Business in Edmonton - October 2022

Dan Klemke

Chris Fowler

Sine Chadi

*E&OE, some conditions apply. See website for details.

By

McNaughton

By Catherine Brownlee

By Elan MacDonald

Supporting the visions of entrepreneurs one story at a time.

The

last few years have brought some curve balls to most Alberta businesses. For Liftboss Materials Handling, an Alberta born and raised material handling and JCB equipment dealer, it also brought a long overdue move from their original Edmonton location of 16 years, into a completely renovated dealership in the heart of Edmonton’s northwest industrial area. Having outgrown the previous building and yard, they were looking for a space that would allow future growth. They were able to find a large five-acre yard with a building that will allow expansion, as well enough land to incorporate a full acre on-site “proving grounds”. This demo space will allow customers to operate a number of different machines as they would in the field, ensuring they end up with the correct unit for their application.

The owner group worked very closely with JCB corporate through the whole process and were

very proud to find shortly after moving in, that the facility was selected as a Canadian dealer standard for new JCB facilities, meaning that all new JCB dealerships built will be based on the concept of what Liftboss has helped create. As a result, a JCB Canadian Dealer advisory council meeting was held at the facility the last week of July, and the staff were proud to show off their new home to a number of other JCB dealers from across the country.

With that project complete and behind them, expansion of a third facility in Grande Prairie and a similar renovation of the existing Calgary facility are next on the list, both expected to be completed into 2023. If you are in need of new or used equipment, parts, rentals or service on all makes and models reach out to the Liftboss team and they will be happy to help you.

THIS MONTH’S FEATURES

36

Business Adjusts Financial Planning

The slow but sure recovery

By John Hardy

Building a Small Business: Behind the Scenes

Running a small business takes more than an entre preneurial spirit and a good product. Learn from three business owners what it truly takes to be successful.

By Nerissa McNaughton

40

Edmonton Events and Catering Rebounds

The guest experience matters

By John Hardy

46

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

The Future of Business Development

By Will Porter

Edmonton Infills

Infill is not a trend. It is a movement.

By John Hardy

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THIS ISSUE’S CONTRIBUTORS

Nerissa McNaughton

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From Fintech to Healthtech: Alberta’s Next Big Thing?

BY CATHERINE BROWNLEE, PRESIDENT, ALBERTA ENTERPRISE GROUP

Alberta’s tech industry is vibrant and has seen accelerating growth over the past few years. The province is quickly advancing towards competitor jurisdictions of Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia. In the first half of this year alone, Alberta attracted nearly $500 million in investment. Whether in Edmonton or Calgary, tech companies are growing exponentially, hiring new staff and expanding their office space.

One of the province’s emerging success stories in this area is Syantra Inc. The company got its start at the University of Calgary, where Dr. Tina Rinker and Bob Shepherd were researching and publishing in the areas of cardiovascular disease and inflammation. Through their work, they developed a biomarker and drug target discovery platform that is helping transform health care for women.

Over the course of their lifetimes, one in eight Canadian women will develop breast cancer, making it the most common cancer among women and the second biggest killer. Early detection is key. If breast cancer is discovered in its early stages, there are more treatment options and a better chance for survival.

For many women, the most common screening tool, mammography, may not be an option for various reasons, including those that are physical, cultural or physiological. New ways to detect breast cancer are needed. Syantra is a precision medicine company in Alberta that has developed a blood test for breast cancer detection to meet this need. Syantra DX | Breast Cancer is an innovative test that measures a panel of biomarkers from whole blood and uses custom software to interpret results providing a simple positive or negative result. According to ongoing clinical studies, Syantra DX | Breast Cancer has an accuracy rate of up to 99 per cent.

Through a recently announced collaboration with Ottawa-based Calian Group Ltd., Syantra is taking its blood test Canada-wide. With a requisition from their doctor, women from Victoria to St. John’s can now access this life saving technology. In the coming years, Syantra plans to expand its detection abilities to other cancers, including lung and colon cancers.

Like other successful companies, Syantra is the beneficiary of the trailblazers that preceded it. In Alberta, there is perhaps no better-known name in the biotech health sector than DynaLIFE. For more than 60 years, the company has been providing world-leading diagnostic lab services to detect, diagnose and treat diseases and conditions. While focused on improving health outcomes today, the company is working towards even more efficient, life-alerting testing in the future.

Syantra and DynaLIFE are just two of Alberta’s thousands of tech success stories. The sector is a natural fit for our province. We have one of the most educated populations in the world, with 55 per cent of Albertans between 25 to 64 holding a post-secondary degree or diploma (17 per cent higher than the OCED average). We’re also home to first-rate research institutions like the University of Calgary (Canada’s youngest top five research university) and the University of Alberta (the fourth best in the country according to the prestigious NTU rankings).

Alberta’s well-established culture of entrepreneurism and innovation has no equal in Canada. It’s this fusion of ambition and vision that has fueled the sector’s exponential explosion in growth in recent years.

ALBERTA ENTERPRISE GROUP (AEG) PUTS ALBERTA BUSINESSES FIRST BY SHARING INFORMATION, ADVOCACY AND BUILDING BRIDGES TO NEW MARKETS. AEG MEMBERS ARE BUSINESS OWNERS, SENIOR EXECUTIVES, INVESTORS AND ENTREPRENEURS REPRESENTING FIRMS IN EVERY MAJOR ALBERTA INDUSTRY. AEG MEMBERS EMPLOY OVER 100,000 ALBERTANS AND GENERATE BILLIONS IN ECONOMIC ACTIVITY EACH YEAR.

A STEP ABOVE

STEP ENERGY SERVICE’S PASSION, FOCUS AND INNOVATION YIELDS RESULTS FOR THEIR TEAM, INVESTORS AND CLIENTS

STEPEnergy Services offers coiled tubing, fracturing, nitrogen and fluid pumping services across the oil and gas plays in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin, as well as the Permian Basin and Eagle Ford Shale Play in Texas, the Bakken Shale Play in North Dakota, Uinta-Piceance in Utah and the Niobrara-DJ Basin in Colorado.

STEP was founded in 2011 when Steve Glanville (now CEO), Bailey Epp and Regan Davis recognized the need for an energy services company that was focused on providing an elevated level of client service and technical expertise to the deep capacity coiled tubing market in Western Canada. The founders also understood that unless they built an operational team of engaged and committed professionals, motivated to execute safely and flawlessly each day, the newest equipment in the basin would remain underutilized. The STEP culture was born and attracted some of the most talented professionals to the organization. The company grew quickly in subsequent years, expanding into the hydraulic fracturing market in Canada in 2015. STEP established a coiled tubing presence in the U.S. in the same year.

Klaas Deemter, CFO, says, “We have a lot of pride in what we have built here over the past 11 years. We still care just as passionately about our people and culture as we did on day one. Safety, trust, execution and possibilities are our core values and the guideposts that inform our daily operations. Those values drive our success.”

Deemter explains the company’s core values in more detail, saying, “Safety is critical to our business and underpins everything we do. We want everyone to go home at the end of every shift. Personal safety is paramount, but this mindset also informs how we take care of our equipment and products and transport them to the well site. We are very conscious about how we operate and want to keep our environment clean and our professionals safe. A high level of trust in our people empowers them to make decisions as they are working; that high level of trust translates into efficient and high-quality execution on each project for our clients. Trust also plays into our value of possibilities. When the team is empowered in what they do, they are actively engaged in their work and in delivering quality service to our clients.”

STEP sets itself apart by working collaboratively with clients, designing programs to maximize logistics and operate at peak

efficiency. They pump for more than 20 hours daily to ensure maximized returns for clients and investors.

“We were among the first to bring dual-fuel fracturing equipment to the Canadian market,” Deemter pointed out. “We did that because it is the right thing to do. It reduces both the cost to our clients and emissions into the atmosphere. It goes back to our commitment to the communities where we live, work and play.”

STEP formed and grew during some turbulent times in the energy industry, giving it the resilience needed to withstand the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. “A lot of people and companies have left the oil and gas industry since the downturn of 2015 and the overall narrative around oil and gas was becoming increasingly negative in Canada and Europe,” Deemter explains. “However, the world is beginning to realize that energy security is critical. At STEP, we are almost back to pre-pandemic employment levels, and we’re proud of our role in delivering a product that improves the standard of living for people across the globe.”

ABOVE: KLAAS DEEMTER, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

STEP is a very big believer in investing in the communities they serve. In addition to supporting local events, groups and activities, STEP’s giving back initiatives focus on underserved communities. Their Christmas Spirit Campaign and golf tournament have raised more than $600,000 since the company’s inception. STEP is also an avid supporter of STARS and has a five-year commitment with Red Deer Polytechnic.

“We are designed to live in communities with each other,” says Deemter. “We are stronger as communities and we benefit personally and professionally from those that came before us. We must both sustain and build on what we have been given so future generations can enjoy these benefits too. Volunteering is important to me and the company. STEP’s leadership and professionals have

worked hard to create a culture of caring and community, something that is ingrained into the company’s ethos.”

ATB has partnered with STEP from the start and continued that partnership as STEP expanded into the United States.

“ATB is deeply committed to the energy business in Alberta and Western Canada,” Deemter says. “They have a strong corporate culture as well, something in which we are aligned. I see it when I look at who they support and how they go the extra mile to support Alberta businesses and foster the entrepreneur culture in Alberta. I see it in their events, community engagement and community messaging. It is clear that they operate differently from traditional financial institutions.”

Deemter concludes by talking about the future, “I’m very excited about the coming years for both STEP and the industry. We’re at the early stage of a multi-year commodity cycle and see demand for safe, clean and reliable North American oil and LNG growing. STEP and many other Alberta-based energy companies are well positioned to benefit from this demand, delivering opportunities to our employees and value to our shareholders.”

ATB is pleased to present a 2022 profile series on the businesses and people who are facing challenges head-on to build a strong Alberta.

TOP LEFT: LARGE CAPACITY HYDRAULIC FRACTURING OPERATION.

BOTTOM LEFT: HYDRAULIC FRACTURING OPERATION IN NORTHEASTERN B.C.

RIGHT: COILED TUBING ANNULAR FRACTURING OPERATION IN WCSB.

Your Business Needs Change. Here’s Why.

THIS IS PART ONE OF A TWO-PART SERIES ON MANAGING CHANGE IN YOUR BUSINESS.

BY ELAN MACDONALD, VP EXTERNAL RELATIONS, U OF A

Two years ago, I was considering taking on a new role at the University of Alberta. I had recently sold my business to a leading national firm and wasn’t necessarily looking for change. As vice president, External Relations, I would play a role in implementing transformational change on a scale I’d never experienced before: forming an entirely new portfolio charged with advancing a unified vision for the university and leading a new team through a years-long process of restructuring and change. It was a major challenge. It was also what compelled me to take the job.

Change creates the opportunity for growth. That’s a lesson I learned from Don Cummings, managing partner at National Growth Partners. He has helped companies across Canada and the world manage change. He is a trusted advisor and has helped me through some of my most difficult business challenges.

According to Cummings, there are two drivers of change business leaders should watch for: signals from the market and signals within your organization.

