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The Alberta Pension Plan – Looking for Solutions to Satisfy all Parties By Terry O’Flynn
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New Jobs Ministry to Play a Key Role in Economic Recovery By David MacLean
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erry Kemp: Soaring by T Grounding with Unshakable Principles “If you help enough people achieve their goals, you will achieve yours.” By Nerissa McNaughton
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Handling the Transition to Work-From-Home Through Business Technology By Will Porter
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F ive Star Holiday Decor Inc. Celebrates 10 Years
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elebrating Small Businesses C in Edmonton There are many great reasons to support our local entrepreneurs By Nerissa McNaughton
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OCTOBER 2020 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM
THE ALBERTA PENSION PLAN – LOOKING FOR SOLUTIONS TO SATISFY ALL PARTIES // TERRY O’FLYNN
The Alberta Pension Plan – Looking for Solutions to Satisfy all Parties BY TERRY O’FLYNN, CHAIRMAN, ALBERTA ENTERPRISE GROUP
W
hen you’re getting an unfair deal in something, it’s on you to look for a better solution. That is what the Government of Alberta is doing with the fair deal panel and the referendums we expect to come near the end of next year. The issues at hand are important, but no proposal may be more important for Albertans than the idea of an Alberta Pension Plan. Business leaders in our province know that we put in a lot for the rest of the country. Between 2007 and 2018 Alberta contributed a net of $239.8 billion dollars to the rest of the country. This happened during two very major economic downturns and recently, where we only saw more and more regulation brought in from Ottawa that hurt our province. While we may not have a veto on issues like Bill C-48 and C-69, we do have other powers that can help us get a fairer deal in the confederation. That is why it is important for business leaders to look at the Alberta Pension Plan. In 2017 alone, Alberta contributed $2.7 billion more than Albertans took out of the Canada Pension Plan. Dues in Alberta, where individuals are younger and often work more hours, subsidised pensions in other parts of the country. Albertans are proud Canadians. I, like many other Canadians, are proud of our country’s history, our place in the world, and there is nothing that makes us more excited than cheering on Canadian hockey at the international level. Albertans are also very generous. Our citizens give more to charity per capita than any other province. We’ve contributed to Canada for years, but there is a difference between being charitable and getting an unfair deal. When it comes to the CPP, we must look and see if there is something better out there for our workers and our employers.
ALBERTANS ARE PROUD CANADIANS. I, LIKE MANY OTHER CANADIANS, ARE PROUD OF OUR COUNTRY’S HISTORY, OUR PLACE IN THE WORLD, AND THERE IS NOTHING THAT MAKES US MORE EXCITED THAN CHEERING ON CANADIAN HOCKEY AT THE INTERNATIONAL LEVEL. The Fair Deal panel reported that if Alberta withdrew from the CPP and created an Alberta Pension Plan, Alberta’s hypothetical contribution rate could be reduced from the present rate of 9.9 per cent to as low as 5.85 per cent. That is savings for employers and employees on every cheque. It also represents an opportunity for Albertans to keep the approximately $3 billion annual subsidy to the rest of Canada, while maintaining base benefits for Alberta retirees at a level comparable to the CPP. It also could give us the opportunity to increase benefits for seniors at a contribution rate lower than the CPP. Could this be an opportunity for us to make our province stronger for the generations to come? While there will likely be a more fulsome debate in the year ahead, the fact that this could come to a provincial referendum in October of 2021 means businesses, and all stakeholders, should start looking at it now. If there is a better deal to be had, we need to consider all the factors and pursue what is best. It’s on us.
BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // OCTOBER 2020
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NEW JOBS MINISTRY TO PLAY A KEY ROLE IN ECONOMIC RECOVERY // DAVID MACLEAN
New Jobs Ministry to Play a Key Role in Economic Recovery BY DAVID MACLEAN
O
n a sleepy Tuesday in August, Premier Kenney announced a significant change to his Cabinet. Minister Doug Schweitzer moved from Justice and Solicitor General to the newly-named Ministry of Jobs, Economy and Innovation, marking a significant shift in emphasis for the department. Kaycee Madu was bumped from Municipal Affairs to replace Schweitzer and Grande Prairie’s Tracy Allard stepped in to Madu’s role. Schweitzer, a Calgary lawyer, will be charged with overseeing Alberta’s economic recovery from the twin disasters of collapsed energy prices and the pandemic. It’s still early, but it appears Schweitzer will be a major player in developing economic policy for the foreseeable future. This is a welcome change. Traditionally in Alberta, economic matters are led by the Finance Minister, but Finance Minister Toews has been fairly low-key on pandemic recovery and other issues. We imagine he has his hands full trying to get the province’s finances under control. Alberta has been lacking a dedicated lead on the economy since the 2019 UCP election win. With Schweitzer heading a reconfigured economy ministry, there’s now a singular entity charged with guiding job growth. With unemployment hovering around 12 per cent and economic growth lagging in the rest of country, Schweitzer has his work cut out for him. According to Premier Kenney, Schweitzer will lead work on labour market reforms and training programs as well as kicking off the Invest Alberta Agency – a group dedicated to attracting investment to Alberta. The ministry has also promised sector-specific recovery strategies this fall – in areas like tourism, agriculture and manufacturing.
What would a manufacturing strategy look like for Alberta? First, we need to understand the manufacturing scene in Alberta, which includes petrochemicals, food processing, metal fabrication and forestry. While Alberta’s manufacturing sector is an important part of the energy industry – it has some unique challenges and opportunities that set it apart from oil and gas. Manufacturers face similar challenges. Alberta manufacturers lag behind competing jurisdictions in investment in equipment and technology – which is the lifeblood of manufacturing growth. If manufacturers don’t invest and evolve, they will not compete. Over the years manufacturing investment has lagged in other countries and we see the results – Canada is sliding down global rankings in manufacturing output. Reversing this trend is an overwhelming challenge (especially with this government’s budget challenges) but worth the effort. We need to assess how we tax investment in Canada and explore whether the right incentives are in place to make Alberta a manufacturing powerhouse. Minister Schweitzer should also take a close look at how investment attraction is working in the US, where some states and municipalities trip over themselves to attract Canadian investment and talent. Every dollar that leaves Alberta for greener pastures in the US will likely never come back, so we should be honest with ourselves about what we are up against. Minister Schweitzer has an important and difficult job ahead of him, but the renewed emphasis on economic recovery and having a dedicated voice at the Cabinet table for economic growth and diversification is a welcome change.
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.
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OF ENERGY
OCTOBER 2020
THE BENEFITS OF ENERGY
CHIEF MEL GRANDJAMB ON THE PRESENT AND FUTURE OF THE FORT MCKAY FIRST NATION
OF ENERGY VOL 2, ISSUE 3 | OCTOBER 2020
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David Yager | Alberta’s Oil And Gas Recovery Is Well Underway
ALBERTA’S OIL AND GAS RECOVERY IS WELL UNDERWAY by David Yager
T
he old saying goes, “No news is good news.” It should say, “Good news is no news.” Because bad news makes catchier headlines, grabs eyeballs and attracts readers. In 2020 filling empty paper and screens with bad news has been easy. Since the COVID-19 disaster began early this year, the onslaught has been relentless. Alberta’s prospects appear awful to worse. Layoffs. Reduced investment. Business closures. Bankruptcies. Massive deficits. Further, the “cancel culture” has chosen this particular moment to rewrite history and demand human behavior modifications. This is unsettling given the economic challenges. As a result, too many have missed the fact that oil prices have staged a significant recovery since the dark days of March and April. And natural gas prices are unaffected and are substantially higher than in the past two years. This means is Alberta’s oil and gas recovery is underway. Things will get better before they get worse. Here’s some data. Decide for yourself.
Postmedia carried a story in late August highlighting the remarkable recovery in global oil demand since April, the largest growth in
crude consumption in the shortest period of time in history. People are driving again in the U.S. Economies are opening up in Asia and Europe, also increasing demand for transportation fuel. Regardless, the headline for an otherwise positive story was negative. “Crude consumption rebounds from April lows despite concerns about peak oil demand – But a full recovery would be contingent on how quickly a vaccine could be developed.” This headline is curiously qualified. Since March we’ve been told that fossil fuels are in irreversible decline, renewables rule, and there is no chance for oil demand to recover without a COVID vaccine. Fossil fuel opponents have gleefully declared the end of the oil era. But the actual data did not support the official narrative. Since April there has been record growth in global oil demand which is now almost at 90% of the all-time record high of 100 million reached in late 2019. A study by consultancy IHS Markit indicated that by the end of 2020 consumption would be in the range of 92 million to 95 million b/d, almost a complete recovery. Without a vaccine.
4 • Business of Energy • October 2020
The website reported global COVID-19 related deaths at about 840,000. This is the statistic everyone talks about, but it is about two per cent of total mortalities from all causes. This is congruent with data from Washington DC’s Energy Information Administration (EIA) which figures the world will enter 2021 consuming 97 million b/d and will back at 2019 levels by next summer. The EIA doesn’t know if and when a vaccine will be developed, nor does is factor such variables into its forecasts. Oil’s pricing outlook is positive. Because of the drop in spending and drilling worldwide and high decline rates (U.S production from shale oil areas is estimated to fall by at least 3 million b/d this year) - and a steady hand on supply management for OPEC+ - EIA data shows demand outstripping supply at the end of June. This will cause continued inventory reductions. More analysts are becoming very bullish on crude prices. How can this be? Because there are 7.8 billion people in the world that all the tall foreheads speak for, all the advice dispensers speak to, but nobody speaks with. Here’s some statistics you’ll rarely see reproduced anywhere. According to website worldmeter.com, August ended with over 7.8 billion fellow earthlings. Since 2020 began, more than 93 million people had been born, nearly 40 million died, and the net gain in population exceeded 54 million. That’s almost 50 per cent more than the total population of Canada. The website reported global COVID-19 related deaths at about 840,000. This is the statistic everyone talks about, but it is about two per cent of total mortalities from all causes. After eight months of 2020, the planet had 54 million more future fossil fuel consumers than when the year began. Big number. Because outside of the few totally isolated tribes of Indigenous people living in the dense jungles of South America or Southeast Asia, everybody on earth buys an oil, natural gas or coal product of some sort, even it is only plastic. Every day 7.8 billion people get up and make their basic decisions about staying alive. Food. Clothing. Shelter. Medicine. Transportation. Communications. The overwhelming majority will not read any of the headlines that dominate our media or seek more dire warnings about the end of life on earth as we know it from David Suzuki or Elizabeth May. They will buy the cheapest energy and food they can find. Right now the fuel comes from oil and the food is probably packaged or shipped in plastic. Notice that crusades to ban plastics have gone silent. That is why oil demand and prices are recovering, trends that will continue. With stable production coming from Alberta’s oil sands, our province will participate through both rising volume and prices. Another piece of great news everybody is too busy being discouraged or terrified to notice is the price of natural gas which is significantly higher than a year ago. In fact, 2020 gas prices are the best since 2017.
5 • Business of Energy • October 2020
Alberta’s Oil And Gas Recovery Is Well Underway
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Alberta’s Oil And Gas Recovery Is Well Underway | David Yager
David Yager | Alberta’s Oil And Gas Recovery Is Well Underway
When the UCP formed government in April of 2019, Premier Jason Kenney created a separate ministry for natural gas. One of the big problems in recent years has been the transportation infrastructure between the main source of new supplies in the northwest and the legacy gas storage reservoirs in the southeast. The original Nova gas gathering system was overloaded during the summer when it operated at reduced capacity for maintenance and repairs. When pipeline capacity was reduced, Nova bumped the “spot” gas destined for storage in the southeast but continued to ship the contracted gas. This collapsed spot prices for AECO gas going south and east and what is called Westcoast Station 2 gas in BC headed south and west. Producers didn’t shut it in because it was a by-product of the more valuable liquids and petroleum. The Alberta Reference Price for natural gas for the four months from June to September 2019 averaged only $0.75 per Gigajoule (GJ). When gas powered the province this used four to 10 dollars. For the same period in 2018 the price average only $0.97/GJ. A year ago the province and producers convinced TC Energy (Nova’s owner) and the Canadian Energy Regulator (formerly the National Energy Board) to review Nova’s tolling mechanism. At the same time TC Energy continued to invest in increased gas transmission capacity from Alberta’s northwest to southeast. When the tolling was changed last fall, gas spiked and has stayed at much higher levels ever since. The spot price for AECO gas on August 26 was $2.60/GJ, $2.26 higher than the same day a year ago. The price at Westcoast Station B in BC was also about $2.60/GJ, $2.07 more than in 2019. In recent years gas has been the rump of an industry dominated by oil. But in 2020, yesterday’s zero is today’s hero. The Alberta Reference price for June was $1.65/GJ, three times the 2019 price. For July the average price was $1.77 and August close to $1.90. These are both more than double 2019’s levels. ARC Energy Research Institute estimates that the average price for gas this year will be $2/GJ for AECO. That is 17 per cent higher than in 2019 and 37 per cent higher than 2018. The fact that drilling
of new wells this year is awful is well known. What you have to hunt for to learn is that number of actives drilling rigs in BC in August was higher than same period a year ago. Why? Thank gas. Futures prices are also strong. The spot price for September 2021 delivery in late August was $2.50/GJ. Only a month ago it was $2.10 and a year ago it was only $1.60. Only the trade press carried the story that U.S natural gas consumption for electricity generation reached an all-time record level in July because 103 former coal-fired generating plants switched to this cleaner fuel or were replaced by gas-fueled generators. Or that Californians endured electricity blackouts because the renewables so many adore couldn’t handle the demand. So the state promised to add more gas-powered generation as backup. This is all good news you won’t see often unless you work in or are associated with the oil and gas industry and know where to find it. Lost in the relentless onslaught of relentless negative media is that construction continues for the Trans Mountain oil pipeline expansion to the lower mainland of BC and the Pacific Coastal Gaslink natural gas pipeline to the LNG Canada facility and terminal at Kitimat. The main media coverage for these projects in recent months has not been their promising contributions to future prosperity, but whether or not continued operations were reckless breeding grounds for COVID-19 spreading and contamination. No matter what you’ve read, what you’ve heard or what you’ve been told, rumors of the impending demise of fossil fuels are greatly exaggerated. That’s because 7.8 billion people want a better life and, unless prohibited, will make rational decisions to secure the highest quality necessities of survival at the lowest possible cost. This bodes very well for Alberta.
