America’s fastest growing airports. The airAntonov 225, and we’re very excited about the belly cargo
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AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT - PART 1 WE’LL MOVE YOU …. AND YOUR STUFF
The new cargo facility, custom built by the Californiabased company Panattoni Development, will serve as a connecter between Rosenau’s ground cargo operations and EIA’s air cargo services. Once completed, it will allow shippers to deliver goods from Edmonton to anywhere in the globe within 24 hours.
opportunities with the KLM Airbus industrial areas on the back step of A330, which will give us a new air retail and in such close proximity to cargo connection to Europe, with conference facilities, hotels, eateries, improved access to the Middle East and so on. Add to that the amazing and Africa. Of course, we need to be regional connectivity you have with smart in our investments and if we the QEII and the Canadian Pacific’s see signs of contraction we’ll adjust intermodal yard, and you have the our plans accordingly. But for now absolute perfect location for this sort of we’re seeing tremendous return on development.” our investments.” Like Richard, Hoffman remains The new cargo facility, custom built optimistic about the development’s by the California-based company Panfuture, even in the midst of economic attoni Development, will serve as a uncertainty. “There definitely has connecter between Rosenau’s ground been a bit of a slowdown, but we’re cargo operations and EIA’s air cargo confident that we will continue to services. Once completed, it will althrive,” he says. “Consumer goods BRAD HOFFMAN, WESTERN CANADA VP OF PANATTONI DEVELOPMENT low shippers to deliver goods from don’t fluctuate nearly as much as Edmonton to anywhere in the globe within 24 hours. Morecommodities do, and we continue to be strong on the over, this development, together with the recently expanded consumer goods side. Also, the industrial real estate market outlet mall slated to open in 2017, comprises a $225-million continues to be very strong, with a 2.5 per cent vacancy mixed-use project that is expected to create up to 1,000 jobs. rate in the Leduc-Nisku region and half that in and around For Brad Hoffman, Western Canada VP of Panattoni the airport. We’re confident that the growth we’ve been Development, the choice of Edmonton International Airport seeing will continue for the foreseeable future.” as a location for this massive new cargo hub was a noCargo: it’s sexier than you think. And as far as EIA’s cargo brainer. “EIA presents a unique opportunity for mixed-use operations are concerned, it’s about to become far less outdevelopment,” says, the California-based company in charge of-sight and a far more visible component of a growing of building the new cargo facilities. “It’s not often you see regional transport and logistics-based economy. BIE www.businessinedmonton.com | Business In Edmonton Magazine | May 2015
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INDUSTRIAL LOTS AVAILABLE Build To Suit, Sale & Lease
FORT MCMURRAY, ALBERTA
ACHESON, ALBERTA Panattoni Development Company is the developer of Fort McMurray’s newest 90 acre industrial park, it’s second 120 acre development in Acheson and an 80 acre partnership at the Edmonton International Airport. All projects have a variety of industrial lot sizes which are serviced, zoned and permit ready for construction. With an expansive international platform, Panattoni specializes in industrial, office and build‐to‐suit development. Our 24 offices in the United States, Canada and Europe are responsible for development of over 200 million square feet.
F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N P L E A S E C O N TA C T
BRAD HOFFMAN AT (780) 409-1152 bhoffman@panattoni.com www.panattonicanada.com www.panattoni.com
EDMONTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Alberta HR Trends Report
H
uman Resources Institute of Alberta (HRIA) has released the results of its bi-annual HR Trends survey. A valuable tool for employers and HR practitioners, the Alberta HR Trends Report contains practical information on what is occurring in Alberta workplace.
“Based on the latest benchmarking data for Alberta’s labour market, it’s evident that
More people joined organizations than left over the past six months, but that trend is expected to reverse over the next six months.
while it’s not all doom and gloom, the hiring binge is over. Despite decreased hiring confidence across all organizations, Alberta employers are still looking to hire the right person for the right position.” said HRIA CEO, Chris McNelly. The report provides a snapshot of current labour market information, including the challenges and opportunities facing Alberta’s employers and HR professionals. This is the third Alberta HR Trends Report commissioned by HRIA as part of a regular series to help fill the labour information void for HRIA members and Alberta employers. The Alberta HR Trends research initiative was started in December 2013 in collaboration with Abingdon public opinion research firm. “There is still a lot of confidence in the job market among Alberta’s HR managers. The perceived economic softening means that employees are less likely to jump for a better opportunity and more likely to hang onto the good job they have right now,” Hamish Marshall, Chief Research Officer, Abingdon Research. Following are some highlights from the report.
The hiring binge is over The Hiring Confidence Index (HCI) was way down across Alberta organizations regardless of their size or sector. Filling vacancies took longer as unemployment rose because organizations became more choosy about who they hired. More people joined
HIRING
over the next six months.
NUMBER OF ORGANIZATIONS EXPECTING TO HIRE 5%+ MORE EMPLOYEES WAY DOWN
32%
26% 19%
38% 27%
15% JUL - DEC 2014 JAN - JUN 2015
Alberta Industry Average
Professional Services
Oil & Gas
NUMBER OF OIL AND GAS COMPANIES EXPECTING TO LAY OFF 5%+ OF EMPLOYEES DOUBLES
EMPLOYEE TURNOVER AND HIRING Turnover is expensive for any organisation. Costs associated with replacing an employee as well as lost productivity can be high. The cost of processing a turnover increases with the size of organization and can include severance, separation pays, benefits, and other costs associated with moving an employee out of an organization. Firms in the Oil & Gas sector pay more than average for turnover likely linked to their higher average pay and benefits. The cost of turnover has increased slightly in the last six months and in particular with larger organizations.
EMPLOYEE TURNOVER MAKING MORE OF AN IMPACT
55%
19%
reported longer hours for remaining staff
About one fifth (21%) of organizations used temporary foreign workers (TFWs) in the last six months.
missed revenue targets
23%
unable to take on certain projects
32% REPORTED NO IMPACT, DOWN FROM 60% IN FALL 2014
TEMPORARY FOREIGN WORKER (TFW) PROGRAM Recent as 2012, temporary foreign workers (TFWs), also known as international workers, made up 1.1% of the Canadian workforce. The TFWP has undergone significant changes designed to make it more difficult for employers to qualify and to prioritize the hiring of Canadians. In September 2014, the federal government reported that applications for the TFW program had dropped by 74% from the time the reforms were introduced. According to the report findings, these changes have thus far not had a significant effect on the number of organizations considering using international workers to fill gaps in their talent pool. About one fifth (21%) of organizations used TFWs in the last six months. This is more common among larger organizations and within the oil and gas sector.
VAST MAJORITY FORESEE NEGATIVE IMPACT FROM TFW PROGRAM CHANGES
71%
15%
believe changes will have a negative impact
15%
believe changes will have no impact
believe changes will have a positive impact
CORPORATE POLICIES Organizations create human resources policies to ensure that the workplace is run smoothly, efficiently and in a professional manner. Human resources policies reduce ambiguity and eliminate arbitrary decisions which can be seen as unfair. These policies also ensure an organization complies with government regulations, communicate corporate
DID YOU
KNOW
DID YOU
KNOW
? ?
culture and achieve a combination of productivity and employee retention.
51% REPORTED NO IMPACT OF CIVIC CELEBRATIONS ON PRODUCTIVITY Calgary and Edmonton are known for their iconic civic celebrations – the Stampede and K Days (sometimes referred to as Klondike Days), respectively. Other parts of Alberta have major local holidays including Red Deer’s Westerner Days, various rodeos and stampedes, winterfests, and many others. Employees often take time off and employers encourage employees to attend events on company time, and sometimes sponsor events. Most organizations say there is no impact on productivity during these events although more than a quarter report a decline in productivity. Productivity is affected greater among small organizations and within the oil and gas sector.
4% OF SALARY IS SPENT ON TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT ACROSS ALBERTA Training is provided by the overwhelming majority of organizations surveyed. In fact, 94% providing training and development for employees with the majority using both internal and external resources to do so. Generally as the company grows in size it is more likely to use internal training resources, in fact almost no organization with more than 500 employees uses external trainers exclusively.
Training is provided by the overwhelming majority of organizations surveyed.
