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C A P I T A L
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THAT WAS THE OCTOBER
“The Bare Facts: I was technically stillborn in Calgary but recovered only to be sent to Regina for my early childhood... I celebrated my last birthday last year, but will admit to being just old enough to remember the Ross Shepherd totem pole being erected, Julia Kinisky’s hats, and the New Sarepta Tire and Garter Co. appearing daily in the Journal courtesy of Yardley Jones.” ~ People You Should Know: David Manning Alberta’s Senior Trade Counsel, New York 1990 “Hello fellow taxpayers. This is a battered but not bowed Alderman speaking. To those battered columnist that have labeled me a rednecked art boor, small-minded, thick-headed, against art, this is my opportunity to give my side of the story.” ~ Alderman Sheila McKay Guest Columnist 1991 “Unscrupulous time marches on—even at silly hall... Ron Hayter should consider 21 years as an alderman enough.” ~ Dick MacLean 1992 “Happy Birthday? ...On October 20th, in the midst of their Fall Membership Campaign, ACCESS Television Network will celebrate 20 years on the air.” ~ Fred Keating Arts & Entertainment 1993 “I was privileged to have supper with Bruno Engler, the world-renowned photographer. Bruno [of Cocrane/Banff] is 79 years old and still working. He had three wives and his youngest child is now 12; he’s one of the few people (one would assume) who collects Family Allowance and Old Age Pension at the same time.” ~ Muggsy Forbes Funny, Pompous & Unfair 1994 “There’s the legendary story about the Life magazine photographer who spent six weeks on assignment in the Arctic... his claim for reimbursement of a $2000 fur coat was rejected. On his return from another assignment, he submitted his expenses with dozens of receipts for tolls, taxi rides and meals... Attached to the report was the note, ‘There’s a fur coat buried in here. Find it.’” ~ Mark McCormack Taking the worry out of expense accounts 1995
THAT WAS
with Mark & Marty
“Incidentally, if you think my political commentary is slanted, I have to admit that no Liberals or NDs have called to share any interesting tidbits. Nope, not ever.” ~ Barb Deters Hot Flashes 1996 “We’re the best putters in the tournament,” boasted [Oilers’ coach Ron] Low. [Glen] Sather charged back: “Low doesn’t know what he’s talking about. He putts with a shovel; used to be a farmer, you know.” ~ Edmonton Oilers Alumni 9th Annual Golf Tournament 1997 “The worst roasters could drum up for the occasion was a reminder that Bruce Hogle had retired before... he would only agree to the celebration if it were a fundraiser for his pet project, CFRN’s Good Neighbour Fund.” ~ Hogle’s Annual Retirement Party Photo Feature 1998 “Despite other studies, such as that undertaken by the prestigious LaJolla Institute in California, which ultimately selected Edmonton from 350 cities examined as one of six urban centres in North America (and the only one from Canada) able to lay certified claim to the smart city label, Edmontonians still disbelieve it.” ~ Dr. James Murray/David Norwood Smart City 1999 “Little by little, the wheels have fallen off the old USSR 2008 system and Russian athletes are becoming more like Canadian athletes: under-supported, under-coached and undervalued.” ~ Ken Karpoff Business of Sports 2000 “The Globe and Mail said the Shumka Dancers’ Cinderella ‘promises to do for Ukrainian folk dance what Riverdance did for Irish stepping: catapult it to big time.’” ~ Muggsy Forbes Funny, Pompous & Unfair 2001
G 2007 “The part I find fascinating is the phenomenon of personal blogs where people document and describe all the various goings on in their personal lives. It feels like voyeurism...” ~ David Boroditsky E-Commerce 2002
eorgie K all the way…
Another fantastic CD from Edmonton’s own George Koufogiannakis. Generations—Greek Oud Jazz was recently released by the guitarist/ songwriter/producer. George was educated at Grant MacEwan, St. F.X.U. in Antigonish and, most recently, LCM in Leeds.
“Nepotism is natural. Where would family business be without it?” ~ Marg. Pullishy Family Business Report 2003 “He is the scourge of politicians and a media darling. Jim Lightbody’s stock and trade is analyzing, criticizing and trying to explain to voters what is at stake in Edmonton’s municipal government. He comes complete with a short fuse and hand grenade views that do damage and sometimes hit their target.” ~ Drake McHugh Focus on the Forerunners 2004 “We have more public art per capita than any other region in Canada. The (Economic Development Edmonton) study chronicles 171 pieces of significance—and more have been unveiled this past year.” ~ Barb Deters Art Smart 2005 “I’m glad that I’ve started to wise up and appreciate how cool it was to grow up on Holger Petersen’s block. Listening to the range of roots music we have here, much of it stemming from his work, marks a great cultural opportunity for Edmontonians—even those who have never been chased by his dog.” ~ Mackenzie Grisdale Growing up in the presence of a music icon 2006
This release takes us to Greece and around the world musically. The likes of Terry McDade, Joel Grey, Charlie Austin and Jessica Rogers are among the talents who join George on the disc. Solid performances all around. Incredibly inventive writing and outstanding sound from Cam Ambrose at Braindead Digital in Fort Saskatchewan. This CD is one to get. Check it out at www.geok.ca
A grand shout out to Igloo Building Supplies owner Barry Stewart. I had the pleasure of golfing with him, Mark Mercer and Habitat for Humanity Edmonton President and CEO Alfred Nikolai at the 4th annual Habitat for Humanity golf tournament. Barry was very gracious to donate his sky suite to an Oilers game this season as a throw-in auction item. The winning team at this year’s tournament was Al Skoreyko, Warren Fuller and Cam McInnis. The organization is one of the busiest of all Habitat for Humanity branches in North America—as of July, 100 homes had been built in our community since 1991. Outstanding.
EDMONTONIANS OCTOBER 2009
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A beautiful day for HIV Edmonton’s Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life. Over 400 walkers raised $119,438 on a spectacular hot September 20th to provide support, outreach, education and prevention services. HIV Edmonton will be accepting online donations until October 31st. You can donate at www.hivedmonton.com. Everyone who raised $1,000 or more was named to the Extra Mile Club. The first ever Mile High Marshall was Nick Lees of the Edmonton Journal. He was accompanied by Sophie Sticke on a beautiful float. I heard through the grapevine that Nick invited a struggling walker to join them on the float to finish the walk. Good man… great people.
Two-timer… I ran into former Edmonton Eskimo Emilio Fraietta at the Esks’ alumni room. As I looked over, there he was with a Cheshire cat grin and two fingers in the air. “What’s up, Emilio?” I asked. “Oh, not much... except I got a hole-in-one today.” In fact, it was Emilio’s second-holein-one. The Emilio Fraietta four time Grey Cup champion made his first at Indian Lakes Golf Course on the 197-yard, par three #8. He hit a five wood, the ball bounced once, hit the pin, and in it went. His second came on the 215-yard hole #3 at the Barrhead golf course. He struck a utility club, the ball bounced and rolled into the cup. Congrats Emilio. When I asked him what his thoughts were on the Esks chances of winning the Grey Cup, Emilio didn’t hesitate. “We
have a great chance. We need a playoff game at home to give us the energy… I am confident we are going to win the Cup. In fact, I am going to bet them on pro-line.”
It happened in Mashantucket, Connecticut... Greg Gazin received a Presidential Citation for his outstanding achievements in representing the goals and ideals of Toastmasters International—one of its highest honours. Greg—aka The Gadget Guy—is the producer of Toastcaster.com and works relentlessly to further the organization’s presence in District
n Greg Gaziarnhill, & Jana Bent TI presid
42, which incorporates Alberta and Saskatchewan. He spearheaded the use of digital media, including websites and social media tools like Twitter. His podcast has a worldwide audience and helps clubs build membership and further members’ skills. TI has 230,000 members in 11,700 clubs in 92 countries, including over 250 clubs and 4,000 members in District 42. Greg is a regular contributor to Edmontonians Visionaries. √ 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
A
s you read this, I’m far far
away on a cruise ship in the Mediterranean. I’ve taken my wife Kim, and daughters Lauren and Rayanne to Europe for an overseas holiday. We spent a few days in Barcelona, Spain, then visited Cannes in France. We headed for Portofino, Pisa, Florence, Naples and Rome in Italy before hooking up with my step-son Jeremy, who is a DJ on a Celebrity Cruise ship. This is one of those once-in-a-lifetime trips and I’ll chronicle our journey in future columns.
