Plus...
Get great advice from: • Rayner on work-cations • Block on franchising • Fraser on making a life
CIVILWARS
with Nejolla Korris
Sleeping with the enemy
W
ho do you take to
bed every night? I really want to know. Is it that hot girl or guy you just met? Or, is it your husband or wife that snores too much and keeps you awake? Is it your dog that somehow has the knack of lying in a way that takes over the entire bed and you have to sleep contorted in order to have any room on the bed at all? Thing is, I know the answer… and it’s none of the above. Most of us are going to bed with our electronic devices: iPads, iPhones, droids. We all rationalize why we need them next to us (it’s my alarm clock). For many people, checking text or e-mail is the last thing we do at night and the first thing we do each morning. How did we get so addicted? As few as 10 years ago, how many of us dreamed that we would be connected to some form of technology that we could never shut off? Shutting off a device makes the strongest of men shiver in fear these days. But, really, what do we think we are going to miss? The goings-on of the world pertaining directly to us are a mere blip in the universe of things. And yet we think we need to be on-call for anyone who needs us. I rationalize checking business e-mails at night because so many of my clients are in other time zones. Singapore is 13 hours ahead so my clients are in their offices while I am in my pyjamas It seems, we are disengaged and disconnected with face-to-face connections and seduced by the ability to reach large groups of people in an instant. What led to this depencence?
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I remember my first compute: It was 1988 and I was thrilled by a box that would light up and type orange print on a black background. It was amazing to be able to correct spelling errors and be able to edit and rewrite whatever I wanted. This was the cat’s meow. Oh, how our world has changed! For most of us, our first computers were like fancy typewriters. Now we are connected and on the move every second of every day. This isn’t a story about how far we’ve come, we all know that. It is about the rapid pace at which we got here and whether or not we can keep up to how it changes our lives every day. We have given up our last vestiges of privacy to share random thoughts with the world around us. We text, tweet, post and talk with wild abandon. It’s a state of hyper connectivity where we can’t shut it off ever. People text walking down the street, driving in the car, sitting in the restaurant, shopping at the supermarket—afraid we’ll miss something. Traffic jams are predicted by the congestion of cell phones in one place; homes can be monitored by our cell phone no matter where in the world we are; an artificial heart can be monitored by a doctor or hospital remotely. While all this is great, it also means we relinquish our autonomy and privacy to random people elsewhere. We are on-line all the time, creating a permanent archive of ourselves which dwells somewhere out here in the Internet of things. Gone are the days when we said, “Let’s keep our issues within the family.” The good, bad and the ugly are on-line for everyone to see. Back in December, UK advertising executive Justine Sacco tweeted “Going to Africa, hope I don’t get AIDS, just kidding I’m white”. That off colour-tweet went viral and got Justine fired by the time she landed in South Africa.
People are not only on-line all the time; they are creating a permanent archive of every aspect of human life—their lives—for everyone to remember. They are e-mailing, texting, posting, tweeting and even having sex on-line. At the same time I see so many people demanding that organizations maintain and protect their privacy, they are posting every inappropriate thought and activity known to man. Seriously, if this is the case, then who cares if someone got a look at your credit score? If you’ve got your naked posterior raised in the air for all to see then who really cares if a few things you considered private are no longer? Before you decide that I am some prude who just doesn’t get technology, I have to let you know that I am well connected. So well connected, in fact, that I travel with more technology than most people have. When I’m on the road I have my iPhone, iPad, Android device, laptop and, depending on where I’m going, another cell phone so I can switch out SIM cards to stay connected. In my mind, each and every device serves a very specific purpose and I can justify why I travel with all of them… and sleep with at least one of them. √ Nejolla Korris is an international expert in area of interviewing skills and linguistic lie detection. She is a keen observer and fan of the human condition. Dubbed the “Human Lie Detector” by some clients, she is a popular speaker on lie detection, fraud prevention and investigation, workplace fraud, and organizational justice. Nejolla recently launched a new speaker’s series on the differing communication styles between men and women. Contact: nkorris@working-it-out.com EDMONTONIANS FALL 2014
12851 - 56 Street, Edmonton, AB T5A 0C9
Tel: 780.454.3444 Fax: 780.454.3222
www.edmontonians.com Published by: Cedar Publishing Corporation President Moe Najmeddine moe@edmontonians.com Editor Barb Deters bdeters@edmontonians.com Sales Manager info@edmontonians.com Columnists Jey Arul • Ben Block • Linda Bodo Cheryl Croucher • Marty Forbes • Lynn Fraser Dana Giesbrecht • Diana J. Herrington • Nejolla Korris Norman Leach • Barbara Ashley Phillips • Erin Rayner Elissa Scott • Charles Strachey • Mark Wardell FEATURE WRITERS Barb Deters • Paula E. Kirman PHOTOGRAPHERS Bruce Clarke • Cheryl Croucher Quincey Deters • Tracy Kolenchuk GRAPHIC PRODUCTION Rage Studios Inc.
in this issue...
Volume XXV Number 2 Fall 2014
ABOUT TOWN VoxPop
Marty Forbes is thrilled that Crashed Ice is coming here........................................................................ 4
Sizzling in the City
Erin Rayner has tips for work-cations................................................................................................... 10
BUSINESS
Mergers & Acquisitions
Jey Arul applies paint-by-numbers philosophy to business.................................................................. 25
You & The Law
Ben Block advises on the franchise process......................................................................................... 28
FEATURE
2014 Sizzling Twenty under 30
Paula E. Kirman profiles 20 men & women in this 13th Annual Tribute......................................... 12-24
LIVELY LIFESTYLES Absolute Bodo
All rights reserved by Cedar Publishing Corporation. Reproduction or transmission of all or any part of this publication by any means whatsoever is strictly forbidden without prior written permission from the publisher. Although great care is taken to avoid errors in the preparation of advertising material and editorial content, any errors or omissions on the part of Cedar Publishing Corporation are limited and dealt with solely by printing a retraction statement and or correction in the following issue. Edmontonians Newsmagazine is a product of Cedar Publishing Corporation.
Linda Bodo has great ideas for old T-shirts............................................................................................. 6
Drop Dead Delirious
Dana Giesbrecht features Mud Pie Soaps............................................................................................... 8
Home Envision
Elissa Scott wants us to show more respect .......................................................................................... 7
Life Balance
Lynn Fraser on making a living vs making a life ................................................................................... 26
Real Food For Life
Diana J. Herrington shares watermelon secrets and treats .................................................................. 29 Canadian Publication Mail Agreement # 40041145 If undeliverable, please return to:
Cedar Publishing Corporation 12851 - 56 Street Edmonton, AB T5A 0C9
www.cedarpublishing.com EDMONTONIANS FALL 2014
OPINIONS Civil Wars
Nejolla Korris laments our dependence on tech gadgets......................................................................... 2
VISIONARIES
Cheryl Croucher focuses on innovators................................................................................................ 30
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Marty Forbes
L
VOX POP With Marty Forbes
et’s face it. We live in a
product; in fact, it was the birth of a totally Felix Baumgartner’s record breaking, sky diving jump last year, sponsored by Red Bull. ‘northern’ town. Winter can hit new product category. Today, Red Bull is available in more than 166 countries and By creating events that get worldwide any day, any time and it doesn’t roughly 40 billion cans of Red Bull have been coverage, the brand is truly aligned with its do any good to complain about consumed. target demographic. Check out the incredible it—so let’s just embrace it. Edmonton is key to the brand: Our young, Red Bull APP and you will see videos from By ‘embrace’, I don’t just mean with a dynamic population leads the way its extreme competitions—action-packed fancy slogan like Celebrate Winter. I mean for all of adventures that defy the elements yearbundle up, get out, and attend those great round. events that make an Edmonton winter As for Edmonton, Red Bull Crashed so special. Ice is a unique blend of hockey, power A major one I’m really looking skating, downhill skiing and roller blading forward to is Red Bull Crashed Ice which brings together 64 of the toughest that is coming to Edmonton, probably and fastest male and female skaters in the in March 2015. Actual dates have yet world on a frozen track in an incredible to be confirmed to align with other atmosphere. It’s kinda like roller derby commitments around the globe but on ice with lots of falling, crashing and should be announced shortly. bashing! Before we get into what the event In heats of four, the racers—dressed is, let me explain what Red Bull is. It’s mostly in hockey-like gear—blast an extremely popular energy drink. By down some pretty wild topography. ‘energy’, I mean wide-awake energy. , Starting with time trials on the first rta Tourism And, the company has a very spirited e lb A h it w e. et Sohi rk e day, the races continue until the final ta rj S e approach to marketing especially around m rd A a r h lo il Ric City Counc Recreation Minister winner is declared. There’s almost no extreme events. d n Parks a rules, no referees: The action is fast Dietrich Mateschitz founded Red Bull and furious as there really are no brakes from in the mid-1980s. He created the formula start to finish, other than the boards that stop for the energy drink and developed the Canada for consumption… so Crashed Ice is a the players from flying into the cheering/ unique marketing concept. In April 1987, marriage made in heaven. screaming crowd. Red Bull Energy Drink was sold for the very The company is an innovative and novel Edmonton secured the Red Bull event first time in its home market of Austria. This marketing machine. Witness the amazing thanks to a collaborative effort and financial was not only the launch of a completely new
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EDMONTONIANS FALL 2014
support from the following partners: the City of Edmonton ($400,000) and Edmonton Tourism, the Government of Alberta ($300,000), Edmonton Destination Hotels ($200,000) and Travel Alberta ($100,000). Currently, Red Bull Crashed Ice events are held in Russia, Finland, the U.S. and Canada. Quebec City has hosted the season finale for almost a decade now, attracting more than 100,000 fans in 2013 alone, with more via televised broadcasts. The economic and promotional spinoffs should be huge, not only with exposure of our city having fun in all our winter splendor but with visitors coming in to Edmonton for the races and, of course, with us locals getting out of hibernation mode and heading to our ever-expanding exciting downtown core. Jim Taylor, president of the Downtown Business Association, said he knows the event has been on the city’s radar for a number of years. “It‘s always interesting and it always brings attention to the city and, when you bring attention to the city, you always bring attention to downtown.” Tourism, Parks and Recreation Minister
Richard Starke added, “The Government of Alberta is pleased to support this event. Sport tourism events like Red Bull Crashed Ice World Tour grow Alberta’s economy and attract visitors from across Canada and around the world to our province.” Brad Ferguson, president of Edmonton Economic Development Corporation suggested that “this is the new Indy but better. It’s free. It’s family. It’s fun… and helps Edmonton embrace the winter spirit in the true meaning.” “In order to meet our ultimate ambition of growing the sport of Ice Cross Downhill, we want to expose Red Bull Crashed Ice to new audiences and, like the City of Quebec, the City of Edmonton provides a perfect urban backdrop for Red Bull Crashed Ice in Canada,” explained Adam Moffat, Director of Communications, Red Bull Canada. Edmonton gets the race in 2015 and it returns to Quebec City in 2016. To ensure that it returns to Edmonton, we simply have to support it, attend the event and embrace it. Several details—like the actual course and dates—are yet to be finalized. (There’s even a well-founded rumour that states that
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the event may start from the roof of the Shaw Conference Centre!) No doubt, there will be numerous spinoff winter themed activities, likely in and around the Shaw and Sir Winston Churchill Square, that will complement the Crashed Ice races. Like I said, it’s time to stop complaining about the cold and snow. We live in a winter city and hibernation is simply not an option when there’s fun stuff to do. Let’s get out and actually Celebrate Winter. Take the kids… bring a camera… and support the Red Bull Crashed Ice event. It goes rain or shine, sleet or snow. The track has a built-in ice freezing unit so the races are on regardless of outdoor weather conditions—that’s part of the appeal and excitement. Remember: The more we show, the more we get! It’s that simple. For full information, check out the website at www.redbullcrashedice.com and follow Facebook and Twitter @crashedice √ Marty Forbes is president of Radiowise Inc. Contact: marty@edmontonians.com – and on Twitter: mjforbes
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ABSOLUTE
BODO with Linda Bodo
Cross your Ts
T
he simple profile of this
apparel—short sleeves with a collarless neckline—gives it its unpretentious name: T-shirt. Distinct from other pieces of clothing, these button-less tops are woven on circular looms, eliminating the need for side seams and providing the s-t-r-e-t-c-h factor that makes them ohso-comfortable. Originally worn as undershirts in the 19th Century, their fashion status surged after bad boy Marlon Brando popularized the look in A Streetcar Named Desire. Since then, T-shirts have come out of hiding to clad the backs of everyone from rappers to royalty and have morphed into mediums of selfexpression and advertising tools. And, we all have ’em. Concert mementos, cannoned bundles caught at sports events, or the ‘all I got was this lousy t-shirt’ souvenirs lay abandoned
in closets, drawers or garbage bags destined for donation. They’re torn, stained, stretched or way too small. Yet, their sentimental value keeps us emotionally attached to them. Don’t say good bye to these old friends: Drag them out of obscurity and cross your Ts into funky, feelgood furnishings. In an era of social consciousness, sustainable living has become the latest designer trend. The concept has caught on with eco-logical artisans, or upcyclers, who create iconic pieces from waste stream materials. These objects articulate a poignant message of today’s consumerism while inspiring creative methods to reduce our carbon footprint. Blur the line between art and craft with recycle-based designs through The Art of Upcycling with Linda Bodo. www.absolutebodo.com
STUFFED SHIRT
Shop the markets in style with a hip tote crafted from a single tee sliced in a series of slits. Perfect project for urbanites with few tools. betweenthelines.blogspot.ca
UNDER SHIRT
Flip-flops in rough shape? Strip them down to the sole and refurbish with a cast-off tee and a wee bit of Gorilla Glue tossed in for good measure. Guaranteed to highlight that new pedicure. alittletipsy.com
SCARF IT DOWN
Perform a little shirt-gery to create a hybrid that functions as both necklace and scarf. Stretching pre-cut 1” strips curls the edges and generates a tubular finish with a no-sew technique. Beads and bling are optional.
