St. John's Board of Trade Business News Feb//March 2016 by St. John's Board of Trade

Business News

MEET 2016 CHAIR

DES WHELAN

FEBRUARY/MARCH: 2016

VOLUME 31: #1

I 0834-2016

table of contents

Kristina George Communications & Advocacy Specialist Rhonda Tulk-Lane Policy & Advocacy Specialist Lori Colman

Business Affairs Manager

Jackie Bryant-Cumby Member Relations Administrator Brendan Hagerty Labrador & Labour Market Specialist Renee Tizzard-Kearley Manager, Finance & Compliance 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 www.bot.nf.ca

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Articles and criticisms are invited, but opinions expressed by contributions 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.

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Reproduction of any material contained in Business News is permitted provided written approval from the St. John’s Board of Trade.

Cover Story..........................................................................................................................................................2 Chair’s Message................................................................................................................................................3 Member Spotlight - Escape Quest..........................................................................................................5 Upcoming Events......................................................................................................................................6 - 7 Working For You................................................................................................................................................8 Your Executive.........................................................................................................................................9 - 10 Your Board of Directors................................................................................................................... 11 - 13 Bullet Proof Your Business.......................................................................................................................14 Grow Your Business.....................................................................................................................................15 2016 Business Summit..................................................................................................................... 16 - 19 New Ambassadors..............................................................................................................................24 - 25 Member Profiles...................................................................................................................................24 - 25 What Are You @.............................................................................................................................................29 On The Job........................................................................................................................................................30 Around the Board................................................................................................................................34 - 36 Member News.......................................................................................................................................37 - 38 New Members................................................................................................................................................. 39 Feature Editorials Accommodating Persons with Disabilities in the Workplace can be Simple and Affordable........... 21 Resistant? Me?...............................................................................................................................................23 What if Your Life Gets Interrupted?............................................................................................................ 31 Drug Plan Management................................................................................................................................32

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Business News is a publication of the St. John’s Board of Trade.

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FEBRUARY/MARCH: 2016 VOLUME 31: #1

Meet your new Chair move away from Newfoundland and Labrador if they wanted to work. Here at home, people who graduated with me with degrees, were taking jobs as receptionists and front desk staff, just to get their foot in the door, if they were lucky. “We got through those slow periods, and thanks in large part to our oil and gas and mining industries, this province has prospered. The key now, as businesspeople, is we need to learn to work through the ebb and flow of the economy. The future is indeed very bright, but we have to understand past that brightness could be another trough that we will need to get through, so we will have to plan to ensure we get our business through that.”

Des Whelan addressing a recent graduating class of Keyin College.

After several busy boom years for businesses operating in and around St. John’s, you would think that Des Whelan would be a little apprehensive about assuming the role of Chair or the St. John’s Board of Trade for 2016.

Whelan admits 2016 will be a tough year for businesses and the Board of Trade. “I have never been one to back away from a challenge,” he says. “I look at this year, just like I look at my business. There are

what it takes for business to succeed and will be a strong voice for our business community,” says Keating. “He is an active community volunteer and gives one hundred and ten per cent to everything he gets involved with. Our membership will continue to be his top priority.”

‘Motivated to make this a better place’ Whelan was born in Corner Brook and grew up in Pasadena, on the province’s west coast until high school, when his family moved to St. John’s. He graduated from Gonzaga High School in 1986 and attended Memorial University, graduating in 1991 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Business. Des worked briefly at the House of Assembly, before joining Keyin College initially for a two-week contract doing project research in 1994. He stayed there until 1999.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Your incoming Chair is fully aware of the challenges facing businesses in a province so dependent on revenue from its natural resource based economy. Housing starts are down, oil prices continue to drop, and the City of St. John’s most recent budget has many Board of Trade members upset over tax increases. Add to that the fact that the Provincial Government started off the year with a net debt forecasted at $2 billion and our working population continues to shrink, as health care costs rise. It could all seem pretty daunting for the spokesperson of the largest business advocacy organization in the province. Not so. In fact, Whelan is full of optimism, as he takes over as the 41st Chair of the St. John’s Board of Trade. “We’ve been here before, we have dealt with tough economic times in the past,” says Whelan. “I remember, when I came out of university in the early ‘90s, there were no jobs. A lot of graduates had to

With wife Kerri and their daughters Sarah and Emma at the Loop.

always going to be challenges, you just meet them in the best possible way. You inform yourself, you get a plan, and you move forward.” Outgoing Chair Kim Keating says the Board of Trade will be in good hands under Whelan’s leadership. “As a business owner, Des understands Read more about your new Chair on Pages 26 - 28 . . .

BUSINESS NEWS FEBRUARY/MARCH: 2016

Chair’s Message We’re all in this together The St. John’s Board of Trade is the most influential and recognized business association in Newfoundland and Labrador, and it is a great privilege to serve as the 41st Chair. Thanks to opportunities that came from this province’s abundance of natural resources, businesses may have become accustomed to a high level of business activity. However, there is no doubt 2016 is going be a challenging year on many fronts. I am a firm believer that there is strength in numbers, and rest assured your St. John’s Board of Trade will be working hard this year to be your voice and to ensure our city and province remain a competitive place to do business. I recall travelling to Labrador City for the East Meets West conference in 2014 with a delegation from the Board of Trade. While one of the main concerns in that community was the restrictions placed on businesses by the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, we also heard from local businesses about the need the be able to ride out the waves that come with living, and operating a business in a resourcebased economy. I didn’t appreciate at the time how much that would apply to our membership two short years later. Despite low prices of oil and iron ore this year, the economy of Newfoundland and Labrador will be tied to both the oil and gas sector and mining industry for many years to come. Perhaps the volatility of these industries does create opportunities to learn, to innovate and to find new ways to be productive. We have to work through the ebb and flow of an economy like ours. While our economic future is indeed very bright and our best days are ahead, we have to create a plan for our businesses to ensure success no matter what the business environment brings. The theme of our recent Business Development Summit and Trade Show

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was How Bullet Proof is Your Business – timely, as we all know it will not be business as usual in 2016. We want our members to make decisions today that will impact their bottom line for many years to come. We want you to embrace new technology and ideas, and to really examine the most effective way to deliver your products and services. We will need to change how we do business if we are to build on past success and weather the tougher times. The business community is the backbone of this economy. The private sector is responsible for nearly 60 per cent of the jobs in this province. But what often goes unnoticed is how businesspeople go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure our city remains a vibrant place to live. Business owners sit on countless boards of organizations doing great work in our community, donate to the arts, and support youth groups, playgrounds, and more charities than I can name. We are important members of the community. We are taxpayers, we are voters, and you can find us at hockey rinks and music halls any day of the week with our children. Besides driving the economy, thanks to the many hours we all put in during the work week, we are much more than what many people perceive – today’s businesses have a social conscience and we are not the old Water Street merchants. There has never been a more important time to be a member of the St. John’s Board of Trade. The bigger our tent, the more impact we can have on decision makers, who have such an effect on our lives through public spending and the management of our resources. We also want to understand the pulse of our members, and always appreciate hearing your comments and concerns. In January many of our members spoke out against tax increases implemented in the

CHAIR

DES WHELAN City of St. John’s 2016 Budget because they were angry. I want our members to know we will always be that voice of reason, even when times are good, because a healthy business environment is always dependent on good governance and accountability. That old adage rings true – there is strength in numbers. At City Hall, Confederation Building or Parliament Hill, you can be assured that I as your Chair, along with the Board of Trade’s talented staff and the dedicated businesspeople who eagerly volunteer to serve on our executive and numerous committees, will continue to work hard on your behalf in 2016. Whether it’s networking at one of our many mixers and luncheons, signing up for programs that save you money, or taking advantage of the many opportunities to promote your business, this is your St. John’s Board of Trade – Let’s make the most of it… together.

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT ESCAPE QUEST

“What is this place?” Since our opening Labour Day Weekend, a week has not gone by where a downtown shopper hasn’t popped their head in just to ask us the most common question surrounding our new business, Escape Quest. The Escape Room industry as a whole is less than 10 years old, so it’s none too surprising that a lot of folks are not yet in the know. . n Escape Room is an interactive A entertainment experience. A group of people enter a room filled with secrets, locks, and mystery. By working together, this newly formed team must track down every clue and unravel the room`s tantalizing tale. Teamwork and communication are key to success, for the group only has 45 minutes to escape out the other side of the room. The constant pressure of the clock, combined with the thrill of each success and the twists and turns as the story unfolds, creates a oneof-a-kind adventure with you and your team as the heroes. . ne of the partners at Escape Quest first O encountered the phenomenon while living in British Columbia, and came home to tell the tale in August of 2014. Needless to say, everyone was thrilled by the idea, and we decided to take a shot at it. Each of Escape Quest`s four partners would spend the better part of the next year bringing our dream into reality, and on September 4, 2015, St. John`s first escape room experience opened its doors at 156 Duckworth Street. . arly in development, our team decided E that the province, and in particular, the city of St. John`s, would feature prominently in the story behind each of our rooms. We are all proud Newfoundlanders, and we wanted our rooms to create a uniquely local and immersive experience for our customers. Our first room, 1892, is set during the city`s greatest disaster, the Great Fire. Groups who enter this scenario find themselves trapped in the jail cells beneath the old Court and Markethouse,

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one of the many buildings destroyed that fateful summer day. Only by working together can they hope to escape this nineteenth century prison before the fire claims them. In Undead on Duckworth, players are thrown into a horrific future, where the island is overrun by zombies. Only by breaking into a lab hidden under Duckworth Street and uncovering the secrets of a local scientist can teams hope to survive. In our third room, The St. John`s Superhero Saga, players take on the roles of superheroes. Their mission: break into our super villain`s lair and defuse his bomb before it detonates, plunging the island into a permanent DarkNL. Our final room, The Impossible Room, is designed to put even our top players to the ultimate test. . hether people win or lose after their W time has run out, our customers are always thrilled when they emerge from the experience. Escape Quest has proven a great location for birthday parties, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and a fantastic new spin on date night. It is as a team building experience, however, that Escape Quest meets its full potential. I.n one of our rooms, success can only be secured through teamwork. There are a vast array of clues, puzzles, and obstacles to overcome, and although the experience is primarily for entertainment purposes, the game requires groups to communicate, prioritize, and play to its strengths. Even people who do not consider themselves skilled in solving problems and puzzles emerge from our rooms feeling accomplished. Some team members spend the bulk of their time exploring the room, scouting out details that puzzle solving players often miss. Other players focus on keeping the group on track, ensuring everyone is working on separate tasks and observing patterns that emerge from various solutions. With the wide variety of obstacles and puzzles, everyone will get an opportunity to contribute. Developing a practical strategy, and successfully and concisely communicating ideas and solutions to the team is vital to success, but most players

are having so much fun, they don`t realize that they are developing these skills in the first place. . e are always happy to see new players W at Escape Quest. Every day we get a customer who was `dragged in` by a friend or colleague, who doesn`t think they will have much to contribute to the game. We always ask these customers what they did when they come out after the game, and they always have a list of accomplishments! We usually see these customers again after a few weeks, too! . scape Quest has had a wonderful first E few months, and we plan on keeping the momentum strong. On top of launching our fourth room, the Impossible Room, this winter, our team is busy preparing new, innovating challenges and games for our customers. More challenging versions or our rooms are in development now, to give players who have completed our rooms another opportunity to play, with all new puzzles and obstacles. We are hoping to do more off-site projects as well, whether this is setting up an escape room experience for a private function, or at larger conventions or festivals. If you and yours are looking for something fun and exciting to try, all while working together, look no further than Escape Quest!