The first driver – changes in the economy, technology and customers’ wants and needs – means looking at your environment. What is going on right now? What can you anticipate in the future? This will help you see opportunities, counter threats and assess risks.

The second, and often more neglected, driver evaluates how your people are feeling, he says. Your organization exists because it is made up of people, and those people’s needs are constantly changing. This internal driver will inform how your organization can be better by molding the company to how those inside it are seeing it.

What do both of these drivers have in common? They need to become a habit. It sounds simple, but when faced with a relentless stream of emails and meeting requests, we all know it’s easier said than done.

“When you’re running an organization, you’re so focused on delivering the things that you promised today, it’s tough to find that capacity to think about tomorrow,” says Cummings. “But it’s crucial to schedule in the time to understand what’s going on in and around your organization and plan for the future.”

When the U of A’s provincial grant was reduced by $222 million for the years 2020 through 2023 – representing 11 per cent of our total budget – it created an opportunity for the university to take a step back and see what would serve it best for decades to come. Reinventing a hundred-year-old business model is not something that an organization of this size usually gets to take on. It was a challenge that required creativity. It was a crisis we couldn’t afford to waste.

With expectations of post-secondary education changing, industry needs evolving and a global war for talent growing, universities can and should play a role in diversifying and growing the economy. Here was our opportunity to ensure we were at the heart of all of those conversations. It’s a part of the job that will never really be done.

Change is ongoing and we ought to embrace it, plan for it and leverage it. It requires the inclusion of the people and attention to the environments, in and around your organization. And if your environment, customers and employees are constantly changing, shouldn’t your business be too?

ELAN MACDONALD IS PAST CHAIR OF THE EDMONTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND A FOUNDING DIRECTOR WITH EDMONTON GLOBAL. SHE ALSO SITS ON THE BOARDS OF COVENANT HEALTH, ATLAS BIOTECHNOLOGIES AND ALBERTA BALLET. SHE IS THE VICE-PRESIDENT (EXTERNAL RELATIONS) OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA. HER COLUMN APPEARS MONTHLY IN BUSINESS IN EDMONTON.

North Central Co-op Gains 25 Gas Bar Sites

Source: www.northcentralco-op.crs

North Central Co-op is pleased to announce the purchase of 25 Husky retail fuel sites. These sites, located in Edmonton and the surrounding communities, allow us to grow our services in existing communities and enable us to expand into new areas. The sites include:

• Millcreek Husky/Mac’s 2382 23rd Ave NW

• Summerside Husky Market 818 91 St SW

• Clareview Husky Carwash 12986 50 St

• Stony Plain Husky Market 4700 48 St

• Cherry Grove Husky Market 15303 73A St

• Wolf Willow Husky Market 6827 170 St

• Meadowbrook Husky Market 3955 34 St

• Brookview Husky Market 344/348 Bulyea Rd

• Edson Husky CS 4536 4 Ave

• South Edmonton Husky Carwash 3105 Calgary Trail NW

• Woodvale Husky 5403 38 Ave

• Churchill Husky 10608 107 Ave

• Sherwood Park 28 Strathmoor Drive

• Capilano Husky 6125 101 Ave

• Fort Saskatchewan Husky Market 21 Westpark Blv

• 51 Ave Husky 9536 51 Ave

• 50 Street Husky 7507 50 St

• Niagara Carwash 4315 118 Ave

• Parkallen Husky 7026 109 St

• Primrose Husky AB 9774 182 St

• Riverview Husky 9208 Jasper Ave NW

• U-Auto Wash Edson 5226 4 Ave

• Anthony Henday Husky Market 19820 62 Ave

• Brintnell Husky Market 3715 160 Ave

• St. Albert Husky & wand wash 10 Inglewood Dr

“As a Co-op, we’re focused on investing in our communities and bringing value to our members,” said Dean McKim, chief executive officer. “Adding these sites to our fuel network signals our Co-op’s commitment to growing and serving our community for the long term.”

The retail fuel sites were purchased from Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL) as part of its agreement to acquire 171 Husky retail fuel sites from Cenovus Energy Inc., which was announced in November 2021. On September 13, 2022, North Central Co-op will officially took ownership of 17 Husky locations now supplies contracts for eight independent Husky locations. In total, North Central Co-op added 25 gas bars to their network.

These fuel sites will continue to operate under the Husky brand until they are re-branded as Co-op or one of Co-op’s independent brands over the course of several months.

Key facts:

• myHusky Rewards members can still earn and redeem points on all applicable transactions at Husky-branded sites.

• Husky gift cards can still be redeemed at any Husky-branded sites as a form of payment, but can no longer be purchased.

• North Central Co-op members will be able to use their Coop member numbers at the sites rebranded as a Co-op.

North Central Co-op is a member-owned co-operative governed by a democratically elected Board of Directors. The Association was founded in Stony Plain, Alberta, and has proudly served North Central Alberta for over 75 years. Today, North Central Co-op serves more than 100,000 members –and many more customers – in Stony Plain, Sherwood Park, Edmonton, Fort Saskatchewan and St. Albert. It offers food, gas, convenience, home and building supplies and liquor products and services. The Co-op brand is built on being truly local and the promise of staying that way.

Charities and Arts Groups Get a Boost Heading into Fall

Source: www.epcor.com/about/news-announcements

Edmonton’s non-profit sector is gearing up for a busy fall to meet the needs of the community and to produce creative works that lift everyone’s spirits. EPCOR’s Heart + Soul Fund is also back to provide support, with an additional $160,000 in funding for nine arts, cultural and charitable organizations. This is on top of the $360,000 already announced for 22 organizations in June.

“Edmonton charities are tackling difficult social issues — from abuse to poverty and homelessness to food insecurity,” says Stuart Lee, EPCOR president and CEO. “We felt strongly about releasing these additional funds to help charities continue this important work.”

One of the most troubling issues to emerge during the COVID-19 pandemic was the uptick in domestic violence and particularly violence against women and girls. The United Nations has called this alarming trend the “Shadow Pandemic.”

WINGS of Providence, an Edmonton charity that supports women and children escaping domestic violence, launches its second annual WINGMAN campaign in September. The campaign will feature high-profile Edmonton men taking a stand against domestic violence, with EPCOR matching donations towards counselling, childcare, life-skills sessions and nutritious meals.

“Healthy male role models speaking out against domestic violence and demonstrating a commitment to non-violence is powerful,” says Kathy Collins, executive director of WINGS of Providence. “Men are primary partners in addressing domestic violence and ensuring prevention efforts are inclusive and meaningful.”

Just as charities help to ensure our city remains supported, strong and vibrant, Edmonton’s arts and cultural groups are hard at work to make our days lighter and brighter. One of the arts programs EPCOR will support this year is the Nextfest Arts Company’s Emerging Artistic Producer Program, which will give hands-on arts administration experience to Indigenous, Black and people of colour who identify as transgender and/or non-binary.

“Less than four per cent of leaders in Canadian theatre identify as culturally diverse women, trans and/or non-binary people,” says program producer Simone A. Medina Polo. “The Emerging Artistic Producer Program will help budding leaders from these communities to overcome the financial and social barriers they can encounter early in their careers.”

This marks the third year for the Heart + Soul Fund, which EPCOR created in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic to support organizations that provide a lifeline to our communities’ most vulnerable, as well as those that uplift our spirits and bring us so much joy.

Since 2020, EPCOR has committed $3.5 million in pandemic relief and recovery funding, which is in addition to the more than $1 million it provides in community support every year.

Additionally, 160 grants have been provided through the Heart + Soul Fund. The charity sector has leveraged $814,000 provided through the Heart + Soul Fund by hosting matching campaigns, which resulted in nearly $5.1 million raised in support of critical social services.

Funding provided to arts and culture organizations helped employ 1,120 artists and produce 628 new artistic works safely amid pandemic restrictions, bringing joy and entertainment to our community.

ABOVE:

BUSINESS ADJUSTS FINANCIAL PLANNING

THE SLOW BUT SURE RECOVERY

BY JOHN HARDY

Of all the usual small business ups and downs and the consistent planning for growth, success and moving forward, the past 20 months of pandemic disruptions and challenges were a broadside like none other.

While all aspects of business were impacted, the uncertainty of financial planning and the unpredictability caused by pandemic lockdowns and disruptions was exceptionally challenging for small businesses.

“Businesses navigated an economy where they were forced to close their doors, allowed to reopen them, forced to close them again, allowed to partially reopen them, and so on,” says Jon Horsman, senior executive vice president of Business, ATB Financial and CEO of ATB Capital Markets. “There was constant change and unpredictability, in lockdowns, vaccination thresholds, vaccination records and certificates to QR codes, and outreach to staff and suppliers.”

Businesses adjusted their financial planning and did what needed to be done to maintain the business. “They found effective ways to survive the unpredictable environment of lockdowns and re-openings. They adjusted the financial planning and evolved their business models to accommodate the ever-changing economy. Restaurants, for example, using online platforms such as Shopify, DoorDash, SkipTheDishes, Uber Eats and moving to curbside pick-up and patios.

“And the astronomical rate at which businesses established their e-commerce, digital delivery and door-to-door distribution,” he says. “They switched their focus and adapted.”

But it was a bumpy ride! According to Annie Dormuth, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) director of Provincial Affairs for B.C. and Alberta, the impact was significant, financial planning and the recovery may be slow and speedbumps will linger. “Alberta small businesses estimate it will take 21 months to fully recover from the pandemic, at the current recovery rates. Long-term business confidence has seen a mixed bag of reactions and that may be a testament to the high degree of uncertainty in the economy overall. It all impacts a business’ plans to hire and expand,” she explains.

“Right now, Alberta small businesses are still experiencing a tough uphill battle to economic recovery. Late last year, around 20 per cent of Alberta small businesses were actively considering closing or claiming bankruptcy, because of the pandemic’s impact on businesses.” She highlights the CFIB Business Closure Report which estimated that 34,500 Alberta small businesses were/are at risk of closing. “CFIB is carefully monitoring the three indicators of small business recovery: fully open, back to normal staff levels and sales. As of now, Alberta small businesses have a long way to go to reach normal sales levels.”

The good news, on a human, employer and employee level, is that 45 per cent of Alberta businesses say they no longer experience high stress and anxiety levels due to the pandemic.

There is business consensus that recovery has begun and business financial planning needs to be in synch. Encouragingly, when it comes to business financial planning and post-pandemic operations, there are small business silver linings in the dark pandemic disruption clouds.

“Last year, we had the positive of new business formation, as the number of Alberta incorporations rose,” Horsman notes. “We saw people starting businesses during the pandemic and pursuing innovative and creative entrepreneurial avenues. We also saw a shift to online sales and services with businesses adapting to an economy where more customers were looking for an online experience and, of course, there was definitely an upsurge in remote working.

ABOVE: JON HORSMAN, SENIOR EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF BUSINESS, ATB FINANCIAL AND CEO OF ATB CAPITAL MARKETS.

