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ALBERTA’S LARGEST INDEPENDENT PAGING COMPANY

with Marty & Mark

I

n the mid 1990s, I met two people who have had a profound influence on my life

since that point.

I’m talking about Anne and George Smith.

Currently, she is the head of the United Way of the Alberta Capital Region… he is the head of the Telus World of Science. I met the Smiths while serving on the United Way cabinet for a number of years.

For decades, this power couple has raised millions of dollars to help make life better for all of us.

First off, Anne is a quiet leader of a major fund raising program, attracting nothing but the best to run the Anne Smith annual campaigns. Those who have led the campaign are the who’s who of Edmonton business and gratiously lend their leadership skills and expertise to chase a seemingly impossible goal every year.

Anne has just celebrated her 25th anniversary with the United Way—an amazing statistic all by itself.

I say ‘quiet’ because Anne likes to deflect all kudos to her volunteers and staff—the foot soldiers of the organization who work year-round, while the cabinet is geared up for and runs through the fall campaign.

Over the past several years, the work has been done in a cramped downtown office but, a month or so back, a brand new efficient building was opened at 15132 Stony Plain Road. The building also houses other community groups, and it’s important to note that the downstairs, with meeting spaces, kitchen facilities and a computer-training lab is available for use by other not-for-profits.

As Anne says “The facility is bright, spacious, welcoming and versatile.” She is also proud that the new building is part of the Stony Plain Road revitalization efforts.

In a growing city, there are several major problems to handle and I asked Anne which concern stands at the top of the list. Her answer: Homelessness.

Anne chairs Edmonton’s Homeless Commission, which was established to oversee the implementation of the city’s 10-year plan to end homelessness.

Suffice to say the entire city benefits when all its citizens have a safe, stable place to live. More

information on the work this committee is doing is available at www.endedmontonhomelessness.com.

During my time with The United Way (both on the board and cabinet), I got to see why this city is so amazing in the fund raising area. It’s simply the fact that the business community ‘gets it’… and, when they all row in the same direction at the same time, things really do happen here.

Year in, year out—regardless of how many millions are needed—Anne Smith and her highly motivated team go out and find those dollars.

Now “Mr.” Smith.

Attracting world-class projects to the Telus World of Science is what George is all about.

Last year’s Body Worlds alone took more than four years to bring to our city.

Almost 275,000 people saw the phenomenal show while it was here, and close to 720,000 people visited the space and science complex last year.

Schools, specifically, benefit throughout the year with the great variety of programs, IMAX movies and displays that are presented at TWOS. George’s challenge is to continue to develop and evolve the complex. He and his team never stop

searching the globe for new and interesting shows—shows that are memorable and educational.

I’m not at liberty to release information on the next phase under discussion yet, but let me assure you that Telus World of Science is not sitting on its laurels for a single moment. Technology expectations alone make it difficult to foresee the future. However, I can safely say that there is a relentless pursuit of excellence built into its mandate—and George Smith drives it.

Our children went to school together and I continue to attend the amazing IMAX movies throughout the year, thanks to George. As I continue to be involved in several charity projects in the city, I often run in to one or the other Smith and greatly value the advice, knowledge and input each has to share.

The nicest part about meeting the business leaders in this city is getting to know them as people. George and Anne are now grandparents and when they do get that little down time enjoy golf, camping, and the odd winter holiday.

Anne is an avid quilter and in her spare time enjoys crafting beautiful quilts for friends, family and co-workers. Each and every one is unique and created expressly for the lucky recipient. Every United Way employee who welcomes a new baby into their lives has one of Anne's carefully designed and handstitched quilts.

Edmontonians all owe a debt of gratitude to Anne and George Smith for their long and continuous service to the Capital Region.

Show your support by 1. visiting the Telus World of Science soon (www.edmontonscience.com); and 2. donating to the annual United Way of the Alberta Capital Region campaign, which will kick off soon. (www.myunitedway.ca). By the way, this year’s campaign will be led by Dr. Wayne Shillington, head of George Smith Norquest College and an renowned fundraiser in his own right… and next year Anne McLellan, former Deputy Prime Minister, will lead the charge. √ Marty Forbes is the recently retired VP and general manager of The Bear, EZRock and The TEAM 1260 Sports Radio. Contact marty@edmontonians.com

EDMONTONIANS AUGUST 2009

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Proof__ _________PROOFED BY:_______________________________________________CHANGES MADE:__________________________DATE:_________________

THAT WAS THE AUGUST “Paul Near is a receiver—‘a whistling undertaker’. He and Howard Pechet seem to have the same regard for Finance Minister Michael Wilson and head-bankster John Crow’s idea as a dog has for a fire hydrant.” ~ Cover (teaser) 1990

G

reetings from Newfoundland… I am here working with Edmonton and Calgary based Roth and Ramberg Photography on its annual calendar.

Every year, Dale Roth and Michele Ramberg choose a spot and then capture people and places. They have shot in places like North of 60, the Cadillac Ranch in Texas, and Coney Island in New York. We have been putting a few thousand klicks on our RV, which was dubbed Maggie. We have shot in Dildo, Joe Bats Arm, Tilting, Greenspond and Old Perligan, to name a few towns and villages. I met Dale and Michele in Edmonton in the late ’90s. They take stunning photos, and this upcoming calendar should be fantastic. If you would like to check out our journey, visit their blog at www.rothandramberg.com.

It was interesting to meet so many people who have an Alberta link via friends and family who work in or have left for Alberta. Edmonton, Grande Prairie and Fort McMurray were always mentioned in our conversations with the locals. (If seems a lot of b’ys are coming back to the island.)

The fate of the downtown airport seems to be settled. Here’s a thought: If we are going to develop the land, let’s not let developers slap up a bunch of ‘high density’ housing. Let’s use the land for food before we run out of city owned farm land. Foolish perhaps but I would rather buy food grown in my city instead of a potato from out of province.

The second TELUS Celebration of Giving was held at the Westbury Theatre on July 14th. Under the guidance of Dr. Bob Westbury, the employees of TELUS in Edmonton gave to various charities in our city and TELUS matched their contributions. More than a million dollars was raised for causes of all sorts.

Makes me happy to know that my TELUS accounts help out.

The annual Ukrainian Festival of Golf is set for August 19th. The event supports amateur dance and programs offered through the Ukrainian Foundation for College Education at Grant MacEwan College. It is being held at Fort-in-View golf course and the reception is at the Fort Saskatchewan Legion Hall. It’s a nine-hole affair with all the fixings like entertainment, live and silent auctions and a delicious traditional Ukrainian dinner. Call Alice at 780.497.4374 to get in on what I’m told is a fun tournament.

Not a lot of buzz or chat… on the downtown arena front lately. I am on the fence on the debate. While I’m intrigued at the idea of a new downtown facility, I still love the Coliseum. I know it would need a lot of renos to put it on par with all the newer arenas around North America. I had a chat with a lighting designer/tech who was in Edmonton with a major show last month. He said that our current arena is about as bad for big shows as Madison Square Gardens. He suggested that the Rexall would need to have better load-in capabilities… and either the scoreboard needs to be collapsible or the ceiling needs to be higher to get the big shows in without any issues. No matter what happens, we need an updated modern facility to keep the tour busses rolling north.

Concert pick for August... hands down Boz Scaggs. He plays the Folkfest Thursday night. Word is he is bringing a smoking band. Doubt there’s any tickets left… but those that have them are in for a real treat. √ Mark Scholz, owner of MES Communications Inc. offers a variety of services including production, creative and entertainment. For more information or to suggest a story idea, email mscholz@edmontonians.com

“Edmonton is now a town with hordes of Fords and regiments of fashion impaired politicians obsessed with their various pensions and special funds. Yup, it’s a company town and company is the Government—the imperious bitch of our lives.” ~ Dick MacLean The Back Page 1991

THAT WAS

“Our motto is that if you bake, make it or grow it, you can sell it. But we also feel we’re a touch of the farm in the heart of the city.” ~ Jim O’Neill, Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market manager 2000 Ashif Mawji, founder of Upside Software: “I was visiting a potential client in Dallas recently and even though Dallas had just faced the Oilers in the NHL playoffs, they didn’t know where Edmonton was.” ~ Michael O’Toole Our Global Business Village 2001

“‘Satisfaction guaranteed or Hair Refunded’ sayeth a sign in a barber shop window on Park Avenue in Sherwood Park.” ~ Don Fleming Sports 1992 “The economy needs dreamers, and even more, it needs leaders who make others dream.” ~ Dale Dauten The Corporate Curmudgeon 1993 Calgary Mayor Al Duerr: “I think Edmonton should celebrate in its role of being the Gateway to the North and try to understand and develop that. The north has a huge potential and that niche could really be carved out.” ~ George Oake Opinion 1994 “People make jokes about Lyle Lovett’s hair but, hey, he boinked Julia Roberts. Not everyone can say they did that.” ~ Jay Stewart Sports 1995 “My friend Ollie got her PhD recently in educational physiology. She’s now Doctor Ollie Triska.” ~ Muggsy Forbes Funny Pompous & Unfair 1996 “What is very important in stimulating future economic growth and quality of life in Alberta?