For More Information or to book your adventure contact: Escape Quest 156 Duckworth Street www.escape-quest.ca 709 221- EPIC (3742) info@escape-quest.ca facebook.com/escapequestnl @EscapeQuestNL

upcoming events Lunch and Learn: Success(ion) 2020 - New Perspectives for Boomer SME Owners

Join us for new perspectives on SME succession as we explore the wide-ranging issues and challenges facing SME owners. 60-70% must sell to finance retirement, but few are ready mentally, or financially! 90% have not begun to plan for succession, equity monetization, or retirement - Time is the enemy! The year 2020 presents a critical deadline. Fred Dodd, President, Success(ion) MMX Inc. will help you find out why you must, and how you can, get started to get control of your Future. Date: Tuesday, Feb. 16 Time: 12 – 2 p.m. Cost: $35+HST - member $45+HST - non-member Location: Board of Trade Office 34 Harvey Rd., 3rd Floor

Chair’s Inaugural Reception

We are pleased to invite the entire membership for an evening of celebration and business. Come welcome Des Whelan as the incoming Chair, recognize our many volunteers and sponsors, and enjoy great company, food, and entertainment. Date: Time: Cost:

Thursday, Feb. 18 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Included as a benefit of your membership Location: Johnson GEO CENTRE Sponsored by:

Luncheon: Our Fiscal Future - Continuing the Conversation

Join the Honourable Cathy Bennett, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board, as she outlines the Government Renewal Initiative, and the short, medium and long-term actions planned. Everyone needs to take part in the conversation and everyone has a responsibility to find solutions. This will require an approach that addresses the issues head-on and requires conversations with businesses, communities, stakeholders, and the residents of our province

Let’s Make A Change

Dean and Stan believe that success comes from challenging yourself to always grow and learn. Kinetic, interactive coaching creates an environment for change in ways that stay with you. Come spend a morning with them and learn that you can develop your own change story. Date: Wednesday, Feb. 10 Time: 8:30 a.m. (Registration/Networking) 9 a.m. – Noon (Seminar Sessions) Cost: $60+HST - member $120+HST - non-member Location: Comfort Inn Hotel

Date: Wednesday, February 17 Time: 12:30 p.m. – networking 1 p.m. - luncheon Cost: $45+HST - member $90+HST - non-member Location: Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland

Canada - Newfoundland and Labrador Job Grant: Up to $10,000 to Train New and Existing Employees The Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Job Grant provides employers throughout the province with support to train and up-skill existing and new employees. Through this partnership employers are supported in connecting the right people with the right skills for their operational needs.

Date: Time: Cost:

Wednesday, March 2 9 – 10 a.m. Included as a benefit of your membership Location: Board of Trade Office 34 Harvey Rd., 3rd Floor

Employers can avail of up to $10,000 in government support per trainee. In addition, employers decide which individuals to train as well as the type of training required. An employer contribution is required. Learn more at this informative session.

BUSINESS NEWS FEBRUARY/MARCH: 2016

St. John’s Board of Trade 101

Luncheon: Entrepreneurship

Date: Friday, March 4 Time: 9 – 10 a.m. Location: Board of Trade Office 34 Harvey Rd., 3rd Floor

Date: Wednesday, March 9 Time: 12:30 p.m. - networking 1 p.m. - luncheon Cost: $45+HST - member $90+HST - non-member Location: Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland

Join Anne Whelan, President and CEO, Seafair Capital for an exciting luncheon full of inspiration, opportunity and learning.

Join us for a detailed orientation and refresher on how to get the most out of your membership. Learn about our Affinity programs, networking opportunities, our advocacy work, sponsorships, volunteer opportunities and so much more.

Lunch and Learn

Join Agency 80 and dive in to the world of Social Media for your business. We’ll talk about where you should be, what you should (or should not) be doing, and how it can drive brand awareness and even sales in a tough economic time. Bring your laptops, tablets and smart phones for this interactive session. Date: Tuesday, March 15 Time: 12 – 2 p.m. Cost: $35+HST - member $45+HST - non-member Location: Board of Trade Office 34 Harvey Rd., 3rd Floor

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St. Patrick’s Day Social

Business Portals and The Hardman Group are delighted to celebrate one of the biggest holidays of the year with Board of Trade members. Join us for complimentary hors d’oeuvres, and great networking. Make sure you come in spirit and dress in green! Date: Time: Cost:

Thursday, March 17 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Included as a benefit of your membership Location: 1 Church Hill, St. John’s

working for you

2015 Chair Kim Keating talking to media at the Board’s special meeting regarding the City Budget.

St. John’s Board fo Trade Delivers Firm Message to City Hall January was a busy month for the Board. We met with City Officials to express our members concerns regarding City Budget 2016. Chair Kim Keating delivered real examples of the effects of the city budget on business. The Board and City Officials have agreed to disagree on matters of spending. For example, just how deep the City dug into its own pockets to find cost savings. The Board believes that the City has a spending problem not a revenue problem. 73 per cent of the City’s revenue comes from taxation.1 The business community and residents cannot continue with taxes hikes. It is unsustainable and has to stop. The City has to look internally for cost savings and efficiencies.

Other topics discussed: Introduction of a New Vacancy Tax The Board asked the City to rescind this new tax. Future Engagement Board shared its dissatisfaction with the level of engagement regarding the budget. City Spending Both sides committed to meet and further discuss City spending and cost savings. It is paramount in the coming weeks and months that the Board continue discussions with the City. The Board will not abdicate its responsibility to ensure that the business community is heard and understood by City Hall.

The St. John’s Board of Trade advocates for business-friendly legislation at the local, provincial and federal levels of government. We monitor public policy issues so you can focus on your business, not government regulation. __________________ 1 http://engagestjohns.ca/Budget-2016-18/forum_topics/sources-of-revenue

Approximately 73 per cent of the City’s revenue comes from taxation (residential and business realty tax, water sales and tax, accommodation tax, and utility tax). Other sources of revenue include grants in lieu of tax, sale of goods and services, licenses, permits, fines, rents and concessions, investment interest, interest on tax arrears, and provincial and federal government grants. A side from those sources listed above, are there other revenue sources we should be looking at?

9% 7% 4% 4% 3% 73%

Taxation Other Government Grants Sale of Goods and Services, and User Fees Revenue from Own Sources Assessments and Transfers Grants in Lieu of Taxes

BUSINESS NEWS FEBRUARY/MARCH: 2016

Your Executive DES WHELAN CHAIR

Des Whelan is the president of Keyin College and a partner in TrainingWRX. He has more than 20 years of experience in business with a strong background in management, human resources, training, and technology sales. Des has brought a strategic sales and strong business planning focus to both of his business ventures. Keyin College is a private post-secondary institution with locations in Stephenville, Port aux Basques, Springdale, Grand Falls-Windsor, Lewisporte, Gander, Burin, Marystown, Fortune, Carbonear and St. John’s. TrainingWRX is a start-up company focused on workplace skills enhancement and human capital development. Des is a graduate of Memorial University, with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in economics, and holds a professional manager designation from the Canadian Institute of Management. In addition to the Board of Trade, Des serves as the president of the Newfoundland Labrador Association of Career Colleges, is an executive board member of the National Association of Career Colleges, and an executive member of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Homebuilders Association of Newfoundland and Labrador. Des is also a strong believer in giving back to his community and is involved with funds development in a number of non-profit organizations and was a founding board member of the Newfoundland and Labrador Volunteer Hall of Fame. Des lives in Paradise with his wife Kerri and daughters Sarah and Emma.

DOROTHY KEATING SENIOR VICE-CHAIR

Dorothy Keating is a Partner with Noseworthy Chapman Chartered Professional Accountants in St. John’s which is the largest locally owned chartered professional accounting firm in the province. Dorothy’s career has spanned both public practice and industry and she has been a trusted business advisor for over 20 years, bringing her knowledge to entrepreneurial, multinational and non-profit clients of all sizes in Newfoundland and Labrador. Her primary areas of service to this clientele include audit and assurance, finance, taxation and business advisory services. Dorothy graduated from Memorial University in 1990 with a Bachelor of Commerce degree and obtained her Chartered Accountant (CA) designation in 1992. She was elected as a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Newfoundland and Labrador in 2012 in recognition of her contribution to the community and to the profession. In January of 2015 Dorothy received her FCPA, CA designation on merger of the three accounting professions. Dorothy is currently a Chair of the Association of Chartered Professional Accountants of Newfoundland and Labrador and Board Member of the Faculty of Business Administration Advisory Board. She has been involved in many volunteer and community activities including serving for eight years as a municipal councillor with the Town of Torbay and Finance Chair of Holy Trinity Parish.