“THERE WAS CONSTANT CHANGE AND UNPREDICTABILITY, IN LOCKDOWNS, VACCINATION THRESHOLDS, VACCINATION RECORDS AND CERTIFICATES TO QR CODES, AND OUTREACH TO STAFF AND SUPPLIERS,” SAYS HORSMAN.

“SOME 46 PER CENT OF SMALL BUSINESSES OWNERS AND OPERATORS SAY HIRING IN THE CURRENT ENVIRONMENT IS DIFFICULT, EVEN WITH INCREASED WAGES, MORE THAN 27 PER CENT HAVING INCREASED BENEFITS LIKE ADDITIONAL VACATION TIME, AND ABOUT 20 PER CENT INTRODUCING SHORTER WORK WEEKS,” CAUTIONS VESCE.

“The affect on people and the labour force was significant. People who worked in directly-impacted industries like restaurants and retail, had to find new jobs that were less volatile. This dislocation ultimately has driven the labour shortage as higher impacted industries struggle with the unpredictability of the openings and closings,” he says.

According to an ADP Canada commissioned survey, staffing and salaries are key factors in the financial planning of businesses.

“As organizations struggle to attract and retain workers,” cautions Helen Vesce, ADP’s division vice president of service delivery. “Some 46 per cent of small businesses owners and operators say hiring in the current environment is difficult, even with increased wages, more than 27 per cent having increased benefits like additional vacation time, and about 20 per cent introducing shorter work weeks. The majority of small businesses who had to reduce their workforce in response to the pandemic have been able to re-hire employees.

“In addition to attracting new employees, challenges also exist in keeping the ones that small businesses already have on hand. The response of small business owners surveyed says that 32 per cent of staff leave for a better salary, wanting to make a career change and to take on a more senior role.

“The findings highlight the strength of small business,” she says. “After weathering an unprecedented storm, they are making a comeback. The financial planning for the recovering new normal indicates that businesses who are able to adapt to the changing demands of this new labour market are poised to come out ahead in the search for top talent.”

Horsman explains that businesses had to keep pivoting their operations and responses. It was a scramble for business to do financial planning, closing and reopening their doors, building back customers, letting staff go and rehiring and moving to more digital offerings.

Dormuth points out that, even with focused financial planning, “Long-term business confidence is seeing a mixed bag of reactions, likely a reflection of the high degree of uncertainty in the economy overall. It all impacts a business’ plans to hire and expand.”

She emphasizes that, while business is re-jigging its financial planning, government also has a role to play. “CFIB is asking all governments to place small business economic recovery as a top priority. This includes not introducing new or additional new costs on small businesses, reducing red tape and ensuring fair and equitable taxation for small businesses.”

ABOVE: HELEN VESCE, ADP’S DIVISION VICE PRESIDENT OF SERVICE DELIVERY.

The Butterfly Dreams Respite Care Difference

At Butterfly Dreams Respite Care, our experienced caregivers are eager and ready to step in to provide compassionate assistance and necessary short-term support. We offer temporary respite services for older adults, including those with limited physical abilities and mild conditions like dementia, as well as individuals in need of post-operative recovery or hospital discharge care.

Our Services

How long can you stay?

When planning for your loved ones stay you can choose between a minimum of 8 hours per day, overnight, daily or weekly services.

Care Provided

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Service Fees

Fees vary by accommodation. Please contact us for further details.

Let’s Connect

780-242-2373

info@butterflydreamsrespitecare.ca

www.butterflydreamsrespitecare.ca

ABOVE: CHRIS FOWLER, PRESIDENT & CEO, CWB FINANCIAL GROUP; DAN KLEMKE, EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, KMC MINING AND SINE CHADI, SERIAL ENTRE PRENEUR, PHILANTHROPIST.

PHOTO SOURCE: PRODUCTION WORLD

BY NERISSA MCNAUGHTON

Continuing a 42-year tradition of honouring Alberta’s entrepreneurs and visionaries, Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame, presented by ATB, is pleased to introduce this year’s inductees. These individuals are chosen for their outstanding success in their respective fields, leadership abilities, strong community support and for inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs. In addition to being inducted at JA’s annual gala on October 19, the laureates are recognized on the Business Hall of Fame Wall of Honour, which is located on the second floor of Manulife Place in Edmonton.

This year’s inductees are Chris Fowler, president & CEO, CWB Financial Group; Dan Klemke, executive chairman, KMC Mining; and Sine Chadi, serial entrepreneur, philanthropist. The late Jack Klemke, founder of KMC Mining, will be honoured posthumously.

PRESENTED BY ATB, INTRODUCES

THE 2022 LAUREATES

Chris Fowler, President & CEO, CWB Financial Group

CWB provides diversified financial services across Canada. Chris Fowler’s main areas of responsibility are executive management and strategy.

Fowler graduated from the University of British Columbia in 1985 with a Master’s of Arts degree in Economics. From there, he went into banking by joining Continental Bank. Continental was purchased by Lloyds Bank of Canada, and eventually HSBC. This shift opened up an opportunity to join CWB. The move to CWB perfectly suited Fowler, who was looking to engage with a smaller, more people-focused firm.

What does Fowler find the most rewarding about his work at CWB? “All the businesses and business owners I have met over the years and helped with their growth, and, working

alongside the other members of the CWB team,” he says. “Every day is a learning opportunity while at the same time, overcoming challenges. We have strategized and delivered on how to grow our business through the global financial crisis, the oil crash and two years of COVID. The pace is exciting; there is never a dull moment!”

For both CWB and Fowler, giving back is very important. He notes, “Edmonton has a tremendous amount of ways to participate and has a very high quality of life. For that to be successful you must participate by joining organizations and supporting them. The amount of involvement you see from businesses giving back in Edmonton is what keeps this broad choice available and empowers a city of our size to have the institutions, arts and sports we enjoy.”

Fowler feels privileged to be named a laureate. “There are a lot of great people that have preceded me as you can see from the impressive list of laureates. To be in the same category with them is an honour. I hope to contribute to Edmonton to the same degree as they have. Every laureate has had an impact on Edmonton and improved the quality of life here. That is the best impact one can have, making sure people are better off when you are done.”

Going forward, Fowler looks ahead to “a continued focus on the growth of CWB and continuing to provide great solutions for clients, opportunities for the staff and returns for shareholders. My goal is to support that journey and ensure we have the right people, the right strategies and deliver the right outcomes for our clients, team and shareholders.”

Dan Klemke, Executive Chairman, KMC Mining

KMC Mining’s roots go back more than 70 years to when Ted and Jack Klemke launched a business providing equipment and labour for irrigation and roadwork in Saskatchewan and Alberta. The company later expanded into digging and hauling for a variety of mines (coal, gold, diamonds, uranium) across Western Canada, Yukon and the Northwest

Territories. In the early 1970s, KMC entered the oil sands and since then has partnered with every major producer in the area.

Through it all, KMC remained primarily a family-managed business. Dan Klemke joined the company in 1969, working there on breaks through high school and university before joining full-time.

“I learned the company from the inside out,” says Klemke, “by working my way through a variety of operations and leadership roles including foreman, superintendent, estimator, project manager, executive vice president, president and CEO. I was appointed executive chairman of the board in 2019 following the CEO role, which I held from 2008.”

In addition to more than 40 years of direct experience, Klemke holds a Bachelor’s of Commerce degree from the University of Alberta, has several accreditations in the surface mining and oilsands industry, and is a past board member of the Alberta Chamber of Resources.

As he looks back on his career, he enjoys “being able to see and experience the industry from a variety of roles and

angles, and in particular, the people that have influenced me along the way; whether they be equipment operators, mechanics, lawyers or CEOs, they have all played a part in my personal and professional development.”

Giving back is an important value for everyone at KMC. In addition to corporate support of many charitable initiatives such as the Festival of Trees, cancer research, the Bulembu Orphanage in Southern Africa and organizations that support mental health, Klemke is also personally supportive of charities such as Prison Fellowship International and Young Life Canada – having served on its national board for 12 years.

“Right behind workplace safety, environmental responsibility in all we do is top of mind,” explains Klemke. KMC’s nomination for the 2020 Energy Excellence Award for Project Excellence in the Oil Sands recognized how KMC successfully reduced fuel consumption by more than 19.7 million litres over two years. “For us, giving back includes to the planet as well as to the communities in which we operate.”

Klemke feels honoured to be named a laureate alongside the entrepreneurial-focused peers that came before him. “To be included among such a diverse and impactful group of business leaders is incredibly humbling. It is an honour I share with my team, family and many supporters.”

As KMC continues to make strong inroads in the oil and gas industry. Klemke looks forward to continuing to lead a company that has had a strong impact in the oil sands from the beginning, and will continue to make positive impacts far into the future.

Sine Chadi, Serial Entrepreneur, Philanthropist

Sine Chadi has always thrived on being an entrepreneur, from his early days in working in the fur trade and working alongside his father who owned and operated businesses in Lac La Biche and Fort Chipewyan. He notes, “I am so pleased and proud to have always been an entrepreneur and to have

been able to steer my own path in every part of my caree, and in turn, for what being a successful entrepreneur has allowed me to contribute back to my community and society as a whole.”

Chadi started Imperial Equities Inc. in 1998 and began acquiring industrial and commercial properties in Edmonton. Today, Imperial Equities is a publicly traded company anchored by industrial, agricultural and commercial real estate properties throughout Western Canada. Trading on the TSX-V exchange, Imperial Equities is now a major industrial landlord.

“Starting Imperial made sense in that I have always worked around real estate in one way or another, having owned and operated companies since before I was 20 years old,” says Chadi. “I have owned and operated companies that have touched every possible part of the real estate industry, from raw land to vertical development, mortgage financing, insurance, property management and asset management just to name a few.”

Giving back is a value he has held since childhood. “I have always said that our true wealth is the good we do in the world. What we do for ourselves dies with us, and what we do for others and the world remains and is everlasting.”

He continues, “My mother and father were very much aware of their community and they always had something for anyone who needed help. The same ethic was taught to all members of our family and now that’s what we are passing to our children. We have been fortunate and are in a position to give back, so we do, and we have been fortunate too in benefitting from the organizations we’ve helped to support. The Glenrose helped my brother rebuild his life after a terrible accident. STARS made sure he made it to the hospital. We couldn’t be more grateful. We enjoy the entertainment that Theatre Network provides. There are so many similar examples. The organizations we support are an invaluable part of our community and we value them and their contributions.”

Chadi feels both honoured and humbled to become a laureate. “I am pleased to be part of such a distinguished group. So many of the people who I have worked with, supported and received support from are JA laureates. I am honoured to be their peer.”

He concludes, “In life and work we always move forward. That’s how I always approach things, so onward! My life is in a wonderful place right now with all of my children thriving and with six grandchildren who make me laugh everyday. Currently, they are who I am focused on, and on building a legacy they can take forward into the community where they will build their lives.”

Join the Celebration

The 2022 laureates will be inducted on October 19 in a formal ceremony at the Edmonton Convention Centre. Everyone is invited to attend the celebration. Visit https:// janorthalberta.org/business-hall-of-fame/ for information and tickets.

