In This Issue Welcome to Performance Contest Entries Desk Yoga What’s Happening?
Rig-n-Dig June 2011
S
Message from Management
Message from Management Exciting times lay ahead for Savanna. Brad Carlson, Savanna’s Contract Manager for Drilling in Canada discusses Savanna’s future endeavors and exciting new challenges. energy services…” The new TDS 3000™ platform is proving to be quite popular with customers operating in medium depth areas, and we are scheduled to continue developing this portion of our fleet. Additionally, there are many training initiatives happening throughout the company, and our people continue to develop at all levels. Regardless of your position with Savanna, I encourage you to get out and learn about as many elements of our company as possible. It will enable you to see what a great place it is to work, understand how you play a role in our success, and maybe even inspire you to consider how you can shape the future of your career here. In our tenth year of operations, Savanna remains strong and our utilization rates continue to improve with a better economic climate. As we expand our fleet and develop our staff, we continue to solidify our reputation as one of the best energy services operators in Canada and beyond—“The path for others to follow”. Have a great summer enjoying the hard work you’ve put in, and be confident that there are many exciting times to come.
Our people “ and our rigs are
in high demand
“
This time of year, when break-up is typically ending and the summer months are beginning, is a great time to focus a little more on family, vacations, and enjoying the warm weather. The summer is a busy time for us work-wise, but it is also a good opportunity to enjoy some of the things we work hard for. This year, as you take your holidays and relax with friends and family, be confident knowing that when you return to work refreshed and ready to go, there will be many exciting challenges and opportunities waiting. From a sales perspective, Savanna is running along quite nicely. Our people and our rigs are in high demand thanks to everyone from our Rig Managers, Sales Teams, and Leasehands, across to our Receptionists, Purchasers, and AP and AR groups. We function as a team, and we succeed and fail as a team, and right now things are running well. Moving through Q2 and toward Q3, the possibilities for deploying our rigs in virtually all regions are very promising. The demand for our equipment and our people is strong and I encourage all of you to continue to embrace and personify our vision of “Defining leadership in global
Brad Carlson, Contract Manager for Savanna Drilling in Canada
1800, 311 6th Avenue SW Calgary, Alberta T2P 3H2 Phone: 403 503 9990 Fax: 403 267 6749 info@savannaenergy.com Savanna Energy Services Corp. is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:SVY) For current stock information, visit tsx.com or savannaenergy.com
Rig-n-Dig June 2011
Rig-n-Dig is published by Savanna Energy Services Corp. as an information vehicle for our employees and for our community. Suggestions and contributions are welcome and encouraged. Editor/Publisher: Janine Tannahill 403 267 6739 jtannahill@savannaenergy.com Managing Editor: John Bayko 403 781 9999 jbayko@savannaenergy.com
In This Issue
Message from Mgt. page 2 Welcome to Performance page 3 Savanna Contests page 5 What’s Happening? page 6 Canadian Benefits page 8 Desk Yoga page 9 D & D Profile page 10 Last Page page 11
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June 2011
Welcome to Performance
Savanna Welcomes Performance On June 01, employees from Performance Services Ltd. began operations under the Savanna Well Servicing name. To complete the transaction with Performance took approximately eight weeks and we are pleased to have the employees from Performance now working with us. In recent months, Savanna Well Servicing has grown by 61 per cent with the confirmed Performance Services Ltd. and the anticipated Silverstar Well Servicing Ltd. transactions. Silverstar is currently in the hands of their shareholders; however, it is hoped that Savanna will have confirmation of this acquisition by the middle of July. In the meantime though, Well Servicing is very busy integrating new personnel and equipment and very pleased to be welcoming Performance employees to our well servicing division. Performance Services Ltd. is a well servicing company operating 16 service rigs in the Alberta regions of Brooks, Grande Prairie, Whitecourt and Red Deer, as well as Lloydminster on the Alberta/ Saskatchewan border. Originally founded in 1996, Performance moved their head office to Calgary during its purchase in 2004. With an excellent safety record, new equipment and experienced, long-term personnel, Performance Services Ltd. is a perfect fit with Savanna and our existing well servicing division. From start to finish, it took approximately eight weeks to complete the transaction with Performance. During this time, an evaluation of the company was completed, equipment inspected, and the Board of Directors from both companies consulted. On a regular basis, Savanna identifies companies that may be a good fit with our existing personnel and fleet. Brad Kingston, General Manager and Vice President of Operations for Savanna Well Servicing, says “we go through an exercise to identify companies we [Savanna] would like