Business in Edmonton - November 2019 by Business in Edmonton Magazine

NOVEMBER 2019 | $3.50 BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

Unstoppable Power OF VALARD THE

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CONNECTING PEOPLE AND POWERING COMMUNITIES

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Supporting the visions of entrepreneurs one story at a time. Volume 7 | Number 11

REGULAR COLUMNS

Corporate Giving is in Our DNA By Terry Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Flynn

10 41

Alberta Advantage Immigration Strategy a Good Start By David MacLean

Edmonton Chamber of Commerce

CONTENTS COVER FEATURE

he Unstoppable Power T of Valard

Connecting people and powering communities By Nerissa McNaughton

ON OUR COVER: ABOVE: BARKLEY ADAMS, PRESIDENT AND CEO, OF VALARD. PHOTO SOURCE: LAUGHING DOG PHOTOGRAPHY

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NOVEMBER 2019 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

iftboss Inc. was established in May 2006 by four partners John and Andre Gagnon, Dale Beatty and Marc Tougas to be a one stop shop dealership for all material handling needs. Having worked in the industry before, the four partners, pooled all there resources, previous experience together and designed a new business model to fill the much needed niche that the industry needed. Liftboss Inc. is an Alberta owned and operated dealership, offering new and used equipment sales, a total parts department, forklift rentals, forklift training, trained and certified mechanics to perform repairs in shop and service vehicles to handle on site repairs. Liftboss Inc. prides it’s self on quick response time to customer’s breakdowns. Customer service was the reason the company was born, and has captured an impressive share of business for Liftboss. In the past 3 years, the downturn in the Alberta economy has definitely affected the sales activity, but comparatively the service and parts business has noticed substantial growth. The sales team builds portfolios for each client’s needs and service preferences; this way, they can have a conversation with a client instead of simply walking them around the showroom. Their clients appreciate the attention and reward them with repeat business and referrals.

adding JCB construction equipment in 2017 has been a great addition, and has made Liftboss Inc. even more visible in the heavy equipment industry in Alberta. They will always stay true to their material handling roots, but having an established and well respected construction line has solidified the fact that Liftboss Inc. is here for the long haul and ready to compete. Whether you are looking for a new machine, a rental, service or parts on an existing unit, or simply want a second option on something, give them a call and they will be happy to point you in the right direction. As a group, Liftboss Inc. do what they do based on four core values: do what you say you will in a timely manner; be open and honest; do whatever it takes; and service the customer above all else. As each department grows, each team member is held accountable to those principles, their focus is to be a quality company that people are proud to work for.

Material handling and forklifts were and continue to be a huge part of what Liftboss Inc. has grown from, but

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STORY TITLE // SECTION

Supporting the visions of entrepreneurs one story at a time. Volume 7 | Number 11

THIS MONTH’S FEATURES

onstruction Continues to C Boom Across Alberta By Jamelie Bachaalani

CONTENTS COMPANY PROFILES

57 61 65

C MN Electrical Systems Celebrates 30 Years

Celebrates 60 Years

C ARSTAR® Collision & Glass Service

ark Katzeff Designer/ M Goldsmith Inc. Celebrates 30 Years

74 6

T own of Beaumont Celebrating Growth

NOVEMBER 2019 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

Automated and Innovative Healthcare By Brittany Da Silva

37 49

C arlson Auto Body Suppy

Celebrates 20 Years

The ESOP Option Your company-invested successors could be the people you work with every day By Nerissa McNaughton

Beyond Benefits: Top Employers Explain the Tools they Use to Boost Employee Health and Productivity By Jamelie Bachaalani

Managing Risk in a Changing World By Laura Bohnert

Food Worth Talking About Culinary innovation and exceptional service at the Edmonton EXPO Centre

TOGETHER WE BUILD SUCCESS.

River Cree Resort and Casino Expansion Enoch Cree Nation Our Special Projects Division added over 25,000 square feet of new space to the casino, along with the installation of a state-of the-art HVAC system. We worked closely with the River Cree team and trade contractors to execute this design-build in a compressed schedule of eight months.

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CORPORATE GIVING IS IN OUR DNA // TERRY O’FLYNN

Corporate Giving is in Our DNA BY TERRY O’FLYNN, CHAIRMAN, ALBERTA ENTERPRISE GROUP

usinesses both big and small contribute much of their hard-earned dollars to charities and other not-forprofit organizations. However, with businesses facing increasing tax burdens by all levels of government, a reduced bottom line is bound to have an impact on how much is left over at the end of the day to share with charities relying on their generosity. This in turn could result in an increased burden on taxpayers as charities seek a replacement for lost corporate revenues – or even worse, a reduction of programs for those Albertans in need of these services. Likely a result of the downturn and lost jobs throughout the province, recent data from Statistics Canada demonstrates a marked decrease in the number of people making donations, and this drop has been ongoing for quite some time. As of 2015, only 21.6 per cent of Alberta taxpayers were donating to charity. That represents a 14.6 per cent drop from 2005. Further, only 0.66 per cent of Albertans’ aggregate income was donated in 2015, down 22.5 per cent from 2005. In 2017, both Calgary and Edmonton continued to notice a decline in the number of donors, with Calgary’s decreasing by 4.3 per cent and Edmonton’s decreasing by 4.4 per cent from the previous year. Despite a decrease in the number of Albertans donating annually, Statistics Canada also identified an increase in the amount of money donated throughout the province, which begs to reason that if less individuals are donating then businesses must be stepping in to make up the difference. Business owners often prefer to donate through their companies for both brand recognition and to demonstrate good corporate citizenship. In society, there has been a growing animosity towards business people in general. While often viewed as greedy (spending money on the corporate jet), the reality is the opposite. Alberta’s business owners are hurting yet they are

still finding ways to support the causes dear to their heart. Giving is in their DNA. The economy, however, isn’t the only factor that could be impacting charitable giving – increasing taxes could be influencing donors to reallocate fewer dollars to charitable budget items. For Alberta, the average age of donors is 55. Those nearing and exceeding retirement age are donating higher amounts. This suggests there could be a significant connection between charitable donations and taxation—or more importantly, tax breaks (especially at the corporate level). Could we possibly have fewer donors because of increasing tax pressure on successful entrepreneurs and business owners? Individual taxpayers have been pushed to the point of decreasing their charitable giving. How much further can businesses be pushed as well? Any shortfalls will land back at the government’s door which impacts all Canadians. Don’t forget: we are the tax base. Our elected leaders should bear this in mind as it is those charitable donations that support important aspects of our society like hospitals, research and social systems. So, before the rallying cry goes up to push more taxes on the wealthy and corporations, please consider that, despite a recent recession and a drop in the number of people donating, those who are able are still doing their best to be charitable. But that will stop if those same people and companies are forced to reallocate their donation dollars to pay more taxes. It’s a sad and unwelcome trope to “punish” the successful who have worked hard to gain wealth, especially since those same people and entities are so willing to share it. Something to remember the next time you see a new piece of equipment at the Stollery, STARS in the air or families making use of Ronald McDonald House.

BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // NOVEMBER 2019

ALBERTA ADVANTAGE IMMIGRATION STRATEGY A GOOD START // DAVID MACLEAN

Alberta Advantage Immigration Strategy a Good Start BY DAVID MACLEAN

ack in October, the Alberta government began consulting with businesses, immigration experts and support organizations from across the province on developing what it calls an Alberta Advantage Immigration Strategy. The stated objective of the discussion was to help the province address long-term labour challenges and ensure that immigration is aligned with Alberta’s economic needs. Underlining the government’s seriousness, Labour and Immigration Minister Jason Copping attended and participated in the session for nearly an entire afternoon. This is a good sign. Of the many things that keep manufacturers up at night, skills and labour shortages top the list. Not only is it issue number one, it is a problem that has been increasing in intensity over time. In CME’s 2018 Management Issues Survey (MIS), 70 per cent of managers said that skills and labour shortages were their primary concern. According to the Manufacturing Workforce Survey conducted over the summer of 2019, that number grew to 85 per cent – a 15 point jump in less than a year. Think of that statistic for a minute. Eight out of 10 employers in Canada’s industrial sector are struggling with skills and labour shortages. What was originally a problem has become a full-blown crisis. It is fueling manufacturing’s poor business investment and competitiveness performance and causing us to fall further behind our global peers. Addressing the skills, labour, and training problems of the manufacturing sector is, therefore, critical to ensure our future collective prosperity.

The difficulty is that skills, labour, and training challenges are multifaceted, multi-jurisdictional, and multiplying. We’re past the point of quick fixes. Small scale, short-term public policy solutions are no longer adequate to solve these problems. From the broadest of perspectives, what is needed is not just a plan (which we lay out here) but a commitment from employers and government to address this issue once and for all. CME conducted extensive surveying on skills and labour shortages during the first half of 2019. We identified three fundamental problems that need correcting: lack of engagement between employers and academia, lack of capacity for employers to invest in skills and training, and inadequate immigration into Canada to arrest the shrinking of the workforce. In our recently study we make a serious of recommendations aimed at all levels of government to help address the problem. Recommendations range from tweaking the Canada Job Grant, creating a training tax credit that would offset payroll taxes and an ambitious call to increase the number of economic class immigrants to 500,000 per year by 2025. The Alberta government appears to be on the same page. It’s looking at programs to attract rural entrepreneurs and international graduates who intend to start a business, and other approaches to bringing the world’s best and brightest to Alberta. It’s time for all levels of government to work together towards an immigration system that will help manufacturers grow. CANADIAN MANUFACTURERS & EXPORTERS (CME) IS THE VOICE OF CANADIAN MANUFACTURING. CME REPRESENTS MORE THAN 2,500 COMPANIES WHO ACCOUNT FOR AN ESTIMATED 82 PER CENT OF MANUFACTURING OUTPUT AND 90 PER CENT OF CANADA’S EXPORTS.

NOVEMBER 2019 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

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A New President Joins the University Hospital Foundation

Dr. Jodi L. Abbott has been selected as the University Hospital Foundation’s new president and CEO, reports the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. As the president and CEO of NorQuest College, a position she held for nine years, Dr. Abbott was integral in transforming the college into a more successful postsecondary institution that could serve an increasingly diverse population. Dramatic growth was a defining feature of NorQuest College over the last decade, thanks to Dr. Abbott and initiatives such as 1000 Women: A Million Possibilities, which has raised over $3.3 million to enable NorQuest College students to pursue education and reach goals. Her time with NorQuest College was also marked by several recognitions for the school, including Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures in 2018, and the Alberta Chambers of Commerce award for inclusion and diversity. Prior to joining NorQuest College, Dr. Abbott served as a senior vice president with Alberta Health Services and has since remained connected to the healthcare community in Edmonton. Some highlights of her career include two Canada’s Most Powerful Women awards for her work in post-secondary education and healthcare, as well as helping to raise $170 million in capital funds to build NorQuest’s Singhmar Centre for Learning, a state-of-the-art facility that opens doors to thousands of students every year. “We’re very pleased to welcome Dr. Abbott to the University Hospital Foundation. The leadership of the president and CEO is vitally important to the success of the Foundation, and we’re thrilled to have someone with her experience, passion and close connections to the community help us continue raising funds to advance patient care,” says board member David Finlay. Dr. Abbott joins the University Hospital Foundation effective January 6, 2020. She will be taking over the

role from Joyce Mallman Law who is retiring from the Foundation in fall 2019, after an impressive 32-year career. “I am excited to join the University Hospital Foundation and am grateful for the opportunity to take on this new challenge. The Foundation has done outstanding work and the quality of healthcare in our community is a direct result of so many of the initiatives they have supported. It’s a perfect time in my career to join an organization that is committed to innovation and to bringing the best new ideas, treatments, and technologies to our community,” says Dr. Abbott. In between Law’s retirement this fall and Abbott’s appointment in the new year, Christy Holtby, vice president of strategic partnerships, will be acting president for the Foundation. The University Hospital Foundation raises and manages funds to push the boundaries of patient care, research and healthcare education at the University of Alberta Hospital, the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute and the Kaye Edmonton Clinic. For more information visit GivetoUHF.ca.

ABOVE: DR. JODI L. ABBOTT PHOTO SOURCE: EPIC PHOTOGRAPHY INC.

NOVEMBER 2019 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

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BioNeutra™ Unveils VitaFiber

Recently, VitaFiber™, Canada’s newest healthy alternative to sugar, was launched. It’s targeted at two of the world’s major health problems: obesity and digestive problems. Scheduled to be on the shelves of select stores in Canada by late October, VitaFiber is trying to win the war against sugary diets and lack of fiber. While a mass grocery rollout is planned for the future, for now you will have to visit health food stores to test VitaFiber for yourself.

HEALTH CANADA SAYS WOMEN NEED 25 GRAMS OF FIBER DAILY, AND MEN NEED 38 GRAMS, BUT THE BAD NEWS IS THAT MOST PEOPLE ARE ONLY CONSUMING ABOUT HALF OF THEIR DAILY REQUIREMENTS. Described as a leader in its industry by the Government of Canada, BioNeutra™, the maker of VitaFiber, is an Edmonton-based company. They’ve developed a patented process that converts the starches of natural plants like peas or tapioca into a syrup or powder sugar replacement suitable for all diets (vegan, halal, etc.) and is even great for those with lactose or gluten intolerances.

