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THAT WAS THE SEPTEMBER
“It’s his 17th season as The Voice of the Oilers and Rod Phillips has only missed three hockey games: the birth of his daughter, the death of his father, and laryngitis.” ~ Maureen Hemingway Movers and Shakers 1990 “The new theatre season features boy sopranos, ghostwriters for rich bigots, kidnapped brides and a marionette in a remote control wheelchair.” ~ John Charles Arts Beat 1991 “Warning: This columnist is not the nambypamby, do-goody, hand-wringy and up-lifty kinda guy.” ~ Dick MacLean Front page 1992 “How do you find $190 million? Simple—just cut into hospital budgets.” ~ Brian Champion Opinion 1993 Which humourist said… “If it weren’t for pickpockets, I would have no sex life at all.”? ~ Dale Dauten The Corporate Curmudgeon 1994 “It shouldn’t be difficult to find someone who knows how to retain their water… someone who can debate an issue without personal attacks on other aldermen… someone who will not resort to temper tantrums in the street.” ~ Editorial on the upcoming civic election 1995 “”Hazel Hett left River City in the mid-80s to concentrate on ‘dead art’. She explains, “The only good artist is a dead artist, the deader the better.” This is from an art dealer’s standpoint, of course.” ~ Barb Deters Hot Flashes 1996 “….Edmonton Research Park, 320 acres of serviced land…. is recognized internationally as one of the top 20 university-related research parks in the world.” ~ Joyce Gariepy Biotechnology Report Smart City Spirit! Special 1997 Darcy Levesque “…boldly launched Edmonton Life, a slick city magazine. ‘I wrote a column called Words about Life. How arrogant and presumptuous. I was 17 or 18 years old—and naïve. We survived two issues despite ourselves.’” ~ Barb Deters Corporate Coup for Calgary 1998 “Reaching 70 years of age is a real millstone… er…sorry—milestone. About 100 of my closest
THAT WAS
friends showed up; about 10 of them roasted my hide.” ~ Muggsy Forbes Funny Pompous & Unfair 1999 “People who say the Olympics are an experience of a lifetime are right. They just don’t say how ugly it can be.” ~ Ken Karpoff The Business of Sports 2000
I
you know who Boz Scaggs is?” “No. No idea, in fact,” admits Tyrell. The year old singer/songwriter Samantha Schultz, you will. She dude then puts his hand out and says to Tyrell “I see... well, I am Boz Scaggs...” is fresh off a summer of festivals and various shows around Canada. This He bought some CDs and headed out. “The best speeches of the evening… were Great moment for Tyrell—hope he fall, she is attending the prestigious delivered by Prince Edward and Lois Hole, who grabbed some Scaggs off the shelf and Berklee College of Music in Boston to just had a few things she wanted to say and had a good listen. take her talent and music to another grabbed the mic to the delight of the crowd.” ~ Shannon Haggerty The Backroom 2001 level. Alumni include Steely Dan’s As to FolkFest... I missed most of on the visit of the Earl and Countess of Wessex Donald Fagen, Diana Krall, Steve to the World Athletic Championships it because my new band, The Blue Vai, John Mayer, Quincy Jones, Montegos, played at Fort McMurray’s Branford Marsalis and Susan “Remember the promise of a InterPlay Festival opening for Kathleen Tedeschi to name but a paperless world? Forget it. Printing Edwards. I hear FolkFest was a top to few. As you read is Canada’s fourth largest bottom sell out—no doubt one of the this, Samantha will manufacturing industry— jewels in our City’s crown. be getting settled in employing over 98,000 people in and starting a new 5,560 establishments, selling I am somewhat embarrassed to chapter in her musical over $10 billion of products in admit this... I had never really used our career. Having spent 2001.” transit system, except for some Oilers some time in the ~ Drake McHugh Printing—The and Esks games and a few concerts. Berklee halls myself, I Last Word in Communications While I have been guest hosting for can attest that she will 2002 have the time of her life. Peter Brown on CBC’s Radio Active over the summer, I decided it was time. Oh yeah... she’s there on “…too many people think that A fantastic choice… and waay cheaper a full scholarship. you can’t work and go to than parking downtown. I know there Congrats, Samantha, and school… don’t whine to me have been a few tragic bus-related enjoy watching the Red and say you can’t—you can.” stories… and there are plenty of shitSox win the World Series. ~ Sizzler Moe Najmeddine, for-brains riding the buses. My Check out publisher 2003 experience has been nothing but first www.samanthaschultz.com 2004 class—most riders say hello and thank “I came to Edmonton to play hockey,” you to drivers who always say good Al Purvis remembers. “The job was secondary Great post-Edmonton Folk to the game, but I did work. The first year, I put morning and hello... and I’ve seen Music Festival story: I stopped by on frost shields and swept snow off the cars in them help riders get on and off the bus. Megatunes on Whyte during the Fringe the lot.” Pride and respect Festival to grab some music. I love ~ Marg Pullishy The Purvises of Waterloo 2005 for our city’s going to Megatunes, transit staff is what Blackbyrd and “One of our great Runyon-like characters I want to pass Soundside Sound where recently passed away. Don ‘Buckets’ Fleming along. Although, you can actually was a fine writer, a colourful icon of sports there is a wee yin socialize. Getting music coverage. The stories about his ability to party to this yang: I on-line is lame... MP3 all night and file his stories are legendary.” hope putting huge quality is sad. Anyway, I ~ Muggsy Forbes Funny Pompous & Unfair ads on the sides ran into Clint Anderson 2006 of the buses will over Josh of Megatunes who told me View preferred stop. I want to a great story. One of its “I’m a non-stop talker.” see out the window and not employees, Tyrell, was ~ Sizzler Melissa Dominelli, broadcaster 2007 stare at a backward Subway sandwich. working the Friday of FolkFest, and a And, as much as I respect the on-air dude walks in and starts up a “I have a pesky ambitious streak… It’s and community work of CTV‘s supper conversation. “Have any famous important that what I do resonates with a hour news team, their faces block my musicians been in the store?” “No,” certain degree of intelligence.” view of the river valley. says Tyrell. Then the dude asks, “Do ~ Sizzler Kevin Gilles improv comedian 2008
f you haven’t heard of 18-
EDMONTONIANS SEPTEMBER 2009
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with Mark & Marty Octagenarian Muggsy Forbes
Square, winds through the downtown core to the Legislature, and returns to the start. The Edmonton Journal’s Nick Lees is the first-ever Mile High Marshall, and will lead the Extra Mile Club for walkers who raise $1,000 or more. The club was established by HIV Edmonton to recognize and celebrate extraordinary fundraising efforts. Extra Milers will be feted at the Sutton Place Hotel on the 17th, sponsored by Yellowtail. Excellent choice in naming Nick—yet another jewel in Edmonton’s crown. For more information, check out www.hivedmonton.com
The Canadian Progress Club
Speaking of jewels, beloved Edmontonians’ columnist and man-abouttown Norman “Muggsy” Forbes was the centre of attention on Sunday, August 16th. Friends and family—ranging in age from newborn to ancient—gathered to celebrate his 80th birthday at a patio party organized by his much younger wife, Dr. Ollie Triska. It was a happy and hilarious time. Never has anyone who doesn’t drink booze received so many bottles of wine and spirits—seriously, what do you get for a guy who has everything? The names of most of the well-wishes had appeared in Muggy’s Funny, Pompous & Unfair and VoxPop columns over a 15-year run. Muggsy is planning to launch a blog for his legion of fans.
Do your part. The 2009 Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life is on Sunday, September 20th. The 5km event, in support of the HIV Network of Edmonton Society, begins at Churchill
Toasty Roast will see Rick Lelacheur, pres and CEO of the Edmonton Eskimos, and Patrick LaForge, pres and CEO of the Edmonton Oilers in the hot seats. Organizer Don Clarke promises “dry wit designed to tickle the funny bone and exercise the digestive tract” at the October 5th fundraiser. Roasters include Ken King, head honcho of the Calgary Flames, Al Hamilton, Lyle Best, and Iris Evans, minister of Alberta’s dwindling revenues. Also on stage will be Chief Justice Al Wachowich aka The Polish Prince who officially retires from the bench on October 1st. Tickets always go fast, so call Don at 780.481.3390 or Earl Krausert at 780.434.4242 right away. √ 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
Allan passed away on August 13th, 2009 at home in Brentwood Bay, B.C. surrounded by loved ones. He leaves behind his devoted and loving family; Jeanne, his wife of 59 years; son Randall (Maureen) of Edmonton; daughter Corlie of Edmonton, Dr. Janey Purvis (Dr. Robert Ross) of Oregon; his adored grandchildren, Sara McNeill (Grant) and Keely Yates (Ben) of Edmonton; Allana, Laurenne and Hilary Ross of Oregon; and his great granddaughters Elle and Petra McNeill. Other family members include brothers Dennis, Rae, and Con Purvis, their wives and numberous nieces, nephews, Jeannette Flesher and Joan Simpson and his many friends. Allan was the foundation of our family. He dedicated his life to the happiness and welfare of those he loved. He was respected and adored by his family, whose lives have been forever enriched by his presence. Allan was an outstanding athlete, and as assistant captain of the Edmonton Murcurys Hockey team, won the 1950 World Championships and the gold medal in the 1952 Olympics in Oslo, Norway. He served as director of the Edmonton Eskimos during their 5-year run as Grey Cup Champions. He loved fishing and hunting with his good friends and will always be remembered as the Captain of his beloved boat “The Raider”. Allan was also a successful businessman, spending 56 years in the automotive industry as the owner and CEO of Waterloo Mercury/Waterloo Ford. He was an avid art collector, enjoyed traveling with his wife Jeanne and relaxing at their home away from home in Maui. His zest for life and his sparkling blue eyes will be sadly missed but fondly remembered forever. There was a private family burial and memorial service in Victoria. A celebration of his well lived life was held at The Royal Mayfair Golf and Country Club in Edmonton on Friday, August 21st, 2009. Donations may be made to the Allan R. Purvis Junior Hockey Memorial Fund, 11420 - 107 Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T5H 0Y5.