to purchase if the opportunity is brought to us—Performance was in our top three”. Lucky for Savanna, the opportunity to purchase Performance did arise and a deal was struck. When an offer to purchase a company is made, Savanna does a more thorough evaluation of the company to, among other things, ensure they are a good fit culturally, which means there is a good “people fit” and a belief that they will be in alignment with our vision and values. The next step is to inspect their equipment in the field to make sure it is in good condition and there is a fit with our fleet. Finally, the company’s existing client base and relationships are evaluated. Knowing if a company works with the people Savanna does is advantageous from a relationship perspective as rapport has already been established. Performance, for instance, worked with many of the same clients Savanna does, plus they have a good market share in Brooks, Alberta. On the flip side, if a company works with good customers that we don’t currently work with, new opportunities can be created. “In the industry,” says Kingston, “we hear about which companies are doing well, which companies have good rigs, good people and that sort of thing.” Good reports were heard about Performance—including its high utilization, new equipment, and good, long-term employees. After all the due diligence is done, and if the company looks like a good fit, a price is negotiated before it is taken to Savanna’s Board of Directors. If the purchase is still viable, an offer is made.
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Performance Profiles For many of Performance’s office staff, doing just one job was not in their job description—as you will see from some of their profiles!
From left to right: Tracy Patton, Steve Turner and Marilyn Turner Tracy Patton, Accounts Receivable Began working for Performance in January 2008 Job Description: My position with Performance was accounts receivable specifically, with a wide variety of administrative roles as well. We wear a lot of different hats in a small service company like Performance. I was also involved in our Spira implementation in 2009 which was an incredible success, and a valuable experience. How have you found the transition to Savanna? I have found the transition to Savanna a very positive experience! Everyone I have encountered has been so welcoming and supportive. I have already been included in meetings and rig tours, not to mention the energy the Savanna ‘team culture’ presents is very encouraging. What are you looking forward to most working with Savanna? I believe I am looking forward to the opportunity to learn about the drilling side of energy services and to contribute in a collaborative team environment, while on a steep learning curve, as well as offering the skills I have developed to the company vision. Steve Turner, Technical Services Manager Began working for Performance on a full-time basis in 2007 Job description: I take care of anything that has electricity going to it, so all computers, phones, PDA’s, photocopiers, website work, as well as going out to rigs in the field and working on their laptops, plus any other odd job that needs doing such as coordinating office moves, meeting with vendors and changing toilet rolls. As I have said many times before “I am I.T.”
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Welcome to Performance At this point, the offer must be approved by the company’s shareholders before the deal can be approved (the point at which Silverstar is at). Shareholder approval can take about three to four weeks, and if the shareholders approve, the deal is closed and the integration of the two companies begins. As mentioned, through the transactions with both Performance and Silverstar, Savanna’s well servicing fleet will grow by 61 per cent. This not only solidifies Savanna as the fifth largest well servicing provider in Canada, but also creates more opportunities for employees throughout the company. Kingston says the acquisitions “have brought about a restructuring of Savanna Well Servicing and created new positions. Opportunity exists for all employees at all levels.” The mergers also create “stability for all employees, shareholders and the people we work with,” continues Kingston. As of June 01, Performance began operating under the Savanna Well Servicing name. “All
employees interested in coming to Savanna have been offered positions with us” states Kingston. All 75 field employees have moved to Savanna field locations and office staff will be making the transition to Savanna’s Calgary head office during the floor relocation. In the field, the transition went smoothly with very little rig down time. All field personnel will stay with the rigs acquired from Performance, but they may change later depending on what works best for the crews. As the rigs from Performance are very similar to Savanna’s current rigs (they’re actually very similar to Savanna Well Servicing’s conventional rigs as they were built by the same manufacturer) there should be no problem with legacy crews switching back and forth. And as the rigs have an average age of approximately five years, no refurbishment work is required—“[they are] good to go as they are,” grins Kingston. Culturally, Performance and Savanna align very closely. Kingston says he knew a lot of
profiles continued....
