2016 Platinum Partner
Gold Partners
Official Airline Partner
The fire and water, cleanup and restoration specialists of SERVPRO ÂŽ of Edmonton Southside are proud to call Canada home. So when the things that matter most are on the line, make sure we are too by calling 780-784-7777 or visiting servproedmonton.com. Services in Canada provided by Independently Owned and Operated Franchises of Servpro International, LLC.
780-784-7777
Honouring Edmonton’s Visionary Business Leaders BY JOHN HARDY
T
he word “leader” is multidimensional. On one hand you have the fearless leader that charges into any situation, inspiring his or her team and achieving great feats. On the other hand you have the leader that quietly hangs back while providing direction and encouragement, letting each team member feel empowered to make their own path under their gentle guidance. Leaders run the full spectrum of personalities, traits and leadership styles, but they all have one thing in common – they move us forward.
The Judges
JAMES GILLESPIE
This year Business in Edmonton magazine is pleased to introduce the 2016 Leaders that are shaping the face of how we do business in the Capital City. The judges for the 2016 Leaders competition are Elsie Elford, dean, school of business, MacEwan University; Teresa Clouston, vice president, business and agriculture, ATB Financial; and James Gillespie, partner, assurance services, MNP Chartered Accountants. “There are many opinions as to what makes a great business leader,” says Elford. “Here are my top three: great business leaders are able to build positive energy through a commitment to the mission of the business. They invest in the development and well-being of the employees and they believe in the triple bottom line by investing in their communities and championing sustainable business practices. “Edmonton’s diversity and community spirit are a great foundation for entrepreneurs. Organizations such as Start-Up Edmonton and TEC Edmonton create maker space for innovation and new business growth. Edmonton has the energy and positivity of a young population eager to grow a business.”
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Gold Partners
“A great business leader sees a problem to be solved, sources great resources (including people) and rallies them to develop and implement a solution that helps the customer,” says Clouston. “They see beyond the everyday, and identify what their community (which might be geographic, industry-based, or other) really needs to succeed, and strives to contribute to make a difference to that success. “The YEG business community strikes me as supportive of each other – colleagues, competitors and peers. It’s a really small world in terms of connections and network, and yet a world-class place to develop technology and service. This is an innovative place that sees a bigger and brighter future.” All the judges were impressed with the competitors.
ELSIE ELFORD
“The quality of all the leaders in the competition was outstanding,” Elford admits. “It is exciting to see the variety of businesses thriving in the Edmonton area and to learn the stories behind the successful business leaders. Although the stories are individual, the common theme is a passion for what they do and their commitment to the Edmonton community.” Clouston agrees, “How impressed I was, and continue to be, about the extremely diverse nature of business, and leaders here in Edmonton and across the province. Their dedication to delivering value for their customers, contributing to their communities, and building terrific places to work really restores faith in the future success of this business community, and for leadership in general.”
TERESA CLOUSTON
Leaders 2016 may be a competition, but one thing is clear – all the business leaders in our community are winners.
Official Airline Partner
Luke Williamson Company: Accurate Network Services Inc. Accurate Network Services provides a la carte-managed IT services to businesses in the Edmonton area. They act as a single point of contact for any and all IT requests for customers utilizing a unique, value-driven business model. The what of Accurate Network Services is to manage and support technology for its customers. The why is to leverage the success of the business to improve the lives of employees, vendors, clients and the community. “The defining moment in our journey was realizing that with success comes privilege. We have the power to positively impact not only our team and our clients, but the community around us. The bigger and more successful we are as an organization the more we can give back.� ~ Luke Williamson, President - Accurate Network Services Inc.
Company snapshot
8
Years in Business
21
employees
Information Technology Industry Sector Photo by EPIC Photography Inc.
Platinum Partner
Gold Partners
Official Airline Partner
Lorne M. Wight Company: Allwest Commercial Furnishings
A
llwest Commercial Furnishings is a B2B distributor of office furniture, moveable walls and commercial window coverings to businesses, governments and institutions in Northern Alberta and NWT. The company’s value proposition includes the creation, development and growth of internal expertise in all facets of the operations. A Canadian company, Allwest sells and represents Canadian manufacturers in the marketplace. “As I became more involved in business leadership early in my career, it never occurred to me that business activities, community support and philanthropy were separate entities (which of course in my opinion, they are not). My father blended these activities daily in his professional career, showing me, rather than telling me!” ~ Lorne M. Wight, President - Allwest Commercial Furnishings
Company snapshot
42 Years in Business
80
employees
Distribution Industry Sector
Photo by EPIC Photography Inc.
