August/September 2015
Burnett’s Key Shop A Saskatoon small business landmark since 1951
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Table of Contents
Featured Articles President’s View Pg. 4
Election season is upon us
Cover Story: Burnett’s Key Shop Pg. 5 Small business has customer service locked up
Superior Cabinets Pg. 6 Celebrating 35 years as part of the community
Are you Following “Best Compensation Practices?” Pg. 8 Export Revolution: When zero is actually pretty good Pg. 10 MNP Business Climate Survey Pg. 12 President’s Golf Classic Pg. 14 Thank you to our sponsors
Saskatoon builds bioscience market through “2020 Health Vision” conference October 19th and 20th Pg. 17
Marc Toews assists a customer in his shop on 3rd Ave in Saskatoon. See story on page 5 (image: Grant Romancia Photography)
BUSINESS Viewis a bimonthly publication of the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce 104-202 4th Avenue North, Saskatoon, SK S7K 0K1 Phone: (306) 244-2151 Fax: (306) 244-8366 Email: chamber@saskatoonchamber.com Website: www.saskatoonchamber.com Twitter: @stoonchamber Feedback on articles is invited, but views expressed in BUSINESS View are those of contributors and are not necessarily endorsed by, or are policy of, the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce or its Board of Directors. We encourage you to support the business leaders whose names and products you see advertised in this issue as well as throughout our entire membership. The Board reserves the right to edit submissions.
STAFF
Kent Smith-Windsor, Executive Director Derek Crang, Sales & Membership Director Terry Lawrence, Administrator Roz Macala, Executive Secretary Kevin Meldrum, Marketing Director Linda Saunders, Bookkeeper Ryan Wig, Communications Director Czarina Catambing, Committee Operations Intern Meghan Johnson, Committee Operations Intern
Cover image by Grant Romancia
BUSINESS VIEW SASKATOON AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 3
President’s View
Election season is upon us
Three upcoming elections mean voters have plenty of information to wade through We are about to embark on the year of elections. With the federal election this fall, our provincial election next spring, and our municipal and school trustee election in the fall of 2016, the political pundits will be brimming with excitement. If that’s not you – don’t feel bad…that’s not me either. But, that doesn’t mean we get a free pass to not follow the news over the next year. Here are a few suggestions. What should I know? First, you should know who the candidates are in your area. Second, you should know which issues are federal, which are provincial and which are municipal. Have an issue with the city streets? That’s a municipal issue. Concerned about whether your favourite wine store is or isn’t privatized? That’s a provincial issue. Have concerns about the temporary foreign worker program? Talk to your federal friends. Do you think your property taxes are too high? Well, that’s the confusing one because there is a component of your taxes that is the municipal portion that City Council decides. A second component to your property taxes is the education property tax portion, and that is determined provincially.
Third, you should know what issues are important to you. You don’t need to study and understand every party platform (in the case of federal and provincial elections) or every individual candidate’s platform, but you should know where they stand on issues that you find relevant. Finally, you should take the time to vote. What will our Chamber do? On an ongoing basis, our committees and our Board discuss the issues and questions that our Members have. We regularly share these views with City council and with our local representatives for the provincial and federal government. Through the election process, we take that conversation further. Our Chamber will be inviting candidates to attend a closed session where we will discuss the business issues we hear from members and policy / regulatory concerns that we have. This session is the opportunity for candidates to have open dialogue – ask questions, better understand the position, and formulate their own platform around these topics. Our goal is to educate candidates on business relevant topics, so that they understand what the issues and priorities are. The Chamber does not align itself with any particular candidate or party, but we do support policies that will support our Chamber vision – which is to build the best business climate in Canada. If you have issues that you want our Chamber to highlight with candidates, please contact the Chamber office or one of our Directors to share your comments.
Need more information? The Province has set up a very handy website at http://www.elections.sk.ca/ to help voters find any information they might need such as how to register as a voter, and constituency maps. Similarly, the federal government election information site is http://www.elections.ca/. As the various elections draw nearer, there will be opportunities to learn more about candidates through information sessions, debates, and media releases. Our Chamber will do everything we can to keep our members informed – stay tuned! Tanya Knight President of the Board 2015/16 Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce
Photo by Grant Romancia
2015-16 Board of Directors for the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce President Tanya Knight - MNP LLP. 1st Vice-President Jason Yochim - Saskatoon Region Association of REALTORS®. 2 Vice-President Kelly Bode - WMCZ Lawyers & Mediators. Past President Tony Van Burgsteden - Federated Co-Operatives Ltd. Bill Cooper - PotashCorp. Peggie Koenig - Koenig & Associates. Silvia Martini - Interlink Research Inc. Karl Miller - Meridian Development. Julian Ovens - BHP Billiton. Sandra Ribeiro - Canadian Light Source Inc. Chris Sicotte - Affinity Credit Union. Sanj Singh - AdeTherapeutics Inc. Brian Skanderbeg - Claude Resources Inc. Trevor Thiessen - Redekop Manufacturing. Chris Woodland - MacPherson, Leslie and Tyerman LLP. nd
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BUSINESS VIEW SASKATOON AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015
Cover Story
Small business has customer service locked up By Terri Eger
Marc Toews (left) and David Goertzen (right) of Burnett’s Key Shop. (Image: Grant Romancia) Burnett’s Key Shop has been a landmark in downtown Saskatoon for generations. The business operated as Simon’s Key Shop for a number of years before the passing of Mr. Simon forced his widow to sell the business under condition that the name be changed. Originally located on First Avenue when Burnett’s Key Shop got its start in 1951, the business was moved in 1967 to its present location at 323 Third Avenue South. Marc Toews began working at the shop in 1988 while he was training as a machinist. With a background in electronics he always had an interest in taking things apart and learning how they work. “I like to play with toys,” Toews jokes about the complex locks and devices that fill the store. In a business that has a solid foundation on customer service and a long history of providing quality products, there has been little need for change over the years. “I was the new guy here for 17 years until David started in 2003,” Toews said with a laugh. David Goertzen had been working at Jubilee Ford when he made the transition into the locksmith business. Gaining employment