ANDREA STACK FIRST VICE-CHAIR

Andrea Stack is a Portfolio Manager and Investment Advisor with The Stack Team at CIBC Wood Gundy. Andrea helps clients navigate the complexities of managing wealth and works with them to provide financial, investment and estate plans tailored to their individual needs. After completing her Bachelor of Commerce degree Andrea worked in Toronto for a few years in the investment industry before deciding to return home to Newfoundland. She completed her MBA at Memorial University and started work as an Investment Advisor in 2000. She is a Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute having completed her Canadian Investment Manager and Certified International Wealth Manager designations. In addition to the Board of Trade, Andrea is a board member with Hope Air and the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation. She is also an active member of the Rotary Club of St. John’s Northwest, having served as Club President in the 2010-2011 Rotary year, and is a recipient of a Paul Harris Fellow, given by Rotary in recognition for her service.

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Your Executive JANIS BYRNE SECOND VICE-CHAIR

Janis Byrne is Chief Legal Officer to the Pennecon Group of Companies. After graduating from Memorial University in 1991, Janis obtained her LL.B from the University of Windsor in 1994, and her LL.L from the University of Ottawa in 1995; she was admitted to the Law Society of Newfoundland & Labrador in 1996. After practising with Poole Althouse in Corner Brook, NL from 1996 to 1999, Janis joined the Pennecon Group, and has been responsible for establishing and managing the legal department. Her practice is primarily corporate/ commercial and real estate. She is a past president of the Canadian Bar Association (NL Branch) and recently served on the Executive Committee of the Canadian Bar Insurance Association, a national not-for-profit corporation, which arranges for the provision of a wide range of insurance products to members of the legal community. Janis served two years as a director with the St. John’s Board of Trade, is a member of the Discipline Committee for the Law Society of Newfoundland & Labrador, as well as a lecturer for the Bar Admission Course (corporate/commercial). She also serves on the Nominations Committee for the Ches Penney Family Y, having previously served for six years on its Board of Directors. Janis was formerly a member of the Rotary Club of St. John’s East, and a Director with the St. John’s SPCA. Janis enjoys yoga, playing golf, travel, and hanging out with her partner, Steve Wedgwood, and their two dogs.

KIM KEATING IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR

Kim Keating holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Memorial University and is a registered member of PEGNL. She also holds her Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) designation and has completed her Masters in Business Administration. With over 17 years experience in the Newfoundland and Labrador offshore oil and gas industry, Kim is currently Vice President Fabrication with the Cahill Group. Kim is an elected alumni representative on the MUN Board of Regents, Chair of the Rhodes Scholarship Selection Committee for Newfoundland and Labrador, is a past president of WISE NL and a founding member of the International Women’s Forum NL chapter.

KENDRA MACDONALD TREASURER

Kendra MacDonald is a Partner in Deloitte’s St. John’s office where she leads the Atlantic Enterprise Risk practice. Kendra is also the Lead Client Service Partner for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, and specializes in the areas of governance, cybersecurity, internal audit and risk management. Throughout over 20 years with Deloitte, Kendra has worked with a number of clients across multiple industries, small and large, public and private. As a member of Deloitte’s National Innovation Council, Kendra is committed to raising awareness around the impact of exponential technologies including: advanced manufacturing, sensors and networks, robotics, cybersecurity, collaborative platforms and artificial intelligence, which can create new and exciting opportunities for businesses in Newfoundland and Labrador. Prior to moving to St. John’s where she now resides with her husband and two children, Kendra has lived and worked in multiple Deloitte offices and countries including Ottawa, Montreal, the US Virgin Islands, Sydney, Australia, Hong Kong and Moscow, Russia. Kendra has been a board member of Lupus Canada for more than 10 years and is currently completing her term as Chair of the Board. She is also the Audit Committee Chair for BioCanRx, a national health charity and a board member of Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Technology Industries (NATI). Kendra is also a graduate of the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto with an Associateship in Piano Performance and Piano Teaching

BUSINESS NEWS FEBRUARY/MARCH: 2016

Your Board of Directors ANDREW WADDEN DIRECTOR

Andrew Wadden is a graduate of Memorial and Dalhousie University and a lawyer with the firm of Wadden Peddigrew Hogan (WPH Law). He has been part of the St. John’s business community since finishing law school in 2002. His experience includes working as an associate in one of the region’s largest firms, as in-house counsel for a large insurance company, and now a founding partner of WPH Law. Andrew was recognized as Valedictorian of his Dalhousie Law class while also receiving the HG Puddester Award for demonstrated academic and leadership ability. In the fall of 2014 he received the Rotary Northwest Aidan Maloney Young Professionals Award, an award aimed at recognizing professionals who are doing great work in their community and who can positively impact their vocations. Andrew is a rower and member of the Royal St. John’s Regatta Committee. He serves on the Clean St. John’s Board, Quintessential Vocal Ensemble Board, and is a former Big Brother with Big Brothers and Big Sisters. He has also taught at MUN in the school of Human Kinetics and Recreation on the legal aspects of recreation and risk management.

KIMPADDON DIRECTOR

Kim Paddon is one of a new breed of business owners. With her signature glasses and passion for pink, this fashionista operates Whink with sense and style. Kim has always been creative and studied to be a graphic designer at Holland College after a year in traditional academia failed to ignite her passion. After graduation, Kim returned home to St. John’s to be closer to her family and began working in retail and graphic design. Kim was helping her Dad find the perfect Christmas present for her Mom, when she stumbled upon her dream business in the form of a gift shop. Over the next few months Whink was created. The shop has been featuring Paddons’ trendy and classic style since May 2010, in the form of locally-made and international jewellery and other beautiful things. Whink has recently expanded into a larger storefront and online shop. Kim loves her horse Kitty, bright lipstick, glitter, and meeting new customers. She lives in St. John’s with her husband Rob Paddon and their beagle Bentley.

MARILYN BUTLAND DIRECTOR

Marilyn Butland has been steering her own business consulting and communications practice for five years, after 13 years in agency work in management and as a partner, and 14 years with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Building on her MUN Bachelor of Commerce (’82) and MBA work, along with certifications in public participation, partnership brokering, and management consulting, Marilyn is a strategic, resultsfocused, professional team player. She has a proven reputation for developing solid relationships in complex situations with people who matter: in mine related projects including start-up plans for Vale’s Long Harbour Processing Plant to owner interests in re-opening Wabush mine; in aboriginal relations for Labrador Inuit business interests and Qalipu Mi’kmaq member rights; and business leadership in guiding firms, entrepreneurs and non-profit organizations through awareness campaigns, issue management and growth. Her passion for promoting the province is grounded in a deep connection and commitment to Labrador.

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Your Board of Directors JON DROVER DIRECTOR

Jon Drover is a St. John’s native. A software developer, he owns and operates Blue Communications Inc., a technology consulting company he established in 2004. Blue Communications Inc. joined the St. John’s Board of Trade in 2006 and Jon has actively served on the Transportation, Municipal Affairs and Federal Provincial Affairs committees. Jon has considerable experience in small business development: he opened Stoggers Pizza in 2005, was a founding partner with The Independent newspaper in 2003 and manages/performs with the band 709 since 2007. In addition, Jon is a founding partner in Yellow Environmental Inc., which designs and sells software and related products used in the recycling industry throughout Canada. Jon holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree (’98) and a Law degree (’03). He lives in St. John’s with his wife and twin sons.

JUSTIN LADHA DIRECTOR

Justin Ladha has spent his career in residential and commercial real estate development, sales, financing and management. As Vice President of KMK Capital Inc., based in St. John’s, NL, he holds responsibility for all such areas within the KMK group of companies, with a focus on business development. In addition to real estate development, Justin is active in the management of KMK’s engineering and property management firms. As well as his KMK-related directorships, Justin serves on the Board of Directors for Nalcor Oil and Gas and is an advisor for other not-for-profit entities. Justin holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland and is a licensed Realtor.

WILFRED J. ZERBE DIRECTOR

Wilfred J. Zerbe joined Memorial University in 2010 and is currently Professor of Organizational Behaviour and Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration. His research interests focus on emotions in organizations, organizational research methods, service sector management, business ethics, and leadership. His publications have appeared in books and journals including The Academy of Management Review, Industrial and Labour Relations Review, Canadian Journal of Administrative Sciences, Journal of Business Research, Journal of Psychology, Journal of Services Marketing, and Journal of Research in Higher Education. Prior to joining Memorial University he was on faculty with the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary, where he held positions as Associate Dean (MBA), and Associate Dean (Executive Education). Dr. Zerbe received his Ph.D. from the University of British Columbia in Commerce and Business Administration and holds Bachelors and Masters degrees in Psychology.

BUSINESS NEWS FEBRUARY/MARCH: 2016

Your Board of Directors LESLEY GALGAY DIRECTOR

Lesley Galgay is the Manager of Corporate Development for the Crosbie Group Limited, leading the strategic planning and business development efforts for the Group. Lesley began her career locally in Enterprise Risk Management and subsequently moved to Toronto in 2006 to take on progressive roles in Innovation Management and Strategic Management with the Canadian Tire Corporation. In January 2011, Lesley returned to Newfoundland to take on her role with the Crosbie family business. In 2013, she was recognized by the OGM as an Up and Coming in the Oil & Gas Industry. Lesley graduated from Memorial University in 2004 with a Bachelor of Commerce Co-operative (Hons.) and attained a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) in 2006 – jointly through Memorial University and the Copenhagen Business School in Copenhagen, Denmark. Lesley was the first recipient of the Fry Family Graduate Leadership Scholarship – a program created to recognize individuals who display strong leadership skills, demonstrate academic merit and show a strong commitment to the province. As an avid community volunteer, Lesley enjoys dedicating her time to organizations that help advance the health, well-being and overall livelihood of our youth. She has volunteered with a number of initiatives, including the Big Brothers Big Sisters Go Girls Program, The United Way Day of Caring, and The Ronald McDonald House Home for Dinner program. Lesley lives in St. John’s with her husband Matthew and daughter Josie.