October is a busy month for me with lots on the go. First off, we’re moving into a new home in the Windermere area. This is a brand new neighbourhood and will feature the first shopping village in Edmonton just off the Anthony Henday/Terwilliger area in our city. This is a concept that is prevalent in several cities in the States, and is currently under construction. We’ve been living downtown while our new home is being built, which has provided me with a bunch of strolling time. I had forgotten some of the true gems we have all along Jasper Avenue. I decided to have a few months of supporting Mom and Pop businesses and remind you that there is great magic in the downtown core with the amazing Farmers Market, excellent restaurants, shops, bookstores, and specialty services; many have been here for decades. Please support these operations as they truly do add to the colour and diversity of our great city.
As well, the Alberta Research Council project I’m working on goes mid-month. We’ve formed an ARC Grassroots Advisory Group to help spread the good word about this amazing complex. I’m working with people like Chris Sheetz from CISN, Stewart Meyers from Astral, George Smith from Telus World of Science, Dr. Bob Westbury from Telus, Bonnie Lopushinsky, super lady about town; the amazing Sandra Woitas from Edmonton Public School Board, Darren Krill from Northlands, Jennifer Crosby from Global Edmonton, Sharon MacLean from Edmontonians, Kim Kerr from Sales
Visionaries, Lloyd Lewis from CTV, Stuart Kullum of NAIT, Debbie Walker of Santa’s Anonymous, Martin Salloum from the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, Gordon Norrie from Sun Media, Scott McKean from the Edmonton Journal, Alyson Hodson of G2 Marketing, Eric Rice of Access, Raoul Bhatt of Firetext, Diane Brickner from Peach Hills Insurance, and Mark Dorum from Shaw Cable. Our group will be treated to a wonderful evening of learning, idea sharing and camaraderie, all arranged by ARC’s Steve Hogle and Bonni Clark. Some big news will come out of this meeting… glad to be part of something this progressive and interesting.
I also have two other great public service projects underway. The Santa’s Anonymous Warehouse program is coming along very nicely as we build a community centre home for 630 CHED’s Santas Anonymous program that my father started back in 1954. Land has been obtained and we’re busy raising funds behind the scenes to build this $14 million building in the northeast end of Edmonton. More good Christmas season news came with an invite from Diane Young, and John Cameron of Keller Construction to help resurrect the wonderful Edmontons Singing Christmas Tree program. For more than 39 years, the Singing Christmas Tree was operated out of the former Pentecostal Church at 116th Street and 107th Avenue. The singers took a hiatus when the church was knocked down to make way for condos on the site. Happily, the group now returns—bigger and better—from December 18th to 20th at the Jubilee Auditorium. There will be about 300 performers stacking the tree this time around, with backup provided by an orchestra of 25 musicians. Tickets should be on sale any day now. Profits will go to a different charity every year. This year’s beneficiary is Santa’s Anonymous, which obviously is very close to my heart. Take your children... your parents... your grandparents… your best friend. Let’s sell out this magic event so that we can enjoy it for at least another 39 years.
Great to run into fellow Edmontonians columnist Mark Scholz on the LRT on the way to an Eskimos game last month. I think Mark is one of our most versatile talents, and certainly covers this city like a blanket. He’s always got interesting projects on the go, and is one of the biggest boosters around. Back to the tapas... and touring the Mediterranean. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I live a blessed life. See you next month. √ 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 OCTOBER 2009
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CELEBRATING
Poll
20
STATION
YEARS
With Linda Banister
FOUNDER DICK MacLEAN
OCTOBER 2009
No. 10
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SHARON MacLEAN Publisher and Advertising Director Telephone: 780.482.7000 Fax: 780.488.9317 e-mail: info@edmontonians.com edmontonians.com
INSIDE
t’s time to hang up your phone. Well, at least that may be the case this fall when the provincial government plans to address the issue of driver distraction. To determine how concerned Edmontonians are about driver distraction, this month’s Poll Station focused on the behaviours that take our eyes off the road. out of 5). Respondents were then asked if they had been in an accident caused by driver distraction. One-quarter indicated they had. When asked if it was caused by their distraction, or by someone else’s, four respondents said they were the ones distracted, while 19 respondents reported it was the other drivers. Respondents who had not been in an accident caused by driver distraction were asked if they had ever come close. Fifty-six percent stated they had, while 43 percent said they had not.
WHILE DRIVING, DO YOU ENGAGE IN DISTRACTING BEHAVIOURS?
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 VOX POP Mark Scholz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Marty Forbes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
MEDIA MINUTE Choices/Hogle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 SIZZLING IN THE CITY Over-achievers/Rayner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 LIVELY LIFESTYLES Absolute Bodo/Bodo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 MenuMagic/Berry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 PHOTO FEATURE Sizzling Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-10 VISIONARIES Hassan/Gazin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 BioAlberta/Croucher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Briefs/Croucher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Social Media 101/Schwabe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 CIVIC BUZZ Stout Design/Norwood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 CORPORATE ETHICS Oilsands/Somji . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 BARB DETERS Editor
editor@edmontonians.com COLUMNISTS Linda Banister John Berry Linda Bodo 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 Peter Drake McHugh Marg. Pullishy PHOTOGRAPHERS Terry Bourque Quincey Deters Cheryl Croucher Rocco Macri Crystal Yuzyk SPECIAL PROJECTS Edmontonians Transformers Tom Bradshaw Les Brost Steffany Hanlen Dr. Larry Ohlhauser GRAPHIC PRODUCTION Rage Studios Inc.
THIS MONTH’S COVER
84% Percent
POLL STATION Driver Distraction/Banister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
70% 53% 15%
10%
7%
1%
DO YOU FAVOUR LEGISLATION THAT BANS CERTAIN DISTRACTIONS?
Reported that Reported that Reported that Reported that Reported that Reported that Reported that they had driven they had driven they had driven they had they had they had driven they had driven while doing while watching while drinking driven while while talking on driven while while reading television thier hair text messaging maps or books a cell phone eating food a beverage
To begin the survey, respondents were asked if they had a driver’s license. Ninety-one percent of respondents indicated they did, while nine percent did not. Those with a license were then asked if they have ever engaged in different distracting behaviours while driving. Most commonly, they reported drinking coffee or another type of beverage (84 percent); eating food (70 percent); or talking on a cell phone (53 percent). Fewer admitted to writing, sending or reading text messages (15 percent); reading the newspaper, a book, or map (10 percent); or doing their hair (seven percent), and one percent of respondents were guilty of watching TV while driving. Female respondents with a license were asked if they had ever applied make-up while driving, to which 12 percent reported they had. On the other hand, males with a drivers license were asked if they had ever shaved while driving—all (100 percent) reported they had not.
HAVE YOU SEEN OTHERS ENGAGE IN DISTRACTING BEHAVIOURS? All respondents were then asked if they had ever witnessed any distracting behaviours in other drivers. While 11 percent stated no, 88 percent indicated they had. Respondents who had, frequently mentioned behaviours such as using a cell phone, including texting (75 percent); applying make-up (21 percent); reading (14 percent); and general lack of focus (14 percent). Other responses included distracting passengers (11 percent), eating/drinking (nine percent), and doing their hair (six percent).
86% Percent
Vol. XX
8% Indicated that they were in favour of legislation banning distracting activities while driving
Finally, respondents were informed that the government is currently developing legislation that focuses on all types of driving distraction and behaviours, including but not limited to cell phone use and texting, Respondents were asked if they were in favour of a law that will ban distracting activities while driving. The vast majority (86 percent) indicated they were, while eight percent were not. Of those in favour, 58 percent cited safety concerns, while 23 percent believed it would make drivers more aware. When respondents who were not in favour were asked why, they most frequently mentioned too much government restriction on personal freedom.
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.
HOW SERIOUS IS THE PROBLEM OF DRIVING WHILE DISTRACTED? When respondents were asked how serious of a problem they believe driver distraction to be, over three-quarters (77 percent) indicated it was very serious (4 or 5 out of 5), while 16 percent indicated it was moderately serious, and five percent reported it was not serious (1 or 2
Indicated that they were not in favour of legislation banning distracting activities while driving
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.
