March / April 2019
RYAN TOWNEND
WILLIAM JOSEPH COMMUNICATIONS
Page 14
Paddock Wood Brewing Co.
Image: Gina’s Portraits
Page 24
| Members in the News pg. 10 | Non-Prof its pg. 29 |
Presenting Sponsor:
2019 AWARDS GALA Friday, April 12 TCU Place
5:00 pm Cocktail Hour 6:00 pm Dinner Emcees:
Alanna Koch
Board Chair Global Institute for Food Security
Register online at: www.saskatoonchamber.com/events
Sean Leslie Co-anchor CTV News at Six
March / April 2019
Image: Gina’s Portraits
STAFF Darla Lindbjerg, CEO Kendra Cruson, Vice President, Operations Dana Wilkins, Director, Member Experience Terry Lawrence, Office Administrator Roz Macala, Executive Assistant Kate Dupuis, Events & Marketing Coordinator Janelle Kubica, Member Services Coordinator
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair Peggie Koenig - Koenig & Associates Inc. 1st Vice-Chair Chris Sicotte 2nd Vice-Chair Carla Browne - Real Canadian Property Management Professionals Inc. Past Chair Kelly Bode - WMCZ Lawyers Sandra Ribeiro - Canadian Light Source Inc. Jason Aebig - Creative Fire Stacy Dybvig - ICR Commercial Real Estate Linda Exner - PCL Construction Management Ltd. Dale Lemke - Quicklinkt Solutions Inc. Adam McInnes - Med Hack Enterprises Incorporated Graham Snell - Saskatoon Aerocentre Trevor Thiessen - Redekop Manufacturing Inc. Colton Wiegers - Wiegers Financial & Benefits Chris Woodland - MLT Aikins LLP
PRODUCTION Publisher: Kendra Cruson Layout & Design: Terry Lawrence Contributing Writers: Kendra Cruson, Peggie Koenig, Darla Lindbjerg, Elizabeth Ireland, David Barrett Sales: Kendra Cruson, Dana Wilkins Photography: Gina’s Portraits Canadian Publications Mail Agreement
Cover Story Page 14
Featured Content 4
Events
6
New Members
No. 40052085 Return Undeliverable Addresses to: Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce 110-345 4th Avenue South, Saskatoon, SK S7K 1N3
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BUSINESS VOICE is a publication of the
Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce Copyright 2019 Phone: (306) 244-2151 Email: chamber@saskatoonchamber.com Website: www.saskatoonchamber.com Twitter and Instagram: @stoonchamber
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Upcoming Chamber events
December 2018 and January 2019
14
Ryan Townend
24
Paddock Wood Brewing Co.
Members in the News
Members celebrating expansions, new ventures, anniversaries and more
Advocacy
Government of Saskatchewan launches new webpage to cut red tape, Maxime Bernier speaks to Saskatoon Chamber Members, and more
William Joseph Communications "I never started out to be an Entrepreneur"
Blazes the Trail for Saskatchewan Microbreweries
29
Non-Profits
36
Chamber Happenings
38
Chair’s Message
Chamber’s Events
Raising a toast to Saskatchewan beer, wine, spirits, hospitality and entrepreneurs
Disclaimer: BUSINESS VOICE makes no warranties of any kind, written or implied, regarding the contents of this magazine and expressly disclaims any warranty regarding the accuracy or reliability of informations contain herein. The views contained in the magazine are those of the writers and advertisers: They do not necessarily reflect the view fo the Business Voice magazine and its publisher the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce.
BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON MARCH / APRIL 2019 3
EVENTS
Chamber Events Vivian Krause A Canadian researcher and writer who has followed the money behind environmental and elections activism. Her work has generated more than 100 media stories, including frontpage coverage in The Globe and Mail and The National Post. Most recently, Vivian’s work was profiled by Wendy Mesley on CBC’s, The Weekly. SPEAKER: Vivian Krause SPEECH: Anti-Pipeline Activism: Who Funds it and Why it Matters DATE: Tuesday, March 19 TIME: 11:30am LOCATION: Delta Hotels Saskatoon Downtown (formerly Radisson Hotel)
It’s time to celebrate the thriving Saskatoon Business community at the 2019 SABEX Awards!!! Join us for a celebration of all you’ve created. DATE: Friday, April 12 TIME: 5:00 pm: Cocktail Hour 6:00 pm: Dinner & Seating LOCATION: TCU Place
Mayor Charlie Clark gives a progress report on innovation and inclusion at the City of Saskatoon. Hear Mayor Clark’s strategy to unlock the city’s full potential as he discusses smart growth, automation, sustainability, disruptive technology and a changing global economy. SPEAKER: Mayor Charlie Clark SPEECH: "State of the City" Address DATE: Tuesday, April 16 TIME: 11:30am LOCATION: TCU Place
Chamber Networking Events
Connect with the business community and enjoy great food and drink at Chamber on Tap on the first Wednesday of each month. Learn Entrepreneur Insights when our host Mark Hawes interviews members of the business community. TIME: Doors open 4:30pm, Speaker 5:00pm LOCATION: LB Distillers DATE: Wednesday, April 3 SPEAKER: Declan O'Reilly BUSINESS: O'Reilly Insurance DATE: Wednesday, May 1 SPEAKER: Shawn Moen BUSINESS: 9 Mile
Ever wondered what the Chamber of Commerce does? Join the Chamber’s Dana Wilkins for a laugh-filled and informative session on “what’s in it for you” with a Chamber membership. This event is FREE of charge for future members and includes a light dinner.
This is your introduction or refresher on how you can make the most out of your Chamber Membership. Learn about the Chamber Group Benefits Plan; cost savings programs for Staples, First Data and more; marketing opportunities; advocacy; events and other info you need to know. PLEASE REGISTER FOR THIS COMPLEMENTARY EVENT
PLEASE REGISTER FOR THIS COMPLEMENTARY EVENT
TIME: 3:30 pm LOCATION: LB Distillers
SPEAKER: Dana Wilkins TIME: Doors open 5:30 pm, Speaker 6:00 pm LOCATION: Chamber Office
DATE: Wednesday, April 3
DATE: Wednesday, March 20 DATE: Wednesday, April 17
4 BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON MARCH / APRIL 2019
DATE: Wednesday, June 5
FROM THE CEO
Your Voice in Business
Image: Gina’s Portraits
As the voice of business for Saskatoon, the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce worked diligently and in the best interest of our business community throughout a year that brought many challenges and changes. While change is rarely easy, our ability to adapt to an ever-evolving environment has allowed us to serve our business community in a way that no other business organization can through our individual efforts as well as the efforts of our local, provincial and national chamber network across the country. Our network was a leading voice when it came to the unprecedented and unjust assault on trade with our closest ally, the U.S. We successfully pushed back against Finance Canada’s proposal to tax employer-paid health and dental benefits and the ill-conceived small business tax proposals. We advocated for the approval of the Trans Mountain Pipeline development and against Bill C-69 that threatens the competitiveness of our country within the global market by creating uncertainty for local investors and foreign direct investment entering our country. Within our provincial network, we advocated against the federal government’s proposed carbon tax scheme and locally we brought our members' voice to the table around the proposed downtown arena and convention center, ride sharing, rail and transport, the Saskatoon Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), storm water credits, ICI waste management, and air services. In 2018, we held 42 events for our members that boasted an attendance of 11,884 people. These events highlighted speakers from various walks of life and diverse backgrounds that added value to our membership including, but not limited to entrepreneurship, education, health, female leadership, indigenous leadership, political leaders at all levels of government, non-profits, science, innovation and workforce development. Our Chamber Membership Programs, which focus on saving our members money, also saw significant growth. Most notably, our membership found value in our merchant services program where we saw an increase of 60% in 2018 and our Chamber Plan benefit program where we saw an increase of 6.8%. These programs have made a significant impact for our members who utilize them by making these businesses more competitive and relevant to their customer bases. We are also pleased to have CN come on as a partner with the Chamber in development of our new CN Boardroom which is available for rent to our members at a nominal fee and another
Darla Lindbjerg, CEO Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce membership benefit that they can leverage. Based on feedback from our members at our Member Summit in the fall of 2018, local businesses told us that their challenges relate to three key areas; competitiveness, efficiency and growth. We are planning our ongoing advocacy efforts around addressing these areas and using our event stream to dive deeper into these areas of interest. There are three elections coming over the next two years that the Chamber will be keying in on. Our advocacy will focus on ensuring our governments, at all levels, are laser-focused on competitiveness and economic growth. Saskatoon Chamber members want to see less red tape from government, balanced budgets, lower barriers to trade and strong economic diversification. As we watch and analyze the platforms that emerge over the next year, our focus will be on how these election platforms intend to boast our competitiveness and grow our economy. We greatly value the advice and guidance of our members, our Board and our volunteers. You help us interpret and amplify the issues that matter most to the broader business community. We are committed to addressing the issues that affect you in a timely manner while proposing constructive alternatives and creating solutions that affect positive change and conditions so that our job creators and entrepreneurs can thrive.
