VOLUME 26, NUMBER 12, 0834-2011
DECEMBER, 2011
Rob Blackie John Vatcher Allan Hawco & Perry Chafe Take The Shot Productions Inc.
IN THIS ISSUE: •Bridging the generation gap •Amazing Membership Race 2011 •Festival 500
Are you a non-accounting concentration student or graduate in the workforce that now prefers to have a professional accounting designation? CMA Newfoundland and Labrador offer the Accelerated Bridging Program with a distance option, that enables you to obtain the prerequisites to write the CMA National Entrance Exam. For 5 years running, 95% of the Fall Accelerated Program graduates successfully passed the CMA National Entrance Exam! Now that’s preparation and a huge success story! The Certified Management Accountants of Newfoundland and Labrador are also proud to announce the new Executive CMA Program. The Executive CMA Program is an unparalleled opportunity for experienced senior business leaders to gain a professional management and accounting designation. The part-time program is pursued alongside an intimate group of peers within an expedited, yet flexible, timeframe. The CMA Accelerated Program is an extremely challenging endeavor that I thoroughly enjoyed and found ultimately rewarding. It required significant commitment, but provided an excellent grounding in accounting and an indispensable basis on which to prepare for the CMA National Entrance Exam. The instructor, Jacques Maurice, was very knowledgeable and possessed that rare ability of explaining complex concepts in simple terms with humor and example. The program requires discipline, but for serious students the rewards are substantial! Sincerely, Keith Matthews, MBA, CMA
HURRY: the January 2012 Accelerated Program session registration deadline is December 14th, 2011! Be sure to visit www.BecomeaCMA.com and contact our office as soon as possible for your CMA pathway evaluation.
Contents IN THIS ISSUE Business News is a monthly publication of the St. John’s Board of Trade. Reproduction of any material contained in Business News is permitted provided written approval from the St. John’s Board of Trade. Articles and criticisms are invited, but opinions expressed by contributors do not necessarily represent those of the St. John’s Board of Trade. 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. Editor: Printed by: Layout:
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CHAIR’S MESSAGE FEATURES
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KEEPING CURRENT
Alisha Morrissey British Group of Companies Roxanne Abbott
ST. JOHN’S BOARD OF TRADE EXECUTIVE Jo Mark Zurel Steve Power Denis Mahoney Sharon Horan Derek Sullivan Sherry Walsh
COVER STORY
MEMBERSHIP
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Chair Senior Vice-Chair First Vice-Chair Second Vice-Chair Immediate Past Chair Secretary-Treasurer
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kim Keating Dallas Mercer Jeff LeDrew Bill Mahoney Brenda O’Reilly Karen McCarthy Dorothy Keating Des Whelan
STAFF Nancy Healey Jennifer Chaytor Shari Palmer Margie Davis Alisha Morrissey Craig Ennis Wanda Palmer Jackie Bryant-Cumby
Chief Executive Officer Manager of Finance and Compliance Business Affairs Manager Sales Manager Policy Research Analyst Vice President of Policy and Communications Events Marketer & Administrative Coordinator Member Relations Administrator
St. John’s Board of Trade 34 Harvey Road P.O. Box 5127 St. John’s, NL A1C 5V5 Canada Tel: (709) 726-2961 Fax: (709) 726-2003 E-mail: mail@bot.nf.ca Website: www.bot.nf.ca
Cover photo credit: Ian Vatcher
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with deep Newfoundland roots. In production currently is a feature length music documentary about Great Big Sea frontman Alan Doyle as he undertakes his first solo record, a feature documentary about comedian Shaun Majumder’s crossCanada stand-up tour, and a documentary series about a community re-vitalization project in Burlington, Newfoundland. Most exciting for the moment, though, is the kick off of the third season of Republic of Doyle, just around the corner. Premiering on CBC Television in January 2012 is the explosive season opener with an appearance by two-time Oscar-winner Russell Crowe.
Photo Credit: Ian Vatcher
n 2007, Allan Hawco, Rob Blackie, John Vatcher and Perry Chafe pulled the trigger on a dream venture in the very risky business of entertainment. Born of the desire to develop television and film projects in their native Newfoundland, the foursome started Take The Shot Productions Inc., hoping their collective skill sets and respective backgrounds in acting, writing, directing and producing would pay off. And did it ever: the result is Republic of Doyle, their most well-known production to date. One of the most successful series in Canada, the multiple Gemini Awardnominee continues to grow in popularity and has since been exported to more than 100 countries around the globe. With such an impressive league of fans, the producers have had to step it up a bit in satisfying a demand for Doyle “stuff”. Aside from the DVDs, t-shirts, hats and pint glasses fans can purchase in stores and online, Take The Shot recently evolved the Doyle brand in a new direction for export: publication. November saw the nationwide release of the very first Doyle book,
“The Definitive Guide to Doyle, Seasons 1 & 2,” written by show writer Kerri MacDonald and designed by graphic artist Mike Mouland. The book was officially launched in front of a standing room only crowd at the Sheraton in St. John’s by local publisher Flanker Press. “Part of the dream has always been to reach out to Newfoundland’s vast untapped talent pool,” says producer Rob Blackie. Executive producer John Vatcher adds, “Partnering with a local publishing house like Flanker was a just another way of ensuring that we continue to grow our industry at home, which is what Take The Shot is all about.” An eye-catching and in-depth look at the first two seasons of the show, The Definitive Guide to Doyle includes a recap of the cases and characters, unforgettable quotes, a centerfold of the beloved and iconic ’68 GTO, a featured locations map of the city and a profile on the real Duke of Duckworth. Four years since it’s inception, Take The Shot Productions Inc. continues its full-on, forward momentum created by Doyle and is fostering new TV projects Photo Credit: Kharen Hill
Sometimes, you just have to take the shot.
Photo Credit: Kharen Hill
Cover Story the republic and beyond...