Accessible and affordable health care—87 percent; small business in Alberta—80 percent; farming and agriculture—74 percent…” ~ Alberta Growth Summit sidebar 1997 “Edmontonians columnist and well-loved manabout-town Bruce Hogle was awarded the Order of Canada last month in what should have been a city-wide celebration commemorating Bruce’s good work…” ~ Muggsy Forbes Funny Pompous & Unfair 1998 “…farmers’ markets have strong support from consumers who not only enjoy the food, but like to support local growers.” ~ Colin Evans Booming Markets 1999

2002 “Who could have known at the turn of the century that 70 percent of Canadians would live in cities?… that rural Canada would shrink dramatically as sons and daughters of farmers fled to urban areas?...” ~ Drake McHugh Harmony or Discord—Urban Sustainability Conference 2003 “Wall Street often jokes that you should decide how to invest on the basis of whether you want to eat well or sleep well. Value investing lets you do both.” ~ Ron Hiebert Making Money 2004 “Reaction to the sale of Minit Car Wash—an institution in this city—to Bubbles has ranged from sadness to shock to dismay.” ~ Muggsy Forbes Funny Pompous & Unfair 2005 “An overwhelming majority—88 percent—of respondents said they were successful in maintaining a balance between work and home life.” ~ Linda Banister Poll Station 2006 “I’d love to see Don Metz share the DVD that his Aquila crew produced for the Oilers to entice potential players and agents to consider Edmonton. It totally showcases what a great place this is to work and play.” ~ Marty Forbes VoxPop 2007 “Rima Devitt, co-owner with John Williams of the Blue Plate Diner in the Great West Saddlery Building, offers a glimpse of what it’s like (operating a business in a heritage building): ‘We’ve been here four years… the location has housed various restaurants over a number of decades. Basically, it’s not much different from any building… except for the ghost.’” ~NJ Brown Spaces & Places—Doors Open to Discovery 2008

EDMONTONIANS AUGUST 2009

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Proof__ _________PROOFED BY:_______________________________________________CHANGES MADE:__________________________DATE:_________________

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Poll

CELEBRATING

20

STATION

YEARS

With Linda Banister

FOUNDER DICK MacLEAN

Vol. XX

AUGUST 2009

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he world of virtual social networks, such as Facebook and Twitter, has exploded across the globe as people attempt to keep in touch with family and friends or updated on current events. The Internet has emerged as the primary communication tool of these social networks, allowing individuals from anywhere in the world to simultaneously interact with one another. This month’s Poll Station focused on Edmontonians’ perceptions of the Internet and virtual social networks, including the frequency of use, the benefits of having a network profile, and concerns regarding privacy on sites.

No. 8

SHARON MacLEAN Publisher and Advertising Director Telephone: 780.482.7000 Fax: 780.488.9317 e-mail: info@edmontonians.com edmontonians.com

INSIDE

DO YOU HAVE INTERNET ACCESS, AND WHAT DO YOU USE IT FOR?

VOX POP Marty Forbes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Mark Scholz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

97%

POLL STATION Social Media/Banister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 MEDIA MINUTE Good vs. Evil/Hogle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 SIZZLING IN THE CITY Martin Mayer/Rayner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 CIVIC BUZZ Mall Mania/Norwood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 EDMONTON FARMLAND Use or Abuse/Brost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 To market... to market/Deters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 VISIONARIES MacKay/Gazin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Bricker/Croucher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Briefs/Croucher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Social Media 101/Schwabe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 LIVELY LIFESTYLES MenuMagic/Berry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Absolute Bodo/Bodo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 PHOTO FEATURE Our 20th/Macri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 BARB DETERS Editor

editor@edmontonians.com COLUMNISTS Linda Banister John Berry Linda Bodo Cheryl Croucher Marty Forbes Bruce Hogle David Norwood Erin Rayner Mark Scholz Walter Schwabe Nizar J. Somji FEATURE WRITERS Barb Deters Greg Gazin Rick Lauber Peter Drake McHugh Marg. Pullishy PHOTOGRAPHERS Terry Bourque Barb Deters Quincey Deters Cheryl Croucher Rocco Macri SPECIAL PROJECTS Edmontonians Transformers Tom Bradshaw Les Brost Steffany Hanlen Dr. Larry Ohlhauser GRAPHIC PRODUCTION Rage Studios Inc.

THIS MONTH’S COVER

Percent

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

57% 36% 18%

15% Indicated they had access to the Internet through school

Indicated they had access to the Internet at an Internet café

Indicated they had access to the Internet through the library

Indicated they had Indicated they had access to the Internet access to the Internet at home at work

To begin, respondents were asked if they had access to the Internet.

The vast majority (91 percent) indicated they did, while nine percent did not. Of those with Internet access, almost all (97 percent) had access in their homes, while 57 percent had access at work and 36 percent gained access at a library. Smaller proportions accessed the Internet at an Internet café (18 percent) or at a school (15 percent).

When asked to identify the top reason for utilizing the Internet, respondents most frequently mentioned checking e-mails (68 percent) and research (62 percent), followed by banking or financial purposes (14 percent), social network sites (nine percent), work related activities (seven percent), and news headlines (seven percent).

DO YOU HAVE A TWITTER PROFILE? IF NOT, WHY NOT? Respondents with access to the Internet were then asked a series of questions regarding social network sites available on-line. When asked if they currently had a Twitter profile, a free social network site that enables its users to send and read status updates, all respondents (100 percent) indicated they had no such profile. However, nine percent reported that someone in their household had a Twitter account. When asked why they had not created a Twitter profile, 42 percent mentioned lack of interest, followed by lack of awareness (15 percent), and lack of time (eight percent). Seven percent said they were already Facebook users, and another seven percent cited concern over security issues.

site between two and three times per week, followed by one and three times per month (19 percent), once per week (16 percent), and once per day (16 percent). Ten percent accessed their profile multiple times a day, while eight percent visited the site less than once per month.

Staying in touch with friends and family was mentioned by 86 percent as the biggest benefit of having a Facebook profile, while 16 percent felt sharing photos and videos was of great value to them.

Of the respondents that did not have a Facebook profile (50 percent), 69 percent were not interested in creating a profile, and 20 percent were concerned about posting their personal information or did not consider the site safe enough.

When asked if they belonged to any other social network sites, excluding Facebook and Twitter, almost all respondents (93 percent) said no, but seven percent were members of network sites such as MSN Messenger (two percent), Classmates.com (one percent), and LinkedIN (one percent).

ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT PRIVACY ON SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES? Lastly, respondents were asked to rate their level of concern with privacy issues associated with sharing personal information on social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook. Sixty percent were very concerned with security issues, down five percent from the 65 percent reported in the 2007 Edmontonians Poll Station. Nineteen percent were moderately concerned and 21 percent were not concerned with privacy issues. Respondents that were concerned about privacy felt there was a lack of privacy or disliked the ease of access to personal information (46 percent), while 27 percent were concerned about criminal activity such as fraud and identify theft. Of those who mentioned other concerns related to social networking sites, 13 percent were worried about underage children having access to such sites and being victims to on-line predators. Four percent each mentioned social network sites were a waste of time or were concerned that personal information would be used by others accessing their profile. √

Monthly Poll Station Online Question

IS YOUR PROFILE ON FACEBOOK? HOW OFTEN DO YOU ACCESS THE SITE? Next, respondents were asked if they had a profile on Facebook, another free social network website. Forty-one percent indicated they had their own personal profile, while 10 percent reported a member of their household subscribed to the site. Interestingly, when this question was asked in a 2007 Edmontonians Poll Station, only 26 percent had a Facebook profile. The proportion of respondents interacting on Facebook increased 15 percent over a two year period.

Among Facebook users, 30 percent were most likely to access the

Visit www.edmontonians.com to register your opinion

Want a question included in the Edmontonians Poll?

Contact Linda at 780.451.4444 or e-mail lbanister@edmontonians.com.

Linda Banister is a certified management consultant and the owner of Banister Research and Consulting Inc., a full service provider of market research and program evaluation services.

Visit www.banister.ab.ca.

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Sonia of the New Asian Village West Photo by Rocco Macri Published by 399620 Alberta Ltd. on the first day of each month at C-100 Park Side Tower, 8920-100th Street Edmonton AB CA T6E 4Y8. ©All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reprinted or reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher.

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All stories Copyright ©Edmontonians Publications Mail Agreement No. 40023292 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Circulation Department C-100 Park Side Tower, 8920-100th Street Edmonton AB CA T6E 4Y8 Email: info@edmontonians.com

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edia Minute with Bruce Hogle

Regardless of where I’ve traveled as a journalist, it’s surprising the number of stories I read which have a local angle.

While visiting BC last month, Vancouver Province’s Sam Cooper had an excellent follow-up story on former West Van residents Sebastian Burns and Atif Rafay.

Both are now 33 and have served 15 years of their life-in-prison-without-parole terms in Washington State prisons for the triple murders as teenagers of Rafay’s parents and autistic sister in their Bellevue home.