B O E
David Yager is an oil service executive, oil and gas writer, energy policy analyst and author of From Miracle to Menace – Alberta, A Carbon Story. He lives in Calgary.
6 • Business of Energy • October 2020
The Benefits of Energy | Melanie Darbyshire
Chief Mel Grandjamb. Photo by Crystal Mercredi.
THE BENEFITS OF ENERGY
CHIEF MEL GRANDJAMB ON THE PRESENT AND FUTURE OF THE FORT MCKAY FIRST NATION
A
by Melanie Darbyshire
s one of Canada’s wealthiest First Nations, the Fort McKay First Nation (FMFN) derives much of its prosperity from involvement in and partnerships with the energy industry. Its location - 60 kilometres north of Fort McMurray, along the banks of the
Athabasca River - sets it squarely in oilsands territory and FMFN has, since the1970s, been a keen participant in the sector. Today, 11 FMFN owned companies generate 65 per cent of the nation’s yearly income ($47.9
7 • Business of Energy • October 2020
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Melanie Darbyshire | The Benefits of Energy
“Every company in the area is involved in the community,” Grandjamb continues. “They participate in treaty days and different events. As much as we know there is disruption to the land, we have to ensure positive working relationships.”
million in 2018/19), providing critical programs and services to its 840 members. These companies produce in excess of $200 million annually in salary and wages and over $70 million in taxes, CPP and EI to the federal government. Beginning in 1986 with a single janitorial contract, the Fort McKay Group of Companies (FMGOC) and Nation owned businesses have evolved over time and now span a range of sectors, predominantly in or associated with the energy industry. They serve corporate clients in northeastern Alberta in the oilsands, pipeline, forestry and public sectors. “Our members reap the rewards of positive industry growth,” FMFN Chief Mel Grandjamb says proudly. “We provide business per capita distributions to every member, including minors (in trust). This is after we’ve reinvested back into programming and infrastructure for the community.” These distributions accumulate such that members regularly receive $100,000 cash when they turn 18. “When the youth turn 18 they are required to take a fiscal responsibility course,” Grandjamb adds.
the form of long-term sustainability agreements. “We’ve benefited over $150 million in the last 10 years,” Grandjamb explains. “And we’ve secured funding for the next 40 to 50 years. These are from sound, sustainable agreements negotiated between our Nation and the oilsands players which address environmental, health, safety and socioeconomic impacts.” “Every company in the area is involved in the community,” he continues. “They participate in treaty days and different events. As much as we know there is disruption to the land, we have to ensure positive working relationships.” The land has been home to FMFN since 1820, and coincides with the placement of the Hudson Bay Company (HBC) trading post in the area. The community was named after Dr. William Morrison MacKay, Alberta’s first resident doctor and first President of the Northern Alberta Medical Association, in 1912. FMFN is signatory to Treaty 8 and also has reserves 174A at Gardiner (Moose) Lake and 174B at Namur (Buffalo) Lake, approximately 65 kilometres northwest of FMFN.
Grandjamb, who is also FMFN Fire Chief, grew up on the Nation. Prior to becoming Chief he gained 30 years’ construction and industry experience and a designation in Building Construction Engineering Technology and Project Management from NAIT. He has held roles within FMFN, with Frog Lake First Nation and at Syncrude Canada.
“Our people were a nomadic people, following the game,” Grandjamb explains. “After the HBC trading post was established, we got into the fur trade. Then in the 1970s the exploration for oil began. The fur trade was declining and so the community decided to partake in the oilsands. It was a bold move, because we were changing lifestyles. But Fort McKay learned to be adaptive and grew up very fast in the 1970s and 1980s.”
He highlights the good relationships FMFN enjoys with industry players like Syncrude, in
Today, there are four separate companies under the FMGOC banner: Fort McKay
8 • Business of Energy • October 2020
The Benefits of Energy | Melanie Darbyshire
In all, FMFN companies employ 2,000 direct employees, including 400 band members. “Our community is small, we have a membership of 840,” Grandjamb reflects. “I keep telling this to our young generation, that it’s a positive thing. We’ve got enough jobs to employ every one of our people if we wanted!” FMSS is a medium to heavy civil contractor. With 100 pieces of heavy equipment and an experienced labour force year round, it provides civil and mining services to long and short term oil sands projects. “Of all the nations we’re the only one that self-performs work. Meaning there’s no joint venture, no partnership, it’s strictly self-performing.” FML is a limited partnership which originated in 1997 as a mail delivery and shuttle service at Syncrude Canada. Today it accepts and transports material worldwide, with 174 pieces of equipment and 355 employees. Rising Sun is a joint venture Aboriginal business majority owned by the FMGOC and minority owned by Kaizen Automotive Group. Located in the Fort McKay Industrial Park, it has the only GM Warranty approved automotive service centre in the area. Birch Mountain, a successful hydrovac services operation, is the latest addition to the FMGOC group of companies. The seven other companies in which FMFN is an owner in are: • Poplar Point Catering: a remote lodging service company; • Soogadin (“powerfully built” in Cree) Services LP: provides green and brown-field projects, shutdown/turnaround work, and specialized long-term facility maintenance; • First North Catering: a high quality camp facilities and operator; • Dene Koe LP: provides remote lodging services, business cooperation and community engagement; • Caribou Energy Park: an industrial park located 54 kilometres north of Fort McMurray and supporting commercial industries supplying the oilsands; • First Nations ETF LP: owns and operates a bitumen cooling, blending and storage facility; • Hammerstone Corporation: owns and operates the Muskeg Valley Quarry, covering 3,600 acres with over 750 million tonnes of limestone and gravel reserves; “Our business interests have evolved over time as we’ve continued to realign ourselves with the economic opportunities that we can execute well,” Grandjamb offers. “In today’s market you’ve got to have high service delivery, and of course maintain a good bottom line, otherwise you’re not viable. Over the years we’ve found that self-performing medium to heavy civil is good for returns. Logistics was a nice long term five-year contract. So those were good fits.” “At the same time we’ve got to think about our human resources, our people,” he continues. “We have to create a plan so that every one of our members should run these group of companies. Our members should be the heavy equipment operator, should be doing logistics, moving freight. And then down the road our members should be the CEO, the CFO. So we’re always looking at the community and our human inventories.”
9 • Business of Energy • October 2020
The Benefits of Energy
Strategic Services (FMSS), Fort McKay Logistics (FML), Rising Sun Services and Birch Mountain Enterprises. This is in addition to the seven companies in which the Nation has ownership.
Melanie Darbyshire | The Benefits of Energy
To this end, the Nation has a directive that every FMFN employee has a career plan. There is also an internship program to allow young members to try out different jobs in order to pick their best fit. The economic benefits realized by FMFN have translated into an extensive list of community facilities. These include a band office and health centre, a daycare, an elder’s drop-in centre, two separate youth centres (one for elementary aged kids, one for teenagers), an arena, a business centre, a fitness centre and the Riverside Continuing Care centre for elders. A new school for kindergarten through grade nine students is currently under construction. Given the lower price of oil over the last few years, FMFN has worked to diversify its business interests. “There are a number of initiatives we’re currently undertaking that are a bit high level,” Grandjamb explains. “We’re looking at putting a refinery on one of our reserves to support one of the oilsands plants. We’re also actively engaged in commercial property in Edmonton and we’re looking at some solar projects.” One important future project however is in the oilsands. Fort McKay Oilsands Development LLP is a newly incorporated band-owned company, currently in the exploration and planning stage examining how to responsibly develop two leases in the heart of the oilsands region. These lands are adjacent to various open pit oilsands leases currently held by Suncor and CNRL. “We are gathering all our data to assess the value of the potential bitumen reserves,” Grandjamb says. “The numbers that we’re hearing are phenomenal. We’re talking 400 to 500 million barrels.” The development currently being considered is open pit mining and bitumen extraction with a responsible development approach using most advanced technology possible. “We’re going to identify and determine what the reserves are and have a lot of community sessions to decide on how to proceed, because this is big. We’ve got to outline all scenarios, pros and cons. Preliminarily, without having full blown community voting, it’s being received very well.” The opportunity is a game-changer for FMFN. “The revenue we will receive from these oil sand
plants will put Fort McKay in a position where we will never have to depend on funding from any B one,” Grandjamb marvels. “That is our plan.” OE ABOVE: TIPI AND FORT MCKAY FIRST NATION BAND HALL, THE NEW ELSIE FABIAN SCHOOL IN FORT MCKAY, DUE FOR COMPETITION IN 2022 (RENDERING), MOOSE LAKE AND THE RIVERSIDE CONTINUING CARE CENTRE FOR ELDERS.
10 • Business of Energy • October 2020
Trevor Kearnes, Neil Gunderman, Jana McDonald and Trevor Skippen Photo by Courtney Lovgren.
TNT Engineering Celebrates a Decade of Service by Rennay Craats
T
he three principals at TNT Engineering may have different skillsets and experiences in the industry but they share a sense of pride in doing the job well for their valued clients. That’s exactly what made them ideal partners to form a unique engineering firm. In 2010, Neil Gunderman, Trevor Kearnes and Trevor Skippen came together to create an innovative EPCM oil and gas services company that has served the Canadian and international markets ever since.
move for them to leave their firms and start this up with me,” says Gunderman.
Kearnes and Skippen worked at a different engineering firm and Gunderman spent his career in the field doing project management and construction supervision. The three crossed paths on various projects and not only worked well together but genuinely enjoyed each other’s company.
Since the beginning, the principals were selective about who they added to their team, seeking only those professionals who mirrored the founders’ dedication to high-quality standards and a positive culture. The result is a complement of skilled staff experienced in all areas of the business that is leading the company into its second decade and establishing TNT as a trusted partner for oil and gas companies.
“I was looking for a change and the three of us got together and we decided that it would be a good
It was a great decision. They started as a firm of three, each wearing every necessary hat to get the company off the ground. Within a year they hired engineers, draftspeople and administrators to bring the employee total to 10, and three years in they had reached their goal of 40.
TNT Engineering || 10 Years
11
Montney multi-well pa
Rendering of an oil battery we completed and designed by TNT Engineering. Start of engineering to commissioning was completed in less than 6 months.
“As an Engineering Procurement Construction and Management company, we do it all. We do the detailed engineering, design, drafting for electrical, mechanical, process, and civil,” says Gunderman. “The field experience is something that really sets us apart—having not only the technical side but the practical knowledge.”
quick turnaround for clients. The team can make and implement decisions quickly, which allows the company to adapt and navigate a wider range of sectors for its clients than its larger competition.
TNT unites field expertise and engineering to deliver well-designed solutions to complex challenges, on time and on budget. By offering the advantage of single-source efficiency, the firm supports the entire project from the engineering, automation, and management to inspection, regulatory and operations support. Over the years, TNT Engineering has diversified its offerings across Western Canada, northern United States, Latin America and the Middle East. It provides expertise in such areas as pipeline modelling, compressor stations, day-to-day operations, optimization of oil and gas facilities, and design and evaluation of water injection systems. It also excels in installation and expansion of oil batteries and design and construction management of upstream oil and gas projects.
“We make ourselves available 24/7 for our clients, and we are fast to respond to client issues,” adds Skippen.