Slimming Secret! Lose 4 to 20 inches in an hour! A hot new detoxifying body wrap!
Why it works? The wrap detoxifies the body. The body can get overloaded with toxins because it cannot keep up with the filtration process. The more toxins in the body, the more lymphatic fluid increases to protect cells.
Tabitha England & Naomi Benavides Photo by Terry Bourque 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
You force out toxins. Once the toxins are gone, the lymphatic fluid decreases and you lose inches. It is not water loss—rather, an exchange of minerals for toxins.
That’s a Wrap! Call Linda Perras at Suddenly Slimmer Day Spa
780.459.3444 pedicures. manicures. facials. aroma therapy message
www.suddenlyslimmerdayspa.com EDMONTONIANS OCTOBER 2009
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M
edia Minute with Bruce Hogle
I’ve previously discussed choices in life, and how the wrong one can destroy you. Such was the case with James Roszko’s accomplices Sean Hennessy and Dennis Cheeseman and their role in the murder of four Mounties, details of which you’re fully aware. Some 17 students are back in Sedgewick Central High Public School this month after expulsion for hazing a number of Grade 10 students. The froshes were duct-taped to a bridge, had their pants pulled down, and then paddled with a belt, goalie sticks and other weapons. Fireworks were also shot at them. The abused students, understandably, did not rat on the bullies. School authorities, as best they can, have outlawed future threats sneakily conveyed through such technological means as cell phones, texting or the Internet. Canadian super model Liskula Cohen of New York discovered such dangers when an unidentified Google blogger called her a “skank” and “ho”, among other things. U.S. Supreme
Court Justice Joan Madden said such terms carried a negative implication of sexual promiscuity and ordered Google to identify the blogger—which they did. The University of Guelph did a study on Facebook and found the more time spent on this social networking site,
contract to publish a front page cover profile and story, as well as an advertisement, on a Canadian entrepreneur and his Toronto-based website promoting adultery. Sharon was told the client in question had already been featured on Oprah, Larry King, The View, and Time magazine.
Integrity vs.
Big Bucks the more likely you are to feel jealous or betrayed. They cited Georgia Hobbs-Meyer of the UK getting divorced after stumbling across her husband’s Facebook correspondence with a woman. Emma Brady was “shell shocked” when friends said her husband had used the same site to post their breakup. Edmontonians Publisher Sharon MacLean faced similar choices recently. She was offered a lucrative
While this year’s Super Bowl rejected advertising of this website, porn TV programs, billboards and radio ads have succeeded in raising the site’s profile. Further, over four million members now regularly use this website. One month alone last summer, a record 679,000 (92 percent of the males and 60 percent of the females are married) used the website to contact a cheating partner.
I’m no prude, but I have no intention of revealing the name of this website which openly condones and promotes adultery. While it would have been tempting and easy to accept the big bucks offered during current tough economic times, both Sharon and Editor Barb Deters quickly agreed that they couldn’t compromise the integrity of Edmontonians—or their own personal principles. Knowing these ladies for some time and admiring their personal qualities, I think both might have been guided by the words of wisdom by Christian Larson, who said: “Have pride in how far you have come, and have faith in how far you can go!” Truly great advice for all of us, including all students at the Sedgewick Central High Public School— especially the 17 expelled for hazing—and for the wrong choices they made. √ Bruce Hogle is the former news director at CFRN TV and retired head of the Alberta Press Council. Contact bhogle@edmontonians.com
with Erin Rayner
I
got lost on the way to this year’s Sizzling Twenty under 30 reception. The event was at the Lexus of Edmonton dealership— and has been for four years—and yet I still managed to get lost. After responsibly pulling over to search my BlackBerry for the exact address, I arrived in time for the recognition ceremony. I was reminded of the impact a meeting of the minds can have. This event is hard to explain to those who’ve never been. It is like walking into a firestorm of over-achievers. The first people I bumped into were Ben Block and Krista Turko, a couple— literally—of 2007 Sizzlers who met at the reception two years ago and are now working together at Sundial, Ben’s graphics, print and marketing company. On the way to the bar to grab a glass of wine, Ward 5 City Councillor and 2008 Sizzler, Don Iveson, wandered by wearing his newest accessory—baby Dexter Chan Iveson—in a Snuggly. Winding my way through the crowd, I spotted 2006 Sizzlers Rishi Patel, and owner of Keeran Systems and Twist Ultra Lounge, and Chris Bolivar, owner of Optamedia. They were discussing the economy and its effect on their businesses. Despite the downturn both are expecting a strong fourth quarter. Having profiled the club late last year, I was curious about Twist. Although it is beginning to get some recognition, the conversation quickly turned to the club’s website. Until now, it hasn’t had a web presence to speak of, aside from a logo on the landing page at twistultralounge.com. Flash forward: When I got home, I googled Twist Ultra Lounge. My search results were a clubzone listing with very basic contact information and a facebook group
promoting $3 highballs and a list of Twist’s upcoming events. There is no way to make reservations or buy tickets to events (like the Hallowe’en Party) online, something Rishi’s clientele are demanding. A website is a basic tool the club needs. Without a fully functioning website, Twist is not part of the online consumer conversation. Chris and I had a great time teasing Rishi for knowing the importance of the web for direct e-mail marketing and generating leads, but not yet devoting the resources to capitalizing on this opportunity to continue Twist’s high-end branding. It takes skill and knowledge as well as time, money and creativity to make your online marketing campaign effective, but it is one of the most measurable tools we marketers have to work with. Later, Rishi and I discussed the benefits of monitoring the website
to measure which pages have the highest traffic and how long visitors stay with the information. He made a very good point that monitoring the online traffic flow allows you to treat your online customers similar to those who visit your bricks and mortar location. Moving through the crowd I chatted with Jason Reiniger, owner of Gravity Events and sibling of 2007 Sizzler Carissa Reiniger. His colleague Brady Hedlund, owner of Life Before Work Tours,
mentioned they recently launched a new event inspired by the infamous Full Moon parties in Thailand. Apparently, later that week, their second Full Moon Party sold out at the Edmonton Events Centre. Just before I left, I met Lori Rebalkin from Magic 99 who was kind enough to introduce me to another ’07 Sizzler, Jesse Lipscombe of P.H.A.T. Training. The entrepreneur/athlete/artist has so many projects on the go, I don’t have space to name them all. Except to say that he and his
Realtor Alex Thomson of Avison Young, Jason Reiniger and Brady Hedlund
wife Shannon Tyler of Magic 99 are expecting their second child in January—a playmate for son Chile. Basically, my night with the Sizzlers reminded me that anyone who calls Edmonton “Deadmonton” doesn’t feel the sizzle of these upand-comers. √
2008 Sizzlers Rishi Patel and Chris Bolivar
Photos by Quincey Deters
Erin Rayner is president of ED Marketing and Communications Inc. Contact erayner@edmontonians.com
EDMONTONIANS OCTOBER 2009
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lifestyles LIVELY
Fabulous Fungi with Linda Bodo
T
hey attend conventions in the round on manicured lawns or slumber in the rich loam of oak tree roots until rudely awakened by well trained snouts. They’ve been used for culinary, ritualistic and psychedelic purposes since prehistoric times. They can be stuffed, sliced or sautéed to complement recipes... or slyly recruited as murder accomplices. Who would have known that the gilled fungus we refer to as the mushroom has such a varied and colourful résumé?
While not all varieties of mushrooms are welcome in our yards, concrete replicas can lend a whimsical statement to any landscape. The vermiculite content and detachable cap produce a lightweight ornament simple to relocate and store.
Note: Cement becomes caustic when mixed with water: Wear long sleeves, gloves, eye protection and a respiratory mask when mixing ingredients together. Work outdoors when possible, or in a well-ventilated area inside.
MATERIALS for 12 mushrooms Hollow plastic baseball bats 14” – 26” 6” - 12”-plastic bowls of various shapes/depths 2 large bags Vermiculite or Perlite 4 - 25kg bags play sand 40 kg bag type 50 Portland cement Duct tape and electricians tape 24’ rebar 3’ - 1 /2” PVC pipe Spray silicone/vegetable oil (release) Acid stain Concrete sealant Plastic pails
STEP-BY-STEPS • Remove grip and top of bat, cut bat in half lengthwise. Hold both pieces together and hinge with duct tape along outside seam of one side of bat. Open mould and spray interior with release. Close mould and duct tape along other side.