customers top security. Locks in the automotive industry are also taken care of at Burnett’s, the only locksmith in the city that can service transponders, the computer chip in vehicle keys. The small business is big on quality, selling only the top products in the business. “There are even brand name lines that we won’t sell because they don’t last long enough,” said Goertzen. “We only sell quality products.” Customers appreciate the high standards the business has set and often come to the shop for advice on security for their home and business. While there have been a number of changes in the industry over the years the commitment to quality and customer service remains consistent at the business. As security for your home and business increases, Toews reminds people that being aware of their surroundings is of the utmost importance. “The most important thing in home security is your neighbour,” he said. “Get to know your neighbours and watch out for each other.” Being part of a close knit community is second nature for Burnett’s Key Shop where customers are treated like family and only the best products will suffice. Burnett’s Key Shop - 323 Third Ave, Saskatoon, 306-244-6032
at Burnett’s was the beginning of a work relationship that would lead to a business partnership between the pair. The two men started the process to purchase the business in April of 2011 and have been moving forward ever since. With a staff of five full time people including the two business owners, Burnett’s Key Shop can look after all things related to items that lock. “We provide service calls for residential and commercial buildings including high security locks,” said Toews. The company works under the most stringent federal government standards and ensures the products and services Burnett’s Key Shop has been in their 3rd Ave location since 1967. (Image: Grant offered give Romancia)
BUSINESS VIEW SASKATOON AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 5
Success Stories
Superior Cabinets celebrates 35 years in the community Superior Cabinets is one Superiors’ mandate is to make a of Western Canada’s leading difference in their community and manufacturers and suppliers for their clients by creating beautiful of dream kitchens with a longfunctional spaces that last a lifetime. held and well-earned reputation for “It’s always hard to measure intangible fine quality products, outstanding things, such as experience. Customer customer service and dedication to Confidence, retail sales growth, builder employee success. account capture, maintaining our profit September marks a major milestone margins, the steady flow of positive for Superior Cabinets, as they celebrate customer testimonials are what we their 35th anniversary of business are focused on,” says Hodson. “We excellence. Superior Cabinets was also have several KPI’s visible to our established in 1980 in Saskatoon, entire company in real time. If we SK, by visionary Charles Larre, as a Superior Cabinets’ CEO Scott Hodson is working to redefine the achieve these measures we are certain small cabinet shop with a vision to customer experience and make a difference in the community. the experience our customer receives create a company based on integrity, will be Superior.” an example of how Canadian manufacturers dedication to customer service and product Superior Cabinets attributes their success are changing to become more customer innovation. Today, their vision has not and this important milestone to the hard work changed. As experts in kitchen design, they driven and dynamic in the face of increasing and dedication of the Superior Family and competition at home and abroad. incorporate leading-edge innovation and the support of their many supply partners In October 2014 Superior Cabinets was kitchen functionality in all of their projects. and loyal clients. Dedication to their customers is a priority for awarded as the winner of the first BDC Entrepreneurial Resiliency Award. This Superior Cabinets and their service promise ABOUT SUPERIOR CABINETS prestigious award is designed to recognize is unparalleled. Superior Cabinets, in operation since Superior Cabinets has been though a a Canadian business that has successfully 1980, is one of Western Canada’s leading dramatic turnaround over the past 5 years. undergone a turnaround or pivotal event manufacturers and suppliers of dream in the past years and come back stronger “To give you the magnitude of the turnaround kitchens with a long-held and well-earned of our company, the last time we produced because of it. The award was presented to reputation for fine quality products, Scott Hodson, President and CEO of Superior 25 Kitchens per day was in 2008, which took outstanding customer service and dedication 400 people and 16 weeks to get it installed Cabinets in Regina in October 2014 by the to employee success. Their team consists Business Development Bank of Canada into the house. Today it takes 300 people of approximately 300 members across (BDC), in partnership with the Turnaround and we install it in 6 weeks guaranteed,” says locations in Saskatoon, Regina, Calgary, Management Association, Montreal Chapter Scott Hodson, Superior’s President and CEO. Edmonton and Fort McMurray. For more (TMA-Montreal). “You can transform but it takes people and information about Superior Cabinets, visit Moving forward Superior Cabinets it takes a change in thinking, and often you www.superiorcabinets.ca continues to redefine its customer experience. need a crisis.” Superior’s transformation is
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BUSINESS VIEW SASKATOON AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015
Members in the News
MR MIKES raises money for KidSport across Western Canada •
On Saturday, June 27, MR MIKES SteakhouseCasual saw hundreds of Mikes
and Michaels gather as part of its unique Mikes Unite campaign. The campaign raised $30,550 in support of KidSport. Donations will go back to kids in all 26 MR MIKES communities in Western Canada. Hundreds of Mikes and Michaels were united at the
GoodLife Fan Fest at Roughriders Home Opener in Regina, and at Mikes Unite parties that were held at all 26 MR MIKES SteakhouseCasual restaurant locations in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. This set an unofficial record for uniting Mikes or Michaels across Western Canada in one day. MR MIKES® raised $30,550 for KidSport in three different ways: • $1 was donated from each Mikeburger sold between June 16 to 27 • $1 was donated from each entrée sold during the June 27 Mikes Unite parties across Western Canada
$0.25 was donated for each Facebook, Twitter or Instagram post that included #mikesunite on June 27 The local MR MIKES in Saskatoon successfully raised $1,020 for KidSport Saskatoon. “We want to thank everyone who joined us in uniting Mikes and Michaels across Western Canada,” says Mike Cordoba, CEO, RAMMP Hospitality Brands Inc., the company behind MR MIKES®. “We enjoyed creating a fun, memorable experience for our guests and are grateful to everyone that helped us raise money for KidSport. We’re happy we could give back to the communities that we live and work in.” “We were excited to join MR MIKES in a big way to help even more kids get off the sidelines in local communities across Western Canada,” says Pete Quevillon of KidSport Canada. High-profiles Mikes, including Regina Mayor Mike Fougere were in attendance at the GoodLife Fan Fest event in Regina. MR MIKES also sampled miniMikes by donation with proceeds going to KidSport.