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Chair’s Message a fond farewell The fact is, these kinds of opportunities might have been available to me at another organization, but they wouldn’t have been the same – or maybe as good – as they were during my year as the Chair of the St. John’s Board of Trade. I’m so proud to have been the leader of this organization as it seems to be coming of age. It’s a time when the organization has credibility in the greater community.It’s a time when what we have to say matters – not just to business owners, academics or politicians, but to the general public. It’s a time when we are hearing our own messages being echoed back to us. I’ve believed in what this organization has had to say for many years, Chair, Jo Mark Zurel but to see and hear others saying the same things, What a year! that our policies are making waves in the ’ve danced an Irish jig at 2:30 in the community, for me that’s the true measure morning. I’ve met with ambassadors of success. from far off lands moments after But then, being the chair at this attempting – and failing – to make organization has been easy. executives at a major North American The staff and volunteers work hard and so brand laugh at their own silliness. well together. They’re so committed. They I’ve talked with ministers – federal and produce amazing ideas and initiatives and provincial – but work until the phone call they achieve from an elderly “The fact is, these kinds of results. It’s lady, who said an honour opportunities might have been she liked one of to have my available to me at another my television name lumped interviews, in with organization, but they wouldn’t meant more. those of the have been the same – or I’ve given directors’, speeches, maybe as good – as they were ambassadors’ interviews and and staff of during my year as the Chair of lectures on the Board of the St. John’s Board of Trade.” topics I really Trade. care about, and This year topics I know we’ve made you really care about. progress on municipal and provincial When making phone calls to new members policy goals, we saw the investment in I made at least two deals for my own the St. John’s International Airport that company. The Board of Trade makes these we’ve long asked for, we’ve survived two kinds of connections into two-way wins. election campaigns and finally jumped
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on the online bandwagon, setting up social networks to better connect with our membership. One goal we didn’t meet this year was one that is dear to my heart. We have certainly built the foundation for our youth engagement strategy and we’ve started making strides, but as it turns out we really needed more than one year for this old boy
to turn this club around. We do have a younger membership taking an active role. We are building relationships with post-secondary institutions and holding a greater diversity of events (paintball anyone?) and I have no doubt work on this plan will continue as I leave the post in Steve Power’s capable hands. Steve Power, your incoming chair, is so dedicated. He has a brilliant mind, and combined with his effervescent personality, he’ll be a force when it comes to representing the Board of Trade. And if you ever want to tell him that he’s doing a great job, you can’t miss him; he’s almost always the tallest guy in the room. The St. John’s Board of Trade truly is a living and breathing organization; one that is always striving to find solutions to insurmountable problems and to reach seemingly unreachable goals. To all of you, members of this original social network, thank you for making my year as chair an amazing experience. I look forward to serving as your immediate past chair next year, so don’t start cracking jokes at my expense just yet as I’ll still be around to hear them. 3
Feature wheels that heal “It does your heart good. We wish we could do more.”
to undergo chemotherapy or radiation treatment as a reward for their bravery. “We set aside the last Sunday every month and our goal is to give the kids
royal treatment on The Party Bus just a few weeks ago. They went on a shopping spree at Future Shop and were pleasantly surprised when the Party Bus showed up
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ou only have to be part of one Child’s Wish and it makes you realize that many of the small things we worry about in our lives are insignificant. Seven-year old Amber Lynn is just 35 pounds and was surprised by Valerie Geary of Children’s Wish when she showed up in the Party Bus to take her to The Miss Teen Achievement Awards. “Valerie, Valerie, my first time on the Party Bus I love it… Valerie, Valerie, this is better than Florida,” Amber Lynn excitedly said as she held firmly on to the dance pole. The same night, two other girls - sisters of four-year old Zachary, who would start treatments at the Janway the next day – were picked up and brought to the same event. It’s a much needed night Markus’ Wish out for the girls, as for two weeks the family will be by his side as he begins a something to look forward to when they battle no boy his age should ever have to get out of the hospital.” endure. Just a couple of months ago, Carter Rod Sheppard, co-owner of The Party Fitzpatrick, Bus, says the company is a five-year heavily involved in charity old from and stands by its belief that Marystown, it will never say no to a had his sick child. celebratory “When you see these ride after sick children, who are so three and a thankful to get a ride on half years the Party Bus, it humbles of chemoyou. To think that in some therapy. way we helped put a smile “It was on that child’s face or awesome. relieved some stress on When can the parents for a short time we do it means everything to us.” again?” In addition to providing he asked individual requests for his Mom. help, The Party Bus has Another its own in-house charity boy, Markus called “Wheels that and his Heal,” which offers a family from free pizza party for the Stephenfriends and family of any ville, all Carter and Brady Fitzpatrick child in Newfoundland enjoyed the and Labrador who has 4
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as their ride unannounced. “We never expected this,” his dad said with a smile. Keith Culleton, Party Bus co-owner, often drives for the events, describes the work the Party Bus does as a privilege. “As a company we don’t make a whole lot of money. We do our best to pay the bills each month like many others I am sure, but being able to do something for the children that are sick and in some cases dying, makes it all worthwhile. It does your heart good, we wish we could do more.” In addition to Children’s Wish, the Party Bus is a supporter of Big Brothers Big Sisters, Camp Delight (for children and families battling cancer), the Janeway, and many more charities and organizations. For more information about “Wheels that Heal,” or the Party Bus, please contact Rod Sheppard 727-8928.
Business News
Feature laws of attraction By Daniel MacEachern Reprinted with permission from The Telegram
Is Newfoundland and Labrador an attractive place to live?