Darla Lindbjerg, President & CEO, Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON MARCH / APRIL 2019 5
NEWSMAKERS
NEW MEMBERS Avenue Living Communities
Catering to the city's essential workers who are overqualified for affordable housing yet may not be able to afford average market-rate homes, whether for rent or purchase. Greg Gessner 3-116 103rd St, Saskatoon p: (306) 241-1869 w: www.avenueliving.ca Rental
Camelot Introductions
Offering matchmaking services to those wanting to find love in Saskatoon! All matches are personally interviewed and have had criminal record checks done to provide you with the best possible match! Lianne Tregobov p: (306) 978-5683 w: camelotintroductions.com Dating Services / Matchmaking
Canadian Indoor Air Quality Investigators
Locally owned company specializing in environmental testing, as well as asbestos and mold remediation. Also specializing in the general contracting field for both commercial and residential projects. Frank Browne 3335D Wells Ave, Saskatoon p: (306) 665-4274 w: www.ciaqi.ca Consultants AND Contractors
College Pro Painters
Exterior house painting is hard work. Let College Pro make it easy for you. Specializing in exterior house painting since 1971. Kordel Prout 227 Avenue K N, Saskatoon p: (306) 381-3050 w: www.collegepro.com Construction
Compugen Inc.
One of Canada's largest privately-owned and operated IT service providers founded in 1981. Addressing complex challenges with real-world solutions in a uniquely customer-focused manner. Iain McNab 2256 29 St NE, Calgary, AB p: (403) 969-3392 w: compugen.com Computers - Sales / Services / Supplies
Escape Manor Saskatoon
Whether escaping, relaxing, solving puzzles, or throwing axes, you and your crew are welcome at Escape Manor. Enjoy cocktails, wine, local craft beer, or play bocce ball before the main event. Shaun Hesse 245 2nd Ave S, Saskatoon p: (306) 343-6093 w: www.escapemanor.com Entertainment / Attractions
Front Line Ready
Offering the best value for your money for paint repair touch-up services in Saskatoon. Repairs are permanent manufacture car paint and repaired at a fraction of the cost. Brandie Rhode p: (306) 241-7477 w: www.frontlineready.ca Automobile - Paint / Body Repair
GetintheLoop
Local mobile offers platform, specializing in connecting local businesses with local consumers and building a better way to promote local business' offers and experiences that attract and retain customers. The app is free to download, and consumers look for different offers, promotions, or events from local businesses. Shauna Sereda 3460 6th Ave W, Prince Albert p: (306) 220-1363 w: getintheloop.ca/home Marketing / Market Research AND Internet
6 BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON MARCH / APRIL 2019
(December and January)
Great Canadian Home Show
Connecting qualified consumers with hundreds of the best businesses in their communities, creating a great networking environment and helping businesses to grow. Vern Peterson 13398 Vine Maple Dr, Surrey, BC p: (778) 537-6888 w: greatcanadianhomeshow.com Trade Show Service / Supplies
H2O Systems Inc.