Burns is the brother of Edmonton CBC TV anchor Tiffany Burns who previously exposed this story. The other ironic local angle in this story is that both Burns and Rafay confessed to those murders after being caught in a BC RCMP “Mr. Big” sting operation.

Sound familiar? It should, because that’s the identical “Mr. Big” approach (where undercover police employ concocted stories) that Alberta RCMP used to catch Sean Hennessey and Dennis Cheeseman of Barrhead. Both also pleaded guilty for their unsavory relationship with and assistance provided to James Roszko in his cold-blooded murder March 3, 2005 of RCMP Constables Brock Myrol, Peter

Schiemann, Leo Johnston and Anthony Gordon.

After reading David Staple’s superb 60,000-word, 31-part series on the Mayerthorpe massacre in the Edmonton Journal, and the Province story on the triple murders by the then 18-year-old West Van teenagers, you can understand why the

They answered the call big time by adopting six children of black descent over a six-year period: In 2001, brother and sister Elias and Jaydin, both under four, arrived from Haiti… in 2005, brothers Glenn, 7 1/2, and Ray, 5, left hurricaneswept New Orleans… in 2007, another two brothers Mannie, 8 1/2, and Rowan, 6,

Good vs. Evil...

“Mr. Big” approach is used with caution and only as a last resort by police to get justice.

Compare the wasted lives of these four young men with the positively incredible approach to life taken by David and Erin James, who live on a half section between Devon and Spruce Grove. Simply put, their hearts abound with love.

The James raised seven children— another died at birth and one of a brain tumour. Normally, that would be enough for any parents. But, as their children matured, Erin and David became increasingly aware of abandoned children the world over.

came from Haiti—all joined the James family in their incredible loving home.

And what did Jessica, Leah, Luke, Hanna, Emma, Claire and Isaac James think of their new brothers and sisters? It was love at first sight. Impressive, appreciating that all 13, ranging in age from seven to 27, lived under the one roof for a few months, and 11 were together for a longer period.

The adopted siblings initially roomed together; later, they were grouped by ages.

Edmonton’s Riverbend United Church had some of its biggest Sunday School classes when the James family attended.

Why raise a total of 13 kids in an eight-

haron MacLean and I met last he started taking piano lessons and by his mid-teens was accompanying his month to discuss the upcoming father, Jaromir Mayer, and The Edmontonians Sizzling Twenty Romantics, an Edmonton cover band. “It under 30 edition in September.

What evolved was a little twist on My E- was then that it dawned on me that I could be doing this Space column. Over the past year, I’ve profiled the activities of a number of past Sizzlers. It’s intriguing to ayer find out if success has continued Martin M to sizzle or, alternately, to fizzle.

Given that, as of this year, 140 young people have been named since 2002, I would have no shortage of subjects. So, as My ESpace comes to a close, Sizzling in the City debuts.

Once upon a time, I was going to be a jazz singer. As a grade 11 student at Victoria School of the Arts, I envisioned myself wearing a long, slinky black velvet dress in a dark lounge, draped ‘Jessica Rabbit’-style over a shiny black grand piano, singing in dulcet alto tones. While I did earn a diploma in comprehensive music at Grant MacEwan College, that is where my musical story ends—at least, for now.

I understand and am passionate about business: It is my art. Few musicians can say the same. During my first Sizzling in the City interview, it became obvious that Martin Mayer is one of the few the rest of my life,” Martin recalled. musicians who thrives in both worlds.

Through the mentorship and guidance of Born in the Czech Republic into a his father, he created a sole musical family, Martin moved to proprietorship and began the steep Edmonton when he was nine. At eleven,

learning curve of business ownership and self-employment.

Martin and I discovered that we both attended Vic and the Grant MacEwan music program. He graduated in 2001 with diplomas in composition and piano performance. But, it was in 1999 that he threw himself behind his first selfproduced concert. Martin told me that he asked himself a simple question, “How am I going to break out of being that guy in the basement with a CD? Anyone can record a CD.” His answer is part of what still makes him sizzle: Take initiative. When his “big break” didn’t find him, he built the right opportunity to promote himself and break through the white noise of the Canadian music industry. “(There is) nothing like being 18 years old and walking into a bank and asking for $35,000 that you have no idea how the hell you’re going to repay. They looked up and said, ‘Great… but we need a parent to co-sign.’ They did and it turned out great. Even with the naysayers—‘You’re never going to be able to repay this.’ ‘You’re never going to be able to make this work.’ But I knew I had to do it myself.” And he did—to a sold out audience.

The resulting album, Martin Mayer: Live in Concert, was nominated for a Western Canadian Music Alliance Award. The award and CD sales led to

bedroom home? “Because,” says Erin, “we’re a functional household and the adoptions became addictive.” Some of the older children have moved out, but the James home is still busy enough today what with nine children—four girls and five boys—remaining. This includes the six adopted children and three youngest biological children. (And did I mention the three dogs and six cats—all of whom, understandably, remain outside?) All get on well. Squabbles are rare because there’s no time for arguments.

In addition to doing a splendid job of raising all their children, the James also commit to their community. Erin assists at an elementary school when called upon, and David just stepped down from a heavy commitment with Parents against Drugs, which he started in Spruce Grove.

Considering the amount of sordid news that bombards us daily, society seeks, welcomes and relishes good news. The remarkable story of Erin and David James is the best kind of good news. √ Bruce Hogle is the former news director at CFRN TV and retired head of the Alberta Press Council.

Contact bhogle@edmontonians.com

with Erin Rayner

S

increased web traffic and an e-mail from an agency in China looking for Canadian pianists. A few weeks later, he was offered a 16-city tour of China—where he performed live and on two television specials to a total of 2.5 billion people.

His sole proprietorship promptly became an incorporated company. Subsequent tours of Europe and return trips to China followed.

Even with his obvious success as a contemporary concert pianist and composer, I was curious to know if Martin’s business was now paying his bills. He answered diplomatically, “In today’s world, you have to have and be able to wear a number of hats. When I started, I didn’t have money to hire a graphic designer or a publicist, so I learned a lot of these skills and how they work…this experience has translated into an asset.” Meaning he’s like many other business owners: When the ideal projects are slow to materialize or cash flow is scarce, he adapts.

Adaptation. Initiative. Sounds like the song of an Edmontonians Sizzler— which he was in 2002, the inaugural year of the signature event.

And the music never stops. Martin, who now lives in Vancouver, will have a new solo piano album available on iTunes this fall. √ Erin Rayner is president of ED Marketing and Communications Inc. Contact erayner@edmontonians.com

EDMONTONIANS AUGUST 2009

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C ivic Buzz with David Norwood

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dmonton’s retail scene is alive and well. With major expansions of Southgate Centre, substantial renovations to Kingsway Garden Mall, continued growth at South Edmonton Common (SEC), and new retailers at West Edmonton Mall, among others, Edmontonians have no shortage of choices for either location or variety, including many shops found nowhere else in western Canada.

And, while the downtown core has yet to see the kind of retail expansion occurring at such outlets as Kingsway or SEC, growth is definitely taking place. A recent arrival in Edmonton City Centre is BCBG MAXAZRIA, while the upscale Escada has relocated from Commerce Place immediately north to Manulife Place. At this point, medium- or large-area retail space is at a premium in the downtown core but, as more space becomes available in podiums of new condominiums and renovated office buildings, more street level retailers are or will be setting up shop.

While admittedly not particularly pedestrian-friendly, South Edmonton Common attracts shoppers by the carload— and therefore the retailers. The selfdescribed “retail power centre” will, upon its completion, contain 2.3 million square feet of retail space, making it the largest open-air retail mall in North America. It currently houses about 100 stores with 1.7 million square feet of space. In addition to such anchor stores as IKEA, Home Depot, Superstore, Cineplex-Odeon cinemas, and Wal-Mart Supercentre, SEC also is home to the first Banana Republic and Gap factory outlets in western Canada… the first Adidas outlet store in Alberta… Canada’s largest Future Shop… as well as to H&M, Calvin Klein, Nike, HMV, Tommy Hilfiger, Best Buy, Guess, Indigo Books, Triple Flip, The Brick, and many, many more.

Mall Mania Did someone say there’s a recession?

SEC also has a plethora of restaurants, ranging from Mikado to Moxie’s to Milestone’s to Montana’s, plus The Keg, Fatburger, Famoso Neapolitan Pizza, Earl’s and several others. Services abound as well: Eveline Charles Salons, Jenny Craig, GNC, Telus, banks, and a dentist office. Critics call South Edmonton Common the worst example of retailing, a nightmare lacking any overall planning (which in fact is not true), and environmentally degrading. But like it or not, SEC is a success for retailers.

Generally, these outlets are among the highest grossing of any of their stores, and that translates into attracting even more retail. I have a feeling that South Edmonton Common will continue to thrive long after it has been built out. (Editor’s note: “You-arehere” maps, strategically placed throughout the complex and near entrances, would be a welcome addition.)