2022 Board of Directors

Board Executive Chair: Dennis R. Schmidt

Principal, ALTURA Legal Advisory

Vice-Chair: Haydar Al Dahhan

President and CEO, Design Works Engineering

Secretary-Treasurer: Jason Pincock CEO, DynaLIFE Medical Labs

Past Chair: Elan MacDonald

Vice President (External Relations), University of Alberta

Jeffrey Sundquist

President & CEO, Edmonton Chamber and World Trade Centre Edmonton

Board Directors

Nicole Bird

Owner, Rsvp Design Inc.

Aziz Bootwala

Managing Principal, Edmonton, Vice President, Business Development, Kasian Architecture Interior Design and Planning Ltd.

Nathan Carter

Vice President, Projects and Construction, ATCO Energy Solutions

Jonathan Gallo Managing Partner, Gallo LLP Chartered Professional Accountants

Sandy Jacobson

Vice President, Richardson Executive Search

Sam Kemble

Chief Operating Officer, Workforce Delivery Inc.

Annemarie Petrov

President and CEO, Francis Winspear Centre for Music

Amir Shami

President and CEO, Rotaflow

Celia Wanderley

Chief Customer Officer and Head of AltaML Invent, AltaML

Edmonton Chamber Executive Cadence Bergman

Policy Alexandra Hryciw

Strategy and External Affairs

Bobbi Elliott

Executive Director, Finance and

Amin Samji

Member Services

Contact Edmonton Chamber of Commerce

World Trade

Jasper Ave,

T: 780.426.4620

Share your thoughts on business issues with the Edmonton Chamber at policy@edmontonchamber.com

Always better when it’s YEG

might be surprised to learn that the number of small businesses in Canada and the Edmonton region is far greater than the number of medium and large businesses. According to Statistics Canada and the government of Alberta, 97.9 per cent of businesses in Canada, and 94 per cent of companies in the Edmonton region are small businesses, defined as having fewer than 99 employees.

You

Those numbers do not surprise me, because small businesses have always contributed to local economies by bringing growth and innovation to the community. They are the creators, the makers, the entrepreneurs, and the risk takers that make Edmonton unique. They help stimulate economic growth by providing diverse employment opportunities to the workforce. They help create a sense of community by giving back on a consistent basis through customer appreciation events, donating to local charities and sponsoring youth sporting events. They also have a strong presence at the local farmers’ markets, festivals, and community events. Other size businesses often benefit from the small businesses within the community as they outsource numerous services like taxes, cleaning, catering, and more. Small businesses, no matter the size, play a vital role in the ecosystem.

The COVID-19 pandemic also confirmed the role that small businesses play in our daily lives. Neighborhood restaurants, entertainment venues, service companies, and any business where in-person contact was the norm, endured periodic closures and suffered financial hardship. It sounds cliché, but our locally owned small businesses truly are the heart and soul of our cities and towns. Small Business Week is our chance to thank these local heroes that struggled to survive over these last two years.

Claire Theaker-Brown, founder of local small business Unbelts, was no exception to the struggles of the pandemic. After being awarded the “Community Impact Award” at our 2022 Chamber Ball, she said, “Like so many Edmonton businesses, we’ve faced uncertainty and tough challenges over the past two years. It’s been wonderful to realize that our community has our back, and to have theirs, too. We’re deeply honored to be the first-ever recipients of the Community Impact Award and we thank every Edmontonian who has supported local businesses during the pandemic. You gave us hope and tenacity when we needed it most.”

The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce maintains the distinction of being one of the longest-running and most influential business organizations in Canada and has contributed to the prosperity of Edmonton and the region for over 130 years. The Chamber’s 1,700 plus member companies, of all sizes, who collectively employ over 100,000 people in the Edmonton Region is incredibly proud of all of our members’ successes and are looking forward to celebrating all the small businesses at Small Business Week.

During Small Business Week, I invite you to join us in making at least one purchase from a locally owned small business. These business owners are the true superstars in our community, they deserve our support and appreciation. Let’s support local together!

Visit www.edmontonchamber.com/ smallbusinessweek to get engaged!

Jeffrey Sundquist, President & CEO

Book your event today!

The Conference Centre at the World Trade Centre can accommodate your events, big or small. We o er you one-of-a-kind support in event planning, catering, AV needs and others.

Hyklen Services and Centretech Auto

May Beauvais, Owner

What’s your story?

People start businesses for a lot of reasons; some do it for money and others for fame, but for my family and I, we wanted to help grow the diverse eco-system within Alberta, especially within the Asian communities. I was born and raised in the Philippines and moved to Taiwan once I finished my education. After spending two years exploring the world of residential and commercial cleaning, I embarked on my journey to Fort McMurray, Alberta.

After spending a few years working as a nanny as I integrated into western society, I was inspired to jump right into the deep end and start my own cleaning company, Hyklen Services. It was then that I found out how impactful networking can be for a business, especially a Startup. The company started off as residential cleaning only, but as the need grew, so did our business. We then added commercial and industrial cleaning, which includes foreclosure. The cleaning didn’t stop there, as we added snow removal & bin rentals to our services. Hyklen Services currently operates in both Edmonton and Fort McMurray.

As serial entrepreneurs, we wanted to look at other ways of how we can provide reliable, trusted services to the local eco-system, so we opened CentreTech Automotive and Welding. CentreTech offers a full range of mechanical services in Edmonton and surrounding areas, and a wide range of Welding services catering to both Edmonton and Fort McMurray. Our welding service is completely mobile, we’ll come to you, any time, anywhere.

What do you enjoy most about being a member of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce?

Access to the networking opportunities. As I previously mentioned, having access to such networks at the start of my business journey was vital to the growth of Hyklen Services. Since we just expanded into Edmonton, we are so excited to join the business network out here, and there’s no better way, then through the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce.

What is one thing people are surprised to learn about your business?

We have such a wide range of services and at really great prices, which has been great for people in a post-pandemic world.

Who is your ideal client?

People who love clean homes, businesses that enjoy a clean work environment, and industry events such as festivals and concerts.

What has been your biggest challenge in business, and how did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge has been building a name within the eco-system. To become a trusted and reliable service provider, you have to put the work in, and that we did. It didn’t come without its own challenges, however. But as many would know, that’s what comes with the territory. Once they experience the quality of our services, we earn their trust.

What is your favourite thing to do in Edmonton?

We’ve just recently expanded into the Edmonton Region, so we are excited to spend the fall and winter months exploring this great city.

If you could make one substantial improvement to Edmonton’s business environment, what would it be?

For the Startup’s and small businesses to have more connection to the larger businesses in Edmonton.

Member

May Beauvais

Join us at one of our events

The Edmonton Chamber hosts a diverse range of events suited for your business. Hear from local, national, and international leaders, educate yourself in matters a ecting your business, and expand your network during our advocacy, education, and connection events.

BUILDING A SMALL BUSINESS: BEHIND THE SCENES

BY NERISSA MCNAUGHTON

Small businesses (1 - 99 employees) account for 160,000+ companies in Alberta and running one takes far more than a good idea and an indomitable spirit. Three entrepreneurs discuss some of the lesser known ways small businesses are impacting the economy, the workforce and your end product.

The Embroidery Company: Leave a Legacy

www.theembroiderycompany.com

We tend to think of small businesses as new or startups, but many have very deep roots, as seen with The Embroidery Company.

It was the 1980s when Celine Uttaro’s parents opened a commercial embroidery business in Kitchener, Ontario. Inspired by their success, Celine and her husband, George Lemire, opened The Embroidery Company in Edmonton in 1995. Today The Embroidery Company provides custom embroidery and garment decoration to the promotional marketing industry, retail, government and military on a wholesale basis.

“We started with a four-head commercial embroidery machine in a 400 sq. ft. space,” says Uttaro of the company that has grown to be one of the largest of its kind in Western Canada. “We established from the start that quality and creativity would be the pillars of the company.”

Uttaro believes their success lies in the passion they have for the creative process, in the ability to produce consistent

RUNNING A SMALL BUSINESS TAKES MORE THAN AN ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT AND A GOOD PRODUCT. LEARN FROM THREE BUSINESS OWNERS WHAT IT TRULY TAKES TO BE SUCCESSFUL.

ABOVE: CELINE AND HER HUSBAND, GEORGE LEMIRE, OWNERS OF THE EMBROIDERY COMPANY.

quality embroidery and in being able to produce items for any venue.

“My background in the family business gave me the skills and knowledge to start our own business with confidence,” she notes. “Over the years, we grew steadily and developed a reputation for quality and attention to detail. To meet demand, we expanded our services to include heat transfers, sublimation, laser etching and manufacturing patches of all types. As the company grew and expanded over the years, so did our dedicated and talented team members. We value and embrace diversity as we each bring our area of expertise to the table to produce the best possible product for our clients.”

There have been many highlights on the journey, including being part of the 2017 Orange Crush campaign during the Oiler’s inaugural season. “Our company embroidered hundreds of hats and they were a sell-out as soon as the shelves were replenished,” says Uttaro.

Other highlights include being awarded a contract for the Edmonton 2001 IAAF World Championships in athletics and creating commemorations for Her Majesty The Queen’s Royal Visit to Alberta in 2005 and The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s First Royal visit to Alberta in 2011. They are also proud of eight awards from the Promotional Product Professionals of Canada.

Being in business for 25 years means updating a traditional craft in both process and delivery.

Uttaro explains, “Embroidery is an art and is rooted in traditional processes. Embroidery was first produced on a small scale using a single head, single needle embroidery machine with the hoop being held by hand and a leg lever controlling the width of the stitch. The digitizing process was by hand at a drafting table and programming and output of the design was punched on ticker tape. In the early 1980s, multi-head embroidery equipment came onto the market, which allowed for larger scale production, and embroidery digitizing software was introduced. Despite new automated multi-head equipment, every step of embroidery production is powered by people. Knowledgeable and experienced team members ensure consistent embroidery on every item.”

She continues, “Our biggest challenge is adapting to changing times. The digital world has increased the pace of business and COVID has precipitated businesses to adapt and establish a stronger online presence. As an industry supplier, our company has recently redeveloped our website, which offers many resources and information about our products and services.”

She concludes with advice to upcoming small business owners, “Have a passion for what you do, define why your customers should do business with you, have a clear strategy, work hard and be close to your customers. You start off wearing all the hats but as your business grows and takes on more employees, you need to pass on the vision and trust your team to execute that vision.”

Pretty Little Industries: It Truly Takes a Village

www.prettylittleindustries.com

For more than 25 years, Kerry Richmond and Gerry Bleile have run Pretty Little Industries. Richmond’s candles have been featured on Global News and CRFN and she taught a segment on HELP TV. Richmond continued to expand her line into soaps and other products, until COVID hit. Then, the in-person sales, supplying to other businesses, exhibitions and shows slowed down – but her and Bleile’s determination did not.

THERE HAVE BEEN MANY HIGHLIGHTS ON THE JOURNEY, INCLUDING BEING PART OF THE 2017 ORANGE CRUSH CAMPAIGN DURING THE OILER’S INAUGURAL SEASON. “OUR COMPANY EMBROIDERED HUNDREDS OF HATS AND THEY WERE A SELL-OUT AS SOON AS THE SHELVES WERE REPLENISHED,” SAYS UTTARO.