Designs, manufactures and integrates cutting edge water treatment technologies for hard to treat industrial waters. Vaughn Jones 303 4th Ave N, Lucky Lake p: (306) 858-7326 w: www.h2osystemsgroup.com Manufacturers
Henry Downing Architects
Full service architectural firm producing well thought out spaces, functional and innovative. Services also include programming, feasibility analysis, design and inspections. Ritesh Mistry 2233 Avenue C N, Saskatoon p: (306) 652-5044 w: www.henrydowning.ca Architects
Lisa Kloeble Realty Prof. Corp. REALTORÂŽ at Century21 Fusion. Lisa Kloeble 210-310 Wellman Lane, Saskatoon p: (306) 341-1067 w: www.lisakloeble.com Real Estate - Residential
WELCOME TO ALL OUR NEW MEMBERS
NEWSMAKERS
NEW MEMBERS Medicine Shoppe #203
Locally owned and operated compounding pharmacy. Retail pharmacy with pharmacists trained in compounding medicine and offering consults in wellness and functional/integrative medicine. Courtney Junop 103 Hospital Dr, RUH, Saskatoon p: (306) 655-4045 w: www.medicine-shoppe.ca Pharmacies
Phoenix Movement & Learning Ltd.
By using a technique called the Anat Baniel Method, increase the brains ability to notice small differences. This will enhance performance while reducing pain. Patrick Hill p: (306) 229-5460 w: www.bimt.ca Health & Fitness
Raj Manek Mentorship Program
Since 1998, the program has sponsored more than 320 years of mentorship relationships, with high annual success rates. Regular progress meetings with mentors and seminar training. Kanchan Manek 8121 Shaske Dr, Edmonton, AB p: (780) 993-9731 Non-Profit Organizations
Saskatoon Auto Connection Inc.
Auto sales, service, and detailing. Dustin Kalthoff 824B 43rd St E, Saskatoon p: (306) 373-8800 w: www.saskatoonauto.ca Automobile - Lease / Rental / Sales
(December and January)
Saskatoon Clayworks
A teaching studio that focuses on many different types of ceramic art and also manufacture custom ceramics. Chad Berg 504 Avenue L S, Saskatoon p: (306) 281-9106 w: www.saskatoonclayworks.com Leisure / Recreation
Tula Accounting & Consulting
Accounting and consulting services for small and medium sized businesses in Saskatoon. Taheera Fidaali p: (639) 317-4744 w: www.tulacpa.com Accountants / Bookkeepers
KEEP UP WITH THE PACE OF CHANGE Staying on top of the latest HR-related legal developments can feel overwhelming. Our labour and employment lawyers help cut through the noise and provide the up-to-date information you need to address key issues in your workplace. Register for one of our upcoming Saskatchewan events.
#MeToo Workshop – Preventing & Investigating Sexual Harassment
Saskatchewan Labour Update 2019
Saskatoon – April 10 Regina – April 11
Saskatoon – May 28 Regina – May 30
MLT Aikins/CPHR Saskatchewan Human Resource Professionals Seminar Regina – September 18 Saskatoon – September 19
For more details or to register, visit events.mltaikins.com
EMPLOYERS’ COUNSEL M LT A I K I N S L L P • M LTA I K I N S . C O M
BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON MARCH / APRIL 2019 7
NEWSMAKERS
MEMBER RENEWALS (Paid in
December and January)
101065586 Saskatchewan Ltd. 617311 Saskatchewan Ltd. 621451 Saskatchewan Ltd. 628495 Saskatchewan Ltd. ABC Canada Technology Group Ltd. Academy Studios Action Mechanical Inc. Adams Lumber (1982) Ltd. ADM Agri-Industries Company Advertising ONE Affinity Credit Union Ag-West Bio Inc. Aim Electric Ltd. Al Anderson's Source For Sports Alexander's Restaurant Allied Physicians Medical Prof Corp. Anne Jane Grieve Consulting aodbt architecture + interior design Aspire Too AssemblĂŠe Communautaire Fransaskoise ATL Heritage Services Corp. Auto Spa of Saskatoon Bank of Montreal BarterPay Saskatoon Bit Service Company Ltd. BN Steel & Metals Inc. Booster Juice Brainsport The Running Store Bridges Health BRITEBOX Storage Co. Broadway Business Improvement District Brunsdon Lawrek & Associates, Real Estate Appraisals & Advisory Services Buckwold - Western Business Development Bank of Canada Business Furnishings (Sask) Ltd. Butler Byers Insurance Ltd. Cameco Corporation Canadian Light Source Inc. Canadian Western Bank and Trust Canpotex Limited Cargill Limited CBI Health Group Cervus Equipment Peterbilt Charlie's Seafood Market Chem-Dry of Saskatoon Choice Nutrition CIBC City of Saskatoon - Assessment Branch City of Saskatoon - Community Services City of Saskatoon - Saskatoon Land CoHR Solutions