MOST ORGANIZATIONS INVESTING IN TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
94%
provide some training and development programs
87%
68%
use group training
use one-on-one training
The trends in this report are different from the past as they are more focused on two changes which are impacting employers in Alberta – the changes to the TFWP and the declining price of oil. The TFWP came up again and again, in different contexts from dealing with immigration, to using the new Labour Market Impact Assessment system, to specific concerns about TFW changes. The price of oil was also mentioned frequently, eclipsing previous issues like the difficulty in finding talent in the Calgary market and the challenges of an aging workforce.
A full copy of the March 2015 Alberta HR Trends report is available online at hria.ca. The next HR Trends report will be released in September 2015. About the Human Resources Institute of Alberta: HRIA is the leading professional association for human resources practitioners in Alberta dedicated to strengthening and promoting the HR profession. As Alberta’s exclusive granting body for the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation, HRIA plays a critical role in establishing professional standards within the industry. The HRIA membership connects over 5,900 HR practitioners, including 3,100 + CHRPs across the province through various professional development, networking, and community initiatives.
TOURISM & TRAVEL
WHO NEEDS PARIS?
Who Needs Par s? Edmontonians have long loved their city, but had difficulty taking it seriously as a tourism destination. demure government town that you’re This is slowly changing. Amore likely to read about in the business BY BEN FREELAND
“
pages than the travel supplements” and “more as a staging point than a destination in itself.” That’s how the Lonely Planet Canada Guidebook describes the city of Edmonton. Wait, don’t get the axes out just yet. The always unapologetically blunt Lonely Planet people do, at the very least, give Alberta’s Capital City some tourism credit, noting its status as home of the world’s second-largest Fringe Theatre Festival after Edinburgh, while extolling the city’s River Valley park system, describing it as “less a park than its own self-contained ecosystem.” But this aside, the book’s take on Edmonton is oddly reminiscent of the lazy two-word writeup on the planet Earth that famously appeared in Douglas Adams’ Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy: “mostly harmless.”
www.businessinedmonton.com | Business In Edmonton Magazine | May 2015
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TOURISM & TRAVEL WHO NEEDS PARIS?
So how true, then, is Lonely Planet’s Edmonton’s NHL team continues to appraisal of our city? Edmonton suffer on the ice, all was forgotten in is, without doubt, a “government March when some 70,000 spectators town,” and a “demure” one inasmuch turned out for the Red Bull Crashed as Edmontonians are a famously Ice event in one of the biggest winter self-deprecating bunch. It is also congregations the city has seen to date. unarguably true that one is far more Edmonton may still not have the likely to read about Edmonton in the attention of the world, but the city’s business pages of the newspaper than growing confidence and comfort in the travel supplements (if for no within its own skin is increasingly other reason because few newspapers apparent. This year the city is set to host have travel supplements anymore). the FIFA Women’s World Cup, with Furthermore, it is also an indisputable Commonwealth Stadium one of only fact that Edmonton was founded as, six venues nationwide to host games. and remains, a true gateway city – for The Tour of Alberta, Canada’s first JERRI CAIRNS, EDMONTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOARD CHAIR AND the North as well as for other compass and highest ranked professional road PARTNER AT PARLEE MCLAWS LLP headings. That said, one still wishes cycling stage race, is poised for another the Lonely Planet researchers assigned to Edmonton had year in September, with Edmonton once again serving as spent a bit longer and looked further afield. Had they done the race’s terminus. While Edmontonians continue to flee to so they might well have come up with a more inspiring tropical destinations during the winter months, Edmonton’s introductory paragraph to the city. Winter City Strategy appears to be changing the clichéd view The Lonely Planet team may not be paying much of Edmonton as a city with a summer festival season followed attention to Canada’s northernmost major city, but others by bone-chilling nothingness. clearly are. Last year was yet another record-breaking year For Edmonton Chamber of Commerce board chair Jerri for Edmonton International Airport, with the country’s Cairns, Edmonton’s new self-confidence has been a long time fifth largest airport reaching a new all-time high of 8.2 coming. “I think Edmontonians have always been quietly million passengers with seven per cent growth over 2013 proud of their city,” says the lifelong Edmonton resident (making it the second-fastest-growing major airport in and law partner at Parlee McLaws LLP. “What’s changed in the country). Much of this increase was driven by strong recent years is how vocal we’ve become. We’ve always had growth in transborder travel, with an 8.5 per cent increase a phenomenal arts and culture scene, great festivals, and in U.S. passenger traffic, and even stronger growth in extraordinary natural beauty, and our Chamber members non-U.S. international travel, which was up 13.1 per cent. have long been working to promote all that. I think we’re Several of Edmonton’s best known festivals, including now starting to see the results of that work.” Cairns contends the Fringe, Heritage Festival, and the Edmonton Street that while Calgary continues to outpace Edmonton on the Performance Festival, broke all-time attendance records in tourism front, thanks in no small part to its proximity to Banff, 2014, with others (such as K-Days) coming close. And while Drumheller, and other regional attractions, the Edmonton
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May 2015 | Business In Edmonton Magazine | www.businessinedmonton.com
TOURISM & TRAVEL
WHO NEEDS PARIS?
region has more than enough to offer to we’re ‘trained’ to take them in, but stand on its own feet destination-wise. sometimes we forget about the rest of “Edmonton has more than enough the year’s goings on.” right here to compensate for any lack Dart contends that Edmonton’s of regional destination,” she asserts. year-round artistic activity is an “We really don’t need to ‘compete’ with underappreciated aspect of the city Calgary. We are our own destination.” that could further raise the city’s Cairns contends that Edmonton’s profile worldwide. “The support is standing as a global “festival city” there,” she asserts. “City Hall has continues to be a major regional always been supportive, as have the trump card. In addition to established Edmonton Arts Council and the festivals like Folk Fest, the Fringe, and Edmonton Economic Development K-Days, the city continues to develop Corporation. Of course, funding new ones. While a warm weather flows and ebbs in a typically Alberta blast wreaked havoc on this year’s fashion, but our artists are nothing Ice on Whyte event, March saw the if not resilient.” Dart argues that MEGAN DART, CATCH THE KEYS PRODUCTIONS debut of a brand new winter festival, the city’s main impediment to the Northern Lands Great Canadian Wine & Craft Beer becoming a bona-fide all-year arts destination is a lack Festival. Organized by Edmonton wine expert Gurvinder of physical spaces for artists to create and showcase Bhatia of Vinomania, the inaugural event drew some 800 their art, a problem that Catch the Keys Productions oenophiles and food critics and raised over $60,000 for works to alleviate by promoting resource sharing. “We local food-related charities. “Festivals like Northern Lands definitely need more community-accessible space in this are really raising our profile internationally,” says Cairns. city. It’s starting to happen, but thus far it’s primarily “Our culinary scene is improving in leaps and bounds, and been through word of mouth. I would love to see the this was a great showcase for how far we’ve come.” city promote, for example, ‘theatre season’ as an allWhile Edmonton’s festival scene continues to be the year scene. We have the artists, the audiences, and the city’s primary tourism calling card, some argue that supporting institutions. We just need to bring it all the city could do more to promote its cultural goings on together like we have with the festivals.” outside the context of the well-known festivals. While Cairns concedes that Edmonton has not yet fully the city’s visual and performance arts scene continue to realized its potential as a destination city, but asserts that thrive, Edmonton’s arts community has had to contend the city is doing about all it can on this front. “I think the with the loss of two beloved venues this year, the venerable city and the local business community are doing a fantastic Roxy Theatre and the ARTery, the latest of a long list of job promoting our region,” she contends. “Frankly I would arts venues that have closed their doors in recent history. like to see the country invest more in travel and tourism Some have argued that the overmatched emphasis placed than they are at present. There’s only so much that a city on Edmonton’s festivals has come at the expense of the like Edmonton can do on its own.” city’s year-round arts activity, which gets far less attention. For now Edmonton remains a well-kept secret and while “Edmonton is a hotbed of year-round artistic activity,” Cairns, Dart, and others are working overtime to get the says Megan Dart, local arts promoter and co-founder of word out, there remains something about the “demure” the interdisciplinary arts organization Catch the Keys nature of Alberta’s Capital City that its residence would Productions. “Our festivals are fantastic showcases for just as soon retain. Says Dart, “Edmonton really is a what we do here, and we’ve gotten to the point where humble city. And this is a big part of its beauty.” BIE
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www.businessinedmonton.com | Business In Edmonton Magazine | May 2015
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Advocate. Educate. Connect.