Saskatoon
Independently Owned and Operated
Serving Saskatoon & Area Real Estate needs as an avid volunteer, business member and parent in the Saskatoon Community. Because I care!
Sheri Willick REALTOR®, SRES® 306.281.7612
email sheriwillick@gmail.com • web sheriwillick.com
BUSINESS VIEW SASKATOON AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 7
Promotional Feature
Are you following “Best Compensation Practices”? Seldom a week goes by without a media story on executive compensation. Either explicitly or implicitly, most of these stories focus on the largesse of the employers providing the compensation and/or the magnitude of the compensation packages. As third-party By Barry D. Cook, bystanders, we Partner with Western are often left with Compensation and Benefits the impression Consultants that someone is getting overpaid at the expense of other stakeholders. How do you determine if an organization is paying its executives and other employees appropriately? What are the questions that need to be asked and what tests can be applied to assess the appropriateness of compensation? Do these organizations apply the same principles as used for executives when determining what to pay employees below the executive level? To answer the above questions an organization should examine best practices for compensation planning and management. Compensation best practices consists of good governance and good technical practices. Good governance involves the formal definition and application of the processes and procedures by which an organization directs and controls its compensation programs. This includes the: • Assignment of the rights and responsibilities of the board of directors, management and human resources, • Rules and procedures for decision making; and • Mechanisms for monitoring the compensation policies, actions and decisions taken. Good compensation technical practices
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BUSINESS VIEW SASKATOON AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015
includes the “nuts and bolts” of how a compensation program is constructed. This starts with a well-articulated compensation philosophy which sets out the program objectives, the basis for selecting peer comparison organizations, along with where the organization targets its compensation levels relative to the market. Guided by this philosophy framework, best practices include: • Research and selection of appropriate comparison organizations; • Obtaining robust, up-to-date information on the total compensation provided by the comparison organizations; • Technical evaluation of the total compensation provided by the comparison organizations; and • Development of a compensation program which is aligned with the organization’s compensation philosophy and the market comparison findings. So are organizations following best practices with respect to planning and managing their compensation programs? To shed light on this question, in the Spring of 2015 Western Compensation & Benefits Consultants conducted an empirical study of the practices of Canadian employers. The study included all sizes of organizations in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. Some of the highlights are set out below: • Although 86% of the organizations have a compensation philosophy, only about half (54%) of the organizations have a formal, written philosophy. • Organizations with a formal, written compensation philosophy don’t necessarily communicate the philosophy – 54% communicate it to the executives, while 81% communicate the philosophy to positions below executive. • While three-quarters of the public and not-for-profit organizations have a single philosophy for executives and positions below executive, only slightly more than half of the private sector organizations have a single
philosophy. On average, the organizations compare their compensation to that of 15 other organizations. • Less than half of the organizations disclose the names of the organizations they use for compensation comparison purposes and, of those that do disclose the names, nearly one-third of these organizations do not identify the selection criteria used to choose the comparison organizations. Fifty-eight percent of the organizations stated that the documentation relating to their peer group selection could be improved. • About one-third of the organizations do not include perquisites, retirement and group benefits, nor paid time off in their compensation philosophies. • Slightly over one-third of the organizations do not define where the organization wishes to pay relative to their comparison markets. • Market compensation comparison information is obtained from multiple sources, but 75% of the organizations utilize surveys conducted by compensation consulting firms. This recent research shows us that a minority of Canadian employers are following best practices with respect to compensation governance and technical compensation practices. Many employers could improve their practices as they relate to developing a documented, robust compensation philosophy, articulating the criteria for selecting appropriate compensation organizations, collecting and evaluating all components of compensation, and identifying their target pay policy position relative to the market. Adoption of these practices is in the best interests of the boards of directors, senior management and the remaining employees. It also provides the foundation for interpreting and communicating the compensation programs to relevant internal and external stakeholders. •
Member News
Local family grows wealth management business, celebrates 18 years Eighteen years ago, Phil Mamchur joined Edward Jones financial services and opened an office in Saskatoon. It was the first Edward Jones office in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Edward Jones was founded in 1922 by Edward Jones Sr. in St. Louis, Missouri. The company expanded across the U.S. to have more branch office locations across Phil Mamchur North America than any other brokerage firm. The company expanded to Canada in 1994, bringing Bay Street to Main Street in cities and towns across Canada. There are now roughly 700 Edward Jones offices in Canada – 12 in Saskatoon. After also graduating with Bachelor Degrees in Commerce from the University of Saskatchewan, two of Phil’s children, Celeste and Tyler have also joined him at Edward Jones. Celeste keeps an office on 8th Street, where she specializes in sorting through financial concerns during a divorce. Like many other Saskatchewan graduates, Tyler left the province to pursue job opportunities. Tyler opened an Edward Jones Tyler Mamchur office in Calgary and returned (top) and Todd Yuzdepski (bottom) to Saskatoon in 2012 and operates an Edward Jones office in Lakeview. He said the homecoming was fueled by the current economic boom
in the city as well as desire to be closer to his family. Celeste’s husband, Todd Yuzdepski, after graduating from the U of S moved to Medicine Hat, Alberta where he operated an Edward Jones office for over four years. He moved back to Saskatoon in 2011 and runs an office in Erindale. “We’re big believers in meeting clients face to face,” says Phil, “Once we have a client relationship we do business on the phone, but it’s face to face relationship that’s very important to us. We believe in a personalized approach to wealth management.” Phil, Celeste, Tyler and Todd also serve as the team lead in the wealth management process – spearheading meetings with lawyers and tax accountants to discuss recommendations or estate planning. The Mamchur-Yuzdepski group also relies on team members from as far way as Toronto and Vancouver. Included on their team are Chartered Accountants, Estate Lawyers, Charitable Giving Specialists, Estate Planning and Life Insurance Specialists. “Our philosophy is a conservative philosophy,” explains Phil. “We’re licensed to sell any product that exists, but there’s a lot of products we won’t recommend because we think they’re too risky for the average person.