Coldwell Banker ResCom Realty Con-Tech General Contractors Ltd. Concentra Bank Concorde Group of Companies Confederation Inn Connect Energy Cosmopolitan Industries Ltd. Costco Wholesale Inc. CP Technical Services Ltd. CPA Saskatchewan Credit Bureau Collections Crosby Hanna & Associates Crown Investments Corporation CTV Bell Media Custom Labels Inc. Custom Trenching Ltd. D Stein Construction D'reen's Catering and Kitchen Socials Daisy's Restaurant Dakota Dunes Golf Links LLP Daniels Wingerak Engineering Ltd. Della's Music House Deloitte LLP Desta Consulting Ltd. Diamond Carpet Cleaning Digitex Canada DJB Transportation Services Inc. Don Morgan - Ministry of Labour Relations and Work Place Safety Dream Development / Homes by Dream Drop Dead Gorgeous Day Spa Dutch Growers Garden Centre Ltd. Dylan Pearson East West Heating Inc. Edmonton International Airport Electronic Recycling Association Elim Church EncoreFX Ens Auto Epic Alliance Inc. ERCO Worldwide, A division of Superior Plus LP ETK Flooring Ltd. Evident: Corporate Investigations & Security Consulting F1rst Auto Rentals + Final Draft Co. Ltd. Fire Sand Glass Ltd. Flooring & Design Essentials Ltd. Food Centre Fourth Avenue Vision Centre Fresh Living FYiDoctors - Salisbury Degelman
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Glacier Refrigeration Glenwood Auto Service Golden Opportunities Fund Inc. Good Wood Hardwood Gordon Tootoosis Nikaniwin Theatre Inc. Government of Saskatchewan - Ministry of Trade and Export Development Graham Construction and Engineering Great Western Brewing Company Limited Greenlight Truck & Auto Harden & Huyse Chocolates High Arc Electrical Home-MD Construction Corp. HOPE Hair Recovery Houghton Boston Printers Hues Art Supplies Hughes Recruitment Inc. Hundseth Line Construction Corp. Inland Audio Visual Innovation Place Ixtapa Travel Jeff Chai JMK Massage Therapy Junior Achievement of Saskatchewan K. M. Paulson Goldsmith Ltd. Kinzel Cadrin & Associates Consulting Inc. Konica Minolta Business Solutions (Canada) LTD. KPMG MSLP Lana Wickstrom Separation Specialist Ltd. Lane Mechanical Inc. Lawson Heights Mall LB Distillers Inc. Lean Practitioners Association of Saskatchewan (LPAS) Legacy Developments Inc. Lewis M. Carter Manufacturing (Canada) Ltd. Listowel Trophies Ltd. Mac & Sons Plumbing & Heating Mackie Physiotherapy Market Mall Auto Service Martensville Plumbing & Heating Ltd. McCabe Insurance McClelland Debusschere McClure Place Association Inc. McKercher LLP MCP Talent Entertainment & Speakers Bureau Med Hack Enterprises Incorporated
NEWSMAKERS
MEMBER RENEWALS (Paid in
December and January)
Meewasin Valley Authority Mid-West Railcar Services (2001) Ltd. Miller Thomson LLP MisterPrint - PrintWest MLT Aikins LLP MNP LLP Natural Chow Pet Food Corp. NexGen Energy Ltd. Nordic Industries (1979) Ltd. Norplex Business Centre North Country Customs Nu Vu Auto Glass & Repair Nutrien OBASA Corporate Suites Inc. Off Side Hair Zone One Stop Property Maintenance Orano Canada Inc. Oxygen Technical Services Ltd. Paddock Wood Brewing Paramount Day Spa & Salon Park Funeral Chapel Pawlovich Chiropractic Payworks Percy H. Davis Ltd. Persephone Theatre Peter Kiewit Sons ULC PIC Investment Group Inc. Platinum Performance Ltd. Polar Refrigeration Service Ltd. Powerhouse Endeavours Group Prairie Crane Inc. Prairie Laser Inc. Prairie Proud Prairie Roots Dental Studio Prairie Therapists and Trainers Inc. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Pritchard & Associates, Chartered Professional Accountants, Prof. Corp. PWP Holdings Inc. Quadrant Newmedia Corp. Quality Sheet Metal Inc. R.M. of Corman Park Rawlco Radio (News Talk 650 / ROCK 102 / C95) RBC Royal Bank REFINED Remai Construction Group Inc. Ritchie Bros Auctioneers Canada Ltd. Rosler Construction Roynat Capital Inc. S & E Trusted Online Directories Inc. Sabtronic Systems Inc. SARC