Provincial Budget 2015 Edmonton’s business community is cautiously optimistic By Janet M. Riopel, President & CEO
T
he Province of Alberta’s Budget 2015 received tremendous media attention as a driver that will serve to set the stage for the provincial election. But if you set aside the political implications of Budget 2015 and examine the actual budget items that impact our business community, there are some important distinctions to be made. The Edmonton Chamber’s response to Budget 2015 was well captured in the words of our Board Chair, Jerri Cairns, who stated, “The Edmonton Chamber believes that this budget is a tough but realistic budget, necessitated by challenging times, and we are cautiously optimistic with the direction this government is taking over the longer term.” This assessment applies to almost all aspects of Budget 2015. The amount of long-term debt combined with reliance on an extended repayment plan is cause for concern. Balancing the budget and repayment of debt is still contingent on the price of oil which will continue to fluctuate. The tax and fee increases introduced by the government are intended to reduce reliance on natural resource revenues, but there remains work to be done by both the government and the business community on further diversification of our energy-driven economy. The Edmonton Chamber is optimistic that the government is looking to stabilize our revenue base and hold the line on expenditures over the longer term. We applaud the government for not raising corporate or small-business taxes as we head into challenging economic times. The
Province is demonstrating a willingness to move away from its reliance on volatile resource revenue and adopt a more sustainable fiscal structure – stabilizing the provincial revenue base is key to being able to fund the programs and services that are priorities for Albertans. Alberta has a critical infrastructure deficit. The Edmonton Chamber has consistently advocated for infrastructure investment from all three orders of government, so it was encouraging to see the Province put forward consistent infrastructure spending for the foreseeable future. We are encouraged that the Government of Alberta has developed a 10-year fiscal plan. The fiscal plan looks beyond the typical three year budget cycle and provides the direction the Province will take to manage their finances. By knowing where monies will be invested, companies can better plan their own investment and growth plans. We feel that a 10-year plan should enable stronger business confidence, which has the potential to lead to increased investment in the region. Employees – all Albertans – retained the vast majority of the services that they have come to rely on to provide the quality of life that they expect. Budget 2015 had limited cuts to these services, which remain an important element of attracting and retaining employees in Alberta. All in all, Budget 2015 is a prudent approach in the face of current fiscal uncertainties, but it will require discipline to reach long-term objectives.
Volunteers from the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce gathered on Budget Day to listen to the speeches and begin the evaluation process for Budget 2015 and the supporting documents, including the 10-Year Fiscal Plan. Their work forms the basis of the Edmonton Chamber’s response to Budget 2015.
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May 2015 | Business In Edmonton Magazine | www.businessinedmonton.com
Successful Succession Danatec shows the right way for small family businesses to transfer ownership By Bobbi Menard
I
t’s rare for a small business to not be family owned. The highs and lows of entrepreneurship and ownership of a small enterprise are inevitably shared with family, along with employees. One of the most challenging issues for a small, family-owned business is the succession plan. Mix in the emotional ties of the family with significant money decisions and the process can be emotionally fraught and carries financial risk. The majority of Edmonton Chamber members are small businesses and there is much that the owners can learn from each other. Alina Martin is the President and CEO of Danatec Educational Services, an Alberta small business founded by family in 1985, and an Edmonton Chamber member since 2015. Martin’s story of succession planning and transitioning ownership of a small business highlights several of the main components of a successful transfer of ownership within a family business. Martin first joined the family firm in 2004 after a stint as an entrepreneur suddenly ended. Her first try at working for her father was not successful. “It was disastrous,” admits Martin as she recalls the early days of working with her dad. “I left after six months when my dad and I had a really big fight.” There were several secrets to Martin rejoining Danatec. She can list them with ease, “I changed my attitude, got really focused and learned every single aspect of the business.” This approach laid the groundwork for her father to feel comfortable handing over the leadership of Danatec, which was the first step in Martin moving towards ownership. “My dad sat down at my desk and told me that I was ready. He wanted to retire. He also told me to not screw up his retirement.” This was the start of succession and transition inside Danatec. Leading the company enabled Martin to make strategic decisions about professional help when it came to transferring ownership. It also allowed enough time for the important conversations between
Alina Martin, President and CEO of Danatec Educational Services
Martin and her father to take place. “We talked back and forth, and in 2011 we decided to hire a team. When my dad passed away we had already agreed on everything months before. It would have been much more difficult to change over the ownership without those conversations.” Martin and Danatec hired a team of accountants, lawyers and mediators. Martin terms the decision as a “huge expense” that paid off in return on investment. The accountants did the valuations, the tax specialists went through every tax implication and option, and the lawyers handled documentation, including the re-issuing of shares. “You have two things to preserve in the process: family first and the wealth of the business for family and for employees,” says Martin. “You need to get it right.” The perils of getting it wrong are multiple. Unplanned successions often follow one of two paths. The first is that the surviving spouse, who may not be qualified, can have the business thrust upon them to run. The second is that the business will lose value and competitive edge – especially if the value is caught up in the founder/owner of the business. Danatec got the process right. The family succession plan for the business began in 2008 and, in 2013, Martin’s purchase of the firm was complete in every way, including on paper. The company continues to grow with offices in Calgary and Edmonton and business across Canada. Martin is proud to have built a culture of community engagement and building community – it is part of why the company is a member of the Edmonton Chamber. As a business owner under the age of 40 who has successfully completed purchasing the family business, Martin has one last piece of advice for the next generation of family business owners. “It took me a few years to fundamentally believe that I was capable of this, but you start to trust who you are. My father believed in me, but this process was a journey.” www.businessinedmonton.com | Business In Edmonton Magazine | May 2015
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Reducing Red Tape Rolling up our sleeves for some high quality ribbon cutting
R
ed tape. Ugly words to the business community that translate into more cost, lost productivity and overall discouragement to doing more with your business – investing in growth or pursing opportunity. It can result in less government revenues as the private sector looks to invest and do business in jurisdictions with more efficient services. Red tape is a drag on everybody and a shared problem. Like most shared problems, there’s no magic wand and no silver bullet to make it disappear. Like all progress, reducing red tape takes work and commitment to find a better way. Cutting the tape takes an investment by leadership – from the public and private sectors – to engage in a process of continual improvement based on results and outcomes. The Edmonton Chamber and local business partners are doing just that. We are committed to reducing red tape and improving the business environment by working with governments including the City of Edmonton’s Current Planning Branch through the Business Advisory Committee. The committee brings business and City leaders together to, “Provide a transparent mechanism for two-way dialogue with the business community/industry and the Current Planning Branch to offer advice and input on how services are delivered, including resourcing, business processes, business planning, budget development, prioritization and resourcing of service enhancements.” During 2014, this investment yielded positive results including: • Introducing pre-application meetings between applicants and City staff where they advise of assessments or levies at a minimal cost. • Introduction of an electronic submissions system to be launched this spring to support quicker inspections and permitting processes. Through the system, applicants, contractors and owners will be notified electronically if further details are needed to support a timely approval process.
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May 2015 | Business In Edmonton Magazine | www.businessinedmonton.com
• Introducing the acceptance of engineering drawings electronically with the goal to move from the average of 200 days for an approval in 2014 to 100 days in 2015. The 2015 deliverables for this committee will introduce best practices proven to reduce red tape. These best practices will make it easier and more predictable for business to do business and improve the services business receives from the City with: • Industry input on the key performance indicators (KPI’s) that should be used to benchmark improvement in City-delivered business services – so that we measure the right things. • Presentation of an annual report to Executive Council on the progress and performance of the Business Advisory Committee to support accountability, transparency and buy-in from our local elected leadership. • Implementation of an annual report card on performance to support accountability and transparency to the business community on the Business Advisory Committee’s progress. • Implementation of an annual survey of the business community to create an ongoing feedback loop that solicits ongoing, relevant and timely inputs from businesses to give further voice to business in red tape reduction efforts. • Holding an annual event to release the “Performance Report Card” to engage the business community and promote the use of tools that support the reduction of red tape. With success, we can create a better business environment with annual reporting on key trends, innovations and areas in need of improvement. We can create a culture of predictability and continuous improvement. Establishing these processes will improve the quality of information available to business and government leaders and make that information accessible as a city open for business. Do you have suggestions for reducing red tape impacting your business? Get engaged on reducing red tape by emailing us your suggestions at policy@edmontonchamber.com.