Kingsway Garden Mall—Edmonton’s second-largest indoor shopping complex and among the city’s busiest (after West Edmonton Mall, of course)—has quietly been renovating its almost million squarefoot interior, adding more space and new stores, while relocating many existing stores. Featuring more than 200 stores and services, KGM is anchored by Sears, The Bay and Zeller’s department stores. Among its new stores are H&M, Aritzia, Aeropostale, Costa Blanca, Bath and Body Works, and RW&Co. It also features one of Edmonton’s two Disney Stores (the other is in WEM), as well as Gap, Club Monaco, American Eagle Outfitters, Eddie Bauer—in short, enough stores and services to fulfill most shoppers’ needs.

Southgate Centre has undergone the most extensive mall expansion in Edmonton in recent years. Focusing on a more upscale clientele than most others in the region, it has just completed a 155,000-square foot expansion. Among the 30 new stores are Sephora, Banana Republic, Zara, BCBG

MAXAZRIA, Ecco Shoes, Coach, Mappins, Püsch, Brown’s Shoes, Alberta’s first Kiehl’s, and Geox. The new food court includes Koryo Korean Barbecue, Rasoee the Indian Kitchen, Edo of Japan, Famous Wok, Opa Souvlaki, and Cinnzeo. Grand opening festivities run from August 5th to 9th.

West Edmonton Mall—despite putting announced expansion plans on hold—has still added more stores to its impressive mix.

Among new shops is Abercrombie, a companion store to Abercrombie & Fitch, which is dedicated to kids’ apparel. Both have only two locations in Canada; the other is in Toronto. Also new is Aerie by American Eagle, featuring intimate wear for women—its only Alberta location.

Anthropologie, BCBG MAXAZRIA, Cactus Club Cafe, Chatters Beauty Store, Del Sol, Guess by Marciano, Hugo Boss, Coach, Bath and Body Works, Sisley, Tommy Hilfiger (relocated and redesigned), Fossil, and Triple Flip are among recent arrivals.

Many say that WEM—according to Wikipedia the seventh largest mall in the world… and the largest outside Asia—is looking a little worn and could use some dressing up. I tend to agree, but no one can doubt the drawing power of this massive shopping and entertainment complex. It remains Alberta’s largest tourist attraction and contributes substantially to Edmonton’s economic well-being, employing an estimated 15,000 people full- and part-time.

Shopping opportunities aren’t confined to these larger malls, either. The Currents at Windermere is under construction in the far southwest, and is already home to a WalMart Supercentre, Home Depot and several banks. The retail-commercial-residential development will include a 10-screen Cineplex Odeon cinema, and many other retail and commercial establishments.

North Town Centre, formerly North Town

Mall, has been substantially redeveloped, and is now anchored by western Canada’s first Bed Bath and Beyond; Indigo Books, Gifts, Kids, one of six Indigo stores in Canada to offer a full experience for young people (including books, toys and merchandise), T&T Supermarket with its full range of Asian and North American food products; and London Drugs.

Westmount, Meadowlark—the city’s oldest malls—Londonderry and Millwoods Towne Centre continue to serve their communities. As do many smaller, niche shopping locations: The 124th Street and Jasper Avenue area, including the High Street, can easily provide a full-day’s shopping and dining experience. Old Strathcona, often seen as the very definition of trendy shopping in Edmonton, continues to evolve with a wide variety of local and national stores, restaurants, bars, pubs and services. 118th Avenue also is emerging as a shopping and dining destination, while the stores and restaurants around La Bohème Bed and Breakfast and Culina Highlands on 64th Street and 112th Avenue attract more and more customers.

And residents of Sherwood Park, St. Albert and Spruce Grove, among others, have many shopping destinations available to them in those cities.

Whether you prefer the open mall concept embodied in South Edmonton Common or Mayfield Common… the mega-mall experience of West Edmonton Mall… the variety offered at numerous indoor malls… or a more small-scale neighbourhood retail environment, the choice is yours. And the variety of choices keeps growing, all to Edmonton’s and Edmontonians’ advantage. √ David Norwood is a freelance writer/editor.

Contact dnorwood@edmontonians.com

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The market is heating up again Connie says “We’ve hit a magic spot.”

By N.J. Brown The last time we spoke with award-winning condominium specialist Connie Kennedy, the snow was flying, the temperature was plummeting, and the real estate market was experiencing a bit of a chill.

But—just as Kennedy forecasted at the beginning of the year—we’ve warmed up substantially since then.

And not just weather-wise. The REALTORS® Association of Edmonton reports that it is “…confident that the local real estate market has regained stability.” Not only did sales for the first six months of 2009 surpass sales for the same period in 2008, but “residential sales in June set a new record for the month.”

And the condominium market is showing solid signs of strength as well. According to MLS figures, condos have been experiencing not only a steady rise in sales but a steady rise in price in 2009, with an increase of 9.7% from January 1 to July 21. And, whereas realtors were beginning to see just a few cases of multiple offers on the same property at the beginning of the year, this is now becoming a fairly common occurrence. Yet another positive indicator is that investors are extremely active right now— many are buying two or three properties at a time.

All of this points to a continuing upswing in the market. And this upswing, combined with low interest rates, incentive plans, affordable prices, and a market that offers plenty of choice without the saturation we saw last year, translates into a buyer’s market. As Kennedy puts it, “Everything is aligned right now. We’ve hit that magic spot where almost everyone who wants a property can find something that they qualify for.” Given that it would appear that both prices and interest rates

are bound to go up from here, it certainly seems that now is the time to step into the market.

Granted, buying real estate in today’s global economy may seem a bit counter-intuitive. After all, what makes Edmonton’s market any more predictable, not to mention stable, than any other market? In answer to that question, Kennedy points to a host of reasons: “We have the advantage of being in Alberta, and the strength of our provincial economy—oil and agriculture—behind us. Alberta is still a leader among the provinces and a preferred place for investors.

Being a government town also sets Edmonton apart.

And another big thing, which people don’t generally consider when they’re looking at economics, is that we have an astounding number of really good, prestigious educational institutions in this city.

Students come from all over the province—all over the world, actually—to attend our schools. And those students bring with them economic activity and a demand for housing. All these things help build and support a strong economic base.”

As for condominiums, Kennedy points out that this market gains much of its strength from its adaptability in that it has so much to offer to such a diverse demographic. Whether its investors seeking solid ways to make their money work for them, current homeowners wanting to upgrade or downsize, retirees who are ready to stop mowing lawns and shoveling snow, soon-to-be retirees looking to the future, or parents giving adult children a helping hand out of the house or providing students with secure housing, condos present a host of unique advantages.

Kennedy is particularly enthused about the opportunities available to first-time

home buyers in the current market.

“Now, more than ever, there are affordable ways to get into the market,” she says. “And first-time home buyers aren’t necessarily the people you might think they are. There are the young people just starting out, of course, but this time around we’re also seeing a lot of older people who haven’t been able to afford to buy until now. There’s nothing more exciting, or gratifying, than helping someone who’s been renting for 20 or 30 years find a home of their own.”

Even after 40 years in the real estate business, Kennedy is still having a ball. And this is a particularly thrilling time for her. Perhaps this is because her passion for real estate is a natural extension of her philanthropic nature and her firm belief that “everyone should be able to own their own home.”

Perhaps it’s because of her philosophy that “pride of ownership and having a space we can call our own helps build strong communities.” Perhaps it’s because of her conviction that “giving back is the most important thing, whether through charitable donations, generous contributions to community initiatives, or making it as easy and fun as I possibly can for buyers by walking them through everything from financing to moving in.” Or perhaps it’s because Kennedy has, as she adamantly states time and again, “the absolute best clients in the world!”

Most likely, it’s a combination of all of the above.

While it’s a sure bet that temperatures will once again plummet in the next few months, it looks like real estate is poised to continue heating up. And Connie Kennedy has no intention of cooling her heels while so many great things are underway.

The Promenade Many of Edmonton's finest condos are situated along the popular Promenade with panoramic river valley views. Priced from $325,000 to $2,880,000

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Alberta’s richest soil under threat

The farms-in-the-city dilemma:

or USE ABUSE

By Les Brost

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here’s a lot at stake when we make decisions on how to use our land base.

What we decide—or don’t decide—is a reflection of the collision of compelling and competing human values.

Land use decisions are never easy… most are loaded with emotional, historic and economic baggage. Round II of Edmonton’s bruising “Battle of the Muni” is a good example of the issues and passions stirred up by land-use discussions.

There is another land use question with the potential to become a flash point within the Capital Region.

Should we preserve prime farmland within the city?

It’s a question bristling with powerful interests and emotions: There is not a more basic need than food, and ready access to the land to produce that food.

Many of our citizens who moved here from other countries have painful, first-hand experience with food scarcity and starvation.

We live in a time of rapid change and growth, and

even our perceptions of food are shifting. The organic sections of grocery stores are expanding. Farmers Markets are experiencing exponential growth. The ideas to eat local, grow green, and take the 100-mile challenge—once promoted by a handful of “faddists”—are now rapidly growing lifestyle movements.