DON-E COADY (DC) DIRECTOR

Done-E is Owner and Creative Director of Design House Inc. – a multi-discipline creative production house in St. John’s. A two-time President of the Business Association of NL (2013, 2014); he is a sponsor, supporter and regular participant in business organizations like the St. John’s Board of Trade, MusicNL, The CHBA-NL, TEDx St. John’s, BANL, Start-up NL, the IABC, NLCA, NOIA, NATI and Common Ground. As a speaker and event EmCee, he is the yearly host of TEDx St. John’s Annual Conference, the Nickel Independent Film Festival Annual Oscar Party, and various fundraising events as auctioneer and performer. Dc is also a mentor and participant for two of St. John’s premiere entrepreneurial organizations: Futurepreneur and Entrepreneurs Forum (E3), where he volunteers to help established and emerging businesspeople and artists with general and industry specific advice and support. As a performer and musician, Dc is the lead singer and songwriter for the five-man rock outfit Stereotype, recipient of the 2014 Volunteer of the Year (MusicNL), Video Director of the year (MusicNL), the 2014 Aiden Maloney’s Young Professional Award (Rotary NorthWest, St. John’s), and was nominated for Graphic/Media Designer of the Year at the 2015 East Coast Music Awards.

VOLUME 31: #1

I 13

bullet proof your business Succession Planning Critical to a Resilient Business change in business ownership. Business Continuity Planning (BCP) is the process of highlighting operational risks that can cause damage to the organization, and then taking steps to mitigate those risks. Many subscribe to the view that “People are your greatest asset.” If so, imagine a scenario where the spouse of your production manager calls on Monday morning and say’s “Jill won’t be in, she was in a car accident over the weekend and will be off work for six months.” Or your senior accountant resigns to take another job with no notice? In such instances your organization’s people assets have just walked out the door or are not available to you for an extended period of time. With them, goes considerable knowledge of corporate process, procedure and practice.

PAT CURRAN Succession planning is important for all organizations, whether SMEs, NGOs or larger companies and institutions. The loss of key management and staff through illness or sudden death or who leave to pursue other career opportunities, can seriously impact the operation, viability and reputation of a business, large or small. Owners of SMEs often expect their business to play a key part of their retirement planning without considering how to transfer operations and ownership over to senior management or other investors. Talent management is often considered within the human resources discipline while accounting or estate planning disciplines might consider strategies for small business owners due to retirement or death. However succession planning may also be viewed in the context of the Business Continuity (BC) and the potential impacts on an organization due to the loss of key staff and management or a

Like the loss of a key supplier or the breakdown of a key technology within the production process, losing key staff can seriously impact your organization. However research shows that only 42 per cent of organizations have a succession strategy for CEO and other senior leaders while significantly fewer have a strategy for lower level leadership and nonleadership positions (Brandon Hall Group). Through effective Business Continuity Planning, including succession planning, loss of staff is a risk that can be identified, quantified in terms of its potential impact on the organization, and mitigated by identifying and implementing appropriate strategies. Leadership for succession planning rests with top management who should ask themselves the fundamental question “What would happen if we lost employee X?” A recent BCP project I worked on with my local arena association is illustrative. The Board of Directors of the arena asked themselves this question and determined that in the absence of their manager the lack of documented business processes, job roles, systems operations and so on to enable transition would very quickly force a shutdown of the facility. I worked with the manager and Board to identify and document processes, job descriptions and

key roles and responsibilities. The Arena’s newly documented operating procedures will not replace the manager but it will enable a smoother transition should he become incapacitated or decide to retire after many years of service. Organizations reviewing succession planning should consider the following: • Are you maintaining well documented standard operating procedures (SOPs) outlining business processes in detail? • Do you have clear job roles and descriptions throughout all levels of your organization? • Do you understand the overall labour market demand for your organization’s key positions and skills? • Are you confident that you can meet your organization’s succession requirements through external recruitment? • Have you identified prospective succession candidates within your organization for key positions? • Are you investing in professional development activities, for instance job shadowing, for these candidates to enable a smooth succession/ transition from the incumbent to their replacement? Effective succession plans result from a continuous assessment of the skills, experience, and expertise needed to meet business processes and are an essential tool for any organization regardless of size and across all sectors. Succession planning should be a fundamental part of your organization’s overall business continuity plan. Pat Curran, AMBCI is co-owner/ associate of Resilient Business Continuity Management, a business continuity consultancy based in Mobile, Newfoundland. He can be reached at 709-687-8774 pat@resilientbcm.com To learn more about business continuity planning and Resilient, visit www.resilientbcm.com.

BUSINESS NEWS FEBRUARY/MARCH: 2016

grow your business or Example a retailer looking for F a customer service representative could ask applicants to write a cover letter outlining three challenging customer situations they handled successfully. Qualified candidates will be excited to have the opportunity to stand out from the crowd, while casual applicants will be less willing to put in that much effort for a long-shot application. 3. Be Clear – Make sure the job requirements and job duties are easy to understand by someone who does not already work for your company. Some job descriptions include so much corporate jargon that it’s difficult for job seekers to tell if they are qualified, leading many to simply press a button to submit a resume. 4. Be Specific - A quick job search turns up mostly short job postings with no clear definition of job requirements. If half the people reading the job description can imagine themselves to be qualified, your inbox will be full within hours. Brendan Hagerty is the Labrador and Labour Market Specialist with the St. John’s Board of Trade. Got a labour market question? Contact Brendan at bhagerty@bot.nf.ca

Create the Perfect Online Job Posting In today’s world job seekers have endless opportunities in which they can search, select and shape their future. Human resource professionals continue to scramble, trying to create flashy, creative and cool ways to captivate their next superstar recruit. The Internet has made applying for a position quick and easy. Click – upload – submit, and it’s done, your resume is now in cyberspace. Job ads continue to be a great tool for business owners to promote their brand. Writing and creating an effective job ad will save you time, money and future

VOLUME 31: #1

headaches while hopefully landing your next great employee. According to Monster.com there are four key points an effective job ad should include: 1. Be Up Front - Dissuade potential job seekers from speculative applications by adding a statement explaining that your requirements are firm. For example: “Please read the qualifications for this position carefully. 2. Be Demanding - Don’t make the application process too easy. Instead of just asking for a resume, include an assignment in your posting.

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2016

Incoming Chair Des Whelan opens the 2016 Business Development Summit.

Ray Greene from Port of Argentia, title sponsor.

Chris Newhook from Port of Argentia, title sponsor.

David Mitchell, CEO of Pennecon Limited, presented on how a homegrown business is weathering Newfoundland and Labradorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic storm.

Roberta Hewitt accepts the Â local business experience grand prize from Kevin Peters.

Speaker Gerry Pond, Chairman and Founder of East Valley Ventures. Beverely Evans (Knightsbridge Robertson Surrette) moderated a panel on how to build a resilient team with Ann Marie Vaughn (College of the North Atlantic), Kevin Peters (Hickman Automotive Group) and Nora Duke (Fortis Inc.

Jessica Chapman, owner of e three consulting.

Hendrick Brakel, Senior Director of Financial and Tax Policy with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

Des Whelan and our gold sponsors open the trade show.

Jon Drover (Blue Communications Inc.) moderated the innovation panel discussion with Raymond Collins (PF Collins International Trade Solutions), Kendra MacDonald (Deloitte) and Ron Subramanian (Go Productivity).

BUSINESS NEWS FEBRUARY/MARCH: 2016

TRADE SHOW

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I 17

2016

THANK YOU for making the 2016 Business Development Summit a success! We would like to thank the speakers who provided their valuable insights, to the exhibitors who showcased their local products and services to hundreds of visitors at the Trade Show and to all of our sponsors who made this event possible.

We look forward to seeing you next year!

BUSINESS NEWS FEBRUARY/MARCH: 2016

GOLD SPONSORS

MEDIA SPONSOR

TITLE SPONSOR

EVENT SPONSORS

PRIZE SPONSORS

VOLUME 31: #1

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Become a Connector

ST. JOHN’S CONNECTOR PROGRAM • Meet educated and job-ready professionals • Increase awareness of your company • Grow your professional network • Open doors for job seekers • Support your community

Become a Connector Contact Brendan bhagerty@bot.nf.ca or 726-2961

BUSINESS NEWS FEBRUARY/MARCH: 2016

Accommodating persons with disabilities in the workplace can be simple and affordable Businesses named accommodations as a major concern in respect to hiring people with disabilities when interviewed about experiences in employing people with disabilities. Through research contracted by the Independent Living Resource Centre, employers in Newfoundland and Labrador were invited to share what barriers still exist to hiring people with a disability, from the business perspective. Accommodations are a major concern in part because of the misunderstanding that it’s going to be expensive and complicated. Here are the facts with a new perspective, which includes renaming accommodations to workplace adjustments. The most requested workplace adjustments in our country for employees who have a disability are ergonomic design or a flexible work schedule, according to the 2010 Federal Disability Report. The Job Accommodation Network advises that the majority of workplace adjustments (57 per cent) are usually free – think flexible work schedule - and the rest are typically very affordable at only $500 – many ergonomic design products are economical. Accommodations may seem like an unfamiliar work practice but workplace adjustments are something you do every day in your business, though you may not realize it. Consider the tools and equipment you regularly offer your employees to successfully accomplish the work in their jobs: • Flexible work hours benefit employees who need to pick up a child and employees who use a wheelchair to get accessible transit, • Providing a smart phone enables traveling employees to share documents and it can be used to reduce communication barriers for employees who have communication difficulties, • Researchers at the University of Utah have shown that all employees increase their productivity with larger computer monitors which can also assist employees who have vision loss to excel in their work.

Those type of instructions can also support employees who have Asperger’s Syndrome to give you their best work possible. • Food chains use pictures all the time so its employees standardize the making of signature food. Those pictures also act as a visual cue for employees who have an intellectual disability to help them deliver a stunning result. Workplace adjustments can be a powerful tool to enable all employees to be successful at their jobs while increasing productivity and loyalty. Workplace adjustments can be affordable. They can be simple. It’s also true that sometimes they can be expensive and complicated and when those circumstances arise, inclusionNL can work with your business to break down any barriers to workplace adjustments and support you. Now there are free services to help businesses safely increase their disability confidence while providing you with support in offering workplace adjustments. Businesses OPEN offers a host of free services to businesses province-wide. Businesses OPEN consultants will work with businesses to assess their current inclusion needs and support employers to bridge their labour shortages by tapping into the skilled talent pool of people with disabilities. Accessing these free services will provide you with direct supports in areas such as inclusive recruiting and hiring, accessible web design, and workplace adjustments, to name a few.