The Raj Manek Business Mentorship Program helps owners improve and grow their business through mutual learning The Raj Manek Business Mentorship Program (RMMP) has been operating since 1998 and is accepting applications for their September intake. RMMP provides: • One-on-one mentorship with an experienced mentor whose skill sets compliment your targeted areas of improvement. • Monthly seminars on topics of interest create an environment where participants can feel comfortable asking questions. • Technical advisors available oneon-one in the areas of Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, IT, Legal, Sales, and Strategic Planning. • Program affiliations to access databases and resources from other programs including PCensus, Reference Canada, Hoovers, iSell, Kompass • Access to RMMP databases including eStatement Studies, First Research, and Profit Driver • Peer-to-peer mentorship service where business owners can congregate and share their thoughts, ideas, and jointly solve problems with the guidance of a technical expert. • Networking opportunities This relationship is an interactive sharing environment which results in an enriching, mutual learning experience. To learn more about the Program, join us at our annual Business Mixer to be held on Thursday, September 10th at the NRC Plant Biotechnology Institute, 110 Gymnasium Place, Saskatoon. To Register please call us at (306) 244-2151; email us at info@manekmentorship.sk.ca; or visit us at: http://manekmentorship. sk.ca/Events/Networking-Events/AnnualRaj-Manek-Business-Mixer
BUSINESS VIEW SASKATOON AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 9
Five Minutes for Business
Export Revolution: When zero is actually pretty good By The Canadian Chamber of Commerce Economic weakness abounds! The country is in recession and exports are “stalled” according to the Bank of Canada. But if you dig into the numbers,something bigger is happening. The first five months of export data show a huge 31% decline in oil, with natural gas falling 40%, a devastating hit to Canadian exports. The big question is whether the positive effects of a weaker dollar and a stronger U.S. economy can make enough of a difference. Skeptics remain doubtful about whether our exporters have enough capacity for a big increase in production: there are no state-of-the-art Canadian factories waiting for the lights to be turned on. One of the most optimistic forecasts for 2015 came from our friends at Export Development Canada. Their forecast for 2015 export growth was... zero. A big goose egg. Actually, this was a cheery forecast because
they were essentially saying that Canada’s nonenergy exports, such as manufactured goods, technology, services and agriculture, would be strong enough to offset the huge,gaping hole from the decline in energy sales. So far, it looks like EDC is right. Canada’s export manufacturers have ramped up production and are in overdrive. The strongest contributor to growth is the automotive sector, rising 9% this year thanks to a resurgent U.S. economy. American auto sales hit 17.4 million vehicles, record levels not seen in 15 years, as our members in the auto sector are struggling to keep up with demand. And it’s not just autos; exports of machinery and equipment are up 9%, electronic equipment up 15%, aircraft up a staggering 33%. Services will gain 5% this year thanks to a new rising star: tourism. So, does this make up for the huge decline in energy? Not quite. So far in 2015, exports are down
1.3%. But if we see greater strength in the second half, as we expect from a U.S. economy that is firing on all cylinders, then Canada’s exports might even get to modest growth. This means we are in the midst of a very strange recession. Ontario, Québec, B.C. and Manitoba are all set to grow at a healthy 2% range, with solid export growth across-theboard. Only Alberta and Newfoundland will see GDP contracting this year by around 1% and exports tumbling by 15% or more. Canada overall will see GDP rise by just 1% in 2015. The big challenge is that growth will get harder from here. With a soft domestic economy, we’re increasingly dependent on exports. Thanks to weak commodity prices, further export gains can only come from rising productivity, world-leading technology and innovation. We need a comprehensive plan to improve competitiveness so that Canadian companies can win.
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BUSINESS VIEW SASKATOON AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015
Group Benefits with a Difference.
Simple. Stable. Smart.
2015 Safe Employer winners RH Electric saw the merits of implementing a formal health and safety program. Photo: Greg Huszar
IS IT YOUR MISSION? The recognition from the Safe Employer Award has meant a lot for us and our business. We all look out for each other, but you don’t always notice when there aren’t incidents. This award validates the hard work that goes into our safety program. Jason Hrywkiw 2015 Safe Employer Winner RH Electric
Proud of your safety success? Know an inspirational Safe Worker? Apply for the 2016 WorkSafe Saskatchewan Safe Worker and Safe Employer Awards, visit www.worksafesask.ca Apply for the 2016 WorkSafe Safe Worker and Employer Awards. Deadline is October 30, 2015

2015 Business Climate Survey
Yes 47%
Businesses affected by the global economic situation.
1
MNP LLP partnered with the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce to take an active leadership role in the community. The Survey focuses on the business confidence of local business leaders as well as other factors related to doing business in Saskatoon and area.
No 49%
Unsure
4% How have businesses been affected by the global economic situation.
2
The survey sample includes 200 business leaders based off a list of over 1356 Chamber Members. The list included; business owners, CEOs, presidents, executive directors and designated senior corporate officers from across all industry sectors in Saskatoon and the surrounding areas.