ROCK’N CHAIR
The eco sweet people at Green Furniture Sweden have created the T-Shirt Chair, a metal mesh frame that allows the user to weave used tees into symphonies of personal history. The cool thing about this hot seat is that it has the ability to continuously evolve by simply slipping on a new tee.
SHIRT TAILS PERFECT FIT
This storage sleeve makes every day Casual Friday. If your computer is looking to come out of its hard shell to kick back and relax, dress it down in a functional T-Sleeve. Simply fold your tee in half and stitch up side seams. Easy care instructions: machine wash and tumble dry.
RAWHIDE
These bucks add a bit of whimsy to any decor. Create T-yarn from several brightly coloured tees by cutting a 1” wide continuous strip from each shirt in a spiral configuration, then knot lengths together. Attach one end of T-yarn to a papier-mâché form, and coil yarn onto body by twisting loose ends to produce a rope-like effect.
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Once you’ve mastered the tubing technique, employ the same method to fabricate deep-piled shaggy mats by knotting strips onto a rug canvas. The same concept can be used to whip up luxurious cushions.
RAD HATTER
Piece together your fav oldies into millinery masterpieces. The stretch fabric make for a tidy fit and you can bulk up the insulation factor by doubling each section. Pattern available at iammommahearmeroar.net
TEEKINI
Been working out and dying to show off your new abs? This Teekini, crafted from a single tee, will flaunt those curves on cue. $0.00, 30 minutes flat, easy-peasy. Tutorial at justinablakeney.com
EDMONTONIANS FALL 2014
HOMEENVISION
CLEANEST & GREENEST “I will not let anyone walk through my mind with their dirty feet.” ~Mahatma Gandhi
with Elissa Scott
C
leanliness may be next
to Godliness, but it’s also an art form. A place for everything and everything in its place is a gesture of being attentive to those following. Simple signs of respect and devotion are caring for one another and oneself as a sincere practice for living and adorning the home. Living in California, I’m awed by people casually walking into homes with shoes on. Maybe it’s the good weather? Sometimes, a host asks for shoes to be removed at the door, or visitors will volunteer. Traditionally, socks are worn indoors, as bare feet are considered unpleasant and bad manners. Traveling Japan, I noted the high level of regard for others. Bathroom etiquette is clear. It’s common to see origami toilet paper triangular folds, precisely bent by the one before, reinforcing the thoughtfulness of someone using the loo afterwards. Being easy to pull, the famed hotel fold is a signature of mindfulness. Sandals at the restroom door further affirm the attentiveness to cleanliness in Japanese culture. As do baby wipes and hightech, bidet buttons… heated seats with sound effects… and jet sprays in most restrooms. Long ago, a yoga teacher pointed out that stepping on a book was considered a sign of disregard in India. The lack of respect for knowledge and scarcity of learning was sacrilege. I was taught to roll out a yoga mat with purposeful alignment and utmost care. Get out a tape measure! I recall a New York yoga teacher who showed up late for class
and carelessly threw his yoga mat crookedly on the ground like a hot potato. This may appear cool and gangster, however, when practicing mindfulness, slowing down with grounding energy is a constant mindset.
MAKE HOME A HAVEN
I raised three sons I would date. They knew to hold doors open and not to walk on neighbours’ lawns. Not because the grass mattered so much, but it was precious to someone else. Reverence! The same applies in the home. Do everything with respect for self and others. The Golden Rule is to treat others as you wish to be treated. Encompass a place of serenity and security. We all wish to feel safe and loved; especially children. The more we create havens to embrace and incorporate serving others, the more content we can all be. Making homes childfriendly isn’t only putting a lock on the toilet lid or electrical plug guards in, but means keeping eyes on and being involved with our kids—especially teens—as often as possible. I’d host my kid’s friends at our
REALTOR®
780.233.6800 Trevor.Waddell@remax.net www.WaddellSells.com
EDMONTONIANS FALL 2014
Elissa Scott is a leading sacred space and lifestyle authority, internationally-known media personality, home couture stylist and artist offering friendly, down-to-earth interiors and service. elissa@gruuvyroomz.com. 310.745.3732.
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Trevor Waddell
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loft so I could meet them… and oversee their activities. When room permits, include sports, games, electronics and musical instruments. A snack pit will surely be a hit. Keep your home clean and green. Avoid chemicals. Cook meals for one another. Eat what makes you happy and healthy. Have slumber parties. Store extra blankets and pillows for those sleepovers. Another common practice in Japan is to roll out futons on tatami mats as a welcome sign for all overnight visitors. Surround yourself with loved ones… and people important to them. Connect at every opportunity. √
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DROPDEADDELIRIOUS Victoria Johnson and Threasa Craig
Dana Giesbrecht
Mud Pie Soap E
leven-year-old, Victoria
Johnson and her 50-yearold grandmother, Threasa Craig are an impressive team. Despite their nearly 40 year age difference, the two have crafted a business together which evolved out of their shared passions for playing in the mud, herbology (the study and use of the medicinal properties of plants), gardening and research. That business is Mud Pie Soaps. Mud Pie Soaps come in a variety of colours, scents and styles, and offer a laundry list of skin benefits—everything from treating dry skin to psoriasis. But what really makes the soaps stand out is the use of all natural products that come straight out of Threasa’s garden. “We named it after the garden… playing in the mud! I remember as a kid playing in the mud and making mud pies. All the food we eat comes from the dirt, and then you have to wash it off, and you need soap! I thought it was an organic name and easy to remember. and no one else was using it.”
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Threasa hails from the Okanogan and has always filled her home with plants, having up to 70 at one time. And because her daughter (Victoria’s mother) is a single mom who works long hours, Threasa has spent many years working in the mud, side-by-side with her granddaughter. She realized that Victoria might share her passion for gardening when she was two years old.
Amber Ice— almost too pretty to use
“She was helping me garden and I sent her under the pine tree to collect pine cones. ‘Where do you want them, Nana?’ she’d ask. She was like a machine for about two hours. Then she got smart about it and grabbed a bucket and started scooping them out. After that, every time she came to my house, she would bring me pine cones.” After school, Victoria would go to her Nana’s house and together they would dive into crafting or research or gardening projects. Threasa has long been impressed by how inquisitive her granddaughter is. “Victoria and I both enjoy learning about new things, nature and finding out stuff if we don’t know something. We’ll go explore it, look it up, do research on it. We’re both interested in language arts, nature and gardening. We’re both very driven, goal-orientated, and we don’t like to be idle.” Victoria’s passion to learn, even at her young age, has led her to aspire to a career in medicine. With expensive post-secondary costs looming, Threasa set up an education fund for EDMONTONIANS FALL 2014
her granddaughter and, after doing many hours of research, decided that tackling a soap business might be the answer. It also helps that she has spent more than 30 years in the cleaning industry and has a background in business and marketing. “We were talking yesterday about herbology and medicine. I told her that holistic doctors have to have a university degree, and then you can prescribe things as well. Victoria goes, ‘oh, well that’s interesting!’ She’ll do well in whatever she does but she wants to help people. At 11, it’s hard to say what you’re going to do, but she could do anything!” And when it comes to the beautiful soaps that Mud Pie is quickly becoming known for, they’re almost too pretty to use. After many hours of watching online tutorials on different techniques, Threasa and Victoria began the creating process. For more than a year, they spent hours whipping T H E P E R S O N A L I T Y O F B U S I N E S S I N T H EThreasa C A P Iand T A LVictoria REGION up soap batches, experimenting have bridged the gap and with different fragrances, oils, colours and herbs from their garden. built a business They’ve used lavender, rosemary, calendula, wormwood, mint, roses, dandelions, plantains, and even burs! For Victoria, it’s quality time that she wouldn’t trade Yes, those sticky, annoying brown burs for anything. “I think our soap Date: is beautiful, different and Attention: that get stuck to your clothes on nature unique. It works great and we’re just figuring out a lot of walks. things, like herbal soaps to help out with acne and other skin Fax: To Appear in:issues. “Burs, or burdock, have incredible We love researching what plants can do for your skin… plants like Date Purchased: anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities. Actually, most plants fight burdock and comfrey. We’ve printed pages and pages of health benefits free radicals, have healing properties, and fight inflammation.” and I think it’s great that we can help people using plants.” And you might think Threasa does all the work, but even that is divided To learn more about these incredible soaping entrepreneurs and their right down the middle. Victoria is the one who makes a lot of the creative products, check out the new website mudpiesoap.com and order on-line. choices such as picking colours and soap designs (tri-coloured, chunky Up-coming appearances at craft markets are also listed. √ shapes inside, or swirls cut into the top, to name a few). Threasa works with the lye (a strong alkaline liquor, rich in potassium carbonate which is Dana Giesbrecht is the host of go! Edmonton on Shaw TV and has a leached from wood ashes), while Victoria mixes the oils. Together, before passion for her community, the arts, and fashion. She loves experimenting they begin a batch, they use a lye calculator to work out the recipe. From with clothes and helping to promote local designers on her blog, there, it’s onto fragrances, colours, techniques and kinds of soap. dropdeaddelirious.blogspot.ca
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ADVERTISING PRO
780.940.1288 www.momentsindigital.com EDMONTONIANS FALL 2014
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with Erin Rayner
Erin’s Guide to
Work-cations
I
love to travel,
specifically to beach destinations. Loving the beach doesn’t diminish my love of Edmonton… however, Edmonton is seriously lacking sand and surf. Until global warming affects a seriously warm, beach-y change on the city I love, I will subscribe to an ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder’ approach, especially during the winter months. Don’t get me wrong though, these trips are not vacations. I’m not a believer in the 40-hour work week. I don’t believe things worth having come easily or quickly. I am a self-admitted work-addict in recovery. Two years ago, I realized I was working 80 to 100 hours a week and perilously close to burning out or getting very, very sick. With a bit of planning, I was able to hit pause and reset on my work/life balance. I took six months off. When I say ‘off,’ I don’t mean it the way many people do: When I’m off, I don’t unplug completely. I don’t drop off the grid. During my six months of resetting, I worked 20 to 30 hours a week and was extremely picky about
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any new projects I accepted. I also didn’t escape for months on end to another country because figuring out my new life’s balance at home was important to me. But I did travel—a lot. Granted, traveling with no dependents while working 20 to 30 hours a week seems like a dream reserved for a small audience. During this process, I learned a lot about what makes a good work-cation and I’ve been taking them ever since.
A work-cation, in my world, is a play on working remotely—really remotely. Instead of calling clients from my home office, I’m Skyping or using Google hangouts and working on their projects from, in my case, a beach destination. A recent study by TD Bank showed that 93 percent of Canadians believe vacations are important, but only 43 percent use up all the days they’re entitled to. Going on a pure vacation (no working involved) is incredibly stressful for me, and I know I’m not alone. The idea of being completely out of touch, leaving my business in the hands of even the most trusted colleague or employee, is enough to instill panic and make my heart beat a little bit faster. Just getting ready for an unplugged vacation is stressful… then the first few days away are a bit tense… and coming back to deal with whatever has happened in my absence is certainly not easy. I’m sure a psychologist is reading this right now and adding my number to their list of prospects but it’s the truth, at least for me. EDMONTONIANS FALL 2014
As an entrepreneur, my vacation allotment is different than the usual two or three weeks a year for the average employee. I’m also not in a position to need to take kids or a significant other with me. I do think that a work-cation is possible for everyone if we change the way we approach working and vacations. For me, the work-cation is all about balance. Here are my rules for a successful, balanced work-cation where you and your employees, clients and family/friends you’re work-cationing with are respected.
is their lack of interaction. Before you go, while you’re away and when you come back, communicate! The best way for people at home to feel less like you’re away is to stay in touch. It’s not up to them to drive the communication. You’re the one away, it’s up to you.
Set Boundaries and stick to them
Timing
In my line of work, timing a work-cation is just as critical as timing a vacation. I don’t schedule considerable time away within the final three weeks leading up to an event or strategy presentation. That is crunch time and it’s better to have all hands on deck. My ideal time to work-cation is between deadlines. Sometimes a week between crunch times is all I need to get reset and clearly focused on the next set of deadlines.
Destination
Choose your destination carefully and make sure you have the tools you need. Backpacking through the Himalayas or going on a safari are not good work-cation choices. My rules around destination are simple: 1. Consistent, high speed Internet. If I have to pay extra for it, I do. 2. A working phone package… usually just a few phone minutes and unlimited text do the trick. I always have to pay extra. 3. Most often, I choose one location and set down roots. Long road trips or backcountry destinations are inconvenient work environments. 4. Until recently, I had a rule around destinations and time zones. My best work-cations
EDMONTONIANS FALL 2014
took place within three hours of MST. Last summer, I nervously took my first European work-cation. Attending the Rotary International Conference in Lisbon, Portugal showed me that an eight-hour time difference is possible but the daily work schedule changes.