“We had mulled over the idea of opening a storefront for several years,” says Bleile. “The space we wanted had been vacant for some time, but we could not come to an agreement with the landlord. COVID opened up the opportunity to lease the space, but we knew we still had to pivot.”

Pretty Little Industries was used to supplying other companies with their products but with sales down due to the pandemic and a new store to fill, they reached out to have other small businesses and solo entrepreneurs supply products to them. This is how their store, So Pretty, was born – by supporting other entrepreneurs in the middle of a massive economic downturn.

“So Pretty is a true local story,” confirms Richmond. “With my 30-year history on the circuit, I knew and had business relationships with a lot of people and knew who the public would gravitate towards. The fudge and pretzels we carry come from a family business that have also been around for 30 years. A local chef makes the shortbread. Products are hand curated by us from local companies across Canada.”

Bleile adds, “We pride ourselves on carrying what no other stores have and by promoting the people and the stories behind the brands we showcase. Our aim is to make purchasing here personal. From being greeted when you walk in to when you walk out with your purchase beautifully wrapped, your experience here is unlike any available in a big box store.”

Today Pretty Little Industries and So Pretty are thriving; Richmond and Bleile have launched a family business that supports other businesses across the nation.

“SO PRETTY IS A TRUE LOCAL STORY,” CONFIRMS RICHMOND. “WITH MY 30-YEAR HISTORY ON THE CIRCUIT, I KNEW AND HAD BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS WITH A LOT OF PEOPLE AND KNEW WHO THE PUBLIC WOULD GRAVITATE TOWARDS.”

Retail Revolt: Challenge Consumer Trends

www.retailrevolt.ca

Michael Curle had worked in the oilsands for 13 years but had a question that kept rolling in the back of his mind.

“When I return a new product, what happens to it?” When

his career changed and he started working from home, he got bored and that question came to the forefront. He soon discovered that a lot of returned merchandise is available for resale, and that gave him an idea.

Curle quit his job on April 1 to open Retail Revolt, where consumers could find incredible deals on overstocked, returned and refurbished merchandise. For the new entrepreneur, it’s more than being his own boss. He has a chance to impact consumer trends, help shoppers save money and be part of the growing eco-friendly reuse/recycle movement.

“We buy 53-foot trucks every 20 - 24 days,” explains Curle. “We have no idea what is in the truck; we just purchase in bulk. Then we go through each item one by one. I can confirm that 90 per cent of that stock is brand new. After we verify each item, we mark it down between 30 - 70 per cent. When we put something on special, it is a further 20 - 40 per cent markdown on top of that.”

Local shoppers are loving the concept and the store sees the same people coming in sometimes two or three times per day. Business is growing fast, so he is pleased to also create jobs by starting to hire employees.

Retail Revolt is a hit but Curle cautions those thinking of going into business, “We found it really challenging to find grants or anything that would allow small business to grow properly. For concepts like this, there are rarely grants available. With the demonstration that you have business potential and your business is growing, having support from local government would be great. For anyone thinking of opening a business, know that you really have to go all in. Do your research. Once you are in, there is no going back!”

What’s Your Vision?

Being an entrepreneur means travelling a different path. Sometimes that path is frustrating and lonely, and it always requires thinking outside of the box and pushing your limits. However, for those that dare in any capacity, the rewards are worth the journey. What’s your vision? How will you change the consumer landscape? If you have been thinking about entrepreneurship, be inspired by those, like our subjects above, that continue to pave the way.

BY JOHN HARDY

Few Edmonton business sectors were broadsided more blatantly by the past two-plus years of pandemic disruptions, social distancing restrictions and lockdowns than the virtually choked-off business of catering and event management. No need to analyze stats and numbers. There was hardly any catering or even management business in Edmonton or anywhere else. But, as the cliché goes: when the going got tough, the tough got going.

Edmonton’s catering and even management professionals held on, regrouped and are now recovering. “We are experiencing an exciting uptick in event booking requests and a modest increase in live events and concert requests, but our path to recovery has been slower than we hoped,” says Emma Pietroleonardo, general manager of the Edmonton Convention Centre. “International travel demand remains lower than we’d like and the number of visiting delegates and attendees to domestic events are fewer than we’ve served two years ago. Still, we feel optimistic.”

Mercer’s Catering has grown from a one-woman operation doing a couple of events per day to one of Edmonton’s premier caterers, doing over 4,000 events during an average year. And these have not been average years! “Mercer’s catering is grateful for the loyal clients, government supports and staff that has helped navigate the extremely challenging past two years,” admits the personable founder, Jill Mercer.

“Together with our peers, we have lost key staff that have moved on to different avenues and career paths, as a result of the ebbs and flow caused by restrictions. With no revenue it was very difficult to hold onto these team members. Now we are faced with the flip side of the coin – the challenge of the lack of manpower with the upturn of events and catering.”

Both experienced Edmonton event management experts agree that, working around the challenges of the past two years, regrouping and some industry new normals are transforming the catering and even management business. “Physical distancing accelerated the need for more innovative and creative ways to gather,” Pietroleonardo points out. “Hybrid events facilitated face-to-face meetings from remote locations. Today, while hybridization of meetings and events

continues, our observations show the pattern flattening. There is a greater priority is on all aspects of safety, with more clients expecting detailed safety protocols and response plans as part of their events.”

No doubt about it. When it comes to even management and catering, there have been (big and moot) changes made. “After all, necessity is the mother of invention,” Mercer laughed. “Restrictions imposed forced the industry to explore new avenues on executing catering and events; from individually packed meals, virtual events, safe service buffets and hybrid events. Virtual events also connected Mercer’s with caterers from other provinces hosting virtual events with local guests and attendees.

“We are seeing more of the ‘pre-COVID’ interactive food stations, chef-driven events returning, as well as Indigenous influenced menu items and other ethnic influences and fusion menus. Weddings are trending toward plated, family style or food stations rather than the classic buffet.”

In Edmonton and throughout North America, catering and event management is being redefined. Tasty and good food is no longer special. It’s about the whole experience around it. It is no longer about what the customer thinks about a company or a brand, but about what the customer feels. The experience has to be right from A to Z. Instead of serving from coffee pots, coffee is roasted and ground on location. Instead of buffets, it’s live cooking. People want to be surprised. It’s as much about the components of food and drinks as it is about the presentation and the new ingredients in it. For example, you can serve a brain-shaped vanilla dessert with a scalpel and ask people to ‘dissect’ it. Experts suggest that guessing ingredients made for fun interaction at the table.

When it comes to trends, buffets are on the way out. They notoriously do not create an atmosphere and hardly encourage social interaction. It is also known that buffets cause more food waste.

ABOVE: CATERING TO A BIG EVENT AT THE EDMONTON CONVENTION CENTRE.

From the school of little-things-matter, the halls also have to be right, neat and in theme. As catering and event pros have known all along, guests see everything from the parking lot to the toilet. If something is not right, the experience is damaged.

“Over the past 30 years the industry has changed, a lot. Previously catering was mostly used for large corporate events and weddings,” Mercer notes. “Now, many smaller private events are happening, and the hosts are opting for the full-service catering options. Over the past five years, due to the influence of social media and food television, clients have become more interested in everything in the culinary world. We are able to present food with a global influence using unique ingredients, which were not possible previously. Clients also like to see the food being prepared with our chefs on site. Interactive food stations are very popular.

“Clients are much more sophisticated and knowledgeable about food and catering. There is a lot more competition in the catering industry. Social media has become very important, much more important than word of mouth.”

Mercer also admits that some things never change. A critical must for catering and event management is planning, planning and planning. “We must be prepared for every possible outcome, particularly if the event is outside.

Communication between the kitchen and event staff is vital. Checklists are double-checked and then checked again. Communication with the event organizer is paramount so expectations for all parties are in sync. Health and safety are extremely important. Cold food must remain cold and hot food must remain hot.”

The Edmonton Convention Centre, together with Edmonton EXPO Centre, are two anchors for Edmonton experiences.

“It was not unusual for the Convention Centre to host over 450 events per year… and then COVID happened,” Pietroleonardo says. “In 2022, we are hosting 250 - 260 events. This year, we were honoured to serve the media during the papal visit to Edmonton and also the inaugural Canadian Hydrogen Convention. Animethon, the Japanese animation (anime) themed festival, returned after a twoyear hiatus to welcome 10,000 visitor a day over a three-day period, and was our largest attended event this year.”

“CLIENTS ARE MUCH MORE SOPHISTICATED AND KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT FOOD AND CATERING. THERE IS A LOT MORE COMPETITION IN THE CATERING INDUSTRY. SOCIAL MEDIA HAS BECOME VERY IMPORTANT, MUCH MORE IMPORTANT THAN WORD OF MOUTH,” SAYS MERCER.

Next month, the Edmonton Convention Centre is hosting the three-day Sport Events Congress, the largest annual gathering of everyone connected to the over $7.4 billion sport tourism industry in Canada. The Centre will also host the Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival.

The catering and event management sector is used to crisis management by highly creative problem solvers and innovators. A subtle but key driver of catering and even management, particularly in Edmonton, is – people; face-to-face people all anxious and excited to get out and enjoy the social aspects of life.

Catering and event management echo a trend. The last two years have really helped solidify the power of in-person gatherings. There’s so much that comes from the energy of a group, celebrating and collaborating together and tackling big business imperatives as a team. The good news? Event calendars are filling-up.

ABOVE: JILL MERCER, FOUNDER, MERCERS CATERING

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND MACHINE LEARNING

The Future of Business Development

BY WILL PORTER

Technology advances at a seemingly blistering pace and one of the biggest breakthroughs in the last decade has been artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). AI is a technology that is capable of mimicking human intelligence – of learning from input in order to achieve goals – giving businesses a technological advantage they never had before. ML is a sub area of AI. Cam Linke, CEO of the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii) describes, “Where AI is a high level building system that can achieve a goal, ML allows for that system to take

in data and learn to improve its performance over time, without explicit programming.”

AI/ML has become increasingly prominent over the last few years, a trend that is becoming the norm for business. Linke explains, “Companies and organizations in the province are really starting to take advantage of where AI is at. Historically the province has been incredible at AI research and The University of Alberta and Amii is at the forefront of this field. There is the opportunity to leverage ML for real business

impact, creating a competitive advantage for a company. This is the reason why, over the past years, we have seen it really take hold in Alberta where we see companies in every industry leverage the tech to drive that business value. Investment in the area is taking off, and as a result, the talent that is being grown means that companies can take advantage of AI/ML in their businesses right now, while making investments as the field continues to compound and grow over the next few years due to the positive impact of ML.”

Innovate Edmonton, which includes program divisions

Startup Edmonton, Scaleup Edmonton, and Accelerate Edmonton, has had a lot of experience with AI/ML in recent years. They help startups through coaching, curriculum, mentorship, and more to boost business development for companies at various stages of growth, including for commercialization, revenue generation, raising capital and international sales. Through their recent partnership

with Amii, they help deliver a five-week AI/ML exploration workshop for founders.