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he economic importance of answering yes to that question lies in the years ahead as the province looks to fill more than 77,000 job vacancies generated through retirements and major industry projects coming on stream. The recruitment and retention of workers, especially young ones, was the focus of a half-day workshop at the Sheraton Hotel led by author and speaker Rebecca Ryan, an expert in next-generation challenges in the workplace. The workshop and luncheon were a joint venture of the St. John’s Board of Trade and Junior Achievement of Newfoundland and Labrador. Mixing humour and anecdotes - including one about a failed baton relay by the U.S. track team during the Beijing Olympics - Ryan explained the ways in which the next generation of workers differ from the waves of employees that preceded them. “If you want to backfill those 70,000 jobs that are going to be available over the course of the next few years, you are going to need to know how the next generation thinks, and what they value, and how to make a message that is going to resonate with them,” she said. Drawing on her consultancy firm’s interviews with more than 50,000 young workers, Ryan said among the main differences is that the next generation
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of workers are putting off traditional adulthood milestones - marriage, parenthood, house ownership - and have decided where they live is nearly as important as where they work or what they do. “It’s not just because they’re being petulant, or because they can. In large part it’s because they’ve seen what’s happened to the employer-employee contract, and they know that jobs may be temporary. We’re going to more contract work than we’ve ever had before, so the first loyalty
is not to the job. It’s not to the employer. A generation ago, it had been work first; everything else comes later. But for our next generation of citizens, they’re trying to figure out how to build a big life, and work is a part of it.” Quality of life is something that can be quantified and revolves around seven main factors, said Ryan: cost of lifestyle, career opportunities, the health and vitality of a community, learning opportunities, ease of movement around - and out of - town, social capital, and after-hours entertainment options. Towns and cities that score well on those factors attract young workers, in turn boosting performance and growth in those communities. After her talk, Ryan said St. John’s measures up well in some categories, but not so well in others. December 2011
“Very competitive in after-hours - I think very competitive in the learning index - and this is unscientific. We haven’t looked at your data. I would say that the cost of lifestyle is on a trend that needs to be closely watched, because it could be getting out of sight for young college graduates,” she said. “I’m also concerned, I put a little orange flag by your aroundtown index, because I think as you guys continue to grow, that is going to be more and more of a challenge. With respect to the vitality index, I’m really not sure. I haven’t had a real chance to look at your park and trail map. I know that you have a lot of hiking trails available; I want to see the interconnectivity of it. And I know that transit, in terms of around-town, it’s a real car culture. I heard the bus referred to as the ‘loser cruiser,’ so I know that’s probably a bit of a challenge as well.” St. John’s Board of Trade chairman said Ryan’s work was inspiring. “What I really took away from it was she took a totally balance scorecard of our communities, of what attracts people to them, things like the cost of living, things like what you do after hours when you’re not working,” he said. “She looked at the total offering that a community has to bring people into it and retain people. So when we look at Newfoundland and Labrador, her comment was that we’re in a great position right now, but that just like the U.S. Olympians, the 4X100 relay team, they had the best team on paper but they dropped the baton in the qualifying race. And what we need to do is find a way of engaging the next generation and working with them on their terms because we can’t expect the world to change to adapt to our way. “So if we want to be able to attract and retain people to enter the workforce as we have retirements, we need to be able to provide a city and a province that’s going to be attractive to them.”
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Feature ambaSSador colUmN Jamie Gilfoy
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n February 2008 I moved to St. John’s from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia to represent Progress Magazine in Newfoundland. I didn’t really know many people in the business community, and decided to get involved with the Board of Trade. I attended as many of the networking events as I could, which I will admit was daunting at first, as I didn’t know anybody in the room. But by continuing to show up, and chatting with the Board staff and Ambassadors, it wasn’t long before I started to expand my network and relationships. A year into my membership, I became an Ambassador myself. Being an Ambassador has been not only a blast, but has played a direct role in building new business relationships with really great people.
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Joining the St John’s Board of Trade and becoming active in the Ambassador Program have been instrumental in developing my business network since I moved to St. John’s; I would recommend anybody interested in doing the same, to do the same. And now, after three years with the Board of Trade, I will be moving to Moncton to go back to school. I would like to thank everyone I had the pleasure of working with and meeting during my time with the Board. James Prescott Gilfoy Progress Magazine & Progress Oceans Tech Magazine www.progressmedia.ca
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Feature ambassador column Michelle Simms
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s I write this Ambassador’s column, I am a little saddened as I know that this month will be my last with the Ambassador’s team. It’s hard to believe that I have completed my two-year term with the team. This position has been a very rewarding one, both from a personal and a professional perspective. Personally, I have built upon my communication, interpersonal and leadership skills. This position involves a high level of interaction with members and plenty of opportunity for skills development through events and educational seminars. I have also grown my leadership skills by chairing the Ambassador’s team for the past 12 months, a position that I have thoroughly enjoyed. Professionally, I have added tremendous value to our organization’s membership. I have been able to grow my business network extensively;
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meeting investors, bankers, sales professionals, entrepreneurs and politicians all of whom could provide value to my clients. In addition, it has raised our profile in the business community. Board of Trade staff and directors are a dedicated group of people that commit to improving the business environment in St. John’s and area. They are easy to work with and are eager to help you learn. Become an ambassador today, it’s an experience that you will not regret! Michelle Simms is the Manager, Incubation Services at Genesis Centre (GENESIS Group), Memorial University’s business support network for high-growth, technology focused ventures. For more information on the Genesis Centre, contact Michelle at (709) 864-2683 or visit www. genesiscentre.ca.
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Feature festival 500 Advancing our culture and advancing our economy
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he numbers are in and Festival 500 Sharing the Voices, Chair Harry Connors reports for the 2011 International Festival & Symposium, held July 6-13, shows outstanding contributions in support of artistic and academic excellence, and in new tourism spending.
“In total, Festival 500 attracted 1,672 visitors from outside of Newfoundland and Labrador, including visitors from ten countries and four provinces of Canada, says Connors. “Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency conducts a detailed analysis of the tourism activities of our visitors, and this study shows that these festival visitors generated $1.5 million in new tourism spending and contributed $909,000 to Gross Domestic Product.” In addition, the festival generated some $1.6 million in operational spending, supporting room rentals, transportation, audio-visual and production, among other sectors. The 2011 Festival & Symposium attracted participants from Indonesia, Philippines, South Africa, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States, as well as British
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Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Nova Scotia in Canada. “Equally interesting and important,” says Connors, “is the distribution in visitor numbers: 713 visitors were choristers, 166 were individuals
accompanying the choirs, and 793 visitors were audience members, that is 793 individuals vacationed in Newfoundland in order to attend the festival. That really makes us excited, because it means we are making major inroads in the brand and identity of the festival as a ‘must-see’ event for out-of-province visitors.”