Set Expectations
In my experience, people are more understanding and accepting when the expectations of a situation are set out at the start. They’re easier to work with even if small changes occur down the road. I set the expectation with my clients that while I will be away, I also will be available. I let my clients and my teams know where I’m going, when and for how long, assuring them I will be in touch with them regularly. I outline which days I won’t be in touch—days when I’m traveling, touring or sightseeing.
Communicate, communicate and communicate again
The biggest problem I’ve encountered with others who don’t know the rules of work-cations
This one is really important for the ‘vacation’ part of the work-cation. It is important to take some time away—literally. Setting clear boundaries with your traveling companions as well as clients and team back home is crucial to the success of any work-cation. Before booking the trip with friends or family, I let them know I will be on-line and working during specific times throughout the trip. My usual routine (depending on time zone, destination and surf tides), is to check e-mails and make calls in the early morning or midday, and to take Fridays and Mondays completely off wherever possible… and by ‘off’, I mean ignoring e-mails, leaving the phone at home or in the hotel safe, and being completely present and engaged with my trip mates. If work does creep in, they have the go-ahead to stomp their feet and tell me I’m breaking my own rules. I think those 43 percent of Canadians who are leaving vacation days unused are victims of outdated vacation policies that don’t reflect the way we work. I also think we, as workers and employers, need to re-evaluate how work, vacation and boundaries intersect. We live in a world where we are multi-tasking and maybe a little too in-touch to be out of touch for one twoweek, unplugged vacation a year. √
Erin Rayner is president of ED Marketing and Communications Inc. Contact erayner@edmontonians.com
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PRESENTED BY
W
elcome to the
2014 edition of Edmontonians Sizzling Twenty under 30. This marks the 13th year the magazine has showcased 20 dynamic, young women and men from the Capital Region—240 since 2002. The Sizzlers are self-starters… promising professionals… gifted artists… hardworking entrepreneurs… motivated community volunteers. They are the products of our colleges, universities and
EDWARD ARONYK Partner, Information Services Keeran Systems 200-10711 102 Street, Edmonton T5H 2T8 780-409-4222 info@keeransystems.com www.keeransystems.com facebook.com@keeransystems Twitter: @keeransystems NICHOLAS CARELS Assistant General Manager StreetSide Developments Qualico Developments 3203 93 Street, Edmonton T6N 0B2 780-619-9301 ncarels@qualico.com www.streetsideedmonton.com ALEXANDRA CARRUTHERS Digital Public Spaces Librarian Digital Literacy Initiatives & Web Services Stanley A. Milner Library 7 Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton T5J 2V4 780-495-9876 acarruthers@epl.ca www.epl.ca
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life’s experiences—driven by the need to succeed. They represent the best of the best who are as dedicated to causes as they are to careers. The finalists’ stories pay homage to all the nominees. The Sizzling 20 are nominated by business leaders, professional mentors, educators and interested individuals— including proud parents. It is gratifying to receive nominations from previous Sizzlers who recognize the qualities we look for in candidates. Selection is based on the nominees’ levels of achievement and
dedication to a chosen field of endeavour as well as their commitment to volunteerism. Our thanks to photographers Bruce Clarke,Tracy Kolenchuk and Quincey Deters, profile writer Paula E. Kirman, and designer Shane Hill. Their combined talents enabled us to present the faces and stories of these accomplished and impressive men and women. It is our hope—and intention—that Edmontonians’ Sizzling Twenty under 30 will encourage other young Albertans to reach beyond their grasp.√
MICHAEL CATHREA President/CEO Resonate Music School & Studio 13222-137 Avenue, Edmonton 780-457-0090 m.cathrea@resonatemusic.ca www.resonatemusic.ca facebook.com@ResonateMusicSchoolStudio Twitter: @resonate_studio Instagram: @resonatemusic Youtube: resonatemusicstudio
STERLING DERK VP, Retail Operations Derks Menswear & Derks Formals 8111-1-2nd Street, Edmonton T6E 4A4 780.431.4286 sterling@derks.ca www.derks.ca
BETH DART Partner/Artistic Director Catch the Keys Productions 780-965-8598 bdart@catchthekeys.ca www.catchthekeys.ca facebook.com@catchthekeys Twitter: @CatchtheKeys Instagram: @catchthekeys YouTube” CatchtheKeys
REBECCA GRANT Owner/Executive Chocolatier The Violet Chocolate Company Ltd. 17515 10 Avenue SW Edmonton 587-523-4399 (By Appointment) info@thevioletchocolatecompany.com www.thevioletchocolatecompany.com facebook.com/thevioletchocolatecompany Twitter @violetchocolate
ASHLEY DAVIDSON Pharmacist/Owner Shoppers Drug Mart - Mission Hill Plaza #392 St. Albert Tr., St. Albert, AB T8N-5J9 780-458-5880 www.shoppersdrugmart.ca
FABJOLA GERA Student, Faculty of Law Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops 780-996-5253
STACEY HOGBIN Partner/Trainer/Co-owner Wevive Fitness Inc. & FlowPower Fitness 8632 - 53 Avenue, Edmonton T6E 5G2 780-761-1869 slhogbin@gmail.com www.wevivefitness.com
EDMONTONIANS FALL 2014
KYLE ISEKE Owner, D’Arcy’s Meats #118, 205 Carnegie Drive, St. Albert T8N 5B2 780-418-1200 information@darcysmeats.ca www.darcysmeats.ca Owner, Iseke School of Karate www.isekekarate,com FAHAD KHAN CEO/Marketing Director Canada Prime Marketing 208, 10830-107 Avenue, Edmonton T5H 0X3 780-710-4990 fahadkhan@canadaprimemarketing.com www.canadaprimemarketing.com
11230 - 110 Street, Edmonton 780-222-9330 smay@edmontonoilers.com www.oilers.nhl.com Facebook: Edmonton Oilers Twitter: @EdmontonOilers Instagram: EDMONTONOILERS NATALIA PAKIN Associate/Manager/Senior Designer Riddell Kurczaba Achitecture Engineering Interior Design 112, 10355-105 Street, Edmonton T5J 1E8 708-966-2509 nataliap@riddell.ca www.riddell.ca
JESSICA GY LUC Student, Faculty of Medicine University of Alberta Co-founder, Be Your Own Kind of Beautiful http://byokobualberta.weebly.com 780-478-6154 jgluc@ualberta.ca
CHRIS SCHOENGUT Vice President, Trixstar Productions 12410B 142 Street, Edmonton 1-888-978-1566 chris@trixstar.com www.trixstar.com Facebook: /trixstarproductions Twitter: @TrixstarHQ YouTube: /trixstarproductions
SHAWN MAY Coordinator, Communications & Media Relations Edmonton Oilers
SEAN SONEGO Singer/Songwriter/Musician Owner, Sean Sonego Music 780-937-2791
EDMONTONIANS FALL 2014
seansonegomusic@gmail.com www.seansonegomusic.com facebook.com/seansonegomusic Twitter: SeanSonego YouTube: /ssonego ERINNE SEVIGNY Editor/Writing Coach/Publishing Consultant Blue Pencil Consult PO Box 4049, South Edmonton, T6E 4S8 780-908-3014 info@bluepencilconsult.com www.bluepencilconsult.com ANGELO TALAMAYAN Founder, RUZE 780-267-1215 angelo@ruzefashion.com www.ruzefashion.com facebook.com/RUZEfashion ROBYN THÉBERGE Development Manager, BioWare (A Division of EA) 200, 4445 Calgary Trail Edmonton, AB T6H 5R7 780-935-2181 rtheberge@bioware.com www.bioware.com Twitter: RobynTheberge
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Photo by Bruce Clarke
N
icholas Carels, 29, is deeply
entrenched in Edmonton’s real estate scene. He is the Assistant General Manager for StreetSide Developments, a Qualico company. “We develop and sell multi-family and single family homes in the Edmonton region. I am responsible for land acquisition, new product and site development, the recruitment, training and management of our office team, communication with our corporate office and the day to day operations of our division.” An honours graduate from both Assiniboine Community College in Manitoba and the University of Lethbridge, Nicholas earned a business diploma in 2004 and a Bachelor of Management in 2006. Last year, he became a licensed realtor through the Edmonton Real Estate Board’s program and an accredited Master Home Builder through the Professional Home Builders Institute of Alberta.
Habitat for Humanity: “I really support this cause. There is a great balance of participation from both the families the homes are being built for and volunteers. This cause has a long term benefit in getting these families on their feet, not just a bandaid or quick fix for their current situation.” Having lived in Edmonton for six years, Nicholas plans to stay put for the long haul. “In my earlier 20s, I moved around a fair bit. My biggest personal accomplishment has been maintaining a strong relationship with my family and friends, many of whom live a long way away, while also building a network full of great people here in Edmonton.” His enthusiasm for his work no doubt plays a role in his success. “I have really enjoyed working alongside our team at StreetSide Developments for six years in the construction of nearly 1000 homes… Developing real estate is a unique privilege and I couldn’t think of a company or an industry that I would rather be in. A home is a special place and I am very proud of the part I play in bringing new homes to life.” Nicholas offers some practical advice to other
NICHOLAS CARELS Real estate development manager
H
ow great is it to turn a part-time labour of love
into a thriving full-time business venture? Just ask 28-year old Beth Dart, the Artistic Producer of Catch the Keys Productions. She partnered with her sister Megan to create original independent theatre productions, offer support and marketing expertise to arts organizations, and plan arts-based events. “We have worked hard to do what we love, and this is just the beginning,” Beth says. And things are definitely getting bigger and better for Catch the Keys. Last year, the company produced the Mayor’s Celebration for the Arts “…which was an incredible opportunity to celebrate the inimitable professional arts community and our extremely supportive business community. A career highlight!” In 2007, Beth earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts with distinction in Technical Theatre, specializing in stage management, from the University of Alberta. She is a consummate mentor whose life revolves around every facet of the local arts scene—from theatre to music, film, dance and visual arts. Beth is the curator of the Nextfest NiteClubs, an annual series of late night multi-disciplinary performance parties featuring up-and-coming talents. “I have had the joy of watching hundreds of emerging artists experiment and develop a thriving multi-disciplinary community. My biggest accomplishment has been meeting and collaborating with these artists over the past eight years.”
BETH DART
Producer... planner... mentor On the volunteer front, it is no surprise that Beth has donated her time to numerous local theatre companies, including Theatre Network, Azimuth Theatre, Catalyst Theatre and Punctuate Theatre. She is on the board with the Common Ground Arts Society, and is a member of the Artist Relations Committee with Fringe Theatre Adventures.
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20-somethings trying to climb the corporate ladder. “Find where you belong, and commit. The grass is rarely greener on the other side. Think long and hard before leaving a position… the best companies provide opportunities to those who prove to be dedicated. Nothing is perfect and everything takes work. The most valuable experience is gained through difficult times.” √ ~ Paula E. Kirman
Beth admits, “I wouldn’t be where I am without taking giant risks and fully believing in my ability to problem solve creatively, adapt and collaborate with an ever growing roster of artists, technicians, designers and stage managers. My background and current involvement in live theatre directly impacts the calm and relaxed approach we take to event planning.” Beth intends to develop her business as an important cornerstone of Edmonton’s arts scene. “The future of Catch the Keys will continue to support an ever evolving professional arts community in the city. We strive to be flexible to the needs of our clients while staying true to ourselves as artists. Creativity is at the heart of Catch the Keys’ success.” √ ~ Paula E. Kirman
Photo by Bruce Clarke
New Homes
Nicholas fund-raises with the Inside Ride for Kids with Cancer and the Walk to Fight Arthritis. He provides his professional expertise to the Madison on Whyte Condo Board, and various Canadian Home Builders Association committees. He is particularly committed to
Holding the keys
to creativity EDMONTONIANS FALL 2014
R
obyn Théberge, 28, jokes that she is a
“professional enabler.” What she is, actually, is the Development Manager at BioWare Edmonton, renowned for its video games, popular worldwide. Their creation can take months—often years—and Robyn’s job involves managing the teams who make those games happen. “I track dependencies, schedule my teams, generate reports, firefight… basically I do anything and everything that the developers need to get their work completed on time, under budget and at quality. “I work for a company that attracts people from all over the world to come and live in Edmonton. It is such a vibrant community that I’m proud to call home and shamelessly promote. I was born and raised in Edmonton and, as a result, I have insider’s knowledge of all the events going on in the city and try to organize activities to get people out to take in what’s being offered.” Robyn feels the 20s are a time of self-discovery, and she would know. After earning a Journalism diploma from MacEwan University in 2006, she worked as a reporter and news producer for Global Edmonton for four years. Then, she transitioned to a production position in game development, quickly climbing the corporate ladder. “I didn’t know anything about making games when I started at BioWare and relied on my work ethic and soft skills to carry me through. BioWare has opened up a whole new world for me, and has even sent me half way around the world a couple times doing press for games we have released.”