A
s we wrap up another
great festival summer, a few comments… First off, my thoughts over the past month have been with Larry Werner and the Panhandle Productions people since the terrible tragedy at Big Valley Jamboree. Mother Nature, in less than two minutes, destroyed almost two decades of amazing work at this wonderful country festival. My hope is that they find a way through this to continue to build one of Canada’s finest events. Through tragedy, we often see media shine. My compliments go out to Mike McGuire and Chris Sheetz at CISN Radio for starting the ball rolling for the Telus Field benefit for the two sons of Donna Moore who lost her life when the storm struck BVJ. Next, Lynda Steele at Global Edmonton— who raised a remarkable $108,000 for the family—deserves a huge pat on the back for her hard work on this as well. And hats off to all the generous donors.
A few years back Graham Hicks of the Sun and I were discussing Edmonton’s amazing charitable spirit; we came to the conclusion that about 200 people make virtually everything happen in our city. I can’t list them all, but there are some notables who do seemingly endless work to help others. Let’s start with Mr. Hicks himself. His Christmas charity work alone is worthy of recognition because he helps so many families through his fund-raising projects. Next, CHED’s Daryl Hooke has been involved in Santa’s Anonymous in one way or another for over 35 years. Also at CHED, don’t forget how much Bob Layton does for this city. We simply would not have the Edmonton Police Air One Helicopter patrolling over us without his efforts. People like CTV’s Carrie Doll, JOE FM’s J’Lyn Nye, EZ Rock’s Seanna Collins and Global’s Nicola Crosbie spend countless hours after their regular day is done: emceeing, running, riding, voicing public service announcements or just helping out. My hippy lawyer Jim Scott has a heart as big as his home province of Saskatchewan. He participates in marathon runs and rides, and donates his boat for auctions several times a year. Dr. Bob Westbury of Telus and Lyle Best of Quickcard each chair a ton of events. National Bank’s Angus Watt is also always involved, as are others in his family. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Dianne Young, former president and CEO of the Stollery Children’s Hospital, a number of times and she too cares deeply. We’re getting together again on a Christmas program that I will write about in upcoming columns. Lloyd Lewis, a few years back, was getting sick and tired of hearing about the violence in our city and single handedly got a fabulous program up and running on CTV called “Enough is Enough.”
Donna James of Calder Bateman is a breast cancer survivor and has spent many years paying it forward and helping other women understand this terrible disease. Bruce Hogle, my co-columnist in Edmontonians, has been a personal mentor of mine for many years. He juggles more public service work than anybody I know and is always looking for ways to help others. Cam Tait of the Edmonton Journal provides me with daily inspiration. He’s one of the funniest guys I’ve ever met. Although he’s permanently in a wheelchair, he doesn’t think of himself as handicapped—billing himself as a ‘sit-down’ comedian at clubs. Cam takes on many causes, and gives them much-needed exposure in the paper or on his blog.
I have met many highly dedicated people over the past 18 years in this city and each of them has inspired me to give back as my way to thank this city for its greatness. Edmonton is blessed with an army of volunteers who work over and above the call of duty simply because they ‘get it’... without their dedication, this would simply not be the City of Champions.
Finally, the purists are going to hate me for this: We live in a city that makes the success of our concerts weather-dependant. Isn’t it time to think about building a great permanent outdoor facility to house our festivals? The Cricket Wireless Theatre in Phoenix is spectacular and covered. It has a great dance area, paved and cemented so that rain/mud isn’t a problem… cooling fans above (we could use heaters)… private suites… a fully secure paved parking lot… and a permanent food/refreshment centre. It’s an adaptable seating theatre holding anywhere from 5,000 to 14,000 people in the covered area, and another 20,000 on a natural amphitheatre on the grass above the seating area. Just think how comfortable our fests would be—Jazzfest, Bluesfest, concerts; plays, and even Big Valley all under the great western skies but in a permanent, secure and comfortable style. Think about it. √ 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 SEPTEMBER 2009
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Poll
CELEBRATING
20
STATION
YEARS
With Linda Banister
FOUNDER DICK MacLEAN
Vol. XX
SEPTEMBER 2009
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he City of Edmonton is home to a wide array of professional and amateur sports teams, each supported by loyal fans throughout the City and surrounding areas. These sports teams—the Oilers, Eskimos, Oil Kings, Edmonton Rush and Capitals—provide the City with entertainment, excitement and civic pride, as residents unite to cheer on their favourite teams to success. This month’s Poll Station gauged Edmontonians’ awareness of the various sports teams, as well as their attendance at games, and how these sports teams affect the City as a whole.
No. 9
SHARON MacLEAN Publisher and Advertising Director Telephone: 780.482.7000 Fax: 780.488.9317 e-mail: info@edmontonians.com edmontonians.com
INSIDE VOX POP Mark Scholz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Marty Forbes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
SIZZLING TWENTY UNDER 30 Profiles/Henrie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-18 Contact List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 VISIONARIES Cormier/Croucher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Inovotech Up-date/Croucher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Briefs/Croucher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Social Media 101/Schwabe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 BARB DETERS Editor
editor@edmontonians.com COLUMNISTS Linda Banister John Berry Linda Bodo Cheryl Croucher Marty Forbes Bruce Hogle David Norwood Erin Rayner Mark Scholz Walter Schwabe Nizar J. Somji FEATURE WRITERS Barb Deters Greg Gazin Lauren Henrie Rick Lauber Peter Drake McHugh Marg. Pullishy PHOTOGRAPHERS Terry Bourque Barb Deters Quincey Deters Cheryl Croucher Rocco Macri SPECIAL PROJECTS Edmontonians Transformers Tom Bradshaw Les Brost Steffany Hanlen Dr. Larry Ohlhauser GRAPHIC PRODUCTION Rage Studios Inc.
THIS MONTH’S COVER
97% 83%
Percent
POLL STATION Pro Sports/Banister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
100%
WHICH TEAM IS YOUR FAVOURITE?
75%
Said they were aware of the Edmonton Oilers
Said they were aware of the Edmonton Eskimos
Said said they Said said they were aware of the were aware of the Edmonton Oil Kings Edmonton Capitals
72%
Said said they were aware of the Edmonton Rush
To begin, respondents were asked if they were aware of the City’s numerous professional sports teams. All respondents (100 percent) were aware of the Edmonton Oilers hockey club, while the majority was aware of the Edmonton Eskimos CFL team (97 percent), and the Edmonton Oil Kings of the WHL (83 percent). More than three-quarters were aware of the Edmonton Capitals baseball team (77 percent) and Edmonton’s lacrosse team, the Rush (72 percent). When asked if they were aware of any additional sports teams in Edmonton, 10 percent mentioned amateur sports teams such as the Edmonton Huskies football team and U of A Golden Bears, and three percent mentioned the Drillers professional soccer team.
HAVE YOU ATTENDED ANY GAMES?
Percent
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
attended a hockey game, while 35 percent of those aware of the Eskimos had attended a game. Twenty-three percent of respondents aware of the Oil Kings had attended a game, 10 percent of those aware of the Capitals had attended at least one game and of those aware of the Edmonton Rush lacrosse team, 15 percent had attended a game.
ARE YOU AWARE OF EDMONTON’S PROFESSIONAL SPORTS TEAMS?
When asked which of the City’s professional sports teams was their favourite, respondents most frequently mentioned the Oilers (61 percent), followed by the Eskimos (25 percent), Edmonton Rush (two percent), Capitals (two percent), and the Oil Kings (one percent).
HOW DO THESE TEAMS AFFECT THE CITY? Next, respondents were asked for their level of agreement regarding a series of statements about the City’s sports teams effect on Edmonton as a whole. When asked if the City’s sports teams provide residents with a source of civic pride, threequarters strongly agreed with this statement. Seventy-seven percent strongly agreed that there was a wide variety of sports teams in Edmonton, while 88 percent strongly agreed that City sports teams provide Edmontonians with a source of entertainment. When asked if these sports teams were a good way of promoting the City, 79 percent strongly agreed, while 76 percent strongly agreed that these sports teams provide economic opportunities for Edmonton. Finally, respondents were asked if there were any additional sports leagues that they would like to see come to Edmonton that are currently not available. A professional soccer team (14 percent) and a professional basketball team (11 percent) were mentioned most frequently, followed by four percent who would like a major league baseball team to come to Edmonton. √
Monthly Poll Station Online Question
36%
Visit www.edmontonians.com to register your opinion
35% 33%
Want a question included in the Edmontonians Poll?
15% Said they had attended an Oilers game
Said they had attended an Eskimos game
Said they had attended an Oil Kings game
Said they had attended a Rush game
Contact Linda at 780.451.4444 or e-mail lbanister@edmontonians.com.
10% Said they had attended a Capitals game
Respondents that were aware of each City sports team were then asked if they had attended any games in the past 12 months. Of those aware of the Oilers, over one-third (36 percent) had
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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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.
2009 Sizzler, Bassist Taddes Korris 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 SEPTEMBER 2009
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oberto Moreno and Elisse Heine met in 2006 at a salsa dancing class. He claims it was his impressive dancing skills that attracted Elisse, but she says it was otherwise. “We were both taking a class and then we started hanging out,” Roberto explained. “It wasn’t long before we were dating, and next thing you know we were partners and actually traveled to places like Puerto Rico… and Miami to compete and perform. It wasn’t a year later when we were doing business together.” Roberto moved to Edmonton at the age of 13. As he approached adulthood, he realized that his life in Canada was much different than the one he led in Mexico. “I came from Mexico City and, in Mexico, the culture is very friendly. There’s always events and activities, you are always meeting interesting people. Then, coming to Edmonton, living half of my life here, I just kind of thought, ‘Well, where do you meet people?’ I don’t want go to the bars… I don’t want to go to the lounges. I’m a professional… How do I meet the movers and shakers of the city?”