Festival 500 attracts a very high-quality tourism visitor, says Connors, with attractive disposable income. “Looking at statistics from the provincial Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, non-resident tourists spend, on average, $790 per visit. In 2011, Festival 500 choristers and and those accompanying choirs spent, on average,
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$1,098 per visit. Our 60-70 symposium visitors were even more impressive, as they spent, on average, $1,200 per visit.” The tourism numbers are “the icing on the cake of Festival 2011, which brought an outstanding artistic and academic line-up to our province,” said the Festival Chair. “With featured performances by the Finish a cappella international recording sensations Rajaton, who performed selections from their acclaimed ABBA show with full Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra, and the incredible stunning choreography, singing and drumming of the Indonesian Children & Youth Choir, Festival 500 2011 edition left our audiences calling for more, and we intend to deliver.”
Planning is advancing quickly for the next Festival 500, to be held July 3-10, 2013, with the Phenomenon of Singing Symposium July 7-10, 2013. “We promise that our next festival, our ninth edition, will be our best ever.”
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Feature expert tips for a successful event “Failure to plan on your part does not make things urgent on mine” is one of my favourite quotes.
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here are many pieces of a puzzle that need to be put together to ensure the success of a meeting, conference or event. Here are a few guidelines to help your next meeting or event be a success … Keep the registration area organized– it is one of the first areas that your attendees
will see. Alphabetize name badges, keep the area clean and have helpful staff ready to greet delegates. Have directional signage so that attendees know they are in the right place. Make sure there is a wastebasket in the area as well to keep the area tidy. Make sure you can read the name on the name badge – they help your delegates connect to one another and it encourages networking. Avoid using stick-on nametags; print them in advance with the first name of the person on the top line in a large font (48 point Arial Bold is a good one) and put other information in a 36 point font and avoid fancy fonts. Keep your agenda posted – attendees want to know what’s happening and when. Display the agenda in one of several ways: have it on a PowerPoint slide as you walk in the room; have it on a foam core sign by the registration desk; print it on paper and insert it in the name badge for quick reference. Be aware of the physical needs of your attendees – let them know where the restrooms are, ensure there are enough chairs for everyone, there should be coffee Business News
if it’s a morning meeting; water or ice cream if the day is hot. Embrace technology! Have you ever wondered why some of the people who registered didn’t show up – maybe it’s because they forgot! Use e-mail and social media like Twitter and Facebook one week prior and then again two days before the event to remind people about the event. Mobile apps can help with schedule changes and event promotion, not to mention the cool factor your organization will have. It can also engage attendees throughout the event and let people know what’s going on now and what’s coming up next. Consider using Quick Response (QR) Codes for your next meeting – this is a two-dimensional bar code and is readable
by smart phones. They can be used on attendees name badges to help attendees network. You could use a QR code to link to you Agenda, a guest speaker biography or link to another relevant site (eg. the speakers Twitter site). Make sure that your expectations have been made clear to your speakers and entertainment – ensure that details such as arrival time, payment, audio visual support, content of speech, how Q&A will
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be handled are written down and agreed in advance. Get their cell phone numbers and make sure they have yours. Get expert advice in areas you aren’t familiar with – such as audio visual, trade shows, decorating or entertainment. These people do this every day and will smoothly steer you through everything that you might not normally be aware of. Being prepared to plan for the unexpected can help a meeting planner get a good night’s sleep, secure in the knowledge that they have thought through the event in every detail. But always remember – expect the unexpected – it’s just around the next corner. And, how you handle it will show just how good you are! Lorraine Ennis is the director of sales for Eastern Audio. For over 35 years Eastern Audio has been creating successful events throughout Newfoundland and Labrador; events that have been professionally produced, supported by our advanced technical team, and have exceeded our clients’ expectations.
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Keeping Current policy matters
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ow that the election is over, Cabinet is appointed and priorities are getting made for Budget 2012, get up to speed on our provincial advocacy priorities. Why we’re advocating on these topics, what we want, and potential solutions that might help. Debt: The global economy is in trouble partially because of government debt. We don’t want that to be the case in Newfoundland and Labrador. What we want: The Board is asking for political support, regardless of party affiliation, to push for and secure a specific debt reduction plan that takes the province to 2015. The plan should include timelines and target debt levels with clear indication of the contingency plan if timelines and targets are not met. Potential solutions: • Immediately adopting the policy that fiscal growth within government will be limited to growth in the larger economy, measured by a tool such as CPI or another well established inflationary instrument • Invest all surpluses in paying down our $16,000 per capita debt • The province will perpetually be in debt if it continues to correct the changes in financial markets on behalf of public sector pension plans; this
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requires government taking immediate and specific action to reduce future exposure to the province’s public pension liabilities. Demographics: Demographics will permeate every policy and spending decision for the foreseeable future. The demographic challenge cannot be solved in the short term, but actions must be taken in the short term to control what we can. What we want: Government cannot get overwhelmed with the demographic wave it is facing; it must implement sustainable solutions. Businesses need to secure a consistent labour pool. Government actions must be targeted strategically at this objective. Potential solutions: • Provincial transportation strategy: Ensure that it’s easier for the welder in Deer Lake to go to Long Harbour than it is to go to Fort MacMurray. • Reduce taxes on jobs: While this will reduce government revenues in the short term, the tens of millions in payroll-related taxes could be used by employers to increase wages and make new hires for the private sector; that money is more needed and better spent in communities and will result in increased employment and increased wages. This is one area where government can cut revenues for a positive and sustainable result.
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Start with low-hanging fruit: Expats already have an attachment, international students in our postsecondary system are learning our culture, and we already have older people moving back who can provide skills and knowledge. • Control what we can: - Spend within our means today and pay off the long-standing and crippling public debt before our discovered oil runs out. - Put serious resources into diversifying the economy. - Concentrate business succession on building and supporting future local business leaders, with realistic solutions for entrepreneurial education and financing. Diversification: We need to be ruthless in our pursuit of economic diversification, because people in other parts of the world are being aggressive in locking in their future prosperity. What we want: To be well-positioned when the oil runs out. There is some concern about the foundation of our fiscal house being built primarily on resource revenue. Potential solutions: • Generate a definitive and specific Diversification Strategy that publicly outlines which industries will receive support as sustainable job and wealth drivers into the future and
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Keeping Current policy matters •
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put ambitious resources, efforts and timelines behind such a plan. Increase the $341 million resource sector allocation in the budget to more closely reflect what those resources bring in and how much investment they receive. Concentrate investments in education, attracting immigrants, and enhancing our venture capital market. Introduce mandatory training on enabling economic diversification, consistent with the government’s commitment to ensure that public officials are knowledgeable and responsive to business needs in its election document.