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Health Canada says women need 25 grams of fiber daily, and men need 38 grams, but the bad news is that most people are only consuming about half of their daily requirements. One tablespoon of VitaFiber has 11 per cent of your daily intake requirement, which is the equivalent of two raw carrots. “Health experts estimate that up to 14 million Canadian adults are

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overweight and 9 million Canadians experience some form of digestive problems including irregularity and constipation,” says BioNeutra’s CEO, Dr. Jianhua Zhu. “Both cost the country’s health care system tens of millions of dollars in treatment annually and lost productivity. Canadians are looking to the natural health industry for help. We worked hard to come up with a natural, healthy, plant-based alternative to sugar. That’s what VitaFiber is.” Until now, VitaFiber has been on the market and sold as a functional food ingredient. Which is to say that it’s been treated as an additive and used by about 200 international (Europe, U.S.) makers of protein bars, yogurts, beverages, ice cream and confectionaries as a B2B product. Over the last six years, $140 million in sales have occurred, and VitaFiber has also found a market on Amazon and Shopify. Many home cooks have used these avenues to get VitaFiber into their homes and utilize it in their baking. Thanks to this hugely successful online roll out, consumers will now be able to access VitaFiber more conventionally. BioNeutra North America, winner of top science awards and ranked one of Canada’s fastest growing companies by Canadian Business magazine and Maclean’s, developed the natural sweetener through a multi-million dollar research program that involved R & D at universities in three countries and the National Research Council. VitaFiber was approved for sale in 30 countries following the review of scientific studies and a clinical trial submitted to the world’s top three health regulatory bodies: the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Health Canada and the European Food Safety Authority. To find out more about BioNetura and its VitaFiber product, visit bioneutra.ca.

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THE UNSTOPPABLE POWER OF VALARD // COVER

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THE UNSTOPPABLE POWER OF VALARD // COVER

Unstoppable Power OF VALARD THE

CONNECTING PEOPLE AND POWERING COMMUNITIES BY NERISSA MCNAUGHTON

alard is a different type of utility contractor with the ability to handle any project, any size, anywhere. Offering more than 30 industry solutions and enjoying a local and a global presence, this Albertan company was born to be a leader in the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) field. The story of Valard started in 1978 when Victor Budzinski founded the company in Grande Prairie. The Valard difference was quickly apparent as the agile company grew at a rapid rate and within five years was awarded a major contract in British Columbia. During the 80s and 90s, growth continued as Valard swept through Western Canada with a plethora of contracts for the maintenance and construction of power systems. Soon Valard was also active in the far north, operating in the Yukon and North West Territories. In 2010 Victor appointed Adam Budzinski as president and CEO. That was also the year the company joined Quanta Services Inc. Through acquiring more than 200 companies, Quanta became the largest utility contractor in the world. The strategic move to join Quanta significantly increased Valard’s resources and range of services.

Today those services are provided by a team of over 3,000, from Alberta to Norway and beyond. Valard continues to enjoy success after success, including being awarded North America’s largest EPC electric transmission project in 2015 (which was completed without any loss time incidents, ahead of schedule and on budget), and entering the tropical storm restoration market in 2018. Although primarily known as a power system contractor, Valard also has a significant presence in general trades, civil construction, and telecommunications. As a full EPC company, Valard saves clients millions of dollars by offering a full range of in-house construction, foundation, geomatic, and engineering (substations, lines, civil) services, while never wavering from the values of safety, efficiency, quality, and working within clients’ budgets and deadlines. This year sees another landmark event for Valard. In June, Barkley Adams stepped into the role of president and CEO, and he is excited to continue the company’s 40+ years of excellence. “I’ve been with Valard since Quanta amalgamated McGregor Construction into Valard in January of 2015. Prior to that, I was president of McGregor Construction, where I’d been

ABOVE: BARKLEY ADAMS, PRESIDENT AND CEO, OF VALARD. PHOTO SOURCE: LAUGHING DOG PHOTOGRAPHY

BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // NOVEMBER 2019

THE UNSTOPPABLE POWER OF VALARD // COVER

working since 1988,” says Adams. “I was approached by Quanta to take the reins of the president/CEO role after Adam Budzinski’s departure. Founder Victor’s legacy will continue to pay dividends for Valard well into the future. I have the support of the people of Valard, making the transition seamless and positive. Valard began as a family business and that feeling will be maintained, even as our employee numbers continue to climb into the thousands.” Adams thought his job in construction would be transitional, but after entering the work force, he found his place in the industry and decided to stay. “The people and the type of work has kept me stimulated. Every day and every project is unique in itself and has provided challenges that continue to grab my attention and interest. Once you have built one power line, one tends to want to continue to build more. It’s a unique industry with a lot of pride and patriotism.” With the scope and size of Valard, Adams has a lot on his plate, but he has a unique way of balancing the load.

“I try to find a way to bring humour into every situation – I think it’s one of the great things we all share, and it breaks down barriers between people and groups without even trying!” He continues, “I’m always inspired when I see our people engaged in communicating and planning at all levels; seeing our people working outside in conditions of -35oC with a wind chill and finishing difficult tasks to give us the ability to have electricity at home every night.” The team, from the management to administration to the field, work hard to meet the daily challenges of their projects, and the challenges brought on by an everchanging economy. Adams cites, “Ensuring that we succeed in our three major upcoming projects and that we position ourselves to be competitive in a challenging economy,” as priorities, but also enjoys what he finds the most rewarding about Valard, which is, “Watching such a diverse group of experts and specialists work together, respect each other’s contributions and achieve successful results.” ABOVE: VALARD CREWS TYING IN CONDUCTOR WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF TWO HELICOPTERS AND LADDERS ON THE NEW FORT MCMURRAY WEST TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT NEAR WABASCA, AB. HELICOPTERS ARE USED TO TRANSPORT LADDERS, TOOLS, MATERIAL AND CREW MEMBERS BETWEEN STRUCTURES TO HELP SPEED UP PRODUCTIVITY.

NOVEMBER 2019 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

PHOTO SOURCE: LAUGHING DOG PHOTOGRAPHY

The Business Owner Presentation Series Insights to Help You Address Your Business Challenges

Alberta’s economy has changed dramatically in the past five years. Add emerging industries and technologies to the mix and there are plenty of topics and challenges top of mind with business owners. MNP’s monthly Business Owner Presentation Series is designed to offer insights on the most relevant topics on the minds of business owners — and help you address the pressing challenges keeping you up at night. November Feature Presentation: U.S. Tax: Critical steps to consider when thinking about expanding your business across the border. Date:

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

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Location: Delta Edmonton South 4404 Gateway Blvd NW, Edmonton, AB Visit MNP.ca/BusinessOwnerSeries-Tax to register and find out more about this timely event.

THE UNSTOPPABLE POWER OF VALARD // COVER

To be an effective leader, Adams knows the importance of sustainable growth, and also knows that growth can only come from a healthy, cohesive team. “I personally reinforce the importance of work/life balance at every employee gathering. As far as maintaining our quality, we place a lot of value on experience and, while Valard has a lot of young people, we also have a core of very senior tradespeople, engineers, and executives that have grown with the company or have been brought in through our acquisitions over the years,” he informs. He also recognizes that growth is tied to Alberta’s resources, even when those resources are at the heart of political debate. While many foreign investments are leaving the province and the country, Valard’s stance is to stand up for Alberta and advocate for continued investment and promotion of the resources that have provided jobs and sustainability for so many years. Recognizing that oil and gas deadlocks also affect the electrical industry, Valard has taken

the forward-looking steps of diversifying revenue streams and preparing to face whatever the future brings. “Alberta is oil and oil needs pipelines. Without progress on these, there’s no need for the related power. We, like everyone in Alberta, are dependent on oil getting to market,” Adams says firmly. “In addition, the renewable sector is considering replacing coal fired power generation with greener sources. This will require distribution, substations and transmission components to connect to the Alberta grid.” No matter what happens in the future, Valard is poised to keep growing and succeeding, thanks to a long-range vision and strategic planning backed by the success major projects such as the Fort McMurray West 500 kV transmission line (WFMAC), the East-West Tie and Watay projects in Ontario, and several new initiatives in America, Australia, and Europe. Adams points out, “Customer service means making our clients successful; my definition of a client includes ABOVE: VALARD CONSTRUCTION EMPLOYEES PARTICIPATING IN THE ENBRIDGE RIDE TO CONQUER CANCER 2019. THE TEAM HAS RAISED $480,000 SINCE JOINING THE RIDE FIVE YEARS AGO. PHOTO SOURCE: ALBERTA CANCER FOUNDATION

NOVEMBER 2019 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

THE UNSTOPPABLE POWER OF VALARD // COVER

considering them a partner in the project. I believe our goals are the same as our customers’, which is to complete our work safely, on budget, on time and with excellent quality.” Valard is very proud of its work with Indigenous communities. The past and present CEOs feel that, “We have a longstanding commitment of providing benefits to Indigenous communities regardless of where we work and regardless of the requirements of our clients. Our vision of a project built through traditional territory is that when the project is complete the community should feel that not only were they consulted, but it is something they have helped to deliver on their own terms; as opposed to a further monument to injustice. If members of a community can drive past a transmission line and feel it is something they are proud of, as opposed to something that was imposed on them, it will increase the likelihood that the transmission facility owner is invited back to construct on that territory again. We feel social responsibility relative to our company’s activities, as well as those undertaken by our industry as a whole.” Adams also says, “From the point of view of the other topics of social responsibility such as carbon footprints, Valard is positioned in such a way that it stands to be a major beneficiary of the electrical infrastructure build-out that is required to displace our current dependence on carbon intensive sources of energy.” This commitment to the communities it serves, its own team, and the environment has been robustly recognized in the industry. “Back in December of 2014 when Alberta Powerline (a Valard/ATCO partnership) won the bid for WFMAC, which including two substations from Edmonton to Fort McMurray, it was considered to be the largest EPC electric transmission project ever awarded in North America,” says Adams. “We’re quite proud of that and so far, this world class project has been recognized with the following:

• P3 Deal of the Year by Project Finance International • IGlobal’s Transmission Deal of the Year Award • Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board’s Top Employer of Indigenous Apprentices Award • Canadian Council National Awards for Public-Private Partnerships – Project Financing Award • Featured in the Great Canadian Projects Issue of Piling Canada • Included in ReNew Canada’s Top 100 Infrastructure Projects • Centre of Excellence’s Award as an Innovative Projects • At the Fort McMurray Construction Awards: o Young Construction Executive Leadership – Brett Smit o Outstanding Woman in Construction – Honourable Mention for Seema Taylor o Trade Contractor of the Year o Project Over $50 M. Achievement Award Adams is humbled and grateful for the industry recognition that shows he and the Valard team are doing the right things, ethically, efficiently, and purposely-driven, both locally and abroad. Valard has seen many changes during it’s first 41 years of operation. From its humble beginnings in Grande Prairie to becoming one of the most recognized names in EPC on the planet, this company will continue to light up communities wherever it goes. “We are very passionate in finding new ways and places that we can put our project teams to work,” Adams concludes with a smile. Learn more about how Valard connects people and powers communities by visiting www.valard.com.

BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // NOVEMBER 2019

CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES TO BOOM ACROSS ALBERTA // CONSTRUCTION

CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES TO BOOM ACROSS ALBERTA BY JAMELIE BACHAALANI

f there is one stereotype we as Edmontonians can all agree on it is the age-old joke that Alberta only has two seasons — winter and construction. Building Edmonton, a web-based guide developed by the City of Edmonton to help inform residents and businesses about planned infrastructure projects across the city, shows over 100 active construction projects happening right now. From neighbourhood renewal projects to the expansion of the LRT line and downtown core, there doesn’t seem to be a shortage of jobs when it comes to construction.

BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // NOVEMBER 2019

CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES TO BOOM ACROSS ALBERTA // CONSTRUCTION

“I TRULY BELIEVE THE FUTURE OF CONSTRUCTION IS ONE THAT IS THRIVING AND STRONG WITH INCREASED DIVERSITY AND A GREATER REPRESENTATION OF OUR POPULATION,” SAYS D’ARCY NEWBERRY. According to The Construction Forecasts, an online delivery system that provides construction organizations with timely forecast data funded by the Government of Canada’s Sectorial Initiatives Program, construction employment rose in 2018 for the first time since 2015, and is expected to keep rising by 20,400 jobs between 2021 and 2028. For those considering a change in careers or are entering the workforce, Alberta’s construction and maintenance industry will need to hire and retain almost 59,500 workers over the coming decade to meet the demands of moderate growth and replace an estimated 40,800 workers expected to retire. “I truly believe the future of construction is one that is thriving and strong with increased diversity and a greater representation of our population,” says D’Arcy Newberry, vice president and district manager, Chandos Construction. “It is a workforce that understands innovation and technology, and is attracting more youth, women, minorities, Indigenous peoples, and new Canadians.” Since its inception in 1980, Chandos has grown into one of the largest mid-sized contractors in Canada. From the very start, the company has been 100 per cent employee-owned and focused on leading change in the Canadian construction industry. Not only were they named one of Alberta’s top 75 em-

ployers this year, but they were also selected as one of Canada’s best employers for recent graduates by The Career Directory. Highlights for new or soon-to-be grads interested in applying at Chandos include paid internships and co-op opportunities, subsidies for professional accreditation, orientation programs, online and in-house training, mentoring, in-house career planning services and leadership training, a competitive starting salary, health benefits, flexible work hours and telecommuting. Employees even receive paid time off to volunteer. Typical entry positions for new grads include project coordinator, junior estimator, apprentice carpenter, accountant, and other corporate service roles. With offices already located in Vancouver, Kelowna, Calgary, Red Deer, Toronto and Edmonton, Chandos has significant plans to continue to grow over the next five to 10 years and will need to hire 500 new employees during this time.