Catherine Warren, CEO of Innovate Edmonton, underlines the importance of AI/ML investment. “AI and ML will be the baseline of most businesses going forward. In the same way that digital technology became the infrastructure for most companies over the past decade, AI/ML will undergird how businesses develop, distribute and data-mine, as well as how they interact with customers, employees and investors.”

Warren continues, “Edmonton has a global advantage in that our companies are on the frontlines of AI/ML innovation; they are creating the foundation for this future.”

AI/ML is important to the Alberta energy sector going forward, as Bryan Helfenbaum, executive director of Advanced Hydrocarbons in the Clean Energy division of Alberta Innovates, explains, “AI and ML are ideally applied to data-rich dynamic operational environments wherein operator decision-making is frequent and impactful. Alberta’s oil and gas industry is thus well-positioned for AI/ ML testing and deployment, but work is also underway in renewable and emerging energy systems. While deployment on individual projects can have merit, the most impactful applications relate to integrated systems such as grid modernization and electricity demand forecasting.”

AI/ML even has its place in helping the environment. Linke explains Amii’s Reducing Emissions through Machine Intelligence (REMI) program, “REMI has really been an interesting program for us, focusing a lot of the activities we already do but honing in on a specific area of working with companies to use AI to reduce emissions. We meet with companies where they are at in their AI journey, discover what problems they are trying to solve and help them set up for success by determining where AI can help in reducing emissions. Together we evaluate where they are going, the targets they are after and whether their target implementation in this area needs additional expertise in their group to amplify results. We assist them through mentoring, coaching and sourcing the AI/ML talent they need.”

Warren describes the outcome of investment in AI/ML in Edmonton. “We are now seeing the commercial fruition of years of AI and ML leadership in the province, and more

specifically in our own backyard at the University of Alberta. Applications of both technologies are becoming a reality. Three years ago, service providers were not seeing a lot of AI and ML companies, at least those reaching out for support to scale their businesses. Now, nearly all program cohorts have some connection to AI and ML.”

In Edmonton, the outlook for AI/ML is positive:

• Home to Amii, one of three organizations part of the PanCanadian AI Strategy.

• University of Alberta is ranked third in AI/ML programming in the world.

• Google DeepMind set up its first international office here in Edmonton in 2017.

• AI Pathways Partnership funded by PrairiesCan is a consortium of post-secondaries coming together to advance AI/ML in Alberta. Included are Amii, Norquest, Concordia University of Edmonton, Athabasca University and BowValley College. The goal is to train or retrain graduates to be successful in the AI/ML industry, which addresses one of the key issues in the industry – access to talent. In 2021 Norquest released a Machine Learning Analyst diploma.

Warren gives us a couple examples of AI/ML companies Innovate Edmonton have recently supported.

• Ethically Aligned AI

o Founder Katrina Ingram is trailblazing the way as a BIPOC female innovator and was recently named in the top 100 Women in AI Ethics list for 2022. She’s also a former Startup Edmonton Preflight program participant.

• Areto Labs

o Areto Labs, led by founder and chief executive officer Lana Cuthbertson, is on a mission to make digital communities more positive and inclusive. They were named to the class of Launch Party 12 during Edmonton Startup Week in 2021.

Helfenbaum gives a rundown of how Alberta Innovates has been supporting the AI/ML field in the energy sector. “Alberta Innovates has launched two programs under the Digital Innovation in Clean Energy (DICE) program. Here are a few examples from the Edmonton region including both traditional oil and gas as well as emerging energy:

• Nanode Battery Technologies - machine learning-assisted electrolyte optimization for next generation rechargeable lithium-ion batteries

• C-FER Technologies - risk software for pipelines in hydrogen and carbon dioxide service

• University of Alberta - blockchain-based smart contracts in the future smart grid

• N-Twist - artificial intelligence for process optimization and energy reduction in electric vehicle battery materials production

• PureHM - monitor cathodic protection, corrosion and interference on multiple pipelines using versatile loT telemetry solution.”

Amii has been at the forefront of AI/ML investment, and Linke describes how Amii helps businesses implement AI/ ML. “Our whole goal as an organization is to build the capacity and build the expertise of the companies and groups we work with through training and hands-on courses. We work with people in the province and across the country. We’ve also offered larger international courses in which over 100,000 people have enrolled. Amii has worked with companies as coaches where we act as that external force to help them accelerate what they are doing. As well, we help companies at the intersection of something more advanced, pushing the field forward. The biggest demand in the field right now is AI/ML talent and our ability to help place that talent where it’s needed. We strive to be able to continue to mentor and grow that talent to have opportunities in the organizations we work with.”

AI/ML is the future of business and Edmonton is at the forefront of this exciting frontier that can build businesses and technology to new heights while providing a better world for all.

EDMONTON INFILLS

BY JOHN HARDY

Spiking mortgage rates, the ‘hot market’ trends, post-pandemic recovery, affordability, the increasing popularity of infills and the high and lows of real estate, continue to make fort an interesting but bumpy ride for the Edmonton real estate market.

“Looking back at the start of the global pandemic in 2020,” explains Paul Gravelle, board chair of the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton (RAE). “Many people expected the real estate market to take a huge hit. The way people viewed their homes shifted dramatically as a family’s wants and needs changed. Nobody could have predicted what lay ahead for the housing market in the months to come.”

The Association saw record-breaking sales in March 2022, hitting a high of 3,283 sales for the month. Average prices for single-family homes also hit an all-time high of $510,988 in April of this year.

In Edmonton, as in most major Canadian real estate markets, affordability is a key factor. “With the Bank of Canada’s announcements earlier this year, as they increased its policy interest rates to battle inflation, we’ve started to see the impact of these increases in the housing market,” he adds.

“Prospective homeowners may need to be prepared for more hikes in the coming months as the Bank of Canada tries to return to those more normal, pre-pandemic rates. “

Although not as severe as Vancouver, Toronto and Calgary, affordability continues to impact Edmonton real estate. According to RAE chair-elect, Melanie Boles, “It’s costing Edmontonians more to borrow, and they may find themselves unable to afford what they may originally thought. This could affect the types and price of homes selling, as people may start to be priced out of the market, which isn’t necessarily something they would have been dealing with even a year

INFILL IS NOT A TREND. IT IS A MOVEMENT.

ago. Prospective buyers and sellers may also start to get cold feet and rethink their situation, and we could ultimately see inventory and supply numbers affected.

“While Alberta has always been long regarded as an affordable place to call home, with interest rates and inflation on the rise, housing affordability issues are becoming more prevalent. As average prices for single-family homes near the half a million-dollar mark,” she cautions, “the dream of home ownership becomes less attainable for many young adults, couples and families who may be looking to purchase their first or forever home.”

In addition to conventional residential real estate sales and listings, the surging trend of infills is also impacting certain Edmonton neighborhoods. In the art and science or urban planning, infill is a growing phenomenon. Technically, it is defined as the use of land within a built-up area for further construction, especially as part of a community’s redevelopment or growth management program or as part of what’s sometimes called smart growth.

“People are drawn to areas with amenities. You will often find residential infill projects close to transit stations, universities, and main streets, which usually have beautiful and vibrant commercial infill projects as well,” says the enthusiastic Mariah Samji, executive director of IDEA, the Infill Development in Edmonton Association.

“Infill is not a trend. It is a movement. Cities all around North America have been shifting growth patterns for some time in response to people’s needs. Infill is more than just new single detached houses in existing neighbourhoods–it refers to any kind of redevelopment, including row housing, and apartment housing too.

“Infill provides housing options, helps to reduce urban sprawl – which helps stretch our tax dollars further and reduces the tax burden on all of us – and it also has a positive impact on the environment. Infill also helps brings back residents to neighbourhoods that have seen population decline over the last few decades, leading to negative side effects like school closures,” she says.

Boles admits that, “There has been a lot of conversation around infills in the Edmonton region, and why they may

be gaining popularity among prospective buyers. There are a variety of benefits that come with infill developments, as they help to create diverse and vibrant neighbourhoods by providing options to meet everyone’s needs.” Stats show that the number of Canadians aged 30 - 39 is at an all-time high. With this demographic group looking to grow their family, an infill neighbourhood may be the ticket to gain more space while enjoying all of the positives that come with a mature area including walkability and established public transportation.

“While there can be higher costs associated with infills,” Paul Gravelle says, “the long-term benefits to our local

ABOVE: MARIAH SAMJI, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, INFILL DEVELOPMENT IN EDMON TON ASSOCIATION (IDEA).

“PEOPLE ARE DRAWN TO AREAS WITH AMENITIES. YOU WILL OFTEN FIND RESIDENTIAL INFILL PROJECTS CLOSE TO TRANSIT STATIONS, UNIVERSITIES, AND MAIN STREETS, WHICH USUALLY HAVE BEAUTIFUL AND VIBRANT COMMERCIAL INFILL PROJECTS AS WELL,” SAYS THE ENTHUSIASTIC SAMJI.

communities, economy and environment may help to offset those costs.”

All things considered, the real estate professionals agree that the positives of infills outweigh the challenges. “Infills come with many benefits at the city, community and personal level,” Samji emphasizes. “Cities are working to reduce their environmental and financial footprints. Expanding new neighbourhoods on the outskirts of the city adds significant environmental pressures through an increase in transportation emissions, it adds operating costs such as snow and waste removal, fire and police stations and road maintenance. Redeveloping our mature neighbourhoods allows us to reuse and repurpose existing amenities, which in turn helps us to become more financially and environmentally sustainable.

“At a community level, we have beautiful older schools with low attendance rates, bus routes with low ridership, and local neighbourhood restaurants that need a certain amount of density in order to thrive. All of this can be helped by increasing the population in a neighbourhood through infills.”

Boles notes that the number of Canadians aged 30 - 39 is at an all-time high. “With this demographic group looking to grow their family, an infill neighbourhood may be the ticket to gain more space while enjoying all of the positives that come with a mature area including walkability and established public transportation.”

Real estate and developments stats and surveys show that established or mature neighbourhoods have been seeing a decline in population over the last decades. In the ’60s and ’70s, families were having more children, and those families could afford to buy a home quite easily. Today those same neighbourhoods have their population decrease as children have grown up and moved away, and the cost of that land has significantly increased.

In Edmonton, for various reasons, some neighborhoods are more popular than others when it comes to infills.

According to the City’s Infill Data Explorer, there are several areas in both core, mature and established and developing areas that have increased infill activity, like mature, core neighborhoods of Garneau, Oliver, Westmount, Strathcona and Parkdale, as well as the established and developing

BOLES NOTED THAT THE NUMBER OF CANADIANS AGED 30-39 IS AT AN ALL-TIME HIGH. “WITH THIS DEMOGRAPHIC GROUP LOOKING TO GROW THEIR FAMILY, AN INFILL NEIGHBOURHOOD MAY BE THE TICKET TO GAIN MORE SPACE WHILE ENJOYING ALL OF THE POSITIVES THAT COME WITH A MATURE AREA INCLUDING WALKABILITY AND ESTABLISHED PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION.”

neighborhoods of the Chappelle Area, Keswick, Glenridding Ravine, Tamarack and Ermineskin.