a game tent at the Snowflake Gala every December. We also participate in the Stollery radio-thon annually. My role also involves organizing tours for children having wishes granted by the Make-a-Wish Foundation, captaining teams that participate in different events as well as planning and executing fundraisers. I love this role because I get to support a number of different charities every year.” Last summer, Robyn led co-workers in the Easter Seals Drop Zone, a 29-storey rappel. “In just two months, I planned and orchestrated four separate fundraising events with the help of my team. We raised $13,500 and we were all able to participate in the rappel.” Robyn’s long term career goals include running an entire game project, which entails a three-year development process for a 300-plus person creative team. Personal goals are less intense: spending more time in nature with her Springer Spaniel Bruno and travelling. “I try to make the best of each moment and see what new ideas and opportunities present themselves.” √ ~ Paula E. Kirman
ROBYN THÉBERGE Production manager... promoter
As a member of the BioWare Outreach board, Robyn can focus attention on the volunteer front. “We identify charities and events that are relevant to our company’s culture and support them with volunteers and/or donations. We are heavily involved with the Stollery Children’s Hospital, organizing
W
hen it comes to news from the Edmonton
Oilers, Shawn May is likely the one who helped get it out there. As the Coordinator of Communications and Media Relations, the 23-year old is responsible for all written news and information pertaining to the hockey operations side of the organization. “This information includes writing press releases (i.e. trades, signings and other important information), producing Edmonton Oilers notes as a part of the NHL game notes for each game of the season, and writing game previews for members of the media. I also handle day-to-day media operations for the team, including facilitating player and coach interviews with the media and access to the team.” Shawn received his public relations diploma from MacEwan University in 2011, and currently is completing a communications
Photo by Bruce Clarke
Gaming&Giving degree through the University of Victoria. Being named one of this year’s Sizzlers definitely ranks high among his achievements thus far. “One of my other major accomplishments has been working in the professional sports industry and specifically working in professional hockey this early in my communications career.” He first gained experience working with the Edmonton Eskimos Football Club for two CFL seasons. Shawn uses his professional expertise for charitable work as well. “I currently volunteer for a non-for-profit charity called ACT/UCT Edmonton South, which raises money through various fundraising initiatives for disabled adults and youth to attend year-round camps at Camp He-Ho-Ha. The charity also donates money to seniors’ hospitals and special needs educational programs throughout the Capital Region. In addition, I also created and help monitor all of the social media accounts for this charity.” Having found his niche in the professional sports arena, Shawn has set some lofty goals for the future. “One of my most important long term goals is to advance into a managerial position in the communications and media relations field, specifically in professional sports with the Edmonton Oilers Hockey Club. I also have a strong vision to continue to build and become more proficient in my current skill set, as well as develop new skills that will enhance my ability to grow as a young professional in the communications field.”
SHAWN MAY
Oil Country
Communicator Photo by Bruce Clarke
EDMONTONIANS FALL 2014
Pro sports specialist... role model Shawn can attribute his success to his personal ‘code of conduct’: “Always conduct yourself with dignity and be friendly and respectful of everyone you meet because in the business world, networking is crucial and you never know if that stranger you have just met might end up being an influential connection—even your next boss!” √ ~ Paula E. Kirman
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W
hen Natalia Pakin graduated with an
honours diploma in Interior Design Technology from NAIT in 2008, she was snatched up by Riddell Kurczaba Architecture Engineering Interior Design Ltd., a full service firm focusing on commercial projects. It had just opened, and Natalia was one of its first hires. “I was a fresh graduate… I had offers with other firms, some with more pay. But I chose the path ‘less traveled’ (with the most resistance). It was a start-up office… I felt that I would rather be part of establishing an office, than just coming into an already set-up and comfortable office. Looking back, it was the scariest yet most rewarding experience—the business was taking it day-by-day. “I played a key role with establishing the Edmonton office, taking it from a two-person company to a 15-person company, and still growing.” Natalia is now a senior designer, manager and associate and Riddell Kurczaba has expanded to Calgary. “The role exposed me to thinking as an entrepreneur, doing things that are operation related all the way to building a network to get new work, and setting up the office administratively. I am a key member of the Edmonton office where I manage the office’s operations, project manage most of our medium to large projects (architectural and interior), champion our Quality Assurance process, and am involved with projects from the schematic phase and carry them through all the way to design development, construction documentation and construction administration.”
Devoted to
Photo by Tracy Kolenchuk
Photo by Bruce Clarke
Natalia, who received her LEED certification in 2010, focuses her volunteer efforts on industry organizations. She is on the program committee of the Interior Designers of Alberta Association, serves on the board of the Commercial Real Estate Women association as chair of communications, and is a member of the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties which supports commercial development through education, advocacy and networking. Maintaining a relationship with NAIT, the 28-year old is active on the Connections Committee which fundraises for IDT students, and on the IDT Degree Mapping Committee, evaluating the current program and developing a proposal to establish it as a degree program Not only does Natalia work hard toward her own success, she also encourages those around her. “I feel a sense of accomplishment when I’m surrounded by successful individuals (coworkers, colleges, clients) and how I partially supported them with their success. “It’s not about my lifestyle, it’s about everyone else’s lifestyle. It feels good that it’s not about my success, it’s about being able to aid in the success of the people around me and, by doing that, the success becomes that much greater.” √ ~ Paula E. Kirman
NATALIA PAKIN
Interior designer... industry advocate
design
Music M ost of all, Michael Cathrea
wants to encourage people to pursue their musical interests. “No one listens to their favourite song and thinks, ‘I’m glad I can’t do that’. Make music a part of your life. I may know a place where you can do just that.”
1000 students—thanks to his unique approach to providing music lessons. Voted Edmonton’s Top Choice music school, Resonate is expanding—with Michael at the forefront of the incredible growth. “We opened with nine sound treated lesson rooms plus the recording studio which has a control room, live room and
MICHAEL CATHREA Musician... innovator
Indeed, he does. The 25-year old is the President and CEO of Resonate Music School and Studio. In only a year and a half of operations, it has registered more than
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isolation booth. We renovated six months later to add two more lesson rooms… The expansion… will bring the total to 18, allowing us to serve 2000 students on a weekly basis. We plan to open phase two mid-to late-October. “Contrary to popular belief, having to turn away business because you’re too busy is not a good problem to have. It’s a problem. Plan for growth EDMONTONIANS FALL 2014
T
here’s no denying DNA—nor would
Sterling Derk want to. He embraces his role as the vice president of retail operations for Derks Menswear and Derks Formals. In fact, he was born into the business: The 29-year old is the third generation to be involved with Derks which was started by his grandfather in 1939, then taken over by his father in the 1970s. The company now operates both retail outlets in Edmonton and Calgary. Sterling is responsible for purchasing for all departments in the Derks Group. “By applying the knowledge that I have learned and continue to grow, I have endowed a drive and commitment to provide quality clothing and current trends to men. Because our local market is often saturated with similar products, I search the global marketplaces to find unique, quality clothing at a good pricepoint. In doing so, I have refined men’s tastes and appreciation for quality and longevity of clothing, allowing Derks Menswear to provide the best products, service and advice that our customers need. “The central driving forces of
our diversified family businesses structure is so heavily intertwined within our local community… from supplying uniforms to our local EPS, Fire and EMS to dressing the business and community leaders… with an array of our fine global fashions.” But, it’s not in Sterling’s nature to rest on his family’s laurels. In addition to having created a private label for Derks, he has developed a new branding program, launched an on-line magazine called Elements for Men, and led the design of a new website. “Conceptualized by myself and a group of colleagues, the magazine looks to bring artists and businesses of our locale to the forefront of the community, while focusing to enlighten, guide and inform our readers. Creating this project, and tying it in with the launch of our new on-line store, was the perfect opportunity to do just that…” Sterling also is carrying on his family’s 75-year tradition of commitment to community. This year he accepted a position on the Sorrentino’s Compassion House board of directors. “Over the last five years, Derks and myself have heavily contributed and supported the group through the Fashion with Compassion fundraiser. Through that opportunity, I have branched my skillset even further now, and have been brought onto the board to help raise crucial funds to grow this charity and bring it to new heights.” In the future, Sterling will remain active through his work and volunteerism. He lists his long term goal as, “working in-depth within local community groups, charities and social events to bring an impact no matter what the cause is.” √ ~ Paula E. Kirman
STERLING DERK
Fashionablyforward-thinking Retail clothier... community volunteer
Photo by Bruce Clarke
Resonating throughout the
CITY
and be prepared upon its arrival,” advises Michael. “When it’s your job to lead the growth of a business, especially in its earliest stages, forget about yourself and remember that it’s the company and those both within it and which it serves that take priority.” Michael plays bass, piano/keyboards and drums, and has skills as a producer, engineer and composer. He started a t-shirt company in high school, and developed his strong work ethic at a number of different ventures. Opening the music school with a couple of equally enthusiastic partners was an extension of a home studio he built. “One of the most important things…was timing. We needed to be able to open by that fall or we would have to wait a year (most registrations occur in late summer). This gave us very little time to make a business plan, find a location, hire staff, etc. However, waiting another year was not an option. We hit the ground running and the company was formed later that month.” Students range in age from two to into their 70s, taking lessons in voice, piano, guitar, bass, ukulele, drums, cello, violin, viola, flute, songwriting, music theory, harmonica, banjo, mandolin, recording/ audio engineering, production, or early childhood development. Resonate’s membership plan, offering a consistent schedule with yearround flexibility and unlimited make-up lessons, appeals to students. EDMONTONIANS FALL 2014
Other firsts include complimentary time in a recording studio with a certified engineer and producer, and dedicated member bonuses, a rewards points system. It is also the first and only school in the region to provide a satisfaction guarantee, allowing students to try Resonate risk-free. Over the coming months, five new hires will join the 27-member staff and dozens of musical instructors. “Our instructors have postsecondary certification in their respective instruments and many of them are active in the music scene (performances, tours, music on iTunes, etc.).” Michael recently organized the Play for Pets event which raised approximately $9500 for the Edmonton Humane Society. He has also contributed several prize packages to silent auction fundraisers and local music competitions (such as school talent shows), and regularly offers free field trips to elementary schools in order to promote music in the youth community. “The relationships we’ve developed both with our customers and with the community have been immensely rewarding on an emotional level… we are constantly striving to improve our impact in the most positive ways possible.” √ ~ Paula E. Kirman
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H
e’s a dedicated and dynamic pianist, guitarist,
Remarkably, since he was a child, Sean has selflessly used his talents to give back to the community. “Whether it be spending my singer and songwriter. Renowned musical personality and time helping to serve meals at Hope Mission, or donating 20 percent former senator Tommy Banks referred to him as “a quadruple of my CD sales to the YMCA Welcome Village, or singing at nonthreat”…with “the talent to fashion a successful career.” profit fundraisers, I constantly find ways of getting myself involved in Clearly, Sean Sonego is one of the busiest up-and-coming musicians initiatives I believe in and I believe will better our community.” To be in Edmonton. So busy, in fact, that we had a harder time pinning him sure, this list of causes he hasn’t contributed to would be far shorter down for his Sizzler interview than anyone else! He no sooner returned than those he has supported. from a tour than he left the next day for a humanitarian mission to the His trip to the Dominican Republic was his Dominican Republic. third—but not last—with a local group called The 21-year old is in his final year at MacEwan University in the Building Dreams, constructing homes for Bachelor of Music program, majoring in composition. Twice nominated families living in difficult conditions… “in for Northland’s Emerging Artist Award, he is the recipient of the $10,000 an area called Nuevo Renacer—Spanish for Rawlco Radio Grant, and the 2013 AFP Arts and Culture National new re-birth. It was originally called Aguas Philanthropy Day Award. Negras—black water—for the reason that it Sean is the youngest musician to work at the Red Piano, Edmonton’s is extremely close to the water and floods very Dueling Piano Bar, on a regular basis—usually two nights a week—for often.” over two years. “It has required me to learn as many songs as possible since the dueling piano shows are five hours long and are all request-based so you never know what you’re going to get. I have had the opportunity to play alongside some incredibly talented and experienced musicians there and have Musician... philanthropist... student learned a great deal…” In addition, Sean has shared the stage with numerous internationally recognized Sean will always use his music musicians, often backed by David to improve the lives of others, make Foster’s orchestra at the Winspear Photo by Tracy Kolenchuk meaningful connections, and to Centre, and he opened the second “leave this world with a footprint annual Edmonton Rock Music I’ll be proud to leave. Festival, performing alongside Trooper, “Life is absolutely about April Wine and Blue Oyster Cult. His people, not stuff. We live for our recent Western Canada Snapshot Tour connections with others. This is took Sean from YMCA Summer what improves the quality of our Camp performances to pubs to beach life so greatly.” √ shows in BC to a music festival in ~ Paula E. Kirman Mistahiya, Alberta.
SEAN SONEGO
Musician on a mission
pros meet with clients, they bring energy, enthusiasm and creativity to the table as they develop what they call the “WOW! Factor.” The 29-year old is CEO and Marketing Director of Canada Prime Marketing which specializes in event management and fully integrated promotional campaigns. It serves local, national and international clients, their products and services, including such organizations as TELUS, Vida of New Orleans, Soda Stream, Zomaron, Elavon, Judicious Professional Solutions, and Universal Consumer Services. “Every partnership that has been created has resulted in lifelong learning experiences for my team and me. Canada Prime Marketing is not only marketing and branding organization. We also have ongoing mentorship and leadership development program for all individuals associated with our organization. We believe in growing from within,” says Fahad. After earning a Business Administration diploma from NAIT, he worked for marketing firms to gain practical experience. Within a few years, he followed his destiny and formed Canada Prime Marketing in 2009.