There is little the TNT team can’t do, from offering an extra set of eyes on a design up to $250-million projects and everything in between. As a small firm, TNT Engineering is nimble and can provide
TNT Engineering || 10 Years || 2
“We have the efficiency of a small company but we can handle jobs like we’re much larger,” says Gunderman.
TNT is the best of both worlds. Clients enjoy the individual attention and tailored solutions the small firm provides while benefiting from big-firm quality standards that come with the vast experience attached to the high-calibre project teams. TNT also boasts a unique mix of field and engineering not found in many firms. Gunderman’s field focus and expertise allows TNT to see things from both sides and ensures both are represented. They pride themselves on effective communication with contractors and tradespeople in the field and by speaking the same language, the job gets done right and done well. TNT Engineering has spent the last 10 years exceeding clients’ expectations with its creative designs and solutions. While project managers work within an increasingly diverse portfolio, they have built a solid reputation in the Montney play.
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TNT is the best of both worlds. Clients enjoy the individual attention and tailored solutions the small firm provides while benefiting from big-firm quality standards that come with the vast experience attached to the highcalibre project teams.
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“We’ve been doing a lot in northeastern BC with highvolume gas wells. We’ve spent a lot of time and effort making these efficient,” says Trevor Kearnes. “We’re on the leading edge of design for multi-well pads.” The work they have done there fits with their mission to provide quality services that are also environmental, cost-effective and efficient for clients. The founders all have a great foundation in Montney projects and worked together on some before they even formed their firm. They carried that expertise into TNT where they continue to engineer well tie-ins, compression stations, gathering systems, and sales pipelines for several clients in the area. TNT also completed engineering and design for three well tie-ins along with an expansion to an oil CPF in Iraq. TNT performed a 3D scan of an existing central processing facility that was increasing throughput from 10,000 to 35,000 barrels a day, and prepared a 3D model of all-new piping and equipment with accuracy to within a couple millimetres. Off-site fabrication was necessary and everything was modularized, fitting perfectly. Customers can count on quality domestically and
TNT Engineering || 10 Years || 3
internationally, that’s what keeps them coming back; clients are loyal and TNT’s approach helps them retain their clients, as well as their staff, long term. TNT treats staff like family and the culture is one of collaboration, support and respect. It is also one
Kurdistan, Iraq
Congratulations to TNT Engineering Ltd. on your 10 year Anniversary!
of community. The company is involved in various community groups including the Mustard Seed, Calgary Stampede, and the Drop-In Centre and the team supports causes close to their hearts, from helping veterans to single mothers to troubled youth.
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The principals are invested in the team’s success, are hands-on, involved with projects and mentor project managers, all without micromanaging the very capable team.
w w w. r u s s e l m e t a l s . c o m
3410, 53rd Ave. Lacombe, AB T4L 0B5 | www.envisionmanufacturing.ca
Congratulations on your first 10 years! It’s always a pleasure working with TNT Engineering Ltd.
“They started an engineering firm because they knew they could do it better than anybody else. They only pick people who are cut from the same cloth—and none of us is going anywhere. It’s a strong company culture and the people who are here want to be here through thick and thin,” says Jana McDonald, director of business development and client relations. Through thick and thin, the good times and these challenging ones, TNT Engineering has established an enduring reputation for excellence that will carry it into its next 10 years.
From our work family to yours, CONGRATULATIONS on 10 years! “Excellence all the way down the line.” 8-26103 Hwy 12, R.R.#4 Lacombe, Alberta (403) 782-2756 www.vikingprojects.ca
TNT Engineering || 10 Years || 4
Suite 600 - 639 5th Avenue South West Calgary, AB T2P 0M9, Canada Main 403 387 2500 | Fax 403 387 2535
www.tnteng.ca
The Perils of Unintended Consequences and Energy Divestment | Cody Battershill
THE PERILS OF UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES AND ENERGY DIVESTMENT by Cody Battershill
W
hether it’s major insurers, universities or large banks, divestment campaigns continue to grab headlines across the country. What seems on the outside to be a straightforward example of ‘voting with your dollars’ is, on closer inspection, an investment approach fraught with unintended, highly problematic consequences. Here’s an example. Recently, thousands of oil and gas supporters from coast to coast to coast have sent messages to global insurance companies in response to misinformation campaigns from activist groups trying to hurt our Canadian energy sector. Global insurers like Zurich and others are under heavy activist pressure to drop all their business with TMX. The intention is for the activists to halt TMX in its tracks. It doesn’t appear to matter that that Canadian standards for environment, health and safety are the highest among global suppliers, and that 93 per cent of Indigenous communities who were consulted through the TMX public process supported the project or did not object. Canada’s continuing innovations in clean technology and reducing emissions per barrel are also ignored. But investors have tools that, when reasonably applied, will match up investment dollars with reputable projects. One tool is collectively known as the environmental, social and governance (ESG) investor criteria. Any fair ESG analysis of Canadian oil and gas shows Canada sits comfortable atop the world’s largest ten oil exporters – on virtually every metric.
So, once oil demand for 2021 surpasses 2019 figures and continues with its historic growth pattern as projected, where do divestment activists think the world should obtain its liquid energy? Here’s a hint. A few years ago a well-publicized activist crusade pressured HSBC Canada to sever ties with Canada’s innovative, highly regulated oil sands. After years of mudslinging from Stand.Earth and its friends, HSBC caved in to activist demands and took its investment capital elsewhere. It instead turned to places like Saudi Arabia. To say the Saudis are not widely known for their leadership on the environment and human rights is a real understatement. The divestment of HSBC from the Canadian energy sector while at the same time doing more with Saudi Arabia was a classic example of an unintended consequence. TMX was reviewed numerous times, approved and re-approved by governments and the courts, and has the support of a large majority of Canadians from every walk of life. Given global demand for oil is set to rise over the medium turn, Canadian pipelines protests and energy divestment won’t keep a single barrel of oil in the ground. If climate action, leadership in renewable energy, a strong regulatory framework for environmental performance, Indigenous support and the best record on social progress and human rights are things investors wish to encourage, then those B investors will support Canadian oil and gas. OE
Cody Battershill is a Calgary realtor and founder/spokesperson for CanadaAction.ca.
15 • Business of Energy • October 2020
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Stantec to Partner on Arctic Research Support Contract Global design firm Stantec will support Battelle on a 10year, US$260-million Arctic Research Support and Logistics Services (ARSLS) contract from the US Government’s National Science Foundation (NSF). The team will provide infrastructure and logistics support to academic researchers conducting NSF-funded studies in Alaska, northern Canada, Greenland, and other Arctic areas. Specifically, Stantec will provide engineering, design, and planning services in support of new facilities as well as maintenance of existing facilities to enable research within some of the most remote locations, harsh weather conditions, and difficult terrain on Earth. The overall project scope will include the design of infrastructure and facilities in these remote locations. Plans include research facilities, laboratories, and operations centers that will facilitate efficient, effective, and safe research in the Arctic—a region critically important to the global research community. Stantec design features will enable sustainable and resilient facilities operation, including efficient startup and shutdown, reconfiguration and reuse over long lifespans, and remote monitoring/automation. Stantec’s work will enable researchers to enhance ongoing studies in the Arctic, helping to advance understanding of the region’s rapidly changing natural environment and social and cultural systems. The Arctic region is among the world’s most sensitive to environmental change—with exceptionally long natural climate records and thousands of years of human settlement—and is a natural laboratory for studying natural, physical, and social sciences. The ARSLS program focuses on supporting responsible and ethical research while encouraging and respecting all individuals, cultures, and the environment. The research program requires long-term, sustained relations with the local and Indigenous communities across the Arctic. The team will focus on coordination and collaboration with Indigenous cultures and include local community resources. In Alaska, Stantec successfully works with Indigenous groups through formal business partnerships that are focused on Alaska Native employment efforts on major projects and built through connections to Indigenous
Peoples in its technical work. The global firm is working toward earning the Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) certification from the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business. PAR provides a framework for organizations to develop an Indigenous Relations approach that is effective, sustainable, and successful. “We’re thrilled to work with the Battelle team to support the National Science Foundation on this important and innovative program,” said Chris Brown, Stantec vice president and project manager based in Anchorage. “We have a long history of supporting Indigenous communities and extensive experience designing facilities across the Arctic. Our team understands the variables that must be considered to deliver critical infrastructure in the world’s most challenging locations, and we look forward to building on that history to help facilitate essential Arctic research.” For more than 60 years, NSF has sponsored research in the Arctic to better understand the region’s influence on weather and climate and other disciplinary questions in the natural and social sciences, as well as how the Arctic functions as a system. Understanding the changes occurring in the Arctic, the downstream effects of those changes on the rest of the planet, and the planet’s influence on the Arctic all represent complex questions for researchers. Answering these questions requires measurements taken over many years across vast areas that are often difficult to access. SOURCE: STANTEC.COM/NEWS
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OCTOBER 2020 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM
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PRIME TIME MENU Unpredictable Weather Heats Up Challenges for Canadian Farmers: This Group Has a Plan Across the country, extreme summer weather – including severe droughts, hailstorms and rainfall – has combined with the coronavirus pandemic to take a serious toll on Canada’s agriculture, leaving many of Canada’s 270,000 farmers in crisis. The good news: solutions exist to make Canada’s food supply more resilient to both challenges. That’s the message of the farmer-led coalition Farmers for Climate Solutions (FCS) in unveiling a call to action it says will help the Canadian agricultural sector weather short-term challenges posed by the pandemic and long-term challenges caused by accelerating climate change.
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OCTOBER 2020 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM
The group’s plan, entitled A Better Future Starts on the Farm: Recommendations for recovery from COVID-19 in Canadian agriculture, details five actions to protect Canada’s food supply. “The pandemic has shed light on the need for a more resilient Canadian food supply in a sector that was already struggling with impacts of climate change. This growing season has been very difficult, and without a good plan, it could get worse,” said Arzeena Hamir, owner at Amara Farm. “Farmers are ready to take action to build a more resilient agricultural sector, but we can’t do this alone – we need decision-makers to act on our recommendations.” The group’s five recommendations for recovery in agriculture will help farmers protect and improve their livelihoods, increase resilience to climate change, lower emissions, and create green job opportunities in rural communities. They call for the following: 1. Make farms green energy powerhouses - With the right incentives, farms can generate solar, wind and biogas energy from manure and crop waste. This increases and diversifies farmers’ revenue, supports the green economy, and creates net environmental benefits.
SOURCE: FARMERS FOR CLIMATE CHANGE C/O GAIL BERGMAN PR
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2. Help innovative farmers as mentors - Thousands of farmers across Canada are finding solutions to reduce their emissions and store more carbon in their soil, but they are limited in their capacity to share their experience across the sector. Supporting mentorship and farmer-to-farmer training programs is essential to help low-GHG climatefriendly practices spread. 3. Provide incentives for climate-friendly farming When farmers reduce their emissions, increase biodiversity and improve the health of their local environment, all Canadians benefit. Strong incentives must be created for farming practices that protect our climate and environment. 4. Reward farmers who reduce their climate risk - The Canadian government already spends billions of dollars on crop insurance and risk reduction programs for farmers. Rather than only compensate farmers in the case of loss, these programs could also reward them for taking concrete steps to make their farms more resilient to climate change and reducing emissions. 5. Support new and young farmers - The average age of Canadian farmers is 55, and COVID-19 exposed the vulnerabilities of a food system that depends largely on
temporary foreign workers. Alongside increasing protections for these workers, Canada must remove barriers for young people to enter the profession. This is essential to ensure our future food supply, and is also a way of fostering innovation, as young farmers are some of the most progressive in the field, farming in a way that benefits the climate and environment.
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HANDLING THE TRANSITION TO WORK-FROM-HOME // BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY
HANDLING THE TRANSITION TO WORK-FROM-HOME THROUGH BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY BY WILL PORTER
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orking from home has been an option for some companies in recent years, as the infrastructures and business technology needed for it has advanced to meet the demands. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic crisis hit earlier this year, and lockdowns started to deploy throughout Canada, most companies found themselves needing to deploy, or expand, their work-from-home technology infrastructure to ensure continued operations for their businesses. These technological deployments and expansions ranged from voice and text applications, to remote training through digital software or immersive technology, as well as file security methods. Speaking with Taj Gill, director, marketing & growth at Edmonton based Stash, he explains how their company already had infrastructure in place for the work-from-home transition. “Our team was already using laptops and instantmessaging tools so the transition to working remotely was
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OCTOBER 2020 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM
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relatively easy. Instant messaging has been a great tool for us as communication is the key to any successful business. Nothing can replace in-person interactions, but instant-messaging gave us the ability to connect with each other every day while providing the ability for us to immediately communicate when needed.”