“In Edmonton, our Municipal Development Plan, City Plan, talks about shifting Edmonton’s development patterns to accommodate 50 per cent of our growth through infill,” Mariah Samji points out. “People will be able to see this over time as schools in mature neighbourhoods fill up with local kids, small-scale commercial projects pop up in neighbourhoods, and different housing options become more widely available through semi-detached homes, row housing and apartments. This will allow seniors to stay in the neighbourhoods they love and people to live in communities that fit their needs.”

ABOVE: MELANIE BOLES, CHAIR-ELECT OF THE REALTORS ASSOCIA TION OF EDMONTON.

By Nerissa McNaughton with photos by Rebecca Lippiatt

Adam, Tanner and Aaron.

www.wolfechevrolet.com

With a clear purpose, Apex Automation grew quickly. The first employee was hired in 2013 and new office space was required by 2014. In 2016, Apex became a Rockwell Certified systems integrator. This program helps develop and promote integrators that lead with Rockwell Automation technologies. The certification helped launch Apex technically and commercially, while also helping Adam, Aaron and Tanner add to their team. The move to the west side office in Edmonton was the first of what would grow to offices in Lloydminster (2020), Calgary (2021), Saskatoon (2019) and Vancouver (2022), along with the recent formation of Apex Automation USA. The team grew alongside the geographical expansion, reaching 75+ members in 2022.

Fueling this growth and success is a commitment to outstanding business practices. Tanner explains, “We work in an extremely challenging engineering environment. When mistakes happen, which they will, we work on minimizing risks by ensuring our quality and even subsidizing the costs ourselves. We consider every client a partner; we put the accountability on us and our staff.”

The team have enjoyed a number of impactful projects over the past 10 years, logging more than 700,000 man hours of experience over 600 projects and alongside more than 20 industry partners. This includes the remote operations center for Cenovus, the tele-remote operation of under ground mining machines for Nutrien and several PLC/DCS turnkey project solutions.

To understand the many ways Apex Automation can revolutionize a business, one needs only glance at their list of industry accomplishments. For example, creating autonomous positioning on a UG machine has allowed Apex to reduce human/machine interaction by 90 per cent. This drives up efficiency, lowers human error and dramatically improves safety. Another project saw the integration of multiple control rooms into one centralized location – with zero productivity interruptions during each phase. More innovations of this kind can be viewed at www. apexautomation.ca/projects.

Apex Automation was an early adopter, and quick to see the full potential of AI. This has paid off in rapid growth – and that comes with its own challenges.

“Keeping up with our growth while ensuring employee morale and exceeding our clients’ expectations can be a challenge,” explains Adam. However, as with every issue Apex Automation faces, they rise to the occasion. By holding fast to the vision started 10 years ago, the authentic business practices and great employee work culture mean everyone pulls together through thick and thin.

Aaron shares, “One of the most rewarding things, for me, is watching our team become leaders in the automation industry while making significant impacts to our clients’ bottom line. I also find growing industry relationships into friendships to be an unexpected bonus in this career.”

“What most people don’t know,” Tanner adds, “is that Apex started in a little farm shop about 45 minutes northwest of Edmonton.” He, Adam and Aaron couldn’t be prouder to see the company grow to be an industry leader with teams across Western Canada, and now pushing into the States.

“We did not arrive here on our own. Our clients fueled our growth, pushed us to think in creative new ways and have been with us, loyally, every step of the way. We cannot thank our clients enough,” says Adam. He continues,

“We are also grateful to our Edmonton community. The charitable spirit and willingness to help one another is inspirational and very unique to the city of Edmonton.”

Being on the forefront of automation is a never-ending journey. The processes and products available 10 years ago have already changed and improved many times over. Apex is not only keeping pace but innovating many of the changes needed for the engineering, fabrication and automation

Tanner, Adam and Aaron.

spheres. Edge computing, machine learning (ML), data visualization, connected workers, integrated apps – Apex does it all, and more.

“Businesses with a culture of acceptance of technology and automation will prove to be economically resilient despite regional, international and political influence,” says Aaron.

Tanner discusses how Apex Automation helps businesses integrate AI, ML and other innovations that save time, increase safety and improve revenues. “We generally offer free automation assessments, executive level power points and honest commercial terms allowing

flexibility with initial costs and payments to help spark a great, initial collaborative conversation. We ensure that the operator experience for all of our automation systems are intuitive and simplistic. This allows faster reaction times to problems or disruptions in addition to allowing staff and management to learn and engage our systems with ease.”

One hurdle to overcome is the commonly held belief that automation will reduce the need for human interaction and labour. The opposite is often true. Companies that embrace automation free up their teams from basic, repetitive tasks that could cause repetitive strain injury – or worse – over time. This moves those workers into better positions where they can oversee the equipment or retrain into higher skilled areas. Automation is not about replacing the workforce; it is about enhancing it. Apex’s growing client list is a testament to industries’ growing commitment to improve efficiency and safety, but not at the expense of their teams. It is truly a win-win situation, and Apex is pleased and humbled to help willing companies through this exciting journey.

In addition to revolutionizing the workforce, everyone at Apex is equally focused on the communities they serve.

“Over the years we have supported numerous charitable organizations throughout the provinces and cities where we are active,” says Adam. “Giving back is a huge responsibility that we take very seriously.”

It’s been a whirlwind 10 years but Adam, Aaron and Tanner wouldn’t have it any other way. They thank their team, clients, vendors, families and everyone that has been a part of their success so far. Apex is a young company that has an exciting future in a fast-paced industry where constant innovation is the goal. The team looks forward to continued growth in both Canada and the U.S. over the next decade.

Learn more at apexautomation.ca and follow the journey on LinkedIn.

FOLLOWING THE PLAN

Planworks Architecture celebrates 15 years

By Nerissa McNaughton

Planworks

Architecture delivers complete architectural and design services that take their client’s projects beyond expectation. By combining building design, complete full service architectural drawings, master planning, interior design, specifications, project management and even tenant coordination, each Planworks project gets the big-picture approach. Add to that client service that is focused on solutions and

personalization, and it’s clear that this combination is hard to beat.

Danny Estephan and Jason Leblanc founded Planworks in 2007.

“We came from a large global firm and wanted to get back to providing a fluid, nimble and personalized service to our clients,” says Estephan.

Photo by Rebecca Lippiatt

solutions to ensure the project expectations are surpassed. We are honoured to be trusted with our client’s vision, financial investment, and success. We feel we are stake holders in all our projects regardless of size or complexity,” adds Leblanc.

The original company launched in 2007 was named Planworks Design Studio. In 2010, the branding changed to Planworks Design & Planning. Six years later, growth and expansion meant another change and the era of Planworks Architecture began. The company expanded in leadership as well, with Principal Melody Erickson and Principal and registered architect Jean Louis Baillargeon joining the partnership team.

“Joining Planworks in 2014 was a great career move for me,” says Erickson. “After spending 17 years at a larger firm, I had a desire to get back to the basics. Taking projects from inception to completion and focusing on client relations was what I desired – and I knew I wanted to be a part of the team and culture that Danny and Jason had started.”

Today, the company that started with a talk and outline at Estephan’s kitchen island is a thriving business with 19 staff, three associates, four partners and impressive projects that span residential, industrial, hospitality, commercial, institutional and office complexes.

The founding partners are pleased with the progress.

“Our start 15 years ago was to create a dynamic boutique firm that breaks all the typical stereotypes of an architectural and design-oriented business. We took a leap of faith when we decided we could provide a different, more meaningful service to our clients,” says Estephan.

Leblanc adds, “On this anniversary year, we are proud at how our company has evolved to become a better one each year through our employees, existing and new clients and projects.”

The strengths and diversity seen in the dynamic principal group ensures smooth navigation in the architecture and construction fields. For example, Baillargeon’s varied experience in several different private and public building typologies has added yet another dimension to the firm. His ongoing desire and focus on ensuring sound planning principles, elegant design solutions and drawing production quality all reinforce both his professional values and those originally established at the firm’s outset.

Estephan also notes, “We have been fortunate to create an extremely stable, diverse team and client base, resulting in many diverse project types that continuously provide a challenge and call to innovation. We value our people and celebrate our culture at Planworks. We promote equality, inclusivity, and diversity from our leadership group to our newest employee. We believe in a mentorship program that exposes all our people to all aspects of architecture and interior design from the initial idea through to project completion, and we promote and celebrate internal growth within the company. We will always have at least one partner involved in all aspects of a project to provide guidance and viable solutions if any challenges arise.”

“We are a humble and very grateful team that wants to extract our clients’ visions, improve on them and work together with them on the next project,” smiles Leblanc. “We hold each other accountable throughout our projects and our doors are always open! Planworks’ open-door policy is not just for employees, it’s for clients too.”

Erickson and Baillargeon agree, “Clients would be surprised to know how inclusive and cherished our culture and team are; we all work together – and for one another – regardless of role or experience level.”

As a local business, the founders and principals couldn’t be happier to be making a difference for their team and the clients in the Capital City.

Leduc Golf and County Club.

CONGRATULATIONS ON 15 YEARS!

At Synergy Projects, we’re proud to have partnered with Planworks Architecture on their journey over the past 15 years. We’ve shared plenty of successes together, and we look forward to many more in the years to come. Congratulations to Planworks on this well-earned milestone!

“Edmonton is a great place to do business. Our ability to remain somewhat insulated from economic downturns is truly an example of our resiliency. Through the years we have met and worked with many great people that have turned into partners and friends in business. The architecture and construction industries here are very active and robust, yet it still feels like a smaller community. We sincerely appreciate the partnerships we have created in Edmonton’s business community,” say the founders.

It is a joy for Planworks to influence the very fabric of the city. Some of the local projects that showcase Planwork’s vision include:

Strathcona Farmers Market: The Market is a centerpiece to the City of Edmonton and the Old Strathcona neighborhood. Planworks relished in the challenge to increase community engagement and created an event space within the market and to provide options for multi-day use, community gardens and gathering spaces.

The future goal is to implement upgrades beneficial to the Market itself, and to the community. Upgrades to the existing mechanical and electrical systems align with the Energy Transition Strategy and promote a pathway to a zero-omission building. Planworks will explore the replacement of all lighting to LED, low consumption plumbing fixtures, replacement of existing boiler system and installation of solar panels.

Planworks will further assess the improved energy and water consumption obtained with building upgrades, will review air quality monitoring and assist in facilitating maintenance and management policies associated with the program.

Mill99: This is a two-acre site located at 99 Street and 80 Avenue in Edmonton. The development will encompass one mixed use (multifamily and retail) building containing approximately 150 units over 14 stories. Another multifamily building will contain approximately 60 units at 6 stories. A central outdoor amenity plaza will link the two, creating a rich pedestrian environment on site.

Urban Village: A 12.8-acre site located in St. Albert, the mixed use development will encompass two multifamily buildings, a commercial retail component and a seniors living facility. It will integrate the philosophy of work/life balance surrounded by local supporting amenities. Construction on phase 1 will start this fall.