The Independent Living Resource Centre, through their work on initiatives such as inclusionNL and Businesses OPEN, provides more than 30 years expertise to the business community in reducing barriers and raising awareness on inclusion and equal opportunities for everyone. Funding for these initiatives has been received from the Department of Advanced Education and Skills, Labour Market Partnerships. To learn more and participate in Businesses OPEN, please contact Kathy Hawkins, Manager at 1-844-5171376 or kathy@inclusionNL.ca and visit our website www.inclusionNL.ca. Inclusion is affordable and accessible; inclusion is for everyone. inclusionNL provides services, supports, and education to businesses, employers, government, and service providers on how to become more inclusive. To learn more about our services or hiring people with disabilities, please contact Kathy Hawkins, Manager at 1-844-517-1376 or kathy@inclusionNL.ca and visit o ur website www.inclusionNL.ca.

These are economical and straightforward workplace adjustments. There are even easier possibilities: • Making sure your instructions are literal and to the point can be effective employee management in general.

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Supporting employees’ mental health is good for business. No matter your line of work, you need to be in the business of keeping your employees healthy—they are the foundation of a productive and successful workplace. Breaking down the stigma around mental illness and addiction, while building up supports, can have a significant and positive impact on your organization and your bottom line.

HOW STIGMA AFFECTS BUSINESS

Many people who live with mental illness and addiction often say that stigma is worse than the illness itself. And at work, fear of being looked down upon, passed over for a promotion, or even terminated because of a mental illness or addiction can keep people from taking proper care of themselves and seeking the help they need to recover. With the proper support and treatment, recovery is not only expected, but likely. Like many illnesses, the longer a person goes without treatment and supports for mental illness or addiction, the more likely it is that their symptoms will worsen. In the workplace, this can lead to decreased productivity and underperformance, absenteeism, presenteeism, and increased short- and long-term disability claims. Making strides to reduce stigma and promote mental health in the workplace will help both your employees and your business to succeed.

STEPS YOU CAN TAKE AS AN EMPLOYER TO SUPPORT EMPLOYEE WELLBEING

First, be proactive in promoting a healthy work environment and worklife balance. Establish clear and reasonable expectations—an employee has a duty to be a productive member of the team, and with clear objectives and flexible work scenarios, you can expect to see a healthier workforce, higher productivity, and increased employee retention.

1 in 5 Canadians

will experience mental illness or addiction this year.

80%

of Canadian employers

rate mental health problems and illnesses in the top 3 reasons for disability claims

500,000

The number of Canadian employees absent from work each week from mental illness and addictions.

Understand that employees with mental illnesses are no different than those with physical illnesses. As you would with an employee recovering from a serious physical illness, you may need to provide workplace accommodations such as a flexible ease back schedule or adjusted responsibilities. Ensure that policies are in place to help employees work while recovering from mental illness and addiction. Help them get help. Make sure employees are aware of benefits offered through group insurance plans and Employee and Family Assistance Programs, if offered by your workplace. Reinforce that these services are confidential and encourage anyone who may be in need of help to contact the service provider. Take advantage of training opportunities and online educational resources. Visit understandnow.ca/help-at-work for more tools and information you can use to support the wellbeing of your employees—for a healthier, more productive workplace.

UNDERSTANDING CHANGES EVERYTHING.

Annual cost to the Canadian economy from mental illness and addiction-related absences.

$51

Billion

Resistant? Me? Change is everywhere, and, if the research is to be believed, the majority of senior leaders expect the pace of change to increase. More and more change is driven by external factors outside of organizational control; market changes, disruptive innovation, technology advances. The world is becoming more global, technology increases change in how and when we work, markets are more interconnected and dynamic, and industries have to adapt to new, disruptive innovation. More than ever before, organizations need to drive continual change to survive. There’s also an additional challenge. The pace of change is expected to increase, yet research suggests that only between 30 to 50 per cent of change efforts actually succeed. One of the main reasons cited for failures is the level of resistance that organizations encounter from their people when trying to introduce changes. Ever had someone drag his or her heels over a new process you have implemented? Have you had an employee or teammate openly criticize a project or initiative? Ever know that although someone says they think a project is great, they are quietly encouraging others to get on the negative bandwagon? Those are common responses to change but, if left unchecked, they can significantly hamper your efforts to make changes stick. How do we reduce resistance to change? Here are five ways to help prevent and minimize resistance to change in your organization. 1. M ake change readiness a priority. Change readiness can be described as, “the ability to continuously initiate and respond to change in ways that create advantage, minimize potential risk, and sustain current performance.” It’s about going one step further than just ‘managing’ change, and helping to create an environment where employees expect and feel more positive about change so we reduce overall resistance levels. The more an individual expects change to happen and, preferably, feels responsible for driving change, the less shock, denial, and anxiety

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they generally feel when changes are announced. Helping your workforce to think about and anticipate those changes and always be looking for ways to improve and evolve can build a level of readiness for change that will support all projects and initiatives, proactive or reactive. 2. Involve people as early as possible. Resistance is often driven by fear of the unknown. The more that you can involve people up front and garner their input into shaping what will happen, the more they will feel that change is something they are helping to do, not something that is being done to them. Many people struggle when they feel things are done to them that they have no control over. 3. Educate and communicate. The rumour mill is a really effective communication channel. Unfortunately, it generally only spreads bad news. Resistance comes from the expectation of risk and negative consequences, so the rumour mill fuels resistance like gas to a flame. The more that you can ensure regular, frequent, and open communication, the more that you inhibit the rumour mill. Pick a couple of key channels and use them over and over, even communicating when you have nothing new to say. That way they become the ‘trusted sources’ of information and you leave no space for the rumour mill to fill. 4. Make resistance an open conversation. Resistance to change is a sign that someone is missing information; that they don’t have something that they need to buy in and be on board with change. Sometimes that’s not information you have but, quite often, people start imagining negative consequences that aren’t actually real and start making assumptions rather than asking good questions. Make ‘resistance’ ok by training people in the normal responses to change and where resistance comes from. Give them tools to identify where they are on the change curve and what they need to move forward more quickly so they can ask the right questions.

JESS CHAPMAN 5. N ip unconstructive commentary in the bud. Negative attitudes are contagious. According to research, a bad mood can spread through an office of 400 people in less than two hours. Resisting change is a normal part of the process for individuals, but that doesn’t mean they get to ignore the rules of a respectful workplace. If an employee has concerns or is unhappy with a change, they can absolutely share that but should do so constructively. Create places and mechanisms for employees to be able to share their concerns safely (such as one on one meetings, feedback inboxes, etc.) and coach employees on framing issues helpfully, not negatively. Resistance is a normal part of the response to change but, with forethought and planning, you can reduce resistance and drive positive, successful change. For more information on managing change, reducing resistance, and building a change-ready workforce, contact Jess and the ethree team at contact@ethree.ca or 709-325-1025.

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New Ambassadors Please welcome your new 2016 Ambassadors. They are looking forward to getting involved, having some fun but most of all helping our members gain business exposure.

DYANNA McCARTHY MARKETING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Technology Industries (NATI) I am looking forward to expanding my business network, meeting new people, promoting my organization, and supporting the Board of Trade as a strong voice for the business community in NL. Through my skills and experience in marketing & business development for industry associations, I hope to contribute to the Board’s many networking and member relations initiatives.

TIM PETERSON SALES MANAGER Delta St. John’s Hotel & Conference Centre Having moved to Newfoundland in April from Montreal, I’m looking forward to meeting/networking with local professionals and businesses. Learning about current/new products and services in St. John’s, to grow our guest experience. Most of all working/learning with what seems to be a great Ambassador - Board of Trade team!

For more information on how you can bullet proof your business, contact the St. John’s Board of Trade: Tel: 709.726.2961 E-mail: mail@bot.nf.ca Web: www.bot.nf.ca

BRANDON COPELAND GREG O’BRIEN LAND DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR Future Group of Companies Increased opportunity to engage Board of Trade members in discussion around business growth and economic development in St. John’s and Atlantic Canada. This Ambassador role will provide an avenue to meet and share ideas with people who I might not otherwise get to connect with.

FINANCIAL ADVISOR Dunphy Molloy & Associates I’m looking forward to connecting with the business community and demonstrating the benefits we can all reap by working together, especially at a time when there are struggles with the local economy. I want to provide value to members through our activities and events, helping spark optimism for the future.

Michael Kidney BA., B.Comm, CFP, CLU, CIM, TEP is a full service financial planner. Over the last 15 years in this industry he has prided himself in the study of financial planning and advanced strategies to help his clients succeed. These studies have lead him to obtaining several professional designations and to frequently speak at events across the country. His personal mission is to provide smart financial solutions to his clients. He achieves this by taking the time to understand his client’s goals to get a clearer picture of their financial situation. Once understood, his knowledge and experience creates the plans. Contact: Michael Kidney Tel: 709-699-2661 Email: mike@mikekidneyfinancial.com Facebook: michaelkidneyfinancialplanning

BUSINESS NEWS FEBRUARY/MARCH: 2016

New Ambassadors We asked them “What are you looking forward to most about being a Board of Trade Ambassador?”

DANIELLE SEWARD

KATIE HUSSEY

JENNIFER BEDFORD

LAURA HILLIER

CONSULTANT Meridia Recruitment

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Triware Technologies

ADVISOR Sun Life Financial

DIRECTOR OF EVENTS Clovelly

I’m eager to connect with both new and familiar faces, while learning more about their unique contributions to our local business community. Being involved and having the opportunity to start the conversation on how we can bring about positive change is something that I’m looking forward to in 2016!

This is my second term as an Ambassador and I’m very excited to be part of such a great team. I look forward to connecting with members, new and old, and helping them get the most out of their Board of Trade experience by being active in events and by taking advantage of member benefits.

The thing I look forward to the most about being a Board of Trade Ambassador is having the pleasure of meeting new people at events and mixers each month and learning about different businesses in our local community.

I am extremely excited and am looking forward to surrounding myself with a network of likeminded professionals that I can do business with as well as create new opportunities for the businesses that we proudly represent.

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VOLUME 31: #1

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. . . continued from page 2 (Meet your new Chair)

needs and will be helping to facilitate the acquirement and transfer of these skills into the workforce. I am confident he will bring the same energy and integrity to his role as Chair of the St John’s Board of Trade.” Another former Chair, Denis Mahoney, agrees that Whelan will be a strong voice for the business community.

Whelan is a closet musician.