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Connecting Business Provincial Budget Luncheon
Finance Minister Robin Campbell addresses Edmonton Chamber members and guests.
Guests connect before hearing from Minister Campbell.
After much discussion about Budget 2015, Edmonton Chamber members gathered at the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald on Tuesday, March 31, 2015, to hear directly from Finance Minister Robin Campbell. The Edmonton Chamber also presented our position on Budget 2015. We stated that we are “cautiously optimistic” about the direction the provincial government is taking over the longer term. Curtis M. Palichuk, Managing Partner, Wilde & Company; Finance Minister Robin Campbell; Greg Draper, Vice President, Valuations, Forensics and Litigation Support, MNP LLP; Jerri L. Cairns, Partner, Parlee McLaws; Darrell Jones, Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer, Canadian Western Bank
Members in this Issue Ted Seraphim, West Fraser, in Forestry in Alberta on page 18 Andrew Clark, Clark Builders, Jeff Polovick, DRIVING FORCE, and Gord Wiebe, All Weather Windows in Junior Achievement’s 2015 Laureates, on page 24 Amit Ahluwalia, Greys Paper Recycling, in “Upcycling” and Recycling in Big Business: What’s the Bottom Line? on page 30 Jerri Cairns, Parlee McLaws LLP, in Who Needs Paris? on page 41
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May 2015 | Business In Edmonton Magazine | www.businessinedmonton.com
Not-For-Profit Week After Business Mixer & Tradeshow Not-for-profit organizations have a tremendous impact on our community. On Thursday, March 19, 2015, the Edmonton Chamber proudly hosted an after business mixer in support of local not-for-profits. We received high attendance and our not-for-profit exhibitors gained excellent exposure to influential business professionals.
Credit Institute of Canada representatives welcome and connect with guests.
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www.businessinedmonton.com | Business In Edmonton Magazine | May 2015
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www.businessinedmonton.com | Business In Edmonton Magazine | May 2015
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Executing the Measures of Growth Yardstick is Canada’s leader in online testing and training, bringing together world-class expertise in exam administration, psychometrics, and eLearning instructional design and development with forward-thinking technology. Yardstick is proud to be recognized as one of Canada’s 10 Most Admired Corporate Cultures for 2014. “Yardstick is defined by its people and culture. Our success and achievements have been directly linked to our organization’s commitment to our core values and our employees ability to embody those values in everything they do.” ~ Don Riep, CTO and Co-Founder of Yardstick. “Using Results’ proven methodology of strategic planning and goal setting, the Yardstick executive team has driven our business forward by leaps and bounds through focused planning and weekly accountability. Since starting with Results, doubling the size of our business within 5 years has become a reality and we are well on our way to reaching our ‘Big Hairy Audacious Goal’ of helping a billion learners achieve competence by 2025.” ~ President and COO Greg Kureluk. To learn more about Alberta companies unleashing their full potential, visit resultstransforms.com
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A Company Built on Core Values By Nerissa McNaughton
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In 1990, Terry Kemp had reached the top of the job ladder at his place of employment. As a tradesman, the next step would be to leave the field and go into the office. “I didn’t think I had a chance of getting into the office,” Terry reminisces about the moment that set his life on a different course. “Dad (Herman Kemp) and I were chatting and he said now was the time to go into business together. I said, ‘Let’s go. Let’s give it a shot.’” That shot, taken 25 years ago, was the start of Kemway Contractors Ltd. A lot of thought went into the name. “We had a few different choices, like Kemson,” remembers Terry. “We thought Kemp Way was logical and then shortened it to Kemway.”
When I started, I was young and inexperienced. When I look at what we created today, it is way more and very different than I thought it could ever be. They started with three full time staff, which was father and son and one additional journeyman. A part-time employee helped to manage the workload. Father and son wore many hats. They were in the field doing hands-on work and supervising projects, in the office working on business development and estimating, and being family men that were active in the community. Hard work, dedication and a growing team saw Kemway thrive. Herman stayed on until 2002 and in preparation for retirement, sold his shares to the current ownership team: Terry Kemp, president and CEO; Lothar Krause, vice president operations and Glen Kemp, vice president project management. Karoline Kemp, Terry’s beautiful wife, is the vice president of finance and human resources. “When I started, I was young and inexperienced,” says Terry. “When I look at what we created today, it is way more and very different than I thought it could ever be. The primary reason for our success is the alignment of great people with similar goals. Those relationships were built not just from a business standpoint, but on transparency, trust and positive attitudes.”
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KEMWAY’S CORE VALUES Excellence and Professionalism Kemway is focused on and committed to their vision, continuous improvement and challenging the performance standards in the industry. Innovative Design
In addition to over 20 staff that are in tune with the company’s objectives and the ethics of trust, transparency and attitude, the owners are adamant about Kemway’s core values. “Kemway is the core values,” stresses Lothar. “The core values are everything that we are and everything that we stand for. That goes right down to working with our sub trades, suppliers, team and representatives. We live these values and we lead by example.” “We didn’t open a book and say ‘I like this core value, and this one, and we will also use this one,” Glen points out. “The core values came from us – the whole team. The trust, the integrity of how you deal with people, the transparency – those all come from us as a team.” Karoline adds, “We finally just put them on paper but we have been living those values for 25 years. For me, that gives us confidence that the company can grow and prosper when we are no longer in the
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Integrity Kemway is committed to honesty and transparency. This commitment builds trust and respect in all of their relationships. Commitment to People Kemway values their business relationships and nurtures them by listening to their clients, investing in their team and learning from each other. Teamwork and Collaboration Kemway fosters accountability within the team by communicating clearly and being consistent in both words and actions. Focused on Results Kemway sets their goals high and delivers quality, measurable results. Successes are recognized and celebrated.
CONGRATULATIONS TO KEMWAY ON 25 YEARS OF SUCCESS - FROM THE TEAM AT ARROW ENGINEERING Edmonton | Calgary | Saskatoon ArrowOnline.ca
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business, because anyone managing Kemway in the future knows what we stand for. Therefore, Kemway will continue to be successful without us at the helm.”
only profitable and successful, but a company that has earned the respect of their peers in the industry, along with the respect of their clients, staff and vendors.
These core values are not catchy buzzwords designed by a PR firm and they are not words tossed together by the management team so they could put them into a brochure. These core values are the lifeblood of Kemway and they take them very seriously. Not a single decision, be it a hiring choice, a project opportunity, or changes to in-house
Kemway is proud of the trust and relationships they have built with their new and long term clients. “What differentiates us is that we have a great team of experts,” explains Terry. “There is no need to shop around for lowest dollar for parts of work. This works because the continuity/consistency on all the projects is there and we work together to get the projects completed. A consistent team is able to dig deeper than you can on the surface with someone you are having a once-in-a-blue-moon relationship with. We build buildings. That is our business. But we build relationships. That is our real business.”
We build buildings. That is our business. But we build relationships. That is our real business. policies, is made without the guidance of these values. By sticking firmly to the core values, Kemway ensures that ethical, profitable, integral decisions are the expected norm. The result of living these values for over 20 years is a company that is not
Servicing Edmonton and the Capital region, Kemway’s recent projects include the laboratory facility at Thurber Engineering Ltd., a testing facility for C-FER and Alberta Innovates Technology Futures, and manufacturing facilities at Gled Hill Steel Products and Volant. Each project comes with an interesting set of challenges, and Kemway loves facing and solving each one. For example, the winter of 2013 gave
Congratulations to the group on “25” great years!