Sask Pork Saskatchewan Abilities Council Saskatchewan Blue Cross Saskatchewan Construction Association Saskatchewan Health Authority Saskatchewan Indian Equity Foundation Inc. Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists Saskatchewan Intercultural Association Saskatoon Aerocentre Saskatoon Agri-Auto Parts Inc. Saskatoon Airport Authority Saskatoon Boiler Mfg. Co. Ltd. Saskatoon Business College Saskatoon Co-operative Association Limited Saskatoon Construction Association Saskatoon Fastprint LP Saskatoon Folkfest Incorporated Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre Saskatoon Funeral Home Co. - Prairie View Crematorium Saskatoon Home Support Ltd. Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership Saskatoon Hyundai Saskatoon Industry Education Council Saskatoon Prairieland Park Corporation Saskatoon Public Schools Saskatoon Region Association of REALTORS® Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra SaskPower SaskTel Scotia Wealth Management Scotiabank Service Canada SGI West Claims Centre Shawn Murphy Royal Lepage SkinSense Dermatology Smokes Poutinerie Specialty Distributing Ltd. Spicers St. Paul's Hospital St. Volodymyr Villa Corporation Steel-Craft Door Sales
Stuart Kasdorf Photographics Inc. Super 8 Motel Supreme Basics Sutherland Business Improvement District Sutton Financial Group TCU Place TD Commercial Banking The Flag Shop The Lemon Tree Salon & Studio Ltd. The Optimist Club of Saskatoon Inc. The Salvation Army - Public Relations & Development Three Farmers Thurston Engineering Services Tom Archibald Tourism Saskatoon Tucker Cleaning Inc. U of S - College of Agriculture and Bioresources U of S - Huskie Athletics U of S - Vice-President Finance & Resources unINK Internet Marketing Corp. United Way of Saskatoon and Area Universal Bindery (Sask) Ltd. VB Strategic Planning Solutions Veeman Law Verb Media - Parity Publishing Inc. Vern's Place Husky Victory Majors Investments Corporation Voce Developments Corporation Walsh Nemeth & Co. Welldone Mechanical Services Inc. Western Economic Diversification Canada Western Heritage Westwood Funeral Chapel Wheatland Dental Whitecap Development Corporation William Joseph Communications Inc. Wilson's Group of Companies Wine 4 You WMB Management Ltd. Worry Free Bookkeeping Inc. Wright Construction Western Inc. YWCA Saskatoon
DO BUSINESS WITH A CHAMBER MEMBER FIRST BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON MARCH / APRIL 2019 9
NEWSMAKERS
MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
Canadian Craft Distiller, Black Fox Farm and Distillery, announces first shipment of gin to Asia
Entrepreneurs Judy Chen and Barbara Stefanyshyn-Cote are excited to announce plans to supply Black Fox’s world-famous gins to mainland China. Both women now call Saskatoon home, but their international backgrounds and ability to work together allow them to see the opportunities that exist beyond our borders. Judy Chen is the owner of Zhiding Trade Inc., located in Shanghai China and Fang Enterprises in Saskatoon. The company’s focus is importing high quality beer, wine and spirits and with Black Fox’s award winning Gin, it’s a perfect match! Barb Stefanyshyn-Cote is the owner of Black Fox Farm and Distillery, and feels that there is large opportunity for our agriculture sector to become more food and beverage focused. To take advantage of this we need to focus on producing and exporting world class products rather than simply shipping raw ingredients. “We grow the finest ingredients, have ambitious and creatively talented people along with an innovative and supportive environment – it only makes sense for us to pursue these opportunities” Black Fox Farm and Distillery Ltd. john@blackfoxfarmanddistilltery.com 306-361-7965
Candle Lake Golf Resort
When well planned and executed, a corporate retreat or conference can boost morale and build a strong culture within your company. In 2019, companies are looking at ways to provide their teams with experiences while maintaining their attention. Across the province, venues such as Candle Lake Golf Resort, are here to help you plan these
10 BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON MARCH / APRIL 2019
experiences. Golfing, fishing, boating, and hikes through the Boreal Forest are just some of the many ways you can enhance your next event. Rediscover nature to help inspire and motivate your team, making your getaway nothing but memorable. www.candlelakegolfresort.com
The Dapper Doughnut