Leadership and mentorship also play a role in Fahad’s personal life. He volunteers his time motivating youth and seniors, organizing charity golf tournaments at the Five Rivers Golf Association, leading workshops and seminars at Judicious Professional Solutions, and giving his time to faith and political causes. Fahad’s values and integrity are central to the way he conducts both his business and his life. “I like to share the values any organization should be built upon. Not only integrity and honesty, but also persistence and smart work always pays off in the end. “Entrepreneurship is not a sprint, it is a marathon. Building real relationships and sustaining them is a key factor for success.” √ ~ Paula E. Kirman
Photo by Quincey Deters
W
hen Fahad Khan and his team of marketing
FAHAD KHAN Marketing specialist... mentor
“I started the entrepreneurship journey at a young age. I created opportunities not only for me, but I also had the privilege to share similar opportunities with other young students from the U of A, Grant MacEwan, and NAIT. Most of these students had a chance to develop their interpersonal skills, leadership skills, as well as gain real world experiences in the marketing industry.”
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Sharing his expertise…
with clients & causes
EDMONTONIANS FALL 2014
I
t takes courage for a 17-year old to leave family and
2012, when he was satisfied with the quality of the products, RUZE had its official launch, and unveiled its transformed accessories—courier bags, laptop sleeves and backpacks. Off-cuts are used for change purses, wallets, and cell phone and pencil cases. Angelo explains, “The company name is based on the words reuse and ruse. Each product is unique; there are no two of the same designs.” They are available on-line and at select retail outlets, including Lucid Lifestyles in Old Strathcona. Via Skype, in the wee hours of the morning, Angelo supervises the entire operation. Often times, he’s just returned from a gig as DJ at a special event, wedding or club. He regularly volunteers at Ronald Macdonald House, and DJs free for charity fundraisers like Kenya Run for Water, the Stollery Childrens’ Hospital “Busy Being Fabulous” event, and Edmonton Community League block parties. All this, and Angelo has a day job as a recruiting manager at Robert Half, the world’s largest specialized staffing firm with more Environmentally-conscious entrepreneur than 400 locations worldwide that focuses primarily on the placement of highly skilled business professionals. “I am Events of the Business Students’ Association and responsible for developing relationships with different VP Public Relations with the Rocky Mountain companies, finding out what their staffing needs are Business Seminar. Angelo also was instrumental and recruiting the best talent in the marketplace.” in establishing Streetlight Canada, supporting a Of his many accomplishments, Angelo admits, charity in the Philippines that provides orphans “I am very proud for starting RUZE. It started and street children with breakfast, school as a project and now it is a company. Being uniforms and supplies in a safe educational an entrepreneur is very hard. There a lot of facility. His efforts earned him the School challenges and sleepless nights. It was very hard of Business Citizenship Cup Award for to source materials, coordinate manufacturing leadership. overseas and convince companies to join us. During his time in Europe, Angelo was I am not there yet, but I am happy with our inspired by the use of discarded vinyl progress. billboards as truck tarps. Following his “We are a very small company. But, I feel entrepreneurial instincts, he pursued creative like we are making an impact. This project helps ways to divert vinyl billboards, banners and lessen the waste in our environment. I am proud posters from landfills. Angelo returned to the of that.” √ Philippines, sourced a manufacturer, and hired Photo by Bruce Clarke ~ Paula E. Kirman two key people to oversee production. In February move half way around the world. It takes commitment to make a difference in young lives back home. Angelo Talamayan has done both—and much more. Now 29, he describes himself as a modern day Renaissance man. How did he end up wearing so many hats? In 2009, Angelo graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in accounting, and was an MBA exchange student at the Vienna University of Economics and Business Administration in Austria. He was involved with numerous student organizations, including as VP
Vinyl
ANGELO TALAMAYAN
diversion
R
ebecca Grant is finding sweet success with
The Violet Chocolate Company Ltd. which she founded in 2012. Her boutique chocolaterie specializes in creating delectable confections—unique in flavour, free of gluten and preservatives, made fresh in small batches. Rebecca is a chocolate making powerhouse, hand-tempering 850 chocolate bars or over 500 truffles by herself each day on the granite slab in her studio. “I am responsible for all dayto-day operations, product development, and production of the chocolate.” She earned her diplomas at NAIT: Culinary Arts in 2008, then two in Business Administration… Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management in 2013, and Marketing this year. She received her Red Seal Chef certification in 2010. She won a gold medal at the 2013 Canadian National Chocolate Awards, described by Rebecca as being “like the Oscar for a chocolatier.” Her winning entry
London, England. Her bars were featured among the Top 100 Things to Eat in Edmonton for 2013. “I meet with clients to create unique and custom products for special events. I also teach chocolate making and tasting courses that introduce individuals to the techniques used to produce chocolate confections, and the distinct flavour profiles that can be detected in different chocolates.” The 27-year old shared her knowledge with students at Michael Strembitsky School, as they worked on a multi-subject project related to chocolate. “At the end of the project, I recreated the winning group’s bar with a portion of the proceeds going to charity. The students were tasked with creating their own company, product and packaging… and it was amazing to see their creativity and to help them come up with ideas.” In addition, Rebecca donated chocolate hockey player lollipops for two fund-raising events during the Military Family Resource Centre Hockey for Heroes Challenge—Oilers Alumni versus an Armed Forces team. “The MFRC helps families with all of the challenges that can come from being in a military family and are an important part of the military community. This is a cause close to my heart as I grew up in a military family.” The Violet Chocolate Company sponsored a kettle for the Salvation Army’s 2013 Christmas Campaign, was a corporate sponsor for Edmonton Public Libraries’ Books2Eat Gala, and provided door prizes for several other fundraising events in the city.
Sweet techniques Photo by Bruce Clarke
in the Best Flavoured Milk Chocolate category was a Honey Rosemary chocolate bar. She then went on to compete in the International Chocolate Awards in
EDMONTONIANS FALL 2014
REBECCA GRANT Gold medal custom chocolatier
Rebecca offers this advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: “If you have a passion for something, believe in yourself. Things won’t always be easy and it is a lot of hard work starting your own company but, if you can surround yourself with positive people and find a mentor, it will be worth it.” √ ~ Paula E. Kirman
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Photo by Bruce Clarke
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wenty-nine year old Edward
Aronyk is a partner at Keeran Systems and Keeran Hosting. The companies help small to medium sized businesses increase revenue, decrease costs, and reduce risk through strategic technology solutions. Specialized systems have been developed for the legal industry. “We implement and support computer networks as well as provide cloud backup, virtualization, VoIP telephony, and hosted solutions through our private cloud that is 100 percent Canadian.
office in Scotia Place. It’s incredible to see how it has grown over the years into an enterprise-level, fully redundant cloud, distributed across the country with thousands of users accessing it each day.” With coast-to-coast data centres utilizing highly secure systems Edward designed and built himself, he is highly regarded within the larger IT community. Through Keeran Systems, Edward has been able to give back to the community by supporting a number of not-forprofits such as Rotary International, JCI Edmonton, Synergy, Junior Achievement, and Entrepreneurs Organization. “Although I do not currently sit on any boards, I cover the fort so my partner, Rishi Patel—a 2006 Sizzler—can be more
EDWARD ARONYK IT developer... licensed pilot
Soaring
IN THE CLOUDS
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“My role is to architect the solutions and manage the service department. I also oversee the operations in our Edmonton and Toronto based cloud hosting environment.” Keeran Systems has been on the cutting edge of cloud technology. “In 2006, we built our first data centre, before the term ‘cloud’ even existed. We didn’t really know how things would go. It was small and located in the back of our
n 2010, Ashley Davidson graduated from the
University of Alberta with her Bachelor of Science-Pharmacy degree. Just three years later, she became the Associate Pharmacist/Owner of Shoppers Drug Mart in Mission Hill plaza in St. Albert. The 29year old is both a pharmacist and store manager. She is quick to credit her co-workers. “I have an excellent management team that help me immensely with front store, cosmetic, and post office departments.” Being a Sizzler has become something of a Davidson family tradition. Her brother, musician/producer Dan, and his wife Jen, a business manager, were designated in 2012 and 2013 respectively. “I am so flattered to have been selected as part of this group,” Ashley says. “There are so many more things I want to do in my profession and in my community. I seem to have a hard time looking back at what I have accomplished so far.”
involved in giving back to the community.” Edward has another passion apart from his entrepreneurship: flying. He earned his commercial pilot license in 2010. “Earning my commercial pilot license was a proud moment in my life,” he says. “I’ve had a passion for aviation for as long as I can remember… and, at one point, I considered making it my career.” Looking toward the future, Edward’s focus is on growing Keeran Systems. “We have a couple more markets that we would like to expand into. We were fortunate to be well positioned when IT experienced a big shift towards the cloud. I want to make sure we position ourselves correctly for the next big shift, so that we can continue to keep ahead of the market.” √ ~ Paula E. Kirman
year when she received the Future of Pharmacy Award from the Alberta Pharmacists Association and the College of Pharmacists. Ashley and her husband Ryan Polny, a junior high school teacher, welcomed baby girl Norah in January. “I am so grateful to be a part of the greater Edmonton community,” she says. “I have had so many great experiences growing up here, attending the University of Alberta, and working in a variety of pharmacies. This has been a great place to live and I am excited to raise my daughter in such a positive community.” √ ~ Paula E. Kirman
ASHLEY DAVIDSON Dedicated professional... volunteer
Ashley feels the most accomplished in terms of helping others achieve their pharmacy practice goals. “Since graduating, I have acted as a preceptor to a number of pharmacy students. Additionally, I have helped other pharmacists attain their injection licenses, as well as work towards their additional prescribing authority. Finally, taking over my own pharmacy last September was definitely a high point in my career.” Being a member of the Edmonton Shoppers Drug Mart Community Investment Committee means that Ashley helps decide how the company can best donate funds to local causes. “Our store regularly supports the Lois Hole Hospital for Women. We are excited to start our annual Tree of Life Campaign this September!” In addition to corporate support, Ashley is committed to a number of fundraisers for the Lois Hole Hospital, and participates in the MS Bike Tour. Her professional and personal endeavours were recognized earlier this
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Photo by Tracy Kolenchuk
Prescription
for Success EDMONTONIANS FALL 2014
Sevigny has been a strong, long-time presence in Alberta’s literary scene. In 2013, she decided to share her expertise by starting Blue Pencil Consult. She helps guide emerging and established writers through the process of developing their work… from evaluating manuscripts to publishing and posting to promoting. Erinne earned a Bachelor of Applied Communications in Professional Writing from MacEwan University in 2007, and post-graduate certificate in Creative Book Publishing from Humber College in Toronto last year. She views being named a Sizzler as a stepping stone toward more achievements in the future. “I’ve seen the lists from previous years and can see where a lot of those people are today. It confirms to me that I’m doing something right!”
Erinne has been a youth mentor with a number of writing programs and camps. For the past decade, she has volunteered her time and talent to various organizations—the Writers Guild of Alberta, Other Voices Publishing Society, Get Publishing Communications Society, and Editors’ Association of Canada–Prairie Provinces Branch. And now, Erinne is providing pro-bono services to select clients, some of whom she says are her most successful. “Of course not everyone can be a pro-bono client, otherwise I wouldn’t be able to pay my bills! If I find a person without the ability to pay, but a project that has the potential to be of great influence, then I’ll take on the client.” Erinne encourages other young people to find their own definitions of success. “There are (way) more paths to a single
Photo by Bruce Clarke
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s a writer and editor, Erinne
ERINNE SEVIGNY Wordsmith... mentor
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FREEDOM... TERMS
destination than they perhaps recognize. I’ve never been one to really climb the proverbial ladder, and yet I’m still finding success—probably even more than I would have if I had just stayed on the beaten track. “That said, we all define success on our own terms. For some, it’s being the biggest/best at a particular thing. For others, like myself, it simply means achieving the balance you want in your life, regardless of what other people are doing.” √ ~ Paula E. Kirman
hris Schoengut has helped bring some of
the world’s top talent to Edmonton. The 27-year old was promoted to VP of Trixstar Productions in February. “I was a part in starting it from scratch with my boss Mike Anderson, and the growth that we have achieved in the last handful of years is awesome. The people that I have worked with over the years, and the experiences that I have had, cannot be matched.” Live event management means Chris has done nation-wide tours with William Shatner, Kenny vs. Spenny, Chip Coffey, and Dog the Bounty Hunter, and worked with numerous other celebrities. He’s been involved with the 2010 Grey Cup, the 2008 Juno Awards, the 2014 Canadian Country Music Awards and Tour of Alberta, as well as Big Valley Jamboree, Ookfest and Sustainival. In addition, his skills have been utilized by national chains, such as The Pint. In 2007, Chris joined Trixstar, earned a Digital & Interactive Media Design diploma from NAIT with a 4.0 GPA average, and received the Jimmy Condon Scholarship. As Creative Director and Event Specialist at Trixstar, he considers its growth his number one professional accomplishment to date. “Being a small company still, our duties are quite broad. We all fill roles in all aspects of
on her own
outside of the company, especially to travel. In addition, through a friend of his who teaches at the Edmonton Connect Society, Chris has been volunteering weekly as teacher’s aide since 2009 with hearing-impaired and developmentally-challenged children. “It’s really a very humbling experience and it gets me away from sitting in front of my computer, filling out paperwork, talking on the phone, and gets me finger painting, reading books, making messes, and going on field trips. It’s my little escape from being a grown up, and I love it.” Strong work and personal ethics are what Chris believes will help any young person achieve success. “Put in the work early, volunteer when you can, and always appreciate what comes to you. Good things will come to good people.” √ ~ Paula E. Kirman
Photo by Bruce Clarke
The 28-year old cites launching her own business, her volunteer work, and teaching piano in her time away from writing as her three biggest accomplishments so far. “It’s finally all culminated into me being able to live my life with no one’s restrictions but my own. I’m not bound to a 9 to 5 workday or trying to squeeze trips into my three weeks’ vacation. That’s been my ultimate goal— freedom to do what I want, when I want, how I want. I’ve been told that that’s not how the world works. But I got it.”
