Edmontonians Jan10

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PM 40023292

an innocent N otBYSTANDER

By Les Brost

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Root problem of our health care crisis:



Tooth Fairy. If so, I apologize of doctor time wasted in one ’m no stranger to fear. for puncturing their illusions, month in one clinic.

After all, I’ve been That is a scandalous waste of but health care isn’t free. It’s stirrup-dragged by a consuming a huge chunk of our doctors’ time and taxpayers’ green horse, experienced provincial budget, and the money. Yet I doubt that the a mid-life divorce, and endured imminent stampede of graying story is much different in other a Revenue Canada audit. Yet I Boomers into the Old Age Alberta medical clinics. recently found myself in a gutCorral will dwarf the current Extrapolating the provincial wrenching grip of fear that left cost. It’s public money—yours, cost of lost doctor-hours could me trembling like an autumn mine and our grandchildren’s— develop some really scary aspen. that’s paying the bills. numbers.

What was causing this Those huge health care costs exercise in incipient and the massive oncoming pants-wetting? It demand give hope to folks was happening chipping away at the principle because I found of universal public health care. myself agreeing The abuse of our current with Alberta health care system only helps Health Minister the promoters of private Ron Liepert. health care.

That is a truly Why does this abuse terrifying occur? Is the perception of experience, akin to “free health care” causing the stepping though a problem? After all, we portal into an perceive something that’s alternative universe. free to be of little value. A It is safe to say that coffee at Tim Mr. Liepert has not been one of the Packed Emergen cy Room brightest lights in the Stelmach government. Critics suggest that his management of the Ron Liepert public health portfolio has induced an intense Next, consider the outbreak of fear and number of people using anger across Alberta—the hospital emergency dreaded “Ron 1 Flu.” clinics for complaints Finally, the Minister made a that are not emergencies public statement worthy of serious consideration. What was and should be treated at one of the many walk-in clinics. Horton’s costs a toonie that blazing illumination? Mr. more in out-of-pocket cash than It is a waste of time and Liepert stated that Albertans no-showing for your doctor’s resources of emergency rooms should take ownership of the appointment or visiting the and their highly trained and crisis in Alberta health care. “emerge” for a sore throat. We expensive staff.

He is absolutely correct. I have no way of knowing the Some of those failing to recently visited my doctor at the cost of our individual use of the cancel appointments and Smyth Clinic in Leduc. On the health care system. Why abusing emergency room wall of the waiting area is a shouldn’t Albertans know the services will fail to understand bulletin board inscribed with real costs? Shouldn’t we receive my argument. After all, isn’t this message: “In September 2009, 140 people failed to show this Canada, and isn’t our health billing statements clearly showing the cost of our medical care free to all? or failed to cancel care? Issuing informative Perhaps these folks also appointments”. According to periodic statements was believe in Santa Claus and the the notice, that equals 35 hours

discontinued in the 1970s.

When it comes to the costs of our personal health care, ignorance is definitely not bliss.

What messages do we send when there are absolutely no mechanisms in place to deter those who choose to act irresponsibly? Why should responsible health care consumers subsidize those abusing the system? Does a universal, single-tier public health system grant us a right to abuse that system without consequences?

Those of us supporting the Canadian public health system must acknowledge that it needs tweaking. Our ongoing refusal to look at systemic abuses, like failure to keep appointments and emergency room misuse, does not help to strengthen universal health care.

Mr. Liepert was correct in inferring that the root causes of our medical system meltdown are lurking in our mirrors, and that’s why I found his remarks so scary. Who could have expected that kind of insightful, wise advice to consumers of public health care coming from Ron Liepert? What’s next? Will Ron get shuffled? Will Premier Ed run off with Madonna?

Stay alert, my friends—stay very alert. √ Les Brost is the head of Southern Star Communications, a member of the University of Alberta Senate, and Edmontonians Transformer, and a keen observer of the world around us. lbrost@edmontonians.com

with Mark & Marty

W

ell, first things first: Happy New Year!

May 2010 be the best year yet for you and yours. Cheers!

Here’s a little Tiger joke…

What is the difference between Tiger Woods and Santa Claus? At least Santa stops at three Hos. (Cue drummer)

I have been away most of the past month… headed off to Toronto to do some work with the CBC. I managed to be away from the coldest place on planet Earth (minus Siberia). Sorry to have missed that. Yet I must say I will take some stupid cold days in Edmonton compared to that freezing wind, barreling up from Lake Ontario any day. It goes right to the bone.

One thing I cannot take is being 10 days away from here after a major snowstorm and, on my return, my avenue is not plowed. Not only was it not plowed, now it’s a twin rutted ice sheet. Our city does so many great things—plowing the streets is not one of them. What does it take? A switch in priorities, I guess. St. John’s would be plowed; Halifax would be cleaned up, as would Ottawa. Sure, we are bigger in area than most Canadian cities… but come on. This is not a shot at the hardworking people that drive the plows, trucks and graders. I wish I had a City councilor living next to me. Maybe my street would be clean and, more importantly, safe.

Would it not also create some jobs?

More moan and groan…

Just like the stunned drivers that roll down the QE 2, not staying right except to pass, why do people not stay right on escalators? It’s about the flow and not the show.

EDMONTONIANS JANUARY 2010

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Congratulations to CBC’s Radio

Kudos to CWB and its

Active host Peter Brown. His Radio One program, The Irrelevant Show was picked up across the nation. His show features well written and well performed sketch comedy. It highlights the best comedic talent Edmonton has to offer. Having a show run nationally on the CBC is a great feather in our city’s cap. You can go to a taping of The Irrelevant Show. Call CBC Edmonton for details.

customers whose combined efforts raised $300,000 for children’s charities. Canadian Western Bank’s The Greater Interest GIC® campaign was huge success. For every dollar clients invested, CWB made a donation of 1/8 percent back to the community in which the deposits were raised. The Edmonton, St Albert and Leduc branches donated $105,295.58 to the Youth Emergency Shelter Society; the balance went to local Big Brothers Big Sisters chapters across Western Canada.

Catching up with Quikcard’s Lyle Best these days is like catching up with the feisty Dachshund— investigative and on the move. He touched down at Edmonton in November in between clocking 130,000 air miles last year to sit at a round table for entrepreneurs hosted

by Diane Albonczy and Laurie Hahn, MP, Edmonton Centre. Diane is the Minister of State (small business and tourism) and she wanted to ask six entrepreneurs about life as… well… an entrepreneur in Canada. “I’m glad that she’s listening and making an effort,” noted Lyle in retrospect. “I never saw that happening under the Liberal government.”

As expected, the politicians were urged to improve the tax credit system for small business which

Hassan Ayman, 4Web; Laurie Hahn; Diane Ablonczy; Grant Lovig, Company’s Coming; Sharon MacLean, Edmontonians; Lyle Best, Quikcard Canada largely depends on for government income. The group of six felt that most tax breaks go to major corporations. “Small business is small,” said Lyle.

“Let’s make the paper burden smaller.” He was referring to the millions in grants hunted down by large management firms like Pricewaterhousecoopers; Quikcard hires a couple accountants just to figure out the system. What about the smaller business that really needs the grant but can’t afford the luxury of professional counsel, small businessman of the year Michael Donovan wanted to know. Most agreed it’s not worth the time to take advantage of the government’s largesse. What about the paperwork burden reduction plan launched by the Canada Business Network this year that reduced paperwork by 20 percent? A good… but small start.

What a shaker the Spirit of Edmonton put on in Calgary at the Grey Cup. The room was rocking as always. I had the pleasure of hosting the Spirit breakfast this year. Just a few things I witnessed—at least, I think I witnessed: 1) Premier Ed Stelmach wearing a perfectly split 50/50 Esks and Stamps jersey. God knows, the red side of his torso must have burned…. 2) Our Minister of Culture and Community Spirit chugging a shot of ‘Hot to Huddle’ 2010 Edmonton Grey Cup hot sauce while wearing a big black cowboy hat. Yee Ha… 3) A live Skype conversation with some of our finest from Canada’s military base in Kandahar on the big screen.

There were tears...

4) A large light fixture mere millimetres from my nose as the Esks cheer team lifted me up after their routine... 5) Countless beautiful cheerleaders.

Wow… 6) My father, Fred, dressed in gold, jawing a yarn with Bryan Hall who was made an honorary member of Bryan Hall the Spirit of Edmonton.

Well deserved, Brian...)

Samantha King and Brett Kissell having the house dancing their asses off at 11:00am…. 8) A man from the East Coast who claimed he could pull live lobsters from his behind.

Perhaps, better that than the golden goose…. 9) People from across Canada being one for a moment of time. Make sure you are in the room in E-town. √ 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

O

ne of the things I like

best about Edmontonians is that it’s about, well, Edmontonians.

Nothing makes me happier than a “home town boy does well” headline.

Bob Stauffer was born in Edmonton… educated in Edmonton… and loves Edmonton.

He and wife Kathleen have two children Torrie, 6, and Hudson, 3. He’s a household name due to his amazing sports acumen.

Bob knew at a very young age that he either wanted to play major sports or cover major sports. He started his broadcast career as a volunteer at CJSR. He did play-by-play of Golden Bears’ hockey and football— broadcasting the games, selling commercials and producing the program.

After leaving the U of A, Bob worked in various capacities for Global TV (then ITV), Molstar, ESPN, Fox, Hockey Night in Canada, and Sportsnet.

The apparent heir Bob Stauffer

His big break into radio was when he and I met—thanks to John Sexsmith and Bryn Griffiths—and debuted a new program in 2003 on Team 1260 called Total Hockey which became Total Sports. It was one of the most dominant shows in Canadian sports radio, and ranked high in the Edmonton ratings.

Bob had a knack for getting very high profile guests. Nobody can forget the amazing 20-minute Kevin Lowe interview which stocked a week long tirade against Anaheim general manager, now Toronto Maple Leafs GM, Brian Burke.