We also need land for industrial expansion and land for affordable housing, and for the social and transportation infrastructures required to support both.

That’s when our need for residential and commercial land runs headlong into our need for an accessible and dependable food supply.

The Capital Region possesses some of the best farmland in Alberta, particularly for vegetable crops. It is home to some of Alberta’s leading agriculture industry success stories. The combination of rich farmland and desirable microclimates makes the region’s farmland very productive and valuable.

This prime agricultural land is also a prime candidate

for industrial and residential expansion. Old-timers remember the market gardens that operated on the land that is now Refinery Row. Rich soil that supported yesterday’s farm families in the Ellerslie community now supports upscale residential subdivisions and the accompanying commercial development.

So how do we balance these competing needs? And are we prepared to accept the responsibilities that come with our decisions?

On the surface, it’s almost a no-brainer. Who doesn’t want to protect prime agricultural land in urban environments? However, it’s not that simple. Land use zoning is a complex issue, and that’s why our leaders seem to be more enthusiastic about platitudes than action.

Governments in British Columbia and in the Greater Toronto Area have taken strong political action to preserve prime farmlands. Alberta continues to lose prime farmland in urban areas while municipal leaders ponder the issue.

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Qualico Development: Britnell

Ed Gibbons City Councillor Edmontonians magazine put three questions at the root of this issue to a group of clear-thinking, knowledgeable individuals with differing perspectives. We spoke to Edmonton City Councillors Ed Gibbons and Don Iveson; Larrisa Helbig, operator of the Thundering Ground Bison Ranch and Helbig’s Farm Market at Calmar; Shane Erickson, a seasoned property development specialist with Qualico Developments; and Monique Nutter, a Larrisa Helbig & Buffy spokesperson for the Thundering Ground Bison Ranch Greater Edmonton Alliance. Dieter Kuhlmann of Kuhlmann’s Market Garden & Greenhouses, whose farm is at the current epicenter of the debate, offered advice from “Ground Zero”.

Kenton Ziegler, a farmer from Beisecker and a member of the Alberta Agriculture & Food Council, added input from the provincial perspective.

We first checked out the assumption that there is agreement on the need to protect prime food-producing land. We asked, “Do you support the concept of protecting prime agricultural land in the Capital Region from development?

Why or why not”?

So how did our group respond? The dominant theme of the answers was “cautious” support for the

Kuhlmann’s produce

Kuhlmann’s at the Downtown Market preservation of prime farmland. Most of the reservations concerned the degree of public support for the huge public investment required to preserve the land.

Councillor Gibbons expressed the view that taxpayers, particularly those familiar with farmland values, would revolt at using tax dollars to match the price developers or speculators would pay to purchase this prime farmland.

“Farm land is a commodity, and it has a perceived value that is assigned by consumers when they buy food,” noted Helbig. “Will consumers used to the historic Canadian cheap-food policy be willing to pay to preserve farmland?”

Nutter has a different perspective. She thinks that protecting agricultural lands benefits Edmonton by encouraging infill housing, providing ecological functions such as water filtration and storm water management, and protecting ecological networks and habitat for numerous species of plants and animals. Ms. Nutter states, “Social reasons for protecting prime agricultural lands in Edmonton range from food safety and sovereignty to connecting with the land.”

Councilor Iveson commented on the special value of prime farmland. “There are all kinds of irreplaceable things in this world, but none so essential as soil where food grows well.”

What stops us from protecting prime farmland? Kuhlmann expressed the need for visionary municipal leadership. “Our biggest challenge is to convince city councillors to think outside the box. They must take a leap of faith, and take a chance to reap future accolades for the wisdom of their actions.”

Erickson identified the current consumer housing preference as a major obstacle.

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“City Councillors receive strong negative feedback from their constituents whenever they approve developments with small lot sizes. Edmonton housing consumers still prefer large lots, and developers respond to those marketplace signals.”

He also noted the huge up-front costs incurred by developers when they “jump over” large tracts of land reserved for special purposes. “These costs and the interest that accrues has to be passed on to the house buyer.”

Iveson also saw the barriers to farmland protection as being economic: the value of the land to specific industries… and the speculative value of the land to those aiming to resell it for a profit.

He noted the strong influence the land development and homebuilding industries have with municipal councils, and the resulting political and economic pressure to maintain the status quo.

Nutter identified a need to use the triple bottom line—economic, environmental and social elements—in all our decisions regarding the conversion of agricultural lands to other uses.

Ziegler, too, commented on the ue Nutter lack of a long-term, Moniq monton Alliance Ed ter ea Gr triple-bottom line societal valuation on quality farmland.

Helbig addressed the matter of food prices.

“This wouldn’t be an issue if we wouldn’t have had a long-term national policy of cheap food. It’s fine to say we want to preserve farmland, but farming has to be a viable way of earning a living.”

The third question asked for ideas on strategies or mechanisms that might resolve the issue.

Ziegler thinks that there is a need for tradable development rights. TDRs are the exchange of zoning privileges from areas with low population needs, such as farmland, to areas of high population needs, such as downtown areas. These transfers may allow for the preservation of open spaces and historic landmarks, while giving urban areas a chance to experience continued growth,

renewal and redevelopment.

Iveson, Nutter and Kuhlmann echoed Ziegler’s support for TDRs. Nutter indicated there are a number of promising mechanisms and strategies in the Alberta Land Use Framework and Land Stewardship Act (Bill 36).

Gibbons suggested that trading land and reducing the scale of preservation would be a way to achieve farmland preservation at a “doable” scale and price. He supports high-density communities surrounded by agricultural land, with a total-recycling approach to gray water and other domestic waste.

Most of the group supported the need for a different approach to comprehensive, long range land-use planning.

It would include an inventory of the potential food production capacity that would be lost to development. We have no idea of the current and future value of the food production and other benefits we receive from farmland.

These areas of common interest are fertile soil in Don Iveson which to harvest City Councillor understanding. However, the present land-use decisionmaking process does little to promote the conversations necessary for a reconciliation and alignment of competing interests. Instead, it promotes hyperbole and confrontation over thoughtful consideration and respectful dialogue. Our current process tends to perpetuate the status quo.

That’s why Edmontonians publisher Sharon MacLean is opening the comments section of the magazine’s website to your thoughts. What ways do you see to reconcile these competing and equally important interests? How can informed citizens encourage a fair and transparent decisionmaking process?

The land-use decisions made concerning prime agricultural land within urban areas are vital to our economy, our environment and our society.

Decisions made on this issue will truly create the future face of the Capital Region. What are our priorities? What are our values? How do we balance competing, equally valid interests?

We all have a stake, and we should all have a voice. Please let us know what you think. √

Two market... to market Gail Hall and Krystal Braam

By Barb Deters shopping trip through the Downtown Farmers Market with Gail Hall, a gourmet guru and regional food advocate, is a lesson in the merits of purchasing locally grown produce and meats. The meal that follows at her Seasoned Solutions cooking class is another story.

Hall lives in a loft on 104th Street, mere steps from the north end of the Saturday market and greets most of the vendors by name. She’s thrilled to have this cornucopia of fresh food virtually at her doorstep.

Like the producers, she finds the threat of residential and commercial development of farmlands within the city’s boundaries distressing.

“The loss of some of the richest soil in the province would be tragic… Once you remove the topsoil for development, you can’t recapture the conditions that exist in this microclimate. The northeast area where Riverbend Gardens and Kuhlmann’s have operated for decades enjoys a longer growing season—more than 140 days compared to 110 on the other side of the North Saskatchewan River.

“Producers like Sundog and Green Valley to the south face similar challenges,” Hall adds. James Vriend and Jennifer Berkenbosch operate Sundog Organic Farms which has been in the family for 30 years… three acres south of Ellersie Road on 156th Street.

Berkenbosch shakes her head when she mentions that about 12 acres around their farm sold for $7 million dollars. Those kinds of prices are also of concern to Gerda Krips of Green Valley Farms near Leduc where “developers buy the land and young farmers cannot afford it.”

And, for some—especially those close to retirement—it’s difficult to resist the temptation to sell for top dollar.

But Hall is hopeful that current economic conditions will allow time for more collaborative efforts to save agricultural lands. “We don’t need more housing right now. The slowdown gives us time for rational consideration… an opportunity to assess the situation before we make irreversible decisions.”

Buying and eating locally is capturing attention and contributing to the success of Farmers Markets throughout the Capital Region. Hall points to the growth of the Downtown Market which attracts close to 110 regular vendors. With average attendance having doubled since last year to almost 17,000 people, many sell-out before day’s end.

And that’s a good thing—nutritionally and economically. √

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Joe MacKay

By Greg Gazin

Minute Messaging

H

ollywood movies tell a story in 90 to120 minutes, but St. Albert video producer Joe MacKay can do it in three. Not that he’s filling theatres with his productions or serving popcorn, but his creations have literally become on-line works of art for businesses.