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Edmonton record snowfalls and unseasonably low temperatures, but that didn’t stop the company from designing and constructing a two-story professional office with a warehouse and six bays for tenants. The 80,700 square foot facility was heated and boarded so quality work could be completed despite the low temperatures. Fifty major change orders (some of which saw three structural mezzanines added to the design) and tenants with vastly different objectives and requirements didn’t deter Kemway from completing this project and delivering a successful result. The management held regular onsite meetings and was in close collaboration with the tenants. They also created and stuck to a detailed schedule to ensure smooth transitions and interactions among all the sub trades. To keep the project from being held up, they fast tracked items, such as the delivery of elevators, and they were open and honest about limitations while providing solutions and options when original requests could not be accommodated. Another example of how Kemway’s core values brought about a successful project is the design and construction of a two-storey office and machine shop. At a modest 24,280 square feet, things seemed straightforward – at first. A machine shop that sits on poor soil tends to complicate things.
Dramatic Architectural Details
25 Years is a true statement that KEMWAY Contractors is an exemplary leader in the construction industry as a trusted design/build company. Priority Mechanical Ltd. congratulates KEMWAY Contractors on their continued success. We are proud to be part of their team.
9259 -35 Avenue Edmonton, Alberta T6E 5Y1 Phone: 780-435-3636 • Fax: 780-450-3550 www.prioritymechanical.com 8
The soil conditions made for structural design challenges, and this was on top of continuously changing client requirements. Never one to let situations get in the way of quality results, Kemway implemented innovative structural solutions based on a collaboration between the engineering and project teams. These solutions were put forth to the entire team and the ideal solutions were chosen by consensus.
Finished products are always very rewarding to me. When I drive down the street and see a project that we have fully completed, even if was 15 years ago, I’m proud of it.
CONGRATULATIONS TO KEMWAY CONTRACTORS ON 25 SUCCESSFUL YEARS IN BUSINESS. COLLINS STEEL IS PROUD TO PARTNER WITH THE GREAT KEMWAY TEAM! 780.440.1414
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada,T6B 2Z2
www.collinssteel.com 9
From Left: Glen Kemp, Terry Kemp, Karoline Kemp, Lothar Krause
From a man and his gravel cart to the country’s leading independent supplier of ready-mix concrete. Phone 780.463.8380 www.BURNCO.com
1038075 BURNCO Construction Ad 6-875x4-75.indd
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2015-03-30 1:31 PM
As you can imagine, this vote-on-it method is not something readily seen in the industry, but Kemway knows that such decisions are contingent upon many factors. If only management makes those decisions, they will overlook something vital that another team, such as logistics or administration, could
It’s been an incredible journey of discovery, challenges, solutions, leadership, values and successes that defined a company so well-respected, you would be hard pressed to find anyone with a negative word to say about the brand. identify. With Kemway’s core values of teamwork and collaboration in full force, the Kemway vs. poor soil challenge saw Kemway emerge with new structural solutions that can be readily applied to future projects.
Sometimes the challenges come from where you least expect them. When an international company needed a one-storey warehouse facility in Edmonton, had decision makers based in Europe, and all communications and negotiations handled through a third-party in Montreal, what did Kemway do? Rely on their core values, of course! They set their focus on results, excellence and professionalism, which allowed the company to create a new process for handling this unique scenario. Honest, rapid responses were given to all requests and scrupulous record keeping kept communication flowing smoothly. Can anything slow Kemway down once they are committed to a project? Not really. If there was any obstacle they couldn’t overcome it would have been when structural steel components of a design were changed after the steel had been ordered and delivered to site. Rather than penalize the client for the late-term changes, Kemway honoured their core value of being committed to people and collaborating. The result was a redesign, re-fabrication and reengineering of the original steel. Erection commenced within three short weeks of the requested changes. The steel frame now supports a two-storey laboratory testing facility that holds multiple tenants.
Congratulations to the team at Kemway Contractors on your outstanding first 25 years. We are proud to play a part in your success and we look forward to the coming years.
4132 - 99 st Edmonton, AB T6E3N5
4132-99 StreetPhone Edmonton, AB (780) 437-5750 www.bfcflooring.com www.bfcflooring.com 11
There have been many projects over the years, all with their own set of defining criteria and Terry fondly remembers them all. One, however, continues to stand out for him. “We had a client that started small and continued on to build a larger business,” he smiles. This small company was one of their first notable contracts. “We went from renovating their little warehouse facility to building them a small manufacturing plant. As they were expanding, they got bought out by a large German firm. The next step for us was to build a much larger, nearly 70,000 square foot facility.” This small company is now the global WIKA Worldwide (WIKA Instruments Canada Ltd.).
The biggest challenge we have as an industry is that there are so many ways and methods that you can construct a building.
Kemway’s commitment to people value extends beyond their beautiful 6,000 square foot office and deep into the community. Each shareholder has pledged 10 per cent of profits for charitable giving. The employees are also very involved in charitable giving, both on their own time and through company-sponsored events. Going from a father and son venture to a multimillion dollar company in 25 years has taught Terry many things. “It is an interesting industry,” smiles Terry. “The biggest challenge we have as an industry is that there are so many ways and methods that you can construct a building. What I find most challenging is educating the client on what the differences are and helping them realize it’s not just the cost, but the quality of construction and the delivery method. There are a lot of different ways to do things.” Challenges, he notes, also come with rewards. “Finished products are always very rewarding to me. When I drive down the street and see a project that we have fully completed, even if was 15 years ago, I’m proud of it. Also, what I’m really proud of lately is the culture we have created. It’s a culture in
We connected. Sparks flew. It was electrifying. Congratulations Kemway Contractors on 25 years.
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Structural Steel – The backbone of a building
which we are very results-oriented and we do it with integrity. It’s a great culture from that standpoint.” He goes on to discuss how his leadership style has evolved. “To me, leadership is not an easy thing. What I’ve learned is that there are a lot of things involved. The biggest is that you need to seek to understand what you are trying to do, not just from the client’s standpoint, but the team as well. That boils down to listening. You have to be clear in your expectations and you have to be transparent. It takes a lot of patience to be a leader because you are dealing with people that have different characters. The coaching and mentoring is huge.” Terry’s career has also taught him a great deal about entrepreneurship. “It’s not for everybody. It takes a special kind of person to risk your finances to create a viable and successful business. It takes discipline and patience at times, but also aggressive decision making at other times. An entrepreneur may think he or she can do it all alone, but collaboration with likeminded people is a must.”
the status quo, and, at the end of the day, keeping Kemway’s core values as the centre for the future. Those values will always be relevant.” Yet, despite the talk of succession, he has to admit he’s not ready to retire. “I’m having fun,” smiles Terry. “I’m enjoying what I’m doing. That makes it more of a passion and that is really what life is about. Retirement is great, but you have to love what you are doing too, and I truly enjoy what I’m doing here.” The president and CEO also recognizes the importance of balance and takes time for golf, hockey and adventurous travel with his family. Terry and the shareholders have a message for their team. “Thank you! Thank you for helping our customers achieve their goals and doing that in a professional business manner. The results speak for themselves.”
The story of Kemway is far from over. Karoline refers to the company as part of the family. “I feel very strongly about this,” she says with a laugh. “I look at Kemway as our first born child that just turned 25 years old. Do you know how many of our family discussion at the dinner table are about Kemway? Terry had to put some rules around that! If you ask my kids, they say Kemway is the older sibling!” She grows thoughtful for a moment. “We put so much heart and soul and sacrifices into it.” When you think of it in terms of something that has been nurtured and grown, 25 is a great age. It’s the age when the company has its own, distinct personality, a solid history, and bright future. “We will continue growing our corporate culture as we transition younger members into leadership roles,” Terry says of Kemway’s future plans. “We will be keeping what made Kemway successful, but always striving to be innovative and challenging of
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They are equally grateful to the clients. “Thanks for placing your trust in our team. I know you have other options. Thank you for choosing us. Our goal has always been to build your goals and make them into something you are proud of and completely satisfied with. That’s the bottom line.” 25 years. Two-and-half decades. It’s been an incredible journey of discovery, challenges, solutions, leadership, values and successes that defined a company so well-respected, you would be hardpressed to find anyone with a negative word to say about the brand.
When you think of it in terms of something that has been nurtured and grown, 25 is a great age. It’s the age when the company has its own, distinct personality, a solid history, and bright future. Just what do you do when you turn 25? When asked this question, Terry breaks into his charismatic grin and lets the secret out: “We’re going to have a big party!” Kemway has so many reasons to celebrate. It’s going to be a great party.
Congratulations to Kemway Contractors for 25 years of successful business
From
Omni-McCann Consultants Ltd.