Another amazing talent that Bob has is a near photographic memory for statistics. An expert on hockey, football and CIS; Bob throws out facts and figures that truly blow you away—and have probably earned him a few side bets along the way.

Bob sits beside legendary Hockey Hall of Fame play-by-play broadcaster, Rod Phillips as the colour man on Edmonton Oilers broadcasts on CHED, and fills in for Rod when he’s golfing in Phoenix. He also hosts “Oilers Lunch” on Team 1260 weekdays, and can be seen on Oilers Pay PerView broadcasts.

You can read his blogs on the Oilers’ website – www.edmontonoilers.com.

I asked Bob a few questions last month: What’s the best part of your job? “The passion. I love to learn. I love to grow. I’m my own hardest critic and constantly want to improve. I have a huge respect for Rod Phillips who not only taught me the hockey part of broadcasting but how to handle myself with the team… on the road and in the league.”

Other influences? “Bryan Hall and Wes Montgomery. I grew up listening to both guys on the radio. Each is different and each taught me something in their own unique way. On American radio and TV, it’s Brent Musberger, Sam Rosen, Mike Emerick, and another Canadian Jim Hughson.”

Worst part of the job? “The road.

Although it’s glamorous and neat seeing different cities, you spend a lot of time away from your family. I have a great wife and two very young children, and I hate missing those important days and times of their lives.

Road stories with Rod? “I guess the funniest night was when Derek Van Diest (Edmonton Sun) and I were in a cab along with Rod and the Journal’s Jim Matheson in Detroit. Rod and Jim were badgering this poor cabbie who was confused about where we were supposed to be going. They just kept hasseling this poor guy and giving him directions. Ultimately, Rod and Jim were giving him the wrong directions. It made for a fun night.”

Best city to visit? “Each city has various charms. People in Minnesota love their hockey. The Bell Centre in Montreal is where hockey is religion. I like to take side trips like a recent trip to Atlanta where Dr. Marty Marazik (Oilers doctor) and I went to Athens Georgia to see a college football game with 93,000 screaming fans.

With the NHL today, what’s the biggest rule that needs to be changed? “Players have to have more respect for each other. Stop the headshots and hits from behind.

Players need to legislate themselves better and quit screwing around with the NHLPA – that’ll get handled – but respect the guys on the ice.”

“I would love to see Winnipeg and Quebec City get a second shot… or southern Ontario. Put hockey in hockey markets: If it doesn’t work in the Sunbelt, let it die.”

Your thoughts on the new arena? “I’m a hard-line kind of guy.

Find a way to get it done. No more candy ass typical municipal BS. This city/province needs it and this arena affects the long term sustainability of the team.

Final words? “Thanks to you.

You helped jump start my radio career.

You taught me the three most important things about broadcasting: Product.

Product. Product. I think about it every day and try to put everything I’ve got into my shows.”

I’m proud to have been a part of Bob’s illustrious career. I expect it will be long and rewarding. He’s been lucky enough to have Rod as a mentor… to learn from the master.

And, everybody knows Rod is close to calling it a day… which will leave the mic open for a “new voice of the Oilers”. We still have half a season before that becomes an issue. However, it would be difficult for anybody to match the groundwork that Bob has covered in our sporting community during the past five years. Bob is highly qualified to handle the play-by-play… he calls a great game… he has that quick fire, factual mind that is needed when the players hit the ice.

If I was a betting man…. √ 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 JANUARY 2010

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Proof__ _________PROOFED BY:_______________________________________________CHANGES MADE:__________________________DATE:_________________

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Poll

CELEBRATING

21

STATION A

YEARS

With Linda Banister

fter years of anticipation and planning, the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games are fast approaching. As the athletes and spectators from around the world flock to the Lower Mainland, we decided to ask Edmontonians about their plans to enjoy the Olympic festivities, and how they think Canada will fare against the rest of the world during the competitions this February.

FOUNDER DICK MacLEAN

JANUARY 2010

No. 1

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

in their household was planning to attend, and six percent were unsure. Of those planning to personally attend the Olympics in Vancouver, two-thirds (67 percent) plan on attending figure skating, while 33 percent are going just to enjoy the atmosphere.

ARE YOU AWARE OF THE 2010 OLYMPICS, AND DO YOU PLAN TO FOLLOW EVENTS?

INSIDE NOT AN INNOCENT BYSTANDER Healthcare/Brost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

POLL STATION 2010 Olympics/Banister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 SIZZLING IN EDMONTON Crisis of meaning/Rayner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

HOW WILL CANADA PERFORM?

76% Percent

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

21%

MEDIA MINUTE Newcomers contribute/Hogle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 LIVELY LIFESTYLES MenuMagic/Berry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Absolute Bodo/Bodo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 FEATURE The unretired/Lauber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Mature workers/Hirsch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 CIVIC BUZZ Transformation/Norwood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 VISIONARIES Huang/Gazin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 ABMI Research/Croucher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Briefs/Croucher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Social Media 101/Schwabe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 CORPORATE ETHICS Decisions?/Somji . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

BARB DETERS Editor

editor@edmontonians.com COLUMNISTS Linda Banister John Berry Linda Bodo Les Brost Marty Forbes Bruce Hogle David Norwood Erin Rayner Mark Scholz Walter Schwabe Nizar J. Somji FEATURE WRITERS Cheryl Croucher Barb Deters Greg Gazin Rick Lauber Marg. Pullishy PHOTOGRAPHERS Terry Bourque 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

Vol. XXI

3% Responded that someone in their household plans to follow the Olympics

Responded that nobody in their household plans to follow the Olympics

20%

Responded they were unsure if anyone in their household plans to follow the Olympics

To begin the survey, respondents were asked whether they were aware that the Olympics are taking place in Vancouver in February 2010. The vast majority (97 percent) of respondents were aware that Vancouver is hosting the 2010 Olympic Games, while three percent were not. More than three-quarters (76 percent) reported they or someone in their household plans to follow Olympic events, while 21 percent indicated they would not; three percent were unsure.

Of those with plans to follow Olympic events, more than half (57 percent) plan to watch ice hockey, one-third (34 percent) will follow figure skating, and 20 percent each plan to watch speed skating or ski-jumping. Other frequent mentions included curling (16 percent), alpine skiing (16 percent), freestyle skiing (15 percent), and the opening ceremony (12 percent).

Respondents not planning to follow any events most frequently mentioned they were not interested or not a sports fan (42 percent), while another eight percent each indicated they do not watch any or very little TV, or that they had personal reasons for not following.

Next, respondents were reminded that the Olympic torch will be making a stop in Edmonton on January 13, 2010 and were then asked whether they plan to attend any events the City of Edmonton is hosting in celebration of the occasion. Twenty-one percent said they planned to attend, while more than half (56 percent) did not, and 23 percent were unsure.

ARE YOU PLANNING TO ATTEND THE 2010 OLYMPICS? While the majority of respondents (91 percent) did not plan on traveling to Vancouver to personally attend the Olympic festivities or events, three percent reported that they or someone

49% 18%

8% 5% Thought Canada would win 11 - 20 medals at the Olympics

Thought Canada would win 21 - 30 medals at the Olympics

Thought Canada would win 31 - 40 medals at the Olympics

Thought Canada would win more than 40 medals at the Olympics

Were unsure how many medals Canada would win at the Olympics

Finally, respondents were asked a series of questions regarding Canada’s performance at the upcoming Games. When asked how many medals Canada would win, almost half (49 percent) thought 21 to 30 medals, followed by 31 to 40 medals (20 percent), and 11 to 20 medals (eight percent). Five percent thought Canada would win more than 40 medals, while 18 percent were unsure.

In regard to Canada’s medal count in comparison to other countries, over one-third (36 percent) thought Canada would rank in the top 10, while almost one-third (32 percent) thought Canada would place in the top five, 16 percent reported the top 20, and one percent the top 50 countries. Fifteen percent of respondents where unsure were Canada would rank. √

Monthly Poll Station Online Question 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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Rod Phillips & Bob Stauffer in the Rexall Place broadcast booth Photo by Andy Devlin, Edmonton Oilers Hockey Club 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.

Manuscripts: must be accompanied by a stamped, selfaddressed envelope. Edmontonians is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts.

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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www.suddenlyslimmerdayspa.com EDMONTONIANS JANUARY 2010

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Proof__ _________PROOFED BY:_______________________________________________CHANGES MADE:__________________________DATE:_________________

DON’T JUMP! I t ’s j u s t b u s i n e s s Sizzling in the City With Erin Rayner

I

’ve never left a business event in tears. That’s not to say I am without emotions. In fact, I can tell you I cried at the Support Network breakfast while listening to family members of people who had committed suicide. I’ve cried at the Norquest fundraising breakfast as I listened to new Canadians talk about their trials before coming to Canada and their heart warming experiences at the school. But very rarely do business-focused events get me all choked up. This one did.

On November 19th, Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) Global hosted 65 events in 21 countries, covering 17 time zones around the world. EO24 hit every chapter throughout the world, including Edmonton, and touched its 7000 members globally.

My invitiation got me thinking about membership. Frankly, reaching the stringent criteria of being an EO member is a personal life goal of mine—a goal I’m a long way from reaching. At least that’s how I feel when I open my eyes and hit the ground running for another day on the steep learning curve of business ownership/ management/leadership. In order to qualify to be a member of EO, its website says a prospective member must: • Be the founder, co-founder, owner or controlling shareholder of a company (√) • Hold one of the above titles for a company that grosses more than US$1 million annually (Hm… not quite) • Join before age 50 (I’d love to. √) Plus a host of extra stipulations for venture-backed companies. To quote a Bryan Adams’ song, “2 out of 3 ain’t bad”, let’s just say, I’m still a ways off. The

M edia Minute I with Bruce Hogle

was pondering what approach

to take with my first column of 2010 when I received the perfect prompt. An old friend who has lived in 10 cities and five different provinces, e-mailed me. Ron, who currently lives in Victoria, asked me for 10 succinct reasons why he should return to Alberta.