TOOLS Drill with concrete paddle Cut-off saw with metal-cutting blade or angle grinder Tape measure Utility knife or band saw
• For each stem, cut rebar with cut-off saw or angle grinder 6” longer than mould. Insert rebar into mould, pushing 1 1/2” through slit at sealed end. Demark rebar with tape to indicate alignment to correct any shifting when cement is poured.
CONCRETE RECIPE 2 parts water 3 1/2 parts cement 3 parts sand 3 parts Vermiculate or Perlite
• Seal top of narrow neck of bat with duct tape and cut a small slit in centre of seal to accommodate rebar needed in next step. Wrap bat mould with electricians tape.
• Fill bucket with sand and bury neck of mould.
• Cut PVC pipe 1/2” shorter than a bowl’s depth to create mushroom caps. Seal one end with duct tape. Spray bowl interior with release. • Mix up concrete recipe in pail, starting with all the water first. Add dry ingredients one cup at a time and blend thoroughly with paddle until mix resembles coarse oatmeal. Spoon mix into bat mould and massage into neck by gently churning rebar until concrete has fallen into place, adding more if necessary. Position rebar in centre of mould and tape into place. • Pour concrete into bowl, press PVC pipe into centre taped-side down with 1/2” of concrete between the bottom of the bowl and pipe. Ensure pipe is level and keep concrete mix out of PVC opening. • Cure 24 hours. Remove stems and caps from moulds and apply acid stain according to manufacturer’s instructions. Use mild detergent to rinse and scrub off residue. Repeat stain/wash process until desired effect is achieved. • Dry 24 hours, apply two coats sealant. √
Linda Bodo is author of Enjoy Life Outside. Visit www.absolutebodo.com for upcoming appearances and project demonstrations; view other DIY projects; or order her book. Contact: lbodo@edmontonians.com Go to edmontonians.com and visit the Lively Lifestyles blog.
Sizzling
NEWS
CHECK OUT • Current & past Sizzlers • Events • Nominations • On-line features
www.edmontonians.com www.sizzlinginedmonton.com EDMONTONIANS OCTOBER 2009
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MENU
Magic
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with Chef John Berry
To‘cap’it all off...
Chefs John Berry and Sonny Sung
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egg hunt. “You’ll never know what you’re going to find.” Sorrentino’s Corporate Chef Sonny Sung agrees. He says a lot of people don’t understand mushrooms or how to use them. Add to this the fact that we don’t see many specialty mushrooms in our grocery stores. “I really love to work with them, experiment, spend a lot of time on menu development… a lot of time perfecting in the kitchen.” People tend to overlook the medicinal properties of mushrooms. That’s right, they’re just not fungus. According to Chef Sonny, “The Cancer Institute of Japan states that the Hon-Shimeji mushroom, which grows on wood, contains medicinally active ingredients with strong anti-tumor activity.” What’s more, he adds, some mushrooms contain anti-oxidents; some are good to fight gout, and others have been found to help in the fight against breast cancer. Due to public demand, Sorrentino’s launched the Annual Mushroom Harvest 15 years ago, on the heels of the highly successful Garlic Festival which raised enough money to build Compassion House. It’s a great way to try some fantastic mushrooms that aren’t always available in our markets. It’s also a good way to try exotics that sell for anywhere from $60 a pound to $500 a pound. Alberta grows a Pine Mushroom in the Fort McMurray and Smoky Lake regions. Here they cost $10 a pound—in Japan, they sell for $400 a pound. Chef Sonny created an incredible menu for the Mushroon Harvest. He was kind enough to share this single-serving recipe:
RISOTTO WITH LOBSTER MUSHROOM AND WILD GRILLED SHRIMP 1 oz. extra virgin olive oil 2 oz. chopped white onions 8 oz. Carnaroli rice (or Arborio) 3 oz. lobster mushrooms diced 1/4 inch 2 oz. Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese grated 1 Tbs. butter 5 pieces of grilled shrimp 2 cups or more of chicken stock sea salt and pepper to taste • Add oil to heated sauté pan. • Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent. • Add in rice and sauté until husks are coated and heated through. • Slowly add in chicken stock, a few ounces at a time and bring to a simmer. Stir until liquid evaporates. • Repeat adding more liquid until it’s all gone and risotto is to your desired doneness. • Add the diced mushrooms. • Cook until all of the liquid is evaporated. • Add cheese and toss. • Adjust with salt and pepper to taste. • Add butter and toss. Rice should be creamy not dry. • Spoon the rice in the center of a bowl and garnish with shrimp, fresh herbs and more Parm-Reggiano cheese.
ou either love them or hate them. But there’s no denying it: There is a growing interest in this province about all things fungi. You see them when you walk through the Rocky Mountain foothills and Southern Boreal Forest. They come in all shapes and sizes, with some of the most vibrant colors you’ll ever see. Wild Alberta mushrooms. There are thousands of different species from microscopic size to basketball-sized puff mushrooms. And this is where it gets tricky. A good number of them that are edible... some will make you really sick... others can be fatal. To say you have to know what you are picking to eat is an understatement. This is where Edmonton’s Mycological Society—often simply referred to as the Mushroom Club—comes in. Founded in 1987 as a non-profit society by Professor Randy Currah and Helene SchalkwijkBarendsen, it is the only such club in the prairie provinces. It provides education to promote an understanding and appreciation of the Kingdom Fungi. “People shouldn’t go willy-nilly picking and eating mushrooms in the bush. You should go with experienced pickers or join a group such as ours,” according to President Martin Osis. He says they offer lectures, walks, mushroom hunts and a NAIT class that involves learning how to use and cook these delectable morsels. Osis laughs when he calls mushroom picking “the intellectual outdoor activity. You have to put your brain into gear. If you like problem solving, this is for you because you’re finding a fresh, edible product, and you’re always finding something new.” He likens it to an Easter
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If mushrooms are your passion, make sure you mark your calendar for the 16th Annual Mushroom Harvest in early September next year. Can’t wait? You’re in luck: Sorrentino’s Annual Truffle and Wine Dinner happens November 4th. For tickets and details, call Priya Bhasin at 780.474.6466. √
Sorentino’s Pure Mushroom Heaven 1 Hon-Shimeji mushrooms in Moscato DʼAsti white ice wine with yellow Chanterelle Biscotti
2 Honey Balsamic Portabello, stuffed with goat cheese and walnut oil
3 Seared Cape Capensis fillet with sautéed Morels
4 Risotto with Lobster Mushroom and Grilled Wild Shrimp
5 Seared Veal Striploin Steak with King Boletus Mushroom and Marsala glazed
Contact Chef John Berry at jberry@edmontonians.com Go to Edmontonians.com and visit the Lively Lifestyles Blog.
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Ward 6 Councillor Dave Thiele brought greetings from the City
Photos by Terry Bourque, Quincey Deters, Rocco Macri and Crystal Yuzyk They came… they saw… they cheered.
The Lexus of Edmonton showroom sizzled with energy as more than 400 people attended a reception to recognize the achievements of Edmontonians Sizzling Twenty under 30, featured in the September issue. Since 2002, 160 dynamic individuals have been feted.