And some of the field guys from Performance!
▶How have you found the transition to Savanna? The transition to Savanna has been smooth, exciting and welcoming. Everyone that I’ve spoken to is eager to have us on board. What are you looking forward to most working with Savanna? The thing that I’m looking forward to most is Savanna’s treatment of employees. I see that everyone who works for the company is well taken care of and has many opportunities for advancement and for bettering themselves. This looks like a great company to be a part of. Marilyn Turner, Corporate Controller Has been with Performance since its purchase in December 2004 Job Description: Corporate Controller How have you found the transition to Savanna? The transition is going well and I have been gratified by the welcome and willingness to accommodate our staff displayed by Savanna What are you looking forward to most working with Savanna? I believe that I am going to be moving more into the drilling division and look forward to learning more about this side of the industry. Naomi Wiens, Payroll Administrator Began working for Performance about four and half months ago Job Description: Payroll and more! How have you found the transition to Savanna? The transition has been great. Everyone’s been really friendly and helpful! What are you looking forward to most working with Savanna? I am looking forward to the things you can do with a big company, like the Corporate Challenge, and meeting a lot of new people.
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people at Performance through past working relationships and believes both companies are a good match. “A lot of people [from Performance] have worked for us in the past, so I knew they had a lot of the same values as we do. Companies we compete with regularly for the same customers are companies that operate in a similar manner to us,” says Kingston. The addition of Performance and the pending addition of Silverstar is exciting news for Savanna. The past ten years has seen the coming together of many great energy service companies and the addition of Performance and Silverstar is no exception. The Savanna family is excited and pleased to welcome employees from Performance and we look forward to sharing our next ten years of energy services with you.
June 2011
Savanna Contests
Charity Contest Entries There is only one month left before the first draw is made for the “Give and You Shall Receive All-Star Trip Giveaway and Extravaganza”! Send your entries to savannacharitycontest@gmail.com for your chance to win or see Savnet for more information. This month’s entries are from Tammy Wagner and Bill Wilson. Tammy Wagner Tammy Wagner from the D & D Oilfield Rentals office in Redcliff, Alberta, recently received an award for her participation and involvement with the Medicine Hat Skating Club. Tammy has volunteered her time with the club for 12 years as a Test Chair and Registration Person at three different skating competitions. She also assists the club by coordinating the music for ice time events.
Tammy Wagner with her award
Bill Wilson Bill Wilson, Area Manager for Savanna Well Servicing in Carlyle, Saskatchewan, is coach to the local under ten girls’ ball team. Team Carlyle 2 recently competed in the Borderline League Championships where they came first. The championships were held on June 19 at the Lions Park in Carlyle. Prior to the Championships, the team had played very well and finished in second place. After winning against Alameda and Oxbow, they advanced to the final against Lampman where they took home first place in their division.
Coach Bill Wilson (middle of back row) and his under ten ball team
Photo Contest Entries
Messa at Sunset; submitted by Allen Krahn
The White Rabbit; submitted by Vlad Bilkun June 2011
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What’s Happening?
What’s Happening? Baby News
Congratulations to Savanna Business Analyst Kevin Geddert on the arrival of his baby girl, Olivia Rose. Born on May 13 at Canmore General Hospital, Olivia weighed eight pounds, five ounces. Mum and baby are doing great and big brother James is happy to have a little sister.