What we want: An overarching strategy to direct the development of transportation resources under provincial control, those jointly managed with other levels of government, and those managed on behalf of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians at the federal level. Potential solutions: • Support the vision of the Department of Transportation and Works by holding a three-day transportation strategy roundtable with experts and senior representatives of all
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transportation modes from the private sector, other governments to put in place the framework for the comprehensive transportation strategy. Specific, measurable workplans of one, three, five and 10 years should be created for each mode of transportation in the province – air, marine, rail and road. Ensure that the Arctic Gateway strategy is a major component of the provincial transportation strategy as a new growth opportunity.
Arctic Gateway: Canada’s Arctic will be vital to the country’s long-term economic future. Newfoundland and Labrador is ideally positioned to be a major winner in Arctic development. What we want: The St. John’s Board of Trade wants the Government of Canada to adopt the policy resolution it passed at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, to generate a specific and ambitious National ‘Gateway to the Arctic’ Strategy. Potential solutions: • An all-party resolution from the House of Assembly calling on the federal government to officially designate Newfoundland and Labrador as the Eastern Arctic Gateway. • A joint delegation to Ottawa between the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the St. John’s Board of Trade and the Labrador North Chamber of Commerce to lobby aggressively for the Eastern Arctic Gateway designation to: - The Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities - The Minister of Foreign Affairs - The Minister of Industry Transport Strategy: Considering the geography of the province and the economic opportunities that can be developed here, coordinated transportation is vital to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Business News
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Feature choosing an accountant Starting a new business venture, growing your current business, tax issues that you do not understand?
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hatever your circumstances, when you reach the stage in your business life where you require the services of a professional accountant, there are many factors you should consider. First and foremost you should ensure that you are engaging a
professionally trained accountant. In Newfoundland and Labrador professional accountants possess the professional designations of Chartered Accountant (CA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA) or Certified General Accountant (CGA). These individuals will have received formal training and the relevant experience to meet your needs. Furthermore, these individuals will be governed by their respective professional associations which require their members to meet high practice standards through continuing
DISCREETLY TUCKED AWAY IN THE SHERATON HOTEL NEWFOUNDLAND
Kim Mayo, CA is Director of Members’ Service/Practice Advisor with The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Newfoundland. Prior to taking this position, Kim spent 15 years in public practice providing assurance services to a wide range of clients.
Call for reservations: 726-4980 12
Kim Mayo professional development and practice inspection. Before engaging any professional accountant you must ensure you have a clear understanding of what your needs are: What level of assurance do you require? What do the users of your financial statements expect? Will you need tax return preparation? Do you need tax planning assistance? While all professional accountants have received formal training and relevant experience, consideration should also be given to the experience the individual has with your type of business and the resources the individual has available to him/her. Professional accountants are exposed to a variety of industries and types of businesses throughout their careers. Finding an individual who has experience relevant to your type of business will help meet your needs. Making the right decisions when choosing a professional accountant will mean you have chosen a valuable resource for your business and someone who will ultimately become a trusted advisor throughout the life cycle of your business.
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Register now Reserve your table
Congratulations to the recipients of the 2010 Business Excellence Awards!
Celebrate Member Achievements! December 7, 2011 Convention Centre 12 – 2 pm Purchase a full table and save! Table of ten: $650 Half-table: $330
Holiday Inn St. John’s CIBC Coast Broadcasting Ltd. Telelink Call Centre Inc. Newfoundland Labrador Liquor Corporation Dynamic Air Shelters Ltd. Jumping Bean Coffee Company Newfoundland Chocolate Company Anne Squires
*Individual tickets: $67.50. Ask about non-member rates.
To book your tickets call Wanda at 726-2961 ext. 9 or email events@bot.nf.ca.
Lead Today FOR THE BEST TOMORROW
Photo by Kevin Kroeker – www.ontherockphotography.com
Experience an event that unites business leaders. Build your knowledge and your network at two distinct business events – the annual Outlook Conference and Trade Show. Information and opportunities you need to hear about! Book your tickets today. Contact Wanda Palmer at 726-2961 ext.9 or email events@bot.nf.ca. DESIGNED & PRODUCED
Trade Show Thurs. Jan. 26, 2012
Outlook Conference delta Hotel 10am - 5pm
Thursday, January 20, 2011 John’s Hotel and Conference Center The Delta Trade St. Show is a great opportunity to showcase your products and services to decision
makers in the St. John’s business community. We are over 80% sold so book now. Prices vary by size and location of the booth. Contact Margie Davis at 726-2961 ext 2 or mdavis@bot.nf.ca to book.
outlook conference Thursday Jan. 26, 2012 delta St. JohnÕ s Hotel and conference centre AGENDA 8:00 – 8:25 am
Registration and Continental Breakfast - Harbour View Lobby
8:25 – 8:35 am
Welcome and Opening Remarks
8:35 – 9:25 am
Derek Burleton Vice President and Deputy Chief Economist, TD Bank Financial Group
9:25 – 10:25 am
Don Mills President & CEO, Corporate Research Associates Inc.
10:25 – 10:50 am
Trade Show Nutrition Break
10:50 – 11:20 am
TBD
11:20 – 12:30 pm
PANEL - Moderator TBD Zoe Yujnovich – President & CEO, IOC Hege Rogno – Vice President, Stat Oil
Trade 12:30Show - 1:00 pm
Board of Trade Annual General Meeting Thursday, January 20, 2011 -2:00 pm Trade Show Lunch Main1:00 Ballroom and Crush Lobby 2:00 – 3:30 pm
Lyn Heward Director of Creation for Cirque du Soleil
3:30 – 4:00 pm
Hon. Tom Marshall Minister of Finance, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
4:00 pm
Closing Remarks SIlvEr SpoNSorS
This is a one day event you don’t want to miss. Book your tickets today!