CHRIS SCHOENGUT Celebrity event producer... volunteer
the company from event brainstorming and design to doing the paperwork and execution, to company structures and policies. It’s been fun being a part of it from the get-go and expanding to where we are now. I enjoy having my hand in all the different pieces.” Expanding Trixstar to Calgary and Vancouver are high on the priority list right now, but Chris also wants to develop his life EDMONTONIANS FALL 2014
A talent for event management 21
S
tacey Hogbin is a fitness trainer who has let nothing stand in the way of her dream to
make a name for herself in the industry—and to help others along the way. In fact, when she joined 2007 Sizzler Jesse Lipscombe at P.H.A.T. Training eight years ago, she made her ambitions to develop her own brand and run her own studio very clear. Having been certified as a CanFitPro Personal Training Specialist in 2006, she then graduated from NAIT’s Personal Fitness Trainer program in 2007, and became a partner in P.H.A.T. in 2008. Over the last couple of years, Stacey has led the re-branding of the studio which now operates as Wevive Fitness. She is also a co-owner of FlowPower Fitness which offers a body sculpting workout that fuses such movements as yoga and Tai Chi, and is producing its first DVDs.
Stacey helped create Burpeesy4Boobies and Push Ups4Prostates, raising $20,000 to support research into breast and prostate cancers. As well, she recently held events for WIN House and Crystal Kids. Stacey’s reaction to being named a Sizzler is reflective of her passion. “I truly love everything that I do, and it is an amazing feeling to be recognized for your work” Most of all, Stacey extols the need for hard work to reach one’s goals. “Most people in my world would say that my life is consumed with work, and I would agree. But, when you have goals and dreams for your career and a drive to make a change, there is only one way to get there!” Still, Stacey emphasizes a need
STACEY HOGBIN
Professional trainer... savvy business owner Stacey certifies trainers for Canadian Fitness Professionals, and is a master trainer for both Bender Ball Canada and Lebert Fitness, one of the largest fitness brand in North America. Among Stacey’s most rewarding experiences is her role as an on-site trainer at Sorrentino’s Compassion House for women undergoing breast cancer treatments. “I have always known that fitness can change people’s lives, but it is truly remarkable to have women going through breast cancer treatments tell you their time with you has changed them and helped them through one of the most traumatic times of their lives.”
for a balance in life. “You must find time for yourself outside of work for some downtime to recharge and, of course, to have some fun. All your hard work isn’t worth it if you can’t have fun sometimes. Work hard and play hard, it is all about balance!” √ ~ Paula E. Kirman
Focused on
fitness Photo by Burce Clarke
A powerful force Photo by Burce Clarke
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n 2012, Jessica GY Luc—the
top Grade 12 student graduating from Edmonton Public Schools—entered the Doctor of Medicine Program at the University of Alberta. Since then, she has received more than a dozen scholarships worth tens of thousands of dollars, as well as awards too numerous to mention—to further illustrate, her Sizzler nomination was a whopping seven pages long!
Program, Jessica’s project in the department of Cardiac Surgery led to her receiving first authorships on abstracts she presented at the Canadian Society of Transplantation, the International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation, and the World Transplant Congress. She is currently writing her first authored research paper for submission to the Journal of Immunology. “It is my dream to contribute to the scientific community and, by doing so, I may be part of a series of stepping stones towards a major discovery
JESSICA GY LUC
Medical student... researcher... advocate By any measure of assessment, Jessica is a remarkable 20-year old young woman. She is not only interested in healing physical ills, she is determined to heal social ones as well. After being awarded a prestigious stipend through the Heritage Youth Research Summer
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that can change the lives of many individuals in the global community.” In addition to being a medical student, Jessica is a pharmacy technician-in-training, assisting health care professionals in compounding, packaging and labelling pharmaceutical products. As well, she is the EDMONTONIANS FALL 2014
W
hen Fabjola Gera was in
high school, she earned an impressive number of scholarships and awards. When she attended MacEwan University, the tradition of being recognized for her achievements and contributions accelerated. Gen Y Inc. named Fabjola one of the “Twelve Incredible Impressive Young Leaders at MacEwan University” for good reason. Among her numerous accolades are the Lexus
of Business Council. She was also on the governance council seeking to review and advise student council on the benefits and remuneration policies. Perhaps most notably, Fabjola has been part of the MacEwan Ambassador Program since March 2011. “I joined in my first year and started volunteering immediately. The student success program mandates 40 hours of volunteer work per academic year per ambassador… I have had the incredible opportunity to interact with hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals in the community.”
FABJOLA GERA
Law student... consumate volunteer Women of Vision, Student Access, Diversified Staffing and MacEwan Board of Govenors bursaries… the International Study Abroad Award… the Laurence Decore Award for Student Leadership… and the Zita and John Rosen Memorial Leadership Award. Fabjola is a three-time recipient of the Jason Land Scholarship, and a twotime recipient of the RBC and MacEwan Officers of Leadership Awards. During her undergraduate degree studies, Fabjola served as VP Events Photo by Quincey Deters and the President of The Commerce Club that seeks to create networking opportunities for its members with professionals, peers and faculty. She was one of two voting student members representing their perspective on issues to the School
Honours awards & accolades
CEO and founder of Luc Web Design, managing four designers who create affordable websites. She teaches piano at Dauk Music School, and approximately 80 percent of her students have received First Class Honours—many with Distinction, like herself—in Royal Conservatory of Music Practical and Theoretical examinations. As if she is not busy enough with her work and academics, Jessica devotes much of her time to charitable and social causes. She cofounded the Be Your Own Kind of Beautiful Student Association to raise awareness of the challenges some people face… and to create a new definition of beauty: Be You (tiful). “As co-president this year, I initiated and hosted the First Annual Mental Health Research Symposium at the University of Alberta that is focusing on eating disorders, bullying and other related mental illnesses.” Papers and speeches presented at the symposium are being compiled into a book, titled Eating Disorder: A New Perspective, and a documentary is being filmed for distribution free to local schools as preventative tools. Like her scholarships, her involvements with not-for-profit organizations are too numerous to list here but include mentoring children through Big Brothers Big Sisters Boys and Girls Club of Canada; and founding a Youth Action Crew which, among other activities, hosted a Battle against Youth Homelessness benefit concert for YESS. As executive vice-president of the Heart and Stroke Foundation Student Association, she helped organize the first High EDMONTONIANS FALL 2014
As an extension of Ambassador program partnerships, Fabjola has tutored at the Boys and Girls Club, prepared and served food for Hope Mission, wielded a hammer with Habitat for Humanity, and participated in Toys for Tots. At MacEwan, she helped orient ESL students, those with learning disabilities and new faculty, and assisted with the Mad Hatter’s Gala, an annual fundraiser for scholarships. This spring, Fabjola graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in International Business. The 21-year old is enrolled in the Faculty of Law at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, BC. There, she plans to be involved in the Society of Law Students and volunteer for Student Legal Services. “My desire to influence sustainable business practices is why I aspire to work with non-profit organizations in my spare-time, anything from volunteering to consulting to sitting on a board is what I am looking forward to. “I consider my biggest accomplishment, thus far, getting into law school… my dream since I was in elementary school.” She set her sights on a career in International Contract Law, ideally negotiating contracts coming into Canada, “…after visiting a law office in Shanghai (King & Wood Mallesons) during my study tour to China in the spring of 2012.” Fabjola speaks English, French and Albanian, her first language. When she was five, her family immigrated to Canada for an opportunity of a better life—an opportunity she has grasped to the fullest. Built on the cornerstone of excellence in academia, volunteerism and sports, Fabjola has bettered countless lives beyond her own. √ ~ Paula E. Kirman
School Wellness Initiative Conference, a one-day conference to raise awareness about cardiovascular illnesses and fostering a heart-healthy lifestyle at a young age. “My actions in the community are aimed to target my goal: to improve the access and quality of health care which all-encompasses the improvement of the well-being of individuals. My volunteer and leadership activities are geared towards the improvement in education and community development, and my research in three labs in three different fields are geared towards improvement in scientific development.” Somehow, Jessica makes time to play soccer in the Indoor Women’s Competitive Community League, and to be a member of the Varsity Rowing Team. She does hip hop and cultural dance. There is absolutely no doubt that Jessica is determined to make a difference in lives and attitudes. “I feel that my biggest accomplishment can be summarized in three words: breaking new ground. “I dream of a society with no stigma against mental illness. I dream of a society that endorses a healthy body image so that no one feels the need to conform to society’s expectation of the size 0 beauty standard. I dream of a society without child poverty… of support for youth and a heart-healthy/body-healthy world.” √ ~ Paula E. Kirman
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eople from all over the Capital Region make
their way to D’Arcy’s Meat Market Ltd. in St. Albert—voted one of the best butcher shops in consumer polls for the past couple of years, and chosen as the T-Fal Butcher of the Year in a Canada-wide contest. Owner Kyle Iseke and his staff handcraft more than 50 types of sausage, bacon, jerky, hams and hamburger patties, and offer premium cuts of meats, primarily sourced from Alberta’s finest producers. The variety is impressive, including some healthy alternatives like free range, grass-fed or dry-aged and wagyu specialties. Everything is of the highest quality, noted for their flavour and tenderness. “At the moment, I spend my days managing my staff, running the business and, for the next year, I will be busy renovating a new space into a state of the art butcher shop. “My favourite thing, though, is talking to customers.” The 29-year old, who is married with a two-year old son, got his formal training in the Professional Meat Cutting and Merchandising program at NAIT. A 4th degree black belt in Uechi-Ryu Karate, he also owns Iseke School of Karate. Despite his obviously full schedule, Kyle makes time Photo by Tracy Kolenchuk
to give back to the community. “This past year, we made arrangements to become the title sponsor for the St. Albert MS Walk where we cook breakfast and lunch for the participants as well as provide monetary funds for the event.” He and his crew grilled burgers for the competitors the St. Albert Triathlon in July, and hosted a charity BBQ for LoSeCa, a thrift store that helps disabled persons. Kyle also regularly visits Bellerose Composite and Morinville Community High Schools to demonstrate meat-cutting techniques for food class students, and speaks at different events on the benefits of buying and eating local. Still, there is much on the horizon for Kyle and D’Arcy’s Meat Market. He recently launched a hand-crafted charcuterie program (essentially cold cooking meats) which is AHS and CFIA approved. “This is the most complicated and rewarding—delicious!—form of meat processing that exists, and took an entire year of planning to begin its execution. At this time, I’m not aware of any other place in Northern Alberta that does this with the CFIA’s approval.” When his father sold him the shop five years ago, Kyle had only one employee. “I bought local meat from local farmers, putting money into their families’ households. That has led to growing support from customers and allowed me to create jobs at present for 13 great people. Many of them have made a career here at D’Arcy’s Meat Market. These farmers and employees take their hard-earned money and spend it around the Greater Edmonton Area, giving back to the local economy. “I’m humbled by the way people have supported the butcher shop and the local food movement… I would like to expand the wholesale and processing divisions, bringing more local meats and charcuterie into Edmonton and area restaurants.” √ ~ Paula E. Kirman
Serving choice cuts
with a side of community
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lexandra Carruthers, 29, is on the cutting
edge of modern day libraries. As the Digital Public Spaces Librarian with Edmonton Public Library, she is spearheading demonstration projects and overseeing on-going projects, ensuring services are driven by customer and community needs. She shares her knowledge of digital trends and tools with EPL teams and staff as they pilot new on-line programs. “I moved to Edmonton from Montreal five years ago for school without knowing very much about the city. What I have found is that Edmonton is full of smart, supportive and welcoming communities that have made it easy and fun for me to pursue projects close to my heart. Since I’ve been here, both my personal and professional lives have provided me opportunities to support open access to information initiatives, promote equality, and continue to explore and experiment with big questions about the meaning of community that I started asking in grad school. Edmonton has been very good to me.”
KYLE ISEKE Black belt butcher
meaningfully provides those same services. “Our local music project, which will celebrate local music history through a digital music collection and fun, multimedia crowd-sourcing tools is our first attempt… we’re going to take what we learn to keep making our digital environment better and better.” Visit www.epllocalmusic.tumblr.ca Not surprisingly, Alex volunteers with organizations that support greater integration of technology and promote intellectual freedom. She is a contributing editor for GUTS Canadian Feminist Magazine; and communications officer for the Progressive Librarians Guild-Edmonton, whose members are interested in understanding, promoting, defending and extending the discourse around information issues, policies and resources.