He left Keyin to work in the technology sector, and eventually ended up working in sales and marketing with a New Yorkbased educational technology company for eight years. Working from home for the majority of the time, he traveled to serve customers across the country, from Victoria, B.C. to Newfoundland and Labrador. He returned to Keyin in the role President in 2008 and today notes how the province’s post-secondary education system has evolved. “Our business has had to become more responsive to market pressures and our product offerings have grown from five or six offerings to over 40 educational program offerings, with locations across the island of Newfoundland.” This past year, Whelan started a new business venture, TrainingWRX, a partnership with colleagues Tamara Vatcher and Ralph Tucker focused on workplace skills enhancement. “At a time when leadership is critical to the business community, the Board of Trade is fortunate to have Des at the helm,” says Tucker. “I have known Des for over 20 years and strongly believe he brings a tremendous background and

“Des is a tenacious and thoughtful business leader, who cares deeply about the future of our province and the business climate we foster,” says Mahoney. “We often hear Des regaling us with stories about his daughters and how he is motivated to make this a better place for them to live, work and play.”

The Whelans spend their summers in Ocean Pond.

broad set of skills to his role as Chair of the St. John’s Board of Trade.” Tucker says Whelan has never been afraid of hard work and has witnessed his continuing efforts to support and enhance every student experience and provide quality leadership to all operators and staff at Keyin’s eight campuses. ”In his new role as Partner with TrainingWRX, Des will continue to be a strong advocate for enhanced workforce development,” adds Tucker. “He will be collaborating with industry to identify their current and future skill

Whelan lives in Paradise with his wife Kerri, a program itinerant with the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District, and their two teenage daughters Sarah and Emma. He is also involved in many volunteer and professional associations including: executive member and treasurer of the Canadian Home Builders Association – Newfoundland and Labrador, president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Career Colleges, executive member with the National Association of Career Colleges, a member of the Provincial Council of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and a supporter of Young Adult Cancer Canada and the Shave for the Brave. An avid sports lover, Whelan is a huge fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Blue Jays. He is a closet musician who plays BUSINESS NEWS FEBRUARY/MARCH: 2016

. . . continued from page 26 (Meet your new Chair)

guitar, drums and the bodhran, and enjoys all genres of music, particularly Irish and Newfoundland songs. He also likes spending time in the great outdoors, is a self-professed social media geek and manages to find time to read – everything from fiction to economic periodicals.

A clear plan Whelan first joined the Board of Trade in 2009, and was elected as a director the following year. At the Board of Trade, we often say that everyone has a different reason for joining. For Whelan, he joined to expand the reach of his organization into the business community.

ambassadors for Israel and The Philippines. It helped me gain a better understanding of some of the things we need to do for our own businesses here in Newfoundland and Labrador to succeed. When you talk about innovation, just look at a country like Israel, which was only formed in 1946 with about 600,000 people, and now they have 8 million people. So they had a growing population in a place where there very little fertile ground and they are surrounded by people who don’t want them to succeed. Innovation is very important to them.”

The year ahead

“You can start with joining the St. John’s Board of Trade. As one individual business you only have so much access to resources that are out there – whether it’s business planning, how to secure grants and loans, that sort of thing. You can learn from the people around you through the community that is the St. John’s Board of Trade.” The Board of Trade is preparing to launch initiatives this year that will help our members prepare their business for 2016 and beyond. We kicked off 2016 with our annual Business Development and Trade Show which featured speakers and interactive panel discussions focused on one common theme: How Bullet Proof is Your Business?

“I knew about the St. John’s Board of Trade most of my working life, mainly because the brand associated with Boards of Trade and Chambers of

This year members of the St. John’s Board of Trade are going to be hearing a lot about how they need to “Bullet Proof” their business and prepare today for the economy of the future.

Whelan and Board of Trade CEO Nancy Healey attended the Canadian Chamber of Commerce AGM in Ottawa.

“Bullet proofing your business is about creating a plan for how you are going to deal with the next three, five, and 10 years,” explains Whelan. “This year is a critical year for business. We are seeing a situation now in 2016 that we haven’t seen after experiencing several boom years, Make the most out of your and I know there are a lot of companies – membership some of them very large companies, that do not have a business plan. That needs to As Newfoundland and Labrador’s change.” economy slows, Whelan suggests that members need their Board of Trade more Whelan says business is about surety, than ever. “Make the most out of your understanding what’s out there, and taking membership,” he suggests. “Anytime you what you have and making it relevant are spending money, anytime you are to the community so you can sell your devoting some of your time, which can be products and services. “So if you do not more important to many businesspeople, have a business plan, I am not sure how you have to make the best of it. So you can operate from one day to the next.” you always need to be looking for opportunities. For businesses who do not have a plan for the future, Whelan offers one piece of “I have made business contacts many advice. times through my involvement with

Commerce,” he says. “As a training institution, I felt it was a good idea to join the Board of Trade to gain a greater understanding of what the business community’s needs are, and how we could supply proper training and resources to the business community.” While we often hear of members who joined the Board of Trade because it is “the thing to do”, Whelan says he had a clear plan. “It was the networking, at first. However I learned a lot from businesses in other sectors, from my time sitting on the Board of Directors, and from meetings with people like the VOLUME 31: #1

“We have to learn to adapt to this commodity based economy and diversify inside the opportunities that complement our skill base, instead of trying to create rubber boot factories,” says Whelan. “Turmoil can bring great opportunity but we have to be positioned to take advantage of those opportunities.”

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I 27

. . . continued from page 27 (Meet your new Chair)

Business mixers are a great way for Board of Trade members to expand their network.

the Board of Trade. I have created partnerships, and have been better able to inform my business by meeting people at Board of Trade functions. Our members can do the same.”

With daughters Emma, left, and Sarah.

He also feels it is important to be involved in your community and create a profile for your business, and the Board of Trade does just that.

and outside of her work with the Board of Trade. She has been a great leader, and I have learned a great deal working alongside her for the past four years.”

Whelan often jokes that this is not your grandfather’s Board of Trade. “The majority of our board members and the leadership team at the St. John’s Board of Trade are female and our events continue to attract younger members, and I am proud to be part of that team,” says Whelan. “It is an honour to succeed Kim as Chair, as I have great admiration for her accomplishments, both inside

There is great responsibility and opportunity that comes with leadership, and Whelan feels the best way to learn is to dive in and experience the process, learn from the leaders you meet along the way and try to add your own flavour to the role.

“At the end of the year I want members to see the value they get in their membership, but I want people outside the Board of Trade to understand that we represent an important piece of the community, it’s not just all about profit all the time,” says Whelan. “And maybe because as businesspeople we are naturally risk takers and we are naturally optimistic, but I want people to realize that our best days really are ahead of us, they really are.”

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BUSINESS NEWS FEBRUARY/MARCH: 2016

what are you @? Notes from @stjohnsbot twitterverse @Baychick Shout out to @stjohnsbot @Factoryman Another fabulous Business Excellence Awards! Congrats to all winners & nominees! @mazenellaz_TD @Terry_Hussey great kick off of @ stjohnsbot today and loved the creativity with the dice! Thank you (: @AtlanticBus @ABM_Editor @stjohnsbot @ifactory My favourite too-honest slogan, “Ches’. Next to Jesus, we own Good Friday”. :)

@TeleFitz We snapped pics of all of the winners from yesterday’s @stjohnsbot Business Excellence Awards: #CelebrateBusiness @VOCMOpenline Stuck in my ‘send folder’ was a hearty congrats to my friends at Verafin on their @stjohnsbot Award! Huge local success story, great ppl! @AFP NL Yesterday NL celebrated @ stjohnsbot business awards, today we #CelebratePhilanthropy @Nancy_Hollett @TammyDavis709

@laurensmyth I’m so lucky to get to work with the best people! Congratulations @Verafin and @ DcDesignHouse on winning @stjohnsbot awards today!

@takeCHARGENL We’ve had a great #BusinessWeek thanks so much to everyone got involved, and the great folks over at the @ stjohnsbot! #CelebrateBusiness

@Vigilant_PM Congratulations to all winners and nominees at today’s @stjohnsbot business excellence awards - we had a blast being presenting partner

@AnthonyGermain Finance chair on @CityofStJohns council @JonathanGalgay joins me7:05 to talk budget. @stjohnsbot reacts to impact on business a

@sgroundtheworld Congrats to Brent Smith and the Newfoundland Chocolate Company 2015 Business Excellence Award winners @ stjohnsbot @DowntownStJohns Congrats to @DowntownStJohns members @DcDesignHouse on @stjohnsbot community Builder of the Year & Community Impact Awards

@MilStJohns Happy to be a member of St. John’s Board of Trade. #yyt @stjohnsbot

@relnlca Congratulations @NLChocolateCo @ DcDesignHouse @SeafairCapital & others on the @stjohnsbot Business Excellence Awards @Factoryman @ABM_Editor @stjohnsbot @ifactory thanks Dawn. Had a blast. And didnt embarass my mom who showed up at event to see if I had a real job.

VOLUME 31: #1

@StephenDuffett Fantastic job to all at @stjohnsbot #bulletproofbiz #LovesYaLots NL Chocolate!

@KovichJanet Great discussion @590VOCM @ JonathanGalgay @stjohnsbot @bobhallett @DestinationSJ @BrakeyatBlue my website mentions some of what was @dereksullivan Our @adstweets_ team is killing it at @stjohnsbot show. Helping members #bulletproof their business! #IT #SageCRM @stjohnsairport Keith Collins @stjohnsairport CEO shares good news with one of its greatest supporters @stjohnsbot Business Summit

@Sheldon_Payne I wrote a little piece for @stjohnsbot mag about brand advocacy. Check it out: http:// hubs.ly/H01LcDT0 #businessnl

@IceCapsRob Big thanks to @stjohnsbot for a great day and a great way to kick off our partnership. #bulletproofbiz

I 29

on the job Northern Lights 2016 The St. Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Board of Trade joined a delegation of Newfoundland and Labrador businesses in Ottawa in late January for the Northern Lights 2016 conference and trade show profiling Eastern Arctic and Northern business opportunities.

s Provincial Airline

was represented

at Northern Light

Pr ime Minister Ju

Un Shane Cyr, CEO of Delegation from

. d the trade show

s with Chair iversal Helicopter

Des Whelan.