Even though the question came in the middle of a cold snap, the responses were hot and heavy: no sales tax; no health care premiums; flat $25 fee for seniors’ prescriptions; no charge for visits to doctors or hospital; full and part time work for those who want it; great cities, towns and villages to live in; wonderful facilities for those unable to take care of themselves; superb educational and recreational facilities; religions where no animosity prevails. Lastly, Albertans are phenomenal caring and charitable people.

But you know what, Bunkee, I have visited all 10 provinces, plus the NWT, and I am the first to admit that any place in Canada would be wonderful to call home. That opinion is backed by the millions of people who have moved here—and the backlog of hundreds of

speech by 1-800 Got Junk co-founder Cameron Herold, The Emotional Intricacies of Entrepreneurs, hit a nerve. In fact, it was like he hit my finger with a hammer: immediately impactful, painfully shocking, and it left a lasting impression.

In the room, there were 90 men and only seven women. Of those seven women, I learned later, three were from sponsor companies.

Herold did a

2005 Sizzler Jared Smith of Incite Solutions, guest speaker Cameron Herold, Marshall Sadd of Lloyd Sadd insurance, and Erin Rayner great job of establishing why he was fully qualified to lead this discussion: With 20 years business experience, he is a leading force behind 1-800 Got Junk, taking the company from $2 million to $105 million in six years, with no debt or outside shareholders.

After a quick non-bio (he hates bios), slides of his likes and dislikes, he jumped into his presentation. Apparently being an entrepreneur is emotionally similar to being bipolar—which might explain a lot.

I sat enthralled as he spoke about the four stages of what he calls the transition curve,

a sine wave type line that many entrepreneurs’ emotions follow: up and down, and back up and down again—an entrepreneurial emotional roller coaster. I could relate closely to each stage. I looked around at the other people in the room. Was I the only one who knew exactly what this guy was talking about?

The stage that resonates most in my mind is the Crisis of Meaning stage where, as an entrepreneur, you question everything you know and hold dear: the vision, the passion, the potential for profits. It is at this stage where, without the ability to ask for and receive support, we business owners run a serious risk of burn-out. This is the stage where getting out of bed is nearly impossible and even the most menial tasks seem monumental. The analogy Cameron used was standing on the ledge of a building contemplating entrepreneurial suicide.

I know this stage. I’ve been hanging out here for a while, months actually, as I try to regain my footing in my own business.

Revenues are good. Sales are coming back and we are great at what we do. I love business ownership, emotional instabilities and all. But what a relief to know that I’m not alone. I was thoroughly impressed by the EO members and prospects in the room when Cameron asked how each one deals with that crisis stage. Every entrepreneur he asked had something to contribute— whether it was coping by working out, talking to an advisor or friend, or listening to angry music and powering through the day. Each one knew what he meant when he said “crisis of meaning” and not one person declined to share personal coping mechanisms.

Cameron and I spent a couple minutes together at the reception where he asked me some easy questions. His eyes pierced my soul. I couldn’t lie, so I told half-truths instead. I told him that it’s been a tough year but it will all work out. I said: “Isn’t the third year of business traditionally a transitional time?” I think he saw right through me.

A few days after the event, I ran into a friend, also a female business owner. We spent a few minutes at Second Cup, catching up before we each headed off to our next meeting. It turns out, she is in the midst of selling her three-year old business for just enough to get her out of it. I could feel her recent exodus from Crisis of Meaning. I asked her how she felt about getting out of something she had spent countless hours, blood, sweat and tears building. She had perfected her speech and she delivered it well. She said she wasn’t bitter anymore and she wouldn’t be who she is had she not gone through her first business. She said that she never would have learned the lessons she did had she spent the same three years working for someone else. Strong words, from a strong woman at a vulnerable time. She might be right though, she could be on her way to another, more efficient, exciting and profitable entrepreneurial rollercoaster. √ Erin Rayner is president of ED Marketing and Communications Inc. Contact erayner@edmontonians.com

Forget snow: Top 10 reasons for living in Alberta? thousands of applicants who want to come and call our country their home.

The 2006 census recorded 1.1 million immigrants moving to Canada between 2001 and 2006, bringing 150 languages from more than 200 countries. Of that number, 102,000 came to Alberta, with 32,000 of those choosing Edmonton.

At the end of that time frame, some 6.2 million foreign-born people lived in Canada—almost one in five, the highest proportion since 1931. Foreign-born Albertans in 2006 numbered 527,000, placing the province third by proportion behind Ontario and B.C. for immigrant population.

The top countries of origin were the Philippines, India, China and Pakistan, explaining why Chinese languages replaced German as the top mother tongues in Alberta, outside our two official languages. Punjabi replaced Ukrainian in third place. Canada is now second only to Australia in multiculturalism among western nations that are destinations for immigrants.

With Canada’s next census scheduled for May 2011—just 16 months away— you already know that those immigration

figures will drastically increase. That is evident with last summer’s Heritage Festival, which had a record number of nations providing entertainment and food from their native countries.

Why do so many people want to move to Canada? A BBC poll last year of 13,000 people from 26 countries showed Canada and Germany had the most positive influence on the world. Some 57 percent of respondents held Canada in a positive view, and only 14 percent in a negative light, the lowest negative rating of any nation.

I don’t think anyone will disagree that the contributions by immigrants over the years to this incredible nation have simply been magnificent.

In the case of Alberta, one has to look no farther than Norman Kwong who has just completed his five-year term as our Lieutenant Governor. His dedication, charm and humour, stemming from his stellar career on the football field and then in the business world, would not have been possible if His Honour’s parents had not emigrated from China to Calgary, where they met and married.

There are, of course, countless other shining examples of newcomers who have

made an incredible impact here: from Krishan Joshee, an East Indian man who epitomizes volunteerism in Alberta, to restaurateur Joe Rustom, an outstanding citizen from our Lebanese community.

They chose to come to Alberta, and we are better off because of it. They—and tens of thousands of other immigrants—have helped to make our community a better place to live and work.

My friend Ron admits he was a bit surprised by my quick e-mail back to him listing a handful of Alberta’s attributes. I told him I maintain any of us can live anywhere in Canada and be happy… but it is up to the individual more to than the community. Moving into a new area comes with a responsibility, specifically, to offer contributions and commitments to the community willing to give us a home. We ask that of our new Canadians. It’s the very least we can ask of those born here. √ Bruce Hogle is the former news director at CFRN TV and retired head of the Alberta Press Council.

Contact bhogle@edmontonians.com

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MENU

Magic with Chef John Berry

T

o me, there’s nothing more sociable and fun than a tailgate party. The concept came from Angela Pisani in 1960 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. She was the wife of Dr. Anthony Pisani, the team doctor for the New York Giants football team. She used her station wagon tailgate to spread out sandwiches, vegetables, chips and drinks for her children, family, friends and sports writers. A reporter asked about her “car picnic” and Angela replied that it was more of a “tailgate party”.

It has become the fastest growing social event in North America at football, baseball, basketball and soccer games… at rock concerts, NASCAR, and pretty well any other event where there’s a parking lot and like-minded people.

Edmonton photographer and cameraman (CFRN-TV/CTV) Al Girard attended his first tailgate party in 1999 at a NASCAR event in Charlotte, North Carolina.

“It’s a real subculture, and very neat,” he says. “You set-up your vehicle or motorhome early—sometimes a day or two in advance—and leave when everyone else has gone. It’s the ultimate party.”

This is the “new American community”… often referred to by the collective title of “Tailgation.” Subculture indeed.

What evolved from a simple picnic in the 1960s has morphed into an actual gourmet delight. You can go as simple or as crazy as you like. Hardcore tailgaters transport equipment to the site to prepare hot dogs, burgers, sausage on a bun, or smoked brisket, rib steaks or barbecued chicken to round out the fare. Flambéed prawns, canapés and crab have also been known to show-up on a tailgate.

The sky’s the limit.

Recipe sharing is also part of the culture. Al brought home a delightful shrimp boil recipe. You get a big soup pot, add water, wine or beer, and once boiling add potatoes, corn, carrots, celery, broccoli, and finally shrimp. I also added clams, mussels and scallops. Season with some Cajun boil spice (available at Billingsgate Seafood Market, Calgary Trail and 73rd Avenue) and let it work its magic.

Time t o

TAILGATE

It’s traditionally served on newspapers spread out on the tailgate or on a picnic table. Armed with a cold beer, crusty bun and garlic butter, you’re set to go.

Now this whole concept may seem like a free-for-all, but there is tailgate etiquette. You don’t show up at a tailgate empty handed. You’re expected to bring a bottle of wine or case of beer to share, plus a dish for everyone to try.

Beware of the moocher who goes from one tailgate to another and takes advantage of the community’s good nature and hospitality.

If you don’t have anything to contribute, no worries: Slap a $20 bill in the tip jar to help defray costs.

You’ll be welcomed Shrimp Boil back as part of that community.

Tailgating isn’t as big a deal here in Alberta or Canada yet, primarily due to restrictive alcohol laws. At some State-side events, you’re not only allowed to enjoy a beverage in the parking lot, but you can take your drinks into the stands.

Edmonton’s pro sports teams—the Oilers, Eskimos, Rush and Capitals—have all held tailgate parties. Our events are generally more staged than spontaneous. Last summer’s Indy hosted its tailgate party downtown in an underground parking lot. Our other problem is weather conditions… but that’s where our innovative spirit comes in: When we host the 2010 Grey Cup (in late November), the tailgate party will be inside the new field house adjacent to Common-wealth Stadium.