Keeping Current around the board Voting on policy amendments at the CCCAGM.
Small Business Week
Keith Peters of Russell Metals won a signed Gretzky jersey with his lucky plate. Association for New Canadians mixer.
Breakfast with the chair.
Nancy Healey gave opening remarks at the Business Bootcamp.
Wayne Gretzky and Frank McKenna answered questions for the crowd.
We co-hosted a Business Bootcamp with Stewart McKelvey
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December 2011
Business News
Keeping Current around the board
Costco provided a yummy lunch for our Weight Watchers lunch and learn.
Warren Jestin Scotiabank’s chief economist
Our Lunch and Learn fell on Hallowe’en so we had a couple of ghouls around the table. Business News
December 2011
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Keeping Current amazING mEmbErSHIp racE
ReMax United Inc.
Referral Rewards Program Wayne Davis Exit Realty on the Rock
Paul Thomey That Pro Look
Andrea Brocklehurst Plato
Ian Chaytor Colour
Chris Sparkes Delta Hotel - Fortis
Joyce Randell British Group
Brenda O’Reilly O’Reilly’s Irish Newfoundland Pub & Yellowbelly
Cathy Bennett Bennett Group of Companies
Thank you for your referrals
Alex TPI
Explos
Travel ADP
ive Med
ia
St. John’s Ice Caps
You receive a $50 gift certificate towards your first automatic service and $20 off your purge pricing from Shred Guard PROFESSIONAL LAW CORPORATION
Benson·Myles is a firm providing a full range of legal services to its clients, including; Real Estate; Wills and Estates; Employment and Labour law; Corporate and Commercial; Administrative Law; Wrongful Dismissal; Civil Litigation; Personal Injury
Office Hours:
Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:30pm Evenings & Weekends by appointment 24 Hour Voicemail
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December 2011
Benson·Myles provides a full range of legal services to individuals, corporations and a variety of agencies and organizations
Business News
Keeping Current amazING mEmbErSHIp racE
Healing Expressions
Redbins
Apparel Solutions International
In the
Box M edia
Promo tions
Food munity ion m o C e iat Th Assoc g in r a Sh
Business News
December 2011
Blinds &
Drapes
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Keeping Current amazING mEmbErSHIp racE
St. John’s Elk
s Lodge 245
Stog gers
Pizz
a
Millicent Hicks TD Waterhouse
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December 2011
Business News
Keeping Current amazING mEmbErSHIp racE
Peter Kie wit
Infrastru cture Co .
n
AlexTPI
tio George Street Associa
Wh!nk
Your Personal Travel Consultant YYT.MCO.YYZ.LAX.PUJ.FRA.OGG.YHZ.CUN.FLL.JFK
Alex Victorino
Independent Travel Consultant
All Inclusive Vacations l Airline Tickets Coach Tours l Car Rentals l Group Travel Travel Insurance l Corporate Travel
Contact Alex for Personalized Vacation Planning
(709) 691-2539 avictorino@tpi.ca
www.AlexTPI.ca
Business News
December 2011
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Keeping Current amazING mEmbErSHIp racE
Healthy Balance Something Borrowed Something Blue
GOSS GILROY INC. Management Consultants Conseillers en gestion
Providing human resources and business planning services to the private, public and non-profit sectors. UÊ Õ > Àià ÕÀVià ÃiÀÛ Vià UÊ ÛiÀà ÌÞ « > } and monitoring UÊ 7 À « >Vi ÛiÃÌ }>Ì Ã UÊ Û> Õ>Ì Ã v « V ià and programs UÊ -Ì>Ì ÃÌ V> `>Ì> > > Þà à UÊ « Þii > ` ÃÌ> i `iÀ Ê ÃÕÀÛiÞà UÊ V V «>VÌ ÃÌÕ` iÃ
s Ltd. Rebuilt Pumps & Motor Project3_Layout 1 11/15/10 3:25 PM Page 1
401 Empire Ave. St. John’s, NL A1E 1W6 phone: 709-754-2065 e-mail: gginfld@ggi.ca www.ggi.ca
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December 2011
Business News
Membership MEMBERs in the news Perry told the Globe that the utility’s pension fund partners are looking to spend on attractive capital projects and as a result the company is looking at bigger spends these days - up to $5-billion and $6-billion – and may consider partners in those transactions. Fortis had bid $470-million earlier this year for the Central Vermont Public Service Corp. but lost out to a Quebecbased firm.
Congratulations Congratulations to Board of Trade Members Spark Marketing, Upstream Marketing and Memorial University on their big wins at this fall’s ICE awards. Spark took three awards, while Upstream and Memorial each brought one piece of hardware home from the un-dead-themed awards show held in Halifax. Congratulations again to all the winners.
Awards abound
Sharon Horan
Doing it for themselves
Brent Scrimshaw
New Atlantic Lotto CEO announced Brent Scrimshaw, the acting president and CEO of Atlantic Lottery Corporation (ALC) for the last seven months, has been given the job on a permanent basis. Formerly the executive vice-president of brands and channels at ALC, Scrimshaw has been with the Crown corporation since leaving the Canadian Football League in 2006. Scrimshaw had also served in leadership roles with Molson. Sean O’Connor, chair of ALC’s board of directors, said the organization had undertaken a comprehensive search process with the help of Knightsbridge Robertson Surrette and received interest from 76 applicants from across Canada and elsewhere.
Business News
“Savvy, driven and resourceful,” are three words used by Profit magazine in describing Canada’s top female entrepreneurs – and one of them is on our Board. Sharon Horan, president and CEO of FIT For Work, was one of only two female entrepreneurs from this province to make the cut as a 2011 Profit W100. Ranked at No. 95 on the list, Horan is the Board of Trade’s second vice-chair. The other woman from this province to make the list is Gina Tapper, president of Hampton Building Services. The annual ranking looks at company size, growth rate, and profitability. For more on the Profit W100, visit www.PROFITguide.com/W100
Congratulations to John Atkins & Co., a Mount Pearl-based digital marketing company and Board of Trade member, on winning three Davey Awards (two gold, one silver) from the International Academy of Visual Arts. The awards recognize the efforts of small firms, the Davids versus the Goliaths of the marketing world. The websites being awarded are the Downtown St. John’s site (www. downtownstjohns.ca) and the Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador website (www.hnl.ca). Over the past year, the two websites have also been nominated for a Webby award (often referred to as the Academy Awards of web design) and an Atlantic Internet Marketing award.