Nice Hat!
Greg Wallingford, Savanna’s ARI Sales Rep for The Woodlands office, is pictured here in a Savanna hat. Greg recently completed the Great Wall Marathon in China in a time of six hours and 29 minutes.
Weyburn Oil & Gas Show
D & D Oilfield Rentals participated in the Weyburn Oil and Gas Show held on 01 and 02 June. At the show were D & D Sales Representative Greg Fehr, D & D Southeast Saskatchewan Sales Representative Leon Gilbertson and D & D Area Manager Laurel Muri (pictured).
Just Landed
Rig 407 has just landed Down Under. After a 35 day ocean journey from Canada, the team in Australia picked up Rig 407 from the port and took it to its new home. This photo shows the rig being unpacked and getting ready to go.
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June 2011
What’s Happening?
The guys continue working as the tour group strikes a pose! Back L-R: Peter McNamara, Crystal Cruz, Naomi Wiens, Karen Piggott and Nathan Greener Front L-R: Alanna Youngblood, Sandra Quintero, Judy Huynh, Deanna Huckabee, Venesa Zunti, Crystal Chan, Junaid Malik, Kara Sewell and Karen Kirkeby
Judy Huynh and Crystal Chan
Working in the Field
Venesa Zunti
During a well servicing rig tour on June 23, some of the staff from Head Office decided to try their hands at working in the field. Some of the experiences included operating the block, throwing the slips in the hole, operating the pipe on the catwalk and even carrying one of the large 60 inch pipe wrenches. A great time was had by all with valuable information learnt along the way. Many rig tours have been held during the month of June and we would like to thank all the field offices for being such gracious hosts. The tours have proved a valuable training tool and given our office staff insight into the field. Thank you to HR for coordinating the tours and we look forward to more next year!
Kara Sewell and Naomi Wiens
Conventional Rig Tour hosted by Dave Hoogendoorn. The group (left) is standing on the floor of Rig 654E which is under construction.
Kara Sewell (right)
Photo courtesy of Kristi Osmond June 2011
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Canadian Benefits at a Glance
Illness or Injury Coverage Have you found yourself needing to take time off work due to an illness or injury? Your employee benefits through Great West Life may cover your lost income due to accidental injury, hospitalization, illness or disease. Great West Life offer both Short Term and Long Term Disability insurance for any non-work related illness or injury. What is Short Term Disability insurance? After three months of continuous employment, Savanna employees are eligible to enroll for Short Term Disability insurance payments. Short Term Disability insurance covers you for time off work due to accidental injury, hospitalization, prolonged illness or disease. A waiting period does apply in some instances before you are eligible to receive the benefit. How do I apply for Short Term Disability insurance? Once the waiting period has passed or is about to pass, you may apply for Short Term Disability insurance. An application can be made by contacting your Benefits Administrator who will explain the process and forward the necessary documentation to Great West Life. Great West Life adjudicates all claims and communicates their decision directly to the applicant (you). If you have not worked continuously for three months with Savanna or if Great West Life rejects your Short Term Disability application, you could apply for Employment Insurance (EI). This can be done either online or through the nearest Service Canada office. For further information or to apply for EI, please visit www.servicecanada.gc.ca and look for “Employment Insurance”. Short Term Disability insurance breakdown: Waiting Period
for Accidental Injury: None for Minimum 24 hours Hospitalization: None for Illness or Disease: 2 weeks (14 days)*
Weekly Insurance Benefit
for Salaried Employees: Weekly benefit of 60% of weekly earnings to a maximum of $2000 per week for Hourly Employees: Flat weekly benefit determined by occupation category
Maximum Insurance Period
17 weeks (119 days)
Tax Status
Non-taxable benefit Taxable for coverage during rig shut-down
*No insurance is available during the 14 day waiting period
What is Long Term Disability insurance? Long Term Disability insurance covers you for time off work greater than 17 weeks (119 days) due to prolonged disability. Employees are covered by Long Term Disability insurance from their first day of work and may apply or be transferred through Great West Life. Long Term Disability insurance breakdown: Waiting Period
17 weeks (119 days) from disability date
Initial Assessment Period
The waiting period plus the next 24 months of disability
Monthly Insurance Benefit
Monthly benefit equal to 66.67% of the first $3000 of monthly earnings plus 50% of the remainder to a maximum total of $15000 per month
The disability period ends on your 65th Benefit Period birthday or when you no longer meet LTD requirement—which ever is earlier Survivor Benefit Tax Status Termination
If you pass away while on LTD a lump sum equal to 3 times your monthly benefit will be paid to your named beneficiary Non-taxable benefit Taxable for coverage during rig shut-down When employment ends or age 65
What about work related illness or injuries? All work related illness or injury claims will be adjudicated through the Workers Compensation Board. Employees should also apply to Great West Life. Please contact your Benefits Administrator for more information.