“Joe has the rare ability to zoom in and focus in on client’s needs and metamorphosize things digitally,” says Randal Adcock, business coach and president of Biopolis Inc. “I believe that there is an essence to every company and a secret to uncover the brand,” explains MacKay of Revovideo.com. “And the key is through the magic of video… inspiring imagination in your audience where both the viewers and businesses win.”

MacKay believes that information can be shown, displayed and presented in different forms, but video creates its own magnetic attraction.

This attraction has not only caught the attention of his clients—some of which include Alberta Envirofuels, Bioware, Landrex Developers, Golden

Rice Bowl, NABI (Northern Alberta Business Incubator) and the City of St. Albert—but also of the industry as well. He’s been recognized in each of the last four years. This year, he was a finalist in the marketing category with the Alberta Chambers of Commerce. Last year, he earned a marketing award of distinction from the St. Albert Chamber of Commerce. In 2007, Joe took home producer of the year in the Media Fresh Awards from the Digital Media Association of Alberta (now Digital Alberta).

And in 2006, he placed first and took home a Big Rock “Eddie”.

“Video utilizes all the senses,” according to MacKay, “and is one of most highly recalled forms of media. Because they’ve seen it, heard it, sensed it, touched it and laughed at it – you’ve created an emotional connection with them. It quickly penetrates their belief systems.”

Short, entertaining and engaging messaging is the most successful, with ‘short’ being around three minutes. But it took MacKay 12 years be become proficient in creating three-minute masterpieces.

“I confess that I’m an idea guy – but a visual

one… I also realized I was neither an illustrator nor an artist.” He sought an outlet to communicate his ideas, and video seemed the ideal medium. After completing the radio and television arts program at NAIT, he took a position as editor at the CFRN TV newsroom. The high energy environment was an easy fit with his personality, but the nature of a newsroom cramped his true artistic nature.

“I found that my creativity was restricted because timelines were too tight to tell the story the way I thought it should be.” MacKay needed to march to the beat of his own drum—not so surprising: He’s an accomplished drummer and has taught lessons for 13 years.

While free-spirited, he was also logical and methodical, realizing that to become truly effective behind the camera, he needed to comprehend what was in front of it too; and to have a better understanding of the business world. That led him to Grant MacEwan College, where he completed the public relations diploma program.

Continued on page 14

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Investing in start-ups

“a challenging, hands-on sport”

By Cheryl Croucher

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Ross Bricker

BRIEFS

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f Dr. Carlo Dr. Carlo Montemagno has his way, no one will ever look at trees the same way again.

Montemagno is the Dean of Engineering at the University of Cincinnati. He was in Edmonton for the recent conference on nanotechnology and forest products, sponsored

by TAPPI and Alberta Ingenuity.

In Montemagno’s world, trees produce more than lumber and pulp.

They are a cornucopia of proteins and molecules that form the basis of nano-enabled biomaterials.

He explains, “Forest products produces a large amount of biomass but all of their focus has been on cellulose. They look at using wood, fibre and pulp and that’s what they focus on. But there is a huge amount of potential resources in terms of the fundamental biological components that support the living mechanism of the tree that we should be able to harvest and use as value-added products—products that have more value intrinsically than the actual fibre that the industry is so heavily focused on.”

Montemagno says these nanoengineered biomaterials are

VAC Ltd. isn’t exactly a household name but one of the products it helped bring to market certainly is.

Cold-fx, might not have made it off the lab bench onto supermarket shelves if it hadn’t been for the early stage investment by AVAC venture capital company in Alberta.

According to Ross Bricker, president and CEO of AVAC Ltd., “One of our earliest and probably our best known success story in the early days was a company called CV Technologies, now called Afexa, with their Cold-fx product.

We were able to participate back in 1997-98 in helping them with their clinical trials to take that nutraceutical or their medical, natural product to market.”

Twelve years later, Cold-fx is distributed around the globe, making millions for its parent company. As for AVAC, it has

Montemagno

Mining Trees for nano-enabled

BIOMATERIALS renewable, offering a replacement for petroleum-based chemicals which will significantly reduce the carbon and energy footprint of industry. And we can expect to see some of nanoenabled products on the market within the next five years. √ ~ Cheryl Croucher

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now invested in 110 promising companies. The portfolio of companies that have made it to market contributes almost $400 million in revenue or commercial sales to AVAC’s investment.

“Our primary job is to help catalyze homegrown business successes in agriculture,” says Bricker as he talks about why this venture capital fund was established in 1997.

“The agriculture minister of the day thought it was important that we start to generate more value from post farmgate activity. The data that had been generated prior to that showed Alberta lagging quite a way behind. We were being known as the hewers of wood and haulers of water.

AVAC was created at that time to help catalyze those companies that could value-add commodities.”

The Alberta government put up $35 million and the federal government, through Agriculture and Agri-food Canada, contributed $10 million to get AVAC up and running as a not-for-profit, private venture capital company.

In recent years, an additional $79 million from the province has helped AVAC expand its role beyond agribusiness into life sciences, industrial technology, and information and communications technology. This includes the IVAC initiative, spearheaded by Alberta Advanced Education and Technology in 2007.

ngineering new materials at the nano or atomic scale holds great potential for improving products and industrial

processes.

But what risks do these novel materials pose human health or the environment?

Joanne Shatkin addressed this issue at the recent Conference on nanotechnology and forest products hosted by TAPPI and Alberta Ingenuity.

Shatkin is an author and managing director of CLF Ventures, an affiliate of the Conservation Law Foundation in the United States.

According to Shatkin, “All the properties that make nanomaterials so exciting as new materials are really novel properties. They behave differently from existing substances that we’re used to working with. That’s what raises the concern. If they behave differently from an engineering perspective, they also may behave differently from a biological and environmental perspective. So it raises some concerns that we need to address as these materials are being developed before they go widely out into the market.”

That’s why Shatkin advocates industry and regulators take a proactive approach toward nanotechnology.

“My goal,” she says, “is to try to build sustainability into these new products early on.

The exciting piece about

nanotechnology is that you can engineer out the properties that you don’t want. So if we are looking for those properties now… if we’re thinking about potential harm, then we can identify it early and deal with it.”

These issues are outlined in her book, entitled Nanotechnology: Health and Environmental Risks. √ ~ Cheryl Croucher

Joanne Shatkin

Are nano particles

Risky?

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In the past year, AVAC has also developed partnerships by attracting three other venture capital firms to Alberta: iNovia, Avrio and Yaletown.

Bricker has been with AVAC since 2000. No stranger to the world of agriculture, he grew up on the farm and continues to farm today. His degrees in agriculture and molecular biology, combined with his extensive experience in public policy, corporate finance and strategic planning, give him unique insight into the areas where AVAC is investing and into the obstacles these new ventures face.

According to Bricker, “The reality is that investing in early stage companies is a very challenging and very high risk area. Typically governments get involved in supporting research and innovation… that’s working in universities and through tech transfer areas. But then there’s a void in terms of available resources until you get to a company that’s profitable and generating revenue. Then, you’ll see later stage of venture capital get involved. In the area that we participate, the other investors are angels, the owners themselves… (and) some interested strategic partners who are prepared and interested in supporting early stage companies. But it’s very much a challenging, hands-on sport, so to speak.”

When deciding whether to invest in a startup company, Bricker stresses the number one rule is “people, people, people. If you’ve got the right kind of motivation and the right kind of people involved, then they will make it happen. I know from our experience—and we’ve invested in just over 110 companies over the last 12 years—that almost without exception, if they were good people leading the opportunity, it does well. If we take a risk on some people who aren’t quite where they need to be, then it’s not quite so promising an outcome.”

When early stage companies come to AVAC looking for venture capital, they are usually at the precommercial stage. Sometimes, however, AVAC will invest even earlier, supporting research at the university level, helping the venture along from idea through to marketable product.

Says Bricker, “We’re really a patient, hands-on investor. We come alongside and conduct very rigorous due diligence, making sure the investments are sound and appropriate, even though they are super high risk and early stage. We spend a lot of time helping the entrepreneurs, make sure that what they want to do is appropriate and is feasible.”

As for amounts of investment capital, that has ranged from a few thousand dollars to flesh out an idea to over $5 million on a single company with a blockbuster innovation. AVAC’s return on investment comes as a royalty when the companies finally get their products or services to market.

So just where are these AVAC investments? Bricker shoots off examples in rapid fire succession.

“SemBioSys has two blockbuster opportunities that will have a profound impact on healthcare with being able to produce safe insulin at a lower cost from plants that is identical to human insulin for Type 2 diabetics.

And their latest product is a small molecule that again is produced in plants that is effective for treatment of blood cholesterol….These have a profound opportunity to mitigate what is going to be a significant healthcare cost in the future.”

On the ICT side, Bricker points to the Internet. “One investment we made this past year was in a social networking company called Tynt, which basically has a system for layering over top of the existing Web 2.0 world some data tracking systems to help monetize for investors and advertisers what they are spending their time and money on.”

Other companies include Under the Roof, a Calgary based company creating consumer products for the home renovating market. Cadillac Coatings of Edmonton has developed a technology to powder coat wood with a super durable, eco friendly finish.