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Gill continues. “We also implemented video calls to get visual interactions with each other. We use video calls for work-related meetings and we also use it in a way that could be compared to coffee breaks to see how everyone is doing on a personal level (how everyone’s families are doing, how the weekend was, etc.).”
Fostering a resilient and adaptable market.
Jason Suriano, founder & CEO of TIQ Software, was also already prepared for the work-from-home transition, having made that an option for employees several years ago, and describes their implemented infrastructure. “Since
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ABOVE: JASON SURIANO, FOUNDER & CEO, TIQ SOFTWARE.
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HANDLING THE TRANSITION TO WORK-FROM-HOME // BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY
we transitioned to a work from home setup five years ago, we were already using technologies like Dropbox for file sharing, Slack for internal communications, LastPass to secure our passwords, and our own TIQ Software to onboard and train new staff.” Explaining, Suriano details how TIQ Software assists in remote training. “TIQ Software is a sales, marketing, and education tool that delivers targeted online learning. Companies like Canadian Western Bank and Paris Jewellers use TIQ to deliver in-context training along with their product materials to boost employee knowledge and help drive sales.” Immersive technology stepped to the forefront to create a method for extensive hands-on training, and detailed marketing. Laura Bohnert, director of public relations and marketing at Halifax-based Modest Tree, with clients across Canada and in Europe and the US, gives insight on what their company gleaned from the COVID-19 situation. “Modest Tree was fortunate to have been set up prior to COVID-19 for remote working, so we didn’t notice any significant disruption in our workflow as a result. What we did notice was that a significant number of other businesses were struggling with the new working conditions.” Noticing a gap in the marketplace, Bohnert explains how Modest Tree’s immersive technology assists businesses. “Immersive technologies, which include virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, and extended reality, along with virtual communication and B2B engagement platforms, can play an important role in helping companies resume normal operations remotely, whether those operations involve training, marketing, sales, or even internal communication. “A secure communications platform can facilitate stronger remote communications internally with team members and externally with clients, enabling the collaboration necessary to move forward with projects. “For training, allowing training experts to quickly and easily develop lessons where lesson content is demonstrated on a realistic, animatable 3D model that learners can interact with as they progress through their training is critical. Allowing those trainees to access the lesson remotely and in real-time
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OCTOBER 2020 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM
with their instructors, as well as on-demand for practice after the lesson using whatever device they have available (PC, VR headset, mobile) is even more beneficial. “For sales and marketing, hosting events, B2B meetings and sales presentations in a virtual environment where sales associates can fully engage their prospects can make all the difference. Creating a 3D environment for this interaction so their prospects can interact with realistic 3D representations of products can allow that B2B engagement to resume the critical features of an in-person sales presentation or meeting. Being able to offer this securely and remotely over any device can actually allow virtual B2B engagement to move beyond the limitations of in-person meetings in a positive way.” One of the biggest concerns when it comes to transitioning to work-from-home is security of company documents, especially sensitive mission critical files. Suriano describes how they manage remote files and security. “We manage our files using Dropbox for Business which provides granular access to different folders and files. LastPass has been great for password management by allowing our employees access to our 30 online work applications/ tools, but only senior level management can see account specific usernames and passwords.” Gill emphasizes the importance of password management and strong passwords when it comes to file security from home, and on-the-go. “There are a few things we implement for security purposes but one of the most important is we ensure we are using strong, unique passwords for any accounts/services we use. Since our product is a password manager, this is always top of mind for us and we all use StashPass to help us to manage our passwords and build a strong first line of security to protect ourselves. We believe this is very important for individuals and businesses.” At Modest Tree, security is at the forefront of the work they do with clients. Bohnert elaborates, “Achieving a high security standing is all about controlling data – who owns it, where it is stored, and who can access it. We maintain our own secure servers, set up secure internal or external servers for our clients, and work with companies like Microsoft Azure to ensure any data that is stored in online servers is 100 per cent secure.
HANDLING THE TRANSITION TO WORK-FROM-HOME // BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY
“A SECURE COMMUNICATIONS PLATFORM CAN FACILITATE STRONGER REMOTE COMMUNICATIONS INTERNALLY WITH TEAM MEMBERS AND EXTERNALLY WITH CLIENTS, ENABLING THE COLLABORATION NECESSARY TO MOVE FORWARD WITH PROJECTS.” ~ LAURA BOHNERT
“This need to ensure all data security is actually why Modest Tree developed our own internal communications platform. We needed an efficient internal means of communication to enable our teams to collaborate on projects, and we, like a lot of companies, became aware of the security gaps in many of the remote communications platforms on the market. This wasn’t adequate for our own needs, so we built Leaf, a secure communications platform that uses complete end-to-end encryption (using the OLM and Megolm cryptographic ratchets) to make sure any information or data that is communicated between team members remains under the full ownership and control of Modest Tree. “Once Leaf was set up internally, we made it available to our clients as well, so they can have their own internal platform for remote communication and file sharing where all of their information and data remains fully encrypted, fully controlled, and fully owned by them.” While for many companies the work-from-home demands of COVID-19 caused temporary halts
ABOVE: LAURA BOHNERT, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS & MARKETING, MODEST TREE.
and setbacks, the advancement of technology available for remote work quickly expanded to fill the void. How this changes businesses as a whole going forward is yet to be seen, but we should expect work-from-home to become the normal for a lot more businesses in the future.
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TERRY KEMP: SOARING BY GROUNDING WITH UNSHAKABLE PRINCIPLES // COVER
TERRY KEMP: SOARING BY GROUNDING WITH UNSHAKABLE PRINCIPLES “IF YOU HELP ENOUGH PEOPLE ACHIEVE THEIR GOALS, YOU WILL ACHIEVE YOURS.” BY NERISSA MCNAUGHTON
ABOVE: TERRY KEMP, PRESIDENT & CEO, KEMWAY BUILDERS. PHOTO SOURCE: REBECCA LIPPIATT
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OCTOBER 2020 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM
TERRY KEMP: SOARING BY GROUNDING WITH UNSHAKABLE PRINCIPLES // COVER
BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // OCTOBER 2020
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TERRY KEMP: SOARING BY GROUNDING WITH UNSHAKABLE PRINCIPLES // COVER
K
emway Builders’ influence is all over Edmonton, but this humble company, and the man behind it, prefer to stay in the background of their many accomplishments. While much can be said about the many commercial, industrial, institutional, and renovation/improvement projects Kemway has undertaken for sites like FedEx, AADAC, Wika Instruments, the City of St. Albert’s barrier wall and more, the impact of Kemway’s value system is just as enduring. Since opening the doors in 1990 with his dad, Herman, Terry Kemp, president & CEO, has instilled a set of core values that he has never waivered from – not for an instant. These values: excellence, integrity, people, teamwork, and resultsorientated focus, have seen Kemway through Alberta’s economic cycles; through times of rapid growth, through recessions, and most recently, the pandemic. Terry, his wife Karoline, his brother Glen, and the newest addition to the ownership team, John Maysky, work together to ensure Kemway accomplishes this one overarching goal: to make a positive impact on people and other companies from all walks of life and across all industries. To understand the why and how, Business in Edmonton talked to Terry about his early influences, and why the values he launched the company with 30 years ago still matter today. “My dad was in construction,” Terry shares. “It was a family business that he started the year I was born. Construction has always been in our blood. I started at an early age. By 12 I was helping on sites.” He pauses to chuckle. “That would be highly illegal now!” “What really drew me in and developed my love of construction,” he continues, “is the problem-solving side of things. You start with nothing and you create something. That evolution is why I continued in the industry.” In addition to building, Terry has always been a fan of technology. He apprenticed as an electrician and continues to infuse leading edge technology into every project. Terry explains, “I always try to challenge things, to make things better. I don’t think I’ve ever been happy with the status quo. I like to try different things. Not everything I try is successful, but generally speaking, I have enjoyed continuous personal and professional growth and improvement.”
John, COO, who has worked with the Kemps for over three years, points out, “Terry has a personal work ethic that has really been the foundation of the organization and that has set the standard for many years. That standard is the passion that sets the success of our continued industry leadership. In the short time I’ve been here I would say the biggest highlight of Terry’s career is the impact he’s had on the lives he has touched. While we value our projects and awards, we generally talk more about how our people have grown. His biggest success is the people he has helped better their lives.” Terry agrees, but he has another highlight of his career which is, “the day Karoline, CFO, joined me in the business. I’m an idea man. I have tons of ideas but not all of them work. Karoline helps keep me focused and grounded.”
ABOVE: TERRY KEMP, PRESIDENT & CEO, AND JOHN MAYSKY, COO, KEMWAY BUILDERS. PHOTO SOURCE: REBECCA LIPPIATT
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OCTOBER 2020 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM
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TERRY KEMP: SOARING BY GROUNDING WITH UNSHAKABLE PRINCIPLES // COVER
In fact, John calls them “the perfect complement. I don’t know many couples that can work together the way they have. It’s an amazing balance.” When Terry started Kemway, he aligned with a group of subcontractors from various industries. What they all had in common were the shared values and commitment to service he espoused. As Kemway’s success grew, he wanted to ensure this group could share the success too, so he, alongside a real estate partner, launched numerous joint ventures and a trust strategy to help them grow their businesses and have more access to opportunities. “At the end of the day, our philosophy in life is not ‘what’s in it for us,’” says Terry. “I worked hard and took advantage of every opportunity, but I also had other influences that led to me being successful. This is why I believe that when you give back, you are blessed. From that perspective, charitable involvement and giving back has become our way of life.”
John further points out, “The Kemps put themselves last. They always make sure everyone else is taken care of. When they have done that, and a little more, they take care of themselves. Even simple things like at a staff function, they will eat only after the staff have been served. They take care of everyone else first be it a team member, a stranger, or a friend. That is what makes them unique. An example of the care Terry has for his team was seen recently during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. “It changed and challenged us, when COVID-19 first hit,” admits Terry. “We were scrambling as to how we were going to handle things, but the safety and well-being of our people was the most important concern.” In addition to sending many of the office team to work from home for a number of weeks and making provisions for added safety for the field staff, management met with the crews frequently to reassure them that everything
ABOVE: TERRY KEMP, PRESIDENT & CEO, AND JOHN MAYSKY, COO, KEMWAY BUILDERS. PHOTO SOURCE: REBECCA LIPPIATT
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TERRY KEMP: SOARING BY GROUNDING WITH UNSHAKABLE PRINCIPLES // COVER
possible was being done to ensure their safety and continued employment, and to check in to confirm that the team was doing well mentally and physically.
TERRY HAS ALWAYS GRAVITATED TO
For Terry, however, this level of care for the staff is just another part of living a life with integrity.
AND TO PEOPLE THAT SHARE HIS
“Integrity creates a level of trust,” he says. “When I work with people that have integrity, I know we are going to communicate with all our facts on the table. Projects are completed with less headaches than when people are trying to bend the rules in their favour.” “Terry strives to work with people that have integrity,” John adds. “That is why it’s a pillar of our organization. He does the right thing whether or not people are watching. That is just who he is and who he will continue to be for his lifetime.” With 30 years in the business, Terry has learned many things about himself, namely how much leaders need to rely on others in order to be truly effective. “You can’t do it alone. You can be the face of something. You can be the leader of something, but if you want to be successful, you can’t do it alone. You need your wing men and women. Surround yourself with people that ask the right questions the right way, that challenge you, that work with you and understand you. As I moved along in my career, I realized I needed a whole lot of people – my family, employees, strategic partners, suppliers and more – to work alongside me to create a successful company.” It may have already been three decades since Kemway opened the doors, but Terry is still excited about work every day. “There are always challenges but they don’t bring me down. Maybe I’m too optimistic! Maybe I should be more realistic. But I’m always hopeful because when I look at the younger generation and see how they are moving things forward, it’s so exciting! It shows me that the hard work ethic continues on with the next generation, and they are running with the baton.” He will also never regret establishing Kemway in Edmonton. “This city has been very good to us. It’s big enough so there is healthy competition, yet small enough to provide
PEOPLE WITH A CAN-DO ATTITUDE UNSHAKEABLE VALUES. AT THE END OF EACH DAY, AFTER HE HAS PUT HIS COMPANY, HIS PEOPLE, HIS FAMILY, AND HIS COMMUNITY FIRST, HE GOES HOME SATISFIED WITH KEMWAY’S TRAJECTORY AND ITS ROLE IN THE CITY, KNOWING HE’S DONE HIS BEST. opportunity for everyone to succeed. You meet people from every walk of life in Edmonton. Generally speaking, the business community in this city works very, very hard. I’ve been in other cities where this is not the case. In Edmonton, if there is a problem, you can find someone to help solve it and get the job done. Edmonton has a lot of entrepreneurs and a firm entrepreneurial spirit that allows us to network across multiple industries.” Terry has always gravitated to people with a can-do attitude and to people that share his unshakeable values. At the end of each day, after he has put his company, his people, his family, and his community first, he goes home satisfied with Kemway’s trajectory and its role in the city, knowing he’s done his best. “After all,” he concludes with a smile, “if you help enough people achieve their goals, you will achieve yours.” Terry’s future plans for Kemway are to continue making a positive impact in the city, in the province, in the community and for each member of his valued team. John will assume more responsibility and duties over time as a part of the planned and responsible succession. No matter who is at the helm now or 30 years from now one thing is certain. The Kemps’ influence and core values will remain the foundation of Kemway now and in the years to come.
BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // OCTOBER 2020
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CUSTOM SUPPORTIVE LIVING THROUGH CHRISTENSON HEALTH SERVICES // SENIOR SUPPORTIVE LIVING
Christenson Communities Hubs: Custom Supportive Living through Christenson Health Services
C
hristenson Group of Companies is an award-winning developer with decades of experience in leading the building industry’s active adult, retirement living, and quality rental sectors. Always intent on being a positive, community-focused influence, Christenson is pleased to innovate the sales centre experience for its communities by reinventing these locations as a community hub. Christenson hubs are a resource for the entire community when it comes to navigating the journey of active adult or
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retirement living. In addition to information on the housing options available, both within Christenson’s scope and with other community partners, the hubs help individuals and families connect with support systems during this transitional time of life. “Christenson is a leader in the industry, supporting individuals and couples to make the right choice and get the best fit when transitioning to new housing options,” explains Greg Christenson, president. “When visiting any of
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Guiding You Home Christenson Communities understands that each lifestyle is unique. Christenson Hubs are a resource for the entire community when it comes to navigating the journey of active adult and retirement living. This allows you to compare various housing options all from one convenient location.
Christenson Communities Across Alberta
SHERWOOD PARK
Christenson Hub Sherwood Park 150, 161 Festival Way 780-233-6077
Future Christenson Hubs
WESTMOUNT
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EDMONTON Village at Westmount 13317 - 115th Ave 780-452-2030 Southwoods Court North 9433 67A Ave NW 780-975-2509
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RED DEER Timberstone Mews 42 Timberstone Way 403-550-3004
Glastonbury Village 1585 Glastonbury Blvd 780-934-6636 Devonshire Village 1728 Rabbit Hill Rd 780-934-6636
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ST. ALBERT Citadel Village 15 Erin Ridge Rd 780-267-5282
SHERWOOD PARK Bedford Village 161 Festival Way 780-233-6077
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LACOMBE Royal Oak 4501 College Ave 403-550-3004 ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE Park Avenue 5810 47 Ave 403-596-9044
CUSTOM SUPPORTIVE LIVING THROUGH CHRISTENSON HEALTH SERVICES // SENIOR SUPPORTIVE LIVING
“WE OFFER SOCIALLY DISTANCED MEETINGS AND CONSULTATIONS AT THE HUBS AND HAVE THE ABILITY TO PROVIDE MOBILE AND VIRTUAL TOURS OF OUR COMMUNITIES AND SOME SPECIFIC SUITES. YOU WILL HAVE PEACE OF MIND KNOWING THAT WHEN VISITING ANY OF OUR HUB LOCATIONS, WE HAVE SAFE PROTOCOLS IN PLACE,” SAYS GREG.
our hub locations you have the opportunity to discuss your needs and our custom supportive living options through Christenson health services. You will be able to compare local housing options, floorplans, square footage, internal amenities, external amenities, rental costs and other monthly expenses, services offered, care available, etc., all from one convenient location.” Each hub, and each Christenson development, is committed to following Alberta Health Services’ guidelines for best overall practices and to help stop the spread of COVID-19. “We are proud of our staff, residents and resident families for working together in helping us remain COVID-free in all of our communities across Alberta,” says Greg. “We offer socially distanced meetings and consultations at the hubs and have the ability to provide mobile and virtual tours of our communities and some specific suites. You will have peace of mind knowing that when visiting any of our hub locations, we have safe protocols in place.” The Bedford Village hub, serving the Sherwood Park community, is now open and conveniently located in the centre park near the Village. The Southwoods Village at Hazeldean hub is also open for visitors.
“We have other hub locations currently being developed and will be opening soon,” Greg confirms, “such as our hubs at Village at Westmount and Citadel Village.” An option that Christenson team members are happy to discuss with hub visitors is life leasing. Greg points out, “Life lease options in all of our retirement communities helps residents save money and reduces the cost of monthly payments.” He continues, “We want to work with our fellow seniorfocused operators in helping provide options for all seniors across the province. It is important to find the right fit. If those looking are not a match for any of our communities for any reason, be it not qualifying financially or needing services we do not offer, we can be a resource to help them find other suitable solutions.” Greg concludes, “Christenson Communities understands that each lifestyle is unique. We can customize services and care plans to enhance wellbeing and keep couples together. At Christenson, our residents enjoy retirement living without compromise.” Visit www.cdlhomes.com to learn more.
BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // OCTOBER 2020
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CLOSING THE DEAL DURING A GLOBAL HEALTH PANDEMIC // REAL ESTATE
CLOSING THE DEAL DURING A GLOBAL HEALTH PANDEMIC WHAT DOES REAL ESTATE LOOK LIKE NOW? BY BETHANY NEUFELD
F
rom empty office buildings and work-from-home setups to physically distanced dining, COVID-19 has shaken up the everyday. In the global health pandemic haze, spring came and went, and summer draws to its end as we stare at the calendar in disbelief. For some in the region, COVID-19 has had notable influence on the nine-to-five workday. For essential workers, running to keep up with updated health guidelines and sanitation protocols is the new normal. Though not without unique challenges brought on by COVID-19, real estate in the region is pushing forward and, perhaps to the surprise of many, business is booming. Wayne William Heine has been in the business for 35 years and is no stranger to challenging markets. A true snowbird, the recreational real estate agent escapes the long winter months in California and returns for the lakefront selling season. While some years in the industry see Realtors
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fighting against slow markets and intimating interest rates, the challenge for recreational real estate this year is keeping up with demand. “My first appointment of the year was April 13, and I didn’t get a day off until July. It just kind of kept going. It’s going to be one of our best years out here,” Heine says. “We usually get about eight to 10 Wabamun lakefront sales and this year we have already sold 12 lakefronts at Wabamun and many more at Lac St Anne and Isle Lake, and we are only mid-season!” Lakefront real estate is a seasonal business, Heine notes around 90 per cent of sales are completed in a six-and-ahalf-month span annually; however, business is in bloom and even snowbirds like Heine may be sticking around to brave winter this year. “Our season may not end; it may just continue through.”
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CLOSING THE DEAL DURING A GLOBAL HEALTH PANDEMIC // REAL ESTATE
Lakefront property isn’t the only market enjoying sunny skies. With historically low interest rates and a welcoming environment for first-time buyers, the residential scene is keeping pace with an evolving market. Amber Prue, a residential Realtor with Maxwell Realty, notes initial challenges during the beginning stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in the region. While adjustments have been necessary, Realtors have seen a successful spring and summer this year despite COVID-19 challenges. “Initially, when the pandemic hit us in March the real estate market drastically slowed down. Being a Realtor, I was deemed an essential worker; however, what normally is the busiest time of year for us was put on hold and things such as open houses were no longer permitted,” Prue says. “Once Stage 1 was announced in mid-May, instantly there was a shift in the market and many people who were waiting it out decided now was the time to proceed.” Prue shares the industry adopted a number of safety protocols for both buyers and sellers, giving those in the market more confidence to dive into real estate again. “Personally, my business has been significantly busier this year versus this same time last year. It is a very positive sign for both buyers and sellers.”
PRUE SHARES THE INDUSTRY ADOPTED
According to Prue, the energy in the residential market can be attributed to low interest rates and a reduced benchmark rate from The Bank of Canada, drawing in a number of firsttime home buyers looking to capitalize on current market trends. “It now saves them extra money monthly and also allows for a higher qualifying amount when it comes to mortgages,” Prue says. “I have dealt with so many excited first-time buyers lately and that has been the highlight of this all.”
CONFIDENCE TO DIVE INTO REAL
While residential and recreational markets take hold of the real estate boom, commercial faces off against its own challenges. Business closures, whether temporary or permanent, have investors re-evaluating purchasing habits. “The early stages of COVID-19 caused a number of companies to put plans on hold, resulting in a very slow market across all asset classes,” Chad Griffiths, partner and associate broker for NAI Commercial Real Estate says. “As
A NUMBER OF SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR BOTH BUYERS AND SELLERS, GIVING THOSE IN THE MARKET MORE ESTATE AGAIN. “PERSONALLY, MY BUSINESS HAS BEEN SIGNIFICANTLY BUSIER THIS YEAR VERSUS THIS SAME TIME LAST YEAR. IT IS A VERY POSITIVE SIGN FOR BOTH BUYERS AND SELLERS.” government stimulus and bank deferrals were announced in rapid succession, however, we saw a general increase in activity as many of the companies who had put plans on hold re-entered the market.” With many companies adopting work-from-home policies, Griffiths notes the office market has been particularly “sluggish,” but the Edmonton-based broker does not expect
ABOVE: AMBER PRUE, REALTOR, MAXWELL REALTY.
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OCTOBER 2020 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM
CLOSING THE DEAL DURING A GLOBAL HEALTH PANDEMIC // REAL ESTATE
“MY FIRST APPOINTMENT OF THE YEAR WAS APRIL 13, AND I DIDN’T GET A DAY OFF UNTIL JULY. IT JUST KIND OF KEPT GOING. IT’S GOING TO BE ONE OF OUR BEST YEARS OUT HERE,” HEINE SAYS. “WE USUALLY GET ABOUT EIGHT TO 10 WABAMUN LAKEFRONT SALES AND THIS YEAR WE HAVE ALREADY SOLD 12 LAKEFRONTS AT WABAMUN AND MANY MORE AT LAC ST ANNE AND ISLE LAKE, AND WE ARE ONLY MID-SEASON!”
the trend to become permanent. “There will undoubtedly be some segment of the workforce that transitions to home offices, but I still expect many employees to return to the office in due course.”
EN
For those in the retail world, Authorized distributor COVID-19 has not been kind and many non-essential businesses STAINLESS STEEL, TOUCHLESS ACTUATOR WITH who found themselves closed for weeks on end are in penny-pinching ADJUSTABLE RANGE AND RELAY HOLD TIME positions. “Retail can be divided into two categories: essential and non-essential services. Many in the former category have fared well during COVID-19, whereas those in the latter have faced tremendous STAINLESS STEEL, TOUCHLESS ACTUATOR WITH pressure,” Griffiths notes. “While ADJUSTABLE RANGE AND RELAY HOLD TIME most non-essential businesses have now re-opened, those who have had little to no revenue for months have WAVE GOODBYE TO GERMS PRODUCT TECHNOLOGY CERTIFICATIONS depleted their rainy-day funds and REDUCING THE SPREAD OF GERMS THROUGH are now in precarious positions.”
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ABOVE: WAYNE HEINE, EDMONTON LAKE PROPERTY, RE/MAX REAL ESTATE.
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CLOSING THE DEAL DURING A GLOBAL HEALTH PANDEMIC // REAL ESTATE
Griffiths acknowledges the current environment has not been easy on the commercial market, but is optimistic about the future of the industry in the region. “Fortunately, a lot of these businesses were able to access government programs and/or rent deferrals to ease the pain. There is also recent data indicating Albertans are spending more than pre-COVID levels. It might still be a difficult fall for some retailers, but there is a collective effort to help as many as possible stay afloat.” The commercial market has its fair share of challenges in the current environment but with tough times also come opportunities. “For those looking to purchase a commercial property, I would advise they take an in-depth look into any of the existing tenancies and evaluate what the market lease rate will be if the lease is coming up for renewal or in the unfortunate event of a default. If the lease rate in place is higher than the market, it may result in less rental income if the building has to be re-leased,” Griffiths notes. “Conversely, if a property is being leased at a lower rate, there may be an opportunity to purchase it and lease it at a higher rate when the economy recovers.” While COVID-19 presents its fair share of uncertainties, the real estate industry continues up and onward. As the region responds and pivots to evolving circumstances, new obstacles are sure to appear, but as industry leaders like Prue demonstrate, adaptability and perseverance are the foundations for a robust real estate industry. “In the end, I believe the real estate market will continue on this healthy and busy path if we all continue to do our part. With the Government of Alberta’s direction, our associations and our brokerages policies, we can adjust the way we do business and still confidently keep our buyers and sellers safe.”
GRIFFITHS ACKNOWLEDGES THE CURRENT ENVIRONMENT HAS NOT BEEN EASY ON THE COMMERCIAL MARKET, BUT IS OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE FUTURE OF THE INDUSTRY IN THE REGION. “FORTUNATELY, A LOT OF THESE BUSINESSES WERE ABLE TO ACCESS GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS AND/OR RENT DEFERRALS TO EASE THE PAIN.”