Platinum Partner
Gold Partners
Official Airline Partner
CHOOSE FROM THREE CLASSES OF COMFORT ON INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS.* With Economy, Premium Economy and International Business Class categories, there’s a perfect comfort level for every traveller.
*Offered on a growing number of flights.
Kevin Birkholz Company: Birkholz Homes
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irkholz Homes is a small volume, luxury custom home builder serving the Edmonton, Sherwood Park and St. Albert markets. The Birkholz guarantee is a rewarding, creative, stress-free client process from design inception to key turnover. Setting the standard for innovation and contemporary design, Birkholz Homes has created the ultimate in dream homes for luxury home buyers. “Growing up in the family business, there was nothing I wanted more than the respect I saw my father had earned in the community. I quickly realized success is achieved as a team. I continue to be inspired by the hard working families that trust us with helping them realize their dream.� ~ Kevin Birkholz, Owner - Birkholz Homes
Company snapshot
48 Years in Business
14
employees
Real Estate Industry Sector
Photo by EPIC Photography Inc.
Platinum Partner
Gold Partners
Official Airline Partner
Handcrafted Homes Since 1968
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF 2016 BUSINESS IN EDMONTON LEADERS AWARDS WINNERS
B
ricks and Mortar, Lumber, Concrete and Stone. From the concrete we pour in our foundations to the hardware on our kitchen cabinets, we believe that every single component in our design and construction process has equal value, and that any compromise in that process is unacceptable. As Birkholz builds your home you can be assured that no facet will be neglected, no detail deemed too small.
DESIGNED BY YOU. BUILT BY BIRKHOLZ. Phone 780.430.6918 • www.birkholzhomes.com
Bryan Smith Company: Bluetrain Inc.
B
luetrain is a boutique digital marketing agency helping clients connect with customers online by offering results-oriented digital marketing services, such as online advertising, content marketing, social media, and web analytics. From a basement start up with an old HP desktop, Bryan Smith has grown Bluetrain into a team of professionals providing digital marketing expertise, and heads one of the most established digital marketing agencies in Alberta. “My defining moment came when I finally decided to quit my job and focus solely on getting Bluetrain off the ground. It was challenging at first striking out on my own, but now I look back with real satisfaction because I know I made the right move.� ~ Bryan Smith, President Bluetrain Inc.
Company snapshot
9
Years in Business
13
employees
Digital Marketing Industry Sector Photo by EPIC Photography Inc.
Platinum Partner
Gold Partners
Official Airline Partner
your business in focus
Only HR professionals with a CHRP, CHRL or CHRE designation have a deep understanding of how businesses work and are trained to be high-impact leaders. Let a Certified Human Resources Professional, Leader or Executive show you how their achievements set them apart.
PU T YOUR BUS IN E S S IN FOC U S hrpa.ca/infocus
Dale S. Wishewan Company: Booster Juice
B
ooster Juice is an international quick-service restaurant chain offering customers premium real fruit smoothies, fresh squeezed juices, hot food and snacks in a fun, vibrant atmosphere. Dale Wishewan travelled the world to bring innovative, natural products to Canadian consumers through Booster Juice. With new products continually being sought out to complement the nutritious and delicious menu items, Dale ensures the Booster Juice product line is leading edge. “It is very rewarding to mentor people within the company who are sharing a passion for what Booster Juice has become throughout the country. I look forward to years of building on the original vision and hard work with a talented group of corporate staff and committed franchise partners.� ~ Dale S. Wishewan, President & CEO - Booster Juice
Company snapshot
16 Years in Business
50
employees
Restaurants Industry Sector
Photo by EPIC Photography Inc.