Try a couple of these recipes in your backyard or at your next tailgate party and have fun. Cheers!

1/2 tsp. fresh dill, diced 1 cucumber, sliced into 1/4” rounds 1 large carrot, sliced into 1/4” rounds 8 small button mushrooms, stems removed Dill weed sprig for garnish Mix salmon, cream cheese and dill in a mixing bowl. Put mixture into a piping bag utilizing a large star tip and pipe onto each veggie piece. Garnish with a dill sprig.

Serves 6-8

TAILGATE SALMON BITES

Contact Chef John Berry at jberry@edmontonians.com Go to Edmontonians.com and visit the Lively Lifestyles Blog.

4 oz. smoked salmon, finely diced 1 small container of garlic cream cheese, softened

JEFF GORDON’S NASCAR LASAGNA 1 pound bulk Italian sausage (remove casings) 1 clove garlic, minced 1 can (14.5 oz.) tomatoes 2 teaspoons dried basil 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 10 to 12 lasagna noodles 3 cups ricotta cheese 2 eggs 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 cans tomato paste (6 oz. each) 2 tablespoons dried parsley flakes 16 oz. mozzarella cheese, shredded or thinly sliced 1/4 lb prosciutto, thinly sliced (optional) Slowly brown Italian sausage; drain off excess fat. Add garlic, tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt and tomato paste.

Simmer, uncovered for 30 minutes. (Add a little water if too thick.)

Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions.

In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, eggs, salt and pepper.

Place a layer of noodles in bottom of a 13x9x2-inch baking dish or lasagna pan. Cover noodles with a layer of mozzarella cheese. Spoon 1/2 of ricotta mixture over mozzarella.

Spoon 1/2 meat sauce over the cheese. Repeat layers.

Bake for 30 to 40 minutes in a 375°F oven.

Allow lasagna to set a few minutes before serving.

lifestyles

Visit Chef Johnʼs blog for this monthʼs recipes: Tailgate Salmon Bites Jeff Gordonʼs Nascar Lasagna

johnberry.wordpress.com

Got questions or comments on Lindaʼs project? Go to her blog: lindabodo.wordpress.com EDMONTONIANS JANUARY 2010

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BEFORE

AFTER

with Linda Bodo

The Bold & the

B

oldly, I stuck to my guns. Amidst all the flak from family and friends, I refused to falter. What do they know, I reasoned. I have a vision. Even my husband, “H” offered no support.

“They’re so old… it’ll cost you a pile of money to fix it up.”

“Why can’t you buy something new—something made in this millennium?”

But, I had this vision…

I fell in love with the little egg-shaped trailers during our RV travels and vowed to acquire my very own Boler someday. My dream was to Bodo-fy the unit into a sexy leopard skin ensemble that would accompany me to presentations and book signings. The more I thought about it, the more I wanted it. I was a woman possessed.

When H headed south for a few days to golf with the guys, I knew I had a small window of opportunity. The plan was to purchase my dream trailer before his return. I knew the only way I would become the proud new owner of a Boler would be if the darn thing was already parked in the driveway when he got home and maybe, just maybe, I lost the receipt.

I sourced a 1974 beige-on-beige number and wasted no time contacting the owner in a sleepy little town an hour away. It was still available and I raced out there immediately. As I drove up the mile-long driveway through acres of canola, I wondered what kind of shape the Boler would be in. It didn’t matter, as soon as I rounded the corner and saw her nestled in the yard-high grass, it was, well, love at first sight. Despite the stench of pee and 35 years of dust and grunge, I plunked my cash on the dash before the vendor could say “BodoBoler”. A few days later, my acquisition was delivered. I giggled uncontrollably while rummaging in forgotten drawers and creaky cabinets, and began plotting the makeover. I could already see us bounding down the highway and taking the west by storm.

As I peeled back layers of material and memories, I envisioned the family vacations once spent in my little egg: warm summer days of sandcastles and triple-decker ice cream cones between dips in the lake… evenings of toasted marshmallows and shooting stars before falling asleep to the hoo-hoo-hoot of the great horned owl.

Sadly, the little trailer that was, was no longer. Years of neglect, hostile feral takeovers and the dawn of the supersized RV seemed to have stripped away any dignity the Boler once enjoyed—never mind the fact she was fathered from a septic tank blueprint. Armed with rubber gloves and a respirator, I stripped away the upholstery, carpeting and curtains, and scrubbed every crevice and orifice with highoctane cleansers. Slowly but surely, the odour gradually dissipated; any lingering smells were chased away with lavender essential oils.

Before performing any cosmetic surgery, I took my baby into the RV hospital for a full check up and spa treatment.

She spent three weeks at the infirmary before she was considered road worthy. Tires, repacked axel bearings, kitchen taps, regulators, a POW-R-SURGE battery, a fridge and myriad seals and gaskets brought her up to snuff— along with an invoice that surpassed the original bill of sale.

Then came the process of decorating and skinning. A few minor technicalities intervened: Cracked hoses, a rusted

BOLER

hitch, broken lenses and a warped door were beginning to take its toll on my patience and my pocketbook. Oh, and then there was the time I was working in the Boler in the garage and she moved, just ever so slightly. But, it was enough to prevent the door from opening and I was trapped.

It would be hours before H was home and I had left my cell

BEFORE

DID YOU KNOW?

The Boler ultra-light fibreglass trailer was invented in Winnipeg in 1968 by Ray Olecko, a car salesman and inventor. An interest in fibreglass led him to patent a septic tank design with tapered ends. The invention was a hit, tanks to its ease of transport when compared to its concrete and steel cousins. While camping with his AFTER family one summer, Ray came up with the idea of tweaking the tank concept into a light-weight camper that was easy to tow and move around. The prototype reminded him of a hat… more specifically a bowler, and thus the Boler was born.√

BEFORE

on the work bench. Gently, I began rocking the trailer back and forth, finally gathering enough momentum to roll out the garage door. I watched in horror as we picked up speed and sailed into the wrought iron fence. Fortunately, damage was minimal.

Well, she’s been prodded, poked and pelted for six months now, but the BodoBoler is finally almost finished. I still have a little tweaking to do but she will be ready to hit the road in the New Year with the debut of my second book: The Art of Upcycle. Look for us ambling by to a location near you, or at the Edmonton and Calgary Home and Garden Shows.

Oh, by the way, H finally got his head around the whole issue so now I’m thinking maybe I can acquire a second unit and decorate it in a zebra motif…

AFTER Linda Bodo is author of Enjoy Life Outside and The Art of Upcycle. Visit www.absolutebodo.com for upcoming appearances and project demonstrations; view other DIY projects; or order her book. Contact: lbodo@edmontonians.com Go to edmontonians.com and visit the Lively Lifestyles blog.

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7

The Unretired Fewer folks rockin’ on the porch

By Rick Lauber re the so-called “golden years” the best years in a person’s life? It depends who you ask. While some seniors resign themselves to growing older, many are taking a proactive, rather than reactive, approach to life. They are exploring new highways in a motorhome… accepting community service placements… returning to classrooms… volunteering their time…mentoring protégés. A growing number are pursuing further career opportunities, taking similar, or completely different, paths.

Edmontonians spoke with four mature workers who have not accepted getting older as a downward spiral. Instead, they have opted for lifestyles that suit their own circumstances while remaining mentally stimulated, fulfilled, healthy and happy.

A

John Tanasichuk, PhD., RPsych, is a full-time instructor in the management studies program at Grant MacEwan University’s School of Business.

While his course load shifts, his days are often quite long. “My day generally starts at seven in the morning. But this particular term, it doesn’t end until nine in the evening, because I teach a couple of evening classes.” In addition, there are the many hours

devoted to preparation and marking. Although it may sound tedious, Tanasichuk wouldn’t have it any other way: His job provides a way to “work with people and young adults.”

He didn’t seem destined for an instructional position. “I was a management generalist… I worked in the energy services field with primarily Edmonton-based companies,” he explains. “I started out financing and selling heavy equipment and doing strategic planning. I ended up in a pipeline construction company and, by virtue of the previous experience, I became manager of equipment.” When the pipeline industry bottomed out, Tanasichuk moved on to land a management job with Alberta Power (now ATCO Electric).

Alberta Power’s Edmonton office moved to Calgary; however, “The organization didn’t…want to move me laterally.” So, in 1998, Tanasichuk chose to return to school. “I wanted to become an organizational psychologist,” who “works with individuals and systems … to assist individuals to become more efficient and effective in the workplace.” He completed the program five years later and was hired back, this time with ATCO Frontec. He retired “around 2005.”

The offer to teach came as a surprise. “It was by happenstance. In John Tanasichuk July 2008, I was having coffee with

the chair of the commerce program and he said, ‘Would you consider teaching a course in September?’” Tanasichuk jumped at the chance. When the college found itself short one instructor, he stepped up to take on a five-course load.

Tanasichuk, at 62, doesn’t much care for the term “senior”… nor Judy Krupp does he like the notion of mandatory retirement. “I think it’s a concept that has outlived its ‘bestbefore’ date.” For him, “It’s about quality of life… if you’re going to do something, then you might as well do something you enjoy.”

Judy Krupp also is a firm believer in doing something you enjoy. This “60-plus” dynamo spent much of her professional career working for the provincial government. At the Public Affairs Bureau, she handled purchasing “…all the specialty items for the government: coats for the Commonwealth Games, millions of lapel pins, retirement and special presentation plaques, those big wood signs where you see ‘Welcome to Alberta’. The rule was anything that had an Alberta signature on it, I did the buying for it.”

In 1993, Krupp accepted a buy-out package. That golden handshake changed her life. “I had met this man whose

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Kenna McKinnon

“I would go bonkers if I had to stay home.”