Divertido—“fun” in Spanish— hosts events every six weeks, September through June. With themes from pop art night to Chinese New Year to a casino complete with burlesque dancers, Roberto and Elisse transform the atmosphere of retail spaces—trendy locations like 29 Armstrong, Ginger Clothing and Apparel, and the Eye Care Group in the Birks Building. While both enjoy simply meeting people, Elisse especially likes “creating an experience and seeing peoples’ reactions when they come in.” Roberto and Elisse have kept advertising for Divertido to a minimum, which allows them to maintain the intimate feel that they desire at their events. They do engage in a cross-promotional relationship with Edmontonians magazine: Last September, they also began hosting a website called sizzlinginedmonton.com, built around the profiles and activities of several years of the individuals featured in the Sizzling Twenty under 30 issues. “We saw it as an exciting opportunity to develop and create an on-line medium that showcased local entrepreneurs, with a primary focus on the Sizzlers,” says Roberto. “It’s a way to promote the concept and the spirit of what being a Sizzler means.” Besides planning events of their own, Roberto and Elisse are also breaking into the party planning world, helping small- to medium-sized companies that “want to do something other than
Connecting
Roberto Moreno & Elisse Heine Entrepreneurs, Event Planners, Dancers On the other end of the spectrum, Elisse was a born entrepreneur. At the age of 12, she started her own little summer business. “Every weekend I would set up a table outside my family’s lake house and sell beach balls and other toys. It was silly, but it was my first taste of entrepreneurship.” In September 2008, the couple launched Divertido: Urban Jaunt which is intended to change the way young career professionals socialize. “We’re really not trying to create networking events. We’re trying to create events where people can actually make social connections, within the professional and business world,” Elisse explained. “We love laid back environments so that everyone is comfortable and can just enjoy themselves.”
take their employees to a bowling alley or bar for the annual Christmas party.” The past year has been exciting and challenging, particularly when both were holding down fulltime jobs. Elisse is the managing director of Redman Technologies Inc., a growing Internet company that develops on-line applications and designs websites for the real estate industry. The 25-year old holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in science, technology and society from the University of Alberta. Until a couple of months ago, Roberto was a technology/security consultant with EPCOR. He earned a diploma in computer systems security from NAIT. At 27 years of age, he is now devoting his energies to growing Divertido and their other ventures. Roberto and Elisse have so many ideas that they don’t quite know what to do with them. Given that they are innovative and risk-taking in their business ventures, running a variety of companies is highly probable. “We figured if we could dance together, we could do anything together.” √ ~ Lauren Henrie
EDMONTONIANS SEPTEMBER 2009
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he 2009 edition of Edmontonians Sizzling Twenty under 30 introduces readers to another 20 dynamic, young entrepreneurs from the Capital Region. Since 2002, we have dedicated the pages of this annual special issue to the faces and stories of 160 accomplished and impressive men and women. They are the Sizzlers—self-starters… promising professionals… gifted artists and performers… hard-working entrepreneurs… motivated community volunteers. They are creative, urban and modern trendsetters. They are the products of our colleges, universities and life’s experiences—driven by the need to succeed. The Sizzling 20—nominated by Edmonton’s business leaders, professional mentors,
educators and interested individuals—mark two aspects of Greater Edmonton’s youthful vitality: young leaders and young writers. Each year, Sizzling Twenty under 30 is a learning experience for a student from the MacEwan School of Communications who is chosen to interview the finalists, write the profiles and participate in the photo sessions. The profiler provides a first-person account of the experience. Edmontonians Sizzling Twenty under 30 encourages other young Albertans to reach beyond their grasp. And, as part of this Signature Event, Lexus of Edmonton—together with Edmontonians, Global Edmonton and numerous corporate sponsors—hosts a blazing reception to recognize our rising stars.
DAVID BAYDA
ANNIE DO
REBECCA JONES
ALEXIS MARIE ROBB-CHUTE
Owner/Director Ezemble Inc. 780.970.4430 info@ezemble.com www.ezemble.com
Buyer/Manager LUX Beauty Boutique 10120-124 Street Edmonton, AB T5N 1P6 1-877-451-1423
Owner Manning Curves 212 Manning Crossing NW Edmonton, AB T5A 5A1 780.406.8872 Fort Saskatchewan Curves 9745 – 90 Street Fort Saskatchewan, AB 780.992.9478
Photographer & Artist Always Alexis Marie of Living Images Art and Photography Inc. 780.499.4311 info@alwaysalexismarie.com www.AlwaysAlexisMarie.com
WILL BUCHKOWSKY Financial Analyst Deloitte & Touche LLP 2000 Manulife Place, 10180 - 101 Street Edmonton, AB williamb@ualberta.ca
KRISTA CASTELLARIN Owner & Founder, Fabulous Furballs School Administrator, The Fur Institute 2755 Broadmoor Blvd, Suite 116 Sherwood Park, AB T8H 2W7 krista@fabulousfurballs.com www.fabulousfurballs.com www.thefurinstitute.com Designer, Fabulous Krista krista@fabulouskrista.com www.fabulouskrista.com
MICHAEL CHRISTIANSEN Owner ReNUE Properties Ltd. 223-9 Chippewa Road Sherwood Park, AB T8A 6J7 780.416.4331 www.renueproperties.com
KARELLA CUMMINGS
Founder/Owner Loud City Productions 780.993.6557 info@loudcity.ca www.loudcity.ca
TADDES KORRIS Student, Manhattan School of Music Project Organizer, Vytis Records 780.456.2816, 347.715.0780 taddes@telus.net
JAIMY MILLER TIMOTHY FRANCIS Founder/Joint Venture Broker Simplified Real Estate Solutions Suite #393, 3-11 Bellerose Drive St. Albert, AB T8N 5C9 780.938.0025 Tim@TimothyFrancis.com www.TimothyFrancis.com www.LearnToJointVenture.com
ZAC HOGLE Producer/Editor Aquila Productions 17214 106A Ave Edmonton, AB 780.235.3758 Zhogle@gmail.com www.cactushogle.com
Intercultural Communications Facilitator The Centre for Excellence in Intercultural Education NorQuest College A023, 10215 – 108 Street Edmonton, AB T5J 1L6 icinfo@norquest.ca www.norquest.ca/cfe/intercultural/index.htm
ROBERTO MORENO & ELISSE HEINE Co-Founders Divertido Urban Jaunt/Divertido.ca 780.721.4525 info@divertido.ca
EMILY SALSBURY Owner, PureStyle Productions 780.485.6574, 780.910.5116 Emily@mypurestyle.ca www.mypurestyle.ca
NICOLE SOROCHAN Founder, ViewStreet Productions Interim CEO and Co-Founder EnviroSpeak Media Inc. 250.483.7411 nicole@envirospeak.tv
ROBERT TYNDALE Owner Room 322 10988 - 124 Street Edmonton, AB T5M 0H8 780.758.4496 info@room322.ca www.room322.ca
MARIJA PAVKOVIC Owner/Director MaKami College Inc. 205 A - 5004 98 Ave. (Capilano Mall) Edmonton, AB 780.468.3454
NEVILLE WRIGHT Sprinter/Brakemen Athletics Canada/Bobsleigh Canada 780.504.5560 Photo by Terry Bourque
Founder & President West Indian Culture Association 780.993.3823 karella@wiculture.ca
SEAN FARMER
s I was approaching the final months of my twoyear journalism program at Grant MacEwan College, I began looking for an internship position, something that would fit me and the education I wanted to continue. When I found the posting for Edmontonians Sizzling Twenty under 30 internship, I knew, immediately, that it was the one for me. Freelance writing appeals to me, especially the freedom of working my own hours. I applied, all the while crossing my fingers and asking everyone I knew to do the same, hoping that I would be given the chance to show, in this capacity, my capabilities. I received a call from Editor Barb Deters one day in April, just minutes before one of my classes began. I grinned from ear to ear when she told me she wanted me for the job. When I received the nomination forms for the Sizzlers and read over the information about each person, I was impressed. Every one of these young people was accomplished and had already done so many positive things in their lives. As I approached my first interview, I forgot nearly all of the things that I had been taught in school about interviewing. Instead, I felt it was best to just chat. So that’s what I did.
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What is amazing about these Sizzlers is not just the things they have done, but the enthusiasm and innovation with which each has done it. It is apparent that they love what they do, and have passion for their careers. And that is why I enjoyed this assignment so much. We met in coffee shops… in their work places… in homes. They let me into an intimate part of their lives when we visited and I was able to discover who they are and why they love what they do.
Lauren Henrie Profiler That’s the reason I wanted to study journalism in the first place. I feel like it’s never been just the story for me, but the people within the story—who they are and why they are the story. Thank you to Edmontonians, to Barb Deters and to all the Sizzlers, for making my internship such an incredible experience. √ ~ Lauren Henrie EDMONTONIANS SEPTEMBER 2009
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ac is a fourth-generation Hogle to choose a media-based career. But he didn’t want the stellar reputations of great grandfather Bill, grandfather Bruce or father Steve to influence his ability to land his first job on his own merits. He managed to pull off an interview at Aquila Productions without telling his future employer, Don Metz, his last name. It’s apparent that Zac has what it takes to make it in the video production industry: the news sense, the creativity, the passion. Zac’s talents as a producer/editor are evidenced in numerous projects… whether tributes to Oilers’ fan favourites, or crowd pumpers for the Oilers and Eskimos, or a motivational mood-setter for the Stollery Children’s Hospital fund-raising auction at The Snowflake Gala.
Zac Hogle Producer, Editor, Volunteer “I have a really neat job. As a producer and editor, I get to see a project from the early stages of preproduction right through to the final edits.” Zac recently finished a documentary called Edmonton 2030, and is in the early stages of Rodeo: An Eternity of Seconds, a television series that follows a number of cowboys on their path to the Canadian Finals Rodeo, which will air on the History Channel next spring. While earning his Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in film and media studies at the University of Alberta, Zac started ANP Entertainment to focus on
local and international groups in promoting projects that hold a high level of personal interest to him. To that end, Zac worked with his father on a short film called Burundi is Crying to assist Youth for Christ in creating awareness of the plight of children in the impoverished African country. The 25-year old admits that the film, now being shown around the world to raise funds for YFC orphanages, was the toughest video he has ever had to edit. “I love the freedom of having my own production company, along with working for Aquila. I love the fact that I can take a concept and develop it from start to finish. Eventually I want to work in fiction television, so having my own company really lets me develop what I want to be.” Despite his hectic schedule, Zac coaches a women’s soccer team, and volunteers with the CNIB, Stollery telethons, Fort Edmonton Park and other not-for-profit organizations. Whole-hearted commitment to one’s profession and community is part of the Hogle tradition. Zac does not disappoint. √ ~ Lauren Henrie
Photo by Terry Bourque
EDMONTONIANS SEPTEMBER 2008
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icole Sorochan seems to be the epitome of a modern day entrepreneur. The Edmontonian works to change the world, especially from a conflict and environmental stand-point. She graduated with distinction on the Dean’s List from the University of Victoria with a major in Pacific and Asian studies and a minor in film. “I finished school, bought the camera, jumped on a plane to Thailand, and read the manual for the new camera I’d just bought…” Once there, Nicole began to film what she thought would be a six month project. It turned into a four-year adventure. Same Same but Different documents the conflict in Southern Thailand between insurgent Muslims and the government, and is scheduled for release this fall. The burgeoning film maker has also started her own companies, viewstreetproductions.com and EnviroSpeak Media. Viewstreet, the first Canadian company to be added to Google’s Ad Creation Market Place, specializes in on-line video advertising for clients like Louis Vuitton, National Geographic and Ginch Gonch. “EnviroSpeak.tv is an interactive social action network, as opposed to a social media
site,” Nicole explained. “We’re more than a place to watch videos; we’re not a green YouTube. We have a larger mandate behind us.” Users sign on, research different environmental problems all over the world or showcase their own concerns... and collaboration happens. Environspeak even offers funding so you can take your actions offline. It’s an end-to-end solution. “We’re only really first diving into how much potential the Internet has to change the world, so what this site does is really try to harness that power.”