Platinum Partner
Gold Partners
Official Airline Partner
Booster Juice is Canada’s Premium Juice & Smoothie Company Thank you to all our valued customers, staff, franchise partners and suppliers for your support over the past 16 years. You are the reason Booster Juice is Canada’s Premium Juice & Smoothie company. With 320 store locations, we look forward to continuing to grow this brand around the world!
DALE S. WISHEWAN
President & CEO – Booster Juice
Jeremy Leonard Company: Canada Pump and Power Corporation
C
anada Pump & Power (CPP) Corporation provides dive, pump, barge and dredge services to Alberta. An industrial marine solutions company, CPP provides its products and services to oil and gas, oil sands and industrial customers in western Canada. “You can stand in front of an empty fireplace and say ‘give me heat and I will give you wood’ as long as you want and you will not get heat. You have to put the wood in first.” ~ Jeremy Leonard, CEO - Canada Pump and Power Corporation
Company snapshot
6
Years in Business
75
employees
Manufacturing Industry Sector
Photo by EPIC Photography Inc.
Platinum Partner
Gold Partners
Official Airline Partner
CANADA PUMP AND POWER: Western Canada’s Premier Marine Industrial Equipment and Services Provider
WHO WE ARE:
Engineers, Tradesmen, Supervisors, Operators and Certified Safety Officers
WHAT WE DO:
Our operations group provides marine services to a select group of clients. Our production group manufactures pumping systems, dredges and modular barge units.
HOW WE DO BUSINESS: We say what we are going to do. We do what we said we would do.
We check to make sure that we did it. CANADA
DIVE | PUMP | BARGE | DREDGE
PUMP AND POWER
www.canadapumpandpower.com | 1-877-898-3494 | sales@mightypumps.com
Kimberly & Rob Reeves Company: Castrol Raceway
C
astrol Raceway is Canada’s most comprehensive motorsport complex with a 320-acre multi-venue facility including a 3/8 clay oval, internationally-recognized drag strip, 10-acre motocross track and 2.7 kilometre road course. Even as a seasonal venture, Castrol Raceway attracts over 245,000 visitors annually. “We saw something that needed to be done (saving the racetrack from closing), had a passion for motorsports, (and) from there we jumped in with both feet... learning along the way... every day pretty much has a new “defining moment”... after 19 years, I think our days would be very boring if there were no new defining moments - and it’s NEVER boring. We were inspired to make it fun, to create an exceptional facility, welcoming to all ages and all types of motorsports.” ~ Kimberly Reeves, Owner [and Rob Reeves, Owner] - Castrol Raceway
Company snapshot
19 Years in Business
6
(100+ Seasonal) employees
Media & Entertainment Industry Sector Photo by EPIC Photography Inc.
Platinum Partner
Gold Partners
Official Airline Partner
Peter Dawson Company: Dawson Wallace Construction Ltd.
D
awson Wallace Construction Ltd. is a team of construction managers who service clients (developers and owner/users) in the light industrial, suburban office and retail market. Dawson Wallace offers general contracting, construction management and design/build services. “…one thing in our history that “turned the corner” for us was when we developed a relationship with London Drugs (in our early years). Once we established this relationship we not only received contracts to build stores for them all over Western Canada but also (from) developers who were building retail centres with an LD store in them. (They) started working with us to build the entire centre, not just the London Drugs. This led to contracts for example like Jasper Gates and Oliver Square.” ~ Peter Dawson, President - Dawson Wallace Construction Ltd.
Company snapshot
29 Years in Business
150 employees
Construction Industry Sector
Photo by EPIC Photography Inc.