Our mini doughnuts are “cake style”. They are light and moist and slightly crunchy. Our mini doughnuts are made all day long in our stores so they’re always hot and fresh. You can even watch them being made and dressed. They are custom designed and decorated with the freshest ingredients and sauces. We even have fresh fruit! With flavors like S'mores, Nutella Dream and Bananas Foster the toppings are virtually endless. We would love to cater your next event/ party. Even with most catering jobs, we set up our doughnut machine so they are hot— this is what makes The Dapper Doughnut so compelling at weddings, corporate events, etc. Our doughnuts truly can be enjoyed anywhere! Unit 108 - 311 Cope Lane Saskatoon SK, S7T 0C7 thedapperdoughnut.com/stonebridge
NEWSMAKERS
MEMBERS IN THE NEWS Driverseat
We were looking for a socially responsible, flexible business and when we came across the Driverseat franchise, we knew we had found a fit. Our flagship Designated Driving service continues to get more and more people home safely with their vehicles every week, and we are constantly expanding our team of professional Coachmen (drivers) in Saskatoon to meet the ever-growing demand. Since launching in 2017, we have also introduced Shuttle services for airport and weddings and are focusing on strategic partnerships in 2019 to further reduce impaired driving in Saskatchewan. Download the Driverseat app and follow us on social media! www.driverseatinc.com/saskatoon
Neil Stubbs Music
Creating a Restaurant from a Sea Container
When Joshua Turner was looking to open the JT’s Beach Cafe at Blackstrap Provincial Park, he had some big concerns, style, portability, security and cost. That’s when he discovered online, people creating amazing shops, restaurants and cafes from repurposed sea containers. Compared to constructing a new building or renovating an old one, Sea containers are a great costeffective option for entrepreneurs. With a Sea Can you have a sturdy, secure building that can easily be moved around for seasonal use and offer a street appeal that most Brick and Mortar cannot. They come in a variety of sizes or you can stack and join them to create stories, balconies, shapes and patios. With more and more municipalities seeing the benefits of this trend, it’s become even easier to create your own. So, if you’re looking for a functional and unique option, consider creating your new spot from a sea container. www.jtstastytreats.com
Saskatoon’s thriving business community presents a wealth of opportunities for local musicians. Corporate events can be enhanced by cocktail, dinner, and background music. Trade shows, sales events, celebrations, Christmas parties, conventions and fundraisers offer a huge potential market. As a band member, single act or duo with wife Nancy (for 24 years), Neil has played ethnic, pop, old-time, country and western music for real estate, mining, water technology, retirement residence companies and others. Neil Stubbs Music offers the choice of accordion, piano and saxophone music plus themed or ethnic costumes to “customize” an event and make it memorable.
639-471-1575 Facebook: www.Fb.me/neilstubbsmusic Email: stubbsnn@gmail.com Website: neilstubbsmusic.com
BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON MARCH / APRIL 2019 11
NEWSMAKERS
MEMBERS IN THE NEWS Refresh Inn & Suites
At Refresh Inn & Suites we wanted to offer something more than just the concept of a hotel. Located across from the University of Saskatchewan, our boutique hotel caters to all visiting guests to Saskatoon. Just minutes from downtown and steps away from the Royal University Hospital, our location has kept us very busy since opening in 2014. With a gourmet kitchen available to all guests to cook your own creations, a free continental breakfast with diabetic, gluten free and lactose free options, visitors will have one less thing to worry about. Each room comes with a mini-fridge, high speed internet, Netflix and washer/dryer on site, so Refresh Inn & Suites is able to cater to those who may need a place to stay longer term. Our friendly staff and reasonable rates (starting at $95.00/night) ensure all guests needs are met during their stay in Saskatoon. www.refreshinnandsuites.com
Together Together We WeGrow Grow
....