ABOVE: CHAD GRIFFITHS, PARTNER, ASSOCIATE BROKER, NAI COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE INC.
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The Importance of ESG – Tell Your Own Story
2020 Board of Directors Board Executive
Chair: Bryan DeNeve Senior Vice President, Business Development and Commercial Services, Capital Power Vice Chair: Elan MacDonald Senior Vice President, National Client Development, Global Public Affairs Secretary-Treasurer: Craig Thorkelsson Head of Tax, PCL Constructors Inc. Past Chair: Dawn Harsch President and CEO, ExquisiCare Senior Living and Care at Home Janet M. Riopel President & CEO, Edmonton Chamber of Commerce
Board Directors
Haydar Al Dahhan President and CEO, Design Works Engineering Nathan Carter Vice President, Operations Audit, ATCO Sandy Jacobson Vice President, Richardson Executive Search Annemarie Petrov President and CEO, Francis Winspear Centre for Music
By Janet M. Riopel, President & CEO, Edmonton Chamber of Commerce
E
nvironmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles have rapidly become a priority among large companies across the globe. An ESG analysis explores a company’s impact on the environment and climate; how relationships are managed with employees, customers, suppliers and the broader community; and the way a company governs itself. While ESG was initially developed as a way for investors to understand the environmental and social impacts of their investments, the same ESG criteria that makes a business worth investing in can also make your business more resilient and more competitive. It can help you secure larger customers or new loans, as more and more procurement processes and lenders are requiring analytics on your company’s sustainable business practices. Embracing ESG is the right thing to do for your business. Strong ESG credentials can attract and retain socially conscious talent, reducing your workforce challenges. The same goes for your customers – a 2018 McKinsey report found that 77% of millennials focus their shopping on ethical companies, and 65% research the origins of products they buy.
Dennis R. Schmidt Principal, ALTURA Legal Advisory
Telling your ESG story will only increase in importance as more and more customers, lenders and investors focus on businesses that demonstrate positive impacts in their community. This isn’t a daunting task. Your company probably has business practices in place already that tell a compelling ESG story.
Jeffrey Sundquist Chief Executive Officer, EDC Environmental Group of Companies Inc.
In terms of environmental sustainability, you might be using recyclable packaging. Or perhaps you have switched to LED lightbulbs to reduce energy consumption.
Dr. Jenelle Trenchuk-Saik President and CEO, Parker Ford and MacKay Specialty Opticians
Edmonton Chamber Executive
Scott Channon Director, Marketing and Communications Brent Francis Director, Advocacy and Outreach Christen Rumbles Director, Finance Amin Samji Director, Member Services Kevin Thomas Director, Operations
Contact
Edmonton Chamber of Commerce #600 – 9990 Jasper Avenue Edmonton, AB T5J 1P7 T: 780.426.4620 | F: 780.424.7946 edmontonchamber.com
On the social side your company may be doing business with local suppliers, sponsoring youth hockey teams, supporting local events or participating in charity fundraisers. In terms of responsible governance, you may already have best practice policies, standards and disclosures in place to guide your operations effectively and efficiently. An ESG approach connects these types of responsible actions to your company’s purpose and values, clearly demonstrating how you support the betterment of your business and your community. By identifying what actions you have already implemented, it will be easier to see where improvements can be made to make the story of your ESG journey even more compelling for your audience. Take the time to develop your ESG plan. Tell your team, customers, suppliers, and lenders that your business gives careful and serious consideration to our long-term future. Remember the adage - if you don’t tell your story, someone else will. Make this your story, and share it loudly and proudly. BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // OCTOBER 2020
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Stay connected. Follow us and be up-to-date with events, policies, member news and more.
@EdmontonChamber edmontonchamber.com
BDC SMALL BUSINESS WEEK OCTOBER 19 – 23
VISIT EDMONTONCHAMBER.COM FOR EVENT SCHEDULE
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OCTOBER 2020 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM
TM
BRITT Land & Engagement Member Profile Dayna Morgan, COO; Brittney Ramsay, President/CEO; Breanne Ramsay, CFO and Kim Bloomfield VP, Operations www.brittland.com What’s your story? BRITT started in 1986 in Calgary, Alberta. When founder, Ray Ramsay, had to step back from the business in 2009, he handed the reins over to his two daughters, Brittney and Breanne, and longtime employee Dayna. Over the past 10 years, we have diversified and expanded across Western Canada. Additional offices have been opened in Stony Plain, Grande Prairie, Fort St John BC, and resources across Canada. BRITT now provides a variety of services to clients in multiple industries including energy, mining, transportation, municipal, and power. We are most proud of the culture we have developed; an environment that breaks down silos, encourages vulnerability and honest conversations, within human-centric work with the best people doing what they are best at. BRITT supports companies by managing nontechnical risks on projects, including access to land, regulatory guidance, public, stakeholder, and Indigenous engagement. BRITT gets projects across the finish line ensuring compliance and acceptance. What do you enjoy most about being a member of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce? It’s a great support for small and medium businesses. We have access to a ton of resources, member services, and a community of other business owners. What is one thing people are surprised to learn about your business? We are the only female-run and owned land and engagement firm in Canada. Courage, grit, and determination have gotten us to where we are today. These characteristics allow us to adapt to our environment changes and lead the way forward with a bold and innovative approach.
Who is your ideal client? A forward-thinking organization whose projects impact land or people. Our ideal clients agree that transactional days are gone. They want proactive and creative solutions, and do not do things just because that is how they’ve always been done. They want results while creating meaningful relationships within the communities they operate. What has been your biggest challenge in business, and how did you overcome it? Ray had to step away from the business quickly for health reasons. At the time of taking over the business, we were young, with little experience owning a business, and were women in a male-dominated industry. This was a challenging transition, and we felt like we needed to do things just as Ray had. It wasn’t until it became clear we needed to honor who we were as leaders and business owners, that we made pivotal shifts. We spent a lot of time and hard work on personal, business, and leadership growth. We surrounded ourselves with amazing team members, advisors, and coaches. We became comfortable that we are not a fit for everyone and knew the clients who we work with will get to experience transformational results. There have been many challenges in the past 10 years, including recessions, economic downturns, the collapse of oil prices, and a global pandemic. A strong culture and brand foundation allows us to overcome and thrive. What is your favourite thing to do in Edmonton? Eat! We have discovered amazing eats in and around Edmonton including Doughnut Party, Rostizado Tres Carnales, and Jacek Chocolate Couture. BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // OCTOBER 2020
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Memberships that grow your business. It’s what we do.
As a member of one of the largest chambers in Canada, you have access to a wide range of contacts, resources, policy representation, events, networking opportunities, discounts, and brand exposure that will help grow your business. Call us today at 780.426.4620 and start leveraging your membership.
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CELEBRATING SMALL BUSINESSES IN EDMONTON // SMALL BUSINESS WEEK
CELEBRATING SMALL BUSINESSES IN EDMONTON THERE ARE MANY GREAT REASONS TO SUPPORT OUR LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS BY NERISSA MCNAUGHTON
T
he Alberta Government defines small businesses as those that have between one and 49 employees, and excludes businesses that cannot be classified into an industry. With that definition and using statistics from the Alberta Government Regional Dashboard for Edmonton, more than 90 per cent of companies in the city are classified as small businesses, and that number is holding pretty steady. Edmonton has seen an average year-over-year decline of just -0.08 per cent and increased growth of 0.07 per cent in small businesses between 2013-2018. It has long been said that Edmonton is the embodiment of the entrepreneurial spirit – and these facts prove that thought.
BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // OCTOBER 2020
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CELEBRATING SMALL BUSINESSES IN EDMONTON // SMALL BUSINESS WEEK
ALTHOUGH THIS YEAR’S EVENT WILL LOOK A LITTLE DIFFERENT WITH COVID-19 PROTOCOLS IN PLACE, THE HARD WORK, RISKS, AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF OUR SMALL BUSINESS COMMUNITY WILL STILL BE CELEBRATED. FOR INFORMATION ON SMALL BUSINESS WEEK 2020 AS IT EVOLVES, VISIT WWW.BDC.CA/EN/SMALL-BUSINESS-WEEK. Small businesses are celebrated in Edmonton and across Canada every year through BDC Small Business Week™. Although this year’s event will look a little different with COVID-19 protocols in place, the hard work, risks, and contributions of our small business community will still be celebrated. For information on Small Business Week 2020 as it evolves, visit www.bdc.ca/en/ small-business-week. Kristin Krysa, customer experience manager, TELSCO Security Systems, knows a thing or two about growing a locally owned and operated business. This year the company celebrates its 50th anniversary. “Our main objective is to provide home and business owners with an amazing security experience. There are several elements to consider when it comes to security: quality hardware, thoughtful design, professional installation, responsive monitoring and reliable support. If just one element is missing, the security experience suffers, and so we make it our mission to ensure that each one is delivered in a way that will create loyal customers and allow us to keep growing,” explains Krysa, before adding, “While we are excited to be celebrating 50 years in business this year, unfortunately our original celebration plans have been put on hold due to COVID-19. We are looking forward to commemorating this milestone when the time is right. In the meantime, we are grateful for the ability to continue offering reliable and responsive services to our customers in a time of uncertainty.” Being a local business has given TELSCO the ability and agility to quickly adapt to a changing and challenging environment. Krysa says, “As a local full-service security provider, we have the unique benefit of owning all aspects of the customer experience. Sales, installations, service, customer care, and monitoring are all supported by our team here in Edmonton. This structure allows us to be nimble and respond quickly to challenges. There is no red tape standing in the way of improvement and the goals of all teams are strategically aligned to promote teamwork. Whether we are introducing new technology, developing new services, facing a challenging economy or navigating a pandemic, it is a true team effort and incredible team members that have allowed us to thrive.” She explains why supporting local businesses is so important.
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OCTOBER 2020 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM
Your local Edmonton firm that thinks regionally, nationally and globally
At APP & Associates LLP, our objective is to provide value added business advisory services including: • Accounting and Assurance • Tax and Estate Planning • Advisory and Consulting Suite 212, 1524 – 91 Street S.W. Edmonton, AB T6X 1M5 Telephone: (780)489-4424 • Facsimile: (780)489-4420 info@appllp.ca • www.appllp.ca
CELEBRATING SMALL BUSINESSES IN EDMONTON // SMALL BUSINESS WEEK
ANOTHER LOCAL BUSINESS IN EDMONTON IS HELPING RESIDENTS GET OUT AND BE SOCIAL IN A SAFE, SUSTAINABLE WAY. TRACK ‘N TRAIL PROVIDES QUALITY OUTDOOR GEAR WITH EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE TO THE EDMONTON REGION WHILE STILL MAINTAINING ITS CORE ROOTS IN THE OUTDOOR COMMUNITY AS A LOCALLY OWNED FAMILY BUSINESS. IN OPERATION SINCE NOVEMBER 1984, THE COMPANY WAS PLEASED TO OPEN THEIR SECOND LOCATION IN ST. ALBERT LAST YEAR. “Shopping local strengthens our community. The dollars you spend with a local business support local employees, suppliers and charities. This re-investment enriches our city, promotes growth and creates new opportunities for everyone. In addition to the larger economic benefits, choosing to work with a local business can offer an enhanced level of service and support for the consumer. Many local businesses rely on word of mouth and repeat business, so we work hard to provide the kind of personal and responsive service that will turn our customers into promoters. “We want our customers to know that we are incredibly grateful for every opportunity we are given to protect a home or business in our community. We do not take the responsibility lightly and we are committed to providing each and every customer with the best possible security solution that is backed by unparalleled service and support. When you choose a security partner, you are choosing much more than a company to install hardware; you are choosing a relationship that will last several years. Many of our customers come to us from other security providers because they are dissatisfied with their relationship, and it is very disheartening when they realize they are locked into a longterm contract and can’t make a change. Whether you have a security system already or are starting from scratch, our team of local experts would love to help with your project.” Another local business in Edmonton is helping residents get out and be social in a safe, sustainable way. Track ‘N Trail provides quality outdoor gear with exceptional service to the Edmonton region while still maintaining its core roots in the outdoor community as a locally owned family business. In operation since November 1984, the company was pleased to open their second location in St. Albert last year. Aron Schilf, general manager, discusses how Track ‘N Trail has evolved and thrived during changing conditions. “It’s been a group effort!” says Schilf. “First and foremost, our loyal clientele has come out in droves to support us as they go explore the Alberta Rockies and the Edmonton river valley, so that has been a tremendous help. Additionally, we have attracted a lot of new business because as a small business we were nimble enough to pivot and re-order on our equipment and footwear, which has enjoyed exponential growth during COVID-19. While a lot of our
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OCTOBER 2020 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM
competitors have been sold out and lean, we’ve been able to make sales by having the product available. Finally, we want to give a huge shout out to our staff who have been tremendous in stepping up during what has proven to be a challenging time with new protocols in place and still maintaining their great service with a sense of humour.”