ABOVE: D’ARCY NEWBERRY, VICE PRESIDENT & DISTRICT MANAGER, CHANDROS CONSTRUCTION.

NOVEMBER 2019 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

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CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES TO BOOM ACROSS ALBERTA // CONSTRUCTION

“SINCE WE OPENED OUR DOORS IN 2015, WE HAVE PROVIDED OVER 260 ALBERTA EMPLOYERS WITH SKILLED INDIGENOUS WORKERS,” SAYS RUBY LITTLECHILD. “We know it will be a challenge, but we are putting in recruitment strategies to tap into alternative talent pools. Partnering with social enterprises, working with at risk youth, and finding new ways to attract women, Indigenous groups, and members of the LGBTQ2S+ community is very important to us,” says Newberry. “As the first and largest B Corp certified commercial general contractor in North America it is at the core of what we do.” B Corp certification measures a company’s entire social and environmental performance. In order to become certified, businesses must meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. “We put a lot of time and energy into making sure we are holding true to our commitments and using our business as a force for good,” says Newberry. Current projects for Chandos in Alberta include the rebuild of Edmonton’s beloved Roxy Theatre, the development of St. Joseph High School, the modernization of St. Patrick’s Community School in Red Deer, and a new wastewater treatment plant for Lloydminster. This project will have

significant benefits for current and future generations along with the downstream cities, towns, villages and Indigenous communities that rely on the North Saskatchewan River. “Part of our social responsibility is looking at how we can partner with local communities. For example, we’re rebuilding wastewater treatment facilities for Indigenous communities and want to employ local people on the job,” Newberry adds. “These systems were built 30 to 40 years ago, and there was no proper training put in place for Indigenous communities to maintain or operate them. Long-term boil water advisories are currently in effect for 56 First Nations across Canada, which is completely unacceptable — there is no way Canadians shouldn’t have fresh water. We are implementing training pro-grams, so communities know how to maintain and operate treatment facilities. Chandos will be on call for the next several years at absolutely no cost to assist with training.”

ABOVE: RUBY LITTLECHILD, NORQUEST COLLEGE, AICCC MANAGER.

NOVEMBER 2019 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES TO BOOM ACROSS ALBERTA // CONSTRUCTION

Chandos is also a partner of NorQuest College’s Alberta Indigenous Construction Career Centre (AICCC), a unique service designed in 2014 to connect prospective Indigenous workers with employers recruiting for construction-related careers. Chandos collaborated with AICCC during the Norquest College Heritage Tower renovation project and trained and employed AICCC students — some of whom are still working with the company today. “Since we opened our doors in 2015, we have provided over 260 Alberta employers with skilled Indigenous workers,” says Ruby Littlechild, AICCC manager. From May 2018 to August of this year, the AICCC has trained 4,750 clients — many of whom travel from across Canada to attend the Centre’s services. “We are seeing a specific demand in Edmonton for jobs with

the LRT expansion and pipeline develop-ment. Our clients can be work ready and on site within two weeks,” Littlechild adds. Not only does the AICCC train and connect Indigenous peoples with employers, like Chandos, they also offer resume development, job searching services, and one-on-one employment counselling. “There are many avenues for youth wishing to explore a career in the trades,” says Kent Dietrich, work-force manager at PCL Builders Inc. “With a lot of baby boomers retiring, it’s going to be a younger workforce, and hopefully more young people see the trades as a great and rewarding career. It’s definitely a partnership between public and private industry and both need to continue to promote careers in the trades because we’re going to need them.”

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CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES TO BOOM ACROSS ALBERTA // CONSTRUCTION

A pathway to a trade certificate can take many different directions. PCL has employees who joined with no construction experience and are now registered apprentices working towards journeyperson status.

“Although our industry has slowed down, skilled trades are still in high demand. As the economy recovers, we’ll be challenged to find the people to build our upcoming projects,” Dietrich concludes.

“Our industry faces challenges attracting young people into the trades, and programs such as the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP), provide exposure, opportunities and career options within the trades,” adds Dietrich.

PCL Builders Inc. is one of Edmonton’s most preferred commercial and civil infrastructure employers that hires and oversees many of the tradespeople working on project sites across the city and Northern Alberta. PCL is currently accepting resumes for journeyman carpenters, concrete finishers, and labourers for upcoming long-term work on marquee projects in the Edmonton area, and throughout the province.

Supported by most high schools in the province, the RAP program provides students with the opportuni-ty to gain high school credits while pursuing a trade ticket through on the job training. According to Dietrich, PCL has many long-term employees who started their careers as RAP students and have gone on to achieve their Journeyperson certification.

NOVEMBER 2019 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

It looks like the construction industry in Alberta, and opportunities to become a skilled worker within it, will be booming for quite some time.

AUTOMATED AND INNOVATIVE HEALTHCARE // HEALTH CARE

AUTOMATED AND INNOVATIVE HEALTHCARE BY BRITTANY DA SILVA

utomation and technology are impacting healthcare in Edmonton for the better. As technology continues to improve and develop, there are many companies who are using these advancements to benefit patients all across the province. Dr. Russ Greiner is one of the primary researchers at the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii) and is also a professor of computing science at the University of Alberta. He specializes in machine learning for medical applications. In terms of how technology impacts the world of healthcare, he states, “There is now a tremendous opportunity for artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance healthcare practitioners’ ability to understand their patients’ status and make datadriven decisions that will lead to better health outcomes.” Amii seeks to enhance understanding and innovation within the numerous subfields of machine intelligence, which is said to exist at the intersection of machine learning and artificial

intelligence. Machine intelligence is advanced computing that enables a machine to interact with its environment in an intelligent way. Amii specializes in the research and development of machine learning technologies, which enables a computer system to actually learn from, and continuously adapt to, data without being explicitly programmed for that data. So, how exactly does all of this relate to healthcare? Dr. Greiner’s work is currently focused in the areas of personalized medicine and computational psychology, producing machine learning tools that enable data-driven assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and survival time prediction. He states, “The rapid development of machine learning technologies, which underpins most of these AI-related results, has allowed researchers like those at Amii to develop methods for leveraging the many varieties of data available to physicians – clinical features, omics data, medical imaging and so forth – in ways that we could never

BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // NOVEMBER 2019

AUTOMATED AND INNOVATIVE HEALTHCARE // HEALTH CARE

AQUATIC THERAPY, ALSO KNOWN AS HYDROTHERAPY, IS ONE OF THE MANY OFFERINGS AVAILABLE TO PATIENTS AT LEADING EDGE PHYSIOTHERAPY. WHAT MAKES THEIR HYDROTHERAPY PROGRAM STAND OUT IS THEIR INVESTMENT IN SWIMEX TECHNOLOGY, WHICH IS OFTEN ONLY RESERVED FOR ELITE ATHLETES. and training, and in our dedication to hiring the right people who share our values.” Aquatic therapy, also known as hydrotherapy, is one of the many offerings available to patients at Leading Edge Physiotherapy. What makes their hydrotherapy program stand out is their investment in Swimex technology, which is often only reserved for elite athletes. On its own, aquatic therapy allows patients to strengthen weakened muscles, while reducing any joint and soft-tissue swelling. The buoyancy of water supports the patient’s weight, reducing the compressive loading forces that are often present within land-based activity programs. have done previously. Through these tools, today’s physicians are gaining the crucial insights needed to help future patients, built from the knowledge of human experts and the experiences of the countless patients who came before.” The advancements that are being made within the healthcare industry are having a profound effect on the quality of care that patients are receiving, while also shortening recovery times following an injury. Grant Fedoruk is an owner and the president of Leading Edge Physiotherapy, with clinics in St. Albert and Edmonton. Leading Edge Physiotherapy strives to be exactly that: a leader in the industry, offering the latest in automation and technology to their patients. Fedoruk explains, “We strive to live up to that name in our interactions with patients, in our investment in technology

NOVEMBER 2019 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

Swimex technology takes hydrotherapy one step further, offering patients the opportunity to train in a heated pool with a controlled water current, in order to swim in a ‘static’ setting. Fedoruk explains, “The pool is equipped with depth adjustments, workstations, controllable speed water current and observation windows. We are able to exercise our patients in a temperature-controlled environment that allows for more flexibility and a reduction in pain-associated limitations.” As the technology within the pool is fully adjustable, every session can be customized per patient. Considering the science behind Swimex technology, Fedoruk states, “The resistance, hydrostatic pressure and proprioception provided by the heated moving water stimulates muscle contraction patterns, making this form of aquatic therapy an excellent tool for treatment of low back pain, neck pain, as well as for

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NOVEMBER 2019 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

AUTOMATED AND INNOVATIVE HEALTHCARE // HEALTH CARE

the complete range of orthopaedic conditions including joint replacements and reconstructions.”

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In the same way that Swimex technology offers less resistance to movement than any of the exercises that can be done on land, the Alter-G Zero Gravity Treadmill® takes the pressure off of an injury so that rehabilitation can happen gradually. Fedoruk explains the benefits of such technology, stating, “With the Alter-G Zero Gravity Treadmill, we are able to get our patients weight bearing in a comfortable and safe environment earlier than they would otherwise. This not only speeds recovery timelines but can also reduce the pain and risk inherent with them.” The technology behind the Alter-G Zero Gravity Treadmill was originally developed for use in space, so that astronauts could exercise, despite living within a zero-gravity environment. By bringing this technology to the patients of Edmonton, those

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BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // NOVEMBER 2019

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impact on today’s healthcare industry, as Fedoruk states, “These technologies not only allow a person to regain activity sooner, but they do it in a way that is less painful.” He further explains, “The impact on healthcare in Edmonton is that it raises the bar. By pushing the envelope with technology, we are able to improve on the successes we already have with patients every day.”

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Technological advancements and automation clearly affect the type and scope of care that a patient receives, but Trioova is specifically concerning itself with the doctor-patient relationship. A business analyst for Trioova, explains, “Designed for patients, caregivers and families, Trioova is simplifying healthcare communication and collaboration. Trioova is Smart Healthcare, where and when you need it.” As a company, Trioova seeks to empower the patient, caregiver and their loved ones by offering them a chance to experience connected healthcare. Trioova believes that our healthcare systems are moving towards a model of connected care, in response to the cumbersome and disjointed communication channels of the past. By improving the quality of communication and opening up the lines of communication between a patient and their multiple clinicians and caregivers, Trioova hopes to empower patients and those people within their circle of care.

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The analyst states, “Trioova gives patients and caregivers the tools they need to advocate for themselves in the healthcare system. Caregivers make up more than a quarter of the population; Trioova will empower and enable a caregiver’s ability to care for their loved ones.” Advancements in technology and automation increase the accessibility of healthcare for those who need it, when they need it. For others, including Dr. Greiner and Fedoruk, these new developments make it possible to shorten the downtimes associated with injuries and get people back on their feet faster than ever before. Perhaps Fedoruk says it best in stating, “In some instances, with technology, we are able to advance the rehabilitation sooner and our goal is that this ultimately leads to better outcomes for our patients than we would have seen without the technology.” The healthcare industry is quickly expanding, with more automation and technology than ever before. At the rate at which these advancements are being released for public use, healthcare organizations and professionals must keep up, or risk falling behind on the times.

NOVEMBER 2019 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

THE ESOP OPTION // SUCCESSION PLANNING

THE ESOP OPTION YOUR COMPANY-INVESTED SUCCESSORS COULD BE THE PEOPLE YOU WORK WITH EVERY DAY BY NERISSA MCNAUGHTON

hen it comes time to hand over the company reins, but you don’t have an heir or your heirs are not interested, how do you keep the legacy going? Glen Demke, enterprise tax partner from KPMG in Canada’s Edmonton office has some advice.

providing individuals with an interest in the performance of the corporation’s stock/business. These strategies have a history of being used not only to include the employees in the future plans of the business, but also to attract and retain top level talent,” explains Demke.

“An Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP) is an equity-based compensation plan intended to align an employee group or management’s interests with those of the shareholders, by

He notes that ESOP is best suited for a small to medium sized business and that there is a growing trend where ESOP is used as a form of transition or succession planning.

BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // NOVEMBER 2019

THE ESOP OPTION // SUCCESSION PLANNING

“We see this as a driving force where the business owner has no family members that have expressed an interest in the future of the business and there is a limited market of potential buyers outside the employee/ management group.” He continues, “ESOPs are customizable, which is why they are such a powerful structure when dealing with transition and succession planning. Strictly speaking from a tax perspective, the company does not have to put up any cash when the employee exercises the stock options. This helps the company to retain and preserve its existing cash flow. “The employees can defer the tax incurred when exercising those stock options until the disposition date, and still receive a 50 per cent deduction (in most circumstances). It helps to think of this option as how capital gains are taxed. Capital gains realized by the employee upon disposition of the shares may be eligible for the capital gains exemption if the shares qualify as small business corporation shares at the time of sale.” Demke also notes, “I would be remiss if we talked about the advantages without bringing caution to some of the disadvantages. Although no cash is required by the company when they provide an ESOP structure, the company also does not get a tax break. Additionally, the company may have to list the procedure as a compensation expense (benefit) in their accounting. Don’t forget that issuing new shares, even to employees, dilutes the shareholdings of the company and this could cause issues with control of the corporation. He continues, “The most important thing every business owner should have when using the ESOP structure is a plan

in place to transition without destabilization. And when the plan is implemented, everyone involved must remember that a tax burden falls on the employees. Further the business owner has to recognize that the employee shareholders now have legal rights as owners that should be considered with legal counsel prior to implementing the stock option plan.” There is a lot to learn before implementing an ESOP, but firms like KPMG can help. Another valuable source of knowledge is the ESOP Association of Canada, which promotes ESOPs and hosts educational events, shares research, and brings together the community of employeeowned companies. “We currently have just over 200 members and another 500 contacts in our database,” says Dean Ell, chair of the association. “Over the past five years we have hosted a very successful annual ESOP Conference that starts with a meet and greet before diving into one and a half days of ESOP

ABOVE: AN ESOP CONFERENCE IN ACTION. PHOTO SOURCE: ESOP ASSOCIATION OF CANADA

NOVEMBER 2019 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

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THE ESOP OPTION // SUCCESSION PLANNING

success stories, ask-the-expert keynote sessions, tax and valuation sessions, succession planning, networking, and so much more.” Ell mentions big plans for the Association as it continues to grow. “In the coming years and as our conference grows in attendance, it would be wonderful to have the resources within the Association to focus efforts towards lobbying the governments of our great country to offer tax incentives for ESOP companies.” He firmly believes in the many advantages of ESOP. “ESOP companies have highly engaged employees who take on more responsibility. It’s a great recruiting tool, turnover and absenteeism drop, and you will see increases in productivity, which all benefit culture and profitability.” Ell cautions not to be swayed in your opinion if your only knowledge of ESOPs comes from America, as the system across the border is very different from the way they are handled in Canada. “ESOPs in the USA are highly regulated; in Canada we can quickly and easily change and adapt our ESOPs if the need arises. You can create a set-it-and-forget- it ESOP or have an evolving ESOP that changes as your business changes,” he advises. Demke is also keen on ESOP’s Canadian advantages. “One of the great benefits to transitioning to an ESOP structure is the flexible timeline it offers as well as the flexible structure itself,” he says. “Generally, when we work with our clients on transition planning, we recommend starting the process at least two years in advance, even better if it can be five. That being said, the ESOP structure typically allows the business owner to transition the business on their own timeline and maintain control of the company until such time as they are ready to walk away.” “The timeline for a full transition is different in every situation with major factors being the number of key employees that are participating in the ESOP structure and the value of the business itself. It is our experience that the employees are often not familiar with the process and

NOVEMBER 2019 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

education is likely required to allow them to fully understand the benefits of what is being offered to them. If the employees do not grasp what is being offered to them, then it is likely that the benefit of engaging the employees in the future growth of the business will be minimized.” Joanna Phillips is the vice president of ESOP Builders, a company that has been designing and implementing ESOPs in Canada for over 20 years for a variety of clients in many different industries. “A typical question for business owns may be, why have an ESOP; why sell to employees?” says Philips. “There are varying levels of success found with different exits. A sale to family (second generation) is only 30 per cent successful, a sale to an external third party is only 50 per cent successful. However, a sale to the employees has an 80 per cent success rate! Why? We believe it is because your employees are the most knowledgeable about the business and its operations, they are already mentally invested and committed to their role, and providing ownership means they become even further invested in the success of their company.” She concludes, “Typically there are three main reasons that bring owners to the decision to implement an ESOP: attract the best talent, retain their brightest and most committed people, and exit on their own terms while keeping the company culture intact.” ESOPs are a wonderful succession tool that are slowly but surely gaining ground in Canada. Learn more by searching employee stock option plans on kpmg.ca. You can connect with ESOP builders at esopbuilders.com. Consider the ESOP Association of Canada’s 2020 conference in Regina on June 1-3 (www.esopconference.ca) where new and seasoned ESOP companies will be in attendance to enjoy time connecting, sharing, learning, networking and growing their companies.

2019 Board of Directors

Advocating for a Business-Forward City budget

Board Executive

Chair: Dawn Harsch President & CEO, ExquisiCare Senior Living and Care at Home Vice Chair: Bryan DeNeve Senior Vice President Finance & CFO, Capital Power Secretary-Treasurer: Craig Thorkelsson Head of Tax, PCL Constructors Inc.

Board Directors

Dr. Glenn Feltham President & CEO, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology Sandy Jacobson Vice President, Richardson Executive Search Elan MacDonald Senior Vice President, National Client Development, Global Public Affairs Scott McEachern Vice President, Pipeline Control, Enbridge Pipelines Inc. Dennis Schmidt Legal Counsel and Associate Development Manager, Alldritt Land Corporation LP Annemarie Petrov President & CEO, Francis Winspear Centre for Music Jeffrey Sundquist Chief Executive Officer, EDC Environmental Group of Companies Inc. Dr. Jenelle Trenchuk-Saik President & CEO, Parker Ford and MacKay Specialty Opticians

Edmonton Chamber Executive Janet M. Riopel President & CEO

Scott Channon Director, Marketing and Communications Brent Francis Director, Advocacy and Outreach Christen Rumbles Director, Finance Amin Samji Director, Member Services

Contact

Edmonton Chamber of Commerce #600 – 9990 Jasper Avenue Edmonton, AB T5J 1P7 T: 780.426.4620 780.424.7946

By Janet M. Riopel, President & CEO, Edmonton Chamber of Commerce

t’s that time of year again. Every fall, the Edmonton Chamber undertakes a purposeful campaign to help inform City budget planning discussions – consulting our members, developing recommendations, and appearing before City Council to urge councillors to consider the needs of businesses as they deliberate costs and review spending. Last year’s campaign was our most comprehensive to date: we formed a Municipal Budget Task Force to analyze the City’s budget and offered constructive advice on ways to lower costs, avoid further property tax increases, and keep business conditions competitive. We take our role as a partner with the City very seriously, and we’ve committed to our members that we will build on our past efforts. This year we have the benefit of a more thorough understanding of the challenges local job creators face, and the perceptions they have of the City’s role in those challenges, through the results of our annual Business Community Survey. This analysis of business conditions in the Region was especially significant because it includes the opinions of both Chamber members and members of the wider Edmonton business community. Businesses surveyed sent a strong message: the City needs to do much more to help businesses remain competitive, grow and thrive. More than half of businesses surveyed disapprove of the way the City manages its budgets, and only one quarter agree that Edmonton businesses get good value for their property taxes. These results echo concerns we’ve long heard from our members, and in the weeks leading up to this year’s budget presentation, we’ll focus our advocacy efforts on working with the City to find more efficient ways of funding priorities and delivering essential services. Speeding up permits and cutting red tape Permitting is one of the areas the City must urgently address in order to boost competitiveness. Just one in three businesses we surveyed agreed that the City of Edmonton approves business permits in a timely fashion, while nearly half said that operating outside the City limits comes with a competitive advantage, owing to less red tape and a lighter regulatory burden. We’re pleased the City has recently undertaken measures to deal with red tape. This summer, Council tabled a motion seeking to cut the time it takes to start a business by one third, allowing businesses to open their doors sooner and grow more quickly. The City also launched an innovative pilot project, appointing a city liaison officer to speed up permit approvals by bringing together city officials from various departments, troubleshooting potential problems, and stewarding projects Continued on next page... BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // NOVEMBER 2019

These are positive signs of progress, and we encourage the City to continue building on the success of these initiatives by making the city liaison officer a permanent part of the City’s permitting process.

As a result of our determined advocacy on this issue, Edmonton’s City Council has taken the first steps towards adopting PriorityBased Budgeting, asking City Administration to report on how it could be implemented in City budgets. As we await their report, we are redoubling our efforts to highlight how PriorityBased Budgeting is a win-win. By better aligning spending and priorities, we can help restore our City’s competitive advantage while funding the services that Edmontonians rely on.

Making Priority-Based Budgeting a priority Ensuring that the projects we fund reflect the priorities of our City is fundamental to sound fiscal management. That’s why we’ve strongly advocated for the adoption of Priority-Based Budgeting, a comprehensive review process that forces a municipality to identify every program offered, determine the costs of these programs, and fund them according to ranked priorities.

Finding more efficient ways to deal with waste When it comes to commercial waste collection, the City has lost $6.2 million since 2012. Given that the City competes with private industry, loses roughly $1 million each year, and diverts only 4.3% of commercial waste in the process, it’s time to change course. That’s why we’ve urged the City to exit this line of business, and we’re pleased to see that ceasing commercial

through the regulatory process. Under this pilot, one of the largest commercial/industrial developers in the Edmonton Region was able to get a permit in 42 days – a fraction of the time it usually takes.

Continued on next page...

NOVEMBER 2019 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

waste collection is part of the new 25-year waste management strategy, which was approved by City Council this summer. While this is a positive step forward, there remain many unanswered questions about the new waste management strategy, including the impacts on business if the City moves forward with restrictions on single-use plastics. We all share the goal of increasing diversion rates to keep waste out of the landfill, and as the new strategy moves forward, we strongly encourage the City to engage with the business community to better understand the challenges they will face. Building an effective and affordable waste management system is vital to the long-term health of our City. As the voice of the business community, we will always advocate for solutions that uphold good financial management, transparent reporting and environmentally responsible solutions, and the future of waste management in Edmonton is no different. Avoiding the high costs of recreation centres Much like the City’s commercial waste collection venture, we’re concerned that the development of new community recreation centres will lead to runaway costs, forcing local businesses and residents to shoulder a heavier tax burden. This summer, City Council approved the plan for the Lewis Farms Facility and Park, a large, multipurpose recreation centre projected to cost taxpayers $321.3 million. While we certainly agree that west-end residents have waited long enough for a community recreation centre, the scope and cost of this project are cause for concern as we consider how the Lewis Farms Facility may influence plans for new recreation centres. Moving forward, we believe there is a better way to proceed with these much-needed community investments. When building a large-scale

recreation centre, the City should look to partner with an organization with knowledge and experience in this area. The largest recreational facility operator in Edmonton outside of government is the YMCA, and over the years the YMCA has partnered with the City to design and construct community recreation facilities all across the City. Once the facilities are built, the centres are self-sufficient and do not require any City subsidies. Through a strategic partnership, the City could leverage available expertise and create dynamic public programming, while ensuring it’s not on the hook for ongoing costs associated with operations, refurbishments and maintenance. While the time to act has passed for the Lewis Farms Facility, for all future recreation centres, partnering with a non-profit could yield more successful – and sustainable – results for our City. Building a City budget that works for Edmonton’s residents, businesses and institutions alike should be a collaborative process. As in years past, we’re determined to bring the needs and concerns of our entrepreneurial business community before Council to shape budget discussions and help residents and businesses avoid future property tax increases. As always, your voice matters. Despite our sustained advocacy on this issue, property taxes are still projected to increase for the next three years. As a result, we invite you to join us at the City Council hearing on December 11th to tell your story: how ever-increasing property taxes are impacting your business and why the increases need to stop. Add your voice to our City budget advocacy! If you have concerns about the City’s operations, budget or taxes please contact us by email: policy@edmontonchamber.com.

Members in this Issue PCL and NorQuest College in Construction Continues to Boom Across Alberta on page 25 KPMG in The ESOP Option on page 37 Bennett Jones and ATB in Beyond Benefits: Top Employers Explain the Tools they Use to Boost Employee Health and Productivity on page 49 City of Edmonton and University of Alberta in Managing Risk in a Changing World on page 54

BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // NOVEMBER 2019

NOVEMBER 2019 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

Bayshore Home Health Member Profile Izabella Roth, Area Director for Edmonton Private Services bayshore.ca What’s your story? I am a Registered Nurse, a wife, a mother of two beautiful little humans, and a dedicated supporter of bringing customer service back to healthcare. When someone has a difficult medical event, loved ones often think they either need to quit their job or take time off work to take care of their loved ones. At Bayshore, we provide the best home care for you or your loved ones—with less stress and worry. We do personality matching and go above and beyond to support our clients through the care process. Offering services throughout Alberta, our care team ensures that there is a personal relationship between caregiver and client. Every moment matters, and we acknowledge that our lives and our health, are really just a series of these moments. Our mission is to make them better, together. What do you enjoy most about being a member of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce? I enjoy the camaraderie and the connectedness of the Edmonton Business community. The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce does an excellent job in connecting local business owners together and providing that purposeful connection. What is one thing people are surprised to learn about your business? People are surprised to learn that they can receive free private healthcare services for themselves or their loved ones. Our biggest barrier for Albertans is that they simply don’t know we exist. If you know of someone that needs help, we can help. It’s as easy as calling us and allowing us to take care of everything. It’s important for family to go back to being family and not a caregiver. That’s what we excel in! Who is your ideal client? Everybody is our potential client. I always say that everybody knows of somebody that needs some additional help. We’ve cared for newborns, teenagers, young adults, elderly and palliative patients—the sky’s the limit!