APPLIED EARTH SCIENCES, ENGINEERING & MATERIALS TESTING
2404 – 96 Street NW | EDMONTON,AB | T6N 1J8
TEL 14
780.435.1154
FAX
780.435.2066
Open House Celebration, June 2014
kemway.com info@kemway.com Ph: 780 461 2679
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PENCIL POINTS DESIGN & DRAFTING LTD.
THE TEAM AT SHARP’S CONSTRUCTION WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE KEMWAY CONTRACTORS ON 25 FANTASTIC YEARS!
17306 - 106 Avenue Edmonton, Alberta T55 1H9
Congratulations on your 25th Anniversary. We are happy to have been a part of Kemway’s successes. Our 20 years of Association also contributed greatly to the growth of our Business. We thank you. We wish you continuing success for the next 25 years and beyond.
3911 82 Ave Leduc, AB Canada PH 780.612.0255 F 780.612.0256
www.sharpsconstruction.com
Carmen P. Naccarato President
Congratulations TH
business!
16
Congratulations
KEMWAY CONTRACTORS
on your 25th Anniversary! We are proud to be a part of your team and wish you many more years of continued success!
Since 1956
O’Hanlon Paving Ltd. 16511 116 Avenue Edmonton, AB T5M 3V1
Loric Glass Ltd.
780.434.8555
info@ohanlonpaving.com
Congratulations to KEMWAY CONTRACTORS (2006) LTD. on celebrating 25 Years!
Congratulates KEMWAY Contractors on 25 successful years of business!
3743 98 St NW, Edmonton (780) 469-8899
Congratulations Kemway on Your 25th Business Anniversary!
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Hydro Tec Irrigation Ltd. For all your irrigation requirements Commercial, Industrial, Recreational and Residential Design Build Projects
We are proud to celebrate the 25th business anniversary of KEMWAY.
CONGRATULATIONS KEMWAY ON 25 YEARS OF FANTASTIC BUSINESS! 169-52150 Range Road 221 Sherwood Park, AB T8E 1C8 Tel: 780.922.6701 • Fax: 780.922.6751
www.hydro-tec.ca
Congratulates
Kemway Contractors Ltd. on th their Anniversary!
25
Congratulations KEMWAY on your 25 years of business! www.mcmurrayinteriors.com 11315-154 Street Edmonton, Alberta T5M 1X8 Phone: (780) 451-3476 Fasx: (780) 454-5996
Scona Painting Service Ltd. Proud to be a partner
Congratulations KEMWAY on 25 excellent years of business.
6615 34 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T6B 2V8
THE
PH (780) 466-0397
Edmonton: 780-449-6548 Calgary: 403-279-5217 estimates@sherwoodsteel.com
Congratulations Kemway Contractors Ltd. on your 25th Anniversary! “Serving the Construction Industry since 1972”
“RAIN MAN” IRRIGATION PLUMBING
Congratulates KEMWAY Contractors on 25 years of excellent business! t. 780-447-3860 f. 780-447-3975 10215 218 St NW., Edmonton www.rainmanirrigation.com
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WESTCON CONSTRUCTION IS PROUD TO CONGRATULATE KEMWAY CONTRACTORS ON 25 YEARS OF GREAT BUSINESS 780.499.4633
westconconstruction.com
By Nerissa McNaughton
1
Al Graham, David Carson, Bruce Carson & Terry Black
EWEL: Looking Great at 40
Bob Carson (in photo) would be proud of his son, Bruce, and grandson, David
T
old and with five years of electrical experience, is proud to be the inside sales manager. Travel forward 12 years. EWEL is now helmed by Bob Carson, who built his reputation as an outstanding salesman at Federal Pioneer Ltd. (Federal Pioneer was acquired by Schneider Electric in 1990). Move forward a full 40 years from the opening date and you find EWEL still going strong. Don, now the outside sales/lighting specialist, is still part of the team, and Bob’s son, Bruce, is the president.
he newspaper clipping is old and a little faded. The date on the left corner says October 31, 1975. It’s Halloween, but there is nothing scary about the article’s contents. Two smiling faces on the worn article page look so warm and friendly, you can’t help but grin back. They are Clarence and Phyllis Radis, the proud new owners of Electrical Wholesalers Edmonton Ltd. (EWEL). The article also mentions Don Cherwonka, who at 23 years
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Proud supplier of EWEL It has been great achieving tremendous growth with you over the years.
Eaton Eaton Canada Canada extends extends our our heartfelt heartfelt congratulations to EWEL for congratulations to EWEL for completing completing 40 40 memorable memorable years years of of success. success. We We wish wish you you all all the the best best for for your your future. future. Learn Learn more more at at eatoncanada.ca eatoncanada.ca
EWEL’s 148 Street & 124 Avenue location
Tom Kelly, it’s simple: “EWEL is an independently owned and operated electrical distributor that specializes in residential, commercial and electrical products.” You see, from day one the company never lost sight of its goal of being the best independent electrical distributor in Edmonton. It’s who they were 40 years ago and it’s who they are now.
Bob’s grandson, David, is involved in both operations and sales. As you can see, EWEL’s roots go very deep – deep into the city, deep into family history, and deep into the client base built through four decades serving customers. What is behind their success? For the company’s principals, Bruce Carson, David Carson, Terry Black, Al Graham and
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Store interior in the 148 Street & 124 Avenue Location
pickup and drop off area with ample parking is in the back. The store occupies the lower portion of the building while administration is taken care of upstairs. The principals, all in one room to discuss the company’s history and success, are a tightknit group that works together so seamlessly, they can interchange sentences without losing their train of thought. Among them they share over 200 years of electrical industry experience. Not only are the Carsons in their third generation of ownership at EWEL, Al is also the third in his generation to take up the electrical trade. The principals take their jobs seriously, but have a collective fun-loving side that makes working and shopping at EWEL a pleasure. One of the ways EWEL serves customers is through accessibility. Three locations are conveniently and strategically placed around the city: the northwest, south side and in Sherwood Park. Inside the showrooms you’ll find a full complement of electrical products, from lighting to fire alarms, fittings to fans. Just some of the 100+
“There are other companies that sell the same things as us,” explains Al, “but they are conglomerates working for multi-national companies while we are locally focused on Edmonton.” “We are small and independent; able to cater our products and services to the customers’ needs within Edmonton,” David adds. “That way, we can react to the market quickly and efficiently,” Terry chimes in. Al sums up the benefits of being local and independent. “Our inventory and service comes from 40 years of being here and knowing the people. They come here because they can get good service and products without having to go through multiple channels. We are a one-stop shop for all your electrical needs. We can make decisions quickly and can make our own decisions on what to carry for our customers.” The interview is taking place at EWEL’s sprawling location on 148 Street and 124 Avenue. Like every aspect of the business, the location and setup are designed to maximize efficiency. A
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invests in is LED lighting and, just recently, solar harvesting. It’s not just the customers that enjoy their experience at EWEL. The principals make sure the staff do as well. Their collective message for their team of employees is, “work hard and have fun!” “They [the staff] do enjoy their time here,” says Terry with his characteristic grin. “They do have fun. Our employees are interested in the electrical industry because it’s always challenging, and therefore rewarding.” “There is no boredom,” says David. He should know. He’s been with EWEL since 2008 after graduating from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Commerce degree and majoring in entrepreneurship and small business management. He knows what makes a business tick for its employees. “Things here are structured towards employee engagement in schedules and personal needs,” says Al. The staff, which number just over 30, is constantly expanding because EWEL is still growing. You would think that after four decades they would slow down, but the energetic company has no plans in the near future to slow down or even
brands carried include Schneider Electric; Eaton brands Crouse Hinds, Cooper Lighting, B-Line, Arrowhart, and Bussman; Acuity Brands, Philips Lighting, T&B, Lutron, Klein Tools; and many more. Although many of the brands they carry are long-established in the industry, EWEL is always looking to the future. “Energy saving products are one thing we are huge on,” says Bruce. “Going green and reducing our carbon footprint is important.” The group also discusses how they look into new technologies on the behalf of their customers. If it’s new and on the shelf at EWEL, you know it’s been carefully analyzed and approved by these experts for the Edmonton market. After all, isn’t that what being agile in response to consumer demand is all about? One of the newer technologies that is fastemerging is home automation. The smart home, once the dream of science fiction writers, has become a reality. People are controlling their thermostats, door locks, security and lighting with a flick of the finger on an app. Of course, EWEL is right on top of this development and offers lighting controls and automation that are compliant with the most popular smart home applications. Other technology-forward avenues the company
www.mckennaagencies.com
CONGRATULATIONS EWEL
We celebrate the 40th anniversary of EWEL and wish them many more years of success!
on 40 years of
successful business! Supporting EWEL as an ECAA member since 1979 www.ecaa.ab.ca
www.rclighting.ca
To your continued success Congratulations to EWEL Electrical Wholesalers Congratulations Hendriks Construction Ltd. on 40 40years yearsofofbusiness. business.
