CREATING VALUE THROUGH RESPONSIBLE, CALCULATED GROWTH Yorkton Group International celebrates more than 30 years of success, and its dynamic future By Nerissa McNaughton with photos by Rebecca Lippiatt 57
Introducing the (TSX-V: YEG) Team of Executives (left to right): Executive VP Reg Liyanage, Legal Counsel David Tam, Director Bill Smith, CFO & Director Evan Chan, Company Secretary Kevin Saskiw, CEO & Director Ben Lui, Director Mark Wilbert, Director Jason Theiss (not in photo).
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orkton Group International is an Edmonton success story. Since 1989 the company has invested in diverse real estate interests including land development, home building, commercial construction, leasing, real estate brokering, hotel management, asset management and more. Headquartered in Edmonton, Yorkton Group operates on a global scale. Yorkton Group was founded by its current directors, Mr. Ben Lui, president and chief executive officer, and Mr. Reg Liyanage, executive vice president. Lui says, “Our business is built on a solid foundation through adherence to the following business philosophy: Customer focused: we always put our clients first A “win-win” scenario: never one-sided
Long-term partnership: with our clients, business associates, and employees Trust: gain trust through delivery of reliable services Respect: earn respect by respecting others Be humble: avoid complacency
Be innovative: think outside the box and be flexible and creative
Adapt to changes: the world is very dynamic; always be agile and ready
Avoid litigation: good contracts make good friends; always ensure clear mutual understanding Cash management: avoid overleveraging and be conservative with contingency plans Do it right the first time: it’s costly fixing avoidable mistakes
Be productive: multi-task, set priorities, and manage your time efficiently Yorkton Group International Ltd. • Celebrating 30 Years • 2
Be constructive: create a positive, strong leading team
Culture of engagement: take ownership and pride in what we do
Open communication: voice suggestions and concerns constructively Learn from others: learn from their successes and their mistakes
Share success with the community: we believe in giving back to the community Liyanage says “We are a highly diversified real estate company. We felt that we could contribute to society by providing value added products to our shareholders and end user customers. Additionally, there was a market niche to be filled for the proper redevelopment of underserved properties.” Creating that value is based on what Liyanage calls, “a very conservative investment philosophy,” noting, “Steady and sustainable growth – that’s what we’ve been doing. Quality, value, diversity and growth are our key words.” Yorkton’s Group current projects include Yorkton on 108th, a luxury residential condominium development strategically located in the city center of Surrey, BC. The project calls for two six-storey buildings with 197 units, which will be a mix of one bedroom, two bedroom, or two bedroom plus a den. Also proposed for Surrey is Yorkton Place, a dual phase development projects that starts with commercial and retail buildings, then adds six storey mixed-use retail/residential facilities.
Parlee McLaws LLP congratulates Yorkton Group on their 30 year anniversary! Cheers to many more years of successful business from everyone at Team Parlee!
Edmonton: 780.423.8500 | Calgary: 403.294.7000 | parlee.com Yorkton Group International Ltd. • Celebrating 30 Years • 3
Whether it is new construction or taking an underperforming apartment complex or hotel and turning it into something tenants, stakeholders, and the community can be proud of, Yorkton Group prides itself on delivering on its mandate.
CONGRATULATIONS YORKTON GROUP ON 30 YEARS!
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Perhaps one of the most exciting for the team, however, is the plans for a project right here in Edmonton. Yorkton Twin Towers and Pacific Mall is a city-approved development for two towers that will rise up to 38 storeys each in the heart of downtown. The 296 residential condos will overlook a two-storey retail shopping mall. With projects in Alberta and BC, investors and shareholders are offered geographic diversity and investment opportunities. Whether it is new construction or taking an underperforming apartment complex or hotel and turning it into something tenants, stakeholders, and the community can be proud of, Yorkton Group prides itself on delivering on its mandate.
REAL PROPERTY APPRAISALS
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RSM congratulates Yorkton Group on 30 years of servicing the Edmonton community and beyond.
If Liyanage could tell potential investors one thing, it would be to trust in their proven conservative investment philosophy. “It is the steady and sustainable growth that creates value for our shareholders and investors, something that remains top of mind as we work together with our long-term, dedicated, knowledgeable staff.” Yorkton Group commits to properly managing its rapid growth despite a constantly changing environment to ensure investors and shareholders can always rely on the diversity, integrity and value for which the company is known. Despite its international interests, and the many political and economic changes and challenges in Alberta, Yorkton Group is proud to call Edmonton home. Contributing to the community is important for Yorkton Group, as they support non-profit charities like Ronald McDonald House, Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation, The Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation, World Vision, Edmonton Filipino associations, Youth Empowerment and Support Services (YESS), the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, and many more.
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Yorkton Group is also thankful for all the supports from its industry partners, including customers, suppliers, contractors, consultants, bankers, etc., as well its team of dedicated employees.
With more than 30 years of real estate experience, the next chapter of high rise developments, commercial and mixed use buildings, and industrial development allow Yorkton to continue an already successful journey. Looking forward, Yorkton Group is excited about the future. With more than 30 years of real estate experience, the next chapter of high rise developments, commercial and mixed use buildings, and industrial development allow Yorkton to continue an already successful journey. Aiding in that success is the milestone of going public. Yorkton has recently been accepted by the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX-V) and will start trading in October 2020 with the (very aptly named for an Edmontonbased company) ticker symbol “YEG” – Yorkton Equity Group. Through it all, the Yorkton team remain committed to their principles and their promise to deliver value for investors and shareholders through the time-proven method of conservative investing and steady, incremental growth.
3165 Manulife Place 10180-101 Street Edmonton, Alberta Office: 780-409-8228 Fax: 780-409-9228 Toll Free: 1-866-409-8228 Reception@yorktongroup.com
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Congratulations on 30 years in business!
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