Nunacor.

Board of Tradeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Brendan Hagerty with veteran CBC journalist Peter Mansbridge.

stin Trudeau visite

Newfoundland and Labrador booth.

BUSINESS NEWS FEBRUARY/MARCH: 2016

What if your life gets interrupted? Last May I had the opportunity to speak to over 1200 Insurance advisors in this country in Toronto at the Canada Sales Congress. In that speech I spoke about the need for insurance and its place in a family and business financial and estate plan. Before we talk about the needs lets look at the statistics. Could your family survive today on $189,600 in insurance? Think about that, would that cover your debts? Pay for the funeral? Children’s educations? Capital Gains tax? Mortgage? Replacement of key employee? Or replacement of your income to your family? The list is extensive, but the Canadian Health and Insurance Association confirms, that the average person in Canada has only $189,600 (Family $373,400). As an advisor in Newfoundland, I would argue that number would be smaller here.

advisors, should ask you a series of questions to make sure that you know how much coverage you and your business needs. It is not just your expenses that need to be considered, you also need to protect your lifestyle. If you died tomorrow would you want your spouse, children to continue to enjoy the lifestyle you have provided them? Life insurance planning and will planning should be done hand-in-hand. Everybody has an estate and the key document of any estate plan is a will. If you don’t have a will, call a lawyer and get one! The will is the key document which will outline the distribution of your estate. Once your will is complete, share your plans with your insurance advisor. That way they can ensure that your beneficiary designations on your policy’s match your will. By doing this, you will save your executor a lot of time and stress.

Life has a way of challenging us. We finish school, get married, start a family and then our lives get interrupted. This interruption can take many forms; a deadly accident, death from illness or even surviving an illness. Each of these events bring with it their own challenges which could be mitigated with insurance.

Think about this scenario, your doctor comes into your hospital room and says I have good news and I have bad news. The bad news is you have cancer. The good news is we can treat it and in 12 months, you should be back to normal. How would your family or business handle that news financially? Would you have income replacement? What about the other costs?

Ask yourself, if you died today would your family survive? What about your business? Do you know how much insurance you would need? Life insurance

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MICHAEL KIDNEY support or childcare to help out. If you need to travel for treatments, are those flights covered? What about hotels, meals? I would like to think that if you are fighting an illness to get back to a normal life, you wouldn’t want to have this added financial stress. By having a critical illness insurance plan, you can eliminate this stress. As business owners, we regularly do a SWOT analysis of our business. Unfortunately, we rarely do one for our families. When you look at your threats, do you look at your own health? We can do somethings to minimize illness and premature death but we can’t stop genetics. I hope that after reading this article, you take a step back look at how you would handle your life being interrupted. This will help remove financial stress when you need it most. Michael Kidney Financial Planning 709-699-2661 mike@mikekidneyfinancial.com

www.thebusinesssuites.ca

I 31

Drug plan management the brand name drug. When a generic drug is approved by Health Canada, it means the medicine is as safe and as effective as the original brand name drug and will work in the same way. In the rare instance where the individual does find a difference between the generic and the brand name drug, most insurance carriers have a special process in place whereby the individual’s physician can request the brand name drug.

In these difficult economic times, it is paramount that we make every effort to ensure that the drug benefit plans provided to valued employees remain sustainable and viable. No matter whom the employer is, on average, drugs make up 70% of group insurance health claims. We need to continuously educate and inform employees of the cost of drugs so that they are knowledgeable and aware that the decisions they make do have a real impact on the premiums they pay for their drug coverage. Since the pharmaceutical industry is trending more towards Speciality drugs, which in general are medications used to treat complex conditions and are usually more costly, require special storage and handling, and need frequent monitoring and adjustment, awareness of the cost of drugs has never

Great innovations

been as important as it is in today’s landscape. What is the difference between a brand name drug and a generic drug? The major difference is the price. When a brand name drug is initially developed, it is usually patented to provide 20 years of protection. When the patent period ends, other companies are able to manufacture drugs with the same active ingredient (i.e. generic drugs). Health Canada mandates that a generic drug is designed to work the same way in the body as the original brand name drug. Health Canada requires that both brand name and generic drug companies follow the same rules for the manufacturing process, and that the generic drug have the same amount of active ingredient in the prescription as

come from

Canada’s generic usage rate is approximately 66%, whereas in the United States, the generic drug fill rate is approximately 86%. If the use of generic drugs in Canada increased to match the American level, we would save billions of dollars. For instance, Canada’s health care system would have saved about $6 billion in 2013 had this same generic usage rate been achieved as our neighbours to the south. Many private plans are realizing the potential savings of generic drugs, and have made adjustments to their drug formularies by adopting Mandatory Generic Substitution, meaning only generic drugs will be eligible for coverage. Generic drugs cost on average 50% to 82%1 less than brand name drugs. Contrary to what many people believe, prescription drugs do not cost the same everywhere. The total cost of a prescription includes the drug ingredient cost, the dispensing fee and the mark-up. The dispensing fees and the mark-ups you pay vary from one pharmacy to the next. The same way that you shop around for groceries, it is important that you shop around pharmacies to ensure you are getting the best deal. Given the current economic conditions, it is of the utmost importance that we make informed decisions, such as being knowledgeable about generic drugs, to ensure we are making the best use of our limited resources.

great challenges

Ron Cashin Account Executive Desjardins Insurance, Newfoundland and Labrador 709-364-9110 709-693-5101

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BUSINESS NEWS FEBRUARY/MARCH: 2016

NOT EVERYONE LIVES LIFE BY THE BOOK Sun Life’s Money for Life approach adapts to you – we can help you build a plan to get protection, guarantees and the freedom to live your way, now and through retirement.

Keith Vincent* CHS™ Financial Centre Manager

ext 2266

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Beverly Ellis*

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B.P.E. Sales Manager

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ext 2367

Samantha Butler ext 2271

Bob Butt* ext 2248

Jeff Hunter*

Faye Hunter

Rick Johnson*

Advisor Assistant

CHS™

Veronica Morgan* B.Comm. CHS™

Licensed Admin. Assistant to L. Morgan & J. Bedford

Jackie Hynes

Financial Centre Resource Team Leader

Financial Centre Administrator

ext 2254

ext 2224

ext 2281

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ext 2364

Joan Byrne*

Jamie Clements* B.Sc.

709-753-2025

Jami Lundrigan*

John Lynch*

Anita R. Manning

CHS™

Clarenville

BBA 709-873-6100

ext 2235

ext 2247

Brian Dinn* 709-727-9897

709-425-2954

Heather Adams*

Scott Adams* B.Comm. CFP® Bay Roberts

Bay Roberts

709-589-3361 888-589-3361

Dave Eason* CHS™ Conception Bay South

Tammy Highmore

709-834-6933

Advisor Assistant to J. Osmond, R. Johnson & R. Rose

Raymond Monnier*

Pieter Monnier*

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ext 2233

Sales Assoc. Advisor

ext 2225

Eileen Moss* CHS™

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Brad Norman BSc. MSc.

Alvin Normore Gander

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709-424-4452

Gerald O’Brien*

Pamela Dawe*

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Mona Lane*

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Sharon Paddick* Licensed Admin. Assistant

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CPA CMA

B. Comm. CHS™

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Krista Hynes*

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Barb Forristall

Leonard Morgan*

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James Osmond*

Lloyd Osmond*

BA CHS™

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Gerry O’Brien Financial Services Inc.

Darren Roche* B.Sc. CHS™

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Lori Roche* CHS™ Conception Bay South 709-834-6933

Ralph Rose*

Mike Rowsell*

Scott Stockley*

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BBA

ext 2227

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Neil Trahey* BBA

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Arlene Walsh Advisor Assistant

St. John’s Financial Centre

Sid Wells*

Jennifer Bedford

Ray A. Monnier Financial Services Inc.

ext 2243

Chris Peach* ext 2267

Chantelle Lynch

FLMI ACS CHS™ Sales Associate Advisor

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Hunter Financial Solutions Inc.

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Sharon Sharpe

Matt White* BFA

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Ashley Hill*

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Andrew Young* B.Comm. CHS™

*Mutual funds distributed by Sun Life Financial Investment Services (Canada) Inc. Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is a member of the Sun Life Financial group of companies. © Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2016.

ext 2229

145 Kelsey Drive, Suite 100, St. John’s, NL Tel: 709-576-6243 Toll-Free: 1-866-539-4087

ext 2275

Conrad Vincent* ext 2216

ext 2228

Lou Wells* Wells Financial Services Inc.

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around the board

2015 Board of Trade Chair Ki m Keating ga to The Extrao ve an inspirat rdinar y Wom ional speech en group as pa Mark Breakfas rt of their Mar t in Decembe king Your r. n Sparke seen with Susa Kim Keating is . ar y Women The Extraordin

s, Founder of

One of the man y interviews ou tgoing Chair Ki local media fo llowing the m m Keating did embership bu with VOCM studio dget meeting with Fred Hut was live in th ton. e ht ng Chair boug om, our outgoi m re he ng w ki or TV w N A busy along to Marie eline and Ava ni ad M To s st er ho ht n ug io da t Edit iewed by Firs she was interv Wiseman.

BUSINESS NEWS FEBRUARY/MARCH: 2016

e Board of Trad The St. John’s y rl ea ng ti ee lm held a specia ar to hear in the new ye our members directly from the City of St. the impact of dget will have John’s 2016 Bu ss . on busine

VOLUME 31: #1

I 35

around the board

One of Kim Ke ating’s final m edia interview Board of Trad s as Chair of th e was with Ro e St. John’s gers’ Out of th e Fog host Erin Sulley.

al government’s Office of Andrew Mackey from the provinci held an informative session lism ltura ticu Immigration and Mul late January on how to find skilled with Board of Trade members in y system. workers through the Express Entr

h the Canada Employers wit r fo ssion er on si is , Comm information se sion, held an Judith Andrew is that m es m ic Co rv e se nc g Insura y, outlinin ar nu ll Ja Employment in an rs h Kelly M se Trade membe seen here wit is y e with Board of ar Sh . M d ey an on ) sinesses m er Services could save bu er (A XIS Care rt hi cW M lie ), Ky Apprentices). (Rocket Bakery vance Women Ad to ce ffi (O Ford

2016 Chair D es Whelan lead this year ’s Th Board of Trad ink Tank, a ga e executive, co thering of mmit tee mem which helps us bers and amba determine ou ssadors r priorities fo r the upcomin g year.