Platinum Partner
Gold Partners
Official Airline Partner
Jason Pincock Company: DynaLIFEDx
D
ynaLIFEDX is a full service clinical medical laboratory providing critical diagnostic services to hospital acute care, health centre and community patients, that is privately owned and under contract to Alberta Health Services. “True leadership is a gift that is given to us by others. It is not seized in opportunity or climbed like a ladder. It is about the trust and the faith of others who are willing to follow only because they believe in you. I am inspired everyday by those individuals who step up to challenges on behalf of others - those who make a difference in our world not because they should, but simply because they can.” ~ Jason Pincock, CEO - DynaLIFEDX
Company snapshot
57 Years in Business
1,230 employees
Medical Lab Industry Sector
Platinum Partner
Gold Partners
Official Airline Partner
Drew Schamehorn Company: Elite Sportswear & Awards
E
lite Sportswear & Awards is a supplier of branded promotional products, awards and apparel for corporate, institutional and sports teams. With its own production facility in Edmonton, Elite Sportswear & Awards offers fast turnover and delivery. “Over the last 40 years of being in the workforce many individuals have been both positive and inspirational role models to me during this time. While growing a successful business in Edmonton I have also been very fortunate at the same time to be able to give back to my community by staying involved in both local and provincial sports associations as well as local charitable organizations. Without the support of my wife Sharon and our four children none of this could have been possible.“ ~ Drew Schamehorn, President - Elite Sportswear & Awards
Company snapshot
65 Years in Business
80
employees
Consumer Products Industry Sector Photo by EPIC Photography Inc.
Platinum Partner
Gold Partners
Official Airline Partner
Claire Theaker-Brown Company: Flatter:Me Belts
F
latter:Me Belts launched in 2011 with $2,500 and two goals: creating quality garment industry jobs, and solving a frustrating fit problem with women’s jeans. Flatter:Me manufactures and distributes sizeflexible belts that are invisible under tees and are sewn by a team of fairly-paid tailors. Their belts are available at over 300 retailers across Canada and online to customers around the world. “I will never forget what it was like to see a packaged Flatter:Me Belt for the first time. It was so fulfilling to see my idea become reality, and to see in this single product a thousand obstacles that had been surmounted.” ~ Claire Theaker-Brown, Owner/Founder - Flatter:Me Belts
Company snapshot
5
Years in Business
6
employees
Consumer Products Industry Sector Photo by EPIC Photography Inc.
Platinum Partner
Gold Partners
Official Airline Partner
Peter Amerongen Company: Habitat Studio
H
abitat Studio builds beautiful energy-efficient homes that are individually designed to meet the needs, tastes and budgets of their discerning customers. Their business model integrates design and construction under one roof, delivered though an open book construction management process that puts their clients in control. Habitat Studio is the leading net zero energy home builder in Canada. “Diversity in our management group is a key driver of our success. We all come from different backgrounds; we have different skills, strengths, interests and sometimes even goals. In the pressure cooker atmosphere of business this makes for interesting and occasionally difficult discussions. It is no surprise that diversity almost always leads to better decisions. By listening to each other we also get better people.� ~ Peter Amerongen, Vice President - Habitat Studio
Company snapshot
24 Years in Business
32
employees
Construction Industry Sector
Photo by EPIC Photography Inc.
Platinum Partner
Gold Partners
Official Airline Partner
Jared Smith Company: Incite
I
ncite is Alberta’s leader in business-to-business, relationship-based marketing. Focusing on the importance of authentic connections, personal networks, and strategic communications, Incite supports businesses in organizational growth and development. Leveraging relationships and networks to create opportunities and successes for its clients, Incite drives the future of marketing and business practices in Alberta. Going forward, Incite will continue to be shaped by leveraging its networks and connections, expanding its geographical reach to serve companies across Canada. “I’ve always believed that who you are is a reflection of the people who surround you. I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by the most amazing mentors, business partners, staff, my loving family, and so many others, and it’s these people who have made Incite such a great success.” ~ Jared Smith, Principal - Incite
Company snapshot
17 Years in Business
25
employees
Marketing Industry Sector
Photo by EPIC Photography Inc.
Platinum Partner
Gold Partners
Official Airline Partner
Quinn Holtby Company: Katch Kan Ltd.
K
atch Kan™ is based on a commitment to sustainable development, by protecting and preserving the land and water where the upstream oil and gas industry operates. The central achievements of Katch Kan™ are the Rig Safety System™ and Zero Spill System™. These innovative systems of technology work together to optimize the health and safety of those involved with upstream projects, drastically minimize pollution and enables oil and gas production to occur in a proactive eco-efficient manner. “There are several defining moments in my journey to success. Taking a Dale Carnegie Course when I was 22 years old was one defining moment. (Another one was) reading the book Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, and knowing not all riches are monetary.” ~ Quinn Holtby, Founder, President & CEO - Katch Kan Ltd.