ALEXANDRA CARRUTHERS Librarian... technology advocate
In 2008, Alex received a BA Hon. in Western Society and Culture from Concordia University in Montreal. She earned two Masters degrees from the University of Alberta: English in 2010, and Library and Information Studies in 2013. Through her work at EPL, she has worked on the planning committee of the Progressive Librarians Guild’s 2013 Symposium on Precarious Labour, and organized the first International Open Data Day Hackathon with the City of Edmonton. She collaborated with Populus Community Planning to run EPL’s first unconference, YEG BandCamp, which brought the music community together to set the direction for the library’s local music project. “I want to figure out how EPL can take the best qualities of our public spaces—the open accessibility, the resources and space to collaborate, learn and create—and produce a digital public space that
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Alex welcomes suggestions from other younger adults about what they want from their public library. “Let’s collaborate! Programs and services at EPL are developed through our community-led service philosophy. So, if you have a project that you think the library could support, get in touch!” √ ~ Paula E. Kirman
From books to
bytes Photo by Tracy Kolenchuk
EDMONTONIANS FALL 2014
MERGERS&ACQUISITIONS
with Jey Arul
Paint-by-Numbers for Business 3
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3. Know where you are going.
Build a strategic plan. This is where lines are when I was a kid. Maybe it was the meant to be crossed and where the colour is way, rules-based approach to art that I way more important. Be audacious. loved. I was so careful to paint the right 4. Get the business model right. colour into each of the numbered sections— What is your value proposition? Where are your but oh the pain when I went over the lines. customers? How will you serve them? What Business is like that: a mixture of art and revenue streams will you have? Read Business rules, with lots of lines to cross and an array of Model Generation to help get this right. different colours to be selected. Over the years, I’ve come to believe that 5. Have the appropriate entity there really is a paint-by-numbers approach to structures. building great businesses too—businesses that are true works of art. T H E P E Ensure R S Othings N A are L I set T Yup tax O Fefficiently B U Sand I Ncan ESS be scaled easily as your business grows. Get As an aside, check out Re-Imagine by some good advice about these details. Tom Peters. He outlines a great case for why design is so fundamental to building knock-out 6. Know where you are—financially. economic successes. This book influenced my Understand your numbers and share them with thinking a long time ago and continues to do a kick-butt accountant who can help you to so. Attention: But I digress. Here, in my view, are the steps grow. Just ask yourself this question. “Does my accountant look like they know how to grow to take to paint your masterpiece. Fax: their own business?” If not, then think again about asking them to help you with yours. 1. Get your head right. Date Purchased: Set out to win. Hold an awesome attitude in the 7. Grow raving fans. face of any adversity. Be brutally honest with Deliver an excellent product at the right price, yourself and others, and treat the business as and then stun your customers with unexpected your baby. Work your butt off. levels of great service.
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9. Cash is king
“Cash flow for working” and “cash flow for growth”. Ensure you know where your cash is coming from and what you will need in the future.
10. Build a great team.
Tolerate only “A-players”, to quote the late Steve Jobs. Don’t spend thousands (or millions) of dollars building a business, only to then go and tolerate poor performance. Work with great people and share the success.
11. I NGetT high H E level C Ahelp P I Tfor A Lpeanuts. REGION Compare the cost of hiring someone to help out around the office to spending half of that on getting some high level help in the areas that most need it. What will give you the better result?
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2. Understand that a business is your economic power house.
It’s way more fun than lotto or saving money, and it holds the key to financial independence.
EDMONTONIANS FALL 2014
8. Don’t be afraid to sell.
Get out there, Edmontonians. Fill the pipeline and close the sale.
Date: doing stuff you Don’t slog it out year-after-year hate. That is one of life’s tragedies. Togreat Appear in:Do what you love… it’s probably what you do best. Get help in the areas that aren’t your strengths. 12. Do what you do best.
The colour choices are all yours. √ Jey Arul is president of VR Business Sales in Edmonton, AB. He started the mergers and acquisitions company in 2007 after leaving his position as a senior commercial banker for a Canadian Bank. Jey holds a BA in Psychology and an Executive MBA. Visit www.vralta.com
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LIFEBALANCE
with Lynn Fraser
The balancing act between
making a living & making a life
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while back, my husband
and I had dinner with a couple from our meditation circle. Between sips of aromatic chai tea and savory daal, naan bread and tandoori chicken, the evening flew by while we shared about our lives, history, work and travels. Kevin shared his story. For decades, he spent 50 hours in the air each month, flying across the country and overseas for his consulting business. This was strictly flying time—not transportation from home to the airport and to the hotel at his destination, plus waiting for hours in airports. Each month, he logged 3000 minutes on his cell phone. He might sleep three to four hours per night. Not enough rest nor time for renewal, yet somehow he could keep going. What astounded me (even more) is that he would occasionally work straight through the weekend after a full work week. His staff would leave on Friday afternoon and he would dig into writing a report. Monday morning when his staff returned, Kevin had the report done. And, he hadn’t slept or eaten the entire weekend. He just drank water while he doggedly completed the client report. (It must have sucked to be his staff; no one could ever complain about how hard they worked…) Kevin freely admits it now: “Lynn, this is exactly the opposite of life balance.” I asked him what his impetus for change was. “A couple of times in those decades I burned out… and then I would take a year off. It would take the full year for me to realize how just how burned out I was. And then I would go back and end up working just as hard. A few years ago, I walked out of the bar after a drink with a client and I was staggering across the lobby. No, it’s not what you think—I’d only had one drink. Since then, I’ve turned down lucrative contracts out of the province; I’ll drive, but I don’t want
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to get on an airplane for work anymore. With help from my partner, I’m building friendships here in Edmonton. As for my health? We’re still diagnosing my balance problems.”
OUR ALBERTA MANTRA: MORE, BIGGER, BETTER
Kevin is lucky. Some don’t get a second chance at making a life they desire. They’re taken out of the game of life early by cancer, stroke, heart attack or a drug overdose. Kevin’s story is certainly extreme but not isolated. I hear these stories regularly from audience members, coaching clients, neighbors and even my yoga buddies. We’re in the “Land of Opportunity” here in Alberta and the pace is breathtaking. Spend a night at the Super 8 Motel in Whitecourt (or any major centre in Northern Alberta) and you’ll marvel at the steady flow of truck traffic all night long. Working longer and harder to achieve more, bigger, better appears to be our mantra.
CONSISTENT vs SUSTAINABLE
My business success coach, Mark LeBlanc, reminds me that “Consistency trumps commitment.” Doing our daily high value activities each morning will get us much further than the Big Commitment. Think: I’ve gotta make a six-figure income, quit smoking/ drinking, lose 40 pounds… You fill in the ___blank___. I’m guilty of the Big Commitment by writing long “to-do” lists and then failing to complete them! Yes, being consistent in our life and work certainly is a step in the right direction. Let’s look at the Merriam Webster dictionary definition: consistent: adj, always acting or behaving in the same way of the same quality. Kevin’s consistent work habits made him a
successful living—not a successful life. As a Practical Life Balance Coach, I prefer a sustainable approach to making a life. According to the Merriam Webster dictionary definition: sustainable: adj, able to be used without being completely used up or destroyed. Able to last or continue for a long time. Now that Kevin is “making a life”— improving and expanding his relationships… supporting his health with regular self-care including daily meditation… plus booking Alberta-based work that has him financially better off than when he spent most of his life on planes and in airports—his life is sustainable over the long run. And, he’s enjoying himself so much more and has the time and energy to give back to his community. Now isn’t that the point of life after all? Making a sustainable life involves making the choice to intentionally take care of all areas of life each week. This includes your relationships with family and friends… your physical, mental and spiritual health… as well as your financial and career areas of life. Relationships: Plan to spend quality time with family and friends each week. Edmonton has great river valley trails, restaurants, festivals and entertainment. Check edmontonjournal.com for the Top 10 activities each week. Invite a friend over for a potluck. It can be simple and inexpensive; the idea is to spend quality time connecting. That’s what builds a worthwhile life. Skype and Facetime are great options for keeping in touch with loved ones. Just do it! Sleep: Seven to eight hours a night—easy to say, not so easy to do. We recharge our brain’s learning capacity at night. Stay away from TV or checking e-mail before bed. Avoid caffeine in the evening. Instead, choose herbal teas from The Tea Girl, Cally’s Teas, David’s Tea or Tea EDMONTONIANS FALL 2014
Desire. Check out my psychologist colleague Dr. Don’s articles on sleep, stress and shift work strategies at www.donmelnychuk.com. Be Active: WWW—work while walking. A desk treadmill is an innovative way to keep active while you type. Something even easier and inexpensive? Get up from your desk and stretch every 90 to 120 minutes. I set a timer to remind myself, otherwise I forget! Plan healthy meals and snacks: I found a new healthy eating resource: Pure Prairie Eating Plan (www.pureprairie.ca) helps you enjoy a well-balanced, locally sourced diet while still giving you access to a variety of delicious foods. It provides menus for three meals plus three snacks per day for four weeks, suitable for healthy individuals as well as diabetics. Practice daily meditation with like-minded people. I mentioned that my husband and I meditate. The city offers a variety of options. We enjoy Qi Gong with Dr Stephen Aung’s Medical Qi Gong Practise group. Find out more at www.aung.com.
Get sound financial information: Finding a sustainable path to achieve your goals without sacrificing your highest priorities begins with tracking where your money is going for a 90-day period. Once you have your numbers, take an online course or speak with a credit counselor for a free or-low cost consultation to help you assess how much you really need to live on. Check mymoneycoach.ca or moneymentors.ca
THE GIFT OF LIFE BALANCE
There’s one thing I bet you’ll find upon reflection: Keeping up with the Jones (or the Kardashians) isn’t delivering the kind of joyful, healthy and sustainable life that you truly desire for yourself and your loved ones. Start by listing who and what you value. Then set Attainable, Measurable and Timely— ATM—goals in one or two areas I’ve touched on. Step-by-step, you can achieve a balanced, sustainable life. An accountability buddy or a certified coach can assist you on your journey. The benefits of resilient relationships, improved health and sustainable results in
your career and finances most definitely can be measured by the numbers. An even better way though, is when you measure a person around the heart. Just ask Kevin. Practical Life Balance resource: Your Pivot Point Strategy: Your Valuable Toolkit for Achieving Practical Life Balance CD consists of 11 tracks featuring quick, effective strategies for improving your health, career and relationships, as well as innovative Whole Brain Thinking tools to put you in the mindset to achieve your goals. Download to iTunes and your handheld device, then listen in your car, while you do laundry or on a walk. Order the Audio CD at lynnfraser.ca or call 780.465.9893. √ Lynn Fraser, of Balance Your World Training and Coaching, coaches and mentors individuals who want to lead a balanced life. She trains with corporate and association teams to create sustainable results. Her promise: Healthy Focused People Attaining Sustainable Results. Visit her website at www.lynnfraser.ca.
MAKE YOUR LIFE SUSTAINABLE “Every day do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow.” ~Doug Firebaugh
EDMONTONIANS FALL 2014
27
TY
YOU&THELAW
FRANCHISING:
What could possibly go wrong?
with Ben Block
I
would also strongly recommend enlisting your prescribed systems, ensuring franchisee n recent months, I have had advisors such as an accountant and lawyer adherence to policies, and protecting the several inquiries by both prospective to aid in your review. Franchise Agreements, integrity of your brand… which is now in the franchisors (those looking to begin leases/sub-leases, and the other key contracts hands of another, possibly less experienced, offering franchises for sale), and are typically drafted by the franchisor and/ operator. franchisees (those looking to buy into or landlord in their favour. Your franchisor It is important to remember that, when an existing franchise system). For the business and landlord will be first in line for funds founder, franchising often appears to be a path considering franchising your business, you by way of royalties, rent and/or advertising are effectively starting a new business. Up to to accelerated growth with minimal capital. contributions, and often wield powerful this point, you have been focused on selling For the would-be franchisee, these “turnkey” options to enforce those rights if things go your wares or services successfully. However, businesses may seem to be a simpler and wrong. It is important to have someone in when you begin franchising, you will also less risky way to get into business. These your corner to identify risks before you sign, be in the business of selling businesses. perceptions may be true in some cases, but 12851 Street, to help assess whether your investment With that comes not only legal hurdles and - 56and there are several issues that can arise for both (of time and money) stands a fair chance of costs but new sales and marketing needs, theAB T5A sides of the deal. Edmonton, 0C9 generating an acceptable return. management and support of your franchises From a franchisor’s perspective, Alberta Tel: (780) 701-3715 In my experience acting for both (after all their success is your success), legislations sets out very specific guidelines franchisees and franchisors, in almost all cases financial reporting, and so on. On more than on what information must be provided to a Fax: (780) 454-3222 where the franchise has failed, both parties O Fprospective B U S I franchisee, N E S S when I N that T H information E C A P I T AoneL occasion, R E G I IOhave N seen eager business passionately believe they acted correctly. owners who have proceeded down the path must be provided, how quickly thereafter a The franchisors believe that they met all the of franchising only to find their resources franchise agreement may be signed and so requirements imposed upon them, meanwhile stretched more thinly than ever before. They on. Finding yourself offside these regulations the franchisees feel they were oversold on thought franchising would allow growth can carry hefty consequences. For example, a dream that failed to materialize. To avoid without heaping more on their already full a franchisor who has not followed the these situations, it is critical that both parties plates. Instead, they now had an entirely new disclosure requirements can be held liable, Date: are well supported by professionals, ask the job description with excited franchisees, not only for the franchise fee it received right questions and enter into the process with eager for in: guidance and looking for support. but potentially all the losses incurred by the To Appear realistic expectations. From there, with open This strain can pose risks to the franchisee’s franchisee in the course of business. These communication and a shared commitment to success, stifle the franchisor’s growth, and requirements, although comprehensive, success, franchising can indeed be a win-win possibly lead to litigation. provide a strong incentive to the sometimes From a franchisee’s position, it is important opportunity for the franchisor and franchisee more sophisticated franchisor to provide alike. √ to remember that there are no sure things in forthright disclosure, avoid undue pressure, business. Even the most proven franchise and maintain honesty as to the needs of the Ben Block is an associate with Hillenbrand model is at the mercy of the local market business and what returns can be expected (if Kozicki LLP, and focuses his practice on civil and the operator at the helm of any given stated). litigation, real estate and business law. Ben location. Be careful to assess the opportunity Adding to this liability risk is that, even was an Edmontonians Sizzler in 2007. Call as you would any start-up, and do not assume if the legislated requirements are met, you 780.809.2389 or email bblock@hklaw.ca. what works elsewhere will work for you. I may still face challenges in maintaining
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Badlands: Mile Zero Dance
Tracy O’Camera Photography www.tracyocamera.com 28
EDMONTONIANS FALL 2014
REALFOODFORLIFE
Diana Herrington
Watermelon Time!