Fortis focuses on U.S. market Fortis is looking at an aggressive expansion in the United States according to media reports out this month. Chief financial officer Barry Perry is quoted in the Globe and Mail saying that Fortis could have as many assets in the United States as it does in Canada within the next decade. December 2011
23
Membership industry news Economic outlook Our economy is vastly better off on this side of the border than on the American side, said Scotiabank’s chief economist Warren Jestin at a recent Board of Trade luncheon. Further, Newfoundland and Labrador will lead this country’s economic performance, along with British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan, he said. Jestin talked about how this province is commodity rich in a commodity poor world and as a result that will help reduce the impact of the poor economy. “We are betwixt and between the developed world and the emerging world,” he said, “and the emerging world
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is increasingly driving our economic opportunities.” Unsurprisingly, Jestin said the biggest challenge in the next five years will be labour and infrastructure needs. The problem will be particularly acute here as the population ages, and health care costs increase.
APEC Outlook 2012 Board staff, directors and alum spent some time recently hearing about the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council outlook for 2012. Here are some highlights of what we learned: • There is no single solution to increasing oil exploration in the province • NL is a Canadian leader in exports as a share of GDP when oil is accounted for, and lags behind when oil is excluded
December 2011
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Finding and keeping labour is going to be an issue in the coming years, particularly with low net immigration numbers Doing more with less will be the new way of doing business.
St. John’s leads the country in home renos Nearly 48 per cent of homeowners surveyed in this province for the CMHC’s look at home renovations did some sort of reno on their home in 2010. The survey, which shows that homeowners in this country spent nearly $23 billion on renovations in 2010, noted that this province had the highest rate of home renovations of the 10 cities polled, followed closely by Halifax and Ottawa at 47 per cent and Winnipeg at 46 per cent. The survey also showed that about 50 percent of those polled will be doing at least $1,000 in renovations in 2012.
Business News
Membership member profiles
Founded in 1989 and headquartered in St. John’s, NL, Atlantic Business Magazine is an independently owned, bi-monthly glossy publication that covers all areas of business within the four Atlantic provinces. As the region’s highest circulation business magazine, we publish a minimum of 37,000 copies per issue. Our flagship issue of the year is our annual salute to corporate leadership excellence: the Top 50 CEO awards. Nominations for the 2012 Top 50 CEO awards can be submitted online at atlanticbusinessmagazine.com. Nominations close December 31, 2011.
OnX Enterprise Solutions is a global enterprise data center solutions provider with a suite of end-to-end solutions including the industry’s leading Federated cloud solution offerings. The company designs, builds and manages complete data center environments comprised of multi-vendor offerings in four core areas – hardware and software solutions, cloud and managed services, digital and application services, and professional services. Over the past 18 months OnX has expanded into Atlantic Canada, and now has offices and resources in St. John’s, Halifax, Saint John, Fredericton and Moncton. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, OnX has a team of more than 500 IT professionals and revenues of more than $750 million. www.OnX.com
Business News
At MAX, our philosophy revolves around constant progress, and striving to reach your maximum potential, regardless of age. We offer dance, music, theatre, basketball, volleyball, martial arts, bowling, fitness and conditioning, corporate health and wellness, a therapy clinic, after-school program, and a variety of birthday party packages. It’s a commitment to excellence that extends outside of the class and into your everyday life. With the top instructors and best facilities, we’ll bring you to your MAX. For more information, call 733-7330 or visit yourmax.ca
Milestone Promotions specializes in organizing and marketing events for businesses, corporations, musicians and non-profit organizations. Attention to detail and an extensive knowledge of the event management and non-profit sectors are the competitive edge that helps ensure the success of YOUR event. Through strategic consultation and engagement with the client – you have the best of both worlds. You can focus on your own responsibilities and still feel engaged in YOUR event. Milestone Promotions has experience working with all kinds of organizations and all kinds of events from one-on-one consultations to one of the largest festivals in the province. Do you have an event that you would like to make a Milestone? Call 746-3023 or visit www.milestonepromotions.com
Festival 500 Sharing the Voices is a registered charity whose main focus, since its inception in 1997, is to contribute to provincial economic development and nurture cultural identity. Festival 500 Sharing the Voices consists of five major components: The St. John’s Festival July 3rd-10th, 2013. The Phenomenon of Singing International Symposium July 7th-10th, 2013. The Labrador Festival February 23rd-26th, 2012. The Western Regional Festival – TBD Rural Outreach Concerts. Held in the days leading up to the St. John’s festival. For more information visit http://www. festival500.com
December 2011
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Membership new members Red Bins Inc.
Healing Expressions
David Cotten, Owner/President 875 Indian Meal Line Portugal Cove, NL A1M 3E6 P: 709-763-3867 davidcotten@gmail.com info@red-bins.com
Karen Hanlon Founder/Executive Director C/O 20 Connors Place St. John’s, NL A1E 1X8 P: 709-743-1442 kehanlon@nf.sympatico.ca
Peter Kiewit Infrastructure Co. Frank D. Smith, Director Strategic Initiatives 215 Water Street, Suite 505 St. John’s, NL A1C 6C9 P: 709-733-7000 F: 709-733-7001 frank.smith@kiewit.com
AlexTPI – Travel Professionals International Alex Victorino, Independent Travel Consultant 52A Discovery Cres. Paradise, NL A1L 3E9 P: 709-691-2539 avictorino@tpi.ca
Apparel Solutions International Perry Giles, Manager East Coast Operations 10515-111th St. Edmonton, AB T5H 3E8 P: 709-765-9903 F: 780-434-6103 perrygiles@nf.sympatico.ca
St. John’s Elks Lodge 245 Murray Wells, President P.O. Box 23064, Carpasian Road St. John’s, NL A1B 4J9 P: 709-722-0095 F: 709-722-1852 shirleymurray2010@hotmail.com
TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. Millicent Hicks, Retirement Coach 140 Water Street. 8th Floor TD Building St. John’s, NL A1C 6H6 P: 709-758-5015 F: 709-758-5000 Millicent.hicks@td.com
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December 2011
Business News
Membership new members Fireside Catering Ltd. Val & Jeff Tiller, Co-Owners 28 Relay Road Mount Pearl, NL A1N 5A6 P: 709-746-0832 firesidecatering@nl.rogers.com
Explosive Media Inc. Lloyd Nash, CEO P.O. Box 3194 Paradise, NL A1L 3W3 P: 709-782-2300 F: 709-782-2304 Lloyd@explosivemedia.ca
Something Borrowed, Something Blue Andrea Hounsell, Owner 17 Cherry Hill Road St. John’s, NL A1A 1X2 P: 709-754-8220 F: 709-754-4960 info@somethingborrowedsomethingblue.org
The Community Food Sharing Association Inc.