time to helping youth understand the difference they can make with a video camera, something she knows inside out. Nicole’s list of credentials continues to grow and impress. She was the youngest guest lecturer at the Harvard Pacific Asian International Relations Conference in Tokyo in 2005. At the Climate Camp in the United Kingdom in 2008, she gave sessions on new media, backpack journalism and guerilla filmmaking. Other projects—everything from climate change to exiled Syrian activists in Lebanon—include a five-part mini-series for Al
Nicole Sorochan Videographer, Lecturer, Activist When Nicole isn’t putting the finishing touches on her documentary or perfecting her social networking sites, she volunteers her
Gore’s Current TV and The Real News out of Toronto and New York. So where does the 27-year old see her career going? “I don’t want to know what I’m going to be doing 10 years from now because that doesn’t allow my path to be altered. I think some of my greatest successes so far have been because I’ve let it go.” √ ~ Lauren Henrie
Photo by Terry Bourque
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EDMONTONIANS SEPTEMBER 2009
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espite his large stature and impressive number of accomplishments in the world of athletics, Neville Wright is an incredibly modest individual. As the second youngest of seven children whose father passed away at an early age, Neville was taught to work hard. “My mom raised all of us from such a young age. We were never spoiled and, because of that, I learned that you need to work for what you have because, when you do that, you appreciate what you’ve been given.” And, now Neville has been given a second chance at Olympic glory. The dedicated athlete trains almost every day to remain in tip-top shape. It’s a regimen that began seriously while he was enrolled in physical education at the University of Alberta, from 2003 to 2007. Neville won six conference titles in sprinting, and four medals—two gold, a silver and a bronze—at the Canadian Inter-university Sports level. He represented Canada at the World University Championships in 2005, and again in 2007, when he ran the 100-metre dash in a mere 10.37 seconds and earned a bronze medal. He has been a member of Team Canada, participating in the 4 x 100 relay, and the 100-metre dash, missing out by two-tenths of a second to qualify for the Summer Olympics in Beijing. “I love the competition that is involved in athletics. I also really like being able to travel to other places.” The 28-year old is a role model who believes that people should dedicate themselves to being the best they can be at whatever path they choose. He developed a health promotion program for youth and adults at his church, conducts summer camps and visits schools to promote athletics.
Neville Wright Olympic Bobsled Brakeman, Team Canada Sprinter Track and field athletes are often approached to use their strength, agility and speed for bobsledding. Since 2005, Neville had been urged to try bobsledding, but when an injury affected his track performance last year, he finally considered it an option. Much to his own surprise and to that of others, he was a perfect fit. “I went to the camp in Calgary for a week, and it went really well. Then I got invited out for Nationals, and things went really well there, too.” So well, that Neville is training for the Winter 2010 Olympics in Vancouver as a member of the four man bobsled team. “I’m excited to go to the Olympics, but I’m more excited because this team actually has a chance at a medal. It’d be awesome to win it on home turf.” √ ~ Lauren Henrie Photo by Terry Bourque
EDMONTONIANS SEPTEMBER 2009
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hen I was in high school, I dressed like a boy. I had no idea how to dress… I looked horrible… I had no idea what eyeliner was. For some reason, I took that [fashion studies] program because I thought it was a fluff program, because I thought it would be easy. And it completely changed my life. Nobody ever thought I would be in this industry—I didn’t even think I’d be in this industry…” Today, Emily Salsbury owns PureStyle Productions, a company that handles anything and everything that has to do with Edmonton’s growing fashion industry. She has become the goto gal for identifying fashion trends, staging events, and sourcing photographers, models and stylists. Emily has contacts with all the right people. In 2006, PureStyle expanded its services to include a management consultancy and a modeling agency. Utilizing her expertise in image makeovers,
colour analysis and wardrobe building, she offers the style coach program for Southgate Centre. She matches applicants’ fashion needs with merchandise available in the mall. The service is complimentary upon a $20 donation to Suit Yourself, the charity that helps less fortunate women get their wardrobes career-ready. The massive remodel and expansion of Southgate “brought me to tears. I grew up with that mall.” The addition of 30 new, high-end stores “is exciting and gives me even more options. I get to take people shopping and seeing them transform is truly rewarding,” says Emily. The 26-year old graduated from Grant MacEwan College with a major in business development and a minor in retail marketing. She serves on the advisory board of the MacEwan School of
Business. Emily has become a fixture on the charity fashion show circuit, supporting What a Girl Wants for the Lois Hole Hospital for Women, Block to Shop for the Inner City Lunch Program, and Sorrentino’s Breast Cancer Luncheon. After producing the fashion show at this month’s Bridal Expo, Emily will shift her emphasis to retail marketing strategies. Essentially, she conducts retail audits—assessing the effectiveness of staff, store layout, window displays, advertising, clothing lines. Her recommendations can include training to improve customer service levels, rearranging racks and counters to increase traffic flow, creating more provocative promotions, and acquiring new lines of merchandise. Emily is ambitious and truly passionate about what she does. “Without choice, without ever thinking about it when I was a teenager, I ended up here. And, 10 years later, I’m still in the same industry. I live it and I breathe it.” √ ~ Lauren Henrie
Emily Salsbury Style Coach, Retail Strategist
Photo by Terry Bourque
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EDMONTONIANS SEPTEMBER 2009
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e’s a 26-year old with an incredibly optimistic outlook on life. Timothy Francis loves taking on challenges that don’t stand a chance against his ‘can-do’ attitude. He attributes much of his current and past successes to the encouragement he received from his teachers, coaches and especially his parents. From the get-go, Tim excelled at all his endeavours. He was an exceptional athlete in high school, college and university. He was the one who made student ski trips happen. He embodied community spirit and collected awards from the Rotary and Cosmopolitan Clubs, and was named Top Student Citizen. He was elected president of the students’ associations in high school and in the physical education faculty at the University of Alberta. He performed with Smoothride, a rock banda that 146 played shows, including performed with Smoothride, rockplayed band that 146 shows,a showcase at the Western Canadian Awards. including spot a showcase spot at the WesternMusic Canadian Music Awards. After earning his degree, Tim gravitated toward a career related to his field of study. While managing a high school wellness centre, he realized it wasn’t nearly as fulfilling as he hoped it would be. “I loved everything about my job. I loved the kids, the staff, everything. But I just wasn’t honouring my true self.”
Timothy Francis Entrepreneur, Broker, Mentor Leave it to Tim to figure out a way to satisfy his need to pursue entrepreneurial aspirations and his need to help others. After learning the intricacies of the real estate investment business, he opened Simplified Real Estate Solutions Inc. He focuses on people who have good incomes but don’t qualify for mortgages in traditional ways because they are self-employed, new to their jobs, or new to Alberta. With creative financial solutions, Tim assists them in becoming homeowners. He also operates as a joint venture broker, connecting those who want to buy, sell, rent, manage or own any type of real estate—something he hopes to one day to a to global scale.scale. one take day take a global But, before that happens, Tim is heading back to his high school in St. Albert. He plans to mentor members of the student council. “That’s really where it all started for me. If I can help another group of students maximize the experience… I will do it in a heartbeat. Student council—what an amazing, life-changing opportunity.” √ ~ Lauren Henrie Photo by Terry Bourque
EDMONTONIANS SEPTEMBER 2009
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ill Buchkowsky isn’t your average 24-year old. He’s a member of Mensa, the international highIQ society for people with a proven intelligence in the top two percent of the population. He earned his Bachelor of Commerce with a major in finance at the University of Alberta. During his fourth year, Will worked at Blackmont Capital Inc. where he was exposed to companies looking for start-up financing. “I’ve always been interested in unique ideas, and how companies can take an idea and turn it into… something concrete.” After graduating, he joined Deloitte and Touche LLP, an international accounting firm, where he works with the firm’s national leader of biotechnolgy. As an analyst with the firm’s corporate finance group, he assists companies with mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, valuations and due diligence.
will bolster our reputation world-wide, and raise the profile of how companies are adopting clean technology.” Will serves on the TEC Edmonton source panel, a group of business, financial, legal and scientific advisors who work with budding entrepreneurs. He also is a mentor to participants in the 2009 VenturePrize, the city’s most prominent business plan competition. As a Mensan, Will is committed to providing a “stimulating intellectual and social environment” for community minded Edmontonians. To this end, he and a colleague at Deloitte, Nathan McQuay, founded the Emerging Business Leaders Group. It brings diverse business oriented individuals together once a month to hear inspiring speakers, discuss innovations, and even find
Will Buckowsky Financial Analyst, Mentor “In line with my interests, I started the clean technology report at Deloitte. It’s a pretty ambitious project because what it intends to do is detail the clean technology industry in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, as well as companies that use clean technologies. It surveys big oil and gas companies to find out how much they’re devoting to acquiring clean technology.” To produce the Deloitte/SDTC Western Canadian Cleantech Report, Will had to acquire outside sponsorship. The report is nearing completion, and will be available free on-line. He also will be presenting his findings at various business and environmental forums. “It’s intended to attract attention to the effectiveness of existing companies and technologies and to build their businesses. I’m hoping it
partners to execute ideas. As well, Will is a committee member of ArtScene, an organization which strives to connect young professionals with emerging artists. Will is dedicated to technology commercialization, and to creating a nurturing environment for the leaders of tomorrow. And, he’s using his superior intelligence to further his agenda. √ ~ Lauren Henrie
Photo by Terry Bourque
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hey always say you can’t judge somebody until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes, and I’ve always wanted to try on different shoes.” Jaimy Miller is a dynamic individual. She has an innate ability to understand the multiple perspectives of culturally diverse people and to offer solutions that can lead to successful integration into Canadian society. Jaimy is an honours graduate from the University of Alberta, having earned her Bachelor of Arts with a major in anthropology and a minor in archeology. She then moved on to McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario for her Masters of anthropology with a focus on cultural archeology. As part of the completion of her Masters, Jaimy wrote her thesis about the disenfranchised Papachase Band—of which she is a descendant—and its participation in the Rossdale Reburial in Edmonton in 2005. That thesis will be a chapter in a book that is being published by the University of Western Ontario.