Your local custom app shop.
He also makes a great case for shopping local and supporting small businesses now, and in the future, saying, “We’ve seen the big box stores struggle and fail while small business fights for every dollar earned. At the end of the day, we have to pay our staff, our suppliers and ourselves and if we can do all of that and make a profit, we’re doing pretty well. We always try to be on the cutting edge of what’s new and exciting in the outdoor industry. We know our products and we also participate in the sports we sell. We’re passionate about what we do. In addition to all of that, there’s the adage that 50 per cent of money spent in a small business stays in the local economy versus 14 per cent with the chains.” Edmonton’s small businesses are hardworking risk takers that love our city, our province, and take an active part in growing our local economy. When shopping for goods and services, don’t hesitate to look to at all the options, including small businesses, and be sure to check out the link above and participate in this year’s small business week to help celebrate and support our local entrepreneurs.
Custom Software and Mobile App Developers www.aivia.ca
BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // OCTOBER 2020
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DIGITAL REALITY HITS CLOSE TO HOME, BUSINESS // ONLINE DELIVERY
DIGITAL REALITY HITS CLOSE TO HOME, BUSINESS COVID-19 PROMPTS FURTHER PROLIFERATION OF ONLINE ALTERNATIVES
BY JAMIE ZACHARY
B
efore COVID-19 forced the globe to social distance from a safe place, our world was already saturated by a proliferation of digital delivery services, networking alternatives and convenience technology.
Meanwhile, boardroom meetings, classroom instruction and even studio dance classes have been gradually replaced by video streaming alternatives such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype and GoToMeetings, to name a few.
Amazon, Ebay, Esty and countless others became established modern-day refuges for retail therapy long ago. Big box stores, boutiques and virtual every business in-between have since jumped on board, with e-commerce retail trade sales making up an estimated 3.5 per cent of total retail sales in Canada at the end of last year. Statistics Canada reports 28.1 million Canadians spent a collective $1.85 billion in 2019.
While forced by necessity during COVID-19, telecommuting and distance learning were already nudging trends into this direction. A recent survey of 1,300 North American business professionals found 87 per cent more people choose to use video conferencing today than the past two years.
And with the pandemic still limiting foot traffic to many storefronts, many experts expect e-commerce numbers to skyrocket. Former eBay CEO Devin Wenig predicts it to double in both Canada and the U.S. this year alone.
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OCTOBER 2020 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM
The 2019 Impact of Video Conferencing Report by video conferencing provider Lifesize additionally revealed the number of telecommuting remote workers has increased by 115 per cent in the last decade. Changes due to COVID-19 have only fueled the fire. Microsoft reported usage of its Teams collaboration tool
DIGITAL REALITY HITS CLOSE TO HOME, BUSINESS // ONLINE DELIVERY
jumped 40 per cent to more than 44 million daily active users in just one week this past spring as businesses adjusted to remote working and e-learning alternatives. Perhaps most significant, however, has been how ondemand delivery platforms have started to change the traditional brick-and-mortar dining experience. Skip the Dishes, Door Dash, Uber Eats, Foodora … the list goes on of menu options at our fingertips. Some local business owners say it has created opportunities where there once wasn’t by highlighting their menus to potential new audiences. De Minico’s Kitchen in northeast Calgary has been working with Skip the Dishes and Door Dash going on three years now. Before online ordering, the business started by offering takeout sandwiches and pizzas. Since then, the Italian eatery has evolved to also include oven-ready frozen meals and sauces to go along with wholesale sales and catering. Alessandro De Minico of De Minico’s Kitchen says there has been a number of upsides to partnering with both apps. For starters, De Mincio’s didn’t previously offer a delivery service. “We weren’t going to pay a driver to sit here. So from that perspective, these platforms offer a ton of upside. If zero orders come it, it doesn’t cost us anything,” he says. Di Minico’s also doesn’t offer a traditional sit-down restaurant experience – pick-up and takeout only. Therefore, the online platforms have provided De Minico’s with added exposure to much larger audiences. On the flip side, De Minico notes both delivery options come with hefty fees as high as 25 per cent that cut into already razor-thin margins. In addition, De Minico’s might not see a penny from those orders for up to a month later. “And because we don’t get to interact directly with customers, we don’t know who our audience is,” says De Minico. “We don’t have access to some key demographics.” Online grocery ordering has also become popular among consumers. Research released by Canada Post prior to the
COVID-19 outbreak shows that one-quarter of Canadian shoppers are currently, or are strongly considering, ordering groceries online for delivery. Retail consultancy J.C. Williams Group estimates online grocery purchases represent approximately $2 billion of Canada’s $120-billion food retail market. Locally, online providers such as Spud.ca report they are seeing an uptake in people using an on-demand e-commerce platform to meet their grocery needs. Founded in 1998, Spud delivers in Calgary, Edmonton, the B.C. Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island. It current carries more than 10,000 products online, including everything from vitamins and supplements to fresh meat, eggs and milk.
ABOVE: SPUD SHOWS THE DISTANCE TRAVELLED FOR PRODUCTS TO REACH THE WAREHOUSE. SPUD CARRIES MORE THAN 10,000 PRODUCTS ONLINE, INCLUDING EVERYTHING FROM VITAMINS AND SUPPLEMENTS TO FRESH MEAT, EGGS AND MILK. PHOTO SOURCE: SPUD
BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // OCTOBER 2020
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DIGITAL REALITY HITS CLOSE TO HOME, BUSINESS // ONLINE DELIVERY
Corbin Bourree, vice-president of product strategy and merchandise for Spud, notes the company’s niche is in offering more natural and local product assortments. Spud. currently works with more than 120 different producers, processors and artisan food companies in Alberta. “Anything that can be raised, grown or produced, we have a local vendor for it,” he says, noting, specifically, a rapid increase in bakery partners, such as the Prairie Mill Bread Co., Rustic Sourdough Bakery and Sidewalk Citizen Bakery. Bourree says the local element is a competitive advantage that he believes influences many people’s decisions on where to shop for groceries. Spud itself is transparent about its supply chain, showing the distance travelled for products to reach the warehouse. “For consumers who want to support local, we do our best to make it easy,” says Bouree. “Being able to get a freshly cut steak or chicken that was on the farm last week is a cool experience for people. “On the flip side, we can provide some benefit to some of these partners that may not have the model or the infrastructure to have the breadth and reach that we do.” Bourree says increased demand since COVID-19 has also encouraged Spud to get more creative in recruiting additional partners, such as local restaurants and food service companies. “We’ve never seen anything like this, and we anticipate it’s going to be this way for a while,” he says. “So at a time when many places have had to shut their doors, we’ve decided to partner with a number of different restaurants and get them up and running quickly. “At the end of this, we want to make sure the local food supply chain that so many companies have worked hard
to create doesn’t disappear. We’re keeping that food chain intact, even if the food isn’t being consumed in restaurants.” Meanwhile, looser liquor laws in Alberta have, quite literally, opened the door to alcohol delivery and pick-up services. Skip the Dishes announced earlier this year that it will start delivering to Calgary, Edmonton and Fort McMurray from a variety of breweries, liquor stores and distilleries in Alberta. Vic Minhas, manager with Liquor Wellz, started using Skip the Dishes this past winter. He says the response even prior to COVID-19 was “The response has been pretty overwhelming. A lot of customers are using the delivery service,” he says, adding the demand was so strong that the company added Foodora to its stable of delivery options. “(Since COVID-19), sales have gone up as people have been stocking up.” Minhas notes online delivery has been incremental to instore sales, which continue to remain strong. “(Because it’s) convenient, customers don’t mind paying a premium,” he says, adding many of LiquorWellz’s delivery customers so far have been customers who had mobility challenges, or used to take a taxi to buy liquor. ABOVE: SPUD CURRENTLY WORKS WITH MORE THAN 120 DIFFERENT PRODUCERS, PROCESSORS AND ARTISAN FOOD COMPANIES IN ALBERTA. PHOTO SOURCE: SPUD
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OCTOBER 2020 // BUSINESS IN EDMONTON // BUSINESSINEDMONTON.COM
Delivering Christmas:
Five Star Holiday Decor Inc. Shares Joy Through Lights By Nerissa McNaughton
A Division of: Five Star Holiday Decor Inc. • Celebrating 10 Years
47
Steven Knight
Christmas is such a busy time of year with many families working hard to ensure their children have a holiday to remember. But shouldn’t the season have some joy for the adults too? Five Star Holiday Decor thinks so, which is why they are celebrating their 10th year of delivering Christmas to local homes and businesses. Five Star Holiday Decor installs Christmas light displays on residential and commercial properties across Alberta. Five Star originated in Utah and reached Edmonton as a franchise in 2010. When the Knight family invested in the business in 2016 Five Star was servicing 100 properties in the Edmonton area. In 2018 Five Star joined the Mosaic Home Services group of companies, and the Edmonton operation grew to be the largest franchisee in operation. Shortly thereafter, they struck a deal to acquire the entire franchise network and US based franchisor. Today the company continues to grow and services 600 residences and 144 commercial businesses in Edmonton, Calgary, and Jasper – including annual installations with Rogers Place, Edmonton Valley Zoo’s Zoominescence, Southgate Shopping Centre, and more. “We deliver holiday cheer to your door,” says Steven Knight. “We are not selling Christmas lights. We are
selling time. What we really sell and deliver is that unmistakeable feeling of holiday cheer. The season is short – at the end of the day we are selling time and joy to families.” The shortness of the season is a challenge, one they conquer with extreme organization and remaining narrowly focused. “We only supply lights,” confirms Knight. “We are not a provider of trees or decorations. If we branched out, we wouldn’t have time to be good at what we are great at. We supply, install, take down, store, and maintain the lights for the exterior of homes and businesses.”
Five Star Holiday Decor Inc. • Celebrating 10 Years • 2
He continues, “We hand string every bulb we install. If a customer wants one white, then a blue, then a green, we make that pattern. Our lights are custom fabricated for each customer’s home. We custom build and cut for the home so the lights are installed perfectly. All our lights are installed on photo-sensitive timers. When the sun goes down the lights come on so when you come home from your commute, you get to pull up and experience the display.”
The depth of their operations is vast. “We have a warehouse full of Christmas lights. If you strung them from end to end from our office in Edmonton they would reach the US border! We have a very detailed inventory system. From the minute a customer’s lights come off the house, they are tracked, repaired, catalogued and stored. It’s a very complicated process but it keeps us efficient
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CONGRATULATIONS FIVE STAR HOLIDAY DECOR ON 10 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE! WE WISH YOU MANY MORE YEARS OF CONTINUED SUCCESS.
780-420-6868 | info@amrik.ca | www.amrik.ca Five Star Holiday Decor Inc. • Celebrating 10 Years • 3
– we have to be in order to succeed in the small amount of seasonal time we have.” With the success of the business, Knight is ready for the next step – and it’s an exciting one. “Our long-term goal is to develop a franchise network with hundreds of locations across North America. Our intent is to bring on three new locations in Alberta in 2020, and to continue to branch off into
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR FIRST 10 YEARS OF BUSINESS SORRENTINOS.COM
HERE’S TO MANY MORE TO COME
Congratulations Five Star Holiday Decor on your 10th Anniversary! We are proud to be a part of your success.
other provinces in the coming years. A Five Star Holiday Decor franchise is a great opportunity for landscaping companies, roofing contractors, and any other business that operates on a seasonal basis. It is a way to keep people working through the winter. Franchising is the future of our business and we are excited about the potential.” As with every other company under the Mosaic Home Services umbrella, Five Star Holiday Decor actively gives back to the community throughout the year, and especially during the holiday season.
Learn more about Cutting Edge Landscaping at www.cuttingedgelandscapes.com.
“Without the support of the Mosaic Home Services Group we would have struggled to achieve the growth we did over the last five years,” Knight adds. “Mosaic is focused on helping businesses and entrepreneurs grow. We are also very grateful to
Five Star Holiday Decor Inc. • Celebrating 10 Years • 4
our trade partners, staff, suppliers and our team. But most of all we’re thankful for our clients who trust us to deliver their Christmas every year. It’s an incredible responsibility that we take seriously, and I can’t thank my team enough for their dedication to making Christmas happen for hundreds of families. Knight and the team at Five Star Holiday Decor look forward to continuing to bring Christmas joy while helping property owners reclaim their time during the busy holiday season.
11511 160th Street NW Edmonton, Alberta T5M 3V9 P: (780) 628-2686 | edmonton@fivestarholidaydecor.com www.fivestarholidaydecor.com | www.getmosaic.ca
Congratulations to Five Star Holiday Decor from
The Jasper and 109 St. Centre!