Congratulations EWEL on 40 years of success! (780) 458-3500 benefits@royfinancial.com
RBC Commercial Services Team RBC Royal Bank 9034 – 51 Avenue 10117 Jasper Avenue Edmonton, Alberta ® /™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. 30075 (01/2011)
www.royfinancial.com
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90558 AD 30075 4C_Aasen.indd 1
2015-01-14 4:18 PM
Philips would like to congratulate
EWEL on 40 years of success!
We wish to congratulate EWEL on their 40th anniversary. We are proud to be a part of your success!
Visit your local EWEL branch today for the latest in lighting innovations from Philips!
EWEL Electrical Wholesalers
Sheppard Insurance Service & Risk Management Congratulates EWEL on their 40th anniversary and wishes them all the best in the years to come. www.sheppardinsurance.com
Congratulations EWEL on your 40th Anniversary
We are proud to have been a part of your 40 years of success! Congratulations on this milestone!
www.prolux.com 11214 – 178 Street Edmonton, AB T5S 1P2
Providing innovative solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial applications
780.701.4112
www.schneider-electric.com/ca
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By making better purchasing decisions, increasing product knowledge, and improving data interchange, we’ll be able to grow our vendors’ product lines and increase sales.â€? The software also greatly benefits EWEL’s customers. “One benefit will be a fully interactive website that will allow customers to place orders and access information such as real-time stock levels and pricing.â€? The old newspaper clipping, a little tattered and folded but not much worse for the wear, is a treasured memento of how it all began. From a freestanding store in 1975 to multiple locations in Edmonton and e-commerce in 2015, it’s been a quite a journey. A fun, rewarding, journey filled with great people – staff, vendors and clients – every step of the way. As they turn 40 this year, EWEL thanks all those that have stood with them over the decades, including their valued staff, clients and vendors; along with the Edmonton Construction Association, the Electrical Contractors Association of Alberta and the FCAAA. “Treat your customers, employers and vendors as family and success will follow,â€? they conclude. It’s been a winning formula so far. Clarence and Phyllis Radis would be proud, and so would Bob Carson. His smiling photo beams down on the principals from its place of honour in the room. His son and grandson beam back at him. Success has followed, and now they all take the lead as they continue to give EWEL another 40 years of being the best independent, local electrical distribution company in Edmonton. •
level off. And why should they? The principals are proud to point out that their one-stop shopping experience has garnered a huge amount of customer loyalty – and they aren’t about to let their customers or staff down. There are times, however, when EWEL steps away from the limelight (seriously, their company colour is green and they deal in lighting, so‌.pun intended) and focuses on something that cannot be summed up in a product line. Ever since one of their own passed away from skin cancer, they have held a golf tournament in his honour to raise money for cancer research and treatment. Their Chris Dunn memorial tournament is also used to raise funds for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada. EWEL also supports the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation, Edmonton’s fire fighters, uses the Child Find recycling boxes in each office to support the charity as well as promote recycling – and that is just a few of their charitable endeavors. Looking forward, EWEL is excited about looking into new locations, new products and new solutions for existing and emerging markets. They are also very excited about their launch of enterprise resource planning software, which is currently underway with a target of early 2016 for going live. David explains, “EWEL is providing a business improvement solution in the form of a new system that will tie all of our processes together. We will have more tools to reduce steps and stresses in day-to-day operations. Our new system will allow us to be more interactive with our vendors.
www.ewel.ca |
alg@ewel.ca
CONGRATULATIONS EWEL It’s Been 40 Great Years!
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Greg Kirkwood, founder and owner, 310-DUMP
From Summer Job to Corporate Success When an opportunity to create a niche summer job came along, the founder of 310-DUMP didn’t realize it would change his life forever. By Nerissa McNaughton
I
n 1995, Greg Kirkwood was studying economics at the University of Alberta when two unrelated incidences coincided to change his life. In speaking with local contractors, he learned they were having a difficult time finding reliable people to clean up their construction sites. Then he saw an ad stating the Federal Business Development Bank (now Business Development Corporation) was offering $3,000 loans for students to start summer businesses. Kirkwood saw an opportunity. Kirkwood’s business plan was approved and with the loan, he purchased a 1976 Ford truck, built a box on it and called his new venture Rubbish Express. “I set out to fill the void in the market for reliable, reasonably priced junk removal,” he reminisces with a smile. “But word spread very quickly about the great service at fair prices. Business blossomed.” Ordinarily, this would not have been a problem, but as summer drew to a close, demand didn’t drop off.
Kirkwood faced a tough decision. School or business? “I tried to do both,” he admits, but soon realized he couldn’t sustain both paths. He had to choose. “I put my final year of university on hold and jumped in with both feet knowing that if it didn’t work, I could return to school to finish off the last year of my degree.” He has yet to return to University, but “the education I have learned over the last 20 years in the business world has been priceless!” In 1996, the company expanded to Calgary and added to the fleet. In 1999, Rubbish Express officially rebranded as 310-DUMP. By now, the company was not only doing junk removal, they were renting dumpsters as well. In fact, the growth cycle has never stopped. “We continue to enjoy annual growth exceeding market averages,” Kirkwood confirms with pride. 310-DUMP | 20 Years | 1
Top left: One of the front load trucks. Bottom left: Workers hauling unwanted items to one of the junk removal trucks. Bottom right: Customers using a roll off container.
Today’s fleet that services business & residential customers across Alberta consists of: • Front load trucks – Waste & recycling front load trucks are used for commercial/industrial customers. Bins range from 2 – 8 cubic yards and service is weekly or monthly at the customer’s convenience. Business customers appreciate the hands-on approach of 310-DUMP account managers who are well equipped to provide in-depth, valuable waste & recycling solutions. • Roll off trucks – Serving commercial and industrial companies and residential consumers, roll off containers (dumpsters) range from 10 – 40 cubic yards. “We deliver an empty dumpster container to the customer’s site, then the customer loads the
310-DUMP | 20 Years | 2
dumpster with up to nine metric tons of material. They call or email us to haul away the full dumpster when they are finished or the renovation & cleaning project is completed,” explains the successful entrepreneur. • Junk removal trucks – Serving residential and business customers along with property management organizations, junk removal trucks are equipped with one of the biggest dump boxes in the industry (18 cubic yards). These trucks are manned by two workers who load, haul and dispose/recycle unwanted items. “Our crew always provides an upfront quote for the customer’s approval prior to loading,” says Kirkwood. “With this service, all the loading, hauling and disposal fees are included. In this type of service, the customers just point at the bulky items and we haul them away. It is that simple!”
“We owe our success over the last 20 years to our hardworking employees. I am very proud of the team we have and the people who have helped us grow over the years and built the company to where we are today.” ~ Greg Kirkwood
Staff members at 310-DUMP
The dedication to customer service is paramount. 310-DUMP has thousands of bins and an ever- expanding fleet to ensure all customer requests are handled promptly and efficiently. “We value each and every customer and we want it to show in the service we provide. We always answer our phones seven days a week. Customers will always speak with a live operator (available also during holidays) so we can give the best possible customer experience. We are fully insured and have an A+ standing with the Better Business Bureau,” says Kirkwood. But that’s not all. “We are a 100 per cent Alberta-owned company and customers love the fact they only need to remember one number for all their junk and waste and recycling needs, often with same-day service. Our crews are WCB insured, which is not always the case in our industry.”