Jaimy Miller Anthropologist, Role Model, Marathoner “Culture and identity are two things that I’m very interested in… have always been interested in. I think it’s because I come from a family with mixed heritage… a diverse cultural background.” Jaimy is the intercultural communications facilitator in the Centre for Excellence in Intercultural Education at Norquest College. As a research analyst and workshop facilitator, she has counseled a number of major companies and businesses that employ new Canadians on how to attain better productivity through effective communication and respectful work environments. “What do immigrants or temporary workers need to know when they begin working in Canada? What expectations are there? How do employers and fellow employees communicate? These are all parts of our culture that we take for granted, but there is a need to be understood in order for workplaces to run effectively.” Jaimy’s own life experiences allow her to draw parallels with newcomers for whom fitting in is critical. She recognizes that building cultural communications solutions into business practices is essential. Besides her passion for her work, Jaimy is a successful marathon runner. For her, it’s about the power of mind over body, and how supporting others and being supported are critical to crossing the finish line. To raise funds for charities like the United Way and Youth Emergency Shelter, she has run one full marathon, three half marathons, and plans to run her second full marathon in October. Never one to rest on her laurels, Jaimy will be pursuing a Masters of public policy at Queens University in Kingston, Ontario. √ ~ Lauren Henrie 12
EDMONTONIANS SEPTEMBER 2009
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rista Castellarin admits a series of unforeseen events brought her here, but she is grateful and enthusiastic about the way her life has played out. Born in Yakima, Washington, she moved to Spokane when she was 18, and began advising small business owners on expansion or investment plans. She became a financial whiz, finally settling in Las Vegas. “When I moved to Vegas, I told my boss that I had found my village and my people, and that I would never ever leave.” But plans changed when she met her Dwayne over the Internet in 2006. He came for his first visit in June and they were married by December. “It totally turned my life upside down, backwards, extremely quickly.” In 2007, Krista opened Fabulous Furballs, a pet grooming salon and high-end couture boutique in Sherwood Park. Think classy cuts and dye-jobs, Swarovski crystal and pearls for your pooch. She couldn’t be more pleased with the growth of her business. “I had no idea… I don’t think it would’ve been possible at the time for me to really appreciate how big it was going to get. When we first opened, we were booking about four animals a day. Now we’re booking anywhere from 40 to 60.”
Krista Castellarin Entrepreneur, Mother, Daredevil
Fabulous Furballs isn’t the only thing that’s grown over the last two years. So have her family and her entrepreneurial endeavours. First and foremost, Krista is the busy mother of two little girls, the youngest born in July. About six months after opening the salon, she purchased a grooming school in Leduc. Re-named The Fur Institute, it is the only licensed grooming vocational school in Western Canada. The students learn on site at Fabulous Furballs, with two professional groomers. And then, there’s Fabulous Krista, her own line of groomers clothing, including a smock that says “Don’t you wish your groomer was hot like me?” in rhinestones. She also appeared on Animal Planet’s reality series, Groomer Has It 2, as the first Canadian contestant. A truly dynamic individual, Krista admits to being a bit of a daredevil. The 29-year old has her motorcycle and pilot’s licences, and loves skydiving. She is community minded and loves to give back. “Everyone who adopts a dog from the Humane Society gets 50 percent off their first groom. And every student who comes through here donates time to the humane society. I want people to understand that they can use their everyday skills to give back.” Krista acknowledges that her first career paid for her second, and “can’t imagine doing anything else.” √ ~ Lauren Henrie
Photo by Terry Bourque
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adies, want to keep the spirit of the Cariwest Festival alive? Head over to Room 322 for a pair of Reeboks, featuring the popular red, yellow and green colours of the Caribbean. Room 322, located on trendy 124th Street, is the domain of 24-year old Robert Tyndale and his older brother, Nathan. The store is all about authentic streetwear—apparel, footwear and accessories—inspired by youth subcultures like hip-hop, skate, music and art. It appeals to young men and women who want hot unique styles that match their personalities. When Robert graduated from high school in 2005, he began his full time career as a professional video game player, representing Canada at several tournaments. He traveled from Japan to Singapore, from France to Italy and all over North America. The various styles and fashions of the places he visited caught his interest… his fascination with fashion took root and grew. Upon his return to Edmonton, Robert began his four year commerce degree with a major in marketing at Grant MacEwan, later transferring to the University of Alberta. Following repeated suggestions from Nathan that they open a store to sell the kind of clothing that attracted them on their travels, Room 322 opened its doors in January 2008. “Room 322 is a lifestyle, streetwear boutique. We try to bring in different types of clothing and footwear from different lifestyles from all over the world, here to Edmonton. We like to bring in clothing from places like New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo and Europe… clothing that you can’t find anywhere else in Edmonton.
The inventory has grown in leaps and bounds in the past 18 months, obviously filling a niche market. Robert recently launched Room 322’s online store, something that, as a young entrepreneur, he understands is essential to ongoing success. In addition to running the store and approaching the final year of his commerce degree, Robert is highly involved in his community, volunteering with the Jamaican Association of North America and the National Black Coalition of Canada. He is passionate about his work, and hopes to expand across the city and province in the years to come. “I love my job. Every time we get an order in, opening the box is just like Christmas.” √ ~ Lauren Henrie
Robert Tyndale Store Owner, Commerce Student “Nathan and I just find it so interesting how fashion changes and reverts to how it was a couple years ago or how it was in the ’80s. We love the whole culture of fashion.” Photo by Terry Bourque EDMONTONIANS SEPTEMBER 2009
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he does what she does best because she loves what she does best. Annie Do was born and raised in Edmonton, and “knows the landscape well, knows the people well, and knows what they want”. She attended the University of Alberta Bachelor of Science in human ecology, clothing and textiles program with a minor in business. When she was 19, she started working at LUX Beauty Boutique, the specialty beauty shop on 124th Street, in 2003. The job began as a part-time gig; Annie came into the store three times a week, for three hours to ship out orders to clients. Now she’s the buyer and manager of LUX. “I sort of fell into the whole buying position while I was still in university. I’d come in between classes and buy and work on store stuff. I’ve been doing it ever since.”
Annie works long hard hours—six-day weeks and 10-hour days. But she enjoys work because of the connection and fun she has with her clients. “I love my job. I get to do what I love everyday: shop. I love to take care of my clients.” A lot of Annie’s customers have become her friends, and some even drive from Calgary for her personalized service. Her orders are organized months in advance, and she remains mindful of her purchasing budget. Annie may seem like the typical beauty girl, but she is a self-proclaimed nerd. “On my day off, I love reading. I really love scifi books, which is so weird. I have every single book in the Dune series and I love them. I’ve read and re-read
them three or four times now.” Annie is highly involved in donations for events such as ‘What A Girl Wants’ for the Lois Hole Hospital, the ‘Snowflake Gala’ in support of the Stollery Children’s Hospital, and ‘Fashion for Compassion’ for Sorrentino’s Compassion House. As a result of her strong relationship with suppliers, LUX is able to receive extra special treatment and deals which are passed onto numerous charities. Nothing would make Annie happier than to have more LUX locations to oversee. Given her level of dedication, her ability to manage her time effectively, and her penchant for organization, you just know she would rise to the challenge. √ ~ Lauren Henrie
Annie Do Buyer, Manager, Nerd
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EDMONTONIANS SEPTEMBER 2009
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Photo by Terry Bourque
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hen Marija Pavkovic and her best friend Kamea were teenagers, they mused about owning a business they would call MaKami, a combination of their first names. Marija’s family moved from Yugoslavia to Canada when she was seven years old. She learned to speak English watching Sesame Street and at school. But, she also witnessed her parents struggle in a new country, despite their prominence and education in their former home. “I saw my parents being treated really badly because they were immigrants… because they didn’t speak the greatest English… because they didn’t necessarily spell everything correctly. And I just thought to myself, ‘There’s got to be a better way to do this.’” Marija’s mother, Ljubica, a licensed nurse and a Holistic practitioner, had also become a massage therapist. Perhaps this was a field that would provide a career path for Marija—and others. So, in 2001, they decided to open a training centre, called—you guessed it—MaKami College. “We saw an opportunity to help immigrants, to help single moms, to help people who needed a really excellent career where they could make a good living to support their families, but in a short period of education. Instead of putting people down for certain diversities, we go above and beyond the call of duty to help them.”
Marija Pavkovic College Owner, Volunteer, Student To help finance the operation, Marija sold industrial real estate and, in 2005, became the youngest to receive the salesperson of the month award at JJ Barnicke, out-producing senior agents in the firm. Eventually, she was able to direct her energies to full-time marketing and business management at MaKami. Over the years, Marija and her family—all of whom work at the college— have touched the lives of many… by giving them educations that increase their self esteem… by helping some with rent and family issues…. by providing bursaries to others so they can take the 1,000-hour program at no charge. Clinics are held for seniors and community members at a discounted rate. The 29-year old makes time to volunteer with the Good Samaritan Society, Fort Edmonton Park, Habitat for Humanity and others. Marija is a Big Sister to Alana, proudly admitting, “She has seriously become my little sister. It’s been great to see the change over the last three years.” Marija has transferred credits from her NAIT marketing diploma and some university courses to Athabasca University, and is working toward a degree in business management with a minor in marketing. “I just really enjoy starting new things and creating different opportunities.” √ ~ Lauren Henrie
EDMONTONIANS SEPTEMBER 2009
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orn in Mississauga, Ontario and raised in Edmonton, Karella Cummings is proud of her Caribbean heritage and culture. The vibrant 29-year old has immersed herself in strengthening and uniting her community. In 2007, Karella founded the West Indian Canadian Culture Association, a non-profit organization to achieve her vision. “I started it because, in the Caribbean community, there are so many little organizations and none of them seemed to be working together. The older generation is all Jamaican or Trinidadian… but, my generation, we’re just Canadians. I started WI Culture because I wanted there to be a bridge, something that can help to represent all of the second generation Caribbean people.” The core group began by helping other organizations with event planning, encouraging them to put a younger twist on activities. Karella, who serves as a member of the boards of CariWest and the Calypso Association, influenced the participation of youth in the annual summer extravaganza. “Every year there’s a party called Island Fest which takes place during Caribbean Festival. It’s for adults, and so we decided we wanted to have a party that anyone and everyone could attend.” Concerned about escalating violence within the community and astonished that people who share their heritage would harm one another, Karella and seven other WI Culture board members launched The Black Ribbon Ball on New Year’s Eve. She met with the Edmonton Police Service and representatives of other groups to ensure that the goals of peace and unity would prevail at the event.