Izabella Roth, Area Director for Edmonton Private Services

What has been your biggest challenge in business, and how did you overcome it? Our biggest challenge was no one knew who we were and what we did. When I was asked to take over the Edmonton branch, they were considering closing the branch down. Two years ago, we were only making $1700 a week. Today, we just past the $102,000 a week mark. How did we do this? By building an amazing team that all have the same focus: let’s change how people look at healthcare in Canada and bring back customer service! We continue to grow because people are seeing how much we can impact the quality of life of Albertans. What is your favourite thing to do in Edmonton? I cherish the moments of watching my two little humans grow up. If you could make one substantial improvement to Edmonton’s business environment, what would it be? I would encourage the community to create more purposeful networking events. Events that think outside the box and present opportunities that are out of the norm—such as a networking event paired with an Escape room. Pair people together and have them work together to get out!

BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // NOVEMBER 2019

Putting your business in the spotlight. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what we do.

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NOVEMBER 2019 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

Raj Manek Mentorship Program Member Profile Raj Manek, Founder, Raj Manek Mentorship Program manekmentorship.sk.ca What’s your story? Raj Manek Mentorship Program is a non-profit organization founded by the Manek family and the Saskatoon business community in memory of Raj Manek, Sr. He was an influential mentor for many entrepreneurs and was passionate about fostering their growth and development. The Raj Manek Business Mentorship Program keeps his legacy alive by replicating his passions for ensuring entrepreneurs succeed by offering mentorship services, seminars, coaching and other resources to small and medium sized business owners. We have offered mentorship services in Saskatchewan for 23 years and have recently expanded into Edmonton and surrounding areas. What do you enjoy most about being a member of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce? We appreciate the numerous opportunities the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce creates for businesses in Edmonton to network and connect with each other. It is the boost every entrepreneur needs to set their organization up for success. Edmonton is an entrepreneurial hub and the Edmonton Chamber makes it possible to learn from like-minded individuals in similar and diverse fields of business. What is one thing people are surprised to learn about your business? Most people are surprised that the Manek Mentorship Program is 100% volunteer run, and at the high quality of services and resources we offer to our participants. Despite the challenging nature of the journey through entrepreneurship, our program participants have enjoyed a success rate of 83%. We provide one-on-one mentoring, peer-to-peer mentorship, various on-line resources including a business toolkit, and support through our various software programs to support our program participants.

Raj Manek, Founder, Raj Manek Mentorship Program.

Who is your ideal client? Our ideal client is any entrepreneur who has a burning desire to succeed. We assist entrepreneurs of small and medium sized businesses who benefit from mentorship or coaching from start-up, to growth, to succession planning. What is your favorite thing to do in Edmonton? I enjoy networking with entrepreneurs and meeting new people. I love hearing about every individual’s journey through entrepreneurship and learning about the many unique businesses that exist out there. The business world is constantly changing, and it is important to learn from each other and be knowledgeable about current trends. Networking with Edmontonians offers nuanced perspectives about how businesses operate in this environment. If you could make one substantial improvement to Edmonton’s business environment, what would it be? The number one improvement I would institute would be to make more resources available for small business owners to grow and be successful in their fields. Edmonton has many entrepreneurs with bright and innovative ideas who aren’t always sure about how to start or expand their businesses. I strongly believe that resources such as adequate funding, infrastructure, sharing of knowledge and resources would go a long way in helping entrepreneurs thrive—thus improving Edmonton’s business environment. BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // NOVEMBER 2019

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NOVEMBER 2019 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

BEYOND BENEFITS // HUMAN RESOURCES

BEYOND BENEFITS:

TOP EMPLOYERS EXPLAIN THE TOOLS THEY USE TO BOOST EMPLOYEE HEALTH AND PRODUCTIVITY BY JAMELIE BACHAALANI

n 2015, the Social Market Foundation published a study exploring the link between employee health and productivity. One control group received drinks and snacks and watched 10-minute comedy videos before completing a series of tasks. These participants showed a 12 per cent increase in productivity over the control group who received nothing beforehand. While, to an extent, employers may not be able to control the way their employees live outside of work, they can definitely control the environment they experience at work. How are some top employers doing this? “Wellness is becoming more and more important in the workplace, but especially in legal. It is a is a very demanding field with a lot of deadlines, clients, and pressure,” says

Rhonda Heffernan, national director of Human Resources for Bennett Jones, which has been named one of the top employers in Alberta for the past seven years and is a winner of the Aon Platinum Award for Best Employer in Canada 17 years in a row. “Our firm spends a great deal of effort to be a top-tier employer. We want to attract, develop, and reward the best and brightest talent in our markets. Last year, we reviewed and revamped all of our benefits and decided to invest in our wellness initiatives. We offer a wellness subsidy program to all firm members who enroll in a wellness activity. Everyone has an annual spend limit that is 100 per cent reimbursed. Since wellness looks different for everyone, we cast the net

BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // NOVEMBER 2019

Psychologically Safe Workplaces are Good for Business If you are operating a business in Alberta, chances are good that in the past year, you have addressed a complaint about harassment and bullying in the workplace. According to CPHR Alberta’s Fall 2019 HR Trends Report, 62% of human resources professionals reported that their organization received at least one formal complaint and 27% saw an increase in the number of complaints compared to the previous year. This is not surprising when you consider the rise of the #metoo movement as well as the fact that Bill 30 came into effect on June 1, 2018. Both factors have contributed to an increased awareness of bullying and harassment in the workplace. The good news is most organizations in Alberta with HR professionals have policies in place to address harassment, bullying, and violence in the workplace. Overall, 82% have a respectful workplace policy and 9% are currently developing one. Additionally: •

87% OF ORGANIZATIONS HAVE A POLICY CONCERNING WORKPLACE HARASSMENT

•

85% HAVE A VIOLENCE IN THE WORKPLACE POLICY

•

85% HAVE A POLICY TO ADDRESS SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND SEXUAL ASSAULT IN THE WORKPLACE

If, as an organization, you don’t yet have these types of policies in place then now is the time to begin creating a psychologically safe workplace. Creating such policies are only the beginning. As with all policies and procedures, they are only effective if people are aware of them, understand them and are trained to follow them. It is critical that all employees understand their responsibilities in creating a psychologically safe workplace and understand how to report an incident of bullying or harassment. CPHR Alberta’s HR Trends Report found that 9 out of 10 organizations have a framework in place for employees to formally submit a complaint, but that organizations with less than 100 employees are less likely to have a framework. If you are not sure how to establish an effective framework for these sorts of complaints, start a conversation with your HR leaders. Offering respectful workplace related training is an area where Alberta organizations can improve. Only two-thirds of respondents indicated that their employer offers this kind of training to their employees and only a little more than half require employees to complete this respectful

workplace training. Respectful workplace training will equip your staff with the tools to: •

RECOGNIZE BULLYING AND HARASSMENT BEHAVIOUR

•

RESPOND APPROPRIATELY IN SUCH SITUATIONS

•

REPORT INCIDENTS

As you likely know, harassment and bullying is not just a concern you face from peers or leaders, but also from the general public. A 2016 survey by Statistics Canada found that among respondents who experienced harassment at the workplace, 53% of women and 42% of men stated that the harassment they experienced came from a client or customer. Be sure that your policies and training take into account this potential source of harassment. Employers must also be prepared to follow through on complaints. When a complaint comes in, take it seriously and follow your policies and procedures. Employers are required to fully investigate complaints and take appropriate action or they leave themselves open to the possibility of an OH&S investigation. Have a trained investigator conduct the investigation in a timely manner. If you don’t have someone in-house who is trained to investigate, engage a qualified and experienced third party. CPHR Alberta has a directory of HR consultants, many of whom are experienced in conducting workplace investigations. After an investigation concludes, be committed to correcting and mitigating any allegations that were founded. If a complaint is found to be substantiated follow through with appropriate discipline, otherwise, you will be negating your responsibility as an employer of ensuring a safe workplace. Treating the workplace hazard of bullying and harassment seriously will have a positive impact on your organization. When employees feel psychologically safe at work, they will be more productive, and that will be good for your business.

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BEYOND BENEFITS // HUMAN RESOURCES

wider than a gym membership. We want to motivate our teams to participate in whatever activity contributes to their overall physical and mental health — whether that is a yoga class or a team sport or counselling.” Bennett Jones offers in-house professional development programs like the Bennett Jones Academy and, launching this year, the Bennett Jones Leadership Academy. There is also a non-monetary program called Brilliant, which is implemented across all offices— leaders and managers are given blank cards and asked to take a moment out of their busy day to notice who has made a contribution or is celebrating a milestone and write them a hand-written note. “This year, Bennett Jones will also be participating in the Not Myself Today workplace mental health initiative,” says Heffernan. “We have a week of activities planned that will provide our teams with better tools to deal with the causes of stress in the very fast paced world we live in.” Developed by the Canadian Mental Health Association, Not Myself Today is a campaign dedicated to raising awareness and breaking down stigma around mental health challenges in the workplace. Another company that has participated in Not Myself Today, and ranked second among a list of 50 top national employers, is ATB Financial. “Creating an environment and culture that values overall wellness and encourages employees to be fully present and authentic at work each day is everyone’s responsibility,” says Debbie Blakeman, chief people officer at ATB Financial. There are several initiatives in place at ATB to ensure employees have access to the wellness resources they need. There are 180 Wellness Champions across the organization that ensure team members are well supported, and a Wellness Leadership Committee that includes 19 of ATB’s senior leaders from every part of the business. There is also a team dedicated to implementing the institution’s wellness strategy with quarterly campaigns focused on mental, physical, financial and emotional wellness. “Some think banking is all about profits and numbers but at ATB, we know it is about the stories behind the numbers and those stories are always about people. Our team members can only deliver remarkable customer experiences if they

NOVEMBER 2019 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

can fully be themselves at work and are present and all in — which is why we focus on the whole person. Physical wellness is deeply connected to mental, emotional and financial wellbeing. When one of those elements of our lives is not properly attended to or nurtured, it can throw us out of balance and affect us personally and professionally.” “At ATB, we recognize that while we are experts in reimagining banking, we don’t have all the answers when it comes to wellness. That’s why we partner with mental health experts like the Mental Health Commission of Canada. We also take time to train our leaders on how to create a psychologically safe workplace, reduce stigma and help team members get the resources they need from professionals. It takes real intention to build a work environment around team members so they can thrive and flourish.” Just like Blakeman, Jon Gogan, provincial director of Northern and Central Alberta operations at STARS (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service), also understands that to do their best work, everyone needs to be performing at the top of their game. “Everyone in the organization plays a role in the life-saving work we do. We give hope to those in their most serious time of need. That is front and centre when we look at how we interact and support each other. We know how vital an engaged, positive and supportive work environment is and we all own that,” he says.

BEYOND BENEFITS // HUMAN RESOURCES

DEVELOPED BY THE CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION, NOT MYSELF TODAY IS A CAMPAIGN DEDICATED TO RAISING AWARENESS AND BREAKING DOWN STIGMA AROUND MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES IN THE WORKPLACE. ANOTHER COMPANY THAT HAS PARTICIPATED IN NOT MYSELF TODAY, AND RANKED SECOND AMONG A LIST OF 50 TOP NATIONAL EMPLOYERS, IS ATB FINANCIAL. Recognized as a leader in providing critical care and transport, STARS was also selected as one of Alberta’s Top Employers this year. “Training is critical to our success,” says Gogan. “To continue providing exceptional care, our operations team members complete ongoing extensive technical training. We also provide training across the STARS organization for all team members based on needs identified through employee surveys and observations. Recent examples include workshops about difficult conversations, engagement and motivation, while project scoping and emotional intelligence training are scheduled for later this year.” In addition to partnering with the Respect Group to offer Respect in the Workplace training at all bases, STARS also has an organizationally-funded benefits program, which includes an employee and family assistance program, social clubs at each base to remind everyone to take a break and connect on a personal level, dedicated leadership awards, peer-to-peer recognition and the Spirit of STARS Award. “Employers need to acknowledge that they have a responsibility to support, value, and care for their team,” says Amanda Wagner, founder and lead educator at The Complement, an Edmonton-based company that supports businesses in creating excellent team and customer experiences.

“Make resources known, start the conversation, create an open-minded culture that is willing to have tough conversations, and pay attention to your team members. If there are unusual absences or missing assignments or someone is continuously showing up late, check in on them. Provide a safe space where employees know that they can turn to you.” “Gratitude and support go a long way to making employees feel heard and seen,” adds Catherine Hughes, director of culture at Shopify — recognized as one of Canada’s top 100 employers this year for several reasons including the $5,000 employees are given in addition to a basic health benefits plan. The money can be put towards a health or wellness spending account, a charitable giving account or retirement savings; personal coaching sessions with their on-staff coaching team; an internally-built system, called Unicorn, that enables anyone to post a message of gratitude or congratulations to other team members; and much more. “We’re invested in the growth and success of our people and are creating an environment that balances empathy for every human, with an understanding that we’re each accountable for our own choices, actions, and career journey,” Hughes concludes.

BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // NOVEMBER 2019

MANAGING RISK IN A CHANGING WORLD // RISK MANAGEMENT

MANAGING RISK IN A CHANGING WORLD BY LAURA BOHNERT

usinesses today must protect themselves against a number of different risks, but it isn’t always easy to plan for the unexpected. How do you mitigate risk to protect your company, your clients, and your investors? It starts with an understanding of risk management, risk management processes, and insurance coverage that may— or may not—be available for each type of risk. As Douglas Morrow, CEO, Excel Insurance Group Inc., explains, “There are two kinds of risk, speculative risk and pure risk. The difference between the two is that pure risk presents no chance of profit, only a chance of loss—those are insurable risks. But with speculative risk, where there is a chance of profit or a chance of loss, you simply have to ‘hope for best, plan for the worst,’ to quote Lee Child. All you can

NOVEMBER 2019 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

MANAGING RISK IN A CHANGING WORLD // RISK MANAGEMENT

really do is try to look for trends, either in your business, in the economy or in the direction of government, and try to build an organization that is resilient—but you certainly can get caught out. There are no guarantees.”