D
o you remember how
much fun it was eating watermelon as a child? I do and still love it. It tastes like summer all the time.
“When one has tasted watermelon, he knows what angels eat.” ~Mark Twain
The good news is that watermelon is more than refreshing and tasty. Watermelon is great for cleansing and weight loss, and is packed with nutrition too. Watermelon is an inexpensive way to help you cleanse your body and lose weight. A onecup serving of watermelon is only 47 calories. Yes, watermelon is 92 percent water but that other eight percent is filled with good nutrition and amazing health benefits. Watermelon is recommended by American Council on Exercise as a good choice of diet food.
HOW WATERMELON HELPS WITH CLEANSING, WEIGHT LOSS AND HEALTH
1. Watermelon is extremely alkaline-forming in the body. Fat cells contain toxicity and acid. Your body will not let go of fat cells while you are still acidic. 2. Watermelon is high in fibre. This fibre helps keep the colon clean. 3. Like most fruits, watermelon has almost no fats. Besides lowering the calorie content, this makes it easy to digest. 4. Watermelon is a very good source of potassium. This balances the high amounts of sodium in our diets which is hard on our kidneys. 5. Watermelon can reduce inflammation which contributes to conditions like asthma, atherosclerosis, diabetes, colon cancer, and arthritis. 6. Watermelon also has “Viagra”-like properties, is a traditional dietetic, and has a host of other benefits.
DID YOU KNOW?
• A giant watermelon weighing 268.8 pounds was grown in 2005 by Lloyd Bright. • 5,000 years ago the first recorded watermelon harvest occurred in Egypt. EDMONTONIANS FALL 2014
HOW TO PICK A GOOD WATERMELON:
• Make sure it feels heavy for its size. • It should not be bruised, shriveled, cracked or moldy; it should be dark green in colour (minor scratches are okay). • Check out the bottom of the watermelon; this should have a creamy yellow spot which is where it sat on the ground while ripening. If this spot is white or green, it may not be ripe as it was picked too soon. • The melon should have a faint aroma and the end should be soft. • Tap the watermelon with the palm of your hand lightly several times. You should hear a somewhat hollow echo indicating the fruit is likely fresh and its flesh is very hard; this is when they taste best. A thunk means it’s not ripe, a hollow sound means it is too ripe. It is trial and error learning. Try it.
MY WATERMELON STORY
When I was disabled for 10 years with a partly functioning digestive system and could only eat 12 foods, watermelon was a life saver for me. I would eat half of a very big watermelon daily. I am thankful for watermelons helping me on my journey back to health.
If you need to alkalize and detox quickly, this delicious recipe uses the second most alkaline forming food. Ingredients: Watermelon (as much as you want) Blender Tall glass Yes… that is all you need. Directions: 1. Cut off the rind from the watermelon 2. Simply cut up watermelon flesh into pieces. 3. Put into the blender (even if it has seeds) 4. Blend until totally juiced. 5. If there are seeds then strain while pouring. 6. Serve this red juice in a tall clear glass—it is so beautiful.
WATERMELON POPSICLES
These wonderful treats are very simple to make. Get your children or grandchildren to help you.
TIPS FOR PREPARING AND STORING WATERMELON
• Always wash the exterior of the melon before slicing to remove any surface bacteria. • Watermelons retain more nutritional value after cutting, if stored in the fridge.
2 Wonderful Watermelon Recipes WATERMELON JUICE
Ingredients: Watermelon Popsicle containers or ice cube trays Directions: 1. Make Watermelon Juice 2. Pour into popsicle containers or ice cube maker trays. 3. Freeze 4. Enjoy! √ Diana J Herrington is the founder of RealFoodforLife.com and author of the GREEN means LEAN e-book. She turned a debilitating health crisis (Fibromyalgia) into a passion for helping others with healthy, sugar free, gluten free, eating and cooking.
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With Cheryl Croucher
CCEMC Announces
Science Officer Deane Little says his up and stink up the air. It is a tremendous company is attacking a very serious source waste of resources. I mean, seen from space of pollution. right now, North Dakota is brighter than “The Province of Alberta produces 3.7 New York City. The flares in Alberta are trillion cubic feet of natural gas every year. brighter than Edmonton. We’re actually A third of that is sour gas. The hydrogen flaring more light than we’re lighting up sulphide that is in the gas is a deadly toxin. with light bulbs. If we could put this to use So it really has to be removed. You cannot as automobile fuel, replacing fuel that we just sell sour gas into a pipeline anywhere. get out of the petroleum, it will make fuel You’ve got to clean it up first.” much more available and it will reduce The new technology that New Sky pollution of every type.” Energy has developed to scrub the sour Dr. Zubrin’s answer to that concern is gas can be done at the well site. “We butanol. “What our technology will would have a couple of do is capture flare gas and turn Deane Little trailers that it into butanol which is a liquid are scrubbing fuel that can be used to power the gas and automobiles.” removing Pioneer Energy will use the the hydrogen CCEMC Grand Challenge lberta’s Climate Change sulphide and funding to scale up its innovative and Emissions Management the CO2. Then technology. “We have established Corporation announced the the fundamental scientific we’re converting winners of its Grand Challenge feasibility of this process. the sulphide at the Zero 2014 Conference. We have done every step into sulphur, The competition to find innovative individually and it shows that it regenerating the technologies to convert CO2 emissions into can be done. What needs to be capture agent new carbon-based products and markets done now is to make it all work and converting attracted 344 applications from around the together as a unified process. the CO2 into world. The CCEMC picked 24 to fund, with That’s what we’re going to do carbonates, like each award worth $500,000. The projects in this project. First, we’re soda ash or baking range from those at the concept stage to going to produce it at a small soda. So, all of those verging on commercialization. They rate, at just a litre a day. Then that would be done fall under four categories: biofixation, solid we’re going to do on site, as well as products, chemical synthesis and 10 litres a day, and that regenerating the fuels. will give us a pretty good idea of capture agent, so Among the what the challenges are to go into you can continue the process.” companies thousands of litres a day. The scrubbing technology also harnesses with novel Dr. Zubrin calls butanol a the inherent energy in hydrogen sulphide technologies to drop-in fuel that can replace to power the process and, down the line, it help reduce the gasoline with the advantage will help reduce the carbon footprint of the carbon footprint of not requiring any changes products the soda ash will be used in. in Alberta and to shipping infrasture or car. New Sky Energy’s process is very close around the world As well, his company already to commercialization. According to Little, it are two from manufactures mobile units to is already licensed in the United States and Colorado: Pioneer recover propane and butane is being piloted in Wyoming. The $500,000 Energy and New from flare gas, so there’s Grand Challenge award will allow the Sky Energy. potential to adapt this to the company to scale up by conducting pilot Pioneer Energy new butanol technology. projects in Alberta. is focused on flare The other ColaroadoThe CCEMC Grand Challenge will also gas. As company based winner is New Sky support the CO2 reducing innovations of president Dr. Robert Zubrin Energy, a clean chemistry several Alberta companies, including the Zubrin explains, Dr. Robert company out of Boulder. It green methanol process developed by “Flare gas is a has developed a “no waste” Quantiam Technologies, the fuel cell tremendous concern technology to scrub hydrogen sulphide and research of Jingli Luo at the University of and not just for Alberta, and the graphene reactors of JRE carbon dioxide, but also for what are known carbon dioxide from sour gas. Chief Executive Officer and Chief Petroleum Services. √ as criteria pollutions, the ones that smoke
Grand Challenge
WINNERS
A
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EDMONTONIANS FALL 2014
AIHS Translational Health Chair
Addresses Health and
CONSERVATION
D
r. Nicholas Ashbolt
believes it is time for a paradigm shift in the way we think about water, sewage and public health. He holds the new Alberta Innovates Health Solutions Translational Chair in of these organisms. What are the conditions Water, and is a professor in the School of that lead to the growth of microbacteria Public Health at the University of Alberta. and legionella environmental pathogens? Dr. Ashbolt comes to Alberta from the If we look at the actual health burden to Environmental Protection Agency and society from water based pathogens, these before that Australia and New Zealand. He brings with him an interdisciplinary interest in environmental pathogens are actually now becoming more important and more costly to mixing public health with water conservation society than our traditional ones that we’ve and resource recovery. now largely learned to manage. He explains, “Less than 20 percent of the The second part of Dr. Ashbolt’s mandate water that we actually receive at our homes is to investigate and help form policy on new needs to be of drinking water quality. Toilet ways to take water and sewage infrastructure flushing, clothes washing, garden irrigation into the next century. This involves recovering purposes, for example, that water can be a waste from sewage and giving lesser quality in the sense from a drinking it economic value. point of view. And Treated water is expensive the question really to produce. So the question is, how do make Dr. Ashbolt poses is whether sure it’s safe? How it is really necessary to use do we measure that potable water to flush toilets level of safety and or fight fires. One innovation the production of that he cites is the “urine water in an ongoing diversion toilet”. sustainable way? My “Eighty percent of the research is based around nitrogen that we consume in what we call microbial our diet ends up in the urine risk assessment to look stream. Why dilute that at the pathogens that one percent of the urine may be found in water stream with 99 percent of and to what degree is what else is in the sewer? safely treating that water It’s not a very sensible so it is of safe use, what lt o b s Ash approach. In essence, if we call fit for purpose.” Dr. Nichola you look into the little One project Dr. Ashbolt bowl of a urine diversion toilet, it looks has already started like a conventional pedestal, except at the involves a partnership with EPCOR at the front there’s a little bit of a weir and a second water treatment plant in Calgary. The team is hole, if you like, so that the urine can go down developing a process to conduct continuous to a separate bit of plumbing to a storage tank real time analysis of water quality to test for where it can either go in a vacuum or pressure pathogens and contaminants. This would sewer, pumped out to a central location where greatly improve upon the current system of it can then be taken out to agriculture and randomly sampling water. injected into the ground as a fertilizer.” He is also interested in gaining greater New products and technologies that allow undertanding of what he calls environmental for the separation of treated water from grey pathogens. “These are bacteria largely that water couldn’t come at a better time. The grow in piped water, particularly in warm infrastructure for sewers and drinking water systems in large institutions and buildings, for mains across much of North America is example, legionella and legionnaire’s disease. reaching the end of its lifespan. So our research is understanding the ecology EDMONTONIANS FALL 2014
Dr. Ashbolt suggests, “Rather than spending the billions of dollars that are necessary to replace them, if we think about what those water conveyance systems are doing and put an economic value to that, we would not rebuild this infrastructure.” He points to fire fighting as an example. “We currently design our drinking water distribution system for fire fighting flow on the premise that we must fight fires with potable water.” There are other technologies that could be employed such as dumping water from aircraft and electrostatic fire suppression or mandated prevention systems in buildings that would make obsolete the need to dump massive amounts of potable water in fire fighting. The money to employ these new methods would come through conservation, recovery of resources in sewage, recycling grey water, and delivering less potable water to homes. “What we can pioneer here are alternatives. Furthermore, we can actually make money from this because we treat these no longer as waste but as resources. So the nutrients go back to agriculture at a high value. The energy we can recover from our current sewers is a good example. It represents close to seven percent of the total electricity production in this country and, at the moment, we’re using up electricity just to get rid of it. So there are enormous economies to be made here both in innovation and technology and through resource recovery, making it far more economic for us to better manage our resources.” The $4.2 million in funding from Alberta Innovates Health Solutions will support Dr. Ashbolt’s Translational Health Chair in Water over the next seven years. √ Cheryl Croucher hosts Innovation Anthology which is broadcast on CKUA Radio at 7:58 am and 4:40 pm Tuesdays and Thursdays. Download the podcasts at www. innovationanthology.com and follow Cheryl on Twitter @CherylCroucher. Listen as well on CKUA Radio for Aboriginal Pathways.
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EDMONTONIANS FALL 2014