On the health and neutraceutical side, there’s SciMed Technologies which has developed kits that allow producers to test in-house the levels of vitamins A and D in milk and baby formula. Botaneco has

commercialized an ingredient for cosmetics called Hydresia. It’s made from safflower seeds and is a better emulsifier than those currently on the market.

And then there’s a lot of activity and interest in biofuels and alternative energy sources. For example, Highmark Renewables markets technology that turns organic waste from feedlots and sewage systems into energy.

These are just a few. A look at AVAC’s annual report indicates an extensive list of a broad range of companies and projects at various stages of development.

“Our primary objective is to see a vibrant, well diversified industry and I’ll emphasize home grown successes here in Alberta,” reiterates Bricker. “For those companies that do succeed, they are going to generate significant economic activity, employment, and quality jobs for Albertans.”

With all this energy and activity, what could grease the wheel even more? Taking another look at AVAC’s royalty model. While it works for the early stages of venture capital investment, Bricker says when companies grow to the point where they need later stage investment from outside sources, other venture capital funds look at AVAC’s royalty as a liability and are hesitant to invest.

Discussions are ongoing with the provincial government about allowing more flexibility in how AVAC can invest. √ To hear Cheryl’s conversation with Ross Bricker, visit www.innovationanthology.com Cheryl Croucher hosts Innovation Anthology which is broadcast on CKUA Radio at 7:58 am and 4:58 pm Tuesdays and Thursdays. Or download the podcasts at www.innovationanthologyy.com

improve nanofabrication Dr. Martin Moskovits

W

ave goodbye to silicon chips.

Thanks to advances in nanotechnology, the chips that power computers and other electronic devices may one day be made from the cellulose of trees.

But manufacturing these tiny electronic circuits at the nano or atomic scale depends on optics or new ways of dealing with light.

That’s what Dr. Martin Moskovits talked about at the recent conference on Nanotechnology and Forest Products. He is the former dean of science at the University of California Santa Barbara, and is currently the chief technology officer with API Nanotronics in New York.

“We live in a highly electronic world in which almost all of our devices are controlled by integrated circuits,” he explains. “These integrated circuits are

created through a form of lithography.

It’s almost like printing… but printing very, very tiny structures. It is really the backbone of the electronics industry. If you want to put more and more transistors in the same space, you need to make finer and finer features. And, for that, you need to use light of shorter and shorter wavelengths. And so we went from red light to blue light to violet light, and now we’re into the ultraviolet domain.

Now, using deep ultraviolet produces certain challenges in controlling and shaping this light. That requires new optics and new technology just to support this printing with ultraviolet.”

At API Nanotronics, Dr. Moskovits specializes in the development of polarizers and optical retarders that shape and control light for the nano fabrication of circuits. √ ~ Cheryl Croucher

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On the

HORIZON

AUGUST

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he magic is in the trends.

Have you clearly defined a goal for your web presence beyond simple brand awareness? For folks with an e-commerce presence, that goal is seemingly simple: conversion of traffic into sales.

I assumed that many website owners had heard of Google Analytics, and had installed the free software within their website code.

But, according to Benjamin Mangold, the overwhelming majority of website owners don’t use this free service to its full potential, if at all. Further, they seem to follow the nonrecommended “set it and forget it” methodology to website performance. He asks, “Why go to the trouble of monitoring traffic data if you’re not going to make changes based on the findings?” with Walter Schwabe Mangold is the analytics director for Mangold Senger, a consultancy in Sydney, Australia. He visited Edmonton in July to When asked where companies that use Google Analytics hold his two-day training workshop on Google Analytics. He go wrong, Mangold explains “they tend to look at the daily suggests that many organizations install the software but numbers and overlook the trends. The trending is where the then simply review the numbers without taking any specific real value is in analytics.” actions based on what the data are telling them.

One of the clear challenges is overcoming “analysis The analytics specialist estimates that nearly 80 percent of paralysis”—figuring out how to interpret and take action on the near thousand people he trains each year are not even all the data that’s available. Even assigning the right human using the software prior to attending. I found that statistic resources to the task can be a difficult task in itself. Mangold very interesting. In other words, many people have little says that Google is working on simplifying the data into a knowledge of what people are searching for related to their more consumable structure but couldn’t elaborate further. brand, product or service. Even more telling is his I’m all for that. Anytime a company can increase the ease of suggestion that organizations of all shapes and sizes are use of one of its tools without losing critical functionality, I spending marketing dollars not to promote their websites but think they’re moving in the right direction. to coordinate their online and offline efforts.

As for Mangold, he says he’d love to return to Edmonton If you’re not already using Google Analytics, Mangold to hold another seminar soon. He feels Edmontonians don’t suggests these tips as a place to start. First, after installing get much of an opportunity to attend seminars of this type, the program, review the keyword reports on how people are and I’d have to agree. I’ll be sure to meet with him the next finding your site. You may learn that the words are different time he’s in town. √ from what your organization assumes are the standard searches. Then create a list of keywords that are more descriptive in nature, and build content around that list.

Walter Schwabe is the Chief Evolution Officer of fusedlogic “Pick a phrase and generate content for that phrase, then inc., a social media strategy firm and Alberta company since watch to see how this affects your website traffic,” he adds.

2000. You can learn more at www.fusedlogic.com

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August through September DaVinci: The Genius An Inspirational Exhibition Telus World of Science 11211 – 142 Street www.edmontonscience.com August 25 Alberta Women Entrepeneurs Roadmap for Success 1 to 4 pm #100, 10237-104 Street 1.800.713.3558

SEPTEMBER September 13-15 18th Annual Conference Canadian Association of Business Incubation Oiling the Cogs of Incubation in a Tough Economy Shaw Conference Centre www.cabi.ca September 16 Reaching New Markets 2009 Grow Your Business in Challenging Times Beyond Borders US Border and Trade Seminars In Calgary, Deerfoot Inn and Casino 8 am to 5pm Registration opens mid-August www.reachingnewmarkets.com September 22-23 9th Annual Athabasca Oil Sands Conference & Trade Show Optimal Outcomes: Changing the Face of Oil Sands through Innovation and Collaboration Northlands www.thepetroleumshow.com

Continued from page 11 The PR program did more than teach him about business. It allowed him to see digital media in a different way.

Writing courses and class projects emphasized the concept that messages needed to be short, concise and succinct.

Having been trained in both video and marketing, MacKay says, he could be the technical guy and the sales guy—a one-man shop, especially in terms of costs and overhead. “But still, I also realized that it might be difficult to make a living competing in a wellserviced market which included TV, weddings and corporate training.”

His “spidey senses” kicked in and he knew that the corporate arena was his place to be, but “traditional business video had way too much detail. They were long and boring… 15 minutes was too much. Why not make it three?

It’s the length of the average ‘pop’ song. It’s a proven formula.”

For MacKay, it was revolutionary— “revolutionary video”. Thus, Revovideo.com was born.

During his PR training, he learned to write copy and create advertising.

Now, he saw the opportunity of video as a new form of on-line, digital brochure. Today, people are time bound and don’t have the attention span… they want a media fix. A quick hit.

“It’s a virtual handshake. Welcome visitors to your site and share the

message.” An effective video will draw viewers into the rest of the website.

“Ten years ago, on-line video was rare. Files were big and bulky and we didn’t have the bandwidth. Today, we have Flash, quick loading and realtime view… it’s no longer a question of access, it’s a matter of emotional appeal.”

And that emotional appeal brings smiles to some organizations.

Mike Mack is a managing partner of Alberta Land & Investment Brokers Inc. and a member of the Mayfield Rotary Club. He recalls how MacKay’s video for the “Fork it Over” campaign—a fundraiser in partnership with Sorrentino’s Compassion House—significantly impacted their charity auction revenue. “Joe captured video footage and put his own spin on it. I’m amazed at how he took a bunch of video and how he threaded it together to capture the essence of what the barbecue was really about.” The event itself, which would typically bring in $3500, brought in $5,500 last year and $7,500 this year.

MacKay is community oriented, and is a member of the St. Albert Chamber of Commerce. Toastmasters has had an impact on his journey, too.

That’s where he improved his communication and leadership skills, and found his first client Alberta Envirofuels. “I was taught the

importance of networking and business relationships and value of reaching out and sharing information, and reinforcing the power of engaging story.”

He seems to want to talk less about himself and his company, and more about being a video “e-Vangelist” with a capital V. MacKay shares his wisdom, dispels myths and offers caution and suggests people need to be educated about video.

Changes in tools and digital tech make video a viable part of media marketing strategies. It doesn’t necessarily replace detailed or written manuals or print materials.

Technology advancement has also brought down costs. It wasn’t that long ago that a typical set-up would run $50-70k and was very labour intensive. But MacKay cautions against using your uncle with his new camera, and points out that “99% of video on YouTube is amateur style video. If it’s shaky and poor quality, it reflects back on your company.”

Mackay suggests that if you are going to invest in video, do it wisely.

He has seen many businesses spend exorbitant amounts on videos that fail to attract attention because they strike out. He uses a baseball analogy to get his point across.