CYBER CRIME AND LIABILITY

Morrow explains, “It is part of the risk management process to help businesses separate these types of risks into what you can buy insurance for and what you have to try to build internal resilience against,” he adds, outlining the basic steps of risk management theory: “1) talk about and identify the various risks that face the company; 2) minimize those risks with internal controls, safety programs, financial deposits or investments; 3) make decisions about which risks may be assumed and/or managed internally; and 4) transfer the remaining risks to an insurance company to the extent that insurance is reasonably available.

“PUBLIC RELATIONS SUPPORT

“Successful businesses have to be structured both from an organizational and financial perspective so they have the resilience to be able to survive in a fast changing world.” Morrow continues, “There are a number of risks that companies already know to protect themselves against, for instance, property and liability risks, but there are also some emerging risks of which business owners should be mindful. The number one emerging trend is cyber liability. If your business gets hacked by some outside party, your whole IT system could be held hostage, or it could involve access to your customer records or banking details. Financial losses, damages, and costs are the largest impact of cyber risk, but secondary can be a loss of reputation or trust. If customer information is compromised, it can really affect the future of the business.” Cyber crime and liability insurance can help, but in addition, Morrow points out, “Public relations support can shape how the company represents itself after a cyber attack, and that can be crucial to business recovery.” “Another risk that is often overlooked is directors’ and officers’ liability—financial liability for decisions that are made by directors and officers. The interesting thing about D&O insurance,” says Morrow, “is that the D&O insurance policies that are in force today will cover decisions that were made years ago; the company remains protected as long as they originally carried directors and officers liability back

INSURANCE CAN HELP, BUT IN ADDITION, MORROW POINTS OUT, CAN SHAPE HOW THE COMPANY REPRESENTS ITSELF AFTER A CYBER ATTACK, AND THAT CAN BE CRUCIAL TO BUSINESS RECOVERY.” when the decisions were made, and as long as insurance has continued in force to present day without any interruption.” As Morrow advises, in the area of speculative risk, there are areas for which no insurance is available. One of these that can have a huge impact on companies is the risk of government policy change. In most cases, however, as the City of Edmonton explains, the government does take steps to make decisions regarding policy changes as transparent as possible to allow businesses time to plan safeguards before those policies come into effect. “The City of Edmonton’s primary risk management tool is open and transparent communication. To facilitate this, we identify and report on the top 10 risks (Risk Register) annually each November, providing Council, the public, and the business community with the City’s primary strategic risks, as well as the mitigation strategies that are being undertaken to address these risks. “Additionally, to mitigate risk and uncertainty, before implementing any changes to City policy, we participate in extensive public engagement to obtain feedback, to ensure we act in a transparent and predictable manner, and to provide ample notice to the business community and the public at large.” “Through our Economic Development teams,” the City of Edmonton adds, “we run a number of programs that are intended to support small businesses through periods of economic and government change. We also

BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // NOVEMBER 2019

MANAGING RISK IN A CHANGING WORLD // RISK MANAGEMENT

“MANY RISK EVENTS ARE UNAVOIDABLE,” LEITCH AGREES, “SO YOU NEED TO FOCUS ON THE MITIGATION OF THOSE RISKS. THIS CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED BY SUCH THINGS AS EFFECTIVE LONG-TERM PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT OF VARIOUS SCENARIOS, EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION PLANS, STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT STRATEGIES, AND RESPONSE PLANS AND STRATEGIES.” have a role as a community facilitator where we try to address concerns brought to the City by the business community, and when appropriate and aligned with municipal interests, we work with the provincial and federal governments accordingly.” Companies, however, aren’t the only organizations to experience the risk associated with changing economies, changing governments, and changing policies. As Andrew Leitch, director, ERM Programs, University of Alberta, points out, “Universities are affected by the same things affecting the provincial economy generally.” “We are affected in ways too numerous to count,” Leitch explains, “starting with the potential for diminished resources when the economy slows. It can affect everything from what programs our students want to our ability to recruit outstanding academic staff and attract research funding, which is critical to what we do. The most significant risk right now is that universities, which are slow to change, struggle to move quickly enough to respond to resource changes and the changing expectations of government. Post-secondary institutions will be affected differently by this risk, depending on their size and mandate. As the largest, oldest, and probably most complex university in the province, the University of Alberta will have significant challenges. At the same time, however, these qualities have helped us develop an incredible range of capabilities. We must ensure we align our capabilities, including our resources and energies, most effectively.”

NOVEMBER 2019 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

He continues, “Part of risk management at the enterprise level is to evaluate uncertainty in a way that includes both the bad things that may arise as well as the good things – the opportunities,” Leitch continues. “In these uncertain times in Alberta, there are things to worry about, of course, but for universities, there are tremendous opportunities as well. We have opportunities to increase our efficiency and effectiveness while making a significant contribution to the success of all our stakeholders. “As we contemplate the next few years, we need to have plans in place for various funding scenarios. We also have to ensure we have the leadership and governance mechanisms that permit us to adapt as needed.” “Many risk events are unavoidable,” Leitch agrees, “so you need to focus on the mitigation of those risks. This can be accomplished by such things as effective long-term planning, development of various scenarios, effective communication plans, stakeholder engagement strategies, and response plans and strategies.” He concludes, “Effective risk management is about taking on and managing risk in order to advance the objectives of the organization. There should be a direct link between strategy and risk management: if the strategy is about what you want to get done, then risk management is about making sure you can succeed. We don’t see risk as something to protect ourselves from. It is something to manage. When we do it well, our eyes are open to our constraints and the possible hazards, but also to our strengths and possible opportunities.”

Photos by Rebecca Lippiatt

CMN ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

Celebrates 30 Years of Connecting Edmonton’s Homes and Businesses By Nerissa McNaughton

MN Electrical Systems Ltd. provides home automation, theatre room setups, security systems, new home wiring, and electrical renovations in homes and offices. The company was launched in 1989 by Clem Gratton. “He was working for another electrical firm and wanted to start his own business,” explains Clem’s son, Michael, who spent his summers in his father’s shop before officially joining the company in 1995

30 years in business — now that’s electrifying! Congratulations to CMN Electrical Systems on your anniversary! BrownleeLaw.com

and becoming its CEO in 2000. “He had some potential clients lined up, so he went ahead and started down that route.” It was the right path. This year CMN celebrates its 30th anniversary. CMN Electrical was a family business from the start. The name stands for Clem, Michael and Nick – the father and his two sons. Michael notes that some cousins and school friends were also involved, and most of the staff have, for the most part, been around between 20-25 years, which unofficially makes them part of the family. “We have strong, long-term ties with our original builders too,” Michael smiles. “For example, we’ve been working with Park Royal and Kimberly Homes for over 25 years, and have been with our other builders for, on average, 10 to 20 years.” Over the past 30 years, CMN Electrical always moved with the times. As systems changed and smart homes grew in popularity, CMN took charge and remained at the forefront of the industry. Nick’s home doubles as a show suite demonstrating how CMN Electrical Systems Ltd. | Celebrating 30 Years

smart home technology can provide outstanding convenience. Simply opening the garage door can also initiate a sequence in which the lights go on and the blinds adjust for daylight. The team isn’t afraid of challenges either, having recently wired a home where everything had to be fished through concrete slab. “It was challenging!”

Mike admits, but he and his team love coming up with solutions for their clients, no matter what type of environment they are working in. “What makes us different is that we are a one-stopshop for wiring and custom projects,” says Michael. “We have the products and we do the installations. Our specialties include full home automation,

Congratulations CMN Electrical Systems Ltd. on 30 Years!

Phone: 780-800-0059 | info@ledlightscanada.com www.ledlightscanada.com

CMN Electrical Systems Ltd. | Celebrating 30 Years | 2

security cameras, networking, lighting control, and more. Anything that has a wire attached to it, we can work with for our customers.”

when my brother Nick joined. It is so nice that all of us can work together.” However, not every moment is idyllic.

He continues, “We strive to provide really, really good customer service and warranties. We like to keep our customers and builders happy. We address concerns promptly and make sure everyone is happy with the service they have received. It is very evident that CMN Electrical has happy clients; the company that started with one owner and three contractors is now known to run a team of up to 65 during peak years. “We all work very well together between us brothers and dad, and we have great staff that are very good at what they do. We have great builders and great clients,” notes Michael. “We get to the project sites on time, we do the job right, and if something goes wrong, we fix it as soon as possible.” As he reflects on the past 30 years, Michael recounts his most memorable moments: “When father launched CMN, when I became CEO, and

Michael admits, “In this economy finding new work, staying busy and keeping the employees working full time can be a challenge. Costs are up and work is down. Some of our business is driven by the home builders. The more homes they sell, the better we do.” But as hardworking Albertan entrepreneurs, the management team at CMN knows that their diversification across residential and commercial sectors, their solutions for any type of electrical job, and their loyal long-term client base will get them through the next 30 years, and more. “A negative economy can happen anywhere,” shrugs Michael. “You ride with the waves.” In fact, CMN has a key differentiator that not all electrical firms can claim. When a client comes to them for a customized job, it is designed in-house – not contracted out – and that designer is no other than the CEO himself.

CMN Electrical Systems Ltd. | Celebrating 30 Years | 3

“I really enjoy having home or business owners come in here, showing them the plans, meeting with them and explaining how to enhance their dwelling or building. Not a lot of electrical firms have someone in house that can do that, and I know the clients really enjoy it,” Michael smiles. “In our base of business and with our custom designs, it’s nice to know that we can personally ensure all of our clients have the proper mounts, proper control of the lights, and check to see if they are happy with the locations of switches or television and stereo equipment, etc. We love working with all of our clients and builders.” CMN also has a passion for community service and supports organizations vested in cancer, Crohn’s, and colitis research. The team and their families build and donate Christmas hampers and engage in charity walks. During his most active times with the company, Clem sat on numerous contractor boards and has received several awards of merit for his service. Father and son also sat on the Electrical Technical Council to help spur positive changes in the industry. CMN has been a member of the Home Builder’s Association and the Professional Electrical Contractor’s Association for over 25 years. “We want to say thank you to all the associations that have helped us. In this business there is a lot to learn and through these associations we’ve met people with so much knowledge. They are willing to share whenever you need help. We also thank our builders, clients, team, and the many people that have supported CMN for 30 years.” What comes next? “Thirty more years!” says Michael. “We are looking to get more market share on the commercial and residential sides, and we are checking into new innovations in products and building procedures.

EATON CANADA WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE CMN Electrical Systems Ltd. on 30 Years! • Commercial Construction • Industrial • Machinery OEM’s • Residential • Panel Builder & Electrical OEM’s • Utility

www.eatoncanada.ca CMN Electrical Systems Ltd. | Celebrating 30 Years | 4

Learn more about what has made CMN Electrical Systems a big part of Edmonton’s building scene for three decades and counting by visiting www.edmontonelectricalcompany.com online or CMN Electrical Systems Ltd. on Facebook.

11212 178 St NW Edmonton, AB T5S 1P2 (780) 487-9458 | info@cmnelectrical.com www.edmontonelectricalcompany.com

CARLSON BODY SHOP SUPPLY

Celebrates 60 Years By Nerissa McNaughton

arlson Body Shop Supply, the one-stop body shop specialists, celebrates 60 this year. When founder Bill Carlson launched the brand in 1959, the Auto Pact was not yet in force. This meant Canadian manufactured cars like the Mercury Meteor, the Oldsmobile Futuramic, and the Manic GT were on the roads. Flash forward six decades and we have a Tesla supercharger station in Edmonton, ELA (Electric Autonomous Shuttle) doing a test run in Beaumont, and several electrical/gas hybrid models in Edmonton. The constant during these years of rapid change in the vehicle industry is Carlson Body Shop Supply, which was ahead of its time from the moment Bill opened the doors. Maintaining the business in the heart of Truck Country when vehicles, parts and products are changing faster than the price of a barrel of oil is no mean feat. But Carlson is not your average supply shop. It has diversified to become a leader in the distribution of collision repair products in Alberta and Saskatchewan, as well as a supplier of industrial finishing products. Carlsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s training center provides the most updated lessons on refinishing products, equipment, and business management. Additional services include the industry leading KUBE inventory management system, Color Compass University, performance analytics, business tools and more. The company also supplies industrial coatings that are used in the manufacturing, fleet, transport, energy, sign, architectural, marine and aviation industries. Carlson Body Shop Supply | 60 Years | 1

A company of this type and size could not grow without clear vision from the top levels of management, and loyalty and expertise among the team, which Carlson has always had.

basically true! We have also retained our customer base. Some have been with us since the 60s and we are pleased to now be serving their children and grandchildren.”

“Bill exited the business in the early 70s,” explains Dave Swenson, general manager. “He sold it to his son, Ron. Ron was involved until 1987 when he sold it to Color Compass Corporation. I was part of one of the acquisitions along the way, starting with in the business in 1976 – and I’m not the employee with the longest history in the group! We’ve always been a family business or had the feeling of a small family business. We have certainly grown into a much larger company, but we still have the same core values and have retained the original vision of the founder.”