BUSINESS NEWS FEBRUARY/MARCH: 2016

Member News Galway made substantial progress in 2015

Creating the most exciting new community within the City of St. John’s is progressing, as Galway moves forward with substantial expenditures and infrastructure construction. According to a news release from developer Dewcor, approximately 250-acres of land has been substantially prepared for use including water, sewer, grading and landscaping. In Phase 1 of the development, DewCor has spent approximately $62 million, with another estimated $40 million planned for 2016. The $100 million being spent in Phase 1 alone comes from the private sector with no government funding. There have been more than 15 primary contractors on the site over the past several months, and 40 secondary contractors. The volume of work has created hundreds of jobs in this construction phase, with thousands more going forward into future phases. More than 100-acres of land in Galway has been sold for development with the company retaining an additional 100 acres in partnership developments. “We have seen some impressive work completed at Galway in 2015 and we look forward to breaking ground on homes, buildings and new shopping areas in 2016,” said DewCor President Danny Williams. “As one of the largest real estate projects in Eastern Canada, Galway has created a huge buzz and we are pleased to contribute important and necessary infrastructure to the city.”

Grant Thornton acquires local accounting firm The St. John’s accounting firm of Morrissey Professional Corporation Inc and Grant Thornton LLP have joined forces - offering a greater depth and breadth of service. Chris Brake, Morrissey & Company’s former managing partner and owner, has joined Grant Thornton as a partner, along with a team of five accountants. The group has relocated to the Grant Thornton premises at International Place in St. John’s. For years, Morrissey Professional Corporation Inc serviced a large base of private business clients across the Avalon peninsula Its reputation for delivering personalized financial guidance had

VOLUME 31: #1

distinguished it in the local business community. “We are thrilled to be joining an exciting and growing firm like Grant Thornton whose values and culture mirror our own,” says Brake. “Leveraging Grant Thornton’s

resources will tremendously benefit both our staff and our clients, giving them access to services we have not been able to provide in the past. We are all very much looking forward working with the Grant Thornton team, both locally and across the country.”

Category III Instrument Landing Systems Operational at St. John’s International Airport

St. John’s International Airport Authority’s three-year, $37.3 million Airfield Accessibility and Safety Initiative is fully complete with Category III Instrument Landing Systems (CAT III ILS) now operational on both ends of the primary runway (R11/29). As a result, the airfield’s accessibility is enhanced significantly to 99 per cent during low visibility conditions, allowing an estimated 700 more flights and 70,000 more passengers to arrive and depart annually without delays or cancellations. The project was completed on budget and ahead of its estimated completion date of March 2016. The Airfield Accessibility and Safety Initiative was cost-shared between the Airport Authority, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Government of Canada. The federal contribution of $12.4 million comes from the Gateways and Border Crossing Fund in support of the Atlantic Gateway and Trade Corridor Strategy. In addition, NAV Canada installed and will maintain the operation of the CAT III ILS technology. The Provincial Government contribution is $13.8 million.

“We are delighted to announce the completion of this project that will have significant, long-term benefits for our city and our province. The improved reliability of our Airport will enhance the attractiveness of our region for business investment and tourism for many years to come,” said Art Cheeseman, Chair of the St. John’s International Airport Authority Board of Directors. “I would like to thank the Government of Canada, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, and NAV Canada for partnering with us in this substantial investment in our Airport and our community.” Since 2013, extensive improvements were made to the Airport’s airfield to allow the installation and operation of CAT III ILS by NAV Canada. Significant amounts of terrain were removed from the airfield; centreline lights were installed on the runways and Terminal Building apron; runway end safety areas (RESAs) were constructed at each end of both the primary and secondary runways; and newer and taller approach towers were erected at both ends of the primary runway. The Airport is also the first in the world to incorporate LED lights on these new approach towers.

I 37

Member News Stratton retiring from Big Erics St. John’s based Distribution Group – which operates Atlantic Canada’s largest restaurant supplier Big Erics – is looking for a new CEO to replace the retiring Ed Stratton. According to an article published by allNovaScotia, under Stratton’s leadership Distribution Group has grown through a series of acquisitions from 30 employees to well over 100. Its businesses include Terra Nova Foods, Big Erics, Jessom Food Equipment and Janitor’s Market Inc., and Sani Pro. Annual consolidated sales are between $50 and $100 million. The search for the new CEO is being lead by Knightsbridge Robertson Surrette.

$2.2 million contract for Bluedrop Bluedrop Performance Learning Inc., through its subsidiary Bluedrop Training & Simulation Inc., was recently awarded a contract by KF Aerospace Defence Programs, operators of the Canadian Forces flight training program in Southport, Manitoba, to deliver visual systems upgrades to several existing flight simulators for the Contracted Flying Training and Support (CFTS) Program. These upgrades are part of a larger scope of work that sees KF Aerospace Defence Programs and Bluedrop providing the Royal Canadian Air Force`s Primary, Rotary Wing and Multi-engine Pilot training until 2027. The visuals upgrade program will provide the pilots with the most up to date visual systems and training systems available. The upgrades will be implemented at the Hilly Brown Building as part of the flight training program led by KF Aerospace Defence Programs and supported by Bluedrop Training & Simulation, Canadian Helicopters (HNZ) Ltd., and Canadian Base Operators. Located in Southport, Manitoba, the CFTS program has a majority role in training 80% of new pilots in the RCAF every year.

By working together with its corporate partners and the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Bluedrop will be meeting the current and future training needs of student pilots. The project is valued at (US) $2.2 million and will be delivered including all associated training and certifications by the Bluedrop Simulation team. “We are very pleased to be a member of the CFTS Program supplying stateof-the-art technologies to the air force” said Jean-Claude Siew, Vice President of Simulation & Technology, Bluedrop Training & Simulation. “CFTS is one of our most demanding projects and we look forward to supporting KF Aerospace Defence Programs in continuously improving training effectiveness.”

Jumping Bean moving into Atlantic Place Jumping Bean will soon set up a new kiosk in Atlantic Place. The local business has taken over the former Starbucks space in the building. Atlantic Place owner, Charlie Oliver, told allNovaScotia, he approached Jumping Bean shortly after Starbucks announced they were moving out of the building. “Once we knew they were moving we said, let’s go get a local company if we can, and Jumping Bean is a fabulous local operation,” Oliver told the news site.

Companies receive funding from Venture Newfoundland and Labrador Three Newfoundland and Labrador companies will receive a total investment of $750,000 from Venture Newfoundland and Labrador, a venture capital fund established by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and managed by Pelorus Venture Capital Ltd. The fund is designed to provide greater access to capital for innovative entrepreneurs with high-growth potential start-ups.

Board of Trade Chair Des Whelan participated in the announcement as emcee.

“The Board has been involved in promoting business start-ups for a number of years were delighted when the partnership was established between the province and Pelorus to manage investments,” said Whelan. “We need a strong, vibrant private sector to grow the economy, an in order to do that On behalf of Venture Newfoundland and businesses often require capital to grow Labrador, Pelorus Venture Capital Ltd. and start-up companies depend on is investing $250,000 in each of three venture capital to take a new product or Newfoundland and Labrador companies: Clockwork Fox, HeyOrca and Sentinel Alert. idea to market.”

From left, Board of Trade Chair Des Whelan, Joe Teo (HeyOrca), Sarah Murphy (Sentinel Alert), Ed J. Martin (Clockwork Fox), Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development Minister Christopher Mitchelmore, and Tom Hayes (Pelorus Venture Capital Ltd.).

BUSINESS NEWS FEBRUARY/MARCH: 2016

New Members Decorating Den Interiors

Robin Stairs, Owner & Decorator 50 Hamlyn Road, Suite 415 St. John’s, NL A1E 5X7 P: 709-744-3510 robin@decoratingden.com

Keith Gordon Auto Sales Keith Gordon, Owner 364 Kenmount Road St. John’s, NL A1B 3R2 P: 722-6576 F: 722-6578

Brenda Cook Exit Realty on the Rock

Brenda Cook, Realtor 31 Wabush Place St. John’s, NL A1E 5V6 P: 709-685-9774 brendacook@nl.rogers.com

VOLUME 31: #1

The Seed Company / Flowers on Buchanan

Brittany Elliott, Part-Owner Peter Byrne, Part-Owner 9 Buchanan Street P.O. Box 640 St. John’s, NL A1C 5K8 P: 709-722-4590 F: 709-722-9945 brittany@theseedcompany.ca peter@theseedcompany.ca

O’Keefe Sullivan Law

Allison Wade, Lawyer Colin Sullivan, Lawyer 1973 Topsail Road Paradise, NL A1L 1Z4 P: 709-782-8588 F: 709-782-8599 awade@okeefesullivanlaw.ca csullivan@okeefesullivanlaw.ca

Clarity AquaTech Ltd.

Jeremy Cummings, General Sales Manager 55 Harvey Road St. John’s, NL A1C 2E9 P: 709-221-5100 j.cummings@clarityaquatech.ca

CBRE Limited

Lloyd Nash, Sales Representative 140 Water Street. Suite 705 St. John’s, NL A1C 6H6 P: 709-754-0604 Lloyd.nash@cbre.com

Freshii St. John’s

Michelle Pye, Owner / Director 673 Topsail Road, Unit 3A St. John’s, NL A1E 2E3 P: 709-747-0777 F: 709-747-0778 michelle@freshii.com

I 39

BUSINESS NEWS FEBRUARY/MARCH: 2016

Contributing to a Stronger Economy The property and casualty (P&C) insurance industry plays a vital role in Newfoundland and Labradorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic success. Insurers paid out $509 million in claims to help Newfoundlanders and Labradorians recover from losses:

$169.2 million in property claims $339.8 million in auto claims Insurers paid more than $79.1 million in taxes and levies to the Newfoundland and Labrador government. Source: IBC, 2014 figures

The P&C insurance industry also works to improve the quality of life in our communities by promoting loss and crime prevention, safer roads, improved infrastructure and preparation for severe weather and natural disasters.

ibc.ca @IBC_Atlantic 902-429-2730 toll-free: 1-844-2ask-IBC