Bright Ideas Group—BIG The annual Sizzling Reception is organized with the assistance of representatives of sponsoring companies and institutions, and former Sizzlers. Ben Block, 2007 Sizzler Sundial Graphics
Dr. Jumana Jarrah, 2008 Sizzler New Balance Chiropractor Clinic
Jana Clarke MacEwan School of Business
Bruce Kirkland Lornel Lutz Lexus of Edmonton
Chris Curtola, 2005 Sizzler Junior Chamber International CENA Development Corp. Tad Drinkwater School of Business NAIT Karen Faulkner Janice Moore Community Relations NorQuest College Rhonda Halarewich Creative Services Sara Klapstein Community Relations Global Edmonton
“Girls just wanna have fun...” Elizabeth Blomert and Nykie Starr th son Michael Edmontonians wi Caen of ke ar Cl ie Elv thleen De and his friend Ka
Sizzler Rebecca Jones and Sylvain LeBourhis, co-owners of Curves Fort Saskatchewan and Manning Crossing
Sharon MacLean Barb Deters Maria Politti Edmontonians Kerri McKinnon Faculty of Professional Education Concordia University College of Alberta Roberto Moreno, 2009 Sizzler Elisse Heine, 2009 Sizzler Divertido Urban Jaunt sizzlinginedmonton.com
Edmontonians also acknowledges and thanks: the Concordia Ambassadors—students who greet guests at the Sizzling Reception; the Public Relations students from the MacEwan School of Business who assisted the photographers throughout the event; Floral Occasions for the Sizzlers’ red roses; Divertido for name tags and reception embellishments; Broadcaster and 2007 Sizzler Melissa Dominelli who emceed the event; 2008 Sizzler Cara Albo for her song stylings; the Dave Burner Trio; and everyone who made this Sizzling Soirée the biggest and best.
Sizzling sponsors Kerri McKinnon of Concordia University College, and Keely Brown of the Edmonton Oilers Sorrentino’s catering chef and manager Chris Hrynyk
2008 Sizzler Ward 5 Councillor Don Iveson with son Dexter
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Sponsor Janice Douville, owner, and Sharon Kokeof Direct Home Décor, with Darrell Ungstad of Edmonton Catholic Schools. Winnie Bogosoff, assistant to Edmonton Castle Downs MLA Thomas Lukaszuk, shown here with Nejolla Korris, Honorary Consul for Lithuania
The ReNue Properties team: Krista Winkler, office manager; Sizzler Michael Christiansen, owner; and Niki Flis, secretary/ personal assistant.
Pat McLaughlin, Oilers Brand VP and Tandy Kustiak, HR manager of the Edmonton Oilers
Laura Mitchell, co-owner of Details Plus executive home management, and Tracy Hartson of Direct Home Décor.
ren Woitas, uest College: Ka tives from NorQ th Maneesha Phelan of ta en es pr re r so wi Spon d Janice Moore . Wanda Bursey an e Cosmetic & Medical Centre New Imag
Presentation by Sharon MacLean to Sean Farmer
NorQuest President Dr. Wayne Shillington with Todd Odgers, VP of the NorQuest Centre for Excellence, who accepted for Jaimy Miller, currently taking her Masters in political science at Queen’s University.
Tad Drinkwater of NAIT, one of the event’s sponsors
Sizzler Annie Do with her mother Phuong, father Kiet, and grandmother Khanh
Katherine Hutton of Concordia Univesity College with Jon Hall, marketing director of the Realtors Association of Edmonton
Sizzling dad Steve Hogle of the Alberta Research Council with Sizzler Taddes Korris, a double bass student at the Manhattan School of Music.
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Emcee Melissa Dominelli, 2007 Sizzler
Sizzler Neville Wright and his bride Wendy were joined by friends Fitz Barnet, (far left) Charmain Walters and Andrea Stobbe. The Wrights married on the Saturday before the Sizzling Reception, and left for their honeymoon cruise the Saturday after.
Ashton Paulitsch, VP of sales and marketing of Absolute Bodo with Edmontonians columnists Chef John Berry of the Canadian Traffic Network and DIY guru Linda Bodo.
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Sizzler Karella Cummings, founder of the West Indian Canadian Culture Association, with Heather Robertson, Sherol Leslie, Shayla Leslie, Jennifer Robertson and Amanda Jackman.
Sizzling mom Charlotte Robb
Dylan Touhey, co-founder of EnviroSpeak Media and Sizzler Nicole Sorochan with Sizzler Zac Hogle of Aquila Productions and his girlfriend Ava Totillo Giona Chute with her son and daughterin-law, Aaron and Sizzler Alexis Marie, and their friend Candace Schiebelbein.
Kristina Little and Françoise Belzil Castellarin with Sizzler Krista Castellarin and her husband Dwayne, Canada’s only certified feline master groomer.
The stars of Room 322: Sizzler Robert Tyndale, Maria Kombejian, and Nathan Tyndale.
2005 Sizzler Sarah York of PhloeDesign; sponsor reps from Global Edmonton Rhonda Halarewich, promotions manager, and Sara Klapstein, communications coordinator.
MaKami College instructor Stephanie Olson, student Krista Gagne, and owner Sizzler Marija Pavkovic.
“The Gadget Guy” Greg Gazin, Edmontonians Visionaries writer, with Sizzler David Bayda of Ezemble
2003 Sizzler Sean Ouimet of Redman Tech and Nathan “Dog” McQuay of Deloitte Touche LLP.
Publisher Sharon MacLean
Presentation by Bruce Kirkland to Elisse Heine and Roberto Moreno.
Jill Brock and Sizzler Tim Francis of JointVenture Alberta.com.
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Taking on in the Ayman Hassan
By Greg Gazin
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ucked away in a non-descript commercial strip on 118th Avenue in Edmonton’s northwest is a 1900-square foot datacentre. It provides web hosting, colocation (server-hosting), web design and data back-up services. You won’t see Telus, Bell or Shaw on the sign—just a rather humble white and red adornment displaying 4Web.ca. But don’t let that fool you. ”Inside you’ll find a fibre-optic pipe—enough Internet capacity for the entire Whyte Avenue corridor. And it’s a long street,” says Ayman Hassan, president of 4Web.ca. His company is like David in the land of Goliaths: In just two years, it has experienced steady growth. Hassan proudly declares that he has a close ratio of 80 percent among the people who walk through his door. “Datacentre” sounds so 1970s. What with today’s computers being so powerful and hard drives so cheap, it seems counterintuitive for people to use them. “Keeping everything at your own location is great for CAD (computer-aided design) or web development but
for an average user, it’s dangerous for storing files. Desktops fail, laptops fail. Outages can happen any time; the fire at Rice Howard Way… storms, tornadoes, not uncommon in Alberta…” Loss of data can also mean lost business—but even photos, many of which are never printed, cannot be replaced—so having back-ups are critical for everyone. “We’ve really come full circle,” says Hassan. “Think of it as the datacentre of the future, rather than the old ’70s mainframes,” except there is Internet galore— multi-homed (Internet redundancy)—with multiple connections so, if one drops, the other kicks in within seconds. “We have enough for a neighbourhood like Callingwood. It’s clean inverted power. Dirty power, spikes and surges are causes of equipment failure.” 4Web.ca has an 80 kilowatt UPS (uninterrupted power supply) and a battery backup that can supply ample power for a full hour. System up-time is 99.9 percent. Maintaining data safety security is critical. All clients, regardless of their service needs, get a personal
tour of the 4Web.ca facility. Hassan sees a paradigm shift from desktop computing toward “cloud” computing—the use of any Internet-based application. Examples include gmail, Google’s e-mail, Google docs, and business applications like Collin Snowball’s Easy-Bill OnLine, featured in Edmontonians in October 2008. “We’re going back to the days of the dumb terminal where information is stored in datacenters—anything on the desktop can be pushed to the cloud.” Even Microsoft Exchange Servers, traditionally kept in-house, are now moving off-site, further fueling the demand for datacenters. “For some businesses, e-mail is more important than the phone.” Economics also affect decision-making. During the last spurt, a major manufacturing customer of Hassan’s would have gone with everything in-house had the rally continued. “They would have brought in fibre from Telus at a cost of about $80,000 plus $2-to-4K/monthly plus power.” Continued on page 14
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Show us the money! Canada’s largest biosciences cluster lacks adequate funding By Cheryl Croucher
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ioAlberta chose National Biotechnology Week in late September to release its State of the Industry 2009 Report. And, to no one’s surprise, the long tentacles of the global recession touched even Alberta’s biotechnology sector “It’s been a tough year,” says BioAlberta President Ryan Radke. “The life science industry in Alberta is not immune to what’s going on with the general economy, so generally I’d say a lot of the categories were down anywhere between 10 to 30 percent. Revenues were down in the past year. Definitely investment was down. This is one area that is key to the life science industry in Alberta. For all elements of biotechnology, whether it is health biotech, ag biotech, industrial, environment, the key element is for companies to be able to access