The strength of the customer base was tested in 1988 when Carlson switched from DuPont paint to BASF. A major move like this, Dave confirms, is rare in the industry. However, Carlson retained 100 per cent of its customers, who were impressed with the new paint line and weren’t about to leave thanks to the outstanding service they had always received.

Carlson grew steadily from the onset, experiencing its first expansion into Calgary in 1965. This was followed by an entrance into Red Deer (this location has since closed) as well as being acquired by the Color Compass Corporation and most recently, joining the Wesco Group. The company that opened with under five employees now is a part of a group with more than 270 across Canada.

“Technology and the speed in which vehicles today are changing, and an aging work force,” Dave cites as challenges to the business. We try to work with our shops to mitigate the effects it has on them.”

“Our people and the longevity of our staff are major contributors to Carlson Body Shop Supply’s success,” says Dave. We say if we can retain someone for two years, they never leave – and it’s

Yet, it isn’t all smooth sailing. Happy customers and staff make for good business, but factors outside of the company’s control are always at play.

Remember, when Bill started the company 60 years ago, the super sporty Manic GT had 105 horsepower. Today, a sensible Ford Flex has 287 horsepower. The cars Bill’s customers worked on were fixed with hand tools and common sense. Today’s models are fixed with computers and colour matching technology. In order to remain relevant, Carlson’s had to move with the times, and now those times are moving even faster. Dave has no qualms about their ability to keep up.

Congratulations on 60 years of excellence. It has been a real pleasure working with you, and we look foward to a bright future. CARUK & ASSOCIATES

“What I like about our industry is the fact that competitors can sit down and discuss our challenges and come up with solutions that benefit the industry as a whole,” he says, then adds, ”Our focus is through our training programs to help our customers continue to grow in the ever changing business and remain profitable so that our industry continues to be successful. We have four training centres: Winnipeg, Edmonton, Coquitlam and Calgary. We are the only independently owned company with training centres like this in the West. Training is so vital right now with the technology changes within the vehicles that these training centres are continuously busy. We are very proud to have these centres and give back to the industry.” Never one to shy away from the products and processes that keep the industry moving forward, Carlson has recently embraced BETAG technology.

#1108-20800 Westminster Hwy Richmond, BC, Canada, V6V 2W3 carukadmin@justreps.com www.justreps.com

“It’s for repairing panels,” Dave explains. “It helps us save the vehicle’s original panels and create a repair that is superior to replacement.” Carlson is also proud of its continued partnership with BASF.

Carlson Body Shop Supply | 60 Years | 2

SOLUTIONS FOR TOMORROW Customers are at the heart of everything we do. Our Vision+ suite and best-in-class products were created to focus on the solutions of tomorrow. Our Vision+ solutions create greater efficiency, productivity, profitability and sustainability for collision centers.

BASF Refinish world-renowned products answer the needs of every shop with our advanced paint technologies.

Congratulations to our partner Carlson Auto Body Supply, serving collision centres for 60 years! BASF AUTOMOTIVE REFINISH COATINGS

basfrefinish.com

“Their technology is second to none and provides the best colour match for vehicles and products anywhere in the world,” praises Dave.

It’s not just the industry that Carlson Body Shop Supply supports. It is also very invested in the community.

BASF’s products are used in many industries and the leadership of the company ensures its customers remain ahead of their competition. BASF Refinish has more OEM approvals than any other paint manufacturer in the business, along with their proprietary Vision+ Expert Analysis, which provides unique networking and support for its partners.

“We support many charities and causes locally and across Canada, including Edmonton’s Food Bank, The Salvation Army, golf tournaments, and events that support children’s hospitals,” Dave notes.

WWW.PROSPOT.COM CONGRATULATIONS CARLSON BODY SHOP SUPPLY ON 60 YEARS! WE ARE PROUD TO BE A PART OF YOUR SUCCESS.

“Congratulations Carlson Body

Shop Supply on 60 Successful Years. NORTON SAINT-GOBAIN

”

Carlson Body Shop Supply has been recognized numerous times over the past 60 years but one award that stands out for Dave is when the company was named as the number 1 distributor of Pro Spot Welding products in North America. On behalf of the entire team of Carlson Body Shop Supply, Dave expresses deep gratitude for everyone that has helped the company get to where it is today including Bill the founder, the past and present team, suppliers and partners, and all the clients that have relied on Carlson Body Shop for six decades. “BASF is one of our major partners, as is Caruk & Associates and Saint-Gobain,” acknowledges Dave. “Where would we be without them?” As he looks back on Carlson’s long and successful time in the automotive industry, Dave comments with a smile, “A lot of people don’t realize we have been around for as long as we have.” Indeed, Carlson has always been in the background providing superior products and services, supporting an industry that seems to move at the speed of light, and improving that industry no matter how fast and how far those changes come. There is no big celebration to mark the 60th anniversary. It’s business as usual because for Dave and the team, humbly serving clients and investing in the industry and the community every day is all the celebration they need. Dave concludes, “It’s been an honour to serve for 60 years and we look forward to serving for the next 60. We will stay abreast of changes in the industry to remain a leader.”

Delivering Right Choices That Matter.

Learn more about Carlson Body Shop by visiting carlsonbodyshopsupply.com online, @color_ compass on Instagram, @carlsonbodyshopsupply on Facebook, Carlson Body Shop Supply Ltd. on LinkedIn, and @Carlson_Auto on Twitter.

Norton | Saint-Gobain Abrasives Tel: 254-918-2313 ContactNorton@saint-gobain.com www.nortonabrasives.com

www.carlsonbodyshopsupply.com Carlson Body Shop Supply | 60 Years | 4

CARSTAR Collision & Glass Service Â®

Celebrates 30 Years By Fay Fletcher

with photos by David Bonner

ARSTAR® Collision & Glass Service started franchising in Canada in 1994 and is now ranked in the top 100 franchises by Entrepreneur. Johnny Kloeckes, better known as Johnny K, was quick to realize the potential of this up and coming brand and in 1999, he entered the franchise. Today, thanks to his motto of “dream big and work hard,” he is the president of the Johnny K CARSTAR Group and oversees seven locations, including a mechanic garage and an express damage repair shop. “The Johnny K CARSTAR Group offers a stress-free repair process and strives to make high quality auto service easily accessible to anyone in Edmonton and the surrounding area,” he says. “I am on a quest to build an incredible group of companies that consists of unbelievably talented supporting cast members who strive to better their best each and every day, who get excited to push the limits, break down the barriers, be innovative, be solution-based and think differently. We are caring, empathetic and compassionate, not just to our customers but to each other. We are proud to apply our highest level of integrity and honesty every minute of the day.” In 1989 Johnny K was a one-man operator working out of a rental bay. He branched into vehicle customization and restoration before buying the company where he had completed his apprenticeship and joined the CARSTAR franchise. The former one-man show now employs over 85 staff across seven locations. While the Johnny K CARSTAR Group’s mission, vision and values are drivers of the brand’s success, the company president is also happy to point to CARSTAR’s innovation in products and processes. “CARSTAR is definitely the leader in the ever-changing world of consolidation in the collision industry,” he

notes. “CARSTAR provides all the tools you need to be a successful franchisee, but its what you do with the tools that makes you stand out.” He continues, “In the last few years the industry has started to consolidate. We have to reduce the inefficiencies. We have to do things better, faster and more cost effective than ever before. Our customers have different expectations and cars are being built

Congratulations

CARSTAR Collision & Glass Service on your 30th Anniversary!

Southtown Auto & Industrial Supply Ltd 6420 104 St. N.W., Edmonton, AB T6H 2L2 | Ph: (780) 465-9458 CARSTAR® Collision & Glass Service • Page 2

differently with more safety features. We will always have a place in the automotive industry, we just have to change and be innovative. One such innovation is CARSTAR’s paintless dent repair. “It’s an expert procedure that requires a skilled technician,” explains Johnny K. “The technician must carefully manipulate precise locations of metal to the correct height. This is often done from the inside of the panel, using metal rods and body picks to massage out the dents, returning the panel to its original state.” Johnny K’s CARSTAR Express is another innovation. “CARSTAR Express is the perfect answer to small damage, door dents, scratches and scrapes. We use special paint and sanding techniques that keep the repair areas small. This is a great alternative to more costly repair services.” The Johnny K CARSTAR Group is as passionate about community service as it is about customer care and supports cystic fibrosis research by doing the annual Walk to Make Cystic Fibrosis History and by hosting a Shine Month every June. The group is pleased to have raised more than $4,000,000 for the cause. “We acknowledge our corporate responsibility in our local area and are proud to have also sponsored many

Congratulations on 30 years in business from our family to yours...

GoAuto.ca CARSTAR® Collision & Glass Service • Page 2

local sports teams such as ball hockey, basketball, curling, UFC fighters, little league baseball, soccer, slow pitch teams and more. We are proud to give back.” Recently Johnny K was awarded the CARSTAR Ironman award for his team’s consistent outstanding performance, and for his work as a brand ambassador. He’s humbled and gratefully shares the honour saying, “I have to acknowledge my partners James and Lisa Murphy for being the first to take the chance to grow with me. I also thank my current partners, Cory Lipka, Rami Elyas, Jamey Albo, my future potential partner Cory Cividino and all my staff that have helped the Johnny K CARSTAR Group grow over the years. Without each and every one of them I could not be successful. I cannot forget to thank my wife, Randeen and my son Anten, as they have been there helping every step of the way. I am very grateful to have the people that I have in my circle. I am blessed.”

CARSTAR Gateway (780) 439-0193 7215 Gateway Boulevard, Edmonton, AB T6E 4A9 CARSTAR Mayfield (780) 484-6927 10980 Mayfield Rd, Edmonton, AB T5P 4B6 CARSTAR South East (780) 466-9827 7420 76 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6B 0B3

Johnny K couldn’t be happier with the decision he made 20 years ago to join CARSTAR, and he looks forward to more growth opportunities for the brand and his team, and many more years providing outstanding customer services and vehicle repairs for Albertans.

CARSTAR Ellerslie (780) 757-5940 9516 - 12 Avenue SW, Edmonton, AB T6X 0J5

Learn more at www.carstar.ca and @CARSTARjohnnyk on Facebook.

Congratulations to CARSTAR Collision & Glass Service on your 30th Anniversary!

CARSTAR Leduc North (780) 739-3332 1-7121 Sparrow Drive, Leduc, AB T6E 7L1 CARSTAR Express Edmonton South (780) 490-0040 5215-99 Street, Edmonton, AB T6E 5B7 JMFK Auto (780) 438-6818 7213 Gateway Blvd Edmonton, ABT6E 4E9

Congratulations on 30 years CARSTAR Collision & Glass Service! We’re proud to be partners for the road ahead.

9688 34 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, T6E 6S9

from your friends at

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CARSTAR® Collision & Glass Service • Page 4

Celebrates 30 Years

Edmonton’s top award winning jewellery designer makes life beautiful, one custom designed piece at a time photos by Rebecca Lippiatt

rom his location downtown, Mark Katzeff designs and sells custom, intricate jewellery featuring unique, elegant designs. He works with all types of gold, platinum and silver, and carries a unique variety of gemstones and unusual materials such as mammoth ivory (which is two million years old), dichroic glass, Dalmatian stone, coloured slate, mother of pearl, meteorite, and ebony, which makes for wonderful and exciting designs. Hailing from South Africa and trained under two top German designers and master craftsmen, Mark immigrated to Canada in 1987. After working for a local jewellery company, Mark felt he could fill the need for a modern approach to jewellery in the Edmonton market using his European style of design.

After winning a best craftsmanship award at the Cameo Craft Show in 1988, Mark opened his studio in 1989 on Jasper Avenue. It was also the year he received the Canadian Jeweller Editors’ Choice Design competition award, and has since won many national awards and recognitions including one of Canada’s most prestigious: the De Beers Diamonds Today award. Mark says, “I am proud of all the design and competition awards I have received over the past 40 years but one particular award I am very proud of was the first one I received in Canada, the 1989 Canadian Jeweller Editors’ Choice Design award for my Alberta slate and diamond brooch/pendant called Earth’s Bounty. I felt like I belonged in Canada after receiving this award as this piece showcased Canadian materials.”

MARK KATZEFF | 30 YEARS

“Jewellery is an extension of one’s personality and enables you to stand out from the crowd,” he continues. “I always want to make sure that every piece of jewellery that leaves my store is exactly the way I envisioned it to look. I have had difficulty over the years finding goldsmiths with the skill level to create my quality and style of jewellery. I have a part time admin assistant. Otherwise I am the general cook and bottle washer – I work alone.” He laughs, “It’s me, myself and I!” “I spend a lot of time with my clients to understand what they want and like,” Mark notes. “What sets me apart is that I work within their parameters as to budget, style, size, etc. I always invite the client to play a role in designing their own jewellery and give them the opportunity to see the process from the design to the wax to the finished article. In doing so, changes can be made along the way to achieve a beautiful work of art that is exactly what they envisioned. Since everything is manufactured on site in Commerce Place, this gives each client a degree of confidence to ensure nothing is lost in translation, and being a qualified goldsmith allows me to alter and tweak the piece of jewellery to exact specifications.” In this age of giant retailers like Amazon, Mark reminds clients to be discerning when it comes to their personal jewellery.