Rebuilt Pumps & Motors Ltd. (RPM Limited)
In The Box Media Promotions Inc.
Sean Bishop, President 27 Goff Avenue, Unit 2 Carbonear NL, A1Y 1A6 P: 709-596-1270 F: 709-596-1290 rpmlimited@yahoo.ca
Robert King, V.P. Operations 37 O’Leary Ave, 2nd Floor St. John’s, NL A1B 2C8 P: 709-722-3939 F: 709-722-3930 Robert@itbpromotions.com
Robot Interactive & Marketing Limtied
Stogger’s Pizza (DWD Enterprises Inc.)
Aaron Dawe,Client Services 40 Aberdeen Ave., Re/Max Building Suite 005 St. John’s, NL A1A 5T3 P: 709-765-1045 F: 709-722-8881 aaron@gorobot.ca
Shannon & Jon Drover, Proprietors 77 Harvey Road St. John’s, NL A1C 2E9 P: 709-579-7864 F: 709-754-0840 Email address: Shannon@drover.ca
Re/Max United Inc.
Wh!nk Enterprise Inc.
Keith Bradbury, Broker / Owner 862-866 Topsail Road Mount Pearl, NL A1N 3J7 P: 709-364-8848 F: 709-364-8915 keithbradbury@nf.sympatico.ca
Kim Sparkes, Owner 118 Duckworth Street St. John’s,NL A1C 1E8 P: 709-754-7676 F: 709-754-9676 kimsparkes@whink.com
Egbert (Eg) Walters, General Manager P.O. Box 6291 21 Mews Place St. John’s, NL A1C 6J9 P: 709-722-0130 F: 709-722-1611 Egbert@bell.blackberry.net
ADP Shelley Furlong, Sales Consultant P.O. Box 21373, 155 Torbay Road St. John’s, NL A1A 2H0 P: 709-335-7642 F: 709-335-7641 Shelley.furlong@adp.com
Comfort, convenience and a quality you can trust.
Pool
•
Fitness Centre
•
Hotel Suites
•
Business Floor
Downtown Corner Brook • 1-800-399-5381 • www.greenwoodinn.ca
Business News
December 2011
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Membership new members Re/Max United Inc.
Blinds and Drapes Etc.
New World Fitness
Tammy Griffin, Realtor 862-866 Topsail Road Mount Pearl, NL A1N 3J7 P: 709-728-8826 F: 709-364-8915 tgriffin@remax.nf.ca
Adam Stead, Co-owner 35 Stavanger Drive St. John’s, NL A1A 5E8 P: 709-738-2024 F: 709-738-2048 blindsanddrapesetc@gmail.com
Pat Watkins-Roberts, Sales & Marketing Consultant 644 Topsail Road St. John’s, NL A1E 2E2 P: 709-368-3422 F: 709-368-3455 pwroberts@newworldfitness.com
Literacy Coalition of Newfoundland & Labrador
Healthy Balance
Mark Young, Communications Coordinator Fall River Plaza, 272-276 Torbay Road St. John’s, NL A1A 4E1 P: 709-738-7323 F: 709-738-7353 Email address: myoung@literacynl.com
St. John’s Ice Caps Glenn Stanford, COO/Governor 100 New Gower street Cabot Place Suite 801 St. John’s, NL A1C 6K3 P: 709-576-2277 F: 709-576-6546 glenn.stanford@stjohnsicecaps.com
Tara K. Antle Nutritionist/ Business Owner 100 Elizabeth Ave., Suite 106 St. John’s, NL A1B 1S1 P: 709-722-9555 F: 709-722-9553 tara@healthy-balance.ca
George Street Association Seamus O’Keefe, Executive Director P.O. Box 7301, Station ‘C’ 127B Queen’s Rd, # 103 St. John’s, NL A1E 3Y5 P: 709-722-7634 F: 709-722-7606 sokeefe@georgestreetlive.ca
Diamond Global Recruitment Group Inc. Audrey Guth, President The Business Suites, 510 Topsail Road St. John’s, NL A1E 2C2 P: 416-730-0029 F: 416-730-8963 a.guth@diamondglobal.ca
Swagger Steve Emberley, President 120 LeMarchant Road St. John’s, NL A1C 2H2 P: 709-726-7924 F: 709-726-7488 semberley@swaggerpromo.ca
Key Assets Newfoundland Ltd. Heather Modlin, Provincial Director P.O. Box 2336 120 LeMarchant Road St. John’s, NL A1C 6E7 P: 709-579-1624 F: 709-579-2477 heather.modlin@keyassetsnl.ca
Onx Enterprise Solutions Ltd. Teresa French, Enterprise Account Manager 8 Centennial Square P.O. Box 997 Mount Pearl, NL A1N 1E0 P: 709-725-7053 F: 613-224-6259 Teresa.french@onx.com
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December 2011
Business News
At Newfoundland’s only Lazare dealer. Where else but Diamond Design?
Churchill Square, 754-9497 www.diamonddesign.com Extended Christmas Hours: Monday—Friday: 9am-8pm; Saturday: 9am-5:30pm