Beneficial Effect Business Slowed / Declined Increased costs Lower sales / reduced revenue Consumers less money to spend Fewer Customers / clients
2014
2015
20.0%
Fair
4
Poor 45.0%
BUSINESS VIEW SASKATOON AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015
3.0%
5.5%
2.5%
19.5%
PROVINCIAL
30.0%
40.0%
Have your capital investments into your business increased, decreased, or stayed the same over the last 12 months. Don't know / no response 5%
37.0%
Good 52.5%
MUNICIPAL
18.0%
4.5%
35.0%
43.5%
Excellent
6.0%
10.0%
The action the (Government) has taken in creating a good climate for business.
3
12
0.0%
The survey was conducted by a third party company, PRA Inc. under the guidance of MNP and the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce. The telephone interviews were conducted between April 7th, 2015 and April 28th, 2015.
FEDERAL
Stayed the same 51%
2015 Increased 33%
Decreased 11%
2015 Business Climate Survey
Greatest challenges facing companies over the next 12 months.
5
10.00%
Hiring/Retaining Good Staff 3.50%
Rising Operation Costs
9.5% 9.50% 8.0%
Maintaining Client Base/Revenue/Sales Internal Diligence
5.50% 7.5%
Skills Shortage
7.5% 6.50% 6.0%
Competition
13.50%
4% 4.5% 6.00% 4.5%
Marketing/Branding Growing the company - profits 0%
6
5% 2015
2014
10%
Worse 5% Better 58%
15%
20%
25%
84% of business leaders believe that road maintenance & snow removal are a high or urgent priority for the city when deciding how to spend its budget.
In the next year, do you expect your company to be performing better, the same, or worse?
Same 37%
23.5%
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The top three contributors to the future economic development and growth in Saskatchewan 54.50%
Business leaders agree that the four of the best economic success or initiatives that have occurred in the Saskatoon area are: (1) South Bridge (2) Downtown revitalization (3) Circle Drive and (4) River landing.
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Have the numbers of people you employ increased, decreased, or stayed the same in the past 12 months.
Increased 30% Same 53%
Decreased 17%
Mining
37.00%
35.50%
Oil & Gas
Agri-Business
54.5% of business leaders think that over the next two years, any municipal property tax increase should be limited to the rate of inflation.
67.5% of business leaders believe that fire and police services are a high or urgent priority for the city when deciding how to spend its budget.
BUSINESS VIEW SASKATOON AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 13
A great day of golf and always a great tournament! Thanks from the Chamber and President Tanya Knight for your generous support
The 26th Annual President’s Golf Classic was held on June 10th at The Willows Golf and Country Club. The event honours the Chamber President and provides Chamber members with an informal venue to network while enjoying a friendly game of golf. Thank you to our generous sponsors: Saskatchewan Association for Community Living Front Line Office Products Imagery Photography 14
BUSINESS VIEW SASKATOON AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015
Affinity Credit Union Wiegers Financial and Benefits Reed Security Troy Davies, City Councillor West Wind Aviation Bell Corporate Stores Bell & Whistle Connect Energy SaskTel WDiT Solutions Apex Consultants Payworks
Cart Sponsor: Cervus Equipment Sign Sponsor: Koncept Sign Breakfast Sponsor: Parr Auto-Body Lunch Sponsor: Conexus Credit Union “At the Turn” Sponsor: State & Main Sponsors who donated prizes: 96.3 Cruz FM Action Office Interiors Adecco Employment Services Ltd. Affinity Credit Union - Commercial Service Aim Electric Ltd. Al Anderson’s Source For Sports AODBT Architecture Interior Design Associated Engineering Bazaar Novelty Beam Canada Inc. BHP Billiton Bon Temps Café Braid Flooring & Window Fashions Brunsdon Junor Johnson Appraisals Ltd. Business Development Bank of Canada Cameco Corporation Canadian Western Bank and Trust Canpotex The Cave The Centre CIBC Connect Energy Cut Casual Steak House DirectWest Earls Restaurant Edward Jones EY ERCO Worldwide
Special thanks to State & Main for helping the Chamber raise $2,200 for the Randall Morris Memorial Scholarship fund.
Fabmar Communications Global Saskatoon Golf’s Carwash Inc. Hilton Garden Inn Kenmore Land Co. Ltd. Koncept Sign Lynne Yelich - MP Blackstrap MacPherson, Leslie & Tyerman LLP Mano’s Midtown Plaza Milestones Miller Thomson National Bank of Canada North Ridge Development Corp. O’Shea’s Irish Pub Peace Hills Trust Co. Percy H. Davis Limited Persephone Theatre Radisson Hotel Saskatoon Reed Security Robertson Stromberg LLP Rock Creek Tap and Grill Saboroso Saskatchewan Abilities Council
Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies Saskatoon Airport Authority The Saskatoon Club Saskatoon Folkfest Incorporated Saskatoon Inn Saskatoon Prairieland Park Corporation Saskatoon Region Association of REALTORS® SaskTel Shakespeare On The Sask Festival Inc. Sheraton Cavalier Hotel - Saskatoon Stantec Sutherland Hotel Taverna Italian Restaurant TCU Place TD Bank Commercial Banking Thomson Jaspar & Associates Three Farmers Tourism Saskatoon The United Group Winston’s English Pub & Grill WMCZ Lawyers Women Entrepreneurs of
Saskatchewan Inc. McDougall Gauley LLP MisterPrint - PrintWest Saskatoon Soccer Centre
We look forward to seeing everyone out again next year at Dakota Dunes for the 27th Annual President’s Golf Classic BUSINESS VIEW SASKATOON AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 15
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Chamber Events
Saskatoon builds bioscience market through “2020 Health Vision” conference October 19th and 20th If the Health Opportunities Committee (HOC) of the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce could show how Saskatoon could “Get to Great” by being home to $300 million of revenue from the world’s health market in the next 10 years, would you want to get onboard? Co-Chair of the HOC and of its upcoming 2020 Health Vision Conference, Sanj Singh, is asking that question. CEO of a local biotech company, AdeTherapeutics Inc.; Member of the Board of Directors at The Saskatoon Chamber; and of the national organization, BioteCanada, Singh says attending this conference will provide the necessary ticket. Although the public is often unaware, the health market is an engine that drives our economies, from fetal health, measured by ultrasound; to the latest medical breakthroughs that yield healthier, longer and more vibrant lives. When each of these processes occurs locally, they also participate in a worldwide health market whose estimated value is $7 trillion, each year. The market is more than just physicians and hospitals: It provides the opportunity to innovate and develop products, services and solutions that better consumers’ lives. The 2020 Health Vision Conference, called “Getting to Great,” will be held at the Western Development Museum on October 19-20, 2015, and co-Chaired by local health industry leaders, Singh, Dave Dutchak (MD Ambulance) and Corey Miller (VP, Saskatoon Health Region). Keynote speakers will be Dr. David Delaney, Chief Medical Officer, SAP, and former U of S graduate in Medicine; Neurologist Dr. Muhammed Shazam Hussain, Head, the Cleveland Clinic Stroke Program, who created the first mobile stroke program in the U.S.; Saskatoon Neurosurgeon Dr. Ivar Mendez, who performed the first brain implant surgery in Canada and pioneered treatments for Parkinson’s Disease (U of S); and Saskatoon Geriatrician, SMA Physician of the Year and innovator, Dr. Jenny Basran (U of S).