Company snapshot
22 Years in Business
50
employees
Oil & Gas Industry Sector
Photo by EPIC Photography Inc.
Platinum Partner
Gold Partners
Official Airline Partner
Reliable, Responsible, Responsive, Respectful, Results
We Facilitate Protecting Lives & Mother Earth
As the president and founder of Katch Kan, I want to thank our customers and my team of committed employees around the globe for their commitment that our systems are making a difference for both the industry and the environment. Two decades ago, I founded Katch Kan on the strength of a product that was new to the industry. Today, I’m proud and honoured that our organization is recognized for our contributions to the industry, the environment and our contributions to both the national and provincial economies. I am so proud of all Katch Kan employees who donated to the Fort McMurray relief efforts. Katch Kan matched those donations via the Red Cross.
Sincerely, Quinn Holtby, Founder, President & CEO
Keeping rig crews dry and safe during wet tripping procedures.
Find out more at katchkan.com
8210 McIntyre Road, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6E 5C4 PH: (780) 414-6083 FX: (780) 414-6084 info@katchkan.com
Grant Fedoruk Company: Leading Edge Physiotherapy
L
eading Edge Physiotherapy (LEP) is a locally-owned and operated physiotherapy services firm offering the latest treatments to individuals facing pain or injury in Edmonton and St. Albert. With the 2015 opening of their third location in the Windermere community, LEP is well-positioned to continue its tremendous growth. “My inspiration has evolved as my personal and professional life has. Early in my career, my inspiration came from my patients as their success drove me to master my skills as a therapist. Over time, this grew and my inspiration was to build a family of professionals and staff who could make a bigger impact in our community than I could alone. Once that family was sturdy and impactful, my own family - my wife and my two young daughters - have become my greatest inspiration - to be the clinician, volunteer, builder and person they are proud of.� ~ Grant Fedoruk, Owner & President - Leading Edge Physiotherapy
Company snapshot
8
Years in Business
40
employees
Healthcare Services Industry Sector Photo by EPIC Photography Inc.
Platinum Partner
Gold Partners
Official Airline Partner
Aurora Jet Partners is one of the most innovative and progressive private aviation companies in Canada that specializes in providing custom-tailored, high-quality private travel solutions to discerning clients. Services include jet charters, managing fractional jet partnerships and providing complete turnkey flight departments. With more than four decades in private aviation, our experienced group of dedicated professionals consistently provides on-time and on-budget service to exacting safety standards. With Aurora Jet Partners, The sky is not the limit. Image provided courtesy of Bombardier Inc.
AIRCRAFT MANAGEMENT | ACQUISITIONS & SALES FRACTIONAL PARTNERSHIPS | CHARTERS
aurorajet.ca
sales@aurorajet.ca
888.797.JETS (5387)
Darryl & Warren Nelson Company: Nelson Environmental Remediation Ltd.
N
elson Environmental Remediation (NER) was founded by Darryl and Warren Nelson in 1992, a diversification of their family’s earth moving company. With the motto “Clean Dirt, No Doubt!” NER delivers effective thermal soil remediation for a wide variety of conditions. The company’s services include site evaluation, planning and mobilization; soil excavation; material preparation; remedial treatment; reclamation and decommissioning; project closure and review. “We deliver on our promise of ‘Clean Dirt, No Doubt!,’” says Darryl. Our robust technology achieves remediation of nearly any type of soil with almost any type of contaminant. We guarantee remediation while providing certainty that the client’s goals are achieved in the most ecofriendly, best business practice manner, and with the most advanced technology in the world.” ~Darryl Nelson, CEO & President [and Warren Nelson, CEO & Vice President]- Nelson Environmental Remediation Ltd.
Company snapshot
24 Years in Business
50
employees
Environmental Industry Sector
Photo by EPIC Photography Inc.
Platinum Partner
Gold Partners
Official Airline Partner
C o m p l e t e Fa m i l y D e n t a l C a r e Teeth Whitening • Orthodontic Treatment • Dentures
• General Dentists • Dental Laboratory & Registered Dental Technician on site • Prosthodontists (Specialists in Dentures, Implants & Crowns) • Emergency Dental Care & Denture Repairs
Now neuromoffering (botox © odulators , xe for den omin ©) tal!