t fi e n e B n a i The Caneapdartment D
If you have any questions, please contact your Benefit Administrator: Corporate: Flora Santos, 403.267.6772, fsantos@savannaenergy.com Savanna Well Servicing and D & D Rentals: Sylvia Sargeant, 403.214.5950, ssargeant@savannaenergy.com Savanna Drilling: Adiel Rautenbach, 403.267.6779, awrautenbach@savannaenergy.com
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June 2011
Desk Yoga
Yoga at Your Desk by Stacey Tetz Kramps, Field Recruiter
Following on from last month’s ‘Yoga at Your Desk’ article, here are a few more moves to keep the mid-afternoon sleepies and sugar cravings at bay. Remember to drink plenty of water before, during and after the exercises to help flush excess toxins from your body. You should also consult your doctor if you have any concerns about trying these moves. If you are wearing high heels, you should take them off before starting. Eagle Arms Stretch your arms straight forward, parallel to the floor. Cross your arms in front of your torso so the right arm is above the left, then bend your elbows. Snug the right elbow into the crook of the left, and raise your forearms perpendicular to the floor. The backs of your hands should be facing each other. Next, turn your hands so your palms are facing each other. Press your palms together (as much as is possible for you), lift your elbows up, and stretch the fingers toward the ceiling. Hold for 15-30 seconds and then repeat on the other side.
Head to Chair Sit in any comfortable position (wide angle, straight-legged, or cross-legged) in front of a chair. Place your forehead on the chair, on your hands, or on books or blankets piled up on the chair seat (whichever is most comfortable). If your hands are not under your forehead, allow your arms and hands to rest on the chair seat above your head (as shown). Your back can be rounded. As you breathe in and out, allow your body and mind to relax just a little bit more. You may stay in this pose as long as you like.
Shoulder Rolls Sitting upright, breathe in as you lift your right shoulder to your ear. Breath out as you slowly roll your shoulder around and back, dropping it away from your ear. Continue these shoulder rolls three more times, alternating right and left. Now, breathe in as you lift both shoulders up to the ears. Breathe out as you release them. Repeat five times and then relax your shoulders.