Other sessions will include a roundtable discussion on innovation, moderated by Health Minister, Dustin Duncan. New to the biennial event will be a panel discussing how the “next generation” in health science will shape the industry, including U of S students in Business, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Computer Science, Engineering and Veterinary Medicine. Throughout such sessions, the conference will foster collaboration among innovators in respective business and investment communities; and in academia and applied research communities. Such collaboration could include developing nutrient rich food, specifically for seniors; implanting hydration monitors within patients’ clothing; preserving the soil with strategies that reduce fertilizer use; and cultivating crops that restore the ecosystems on which all health depends. Singh notes that Saskatoon has unique world class assets and networks to provide products, services and solutions to the ever growing international market. In the past ten years worldwide, he notes, biotechnology has outperformed the sectors of real estate, oil and gas, and mining. Twenty high-tech companies could “translate into $30 million in payroll” for Saskatoon “and a further $300 million to $3 billion in economic spinoffs for Saskatchewan.” Brian Bloom, of Bloom Burton Investment Banking (Toronto); and Jason Ding, Director, TEC Health Accelerator
(Edmonton) will convey the opportunity and importance of health innovation to our economy and community. Singh describes the initiative: “In this conference we’re encouraging one set of investment behaviours . . . that begins to shape the mindset and culture about the importance of health and innovation: whether they come from food, plant, soil or water doesn’t matter. They’re all connected and how we interact with them ultimately impacts our health and our future.”
Elizabeth Shih Freelance Writer and Editor Elizabeth Shih Communications Saskatoon, SK shih.ea@gmail.com (306) 242-7025
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Why host STEMfest in Saskatchewan? “Skilling a Nation’s Future” Alignment with Provincial Growth Priorities Developing a Skilled Labor Force Increasing Competitiveness Advancing Natural Resource and Agricultural Advantage Connecting Saskatchewan to the World 2nd International Festival of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
www.stemstates.org
2nd International Festival of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math 2015 www.stemstates.org Sept 27th to Oct 3rd 2015
Member Profile
Customer service and quality products top priorities By Terri Eger Providing outstanding customer service and offering top quality products are the focus of Your Independent Grocer stores across Saskatoon. Each location is owned and operated by a local franchisee who is working alongside his staff to ensure the customer’s needs are taken care of. When Loblaw Company Limited moved from the Extra Foods corporate model to individual franchise opportunities there were positive changes across the city. Andrey Kharitonov owns and operates the location on Kenderdine Road, Michael Goleski has the store on Wanuskewin Road and Brandon Golding takes care of things at Herold Road. Andrey’s Your Independent Grocer
Andrey Kharitonov began working at Extra Foods when he moved to Canada in February 2011. He began his career in the business stocking shelves during the night shift on a part time basis before becoming the receiver. He worked his way up as the grocery manager, the assistant store manager and then the store manager, putting in time at both the Broadway location (for one year) and the Kenderdine Road store. “I’ve made my way up from the bottom of the structure,” he said. Moving to Canada and taking over the business have both been positive changes for Kharitonov. He has found a significant change in the business under the new store banner. “Extra Foods was more of a discount store and Independent Grocer is more about service,” he said. The change suits him well. “And I’m a customer service guy,” he said. Offering quality products made in-house is important to Kharitonov who feels it gives him the opportunity to provide quality products that are sure to be fresh to his customers. A full service meat case, deli department and produce section are key. The store employs 130 people who work together to serve the customers. “All of my people put just as much care into making the products for customers as they would if they were making it at home,” he said. “Fresh is our passion,” he said. “We offer more produce, more vegetables, more meats. Juice in the produce section is made every day so it’s fresh with no preservatives.”