Kenna McKinnon, however, does stay home. Not that you would refer to her as the “retiring type”. Now a “proud” 65, she has run her transcription service, Kenna MacKinnon & Associates, from her home for the past 11

years. “I provide business support services… mainly transcription of digital files.”

This wasn’t planned as a career path. “I have a BA with distinction from the U of A… graduated in 1975… majored in anthropology and my minors were psychology and sociology.” Eventually, “I was a transcriptionist for a dental oral pathologist. I worked for him for eight years.”

When he retired, McKinnon “didn’t want to start all over again.” She took what she knew best and opened a homebased business. Her son Steve Wild, who owns High Tech Assist, keeps her computer running “tickety-boo”. She employs a collective of “other transcriptionists who work from home.” No coincidence that this group is also “mature”—trusted friends and colleagues who are very experienced, a desired trait.

‘‘

A former Saskatchewan farmer himself, Flaman found his niche as an entrepreneur and now has devoted 50 years to business. His business is not even hard work. “Every day is a holiday.”

Flaman hangs around his shop for close to 40 hours per week. Not only does he oversee operations, he often can be found literally hanging upside down on the demonstration inversion table.

Surviving in business for half a century isn’t always easy, but Flaman is an intelligent and forward-thinking businessman. He’s also recognized for being a generous philanthropist. “Most of my income, I give away now.” He has created the Frank Flaman Foundation which actively supports a large number of causes.

“Well really, I was always a giver. Now, because you have a foundation it doesn’t change that much. I still give most of my profits away to places like abused women’s shelters; we feed 100 hungry kids in Edmonton every year. But mostly in the Third World we provide water wells in Nicaragua, schools in Peru, schools for girls and the list goes on and on.

Through Operation Eyesight there, now over 5,000 people have their eyesight because of my contributions over the years.”

By his own admission, Flaman is a bit of an eccentric who constantly dreams up new ideas. He is currently looking at bringing in a line of exercise bikes which, when pedaled, generate electricity. “Say a kid wants to watch TV: ‘Hey, Joe. If you want to watch TV, get on your bike…

You’ve got to make electricity to make the TV work.’”

Overall, Flaman remains modest. “My woman and I live in a two-bedroom condo instead of a multi million dollar house. And most of the time I drive a Smart car.”

‘‘

life-long ambition was to sail. Probably within two years, we were on our way to the Caribbean to purchase a sailboat.”

Eventurally hiring on as a deckhand on different vessels, Krupp’s voyages lasted nine years. “I’ve been to 60 countries. I’ve done 22,000 sea miles,” she smiles.

Krupp has plenty of photos and stories she can share.

Among her most memorable came when she was sailing from the “ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao). We got too close to Cartagena and were heading towards the Panama Canal.” With tremendous water build-up at the north of South America, Krupp and the captain encountered a “horrendous storm.” She was on watch duty that night when water engulfed the boat and it dived under the waves.

By some miracle, “the whole boat bounced back up and I was wrapped around the back stay.”

In 2000, Krupp landed in Turkey. “I decided I’d done enough sailing,” but she needed work. She walked onto a luxury yacht and was hired immediately as a stewardess.

She plied the Turkish coast for two years.

Since returning to Edmonton, the globetrotter hasn’t slowed down. She bought a motorcycle in 2004, survived a serious crash, and hopped right back on the bike. Call her fearless or a little stubborn, but Krupp still loves to ride.

“I’ve tackled too many things in my life to let something go when I didn’t want to let it go. There are three people in life – the doers, the ‘doners’ and the dreamers.”

Now in her so-called retirement years, Krupp does not sit idly at home. She works part-time at the Edmonton Petroleum Club, serves as a personal concierge, and volunteers. Not surprisingly, she says,

To me, old age is always 15 years older than I am.

Bernard M. Baruch (1870 - 1965)

McKinnon welcomes the arrival of both OAS and CPP to supplement her income, although she lives an unassuming lifestyle. Her apartment, which she jokingly call her “hobbit hole”, is small, and she does not own a car. Perhaps her biggest expense is ongoing classes, which she enjoys taking for both personal and professional development. Included were several marketing courses through NAIT. “I had thought, at one time, I might go into marketing…but decided that would not be my forté,” she explains. Being fascinated by languages, McKinnon is tackling Japanese this winter, and would like to “take courses in Greek and Latin… and photography.”

McKinnon’s passion, however, is writing. She has four novels completed and is just itching to find a publisher. She lives by the motto that personal success and happiness are all about doing what you love. “Do what you want to do; have fun.”

Frank Flaman, now a spry 75 years old, is the owner of Frank Flaman Sales Ltd. The king of fitness equipment, he deals in agricultural equipment and trailer rentals, without direct competition. “We are doing something nobody else is doing. Say a farmer needs a piece of equipment one day a year.

We have that available. We have 60 (Flaman Rentals) agents in Alberta and 20 or so in Saskatchewan. We have about 10 different items and so a farmer doesn’t have to go out and buy it. He can rent it for one day.”

Continuing to work rather than retiring is a popular option. The 2006 national census reports that aging of Canada’s labour force intensified, with 15.3 percent of workers aged 55 and over in 2006, compared to 11.7 percent in 2001. It’s safe to assume that the next census in 2011 will show even greater numbers of mature workers. No doubt many of the census takers will be among the “golden agers”—knocking on your door for something Frank Flaman meaningful and productive to do. √

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Todd Hirsch

been approaching the economic shoreline for many years.

Now, with the Baby Boomers approaching retirement, the tidal wave is hitting the beach. On the surface, this presents a host of problems for employers, particularly in sectors like construction and trucking. The prospect of losing a big chunk of their workers over the next few years could leave many sectors in a lurch. Many employers will actually have no choice but to hire mature workers. The best-positioned ones will create flexible work arrangements to tap into the pool of mature workers.

But while mature workers will be needed in the coming decade, they should also be warned: It may not be in the

greater leadership. But, for the same reason, mentorship may not come with the same salary—a reality that mature workers may need to accept and take into account when planning their “post-career careers.”

Other than remaining in the same sector or the same company, mature workers could also explore opportunities in other sectors where there will be particularly strong demand. For example, the not-for-profit sector will be requiring experience in corporate governance, fund raising and financial management. As well, many companies could tap into the mature workforce to increase their community involvement and corporate volunteerism.

MATUREWORKERS Smart companies cut a deal to keep the talent

W

ith unemployment having more than doubled in Alberta, the problems of labour shortages have temporarily lost a bit of urgency. But it’s a mistake to think that it’s gone for good. With economic activity expected to pick up in 2010 and gain momentum over the next few years, employers will once again be competing to attract and retain talent.

And when Alberta companies start hiring once again, they’d be wise to consider adding more mature workers to the mix. Rather than heading for retirement on the couch— something that actually appeals to hardly anyone—many workers over 60 are still willing and able to contribute to the workplace. Even workers in their 70s and beyond have energy, skills and experience to share.

We’ve all known about the demographic tsunami that has

C ivic Buzz with David Norwood

A

s 2010 begins, Edmonton

seems to have come through the economic downturn in relatively good shape. The real estate market is in recovery mode, and although the supply of condominiums remains abundant, indications are that up to a dozen new highrise developments could get underway this year, including at least one at 82nd Street and Jasper Avenue, and possibly The Pearl, a 35-storey condo on Jasper at 119th Street. More about new condos in an upcoming column.

The year ahead has the potential to herald a significant transformation of Edmonton, especially its downtown core. First, there’s no doubt that since Daryl Katz and his group have engaged Los Angelesbased AEG Development and AEG Facilities to advise on all aspects of the downtown arena/casino/hotel/everything else complex, he is serious about moving ahead with the giant project. As so many others in the media have already pointed out, there are many aspects to be worked out, especially if public money is involved in any way. At the same time, however, some are hinting that the project could be privately financed, meaning it could go ahead more quickly. I totally support the complex—with or without public funding— believing that such a comprehensive development would not only redefine the core but also instill a sense of pride and confidence to Edmontonians.

One major element of downtown transformation is immenent. The stunning Art Gallery of Alberta is set to open to the public at the end of the month. Combining spectacular architecture with functional practicality, it promises to be much more than a showcase for art. With its public spaces, flexible display galleries, dining/eating establishments and more amenities, the

same positions of authority to which they’ve become accustomed. It probably won’t be the big corner office, the staff of assistants, and the high end of the salary scale that they’ve enjoyed in the past. Remaining connected to the workforce may not be work as usual.

Nor should it. Younger workers coming up through the ranks in the economy—the Gen-Xers—could start resenting the mature Baby-Boomers if they don’t eventually step aside and allow the Gen-Xers to assume positions of more responsibility and leadership.

The reality for mature workers is that the economy will need them, but in more adaptable positions. This is where mentorship is important. Mentorship isn’t about simply sticking around doing the same job you’ve done for 20 years. True mentorship in the workplace is providing support and advice to those who are now taking the wheel.

That should actually come as good news for mature workers. As mentors, they need not be saddled with the same responsibility and long hours of senior management or executive positions. That will be handed off to the GenXers, who can also take on the stress, the conflict, and the 60-hour work-week that often accompany positions of

But, in order to make that a possible and attractive alternative for mature workers, changes are needed in pensions. For example, some of the rules around Canada Pension Plan still discourage mature workers from remaining partially attached to the work force. Currently, pensions in Canada are at a crossroads, particularly as some of the provinces are considering introducing brand new plans. Given the opportunity to work part time—or to work at jobs that are less demanding and lower paying—many seniors would jump at the chance. But the rules of the CPP or other pension plans should not act as deterrents.

In the coming years, the private sector will be forced to engage mature workers. Yet, the impending demographic crunch requires creativity in the tasks and positions offered to them. Mentoring programs, flexible work arrangements, and more community-oriented positions are great opportunities for mature workers to remain active within the company, but without the burden of full-time work.