Karella Cummings Community Organizer, DJ, Singer Another facet of WI Culture is its commitment to promoting physical fitness. It offers socaerobics, an invigorating exercise program based on dancing to soca music. The class runs once a week for a six-week period. “The teacher that we have is a dancer, and she did amazing last year. Everybody that comes to the class is sweating and in pain when they leave.” That, according to the former NAIT student, is a measure of the program’s success. Beyond her duties as president of WI Culture, Karella has a passion for music. She’s been a DJ since 2003, and often volunteers her services to individuals and events that can’t afford her. She is an accomplished singer, performing with Sweetness, and with local choirs. She recently competed in Undiscovered, a local talent search. Karella not only feels the pulse of her community, but she’s got the beat as well. √ ~ Lauren Henrie
Photo by Terry Bourque
Photo by Terry Bourque
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s a creature of social habit, it’s only appropriate that Sean Farmer be an entrepreneur in the world of social interaction. At age 26, and as the owner of LoudCity Productions, he’s involved in social business. Sean went to NAIT after completing high school, but only finished one semester before he answered the call of entrepreneurship. “I wasn’t looking for credentials; I was looking for hands-on experience. So, as opposed to going to school, I just went out and worked.” Sean joined a promotions company, but soon saw opportunities to establish his own booking agency. He began touring shows in bars and nightclubs across Canada. Before long, people started asking Sean to do events for them because of his connections with unusual acts from magicians to firespitters. In 2001, he established LoudCity Productions, dedicated to various facets of the entertainment business based on his self-confessed fondness for beer and nightlife. “My business is all about finding the demographic of about age 18 to 35, and making sure they’re entertained and having fun.” LoudCity is renowned for its beer and wine festivals and vodka shows. Best known is probably the Edmonton International BeerFest, which attracted around 12,000 people to the Shaw Conference Centre in April to sample about 150 different beers. Since his first beerfest success in 2007, Sean has expanded to seven similar style shows in Alberta which bring upwards of 80,000 tasters through the doors. In 2006, he launched LoudCity Sound which contracts DJ services to private parties, bars and lounges. His people rock out at more than 500 events a year. More recently, Sean’s energies have been directed toward publishing LoudCity magazine which focuses on lifestyle and humour. His success allows him to invest in retail and nightclub ventures. And, by donating his fees for producing the Sherwood Park beer and wine festival, he hopes to bolster public entertainment at Festival Place. Sean loves his job and running his own company for a number of reasons.
Sean Farmer Promoter, Producer, Publisher “There are a lot of really unique things about what I do. It’s social. It gets me out there, in the scene, meeting people and doing things. I also get to see huge results for my hard work. I work really hard for six months and then 10,000 people show up to an event. That’s pretty exciting.” √ ~ Lauren Henrie 16
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Have Allen Key
WILLBUILD T he most influential person in shaping David Bayda’s ‘just-do-it’ attitude was his late father: He owned a land surveying company, and liked to involve his family in a number of other ventures. David remembers, as a young lad, pulling the red wagon as they delivered papers around the neighbourhood, and helping at the ice cream stand. It was his father who instilled in him the passion of entrepreneurship and, through his example, taught him how important it is to love what you do. As a Bachelor of Design student at the University of Alberta, David drew up a business plan for a course assignment. It was hardly a year after his graduation with distinction in 2005 that he decided to implement the plan. “Basically, I go into peoples’ homes and put together furniture that they don’t want to build themselves. A lot of people don’t have the time, energy, tools, skills or even just the patience to put the furniture together.” After a slow start, Ezemble Inc. caught the attention of retailers that sell ready-to-assemble furniture and equipment—everything from desks to bikes and barbecues—and they promote his services to customers.
David Bayda Furniture Assembler, Business Advisor The demand is high and even David didn’t anticipate the level of success that his company has reached. He recently landed a contract with IKEA to assemble all of its floor-sample furniture during its remodel. He went from being a one-person operation to hiring 10 full-time employees for the project. But, David’s full-time job is as a business officer at The Business Link, where he counsels others in their efforts to start and grow small, independent businesses. David, 27, is passionate about his job. “I love helping people and I love ideas and I love business.” Besides his responsibilities at The Business Link during the day and Ezemble evenings and weekends, he and fellow graduates from the U of A are developing some environmentally conscious products. An innovative reusable grocery bag is ready for market. With a notebook in his pocket to record the ideas that come to him daily, David is sure to be involved in many a new venture in the years to come. √ ~ Lauren Henrie
A
lexis Marie Robb-Chute is a kind and gracious individual, with a clear and burning passion for her art. She refuses to become complacent, ordinary or predictable. With an impressively creative and innovative mind, Alexis is constantly pushing the envelope with her art work. “I like to evoke ideas with the things I create. I find that my passion and creative vision comes out when I push boundaries and change things.” Alexis is the president of Living Images Art and Photography Inc. and its subsidiary, Always Alexis Marie. She is noted for her unique way of mixing different art and media forms… deftly combining photography, painting, drawing and even adding pieces with her sewing machine.
Photographers International to her trophy shelf. Her first published travel article with photos appeared in Destinations. “I love creating. Whether it’s writing or painting or creating a photograph, just the act of creating something from nothing… just seeing what it evolves into is incredible for me.” Alexis and Aaron, a high school teacher who also works with her as a photographer, are expecting their first child—a girl—in November. Alexis says they will happily bring her into the family business. √ ~ Lauren Henrie
Alexis Marie Robb-Chute Photographer, Artist, Award-winner In high school, Alexis excelled in the subject of art. She took all three art credits back-to-back in Grade 10 and the first semester of 11, then found herself with no more art classes to take. When someone suggested she take photography, she scoffed at the idea. “At first I thought to myself, ‘Photography! That’s not art! Why on earth would I take photography?’ But I took it anyway and I absolutely love it.” She shot her first wedding while still a senior at Scona High School. Now 25, Alexis has been seeing the world through a camera lens ever since. She continued accepting assignments and experimenting with mixed media while completing her Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Alberta. She started her company five years ago. Alexis and her husband Aaron recently returned from a 15-month sojourn to New Zealand, where she expanded her portfolio and gained experience in fashion photography. Last year, she won 10 Iris awards from the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photographers for her landscape, wedding and art images; she also received the Kodak NZ silver award for wedding photography. In February, Alexis added two Accolades of Excellence from Wedding and Portrait EDMONTONIANS SEPTEMBER 2009
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Photo by Terry Bourque
rque Terry Bou Photo by
17
Photo by Terry Bourque
I
n the back of her mind, Rebecca Jones wondered “what it would be like to open a Curves franchise in Melfort.” Oh well… She moved from Saskatchewan to study social work at Red Deer College. In 2005, Rebecca and her boyfriend, a member of the Canadian military, relocated to Edmonton. When she expressed a desire to lose the weight she had gained at college, he bought her a Curves’ membership. On a whim, Rebecca handed in her résumè and was hired shortly after. The 27-year old hasn’t looked back since. In March 2007, she bought the Fort Saskatchewan Curves… in June this year she purchased the Manning Crossing club. For Rebecca, Curves is a perfect fit—in more ways than one. It is the world’s largest fitness franchise, and geared toward women of all shapes, sizes and ages
W
“
hen I was 15 years old, I started flipping cars, buying and selling them. I’d go to police auctions with my dad. We’d fix up a car and then sell it. By the time I was 18, I had a brand new truck that I bought with cash.” During those years, Michael Christiansen’s dad taught him to go big or go home. After he graduated from high school, Michael took one year in a small business and entrepreneurship
who are determined to make health and fitness a part of their lives. It is also a nurturing environment where everybody leans on each other for support and encouragement.