Open 8 A.M. Monday to Friday Evenings Monday to Thursday & Saturdays by Appointment
Complimentary parking: 10126-118 Street
780-482-4000 | empiredentists.com
Justine & Kendall Barber Company: Poppy Barley
S
isters Kendall and Justine Barber launched Poppy Barley in 2012 to address the problem of finding footwear that fits properly. With the unique concept of combining a customer’s measurements and pattern algorithms with advance pattern technology, Poppy Barley delivers superiorfitting, high-quality footwear. Meticulously crafted and radically priced by selling directly (and thus collapsing the supply chain), Poppy Barley invests in the highest-quality materials instead of markups to a wholesaler. “We’re inspired by the planet and the creativity of people. We truly believe in re-thinking the footwear industry to create better, more loved, thoughtfully-designed products that are ethically-made. We believe owning a business gives you a platform for social and environmental change. We take that very seriously at Poppy Barley.” ~ Justine & Kendall Barber, Co-Founders - Poppy Barley
Company snapshot
4
Years in Business
10
employees
Consumer Products Industry Sector Photo by EPIC Photography Inc.
Platinum Partner
Gold Partners
Official Airline Partner
Radhe Gupta Company: Rohit Group of Companies
R
ohit Group of Companies is a premier real estate company dealing in all aspects of the industry, with operations in western Canada that include residential construction, development commercial construction, property management, and capital lending. The company continues to grow and diversify operations to include additional home styles, products and new locations now throughout the Prairies. “The defining moment of my success started in the early 1990s when I began associating with great business partners like Dave Terriff, Chris Rypkema and Bill Book of Canadian Western Bank,” says Radhe Gupta. “We made a pledge that we should be known by the company we keep, and promise that we would work for creating a brand name by meeting and exceeding the expectations of all the stake holders, in all attributes.” ~ Radhe Gupta, CEO - Rohit Group of Companies
Company snapshot
30 Years in Business
121 employees
Real Estate Industry Sector
Photo by EPIC Photography Inc.
Platinum Partner
Gold Partners
Official Airline Partner
Terry & Russell Hay Company: Scandinavian Building Services
S
candinavian Building Services is a nation-wide, industry-leading commercial janitorial and facilities maintenance company. With offices across Canada, Scandinavian Building Services employs more than 2,500 people on a full-time permanent basis, and cleans over 50 million square feet of space each day. Terry and Russell Hay have pioneered a Quality Assurance program that has revolutionized the janitorial industry, including their industry-leading proprietary program, ScandiTRAC. “Since day one, my mentor and inspiration has been my father. Every step of the way, he has shown me that hard work and dedication are essential to success. Even when something would fail, he would look at me and say: “Russell, you have to keep moving forward,” and that mantra has been a guiding principal for me since my very first day at work.” ~ Russell Hay, President [and Terry Hay, CEO] - Scandinavian Building Services
Company snapshot
60 Years in Business
2,500+ employees
Commercial Janitorial Industry Sector Photo by EPIC Photography Inc.
Platinum Partner
Gold Partners
Official Airline Partner
On behalf Of the entire Scandi family, we wOuld like tO cOngratulate all Of the hard-wOrking
leaderS in edmOntOn! ruSSell hay, PreSident
terry hay, ceO
CELEBRATING 60 YEARS OF CLEANING EXCELLENCE
Ron Brown Company: Shippers Supply Inc.
S
hippers Supply manufactures boxes, material handling equipment, printed labels, tape and tags in addition to distributing thousands of shipping and warehouse products. With ten showrooms and warehouse locations in Western Canada and with 190 employees, Shippers Supply has grown from a handful of employees 40 years ago to a dynamic and expanding company today. “My best business advisors have always been my customers and my employees. By truly listening to them, I was able to differentiate myself in the market and build a company that is genuinely one of a kind.� ~ Ron Brown, Founder & President - Shippers Supply Inc.
Company snapshot
41 Years in Business
190 employees
manufacturing Industry Sector
Photo by EPIC Photography Inc.
Platinum Partner
Gold Partners
Official Airline Partner
The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce is proud to congratulate the 2016 Leaders on their efforts and achievements.