Even though the labour market is currently a bit slack, that won’t last forever. The really smart companies will be getting ahead of the curve by tapping into the pool of mature workers now. √

2 0 1 0 heralds Transformation AGA perfectly augments what is already a comprehensive arts district that includes the main branch of the Edmonton Public Library (a building in desperate need of a makeover), the Citadel Theatre complex, and the Winspear Centre for Music. These buildings front onto an increasingly busy Sir Winston Churchill Square. And kudos to City Council for voting to close 102A Avenue between Churchill Square and City Hall Plaza, forming a continuous public space.

Another potential transformation, at least in terms of restoration and renewal, is the sale of the Kelly-Ramsey Building to a developer interested in doing just that. A number of prospective

Of like minds: Edmonton’s new Capital Power Corporation and the Art Gallery of Alberta held a joint media conference in the Ledcor Theatre of the fabulous gallery in December. On that day, Edmontonians post on its social media networks--Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn—was that Capital Power President Brian Vaasjo announced funding for 10 major exhibitions over the next three years. Franciso Goya’s Disasters of War & Los Caprichos opens the exhibit series January 31 to May 30. Lucky for art lovers—a home-grown head office stepped up with a charitable budget.

warehouse and the other a 1950’s yellowowners have submitted bids for the historic property, apparently including a well-known brick warehouse to create a harmonious, distinctive 100+ unit apartment building. developer who has shown both sense and Another project slated for 2010 is the sensitivity in redeveloping other properties redevelopment of the block between 108th both downtown and in Old Strathcona. As and 109th Streets on Jasper Avenue: the site so many have said, the Kelly-Ramsey of the Mayfair Hotel, as well as the Building is at the historical heart of southeast corner of Jasper Edmonton, and cannot be and 109th where the lost. The potential uses Pro Cura rendering recently demolished for such a building former Howard and (actually, two adjoining McBride Funeral buildings) are vast, Chapel which saw especially considering its several subsequent location on Rice incarnations as Howard Way. With its nightclubs stood. The proximity to the arts project consists of district (as well as to two 15-storey the potential arena apartment buildings, district), the Kelly-Ramsey rental units rather than condominiums.

Building is well-positioned to serve a Developer ProCura Real Estate saw the multitude of purposes. need for reasonably-priced rental units for a Architect Gene Dub’s re-creation (as variety of potential tenants, including opposed to restoration) of the historic students, in an area with LRT connections Alberta Hotel on Jasper Avenue across to the University of Alberta and in close from the Shaw Conference Centre is proximity to both Norquest College and also a welcome addition to the MacEwan University. If all goes as downtown. The façade, and as many planned, the completed development will original features of the original include one building with 237 units, the building as possible, will be other with 471, and ground-floor incorporated in an otherwise state-ofcommercial space. the-art boutique hotel. Excavation for Downtown Edmonton actually has been a the underground parkade began in work in progress for some time, as has been November. The original hotel was pointed out more than once in this column. constructed in 1903 and was said to be the Some of the developments I’ve discussed most luxurious in Edmonton at the time; here, particularly the arena district, have the Prime Minister Sir Wilfred Laurier stayed potential to transform the city’s core into there when Alberta was incorporated as a something significantly different than province in 1905. The Alberta Hotel was dismantled in 1984 to make way for Canada anything that has gone before. The most promising aspect is that people who care Place. about Edmonton, and have As many readers know, Dub, a former the vision of what it might city alderman, has been responsible for a become, are actually acting number of downtown projects: Edmonton’s on that vision. 2010 could be distinctive City Hall; the redevelopment of the year that transformation the historic McLeod Building on 100th begins to take shape. √ Street into condominiums; and the awardwinning Seventh Street Lofts, a project David Norwood is a freelance writer/editor. which combined a new building with two Contact dnorwood@edmontonians.com warehouses, one a 1929 John Deere EDMONTONIANS JANUARY 2010

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COMPANY Pure Inbox OWNER Sam C. Huang LOCATION Edmonton Research Park PRODUCT Syncamatic with USP automatically synchronizes, protects and transfers data.

Free or premium versions available on-line: www.syncamatic.com

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The PureInbox team: Pandora Lam, Ryan Akerboom,Sam Huang, Brian Henker, Hoyin Li and John Mah

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for small business

am C. Huang’s business took him from Edmonton across the globe. While in China and Taiwan to market his own software, he realized that although he used a smart mobile device, he didn’t have access to some information back home.

“We’re in the world of communication and I don’t have it.” It took the frustration of not having all his information at his fingertips to have a sudden realization. “So, why don’t we just build something?”

What Huang needed was for all of his data to be synchronized, regardless of where he was and what device he was using. “When we step away from our desktops, we only have a snapshot of our world.” A picture is still—static in nature, not dynamic—and Huang treasures the sense of being connected.

“We think we have total access… we have our contacts and our calendar. We don’t get the whole thing. We don’t have everything in our palm (of our hand).”

As a businessman, Huang saw having information in multiple places at different points in time as a false sense of connectivity. “It’s unproductive. It doesn’t have to be that way.”

So, for a couple of years, Huang carried a Windows mobile device using ActiveSync, an application developed by Microsoft. His attitude at that time: Who needs a Blackberry? “But then I switched over and sold myself to the dark side,” he says jokingly.

Even then, what he thought he really needed was only affordable to larger organizations. “Enterprise people have access to all kinds of technology and it’s expensive.” He adds that Research in Motion’s BES

(Blackberry Enterprise Service) is used by banks, FBI and government requiring staff, server hardware and software, and needs to be maintained. “BES also charges you through the roof. It doesn’t make sense for small companies; it costs hundreds of thousands of dollars—very expensive.”

And, while Huang says RIM offers a consumer version called Blackberry Internet Service, he feels it’s not adequate for today’s small business needs.

Huang knew something needed to be done, so he created Syncamatic, selecting the Blackberry as his mobile platform of choice. “No sense doing another MobileMe,” he says referring to Apple’s answer to synchronizing data. “Why would you even try?

“Syncamatic will use a totally wireless solution that maintains synchronization of the data through the Amazon cloud computing server.”

Continued on page 14

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Monitoring Alberta’s biodiversity…

from moss to moose

Jim Herbers

By Cheryl Croucher

I

BRIEFS

n her famous song, Joni Mitchell sang, “You don’t know what you’ve got til it’s gone.”

When it comes to Alberta’s biodiversity, let’s hope we never get to that point.

That’s why the scientists behind the Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute have developed a reporting system that tells us just where we sit on that spectrum between paradise and a parking lot.

They run a program that monitors the health of Alberta’s wildlife and ecosystems across the province.

As director of information for the ABMI, it is Jim Herbers’ job to communicate to the public, government, industry and the scientific community just where we are at in terms of protecting or destroying our natural world.

“In a nutshell, you manage what you measure,” he says, pointing to the scale of many of the new development policies in Alberta. There’s the Land Use Framework, the Energy Strategy, and there’s heightened interest in the cumulative effects of human activity on the landscape.

Herbers explains, “We traditionally have very little in terms of knowledge that operates at that scale. So being able to report on Alberta’s regions, parklands, prairies, municipalities even, certainly the new Land Use Framework regions, our program fills a gap in that information.”

Getting that information is truly a magnificent feat.

The ABMI scientists have mapped the province into a

Innovative

INNOVATION

Framework Doug Horner

ut with the old… in with the new. That’s what the New Year has rung in for Alberta’s research and innovation community.

Effective January 1, 2010, the new Alberta Research and Innovation Act replaces 10 provincial research and technology agencies with five. And they all hang their hats on the “Alberta Innovates” moniker.

The Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research becomes Alberta Innovates-Health Solutions.

Alberta Ingenuity, iCORE and the 89year old Alberta Research Council are now combined under one roof as Alberta Innovates-Technology Futures.

The Alberta Energy Research Institute becomes Alberta Innovates-Energy Solutions.

O

And ASRA, the old Alberta Science and Research Authority will be called the Alberta Research and Innovation Authority or ARIA. The provincial government calls the exercise a re-alignment, and writes in its news release, “A stronger and more aligned provincial research and innovation system will enable the system to focus on Alberta’s strategic priorities, and be proactive in delivering on those priorities.”

For Advanced Education and Technology Minister Doug Horner, it is the culmination of a process he began a couple of years ago to streamline the innovation framework in the province by introducing four priorities for research— health, biosciences, energy and environment—with a strong emphasis on commercialization.

Last spring, when Horner introduced Bill

systematic grid of data collection points. In total there are 1656 points, each placed 20 kilometres apart. When the program is running at full capacity, each point will be visited on a five-year rotation.

About 30 percent of the sites are on private land, so the ABMI consults with ranchers and landowners to obtain permission to monitor biodiversity on their properties. The grid also covers the national parks, military lands, crown land, and municipalities like Edmonton and Calgary.

“When we go to a site,” says Herbers, “we collect information on the understorey vegetation, the overstorey vegetation, trees, the bird community, moss community, lichen community, fungi and invertebrates in the soil.

We’ve also got an aquatic component that is coupled with that information about the state of Alberta’s aquatic resources.”

The sites are surveyed the same way on each five-year visit. “We can look at how they’ve change through time and relate that to how Alberta is managing the resources out there on the land base.”

Conducting the surveys is a demanding job for the young and the fit—those rare souls who can handle the rugged outdoors and all it offers in terms of weather and bugs.

A crew of two people will survey a site in the spring, collecting data on birds, trees, habitat and deadwood. A month later the crew returns to survey the plants. They also take note of bugs in the soil, moss, lichens and other features.

In the summer, a different crew visits a wetland near the grid point. “They will put a boat in the water and float out

27 into the Legislature, he said the change was about alignment and focus. Referring to the now defunct Life Sciences Research Institute, he offered this explanation for the restructuring. “When you look at the number of organizations that we have within the province, they’ve been created in some cases out of a desire to react to a specific sector, or a specific proposal. But, to give you an example, life sciences… the Life Sciences Institute crosses a number of different territories: nanotechnology, biosciences. It crosses into the health field.