Rebecca Jones Franchisee, Trainer “It really is a community. I think knowing there is such an amazing group of women waiting here that truly care for one another is incredible.” Rebecca understands what it is to lean on others. In 2006, her boyfriend was posted to Afghanistan for seven months. “My family is in Saskatchewan and his is in Quebec. All the women here just picked me up
program. It reinforced the direction his career would take. His capitalist tendencies were ready to be unleashed. In 2001, Michael heeded his father’s advice and went ‘big’. He facilitated the purchase of a complex, comprising nearly 230 town houses, for $20 million. By converting each unit to individual title and establishing a condo association, he was able to
Michael Christiansen Real Estate Investor, Property Developer
Photo by
18
Terry Bourq ue
and carried me through those seven months. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without them.” It’s that kind of support that makes her all the more determined to give back. In March, her Fort Saskatchewan club collected almost 1800 pounds of food for Curves’ “Food for Friends” campaign. Each October, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Curves waives fees for anyone who makes a donation or brings in a recent mammogram. And, last October, Rebecca threw a “Girls Night In” party which included belly dancers, singers and a silent auction, with proceeds going to breast cancer research. “It’s funny how things work out. Now the owner of the Curves in Melfort has called us and asked if we wanted to buy that club. At this point, we won’t… but it’s just kind of funny how things fall into place.” √ ~ Lauren Henrie
generate a greater return on the investment. It was the first of many projects. By 2005, Michael was essentially in a position to retire. Instead, he started ReNUE Properties Ltd, which sources properties in generally unexploited markets that can provide above average returns. The focus is creating wealth: buying large apartment complexes— usually 100 units or more, renovating them as needed through general contractors, and converting them to condos for sale to individual investors and purchasers. For Michael, identifying the potential and acquiring the property is an exciting aspect of his business. “I love chasing real estate deals—the thrill of the chase.” ReNUE has invested in properties in Edmonton, Calgary, Wainwright and Fort McMurray, as well as in recreational areas like Kelowna, Squamish and Invermere, BC. His sites are set on tapping into opportunities in the States. Michael always looks for ways to do bigger deals with higher stakes. “What keeps me going is that I’m not the biggest company out there… yet.” Michael is dedicated to his wife and their three children, aged six years, four years and 21 months. He loves spending time with his family, and being involved with his older kids’ school activities. He goes to the gym three times a week and participates in wakeboarding, skiing and other physical activities. He donates to various charities, including Mustard Seed. When most 29-year olds wonder what they’ll wear to work that day, Michael ponders whether he’ll drive to the office in his Audi, Porsche or Mercedes. Or maybe he’ll charter a plane for a trip to Las Vegas. It’s all good… it’s what entrepreneurship is about. √ ~ Lauren Henrie EDMONTONIANS SEPTEMBER 2009
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Goodbye Alberta,
DR. JOHN CORMIER Picomole Instruments Inc. founder and CEO
Bonjour Québec
By Cheryl Croucher
P
icomole Instruments Inc. is leaving town. Company founder and CEO Dr. John Cormier is relocating his company to Quebec City. In the works is an exciting new partnership with a yet to be revealed Quebec company which will help Picomole turn its prototype into a commercial product. While the move is Edmonton’s loss, this is actually a good news story for Picomole, and we should anticipate it will have a happy, prosperous ending. Picomole Instruments is a startup technology company that has developed a platform medical technology that could revolutionize the way doctors diagnose disease. When asked to give his elevator pitch, Dr. Cormier fires without pause. “Picomole is all about LifeSens which is a point of care, diagnostic tool for rapid, ultra sensitive gas analysis. Basically, you blow into the box, you get an analysis of what’s in your breath within minutes. And the specific compounds that are found in your breath can be indicators of specific disease states, like diabetes, various cancers, cardio-vascular
problems, and much more.” Hence the company tagline, “Just Breathe”. That’s the pitch that helped Cormier capture the Fast Growth Grand Prize in the 2007 VenturePrize Business Plan Competition, the largest competition of its kind in Canada. Since then, Picomole has gone on to win the BioAlberta Emerging Company of the Year award in 2008, and was recently named one of the Top 10 Canadian Angel Capital Companies by the National Angel Capital Organization. And just to top it all off, this summer, Dr. Cormier was named one of Alberta’s top 50 people of influence. For a company that was only formed in 2005, what has turned it into the darling of Edmonton’s innovation community? Quite simply, Dr. Cormier has done all the right things for a startup as he moves from concept to commercialization. He’s kept focused, surrounded himself with competent people, been frugal, and developed good partnerships with Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research, Alberta Ingenuity, and the National Research Council through its IRAP program.
I first met Dr. Cormier early in 2006. He was moving into the Research Transition Facility on the University of Alberta campus where I also had an office. This was only months after he’d made the big move to Edmonton from Washington DC, taking a short stint as chief scientific officer at Synodon, then setting up his first office at the Advanced Technology Centre in Edmonton’s Research Park. He would later move from RTF to the new NINT building on campus as his company ramped up activity on the LifeSens prototype. My initial interview with him was in an office devoid of anything except a desk, phone and laptop. Our voices echoed off the walls as he told me about his invention, referring to graphics on his laptop. Three and a half years later, Dr. Cormier is leaving Edmonton with a working prototype, a dedicated team of people, and the chance to make millions while changing the face of diagnostic medicine. “The potential is enormous,” he says, somewhat in awe. “We’re working with a group of consultants who think that there is the potential for a 100,000 units sold, which really is astronomical. Continued on page 22
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Innovotech receives green light for sale of bioFILM PA™ test
I
intravenous antibiotics for a lung n June, writer Greg Gazin interviewed infection but continued to decline in Ken Boutilier, president and CEO of health and lung function. The same Innovotech Inc. for the July issue of antibiotics had been used for an earlier Edmontonians. The focus of the infection and had been successful. The article was the company’s breakthrough test patient was hospitalized, the antibiotics that allows doctors to more accurately identify were changed, but the patient continued the right antibiotics required to treat serious, to decline. Using the bioFILM PA™ kit chronic infections that are biofilm based. as guidance, an additional antibiotic not Since at least 80 per cent of infections in the normally used in CF lung infections was developed world are caused by biofilms, the added. The patient responded to the development of bioFILM PA™ is of immense treatment, was discharged and is still significance to the medical community. symptom free after more than one year. Chronic infections place a major cost burden In another case, a patient was on a on the health system. Patients spend more time lung transplant waiting list, and was in hospitals, antibiotic costs and treatment costs receiving oral and inhaled antibiotics, increase as more aggressive treatment options but showed a continuous decline in are explored, and the potential always exists for health and lung function. The doctors these infections to cause death. Dr. Wolfgang Muhs, chairman of Innovotech, Dr. Robert Rennie, Melanie, admitted the patient to hospital in an Now, bioFILM PA™ has shown very Ken Boutilier, president of Innovotech, Dr. Neil Brown, Dr. Merle Olson, attempt to stabilize the patient prior to positive results in selecting proper antibiotic researchdirector at Innovotech transplantation. A bioFILM PA™ test treatment for serious lung infections in patients was ordered and consequently a new with Cystic Fibrosis (CF), a population combination of antibiotics was recognized as having among the most life administered. The lung transplant was conducted successfully and the patient has been threatening lung infections. Clinical research of bioFILM PA™ shows how the test can provide guidance to doctors on the right antibiotics to treat infections in a biofilm state. The symptom free for more than two years. At a news conference at the end of July, it was announced that bioFILM PA™ has University of Alberta Hospital laboratory, under the direction of Dr. Robert Rennie, site received regulatory approval by Health Canada and is available for sale in Canada. It chief of laboratory medicine, and Dr. Neil Brown, director of the Adult Cystic Fibrosis has also met all current standards of the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) Clinic, conducted the clinical research from 2007 to 2009. for reproducibility and consistency. Among those in attendance was Melanie, a young The clinical research involved 14 patients with cystic fibrosis at the University of CF patient who had been part of the clinical trial and responded to treatment following Alberta hospital CF clinic. the bioFILM PA™ test. The patients ranged from 9 to 51 years of age. One A further clinical evaluation of bioFILM PA™ on more than 200 CF patients is now patient was receiving underway at the Hospital for Sick Children and St. Michaels Hospital in Toronto. √
BRIEFS
George Weyerhauser Jr.
nano crystalline
cellulose
save our forest products industry?
A
ccording to forestry giant George Weyerhauser Jr., trees will play a big role in the nano revolution, and nano crystalline cellulose will be the hot new raw material. Nano crystalline cellulose comes from all parts of the tree where cellulose and lignin are broken down into their molecular components. Then through nano fabrication, these molecules can be built up again into materials where the properties are precisely managed, designed and engineered. At the recent TAPPI and Alberta Ingenuity Conference on Nanotechnology and Forest Products, Weyerhauser addressed the economics of this nano revolution for an industry facing tough times. “The forest industry is just beginning to think [about] how we can turn these new materials into competitive 20
products,” says the former president of Weyerhauser Canada. “And it’s going to take a major re-investment, a retooling of our labs in order to take products to the next commercialization step. On the other hand, the facilities that we use are all there. So getting the raw material from the woods to the factory, that’s not going to be any different. Getting the initial breakdown of the tree into the components, that will likely be the same. So we have the basic platform ready to go. It’s the knowledge that we have to invest in still. “ Because nano crystalline cellulose could supplant petroleum based chemicals as a manufacturing feedstock, Weyerhauser believes that, over the next two decades, the nano revolution in forest products will actually help the world reduce its energy consumption and carbon footprint. √ ~ Cheryl Croucher
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ransmission is a big John Paul Glaves question for scientists studying prion disease. Misfolded prions are associated with mad cow and chronic wasting disease. What makes the misfolded prion infectious within a species, and what stops it from being transmitted between different species? In his research, University of Alberta biochemist John Paul Glaves studied fragments of peptide fibrils or threadlike strands from elk and hamsters. Elk are susceptible to chronic wasting disease, but it’s very hard for hamsters to develop prion disease. Glaves outlined his surprising results in a poster presented at the recent Prion Conference in Edmonton. “We’ve taken small fragments of the prion protein that have been known to form fibrils, and we’ve basically generated those based on different species. So there’s a small amount of variability in the sequences that we’ve chosen… we’re highlighting residues number 127 to 147 of the prion protein. You can just basically drop these small fragments whether these variations in sequences that of the prion protein in water and they we see between species… are important spontaneously form fibrils.” for so-called species barriers and Glaves goes on to explain that, transmission between different species.” although there are only four changes in The next step for Glaves and his the 20 residue pepties, the researchers colleagues is to expand their research to found there are gross morphological other species and different parts of the differences between the fibrils of elk and prion protein. √ ~ Cheryl Croucher hamsters. “What we hope to do,” he says, “is gain Cheryl’s interview with John Paul Glaves some high resolution information about these fibrils so we can see each individual was sponsored by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research through its Health residue and how it contributes to fibril Journalism Award. formation. Then we can start to dissect
The mystery of
MISFOLDED PRIONS
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Ken Boutilier, president of Innovotech; CF patient Melanie; Dr. Bhavin Rawal, product manager of bioFILM PA, Innovotech.