T 780.426.4620 | F 780.424.7946 | edmontonchamber.com/events
WHAT LEADING COMPANIES DO TO ENSURE LASTING VALUE BY LISA PIERSON
W
ith today’s competitive business environment, bowls of fruit in the staff room and lunchtime yoga are no longer enough to attract and retain top talent. Companies wanting to recession proof their business must be committed to keeping their employees happy and healthy beyond some token perks. “Having healthy employees is not a nice to have, it’s a need to have. With the complexities and demands of today’s ever changing business landscape, executive health is not a perk, it is an essential part of building a high performing leadership team,” says Rick Tiedeman of Copeman Healthcare. And it’s not just employees who benefit from comprehensive corporate wellness programs. Companies who invest in these programs see an increase in employee productivity of 51% according to a recent Canadian medical study. “In my more than 35 years in a corporate role, the highest performing teams consistently have the healthiest members and the least amount of leadership downtime due to health issues,” says Mr. Tiedeman. Today’s high pressure work environment is placing more stress on high-performing individuals. The subsequent health impact of this stress diminishes the ability of business leaders to stay focused and fully engaged in the business. So how do leading and progressive companies ensure that valuable human resources are appreciating assets rather than depreciating assets? One of the first steps is to place investments in healthcare programs to keep your people healthy, and to prevent losses in the event of an employee taking sick leave, or worse. “Companies are paying an enormous amount for life insurance, but ignoring the importance of preventing health problems in the first place,” says Mr. Tiedeman. “Dr. Larry Ohlhauser said it best in his book, The Healthy CEO: ‘dead CEOs don’t hit their targets.’” Provocative statements like these are starting to be heard in the business community, but more progress is still needed to ensure that a company’s most valuable asset – its people – stays protected.
In today’s more volatile business climate, companies are engaging in strategic risk mitigation in many dimensions of their business. But are they being strategic against risk with their executives? Streamlined leadership teams realize they are more vulnerable than ever to the increased possibility that they or one of their colleagues may be sidelined with a health issue. This would cause an immediate and dramatic shift of additional responsibilities to already overstressed colleagues. So businesses are recognizing they need to apply risk mitigation strategies to the health of their leadership teams. Strategic and tactical leaders see the implementation of health and wellness programs as an investment rather than a financial burden. A comprehensive program helps companies avoid talent risk and place investments where they can drive maximum returns. A Canadian study recently showed that employee wellness programs decreased disability costs by 36% and drug benefit costs by 27%. And with fewer Workers’ Compensation Board claims, there is a decrease in insurance premiums. Companies also experience enhanced company culture, increased retention, lower staff turnover, fewer sick days and increased productivity. Healthy people are happy people. They are productive and loyal. And today, 61% of 30-year-old Canadians believe their employer has an obligation to assist them in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Companies wanting to guide their business to success and profit need to invest in the health and wellness of their people. It shows a clear understanding of their priorities: a desire to attract and retain top talent. TO LEARN MORE about Corporate Health Programs, call 780-455-2273 or visit www.copemanhealthcare.com
Alberta entrepreneurs aren’t afraid of a challenge and a little hard work. OK, a lot of hard work. But it’s worth it. Watch these entrepreneurs’ stories and get expert insights at
atb.com / WeGrowAlberta |
#wegrowalberta
Who works hard to make things easier for you? We do. ™ Trademarks of Alberta Treasury Branches.
YOUR VISION GOT YOU THIS FAR.
Where do you go from here? The mark of a true leader is the ability to embrace today’s challenges head on while uncovering opportunities to shape a successful tomorrow. The mark of a visionary is defined by a leader’s ability to capitalize on those opportunities while effectively using their available resources to do so. Our national scope and local focus positions leading organizations – and the visionaries behind them – for success, no matter where business takes you. MNP proudly congratulates the Business in Edmonton 2016 Leaders. We celebrate your achievements and anticipate the positive impact you’ll have on our business community. Contact: James Gillespie, CPA, CA T: 780.453.5380 E: james.gillespie@mnp.ca
Ian MacDonald, CPA, CA T: 780.969.1423 E: ian.macdonald@mnp.ca