“People think shopping online will save them money, but this is not always the case as they do not get the full shopping experience which includes education, viewing and comparing loose stones in person and having a more personal relationship with creating their piece of jewellery with the perfect fit and after sales service,” he says, and the elated look on clients’ faces when they see the finished piece, along with the fact that he now works with the third generations of his clients, attests to this fact. “You can have a beautiful, unique piece of jewellery without spending thousands, as opposed to a piece of jewellery that is expensive but boring,” he smiles.

Congratulations

Although some jewellers have moved to CAD drawings, and although Mark has CAD capabilities, he prefers the time-honored tradition of sketching each piece by hand, noting, “Creating a piece of jewellery on a computer takes the romance out of the creative process.”

Mark Katzeff on 30 years in business! We’re proud to be your Jewellers Block insurance and risk management partner.

Sean Graham T 604 484 3707 E sgraham@capricmw.ca capricmw.ca

Mark Katzeff Designer Goldsmith Inc. has been supporting local charities in Edmonton for 30 years, including Compassion House. Every day he is grateful to the community and people that have supported his business over the decades. Being an avid cyclist, Mark has also supported and participated in the MS 150 Bike Tour raising funds for the cause. Mark’s dream has been to cycle the Sa Calobra in Majorca, Spain which he will undertake this year.

MARK KATZEFF | 30 YEARS

Congratulations on 30 successful years. Edmonton | Toronto

www.romanovsky.com

WOW, 30 Years!! Congratulations on all of your achievements and success. When I first walked into your store... Who would have thought, years ago, the friendship that would blossom. We wish you continued success for the next 30 years. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a master of your craft!! ~ the ERL Team

www.canadapridediamonds.com MARK KATZEFF | 30 YEARS

Mark takes pride in his ability to capture your vision and to create unique pieces of jewellery that showcase his craftsmanship as well as your unique style. All of his design sketches are done to scale, which ensures that you get exactly what you’re looking for. Congratulations to Mark Katzeff! We are proud to have watched you grow for the last 30 years.

J.W. Histed Diamonds Ltd. 736 Granville St., Suite #1400 Vancouver, B.C., V6Z 1G3 Ph: 604-681-8519 | Toll Free: 1-800-663-1458 www.jwfindings.com | www.jwdiamonds.ca

“I thank my beautiful wife Sharon and daughters who have stood by my side and have always encouraged and promoted me. My wonderful parents who made me realize that I had the potential to venture out on my own and always believed in me. My loyal and amazing clients who have promoted my creations and designs to their families and friends all over the world, and all of the fantastic friends who have mentored and encouraged me over the years,” says Mark. He concludes, “How much more rewarding is personal wealth when it also adds pleasure to daily life? The world of precious gems is a never-ending world of beauty, rarity, romance and mysticism that only nature can create, and the variety of shapes and colours available help make a whole range of fashion statements possible. How satisfying it is to know that you are remembered when the precious gem you own is handed down from generation to generation.” Mark takes pride in his ability to capture your vision and to create unique pieces of jewellery that showcase his craftsmanship as well as your unique style. All of his design sketches are done to scale, which ensures that you get exactly what you’re looking for. When you need that specific Canadian diamond or any other gemstone and want something incredible, when you have a burning desire to mark a momentous occasion, Mark Katzeff is the designer and goldsmith to make it happen in brilliant ways.

Congratulations

Mark finds it gratifying that from a humble beginning 30 years ago, his jewellery is still admired and has stood the test of time.

Mark Katzeff on 30 Years!

Learn more and see Mark’s beautiful design work by visiting www.markkatzeffdesigns.com, @markkatzeffdesigns on Facebook and @katzeffm on Twitter.

Congratulations Mark! On 30 years of Business. 1004 Bell Tower, 10104 - 103rd Ave. Telephone: 780 428 1731 • Fax: 780 420 6290 • www.oshryco.com

192 Commerce Place, 10150 Jasper Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 1W4 (780) 421-4367 www.markkatzeffdesigns.com

MARK KATZEFF | 30 YEARS

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BEAUMONT GROWS from a Town to a City

n January 1, 2019, Beaumont grew from a town to a city.

“Beaumont is right in that sweet spot where we have a small community feel with all of the amenities of a big city just down the road. We’re minutes away from the Edmonton International Airport and right off the province’s main transportation corridor,” says Mayor John Stewart.

By Fay Fletcher

“Beaumont has a rich history and culture that extends past even the French settlers to the Indigenous peoples. Our city honours and pays respect to that heritage while we look to the future to provide jobs and prosperity in our community for a long time to come.” The history and culture are a big part of the city’s identity.

INVESTMENT & BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY HERITAGE PLAZA

LIFE IS BETTER IN BEAUMONT WITH A POPULATION OF MORE THAN 18,000 & 5TH FASTEST GROWING COMMUNITY IN CANADA. 70% OF CB2 ZONED PLAZA IS SOLD OR LEASED. SALE PRICE STARTS @ $250 PSF AND LEASE RATE @ 26 PSF. ELEVATOR ACCESS TO SECOND STORY UNITS.

school offers French Immersion and families feel safe walking and playing outdoors in the evenings. Beaumont is an ideal place to raise a family.” Businesses and families are eyeing Beaumont, and so are investors. When Calgary-based Pacific Western Transportation was looking for a pilot site for the EasyMile EZ10, a leading electric autonomous vehicle active in more than 20 countries, they chose Beaumont. “ELA, the electric autonomous shuttle, has been in western Canada for over a year. In Beaumont the ELA process was the first and longest pilot in Canada,” Mackin says with pride. Pacific Western Transportation saw Beaumont as being the ideal location to test in a community with interface from streetlights, crosswalks, and an active community. More than 5,500 people have ridden ELA during the project. The new city couldn’t be prouder of its roots, its current success, and its exciting future. The plan going forward is continued smart, planned, long-term sustainable growth and investment for the current and future residents and businesses of Beaumont. “Beaumont’s heritage is reflected in many ways throughout the community – the names of neighbourhoods, bilingual street names – and it’s not uncommon to hear residents speaking French,” confirms Mike Berezowsky, manager, communications & marketing.

Learn more about this innovative city by visiting beaumont.ab.ca. 5600 49 Street Beaumont, AB T4X 1A1 780-929-8782 www.beaumont.ab.ca

For Rob Mackin, director of economic development & communications, Beaumont’s history is exciting, but so is its future.

FOR LEASE

“Beaumont is defining what it can be. We are small enough to be nimble yet big enough to be relevant,” smiles Mackin. “We have all of the amenities of a large city but still retain the friendly small community atmosphere. You can get to downtown Edmonton in half an hour or less or the airport in 10-15 minutes. We really are a connected community.”

Montalet & Galerie

That connection extends to the business sector. Mayor Stewart explains, “Council recognized that we needed to do things differently and that we had to take bold, fast action that made us stand out. In the last two years we drafted and implemented a forward-looking municipal strategic plan that builds on our community’s strengths and embraces innovation, collaboration and partnerships with business and our neighbours in the region. We’ve made it easier to start or expand a business in the city with a one-window, customer service oriented approach to the permit and approval process, and streamlined our land use bylaw from 37 different zoning districts to only seven, giving developers more certainty and flexibility to innovate.” It’s not just businesses that enjoy the changing face of Beaumont. The city is a magnet for young families as well. Mackin explains, “The average age in Beaumont is 33, as contrasted with Edmonton’s 37. We have more youth under the age of 14 than we have people over the age of 60, and more kids registered in hockey than registrations in Leduc! Every

Situated at the north entrance to the City of Beaumont, Montalet & Galerie serve as the commercial gateways to this picturesque community. This area is service-oriented and anchored by drug stores, banks, and several dining options. Area Information

Available Space Tenants Include:

Primary Trade Area 21,025 (2019) Avg. HH Income $152,989 Annual Visitors Avg. Visitors/Day

1,910,302 (2018) 5,240

Contact Our Leasing Team Today Phone: +1 780.424.8008 E-mail: leasing@cameroncorporation.com Web: cameroncorporation.com

Shoppers ImmediateDrug Mart Rexall 1 bay left Boston 1,150 sf Pizza McDonalds Starbucks Preleasing Tim NewHortons building up to 10,000 sf Various services

FOOD WORTH TALKING ABOUT // EEDC

FOOD WORTH TALKING ABOUT CULINARY INNOVATION AND EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AT THE EDMONTON EXPO CENTRE

he Edmonton EXPO Centre and its grounds have long been a hub for large events in our city, evoking thoughts of bustling trade shows and conventions where visitors line up at food court concessions. But nestled beneath the 522,000 square-foot event space is an industrial kitchen that boasts a culinary team of nine Red Seal chefs supported by top-notch stewarding and banquets teams. These teams not only have the expertise to serve 3,500 banquet guests in one evening, but also to create multicourse meals for specialty plated dinners. Since becoming a member of the Edmonton Economic Development Corporation (EEDC) in 2018, the Edmonton EXPO Centre has made big changes to their kitchen operations. In September 2018, Executive Chef Jiju Paul came onboard to lead the team in a new direction. In February 2019, Arthur Chen joined the organization in a newly created Executive Pastry Chef, position which would expand the kitchen’s culinary offerings. The appointment of these highly skilled chefs reflects a renewed commitment to culinary and venue excellence at the Edmonton EXPO Centre. With an innovative Executive Chef at the helm and new opportunities to grow, the Edmonton EXPO Centre’s culinary team is ready to challenge client and guest expectations with custom menu creations, local food integration and impeccable service.

Your menu, your way Adaptability is key in a venue the size of the Edmonton EXPO Centre, especially when it comes to menus. On any

given day, the culinary team could be contending with breakfast for exhibitors, lunch for a business conference and dinner for a corporate gala—and within any of those events, numbers, budgets and tastes can vary significantly. “We are very involved because every client is different, every event in this building is different,” says Executive Chef Jiju Paul. “I work closely with each client alongside our event managers to find out their audience, their budget and their ideal dishes, and then we go back and forth to create a menu that excites them.” Customization is being taken to new heights at the Edmonton EXPO Centre with the transformation of the Hall H kitchen into a dedicated pastry kitchen. Executive Pastry Chef Arthur Chen, who has represented Culinary Team Canada and created desserts for Queen Elizabeth II, is keen to show off his mastery of desserts and chocolate to clients and guests. “We make all of our desserts in house and customize them to fit our clients’ vision,” says Chen. “Dessert is the last dish of the entire meal, so we want to make it a dish to remember.”

Let’s get local The movement to purchase more local food has swept through the culinary industry, and the Edmonton EXPO Centre is no exception. At the Edmonton EXPO Centre, local food is sourced from suppliers within 160 kilometres of the venue. “There are many benefits to purchasing local food products for our kitchen,” says Paul. “Beyond the environmental and economic benefits that strengthen our partnerships with

ABOVE: SOUS VIDE ELK SIRLOIN. PHOTO SOURCE: CREDIT IMAGEN MEDIA HOUSE

NOVEMBER 2019 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

FOOD WORTH TALKING ABOUT // EEDC

local producers, local ingredients taste better because of the seasonality and freshness of the products.” Environmentally, purchasing local food products reduces the carbon footprint of food transportation, as items do not need to travel as far to get to the kitchen. The economic value comes from less money being spent on freight fees and supporting local businesses, which keeps spending within our own province. When a venue that hosts more than 150 catered events per year chooses local, the impact is elevated—and if one of the largest commercial kitchens in Edmonton can source locally, so too can others. The Edmonton EXPO Centre has started producing its own local food with the addition of two rooftop beehives in July. The colonies grew over the summer from 40,000 to approximately 80,000 bees, and the culinary team has already started using small amounts of in-house produced honey in Chen’s dessert delicacies.

Serving up an experience No plate reaches a guest without the help of the Edmonton EXPO Centre banquet and stewarding teams. According to Banquet Manager Maglan Pillay, each dish served at the Edmonton EXPO Centre is an opportunity to ensure visitors have a great memory of their time at the venue. “We want our guests to be wowed by the service they receive every time they come to the Edmonton EXPO Centre,” says Pillay. To the guest, a well-executed catered event feels seamless. Meanwhile behind the scenes, moving parts and sudden obstacles can throw off even the best laid plans. During one event, both elevators from the kitchen to the main floor broke down before food service. To improvise, the team created a human chain up the stairs to transfer each plate to the event space. “Things are always going to happen—we have a backup plan for the backup plan,” says Pillay. What’s the recipe for providing service with a smile to thousands of guests? Culture and hard work. “We try to create a home for our team,” says Pillay. “We have team members who, on a daily basis, want to put their best foot forward for their guests, their department and the Edmonton EXPO Centre as a whole.”

A memorable meal More than anything, the culinary team at the Edmonton EXPO Centre wants you to leave the venue with a memory worth sharing. Sometimes, this means serving up the unexpected. “Most restaurants or event spaces will have your standard, well-known options,” says Paul. “We can serve our guests the foods they are most comfortable with, but when they reflect back on the meal they had at the Edmonton EXPO Centre, do they talk about it? That’s the goal.” Here’s to food worth talking about. Experience the Edmonton EXPO Centre’s culinary expertise for yourself at the Winery Spotlight Dinner on November 28. Visit edmontonexpocentre.com to find out more. ABOVE: EXECUTIVE CHEF JIJU PAUL. BOTTOM: SOUS VIDE COOKED CHICKEN ROULADE. PHOTO SOURCE: DALE MACMILLAN PHOTOGRAPHY

NOVEMBER 2019 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM

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