Dr. Neil Brown in discussion with CF nurses
Dr. Peter Hackett, president and CEO of Alberta Ingenuity, participated in the news conference
Dr. Neil Brown, Melanie and Dr. Robert Rennie, site chief, Laboratory Medicine at the U of A Hospital
On the
Jim Lorentz
ARTIFICIAL LAKE to replace
Syncrude
Oilsands Mine I
n 2012, Syncrude will finish a pit where it has been mining oilsands for more than two decades. In its place, the company will build a huge experimental lake it is calling Base Mine Lake. As Syncrude’s technology development officer Jim Lorentz explains, dried tailings left over from oilsands production will form the lake bottom. “That is where we add a layer of mature fine tails and then we cap it with a freshwater cap. The lake is designed to have latoral zones which are the shallow zones where some of the
vegetation and stuff you see in lakes grow from, allowing a lot of sunlight to permeate through and encouraging biological activity. “The belief is after 10 years, we would have enough biological activity at the point where we could start introducing more complex life, like fish and amphibians, those kind of things.” According to Lorentz, Base Mine Lake builds on the success of a previous pilot program which involved the construction of a four-acre lake. He stresses future monitoring of the new aquatic environment will be extensive. √ ~ Cheryl Croucher
HORIZON
SEPTEMBER September 1-7 DaVinci: The Genius An Inspirational Exhibition Telus World of Science 11211 – 142 Street www.edmontonscience.com
September 22-23 9th Annual Athabasca Oil Sands Conference & Trade Show Optimal Outcomes: Changing the Face of Oil Sands through Innovation and Collaboration Northlands www.thepetroleumshow.com
September 3 The Business Link Brown Bag Session Research Global Markets Suite 100, 10237-104 Street 12-1 pm www.canadabusiness.ab.ca/brownbag.cfm
September 24 TechRev Innovators 2009 Inaugural Celebration Nominations from 132 companies In Calgary at SMART Technologies 3636 Research Road NW RSVP to pboytinck@tecrev.ca
September 13-15 18th Annual Conference Canadian Association of Business Incubation Oiling the Cogs of Incubation in a Tough Economy Shaw Conference Centre www.cabi.ca September 16 Reaching New Markets 2009 Grow Your Business in Challenging Times Beyond Borders: US Border and Trade Seminars In Calgary, Deerfoot Inn and Casino 8 am to 5pm Registration www.reachingnewmarkets.com
OCTOBER October 1-2 Banff Venture Forum Canada’s Premier Venture Capital Showcase Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Registration open until maximum filled www.banffventureforum.com October 14 AWE Business Luncheon Presentation Presenter: Jessie Radies of The Blue Pear Union Bank Inn 10053 Jasper Avenue 11:30 am- 1:30 pm RSVP 1-800-713-3558
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Social media
101
media with Walter Schwabe
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his year’s Edmonton International Fringe Festival was absolutely terrific. As of my deadline, I’ve seen a total of four shows: Pitch Blond by Vancouver-born Laura Harris; Garret Spellicy’s local production The Lavender Lady; Choon-Hyang’s True Love from Seoul Theatre, South Korea; and Red Bastard by Eric Davis out of New York. I saw the latter two because the fusedlogic team streamed both shows live via video over the Internet as part of our social media project with Fringe Theatre Adventures (FTA), the folks behind North America’s largest and longest running fringe festival. The FTA had yet to engage in the social web beyond a Facebook group. This year, however, Industry Canada’s Marquee Tourism Program enabled a specific focus on generating awareness and interest in the festival and the city tourism options for fringe enthusiasts abroad. Edmonton’s Fringe Festival broke new social media ground in several ways, including the streaming of three live webcasts all across Canada and for
international audiences in places like the Philippines, United Kingdom and United States, plus Greece and Belgium,. A key approach to this campaign was to involve the Fringe community directly, encouraging both international and local performers to blog about their experiences at showyouourblog.com. In the first six days of the festival, more than 100 blog posts from 10 different bloggers, including me, were generated. Local photographers who are on Twitter also showcased our city and festival. Starting with a brand new group for this year, Edmonton now has the largest Flickr group of Fringe-related pictures in the world. Well over 1300
photos in under 10 days—amazing. Top contributors by Twitter handle were @Livingsantuary @Sirthinks, @Pixelens @Cyclopsphoto @Eadnams, @Wburris, and @PaulNey. And thanks to everyone else who posted pictures. To continue in the spirit of the Fringe, I decided to take advantage of being around so many talented performers. I interviewed the very talented Edmonton native street magician, Billy Kidd. We talked about her life spent performing on the
world’s streets, and her use of social media to promote her act. Currently living in Bath, England, she still enjoys coming home. From a performer’s perspective, she says “Edmonton’s Fringe crowds are great and there are less street performers here to compete with,” as compared to say Edinburgh’s Festival Fringe which tends to have far more performers. When talking to Kidd about her online activities, she explained that she’s on Facebook under a different name and for a different purpose related to “nose flutes.” Billy Kidd is her magician persona and currently her social media activity is next to zero in support of that particular act. Although she admits that the Internet does help: “I get lots of e-mails from people who have seen the show.” Kidd’s website billykiddshow.com is fairly basic and, if you Google her name, there is little in terms of a content footprint. Certainly this result doesn’t support the great live audience experience produced when she “works her magic” curb side. I suspect it’s because she’s only been performing the Billy Kidd magic act for the “past year or so.” We did an on-camera interview which is up on the Fringe-focused ShowYouOurs Youtube channel. Further, the pictures and video documenting her performances here should definitely help increase exposure for her around the world—increased evidence that Edmonton has a “magical world ambassador” in Billy Kidd. √
Billy Kidd
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 19 “But I think what it says is that in the right hands and the right minds, people who understand how to produce and market a medical technology, it really is limitless potential.” Possible applications include clinical diagnostics, occupational health and safety, law enforcement, and environmental monitoring. And then comes the zinger. “I don’t think this is too much of an exaggeration. This is a once in a 50-year kind of technology.” Dr. Cormier hails from Moncton, New Brunswick. After receiving his PhD in Physic from the University of Toronto, he went on to do post doctorate work in Washington DC at the National Institute for Standards and Technology. His focus was a laser spectroscopy experiment with applications in greenhouse gas detection. The Institute was hit with massive budget cuts, according to Dr. Cormier, “I think in order to fund the department of Homeland Security. Management came down and talked to various people and pointed out that the National Institutes of Health down the road didn’t have their budget cut. And so they asked us if they could find linkages between our research and health issues. And so, when you’re an atmospheric scientist, you’re always thinking about air. You know, air, breathe, hmmm, is there something there?” With some research, Dr. Cormier discovered scientists had been trying for quite some time but without much luck to connect atmospheric analysis with medical diagnosis. Technically speaking, it was far 22
too difficult a challenge. That is, until he came along. “At that time, I was looking at an apparatus that was spread out on, above and below a 4 x 8 photo optical table. It was absolutely not automated by any stretch of the imagination. It required this simultaneous twiddling of six or seven knobs to get any data. And I kind of made that leap in my mind. I said, ‘I think there is something that could be adapted from
picomole of a given anilide in an exhaled air sample.” Anilides are class of chemical compounds, many of which are associated with various diseases. Come mid-September, Cormier and Picomole Instruments Inc. will be moving out of the incubators and into the real world of business. “I’ve never had to read a lease in French. And I have to think about what our needs are going to be, because the commercial landlords are interested in five-
And then comes the zinger: “I don’t think this is too much of an exaggeration. This is a once in a 50-year kind of technology.” this technology that would allow for ultra sensitive gas analysis but comprehensive so you can measure hundreds of compounds at the same time.’ And that was really the genesis of the idea for LifeSens.” As for the name of the company, Dr. Cormier explains a picomole is a scientific measurement meaning a trillionth of a mole. “I just thought the name sounded really cool. What we’re doing is setting our ambition right in our name. We’re saying that our goal at Picomole Instruments is to build instrumentation that can detect a
year leases. So this is about getting more real in a sense. We’re going to be shoulderto-shoulder with a chicken rotisserie and a tanning salon and a veterinary clinic. You know… real people who have real businesses that have to make a dollar to survive.” What attracted Cormier to join up with his new partner in Quebec is the company’s vast experience in product development in the photonics sector. “We’re a relatively small team. We’re only five right now. And it would be difficult for us to productize our
own technology with our limited experience in this area. But this company has over 200 engineers and scientists so it’s a very large company with a lot of depth of expertise in a lot of areas that are very relevant to what we are doing.” While Picomole will be paying for the services of its new partner to scale up production on the LifeSens prototype, the partnership also involves an investment from the Quebec company. Among the many plans for the future is shrinking the size of the LifeSens technology from that of a push around cart to a handheld device. And, looking ahead five years, says Dr. Cormier, “Well, if you believe our business plan, we’ll have about 140 employees.” But for now, there is the immediate concern of getting a product to market. “This company asked me during our discussions to define what success would look like in our case. And the simplest way that I could put it for them is to say I need something I can sell in about a year.” And they said? “Well, we’d better get started.” √ To hear Cheryl’s conversation with Dr. John Cormier, 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 EDMONTONIANS SEPTEMBER 2009
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Taddes Korris in New York city.
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o be sure, not many 20-year olds aspire to play with a major symphony orchestra… perhaps, someday to conduct. Cleary, fate and circumstances are in tune with Taddes Korris’ goals. He was born in Toronto, and raised in Edmonton by his mother and grandparents, who immigrated to Canada from Lithuania. He credits a number of individuals and unexpected events that have led to his bright future. “My early musical exposure came from my mom. She was the general manager of the Edmonton Opera, but she also worked with other opera companies in Europe. And with that, I grew up in opera halls and symphony halls, so I had a very early exposure.”
Taddes Korris Double Bassist, Student, Protégé Taddes had played both the piano and the saxophone, but was never really dedicated to either. “But, then in high school, there was a double bass… I knew a lot about composers and about string instruments so I thought, ‘It can’t hurt to try.’ And it just took off from there.” While still at Archbishop MacDonald High School, Taddes took lessons with the principle bass of the Edmonton symphony. He founded the Band of Brothers Jazz Trio and the Mindaugas Quartet. And, in a tribute to his Lithuanian heritage, he recruited 66 youth musicians to record a CD of the rare works of Mikalojus Ciurlionis. In 2007, Taddes was accepted at McGill University in Montreal. That summer, he studied with world renowned bassists at the Tibor Varga masterclass program in Switzerland and the Carl Flesch String Academy in Germany. At the latter, Taddes practiced on a fully restored, mid-1700’s bass which he subsequently purchased. After his first year at McGill, he was in New York to have the bass appraised. He also arranged for a lesson with Orin O’Brien, a double bassist with the New York Philharmonic, who asked Taddes to play for her colleague, David Grossman. They were impressed enough to arrange an extraordinary audition for the Manhattan School of Music. “I flew back to New York to have my audition on June 9th and, by June 11th, they told me I was accepted into the program. It was a bit of a life-changing set of circumstances, nothing that I ever really expected.” He’s back for his second year, studying for his Bachelors in Classical Music Performance on the double bass. What about the 18th Century bass? It’s worth more than three times what he paid. Moreover, Taddes discovered that the restorer had long ago engraved his own initials on the bass: TK. Serendipity… kismet… destiny. Taddes loves his bass—and his music. “When you’re lost in the moment of creating something—when no single performance is the same—that’s what really makes this so unique and special to me.” √ ~ Lauren Henrie
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EDMONTONIANS SEPTEMBER 2009
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