In an industry that seems primed for high turnover, 310-DUMP enjoys the benefits of employee loyalty and satisfaction. Even their student workers are happy to return year after year. Kirkwood is proud of his team and tells them so in this personalized message: “We owe our success over the last 20 years to our hardworking employees. I am very proud of the team we have and the people who have helped us grow over the years and built the company to where we are today. Sincerely, thank you for making 310-DUMP a terrific work environment. I look forward to coming to work and to many more fun and successful years ahead!” Speaking of those years ahead, they certainly look bright and prosperous for the still-growing company. “Winning is fun and contagious,” Kirkwood grins. “We win when our customers get
Congratulations
310-DUMP on your
20
th anniversary! 310-DUMP | 20 Years | 3
the best service and they win. It’s great to build a company that the whole team can be proud of. Nothing makes me happier than hearing positive feedback from our customers. It’s what we strive for. It’s been great to develop long-lasting relationships and to catch up with long-term customers, some of whom have been with us from the beginning. The growth of the company is very exciting and it is equally exciting to see people growing within their roles in the company.” Kirkwood was just 22 years old when he thought long and hard about the two options before him, and ultimately decided to pursue the job he created. He set out to fill a niche in the market and he
more than exceeded his own, as well as industry, expectations. Kirkwood is grateful to his wife, parents, family and friends, all of whom showed tremendous support when he “decided to drop out of school to become a garbage man,” along with his mentors, staff, vendors and clients. He looks forward to 310-DUMP continuing to serve the needs of Albertans in both corporate and charitable ways. “We look forward, every day, to building something special that we can all be proud of,” he concludes. “Mission accomplished,” responds those that have used, loved and become loyal to the services and customer focus of 310-DUMP. •
Superior
310-DUMP is proud to have completed well over 100,000 jobs and to be an active participant in natural disaster cleanups across Canada. To learn more, visit www.310DUMP.com. The phone number, 310-DUMP (310-3867), grants you seven-day access to the company from anywhere in Alberta, with no area code required. Orders can be placed by phone (310-3867), email (Bookme@310DUMP.com) or online.
17803 - 118 Ave, Edmonton, AB | tirecraft.com
Congratulations on 20 great years to 310-DUMP. Thank you for allowing us to share in your success. - From all of us at Edmonton Tirecraft 178 St & 118 Ave location
780.421.1818 | info@ogilvielaw.com Congratulations 310-DUMP on 20 years of success! OGILVIE LLP, providing clients with exceptional legal advice, is proud to be a part of this milestone.
Congratulations on achieving the 20th year milestone. From your friends at
bmllp.ca Congratulations to 310-DUMP on 20 successful years! We wish you many more. 310-DUMP | 20 Years | 4
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
Edmonton | Toronto
Superior Buidling Design Ltd. Celebrates 20th Anniversary
SUPERIOR BUILDINGS & DESIGN LTD.:
IT’S ALL ABOUT RESPECT By Fay Fletcher
N
ot many teenagers know what they want to do with their life when they turn 18, but Blair Corbeil is an exception. At 18 he was out on his own, constructing farm buildings in Saskatchewan. Yet, the humble Corbeil sees his foray into business at such a young age as more of a natural progression than a leap of faith. “My parents ran a general store in the country and my dad sold granaries and built buildings for the farm industry, so I basically grew up doing construction since I was six years old,” Corbeil, president and owner of Superior Buildings & Design Ltd. explains. “By the time I was 13, I was running my own crews over the summer holidays. I took on my first contract at 18. The intent was always to go back and help my father in the fall, but I didn’t make it back there because my work got too busy. My career evolved, more than anything.” In 1990, Corbeil decided to expand into the commercial industry, and he relocated the company headquarters to Edmonton. While Corbeil describes the company as “small and operating as a proprietorship” at the time of the move, the company didn’t stay small for long. Work continued in Saskatchewan as they launched in Edmonton, and projects have since taken place in central and northern Alberta as well as parts of British Columbia. “But we have lots of local work and we prefer to stay close to home before reaching out,” says Corbeil, who is a big believer in supporting local businesses.
Blair Corbeil, President & Owner
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Superior Buidling Design Ltd. Celebrates 20th Anniversary
The company’s growth was not a happy accident. Success built upon success for a very good reason, which Corbeil is happy to explain. “We take a lot of pride in being a true design builder. Design build is a term that a lot of people in the industry use today, but we think of ourselves as a true design builder because we sit down with clients with a blank piece of paper and take their projects from conception to completion. Others hire engineers and architects, but we offer those services right in house. It’s all about service. We give clients a better bang for their buck because of our in-house services.” For Corbeil and his team, trust and respect are vital. “In construction, a lot of what we do is based on trust with clients,” he says. “I always tell clients ‘if you don’t trust your builder and the person you are doing business with, you shouldn’t be doing busi-
ness with them.’ It doesn’t matter how good the price is; if you don’t trust them, you are probably doing business with the wrong person. Since we start with our clients so early in the project, we get to understand them and their companies very well. As a client you open up to us more than with other contractors because we want to understand what you need and what your objectives are. We open ourselves up as a company and lay our cards on the table and work very closely with budgets and pricing. Most people have a budget answer to. We take that seriously and respect it. That trust is a two-way street. ‘It doesn’t matter if the job is small or big, we treat them all the same. If it’s a farmer looking for a place to put equipment or a complex building that has manufacturing in it, at the end of the day you have to understand what the customers want, and deliver.”
Corbeil loves the flexibility of the Ironwood system as it allows them to build everything from hotels to manufacturing plants, efficiently and affordably.
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Congratulations Superior Buildings & Design Ltd. on 20 years of business!
design | manufacture | build 261211 Wagon Wheel Way, Rocky View AB, Canada t. 403.277.1950 f. 403.277.2445 www.ironwood.ca
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ing it for every new customer; just remodeling. It helps to bring a lot of economics to the situation.” Corbeil loves the flexibility of the Ironwood system as it allows them to build everything from hotels to manufacturing plants, efficiently and affordably. “All the buildings have a straight column design, and that saves money on the foundation,” he explains. “Typical steel buildings have structures that are awkward for space planning, but Ironwood’s system of straight, instead of tapered, columns maximizes floor space. It makes the building more user friendly and architecturally pleasing. This is especially useful for taller buildings where cranes are involved. You get so much more usable floor space.” Corbeil brings his best to every project because he is supported by an amazing team. “The employees are part of the family,” he says with a big grin. He’s not joking. His daughter is part of the team. “What we install in all of our people is respect, responsibility and respect again. The
Superior Buidling Design Ltd. Celebrates 20th Anniversary
Superior Buildings’ projects encompass many sectors, including agriculture, automotive, commercial, light industrial, equestrian, institutional, municipal, recreational, residential and storage. You may have seen their work in the Chrysler dealership in Stony Plain and the Hydro Scotford Inc. facility in Fort Saskatchewan.
Corbeil brings his best to every project because he is supported by an amazing team. Superior Buildings is able to quickly design and execute top-quality buildings because they are an authorized dealer for Ironwood Building Systems, an Alberta-based company that specializes in the design, manufacture and construction of steel buildings. “Our partnership with Ironwood Building Systems allows us to do a far more projects than our competitors,” says Corbeil. “It’s so diversified and so easily adaptable. That is where we bring value to projects. We are using the same building process without reinvent-
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Congratulations Superior Building & Design Ltd. on your 20th Anniversary! K-Style Construction Projects Ltd. is pleased to provide finishing carpentry and millwork.
CONGRATULATIONS Superior Building & Design on celebrating your 20th business anniversary!
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Superior Buidling Design Ltd. Celebrates 20th Anniversary
employees that are successful with us are the ones that learn the respect and responsibility aspects of life. It’s not just respecting who you are working with and for, but also the client and their time. The quality goes into the project when it starts with respect for everyone involved.” Superior Buildings & Design has been proud to be a part of Edmonton’s business landscape for 25 years and they look forward to continuing to impress in the industry. “Happy, appreciative customers. That stands out more than the buildings,” concludes Corbeil with his warm, trademark smile. “It all comes down to the customer in the end. “We will always treat you with the respect you deserve and provide you with the best value for your dollar.” For more info visit: www.superiorbuildings.ca
Congratulations! MNP proudly congratulates our client, Superior Buildings & Design Ltd. on 20 years of success. Contact Roy Kraus, CMA at 780.462.8626 or roy.kraus@mnp.ca
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