Planworks is also active outside of the city, seen in, for example, Leduc Golf and County Club in Leduc. Completed and open to the public in 2021, Planworks worked closely with the City of Leduc and the golf course, to design and oversee the construction of their new 20,000-square-foot

facility. Showcasing beautiful natural stone and heavy timber accents, the new facility is home to an event space able to accommodate 220 people, a full service lounge, pro shop, indoor simulators and putting green. The new clubhouse was constructed in the exact location as the original, and was designed to capitalize on the beautiful views overlooking the course.

“Taking a project from inception to completion and having our clients tell us that ‘you listened and delivered to our highest expectations’ is very rewarding,” say Estephan and Leblanc.

Building the city and surrounding community means more to this team than the projects they enjoy. It also means being a community partner. To this end, Planworks is pleased to support the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation, MS Bike, Edmonton Humane Society and Youth Empowerment and Support Services: YESS.

For their project work and service, Planworks has been recognized several times, including a nomination in 2019’s Urban Design Awards for The Grand. Planworks also received an Architectural Woodwork Manufacturers Association of Canada (AWMAC)

Urban Village

award for millwork design at Oasis Orthodontics. Leblanc notes, “The AWMAC award was an exciting one for us as our interior design division was growing and this was a great celebration of their dedication and achievements. However, we don’t really measure success based on awards or accolades – we measure success in the eyes of our clients’ acceptance of our quality and service. Nothing else stands above that. Our people and our clients are what we consider being successful.”

As Planworks celebrates 15 years, the founders, principals and team say a heartfelt thank you to the many partners that have helped the company reach professional and personal goals.

“We work with a multitude of design build contractors and developers in the City of Edmonton and beyond. We credit our success, in part, to individual groups that promote key relationships with Planworks. This list includes but is in no way limited to: Allard Developments, Synergy Group of Companies, Carlson Construction, Eagle Builders, Melcor Developments, Canalta Group, Soul Foods Group, Landrex Developments, and many other groups – there are just too many to name – all of which have helped to make Planworks Architecture’s journey a success.”

What comes next? Estephan and Leblanc conclude, “Our trajectory has been steep and ongoing. We have been providing our services from B.C. to New Brunswick. We are currently looking at setting up offices in B.C. and Ontario to better serve our growing client base. Regardless of our growth, we will retain our boutique firm’s size and vision. Client service and team culture will always remain our top priorities.”

There are plenty of exciting days and projects ahead for Planworks, and you can have a front row seat to the action by following along on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. Visit weareplanworks.ca to learn more, or to engage the company where your project gets the personalized attention it

Family Business, Family Values, Family Homes

Western Living Homes celebrates 40 Years

By Nerissa McNaughton

Robert DeRose, Nicholas DeRose and Christine DeRose. Photo by Rebecca Lippiatt.

Western Living Homes is a family owned and operated business that has been building in greater Edmonton since 1982. A community and custom builder, Western Living builds 60 homes a year, all with stunning designs, unique features and quality that stand the test of time.

Nicholas DeRose, General Manger, discusses the company’s 40 year evolution.

“The earliest iteration of the company was started by my parents, Nick and Carmela,” says DeRose. “They started building houses around 1978 under the name DeRose Developments. They incorporated Western Living Homes in 1982.”

DeRose smiles as he reminisces. “My parents have always been true entrepreneurs at heart. My dad started in the meat industry while selling real estate in the evenings and on weekends. When he began new home construction projects, my mom decided to join him in that venture. They had a real passion for home building and worked side by side until retirement in the early 2000s.”

He continues, “I have been involved in the business my whole life. As a kid I was very interested in following my parents’ footsteps. As a result, my summer jobs were in the construction industry. I worked for All Weather Windows, a stucco company, on a cribbing crew – and I cleaned on

Western Living Home’s job sites. My dad thought it was important to work in our showhomes selling real estate amongst other positions that I held within the company. I continued working in construction during my training at NAIT’s Construction Engineering Technology program and later graduated with a (CET) designation.”

Working alongside his parents was a highlight for DeRose and stepping into the General Manager role was an easy transition. He feels truly blessed to be able to carry on the family business by working alongside his sister and brother. Christine obtained her BSc from the University of Alberta and worked in the pharmaceutical industry before joining the company. She now manages the financial side of the business. After Robert graduated from post secondary, he joined Western Living as a superintendent. He works in the office as the Construction Manager.

Developing industry partnerships is integral to the success of the business. “Healthy partnerships are important to us,” says DeRose. “We have longstanding relationships with a number of industry partners such as Melcor, Cantiro and Tag Developments. An early and very important partnership for our company was when my parents were invited to join the Nottingham Subdivision project in Sherwood Park. We enjoyed a 15+ year position and have built a number of memorable houses in that location.”

“We reinvest in our communities,” says DeRose firmly. “When we can, we support locally, then provincially and federally. We source from and support Edmonton companies that also focus on reinvesting in our city, province and country. We support other family and small volume businesses.”

This support is just as evident in the brand’s customer service.

“As a family business, even with our high volume turnout, we are agile and in an enviable position for clients to deal directly with me or another manager on the team. Our clients do not have to call a general line and be subjected to being passed off to manager after manager to get an answer. We deal directly with issues right away. I would not expect our clients to accept something that I would not accept in my own home.”

Western Living Home’s trade partnerships play a significant role in customer service too, as DeRose is happy to explain.

“We are blessed to have longstanding trade partnerships. The benefit is that we are not changing our trades job after job or going with the lowest bid. We maintain our trade partnerships year after year so if there is an issue down the road, sometimes even years later, we have the ability to go in and research to find out what happened. For example, if

780-434-3736 rmcgroup.com

a product fails post warranty, we can go back and see why it failed and talk to the trades on the install. They may say it should not have failed and will replace it, or if it is not under warranty they may replace it at a reduced cost. We can do this because we have those longstanding relationships with trades. Working with good people that are willing to stand behind their work is important to us.”

Western Living Homes assures quality and customer service through third party inspections, blower door tests and ensuring every house is EnerGuide rated.

“We were not reluctant to bring in a third party inspector,” says DeRose. “We enjoy working closely with Holmes Approved Homes.”

The Mike Holmes brand approached Western Living Homes a number of years ago and DeRose was intrigued by the opportunity. “Having Holmes Approved Homes performing our third party inspections brings another set of eyes to the project and helps keep us accountable to produce the best product possible.”

The inspections are a unique advantage for clients of Western Living Homes, but home buyers also have the opportunity to customize their build.

Nicholas DeRose, Christine DeRose and Robert DeRose. Photo by Rebecca Lippiatt.

WESTERN LIVING HOMES IN ACTION

Western Living Homes builds in the communities of Edmonton, Spruce Grove and Morinville, along with select infills. The communities and the projects show the wide range of styles, themes and innovations of which the brand is capable. Visit these locations to see how Western Living Homes is elevating the homeowner experience, from starter homes to executive custom homes – and everything in between.

Rosewood at Secord: Showroom22007 93 Avenue NW, Edmonton

This West Edmonton location is perfect for young families on the go. The blend of a walkable lifestyle with convenient access to shopping, schools and a rec centre have made this a highly sought after community.

Greenbury: Showroom47 Gladstone Bend, Spruce Grove

Located in one of Spruce Grove’s newer communities, Greenbury hugs the edge of town, giving homeowners access to highway commuter routes while being moments away from everything Spruce Grove and the West side of Edmonton have to offer.

Tonewood: Showroom56 Tilia Place, Spruce Grove

Another Spruce Grove location, Tonewood offers the convenience of both duplexes and single family homes. Tonewood is located near Prescott School and is walking distance to the sprawling Jubilee Park. It’s the ideal location for families.

Juniper Heights – Morinville

One of Western Living Home’s newest communities is seen in the townhomes in Juniper Heights. Expertly designed floor plans offer large kitchen pantries for the home cook, ample closet space in the bedrooms, a space saving eating bar, a cozy electric fireplace and much more. From a first home to a downsized cozy abode, Juniper Heights has potential homeowners very excited.

DeRose explains, “Some home builders only have one brand for their clients to choose from, but we don’t sign exclusive agreements with brand manufacturers. Our clients can upgrade or change products as they wish within their budget. In any product that we build, we offer the service of making modifications: moving walls, changing window places, etc. We have an inside draft team that will create the plans and make adjustments to our stock models. It’s all about giving the clients the most flexibility and choice as part of our brand promise and customer service.”

RBC congratulates Western Living Homes on 40 years of success

RBC Real Estate Markets Edmonton

CONGRATULATIONS

Western Living Homes on 40 Years!

We wish you many more years of continued success.

“I want our customers to know how much we appreciate them and how honoured we are to be a part of their journey and their lives. We have a small window to establish a relationship and build trust in an authentic way when they are in our showhome; we appreciate their time – every moment. I want them to know they are making a good decision because we stand behind our product. We strive to ensure they have a good experience and they are happy with the product and home we have built. Our hope is that they and their family create lasting memories in their new home.”

Western Living Homes has grown consistently over the past 40 years and that growth has come with some challenges – especially in today’s climate.

“We are facing the same battles as every other business owner in Alberta right now,” says DeRose, “inflation, shipping, supply chain, economic ups and downs and the fallout from COVID. However, thanks to our longstanding relationships, business practices and family values, we are able to operate efficiently despite the roadblocks. We are pleased to maintain our volumes consistently over the turbulent past years.”

The challenges are more than offset by the many things DeRose loves about his career.

“There is nothing greater, for me, than being able to work with my family,” he says with a smile. “I started off working with my parents, and now I work alongside my siblings and my wife. I get to have lunch with them daily. I consider the team our extended family. Many have been with us for at least 10 years. We are proud of our low turnover in both the team and among our trade partners. To see others that want to work with us and be a part of our story is something that keeps us all moving forward. My father always stressed to me the importance of healthy relationships. I see that play out in every corner of our company. Being here… I couldn’t be prouder to help continue the legacy.”

The DeRose family and the Western Living Homes team is passionate about giving back to the community.

“Edmonton is a tight knit city and a very generous city,” says DeRose. “There are a lot of great people, business owners and entrepreneurs. We like to centre ourselves around good people that enjoy giving back. It’s great to be a part of the charitable culture of giving in Edmonton.”

For more than 20 years Western Living Homes has supported the Make-A-Wish® Foundation. Nick Sr. and some of his close friends started a golf classic for the Foundation, and Western Living Homes is pleased to carry on the tradition. The golf classic is among the biggest fundraisers for the organization. Western Living Homes is also pleased to support the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation, minor hockey, mental health research, the Ukraine crisis and many more charities in and around the city.

DeRose concludes by thanking the company founders, the team, suppliers, vendors and clients before talking about the future.

“We are thrilled to celebrate our 40th anniversary this year! This milestone is a culmination of everyone that came before us, worked with us, and supported us to make this company happen. What comes next is another 40 years – and more – of business. We will continue to retain our conservative approach as this is what helps us remain efficient and maintain our volume. We will continue to build relationships with our developer partners, clients and trades. We will move in the same direction while evolving and innovating as the industry changes.”