Resources: Pizer, A. (2010). Yoga you can do at work. Yoga Journal. Retrieved April 24th, 2010 from Yoga Journal website: http://www. yogajournal.com About.Com. (2010). Yoga at your desk. Retrieved from http:// yoga.about.com/od/yogasequences/tp/deskstretches.htm Ladies Home Journal. (2010). Yoga at your desk. Retrieved from http://www.lhj.com/health/fitness/yoga-at-your-desk/ June 2011
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D & D Profile
D & D’s Brian Tobler Brian Tobler is the Shop Foreman for D & D’s Redcliff location. He discusses his role with D & D and how he has seen the company evolve during the past decade. So far, the Rig-n-Dig has profiled the Operations Managers for D & D Oilfield Rentals in Redcliff and Lloydminster, as well as D & D’s Sales Representative and General Manager. This month, the Rig-n-Dig is profiling Shop Foreman Brian Tobler from D & D in Redcliff, Alberta. As Shop Foreman, Tobler is responsible for much of the day to day running of the Redcliff shop. He ensures that all D & D’s rental equipment is ready for customers when they need it; assists with the modification of equipment for customer needs; orders parts and equipment on an as needed basis; and takes calls from new and existing D & D customers. Another large part of his position is working with D & D employees to create a safe working environment within the yard and shop. Tobler began working for D & D in January of 2000. Prior to working for D & D, Tobler spent 15 years working on drilling rigs and moved through the ranks from Floorhand to Tool Push. Tobler states that what he enjoys most about his position at D & D is the fact that he has
“a great bunch of people to work with”. He also finds the industry to always be changing and he is constantly learning something new. When he is not working at D & D, Tobler enjoys riding his Harley Davidson motorbike and spending time with his family. Tobler owns a Heritage Softail Classic and when asked where he likes to ride he replies: “anywhere, it doesn’t matter”. Tobler has three children: stepdaughter Chelsea who is 18, son Branden age 14 and daughter Tabetha age eight. When reflecting on his time with D & D Oilfield Rentals, Tobler sees no one moment as being his most memorable. He has enjoyed all his time with D & D, but credits being a part of D & D’s growth from a single bay shop to what it is today, as an aspect he has enjoyed the most. “D & D is always evolving and trying something new” says Tobler, “[today we have a] broader range of equipment and more of it…and a greater customer focus”.
Brian Tobler, Shop Foreman for D & D Oilfield Rentals, Redcliff
D & D is always “ evolving and trying
“
something new
CONTACT: Calgary, AB - 1.403.267.6737 Medicine Hat, AB - 1.877.548.2700 Lloydminster, AB - 1.888.875.5171 Weyburn, SK - 1.306.577.3324 Swift Current, SK - 1.306.750.1675 info@ddoil.net www.ddoil.net
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June 2011
Last Page
Wanted: Homes for Kittens! Stacey Tetz Kramps has some kittens who are in need of a home. They are black or grey in colour with the occasional white patch. All the kittens have been vaccinated and are available for pick-up at any time. If you are interested in adopting a kitten or would like more information, please contact Stacey Tetz Kramps, at 403 718 7003 or stetz@savannaenergy.com. A small donation of $30 (or what ever you would like to give) is the only asking price.
Savanna’s annual Photo Contest is back for another year! The theme this time around is Action & Motion. Entries can be print or digital images. Digital images must be submitted at the highest resolution possible to savannaphotocontest@ gmail.com. Printed photos can be given to Janine Tannahill (15th floor) or John Bayko (17th floor). Prizes are up for grabs for first, second and third place, with the best from each month’s entries printed in the Rig-n-Dig. Entries will be judged based on composition and relation to the theme.
The competition begins now and closes September 30!
June 2011
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“There is No health, without mental health.�
May is both Mental Health Week and North American Occupational
Safety and Health Week. Canadian Mental Health Association would like
to remind everyone, that occupational safety and health includes mental wellbeing and psychological safety in the workplace. Mental
Health Practices
Safe
Work Environment
Physical
Health Practices
Canadian Mental Health Association can provide you with:
Information on mental health or mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety
Referral services to help get you connected with local resources Information sessions such as stress management, work-life balance, and budgeting
Training programs such as Mental Health First Aid, or Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training[
Gently used clothing, household goods, furniture and books at
the thrift store, The POST at 410 South Railway St SE. Proceeds support CMHA.
To find out more about CMHA, training programs, our support groups, free resource lending library, or to donate, please go on line to www.ser.cmha.ab.ca or stop by the office at:
#204, 1865 Dunmore Rd SE, Medicine Hat.