The store is also a local business supporting other local businesses according to the owner. Saskatchewan made products are highlighted throughout the store and work is done to promote locally grown and made items. Michael’s Your Independent Grocer Michael Goleski spent 20 years in the food industry in Vancouver before moving to Saskatoon in November 2014. He learned the local business working as the grocery manager and then the store manager for Kharitonov when the franchise opportunity came up. With 120 employees at the store located on the corner of 51st Street and Wanuskewin Road, the staff is ready to serve the customer at a great location. “Our focus is on food,” said Goleski simply. “We have an enhanced deli and bakery department and carry an abundance of local products. We are always trying to get more local, fresh products for our customers.” Under the new banner and with recent renovations, Goleski said the changes have been well received. “The reaction has been really positive. The store is brighter and cleaner and the customers are enjoying it,” he said. Dealing with customers is still at the heart of Goleski’s business and is what keeps him going. “My favourite thing to do is pack groceries and meet the customers,” he said. Golding’s Your Independent Grocer You could say Brandon Golding grew up at the grocery store. He started working at Extra Foods on Waneskewin Road when he was 15, working his way up to a management position when he finished high school. He spent time at the Broadway location and has since moved to the store at Herold Road which he took over in August of last year. The move to a franchise location has been positive for Golding, his staff of 130 people and the customers they serve. “On the business side there is a lot more freedom as an Independent Grocer,” he said. An emphasis on fresh products is important to Golding, as is being a major part of the community. “I like to play a big part in the community and that’s something I can do through the store as well,” he said. Through both donations from the store and contributing his own time to help at charitable events, Golding says it reinforces the idea that the grocery store is at the heart of a community.
“Getting involved with the community and helping with charities is important to me and is something I can do through my business,” he said. The Real Canadian Wholesale Club The Real Canadian Wholesale Club located on 8th Street in Saskatoon is a division of Loblaw Companies Limited and part of the largest grocery and food distributer in Canada. “Our mandate is everything food service and our concentration is on commercial sales to the food service industry,” explained manager Cameron Rizos. With products for small grocers and convenience stores, hotels, schools, care homes and regular retail customers, the business provides a wide variety of items in large volume formats. A free membership is encouraged to business customers who then benefit from additional discounts and there is no minimum purchase required. The store offers both retail and commercial formats for a large assortment of food products including fresh and frozen meats and seafood, produce, dairy and frozen products. The store carries the largest selection of chocolate, candy and confection anywhere in the city as well as all formats of beverages and soft drinks. With vending products, restaurant equipment and accessories, tableware and a full line of paper and disposable products for food service such as cutlery, take out containers and packaging customers are sure to find what they are looking for. “Our focus is on business customers and as such our product line and assortment is geared to that offering,” said Rizos. Adding to the convenience of getting everything they need for their business at one location is the Club Assembly Program. The program offers customers the option of having orders put together for them to either be picked up or delivered, adding to the convenience. Rizos has worked in and around the food service industry for more than 25 years including at the restaurant that still bears his father’s name, Mr. Rizos’ Restaurant. He took over as Store Manager of the Wholesale Club in 2015 and works together with the staff to ensure the customers’ needs are met. “The food industry is a fast paced and hectic environment but there is a lot of satisfaction in knowing we supply hundreds of businesses in Saskatoon and the surrounding area and help make them successful,” he said.
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Promotional Feature
Women Entrepreneurs New Website Resonates with W.E. Members Article by Trish Cheveldayoff 2015 marks the 20th Anniversary of Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan. The organization has come a long way from its early beginnings. W.E. has grown from 6 members in 1995 to some 900 members across the province. Reaching out to its target audience and engaging its members is no easy task. Social media has become an important tool and in particular W.E.’s website www.womenentrepreneurs. sk.ca is key to better informing its members about everything from planning and advising to business lending and training. This year W.E. embarked on a project to give its website a new and fresh look. The website was launched to coincide with W.E.’s 20th Anniversary milestone. “Our goal is to enhance the on-line experience for our members,” says Prabha Vaidyanathan, CEO of Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan. “We want our website to be more user-friendly and we want to provide our members the ability to better access our services with ease.” The website continues to be a work in progress. Soon, W.E. members will be able to take advantage of on-line registration. Members will be notified when their membership is up for renewal, and with a click of a button, they will be able to renew their membership and pay on-line. W.E.’s fall training schedule can now be found on the website and members will soon be able
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to register for these training opportunities as well. When W.E. first decided it was time to give the website a new and fresh look, it turned to the web design agency “2 Web Design Inc.” for its creativity and guidance. That partnership has resulted in international recognition for the website at the 2015 Summit Creative Awards. Out of more than 5,000 submissions from 23 countries, 2 Web Design Inc. was named a Silver winner in the 2015 Summit Creative Award competition in the category Membership Website. The company also received an Honourable Mention at the 2015 Hermes Creative Awards in the category Association Website. “We are extremely honored to be the recipient of a Summit Creative Award and to receive an Honourable Mention at the Hermes Creative Awards for our work on W.E.’s website,” says Mouneeb Shahid of 2 Web Design Inc. “We are also extremely thankful to Women Entrepreneurs whose input, we believe, lead the way to this awardwinning creative design.” The Summit Creative Award (SCA) recognizes and celebrates the creative achievements of small and medium sized advertising agencies worldwide. Over the past 21 years, the SCA has established itself as the premier arbiter of creative excellence for firms this size and has become a coveted honour.
The Hermes Creative Awards is an international competition for creative professionals involved in the concept, writing and design of traditional materials and programs, and emerging technologies. The competition has grown to one of the largest of its kind in the world. “Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan congratulates Mouneeb Shahid and his creative team at 2 Web Design for this accomplishment,” says Prabha Vaidyanathan. “2 Web Design’s expertise resulted in a stylish design that will ultimately resonate with our target audience; our members.” Contact: 2 Web Design 116-116 Research Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 3R3 Ph: (306) 664-2932 http://www.2webdesign.com
Stronger. Faster. Smarter. HRPA is proud to introduce the CHRP, CHRL and CHRE designation.