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capital. And, unfortunately over the last year it just wasn’t there.” This is the third time BioAlberta has surveyed its members; the previous two reports were issued in 2005 and 2007. The 2009 report was developed in collaboration with Deloitte & Touche LLP. The results are based on a questionnaire sent to the executives of 124 life science companies in Alberta. In all, 105 companies responded, giving at least partial if not complete answers, providing a response rate of 84.7 percent. “Essentially we were looking to get in touch with our constituents, our members and get a sense from them how things
Ryan Radke President, BioAlberta
statistics indicate about 12 percent of pregnant women will either be diagnosed with or seek medical help for depression. Says Dr. Field, “There’s a growing body of literature suggesting that nutrition, even things like body weight gain during pregnancy, can influence mental health which, of course, can also influence what the mother is eating if she is suffering from some level of depression. We really don’t know that association. And actually, there’s no group in North America looking at mental health and nutrition.” The nutrition aspect of the study will focus on three micro-nutrients that are often deficient in western diets: Omega3 fatty acids, iron, and folic acid. She explains, “If we look at the Omega-3 fatty acids, they’re in very high concentrations in the brain. And we know from animal work, if they are Dr. Catherine Field insufficient in the diet, we have effects on learning and effects on normal brain hat impact nutrition development. Iron is very important for has on the mental health some of the signals in the brain. And we of pregnant women and know in children, if there’s insufficient iron, the development of their there are effects on learning behaviour. And babies is the focus of a new study called the B vitamins are also very important in APrON—Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes both the development of brain cells but also and Nutrition. in the optimal function of brain cells.” This study, funded by the Alberta Dr. Field’s team hopes that, by Heritage Foundation for Medication uncovering links between nutrition and Research, is currently seeking participants depression during pregnancy, they can from Edmonton and Calgary, and is develop intervention programs to designed to follow 10,000 pregnant women prevent conditions such as post-partum and their infants. depression and attention deficit disorder. According to Dr. Catherine Field, a Women interested in participating in professor of nutrition at the University of the APrON study can find more Alberta and one of three principle information at www.apronstudy.ca or by investigators with APrON, depression calling 780-492-4667. √ during pregnancy is on the rise. Recent ~ Cheryl Croucher
APrON Study
Radient Technologies Leaves Lotus Land for Edmonton Dr. David Cox
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adient Technologies Inc has pulled up stakes and is moving from Vancouver to Edmonton. This is good news for Edmonton’s biotechnology sector which has experienced some tough times over the past few months. Radient has commercialized technology first developed by Environment Canada for use in environmental remediation. Called a microwave-assisted solvent extraction process, it also has applications in other areas including flavourings, herbs, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and biochemicals. An investment of $5.5 million from AVAC, Foragen and Agriculture, and Agrifood Canada will boost Radient’s marketing efforts. And the man leading that charge is Dr. David Cox. He was lured from his
position as the head of TEC Edmonton to become the new CEO of Radient. According to Dr. Cox, “It’s a business exercise in understanding the market. We have a nice problem. The problem is there are so many things that you can do with this technology. so many problems that you can solve. We’re spoiled for choice. And if we’re not careful, we can get distracted on too many interesting things rather than the necessary few. So job one is to understand the global market for this kind of application and then target those companies where the Radient solution will be transformative for them. And they don’t know that they need us yet. It’s my job to show them how they need us.” Cox expects Radient will achieve this growth through licensing its technology to other companies and by manufacturing its own ~ Cheryl Croucher www.radientinc.com
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are out there,” explains Radke. “How is the economy impacting the company? What could we be doing better here in Alberta? What’s working? What isn’t working? Just to get a state of the industry and see how things are going.” Edmonton has the largest biosciences cluster in Canada and the city is certainly the life sciences kingpin for Alberta. The report shows that 58 percent of bio-industry companies are located in the Edmonton region, 33.6 percent in Calgary, and 8.4 percent in other areas. Health biotechnology and medical devices account for 60 percent of the bio-industry. Agriculture biotechnology accounts for 12.3 percent. The rest of the industry is devoted to such things as specialty packing for infectious substances, biological specimens, natural products, industrial chemicals, and engineering services. What’s interesting is that most companies are active in more than one sector. About one-third of companies are involved in manufacturing and another third in research and development. As well, almost half have lead products that are already in the market; 16.7 percent are in pre-clinical testing, and 20.8 percent of companies are testing their lead products in clinical trials. The State of the Industry report indicates some disturbing trends. For example, two-thirds of Alberta’s life science companies were created before 1999. Only one-third of Alberta’s life science companies have been formed since 2000. The report shows a downward trend in the creation of new life science companies, with only 10.5 percent being established between 2005 and 2009. It’s not exactly the sort of thing you want to hear when the province says it is trying to build a strong life sciences industry here. Also on a downward trend is the ability of companies to raise capital for ongoing operations and research and development.
Premier Ed Stelmach
Radke points out, “Here in Alberta the investment situation has always been a tough one. Even during good times two years ago, we weren’t securing necessarily as much investment as the rest of Canada was. I think here in Alberta in all of the technology sectors, we don’t see as much venture capital action as we would like. Our public companies tend to struggle a little bit on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the venture exchanges. And so we saw a fairly large dip in this area for the 2009 report. We saw investment capital raised was almost at an all time low. It was just over $100 million, which is okay. But for the technology industry that we have here, we should be securing a lot more investment than that.” This drop in investment is having a significant impact on cash flow for companies, most of which are small with fewer than 30 employees. The amount of cash onhand for companies has decreased from an average of 15 months to less than 10 months. Companies are tightening their belts by letting employees go, some shutting their doors, and most cutting their R&D spending. And revenues? The report indicates these will drop by 22 percent for 2009, although most companies also express a certain degree of optimism that they will see a recovery through 2010. Radke suggests, “It’s not all terrible news, really. Some of the areas didn’t decrease as much as we thought they would. Employment numbers weren’t down all that dramatically, about 10 percent. So, compared to some industrial sectors, that’s not bad. This industry has managed to weather the storm really well, actually.” He says the report indicates that companies are looking to a brighter future for the life sciences industry. “When we started asking companies about what they saw one and two years out, I think they see the end in sight to the recession or the economic downturn. They
Photo by Chuck Szmurlo
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To hear Cheryl’s conversation with Ryan Radke, 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
Nanotech & Energy
technology research centres in North America are located at the University of Alberta in Edmonton and at Rice University in Houston, Texas. Now, thanks to a Memorandum of Understanding signed by Premier Ed Stelmach and David Leebron, president of Rice University, these two research agencies are combining their expertise to advance work on clean energy development. Partners in the MOU are nanoAlberta (through Alberta Advanced Education and Technology), The Richard E Smalley Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, and Rice University. The agreement encourages collaboration on projects that can enhance sustainable energy development and the development of clean technologies, and improve efficiency in