So why wouldn’t you group that under one?”

There have been some changes at the top. John McDougall, president and CEO of the Alberta Research Council for many years, has retired. Dr. Peter Hackett, president and CEO of Alberta Ingenuity, stepped down in October. Officially he’s on secondment to the University of Alberta where he is now an executive professor with the School of Business, a special advisor to the vice-president of research, and a Fellow with the National Institute for Nanotechnology. Never a dull moment for Peter.

The Minister has also announced some new appointments as chairs of the boards of directors for the new agencies.

Art Froehlich will chair the board of AIBio Solutions. Eric Newell takes on AIEnergy and Environment Solutions.

Robert A. Seidel, QC, will guide AIHealth Solutions. And Ron Triffo steps up to the plate for AI-Technology Futures.

As for ARIA, Dr. Marvin Fritzler from the University of Calgary is about the only one to maintain his grip on the helm.

There are still many questions and details

to be ironed out as the day-to-day changes become a reality for the people who’ve served these organizations and Alberta’s science and technology community for so many years.

More in-depth information is available on the government website at: www.aet.alberta.ca/research/system/mandat es/framework.aspx √ ~ Cheryl Croucher

Chris Lumb

Hired!

T

EC Edmonton now has a new CEO. It has lured Micralyne boss Chris Lumb into its operation.

Lumb has a proven record in growing a startup company into a thriving corporation.

TEC Edmonton is a joint venture between Edmonton Economic Development Corporation and the University of Alberta to commercialize high tech discoveries. √ ~ Cheryl Croucher EDMONTONIANS JANUARY 2010

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there with their hip waders. They take samples of the water to look at the habitat quality and bugs that are living in the water as well as the plants that are living on the shores of those wetland systems. And then finally some poor, unfortunate soul has to go out in January, February or March, and do a survey for winter tracks. So they are looking for moose, deer, coyotes, lynx, fox… those kind of mammals that are active in the winter are also surveyed.”

Samples of plants and organisms are sent to the Royal Alberta Museum for identification.

This has led to some exciting discoveries. Take the lowly mite, for example. Smaller than the head of a pin, these spider-like organisms play an important role in maintaining soil vitality. “We’re very proud to report that there’s well over a hundred new species to Canada that we’ve identified and well over thirty new species to the world.”

Once all is said and done, the field biologists are collecting data on two to three thousand species. While this may seem an extraordinary number, it is just a smidgeon of what’s out there.

“There are more than 80,000 species that we know of, and that number is probably twice as high living in Alberta,” Herbers points out.

Rather than simply focusing on rare and endangered species, the ABMI scientists chose to report on a variety of species that would give an indication of the overall health of Alberta’s biodiversity.

But what happens with this massive collection of data?

“It comes here to the University of Alberta. All of the data goes through quality control with our partners at the Alberta Research Council as well as at the Royal Alberta Museum. They send that information here to the U of A where we store and manage that data.”

The public, industry and government can access the raw data from the ABMI website for use in their own monitoring or modeling programs.

As well, through detailed analysis, the ABMI scientists distill all the information down to one number that indicates the state of biodiversity in a region.

According to Herbers, “We use a scale of zero to 100 where 100 represents a pristine habitat, a wilderness area where there’s very little human footprint, and zero

represents a parking lot, [or] an area where there is a gravel pit, for example, with no biodiversity living there.”

Last February, the ABMI issued a report for the lower Athabasca Planning region. This covers a vast area from the Northwest Territories down to Cold Lake and Lac La Biche. “The current human footprint in that area is seven percent. That’s roads, energy activity, forestry activity, urban activity, and in the south, agriculture. And our data are showing that the intactness for that entire region is 94 percent intact today.”

Herbers goes on to predict that as more oil sands mines and energy projects come on line, biodiversity in the region will decline.

This first report from the ABMI focused on birds and vascular plants in northeastern Alberta. Despite the relatively high level of intactness, the survey indicates that some non-native species are moving into the boreal region.

These include, says Herbers, “the American crow, the common dandelion, some of the European or non-native clovers seem to be expanding and aggressively starting to colonize the northeastern part of the province. On the flip side of that, when we are talking about species declining or becoming much rarer, in the species that we looked at, there’s no strong evidence that many of the species are declining today.”

But that can change over time, a state which future surveys will reveal.

“This whole program really comes down to sustainability and informed understanding about what the outcome of our activities are on Alberta’s landscape. Our industry partners, the companies that are operating on Alberta’s landscape, are interested in making sure they are operating in a way that is sustainable.”

It’s a decade now since a handful of concerned biologists and forest ecologists sat down over a few beers to discuss the need to systematically document change in Alberta’s biodiversity. It took five years to develop the scientific protocols to conduct the surveys. Today, the ABMI initiative has evolved into a world class monitoring program. And industry benefits from the consistent, harmonized approach to the collection of data which they can then use in their own research initiatives.

Dr. Vic Adamowicz

CWD Impacts

HUNTING

REVENUE

C

hronic Wasting Disease is a prion folding disease that attacks deer. It is similar to bovine spongiform encephalopathy that riddles the brains of cattle and kills them.

Dr. Vic Adamowicz is a rural economist at the University of Alberta.

With funding from the Alberta Prion Research Institute, he is studying the social and economic impacts of CWD on hunting, agriculture and aboriginal people.

Resident hunting, for example, is worth $50 million a year to the Alberta economy.

According to Dr. Adamowicz, “…avoiding the spread of chronic wasting disease to the extent that it may occur if we can’t slow it down, we’re looking about a half a million dollars a

year in losses to hunters in this worse case scenario. That doesn’t sound like a lot, but that half million dollars a year would occur every year if we can’t stop CWD. If we could invest in a program that in two years reduces CWD at a cost less than a $2 to $4 million, it’s worth it just from the hunting perspective.”

Dr. Adamowicz is quick to point out that there is no documented case of humans catching Chronic Wasting Disease from infected deer. His research shows that hunters are split on their perception of health risks, and that about one third of hunters feel comfortable eating deer meat before it is tested for CWD. √ ~ Cheryl Croucher This interview was sponsored by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research through its Health Journalism Award.

On the

The ABMI offers a program that is designed to monitor the state of biodiversity across Alberta in perpetuity. But keeping the money in place to carry out the program is an ongoing endeavour. To run the program at full capacity would cost $12 million a year but that goal is still some distance away.

Funding partners include forest and energy companies, the federal and provincial governments, as well as the University of Alberta, Alberta Research Council, Royal Alberta Museum, and the Alberta Conservation Association.

With the economic downtown, the provincial government put the squeeze on the ABMI early in 2009. “We were asked to scale back our operations to the tune of $2.1 million. And we made some pretty tough decisions about being able to provide relevant information at appropriate scales,” says Herbers. As a result, the ABMI has concentrated all of its efforts in two of the seven provincial regions, the Lower Athabasca Planning and the South Saskatchewan Planning Region. “It takes a big commitment to get out there to measure each one of these sites.”

The ABMI is still working its way through its first rotation in order to establish a baseline of those 1656 points on the grid. Herbers reports, “We’ve visited about 350 sites and the majority of them are north of Edmonton to Fort McMurray and then across to Grande Prairie. We’ve started to do quite a bit of work around Calgary right down to the U.S. border, and then east-west to the Saskatchewan and BC borders.”

You can see for yourself what has been documented on the Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute website at www.abmi.ca √ To hear Cheryl’s interview with Jim Herbers, 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

HORIZON

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

January 6 Alberta Geomatics Group Seminar The Knowledge Interface Royal Glenora Club 11:15 to 1 pm Registration www.infoport.ca

February 4 to 7 Digital Alberta Digital Tableau: The Art and Craft of Digital Media The Banff Centre Registration www.digitalalberta.com

January 14 The WinSETT Centre Launch and The First Annual WESEST Lecture Presenter Hon. Anne McLellan Telus Centre, UofA Campus 5 to 8 pm RSVP to www.wisest.ualberta.ca

February 25 TEC VenturePrize Business Plan Competition Deadline for Fast Growth Competition Compete for over $150,000 in prizes www.tecedmonton.com

January 17 AHFMR hosts Science in the Cinema Movie “Philadelphia” Post film discussion Dr. Chris Power on HIV and AIDS research Garneau Theatre, 8712 – 109 Street 4 to 6:30 pm January 24 BioPartnering North America January 24 to 26 Westin Bayshore in Vancouver www.bioalberta.com

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S

ocial web environments such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn have enabled business leaders to leverage the “social” part of social media and broaden their reach and influence. Certainly, there are still laggard executives out there continuing to fight the integration of these tools, blowing them off as time-wasting websites that attract teenagers and distract employees. With this attitude, it’s difficult for decision-makers to quantify the amount of opportunity passing them by in their digital absence… but it is happening and the amount could be substantial. I wanted to dig into the social networking scene and identify a successful local example where traditional meets digital networking in our business community.

Which brings me to a gentleman I’ve known for over a year now. I met Edmonton realtor Stephen Lau of Century21 (EdmontonHomePros.ca) through a digital referral by Greg Douglas of Douglas Environmental Solutions. He suggested that I join a local networking group called The Edmonton “LinkedIn” Business & Social Network, started by Lau in April 2008. To join the group, you must have a profile on the world’s premier business social network, LinkedIn.com.

The nearly 300 members are trusted business professionals who value building relationships both at the offline events and digitally within the online group on Meetup.com, the site Lau uses

Social media

101

media with Walter Schwabe

to manage events and member communications, much of which overflows onto LinkedIn. “The intention,” explains Lau, “is helping people first and growing trust from that. It’s about being genuine, altruistic and going out of your way to help people. Pure takers won’t get very far in the group.” This is something I’ve personally experienced as a member of this unique networking group: I can honestly say people focus on community, referrals and support of each other’s businesses.