The new global standard for HR excellence and professionalism. The Certified Human Resources Professional, Leader, and Executive designations will help companies succeed every step of the way. Unleash the new gold standard in your organization: www.hrpa.ca/designations
MEMBERS PAGE COMMITTEE CHAIRS Agribusiness Opportunities Bert Sutherland - BERTradioonline.com Loran Forer - BMO Business Growth Elise Hildebrandt - The Mortgage Centre Business of Science & Technology Raj Nayak - University of Saskatchewan Celebrate Success! Lynn Eberle - Saskatchewan Polytechnic Chamber on Tap Evan Drisner - Nu-Fab Building Products Future Opportunities Committee
Bill Brooks - Eclecthink International First Nations and Métis Opportunities Committee
Chris Sicotte - Affinity Credit Union Going Global Ken Ziegler - Robertson Stromberg Pedersen LLP
Monica Kreuger - Global Infobrokers Government Affairs Michael Chudoba - Innovative Residential
Health Opportunities Dave Dutchak - MD Ambulance Care Ltd. Sanj Singh - AdeTherpeutics Inc. Sustainability Opportunities Colleen Yates - Equinox3 Consulting Ltd.
For more information or to join a volunteer committee email us at: committee@saskatoonchamber.com
Chamber networking leads to unexpected benefits A guy walks into a bar and ends up with a robot possessed by an astronaut. This sounds like a joke but it is a true story about how networking can lead to unanticipated opportunities for your business. By Bill Lewis, President, It was a cold Engineering for Kids Wednesday in February at Hudson’s Canadian Tap House and the event was Chamber on Tap, featuring the hilarity of Evan Drisner. I found myself enjoying the free appetizers and beverage while listening to Evan interview Greg Sutton in the
company of 30-some other business professionals. Evan often riffs comedy bits with his interviewees and Greg was later named as one of his best guests ever. From the comfort of our booths we learned about Greg’s fascinating journey into entrepreneurship and his founding of TinyEYE. He created online services to deliver speech therapy in smaller communities without the wasteful commuting of the therapists, a challenge that his sister experienced first-hand. Greg sometimes deploys virtual presence robots for physical assistance. I told Greg about my Engineering for Kids® franchise and how we help expose kids ages 4-14 to fun engineering activities. We help children have positive experiences with science and math in the hopes that more Saskatchewan children will consider STEM careers. STEM is Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Greg quickly offered to lend me the use of one of his robots. Over the next few months, a plan hatched to hold a Customer Appreciation Day on May 28th and we were able to have Canadian Astronaut Jeremy Hansen connect with Engineering for Kids® parents and kids. After Jeremy logged off, the kids took turns driving the robot through a maze of cardboard blocks. This was also a great opportunity to showcase our new Video Game Design curriculum. For more information, see www.engineeringforkids. net/saskatoon. That is the magic that can happen at a networking event. Come to Chamber on Tap held the first Wednesday of the month at 4:30pm. The new season Astronaut Jeremy Hansen interacting with the kids starts this October. through TinyEYE’s “virtual presence” robot
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For membership information contact Derek Crang
(306) 664-0702 dcrang@saskatoonchamber.com Visit saskatoonchamber.com today under Member Services for more details
Andrey’s Your Independent Grocer Food Stores AND Retail 30 Kenderdine Rd,Saskatoon (306) 343-3404 Andrey Kharitonov Beagle Productions Ltd. Computers - Custom Software AND Internet 104-733 Broadway Ave, Saskatoon (306) 955-9948 Trent Perehudoff Bidsy Advertising / Public Relations 137-425 115th St E, Saskatoon (306) 262-2437 Rob Barisoff Boyes Group Realty Inc. Real Estate - Residential AND Real Estate - Commercial 251-2002 Quebec Ave, Saskatoon (306) 653-2213 Jordan Boyes Concentric Associates Consultants - Engineering AND Consultants - Environment 400-3530 Miller Ave, Saskatoon (306) 343-5500 Grant Barker Diversified Auto Inc. Automobile - Parts / Repair / Maintenance 409 46th St E, Saskatoon (306) 668-2323 David Anderson Ed Bobiash Realty P.C. Ltd. Real Estate - Residential (306) 222-7770 Ed Bobiash
New Members
Golding’s Independent Food Stores AND Retail 315 Herold Rd, Saskatoon (306) 664-5033 Brandon Golding Martin Charlton Communications Communications AND Advertising / Public Relations 300-1914 Hamilton St, Regina (306) 548-1000 Dan Gold Mastermind Connectors Home-Based Business (306) 281-8012 Garry Viden Michael’s Independent Retail AND Pharmacies 2815 Wanuskewin Rd, Saskatoon (306) 249-9204 Michael Goleski NewRoads Consulting Consultants 1626 Louise Ave, Saskatoon (306) 291-4096 Maryanne Larocque Press’d The Sandwich Co. Restaurants AND Caterers / Food Services 120-2723 Faithfull Ave, Saskatoon (306) 373-7737 Sherri Dobroskay Quicklinkt Solutions Inc. Internet AND Real Estate Services 2214 Hanselman Ave, Saskatoon (306) 952-0222 Dale Lemke
Rock Creek Tap & Grill (Stonebridge) Restaurants 210-3020 Preston Ave, Saskatoon (306) 954-4220 Wes Dennis The Rotary Club of Saskatoon Non-Profit Organizations PO Box 1454 St Main, Saskatoon Wayne Storozuk Start Fresh Media Advertising / Public Relations AND Marketing / Market Research (306) 717-5585 Mark Zielke Ukrainian Catholic Episcopal Corp of Saskatchewan Non-Profit Organizations 214 Avenue M S, Saskatoon (306) 653-0138 Cornelia Kyba Village Guitar & Amp Co. Retail 432 20th St W, Saskatoon (306) 652-8422 Stephanie Canfield Warm ‘n’ Cozy Care Home Inc. Health Care - Services / Supplies AND Health & Fitness 502 Paton Cres, Saskatoon (306) 261-5688 Safal Suryavanshi zu Technology 200-303 Pacific Ave, Saskatoon (306) 653-4747 Bonnie Clark
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