www.bioalberta.com
Alberta On the and Texas OCTOBER
collaborate on
he two leading nano-
can see that perhaps lenders will be coming back into the market, looking for good opportunities. What’s significant is that the most common source of capital is what the report calls “governmentfacilitated programs”. Fully half the respondent companies have used these in the past and almost two-thirds intend to pursue these programs to raise capital in the future. These include the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) Tax program, NRC’s Industrial Research Assistance Program, along with funding from Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research, Alberta Ingenuity Fund, AVAC, and the Alberta Innovation Voucher Program. The report concludes that the number one issue for Alberta’s biotechnology companies is securing financing. And, as for government initiatives, they believe the most important thing the Alberta government can do to stimulate growth for the companies is improve the provincial tax environment through the SR&ED and other tax incentives. “This kind of information gives us some solid data that we can talk about with members of the community, members of government, members of the industry, and say, ‘What do we want to build here in Alberta?’ And then what we need to do is figure out the roadmap of how we’re going to get there.” √
renewable energy technologies and applications of nanoscience. “In both Alberta and Texas, energy is our foundation… and technology and innovation are our future,” says Premier Stelmach. “Combining the energy and nanotechnology expertise of teams in Alberta and Texas could help bring about energy technology solutions that haven’t even been considered yet.” Leebron says the Houston area and cities in Alberta have much in common, and he looks forward to an effective partnership. “The extraordinary scholars and researchers of the Smalley Institute of Rice University are developing advanced nanoscale technologies to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems. Collaborating with nanoAlberta…has great potential to benefit North America and the rest of the world with new solutions to energy and related environmental challenges.” √ ~ Cheryl Croucher
October 7 Business Link: Small Business Seminar Client Retention Strategies For The New Economy Presenter: Greg Gazin, Parallel 2000/ The Gadget Guy 1:00 - 4:00 pm 100, 10237- 104 Street, Edmonton 800.272.9675 (toll-free) www.canadabusiness.ca/alberta/events and 1:00 - 4:00 pm (via Videoconference) 250-639 5 Ave. SW, Calgary 403.221.7800 www.canadabusiness.ca/alberta/events
10053 Jasper Avenue 11:30 am - 1:30 pm RSVP 1-800-713-3558
October 27 novaNAIT Innovation Speakers Series Business Valuation 12:00 – 1:00 pm www.novanait.ca
NOVEMBER November 3-4 Western Canadian Function Food and Natural Health Product Network 11th Annual Conference Delta Edmonton South Hotel www.collinsharper.com/wcfn
October 8 The Business Link: Brown Bag Session Web Design That Works Suite 100, 10237-104 Street 12:00 -1:00 pm www.canadabusiness.ab.ca/brownbag.cfm October 14 AWE Business Luncheon Presentation Presenter: Jessie Radies of The Blue Pear Union Bank Inn
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oes social media influence decision-makers? “I hope that governments wake up and take notice,” said Sue Huff, an Edmonton Public School Board Trustee, when asked how governments should address the influence that social media seemingly provides. “There needs to be a willingness to share power and more genuine communication by politicians. I think people have felt very disconnected from governments.” I got into this discussion when I brought up ChangeCamp Edmonton. After hearing about ChangeCamp in Toronto, I invited some locals to participate on a steering committee with the intent of holding a similar event here. I’m proud to say that on October 17th at U of A’s Lister Hall, Edmontonians will get a chance to participate in a day of democratic engagement. People from all levels of government and areas of society can register at changecampedmonton.ca for this free event. I believe ChangeCamp will help citizens discover, discuss and engage in debate over key issues that pertain to their lives. Further, it is a demonstration of our ability to self-organize and create a construct that allows for deep conversations about how to enable government to serve us better. Huff liked the idea too, “ChangeCamp seems to be based on the wisdom of the crowd.” I talked with her about many things social media-related. She believes that “influence goes both ways and I’d like to think I’m influencing public opinion in some way.” I wondered if this exchange of ideas online translated back to the
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Board of Trustees. Huff provided an example: She researched information she received on Twitter and her blog regarding issues around H1N1 and brought it back to the board. “The things that I learn I share and that expands the knowledge of the entire board.” Regarding whether social media has influence, many speculated online that fusedlogic’s live streaming webcast entitled The Great Edmonton Airport Debate actually influenced some on City Council when deciding the airport’s fate. I asked Councillor Kim Krushell if she had viewed the streaming video debate. Her response? “Yes.” Did she think that the social media activity around the airport issue influenced councillors? “Oh yeah! I do think it had influence on councillors. Bloggers directed people to e-mail… part of it was we were getting form letter e-mails from Cal Nichols’ side
and personal e-mails from the NextGen crowd, complete with e-mail addresses. I found it all fascinating.” Many are familiar with President Barack Obama’s now famous election campaign and its use of social media to influence American voters. How about closer to home? “I’m really just scratching the surface of the direct voter connection,” said Danielle Smith, who’s running for the leadership of the Wildrose Alliance Party. Phil Klein, father of former Premier Ralph Klein has joined Smith’s party. “The first thing I did was ask if I could put it out on Twitter,” she said. She admits, “I don’t have a blog yet, I’m not sure I will… being so busy, I like the efficiency of Twitter. “We don’t have a very functional democracy here in Alberta. Decisions are being made out of the blue. From a policy point of view, the point of
admits becoming a tenacious salesperson early—selling ladies shoes and encyclopedias. It taught him determination. To avoid leaving Edmonton in the rocky mid-90s, he took a position at CompuSmart. Lacking computer knowledge, he got off to a shaky start, and wanted to quit after a week. But Hassan persevered, acquiring the necessary technical understanding. Combined with his customer relationship building skills, he consistently became one of CompuSmart’s top performers. And when its sister company, Interbaun Communications, decided to create an independent sales team, Hassan became the vendor rep to develop and expand partner channels. Soon, he was promoted to vendor manager and sales manager. Hassan recalls the relationship he developed with London Drugs which, for years had shown no interest in what he was selling. “An exercise in perseverance and persistence. I wouldn’t take ‘no’ for an answer. Friends joke about that, saying that’s how I caught my wife.” He eventually made the connection by offering Interbaun’s product, a Retail-Box Internet DSL Kit—the first in Western Canada. It meant retailers no longer had to sign up customers, they simply had to sell the box.
Ironically, the retail kit also caught the eye of Vancouver’s Uniserve Communications which later acquired Interbaun. At first, the synergy of expansion appeared to foster the possibilities of positive growth. Eventually, Uniserve became a disappointment to Hassan. “They lost the Mom-and-Pop feel... trading customer value for shareholder value.” This was totally against his principle, so he took on the role of Mr. Mom for six months. While pondering job prospects, phone calls and e-mails came in. Friends and past customers were asking his advice and recommendations for hosting, designers and developers. He realized that he wanted to be his own boss. Hassan envisioned setting up his own data centre—the cloud would be here in Edmonton. It was a huge risk. “We were in debt… it was never a good time. But, if I didn’t try then, I may have never tried.” But he and his wife, Kim, decided to get a second mortgage and put their savings at risk so he could follow his passion. In 2007, he started planning his datacentre. “Ayman puts everything on the line, sets goals and gets stuff done,” says Shaun Betchuk. “(One day) I went over after work in sweats and a T-shirt. Ayman shared his vision asking me to co-locate my equipment. Jokingly, he said, ‘I’m going to need a network guy... maybe apply for a job.’”