Having said that, Lau states that his group would not have grown to the extent it has without the social networking aspect. Further, he suggests—and I agree—that there needs

to be a healthy balance between traditional and online social networking in order to achieve success. “People like to do business on a hand-shake,” he says.

“You need to meet face-to-face.” Lau calls this balance of effort “integrating social media into real-world networking to expand your centre of influence.” He stresses that social networking allows you to stay connected, build rapport and deepen relationships in-between events.

In one such case, because of keeping in touch online via LinkedIn, Lau was referred to a new real estate client who listed a $1.88M home with him, a decent business transaction once the home sells.

Stories of business results and increased opportunities are not limited to

punch in a contact on the desktop and add a calendar event on your phone, Syncamatic will bring them all together.

“It’s simple: Every device will look up to the cloud. The program will ask ‘What’s the latest change? What am I missing?’ Then it will update each device.”

The product is currently in Private Beta and the consumer downloadable version was scheduled to be available at Syncamatic.com just prior to Christmas.

“This version will be free. They can download it for free and use it for free— forever.”

Huang, 31, downplays his humble beginnings as well as his success. His family came to Edmonton before he was 18. He attended Jasper Place Composite High School and studied general science at the University of Alberta. In 1997, he took home a Business Chamber Trophy and was recognized as the Best Student in Computer Programming.

His current venture, Pure Inbox, was incorporated in 2008. Prior to the development of Syncamatic, the company offered an application that allowed you to use your existing phone just like Gmail.

Although Pure Inbox is no longer accepting new sign-ups for that app, it continues to support existing users.

Huang’s original claim to fame was his first start-up five years prior, as president and CTO of Gennux Microsystems. In a

short time, it became one of Alberta’s fastest growing technology companies, providing unique cost-effective IT solutions and systems to businesses, as well as a unique anti-spam product.

In 2005, the company took home the Alberta VenturePrize and was identified as one of the “global up-and-coming companies” to watch. Huang was heralded as one of rising stars in the Alberta IT industry.

Pure Inbox is happy to call the Edmonton Research Park home. “They have the services we need, so we can focus on what we need to do.”

The landlord is equally happy about the success of its tenant. “I am thrilled that Syncamatic, a product developed at the Edmonton Research Park, is being sold and distributed around the globe,” says Candace Brinsmead, vice-president of technology.

The majority of staff is also from Edmonton. Having traveled to China, Huang knows how cheap it is to hire developers from there, but prefers to stay local. He is impressed with the quality of work being performed by graduates of the University of Alberta, his Alma Mater.

One recent hire is Ryan Akerboom, 23, who graduated with distinction from the computer engineering, software co-op program. “I’m happy to be working here.

It’s a relaxed atmosphere and it’s the exact type of thing we studied for.”

Lau. Doors have opened for others in the group, including me. If not for Lau, my team and I might not have met Michael Kryton of Axe Productions who referred fusedlogic to Aggression MMA. This connection resulted in a contract to provide live-streaming video services for its pay-per-view mixed martial arts event “First Blood” at the Northlands Expo Centre. Deepening relationships through the use of social networking has proven that it can also deepen the pocketbook.

Those who should join The Edmonton “Linked-In” Business & Social Network are business professionals interested in finding clients, helping with referrals, and meeting like-minded networkers. As mentioned, a LinkedIn profile is a prerequisite.

Lau and the other members demonstrate that what separates this group from others is how they fortify trust via regular use of social media tools like LinkedIn and Meetup.com, converting their social networking efforts into increased revenue. This isn’t a group of teenagers or irresponsible employees but savvy business people with open-minds, turning a little digital know-how into measurable results. It’s worth joining. √ Walter Schwabe is the Chief Evolution Officer of fusedlogic inc., a social media strategy firm and Alberta company since 2000. You can learn more at www.fusedlogic.com

Continued from page 11 It will not only allow users to free themselves from their USB shackles, it will also be platform independent. It will allow most Blackberry models running OS 4.6 to talk to a Mac and a PC over the air… to synchronize, not through a USB cable, but over the air.

“It has never been available before to consumers.”

Even RIM couldn’t do that, Huang states. In fact, just two months ago, RIM released its software to connect a Macintosh to a Blackberry—via cable.

Huang’s Unique Selling Proposition (USP) for Syncamatic is the automatic way to synchronize, protect and transfer data for the mobile user. His program will also be affordable as both a free and a premium version. The free version will allow you to sync on demand but you would need to log in to the application and select the option to perform the synchronization.

“It’s a manual process. The secret—or what you give up—is that below the button, there will be some advertising to offset some development costs.”

The premium, or commercial pay version as Huang calls it, differs in the sense that the program sits in the background. If you make changes on one device, it checks on a regular basis and will automatically update in the background. It constantly checks both ways: For example, if you simultaneously

Huang is also excited about the future and is confident that with Syncamatic, Pure Inbox is heading in the right direction. “We’re the first there—first to market.”

“Anyone, even the Chinese, can make phones. Right now, it’s about the apps.

They are beginning to flood the market.

We have 10 flashlights… we’re in the app world 1.0 era.” In the next few years it will be contextual, location based—not about dumb apps but rather about apps and services.

“You need services to drive the application. Everyone is watching Apple and Blackberry.” And Syncamatic will be right there with them.

Huang is heading off to Barcelona in February as part of the Alberta contingent to world mobile conference where Pure InBox will be setting up a booth on an international stage. “I’m excited to see how the European market will react.” √ 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

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corporate ETHICS

How do we make decisions?

“The calculating part of the brain is like a computer operating system that was rushed to market. It’s slow, clunky and prone to errors... at least when compared with the brain region associated with emotions. This highly developed area has been exquisitely refined by evolution, so it can make fast decisions on very little information.” ~ Read Montague, author Why Choose This Book? How We Make Decisions

By Nizar J. Somji

I

n a world where the amount of information available doubles every few months, grabbing the attention of potential buyers (or clients) becomes more difficult. What is even more difficult is keeping their attention once you have it: getting these individuals to make decisions without extensively (and continuously) analyzing the maze of information now available at their finger tips. Our traditional model of presenting information continues to focus on the “calculating” part of the brain, which is “slow, clunky and prone to errors,” according to Montague.

The study of the brain—and especially how we make decisions—is fascinating.

When faced with a decision, we assign a certain value to each of a possible choice.

Based on this value, we make our decision.

What is intriguing is that, given a similar set of circumstances, the value assigned by the same individual can change at different times. Thus, a decision delayed to “think about it” often means a lost opportunity or a lost sale because you have not reached the individual with a message that resonates with them in their particular situation in a way that builds the emotional need.

For traditionalists, the challenge is switching from a “functional” message to an “emotive” one to engage the highly developed part of the brain to get engaged and make the decision. Do you invest in providing detailed product information... or focus on what will impact the buying

decision—a focus that will be different for each buyer?

The latter is much more difficult, requiring effort and attention to listen to the needs and desires of the customer in order to demonstrate how your product meets those needs. However, it is also much more successful at reaching the emotional region of the brain.

For example, the majority of consumers shopping for a vehicle are not interested in the details of the vehicle’s internal operations (engine, transmission, suspension etc.). For most, “emotional factors” such as comfort, safety, reliability and efficiency are key to the buying decision. Something as simple as the location and size of the cupholder can make the difference in the buying decision for some. The assumption is that the details ‘under the hood’ are taken care of.

When looking at televisions, the features are not important until you understand the customers. What type of shows do they watch? What is the size of the room in which they watch? What type of lighting is in the room? Once you can fit the features or the value proposition to the customers’ individual circumstances, it becomes much easier to make an emotional connection.

They can visualize watching their favourite shows in their room.

Marketing professionals, especially for the larger, consumer oriented corporations, have employed emotive messages to get the

attention of their prospective customers. I particularly enjoy the commercials of Ally Bank (available on www.youtube.com, search for “Ally Bank”). While most commercials cost a significant amount of money, Ally Bank’s commercials are short, simple and targeted, yet very effective at demonstrating its message of being a flexible, easy-to–deal-with client centric bank. The analogies used to drive the point are engaging and leave the viewer reflective for a long period after. Emotive messages have ‘legs’—the message travels fast and effectively.

One interesting example of this phenomenon is the urban legend, a viral message with story, plot and characters that make the message seem plausible and often serve as a cautionary tale (although often without any truth). One of the most famous urban legends is that of a highly organized crime ring luring travelers to their hotel rooms to then be drugged and have their kidneys removed. These travelers were left in a bathtub of ice with a phone nearby and a note to call 911 when they awake. This story—while not real or possible—traveled extensively around the globe—at no cost— and was discussed at social gatherings.

Creating your own urban legend, with the right story and the legs to travel, can have a huge impact on your business.

An emotive message does not automatically translate to a sale, but it does get the potential buyer through the door. The key

then is to close the deal. The door could be real or virtual: a visit to the showroom or a phone call or visit to the website. That is where the right value proposition for the individual buyer becomes the determining factor. There is no point exalting the safety features of a vehicle to an environmentally conscious buyer focused on vehicle efficiency and its impact on the environment. On the other hand, a family with young children will likely have safety and reliability as their primary concerns.

The key is to quickly and effectively ascertain this information to focus on the right value proposition. Clearly, this is more complex in a virtual environment.

At the end of the day, understanding how people make decisions and determining their value model, motivations and inspirations can lead to more decisions going your way.

Consider applying this concept to your New Year’s resolutions.

To you and yours, I wish you the very best in 2010. √

Nizar J. Somji is president and CEO of Jaffer Inc., a management/investment consulting firm; and chairman of the board of Matrikon Inc., a company he founded in 1988.

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