Pravda Hair Five Star Holiday Decor Inc. • Celebrating 10 Years • 5
Product Distribution that’s Ahead of the by Rennay Craats with photos by Courtney Lovgren
I
t’s difficult to define just what Curve Distribution is. After all, it has spent the last decade revolutionizing the industry with its innovative approach to business and as a result created a class all its own. “Everyone was doing the same thing and telling the same story. Everyone was becoming a commodity and we felt there was an opportunity to disrupt the industry,” says Curve Distribution CEO Dan Doherty. That disruption established a unique, customer-centric organization that curates, markets and manages high-performing brands and gets its predominantly food, general merchandise and electronic products onto sales floors across Canada. From locally sourced food products to some of the country’s best-selling headphones, Curve’s quality products are featured everywhere from Walmart, 7-Eleven and Rexall to Best Buy, Shopper’s Drug Mart and Sobeys. “Curve is far from the kind of traditional distribution company that quickly moves products out of a gigantic warehouse and onto as many store shelves as possible,” says Kyle Duszynski, VP brand management. Instead, the team at Curve endeavours to understand the complete customer journey in order to provide Curve Distribution • Celebrating 10 Years
Administration Team
53
Special Projects Team
a tailored, end-to-end service experience. Curve offers a one-stop shop, providing its retail partners with products across brands as it meets all of its customers’ needs. The relationship goes beyond merely dropping off products at stores; Curve consults, advises, sets-up merchandising, maintains stock, and analyzes sales data to be good partners with their customers and to help their partners to sell more products. For this talented team, connectivity is the key. They consider the company as one that deals not so much in distribution as in meaningful connections. Starr Cook, Curve’s Brand Manager, focusses the team to achieve success, striving to connect great brands with the right retailers in the right locations with the right merchandising. Curve does their research. They know Canadian consumers and what they buy, and the team uses that knowledge to help propel their suppliers in the marketplace while at the same time finding the latest up-and-coming brands that would do well in their markets. Curve works with suppliers to build solid strategies for getting them where they want to be and helps them build up their markets by providing access to the best channels for their products. Nathalie Loyer, support services manager, expertly manages this connectivity between supplier and channel, ensuring program success.
Curve Distribution • Celebrating 10 Years • 2
Congratulations Distribution
on
10
Years!
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The company works with its supply partners to develop the packaging, pricing and products to ensure success in its markets. Driven by Anish Panchal, manager of data services, Curve applies its extensive knowledge of both consumer data and the retail environment to the brands under its umbrella. Data is critical. Curve is leading edge on data metrics that drive decisions, and it stratifies data in a way that puts the right products in the right place for the right customer. The team collects and analyzes POS data from partners to stay on top of trends and to track what is selling and what isn’t, and it uses that information to help partners make the best decisions about their products. “We work tirelessly with retailers to seamlessly manage their inventory, provide unparalleled customer service and offer unique insights that make a difference to their bottom line,” says Chris Uglancia, Curve’s sales manager.
Happy 10th Birthday Curve Distribution!
This exceptional customer service can only be delivered by an exceptional team—and Curve Distribution has the best team in the business. The 45-member team is a group of creative, solution-focused professionals who work together to arrive at the best possible outcomes. Led by Jeff Kelly, senior VP logistics, the team was nimble when Covid-19 brought the economy to a halt and redefined how the company operated, and it is now
Curve Distribution • Celebrating 10 Years • 3
You don’t look a day over 9
from
positioned for solid performance and growth in good and challenging times alike. The logistics team found a way to continue receiving, selecting and shipping products to keep Curve running while other departments adapted to doing business remotely, even as they were adjusting to an expansion. The December 2019 amalgamation of Curve Distribution with Elite International Foods was ideally timed and smoothly integrated, and it created the diversification required to survive not only a global pandemic but also the downturn already plaguing Alberta’s economy. The amalgamation also presented opportunities to forge relationships in new markets, allowing them to introduce other products into the food channels.
Warehouse Team
THANK YOU To our customers and our suppliers for their amazing loyalty and support.
With diversified offerings and hard work, Curve was able to ride out the uncertainty without having to slash staff; in fact, it added to and strengthened the team for the future. The summer saw great sales and the team is proud to be a rare positive story amidst the prevailing doom-and-gloom in the province. Ray Sequeria, controller, says Curve came into the spring financially strong and agile. Then they invested in the team and the business throughout the lockdown, and that made all the difference. Curve is in a great position to be profitable and to grow in the years to come, all the while continuing to support the community through its involvement with such organizations as the Calgary Food Bank, Business Fore Calgary Kids, Rotary International, and various local charity and community groups. “I’m really encouraged about the future because the way we responded during Covid has shown our suppliers and customers that we are here for the long term,” Doherty says. “The strongest individuals are the ones who are making decisions, planning and, okay—it’s not exactly as we thought it was going to be, so we had to decide what we were going to do differently.” For more than a decade, Curve Distribution has approached business differently and continues to do things differently to build partnerships and stay ahead of the curve in Canadian product distribution.
We look forward to many more years of working together! Bay 124, 10725 – 25 Street NE Calgary, Alberta T3N 0A4 403.291.0660 –Main 877.795.5325 –Toll Free curvedistribution.com
Curve Distribution • Celebrating 10 Years • 4
CREATING VALUE THROUGH RESPONSIBLE, CALCULATED GROWTH Yorkton Group International celebrates more than 30 years of success, and its dynamic future By Nerissa McNaughton with photos by Rebecca Lippiatt 57
Introducing the (TSX-V: YEG) Team of Executives (left to right): Executive VP Reg Liyanage, Legal Counsel David Tam, Director Bill Smith, CFO & Director Evan Chan, Company Secretary Kevin Saskiw, CEO & Director Ben Lui, Director Mark Wilbert, Director Jason Theiss (not in photo).
Y
orkton Group International is an Edmonton success story. Since 1989 the company has invested in diverse real estate interests including land development, home building, commercial construction, leasing, real estate brokering, hotel management, asset management and more. Headquartered in Edmonton, Yorkton Group operates on a global scale. Yorkton Group was founded by its current directors, Mr. Ben Lui, president and chief executive officer, and Mr. Reg Liyanage, executive vice president. Lui says, “Our business is built on a solid foundation through adherence to the following business philosophy: Customer focused: we always put our clients first A “win-win” scenario: never one-sided
Long-term partnership: with our clients, business associates, and employees Trust: gain trust through delivery of reliable services Respect: earn respect by respecting others Be humble: avoid complacency
Be innovative: think outside the box and be flexible and creative
Adapt to changes: the world is very dynamic; always be agile and ready
Avoid litigation: good contracts make good friends; always ensure clear mutual understanding Cash management: avoid overleveraging and be conservative with contingency plans Do it right the first time: it’s costly fixing avoidable mistakes
Be productive: multi-task, set priorities, and manage your time efficiently Yorkton Group International Ltd. • Celebrating 30 Years • 2
Be constructive: create a positive, strong leading team
Culture of engagement: take ownership and pride in what we do
Open communication: voice suggestions and concerns constructively Learn from others: learn from their successes and their mistakes
Share success with the community: we believe in giving back to the community Liyanage says “We are a highly diversified real estate company. We felt that we could contribute to society by providing value added products to our shareholders and end user customers. Additionally, there was a market niche to be filled for the proper redevelopment of underserved properties.” Creating that value is based on what Liyanage calls, “a very conservative investment philosophy,” noting, “Steady and sustainable growth – that’s what we’ve been doing. Quality, value, diversity and growth are our key words.” Yorkton’s Group current projects include Yorkton on 108th, a luxury residential condominium development strategically located in the city center of Surrey, BC. The project calls for two six-storey buildings with 197 units, which will be a mix of one bedroom, two bedroom, or two bedroom plus a den. Also proposed for Surrey is Yorkton Place, a dual phase development projects that starts with commercial and retail buildings, then adds six storey mixed-use retail/residential facilities.
Parlee McLaws LLP congratulates Yorkton Group on their 30 year anniversary! Cheers to many more years of successful business from everyone at Team Parlee!
Edmonton: 780.423.8500 | Calgary: 403.294.7000 | parlee.com Yorkton Group International Ltd. • Celebrating 30 Years • 3
Whether it is new construction or taking an underperforming apartment complex or hotel and turning it into something tenants, stakeholders, and the community can be proud of, Yorkton Group prides itself on delivering on its mandate.
CONGRATULATIONS YORKTON GROUP ON 30 YEARS!
GLEN COWAN & ASSOCIATES REAL PROPERTY APPRAISALS
#1010, Sun Life Place | 10123 – 99th St. Edmonton, AB T5J 3H1 P. 780-421-7500 | F. 780-426-7673 www.gccanwest.com
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Perhaps one of the most exciting for the team, however, is the plans for a project right here in Edmonton. Yorkton Twin Towers and Pacific Mall is a city-approved development for two towers that will rise up to 38 storeys each in the heart of downtown. The 296 residential condos will overlook a two-storey retail shopping mall. With projects in Alberta and BC, investors and shareholders are offered geographic diversity and investment opportunities. Whether it is new construction or taking an underperforming apartment complex or hotel and turning it into something tenants, stakeholders, and the community can be proud of, Yorkton Group prides itself on delivering on its mandate.
REAL PROPERTY APPRAISALS
www.rsmcanada.com
RSM congratulates Yorkton Group on 30 years of servicing the Edmonton community and beyond.
If Liyanage could tell potential investors one thing, it would be to trust in their proven conservative investment philosophy. “It is the steady and sustainable growth that creates value for our shareholders and investors, something that remains top of mind as we work together with our long-term, dedicated, knowledgeable staff.” Yorkton Group commits to properly managing its rapid growth despite a constantly changing environment to ensure investors and shareholders can always rely on the diversity, integrity and value for which the company is known. Despite its international interests, and the many political and economic changes and challenges in Alberta, Yorkton Group is proud to call Edmonton home. Contributing to the community is important for Yorkton Group, as they support non-profit charities like Ronald McDonald House, Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation, The Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation, World Vision, Edmonton Filipino associations, Youth Empowerment and Support Services (YESS), the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, and many more.
Yorkton Group International Ltd. • Celebrating 30 Years • 4
Yorkton Group is also thankful for all the supports from its industry partners, including customers, suppliers, contractors, consultants, bankers, etc., as well its team of dedicated employees.
With more than 30 years of real estate experience, the next chapter of high rise developments, commercial and mixed use buildings, and industrial development allow Yorkton to continue an already successful journey. Looking forward, Yorkton Group is excited about the future. With more than 30 years of real estate experience, the next chapter of high rise developments, commercial and mixed use buildings, and industrial development allow Yorkton to continue an already successful journey. Aiding in that success is the milestone of going public. Yorkton has recently been accepted by the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX-V) and will start trading in October 2020 with the (very aptly named for an Edmontonbased company) ticker symbol “YEG” – Yorkton Equity Group. Through it all, the Yorkton team remain committed to their principles and their promise to deliver value for investors and shareholders through the time-proven method of conservative investing and steady, incremental growth.
3165 Manulife Place 10180-101 Street Edmonton, Alberta Office: 780-409-8228 Fax: 780-409-9228 Toll Free: 1-866-409-8228 Reception@yorktongroup.com
Proud Business Supporter of
YORKTON GROUP
Congratulations on 30 years in business!
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Congratulations Yorkton Group International Ltd. on your 30th Anniversary! www.sorrelltrust.com
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PRICE is our
PROMISE
At Wine and Beyond, we’re so committed to bringing you the Lowest Price on our most popular products that we keep our eye on the competition every day to make sure you’re getting the best price and selection.
That’s our promise.
PRICE MATCH GUARANTEE: If a competitor within a store’s geographic trade area offers a lower price on any item, that we carry in that store, simply show an advertisement or receipt for that price and we will sell you that item at the same price at that store. We will match the competitor’s price only during the effective date of the competitor’s advertisement or within 7 days of the receipt date; and in any event only while the competitor’s stock for that item at that price remains. The Price Match Guarantee only applies to identical items; meaning the same brand, item type, size and all other attributes, as determined by us. The terms “competitor” and “geographical trade area” are further determined solely by us, in our sole discretion and such determination shall be based on a number of factors which can change from time to time at our discretion. Notwithstanding the generality of the foregoing, the Price Match Guarantee does not apply to licensee sales, “multi-buys” (eg, 2 for $4 or “spend or buy x and get x Free or for a reduced price”); and discounts obtained through loyalty or other programs. We reserve the right to limit quantities. Price Match Guarantee is valid only while supplies last. No rain checks, no substitutions. Price Match Guarantee will not be applied to prices and quantities resulting from errors and omissions of us or others. Price Match Guarantee inapplicable and will not be applicable if prohibited by law.