Twitter is to have direct connections— un-distilled commentary from average people.” Smith offered further, “Ralph Klein continued to be reachable.” Referencing that direct connection capability that Twitter provides, I mentioned that Premier Ed Stelmach has two Twitter accounts, and asked hypothetically if she ever became premier would she continue to use Twitter herself. Smith replied, “It’s obvious that the premier is not using Twitter himself. My intention is to continue to monitor what’s being said online. Should I win the leadership race, I would propose that Wildrose integrate social media into our operations at the policy level.” So does social media influence decision-makers? Clearly, in different ways and at different levels. How much depends on the situation and the issue at hand. There seems to be experiential evidence to suggest that this trend will only grow. As we get nearer to the day of ChangeCamp Edmonton— coincidently, the day Smith finds out if she won her leadership race—I’m sure that social media will play a part in whether some of you come out to offer some cool ideas for government to consider. Repurposing Sue Huff’s comment, I agree with her and hope that governments take notice and come out chat with us average Albertans. “Let social media continue to lend power to the people.” √ 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 The company decided to co-locate its equipment; its on-site tech still maintains it, but 4Web.ca manages the fibre, power, cooling and security. Inhouse centres are costly to set up, they need managing, and qualified IT personnel are difficult to find. So how does Hassan manage to compete and snag business away from the giants? “It’s not always easy, but can be done. Companies like Telus have money for promotion and have funds to acquire any customer.” Even he purchases bandwidth from the giants. “Ayman is an alternative to the big guys who weren’t responsive,” says Dan Charrios, president of Syzygy Research & Technology Ltd., which co-locates its servers at 4web.ca for its ExamBank. Hassan’s four-phase business plan positions his company right in the middle—in size and price—and uses a consultative, collaborative approach. Meaning, he educates his customers and gives them value, while developing longterm relationships. Collaboration includes his competitors—smaller providers who can better compete against the Golaiths by working together. “This is the key to success in any business,” he believes. Hassan was born in Egypt and moved to Canada in 1972, when he was four. He understands sales and marketing. He
Betchuk went home, created a fourpage proposal, got dressed-up, drove back to Hassan’s office, and declared, “I’m here to apply for the job.” He became 4Web.ca operations manager. “We’ve grown together.” Since then, Hassan has hired Mark Philips, a designer, and two contractors; Kim helps part-time. He’s extremely busy with design work for the next year, but never stops looking for new opportunities, including additional Canadian datacentres. With a large network of relationships, his goal each week is to reconnect with at least five. “We don’t have large resources like the big players, but we do have the yellow pages and get many referrals by word of mouth.” Hassan has carved out a small niche. Perhaps it’s more about living in harmony among the giants rather than battling them. √ Greg Gazin, “The Gadget Guy,” is a serial entrepreneur, freelance technology columnist, small business speaker, an avid Podcaster and producer of Toastcaster.com. Greg can be reached at 780.424.1881, gadgetgreg.com or greg@gadgetguy.ca EDMONTONIANS OCTOBER 2009
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C ivic Buzz with David Norwood
Stout influenced by
borealis & river bends
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evolved as he became more familiar with design, involving more than 20 years of andall Stout is no copycat. the city, acknowledging that the evolution of his own philosophy of The architect behind the new juxtaposition of the riverscape with the Art Gallery of Alberta (AGA) architecture, and to the large team of urban grid of the city gave him the idea that architects, engineers, constructors, and the admits that he was influenced many sub-trades and professions involved in “rather than making this whole building one by a number of factors in designing the language, [we’d] actually highlight the striking new building nearing completion on undertaking a project of this magnitude. differences between the the northeast corner of Sir Winston very orthogonal inflexible Churchill Square. In a recent talk Concept art for Stout’s galleries versus the more to the packed main floor audience Art Gallery of Alberta celebratory and hopefully at the Winspear Centre, he iconic public spaces.” This explained the conception of the decision had a major effect design, how it evolved and on the location of such changed, and the technical things as the reception challenges he and his team have desk, ticket control and faced in bringing the new gallery to similar practical needs, as reality. well as the defining Los Angeles-based Stout said he took his inspiration for the exterior stainless steel ‘borealis’ from both the aurora borealis, or northern lights, and from the more-or-less aled rior reve natural state of the North AGA inte Saskatchewan River as it winds its Using a series of way through Edmonton. He contrasted the visuals, Stout explained relatively unfettered course of the North the evolution of his own Saskatchewan with rivers in other cities in architectural style in the the U.S. and Europe, where they have been context of both form and channelled or otherwise deprived of their light, from a hand-rubbed, natural state with warehouses, restaurants, paraffin waxed, stainless condos, docks, and the like. Stout regards borealis which steel installation in Los the river as an essential characteristic of curves from the top through the Angeles by artist Peter Edmonton, and he wanted to bring that building, angling toward Sir Winston Shelton, to the waterform to what essentially is a city built on a Churchill Square, through to the interior. rigid grid system, in its core on Sir Winston sculpted canyons of Arizona, to Eero Stout noted that with the exception of Saarien’s iconic 1950’s TWA Terminal at Churchill Square. practical necessities such as loading docks, John F. Kennedy Airport in New York City. Much has been made of the striking the entire exterior of the building has been He explained that advances in construction exterior of the AGA, with a number of and materials technology, not to mention the designed to “reach out” to areas east, west critics calling it a Frank Gehry knock-off. and south. The facade facing east toward introduction of and the increasing Stout did work with Gehry on a number of Chinatown, for example, is zinc treated with sophistication of computer software, have projects, but his presentation noted many a chemical mix that gives it a patina that is helped him realize forms and shapes that sources of inspiration for his design (Gehry different from flat zinc, giving it the ability would not have been possible just a few wasn’t mentioned). He pointed out that to reflect light—a greenish-grey in morning years ago, including the ones in the new while “design is personal, the making of light, and a more blue-grey later in the day. architecture is a very social act.” By this, he AGA. The stainless steel borealis curves toward Stout also explained how the design referred both to his concept of the gallery’s
the LRT entrance across 99th Street near City Hall—and Stout hinted subtly that he hoped that the LRT entrance would be finished with the borealis design originally envisioned for that opening. While the exterior of the building is more than eye-catching—a “very photogenic building,” in Stout’s words—the interior, to which the audience was treated to a first glimpse, is in my view going to be the most stunning aspect of the AGA, if the renderings and photographs are to be believed. The “Great Hall” is literally that: a great hall, vertically and horizontally, defined by the borealis, which is finished in white inside. Stout incorporated a philosophically important part of his vision in ensuring that the public spaces, including the cafe and third floor sculpture garden, are interconnected. Stout also pointed out that the AGA has been designed very much with Edmonton’s winters in mind. “There will be some nice surprises…that are weather related. We’ve actually chosen to celebrate the presence of snow in a couple of locations, and I’ll leave it at that and save that surprise for winter time.” He made it clear through his presentation that the Art Gallery of Alberta is his own design. While it incorporates countless influences, human and otherwise, the building that has emerged is clearly his. He also noted that it isn’t finished yet, and further changes are possible. Until the building opens officially on January 31st, 2010, Stout says that he has some say in what goes on. After that, however, “the building is yours—it belongs to you now.” √ David Norwood is a freelance writer/editor. Contact dnorwood@edmontonians.com
corporate ETHICS By Nizar J. Somji
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he beleaguered oilsands of Northern Alberta took another unexpected blow from halfway around the world as they became a focal point in Norway’s election campaign. For those not aware of this interesting turn of events, a coalition of Norwegian political parties turned Statoil’s presence in Alberta’s oilsands into an election issue and declared that, if elected, they would force Statoil to abandon its heavy investment in oilsands projects. Twothirds of Statoil is owned by the government of Norway. (Note: The Norwegian election was held September 14th and the coalition was unsuccessful in achieving a majority.) What is particularly interesting is the fact that Statoil is heavily vested in the North Sea, with large offshore assets pumping millions of barrels of oil daily. How is offshore development in the environmentally sensitive North Sea better for the environment than extracting oil from oilsands in Northern Alberta? Is development in the Gulf Coast, the Caspian Sea, Alaska or the coast of South West Africa (Namibia, Angola), or anywhere else more environmentally friendly than the oilsands?
DILEMMA
Statoil, like many other companies working in the North Sea and operating in Northern Alberta (or having significant projects slated for the region), has a solid track record with respect to the environment. It uses some of the most advanced technologies in difficult environments to protect the terrain it works in. Recently, Peter Voser, the CEO of Royal Dutch Shell, called for both industry and governments to be active in promoting oilsands as a solid and secure oil supply. To do so, they must dispel the myths about the oilsands and the environment and celebrate the significant technological advances that go a long way in making to oilsands as green as any other oil source. So how did the oilsands get such a bad rep, especially from our neighbours south of the border? It is unfortunate that the oilsands are being picked on. They may be the new kids on the block as far as conventional oil is concerned, but they do not deserve the reputation they’ve been given and it seems unfair that they must continually defend their operations. From a historic perspective, the oilsands got their start during the energy crisis in
the 1970s as the price of oil justified the cost of development. Over the next few decades, as price of oil declined, there was minimal growth in the area until we headed into this decade. With rising oil prices and global instability (especially in the oil rich Middle East), the oilsands became once again an attractive long term investment for a secure oil supply. Those decades between the 1980s and the early 2000s are when the image battle of the oilsands was lost. In Fort McMurray, the oilsands are a “tourist” attraction with regular ground and helicopter tours of the massive undertaking. Without context or comparison, it is difficult to understand or rationalize the oilsands. It is easy to come away with conclusions that are either extreme or lack background. Oilsands mining is no different from most surface mines around the globe, both in terms of size and impact. An overhead tour of offshore oil platforms and assets would show that the size of these installations, from the underground pipelines and harnesses, the onshore base and terminal and the transportation to/from these assets (by helicopter or tankers or floaters) is equally massive.
The main difference being that the other surface mines or offshore assets are not tourist attractions: They are businesses that drive the livelihood of thousands of people. These people take it upon themselves to ensure that they continue to drive performance—not just in production, but also continuing to harness technology to minimize environmental impact. It is clear that the oilsands and all who rely on them for their livelihood must do more to protect the reputation of the business. It is equally critical that the oilsands recognize how they present themselves within a global context. This is a critical resource, one of the most secure in North America. It needs to be nurtured and developed with a sound environmental program, and not be continually challenged in the absence of context. √ 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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