“In order to get to first base, you need to keep your video around the three minutes. Videos longer than this

tend lose the interest of the viewer.

“To reach second base, you need an emotional story that informs and educates viewers about some interesting topic. If it’s more like a sales pitch rather than an engaging story, click—they’re gone.

“To stretch to third base, music, graphics and transitions must be used with caution to support the overall message in a visually exciting way.

An entertaining video will push the message deeper. Make a connection and you’ll make it home… a potential customer. And, for them, your product or service can mean a home run.”

So what’s on the horizon for his Van Gogh of video? The 42-year old MacKay is designing his own on-line training for drums at CoolDrums.ca using—you guessed it—three-minute videos. √ Greg Gazin, “The Gadget Guy,” is a serial entrepreneur, freelance technology columnist, small business speaker, an avid Podcaster and producer of Toastcaster.com.

Greg can be reached at 780.424.1881, gadgetgreg.com or greg@gadgetguy.ca EDMONTONIANS AUGUST 2009

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lifestyles LIVELY

ASIAN Persuasion

That’s cookin’with MENU

Magic

FIRE

with Chef John Berry

I

Photos by Rocco Macri

morph into an East Indian palace, with t all started out as a love story, but four containers of artifacts and handhas since blossomed into one of the crafted décor due to arrive any day. The greatest success stories on restaurant, encompassing the entire Edmonton’s food scene. building, should be transformed by the end When Ramesh Devangodi landed at the Edmonton International Airport from India of September.

The New Asian Village empire has several years ago, he had no idea what was grown to four restaurants, with a fifth in about to happen to him. Harmeet Kapur Sherwood Park due to open had hired Ramesh soon. Harmeet just marvels to be his new chef Ramesh at his daughters’ successes. at the New Asian Davangodi Monica is running the one Village on on Saskatchewan Drive, and Saskatchewan has just completed major Drive. He sent his renovations. She’ll also young daughter, manage Sherwood Park.

Sonia, to pick-up Veronica and husband the eager, good Bobby run the Millwoods looking chef. operation. Sonia and Before you could Ramesh also have the new say, “I’d like some 137th Avenue and Manning coconut naan,” it Freeway New Asian Village. was all over. Love But the girls admit at first sight. that if it hadn’t been Harmeet chuckles for their father about it to this day. saying, “If you’re “She went to going to do it, do it pick-up a chef, and right. If you can’t, brought home a husband.” then take the New After two years of working together, Asian Village flirting and dating, the two tied the sign down and knot. I emceed the wedding reception, be done with and it was easy to see the love in their it”… then it eyes. But, as all of Harmeet’s children wouldn’t have have, they longed for a place of their worked out. own—a chance to carry on the great Sonia says, “I think we’ve learned a lot traditions and excellent flavours nurtured from my Dad.” by their father. So in 2004, they bought an It’s easy to see why this highly old bakery on 100th Avenue and 175th Street, made the necessary renovations, and successful and fast growing chain is the leading Indian restaurant chain in Canada. hung the New Asian Village shingle on the And it’s ours to enjoy and savour. Ramesh door. The rest is pure magic. shared the recipes for a couple of the dishes Ramesh’s culinary expertise and served at Edmontonians’ 20th anniversary creativity have made the restaurant an reception for its contributors. incredible success. He utilizes only the freshest ingredients with a low fat content For recipes and more New Asian Village and unique Indian flavours. According to photos, go to Edmontonians.com Sonia, “People like coming here because and visit the Lively Lifestyles Blog. the food has a calming affect on them.”

She calls it the “hidden gem” of the Contact Chef John Berry at west-end, and is eager to share plans for a jberry@edmontonians.com bigger and better location. It is about to

with Linda Bodo

T

he spicy aroma of curry perfumed the air over the strum of sitar music while a few remaining patrons enjoyed the last of their butter chicken. Outside traffic whizzed by as the parking lot gradually emptied after the lunch rush in the heat of the afternoon. Earlier in the week, I had attended Edmontonians’ 20th anniversary reception for its contributors, and had been mesmerized by a centuries-old temple door in the entranceway of the New Asian Village in the westend. It was a study of intricate detail, deftly carved and glammed with an armoury of hand-tooled brass nails and gently worn knockers. I was back to learn more about the design elements of this richly decorated restaurant. As I ran my fingers over the detailed woodwork, owners Sonia and Ramesh Devangodi arrived and invited me in for a quick tour and a chat about their expansion plans.

The dining room was swathed in bejewelled draperies where lavishly carved chairs complemented wood murals coaxed from exotic woods.

Downstairs tented tables swagged with sari fabrics offered privacy and a mystical ambience amid the glow of brass lanterns. As we chatted about the endless list of materials and collectibles Ramesh was bringing back from Rajashan to decorate the addition, I could not help but get caught up in the surroundings. I envisioned us sitting outside in a tented sanctuary… sheers blowing around us… lanterns bobbing in the persuasion of the wind… the waft of pungent spices tickling the taste buds.

After a brief review of the Shiva antique brass statue—to the tune of $15,000.00— due to arrive any day, we headed next door

where construction is well underway. The new, 240-seat digs will feature a 100-foot long buffet—Edmonton’s largest—where elephant-pedestal chafing dishes will present the best in Indian cookery. Booths will offer dining experiences fit for a Maharaja under silk tents handmade in India. The spicy red walls will match the red granite wainscoting coming from, yes, India.

As I said good bye to my gracious hosts (who insisted on sending me home with a bag of goodies, including their famous butter chicken), my mind was racing with DIY plans: How about an Asian-Indian inspired daybed of sorts persuaded from a forgotten umbrella and a tiled bench that was gathering dust in my garage?

MATERIALS • Patio umbrella • Sheer drapes • Bench or storage chest • Tasselled fringe and drapery tie-backs • Pillows/bolsters/foam • Small metal lanterns • Drapery clips • Exterior paint (optional) • Sari fabric (available at ethnic fabric outlets) (Repurpose and recycle materials whenever possible.

You may already have a number of these items in your shed or closet.)

When you’re done position your sanctuary in a private spot outdoors and pamper yourself Maharaja-style. Perfect for catching a few zees, finally finishing that forgotten novel, or enjoying take-out from your local New Asian Village. √ For step-by-step instructions and more photos go to edmontonians.com and visit the Lively Lifestyles blog.

Linda Bodo is author of Enjoy Life Outside.

Visit www.absolutebodo.com for upcoming appearances and project demonstrations; view other DIY projects; or order her book.

Contact: lbodo@edmontonians.com

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Photos by Rocco Macri

M

id-way through our 20th year of publishing Edmontonians, we feted the talented people who have brought life to our pages over the decades: our columnists, feature writers, photographers, designers and editors. And, we invited the administrators who keep our business side humming. The party was hosted in partnership with Sonia and Ramesh Devangodi at their beautiful New Asian Village West.

It was great to see everyone—but especially actor and legendary emcee Fred Keating, Arts & Entertainment columnist, who flew in from Vancouver… sometime Victoria resident Marg. Pullishy… the creative team of Bruce Gendall and Joyce Gariepy… Paul Near, Business Management Difficulty columnist… and Barry Pritchard whose words appeared in the very first magazine. Unfortunately, others were unable to make it… including editor Jane Livingston who broke her leg trying to get here from Fort McLeod.

See you all in five.

Susan Hryniw, office manager, who planned some great parties over the years

Nejolla Korris, Private Investigator columnist

New Asian Village West management: R. Bhandary, Prince Kalra, owners Ramesh and Sonia Devangodi, Amar Singh, and Ashwani Kumar Accountant Elvie Clarke with writer Peter Roccia, who took a break from his thesis on Milton Elizabeth Blomert, Social Calendar writer, Sharon, and Barry Pritchard, Gaming columnist

John, ers Chef Ex-CFRN Bruce Hogle, Marg and ute columnist MediaMin

Barb Deters—editor, feature writer and Hot Flashes columnist—who also celebrated 50 years to the day in the communications business

Sharon with photographer Terry Bourque

E-Commerce columnist David Boroditsky with Kim Kerr, web business development

Barb enjoying fine Indian cuisine with Muggsy Forbes, VoxPop and Funny, Pompous & Unfair columnist; his wife, Dr. Ollie Triska; Dr. Larry Ohlhauser, Transformer; Quincey Deters, photographer and Street Commerce writer; and Linda Bodo, absolute bodo columnist Publisher Sharon MacLean with MenuMagic columnist Chef John Berry, and Laurie Caron, account manager of PMA Canada which supplied the wine for the event

Maria Politti, Edmontonians office manager and go-to gal

Waiting for Barb to finish the story of her life so they can get to the food: Barry Boroditsky, photographer; Linda Bodo; Peter Roccia; Bruce Gendall, editor; Rick Lauber, writer; Terry Bourque; Greg Gazin and Cheryl Croucher, Visionaries writers; Barry Pritchard; Sharon; Elizabeth Blomert; Linda Hall, Business Buzz columnist; Nejolla Korris; and Marty Forbes, VoxPop columnist.

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