Stacy Sutherland
Muskeg Lake Cree Nation Treaty 6, Saskatchewan
Planting seeds for a better tomorrow.
Together We Grow
Together We Grow
The seeds we plant today hold our dreams and aspirations. At Nutrien, we’re committed to expanding our relationships with Indigenous people globally, including Aboriginal people in Canada, knowing that diversity and inclusion will help us feed the future – together.
Together We Grow Together We Grow
www.nutrien.com
12 BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON MARCH / APRIL 2019
ADVOCACY
Working for You The Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce continues to actively advocate on behalf of its membership. Recent items to highlight include the following: Government of Saskatchewan launches new webpage to cut red tape
In January, the Ministry of Trade and Export Development launched a new web page aimed at cutting red tape across provincial ministries, agencies and Crown corporations. The page, entitled Help Cut Red Tape, is a site dedicated to gathering feedback from businesses and citizens regarding red tape issues they have encountered. Businesses and citizens are encouraged to submit their experiences through the on-line platform and their submissions will be referred to the appropriate ministry, agency or Crown Corporation. For more information, please go to www.saskatchewan.ca/help-cut-red-tape.
Maxime Bernier speaks to Saskatoon Chamber members
On January 14th, Maxime Bernier, People’s Party of Canada founder and leader, presented to members of the Saskatoon Chamber. He provided insight on his new party and discussed his thoughts on moving forward with pipeline projects. Approximately 50 attendees were present for the talk, which was the first edition of the Chamber’s Pulse on Politics for 2019.
New Year, new trade agreement
2019 has arrived, and with it, a new trade agreement has come into force. In the interest of diversifying trade, the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) will expand Canada’s access to a number of Asia-Pacific markets, including
Luncheon Speaker: Maxime Bernier, People's Party of Canada Japan, Vietnam and Malaysia. At full membership of potentially eleven countries, the agreement will encompass over 495 million people and a combined GDP of $13.5 trillion. The CPTPP is expected to reduce a number of barriers to trade and assist small and medium sized enterprises (SME’s) looking to access Asia-Pacific markets.
Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce joins Saskatchewan network to clarify position on Carbon Tax
Following the release of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s A Competitive Transition, follow-up media coverage indicated that the business community across Canada was in support of carbon tax. The Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce joined members of the Chamber of Commerce network in Saskatchewan to clarify that the Saskatchewan Chamber network is not supportive of the federally proposed carbon tax. The Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce CEO, Darla Lindbjerg noted, “The Saskatoon Chamber has been active on the issue of carbon taxes and our policy on the matter has been clear and concise and very much in support of the Government of Saskatchewan’s efforts. The imposition of a carbon tax is not the right tool to serve our environmental or economic needs.”
Municipal waste utility and the ridesharing option for Saskatoon
Late in 2018, a final City of Saskatoon Council meeting was held that featured two items of interest to the Saskatoon Chamber. The first pertained to a motion to rescind a resolution passed on November 19th to fund curbside waste collection through a utility. In response, the Saskatoon Chamber submitted a letter to Council expressing concern for reopening the debate. The Saskatoon Chamber also provided comments on vehicle-for-hire transportation. Ridesharing has become a common option in many jurisdictions across Canada, providing residents with greater options for transportation.
The Chamber will continue to address the concerns of our members and businesses in Saskatoon and the surrounding area to ensure that Saskatoon has a thriving business climate and is the place to live and do business on the prairies.
BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON MARCH / APRIL 2019 13
COVE R STORY
RYAN TOW
WILLIAM JOSEPH CO "I Never Started Out by Elizabeth Ireland
14 BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON JULY / AUGUST 2018
OMMUNICATIONS to be an Entrepreneur"
Image: Gina’s Portraits
WNEND
BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON JULY / AUGUST 2018 15
COVE R STORY Press, as an early mentor. “Bill used to say, ‘You tell me what you would do' and that concept of free thinking really stuck with me.” Eventually, Townend relocated to Calgary and in 2002 he cofounded William Joseph Communications. William is Townend’s middle name and Joseph was his business partner’s middle name. A downtown Saskatoon office was established 10 years ago in 2009.
“
From his roots as the only child of hardworking farmers, Townend’s journey has been an interesting one. Today Townend is widely known across western Canada as the owner and CEO of William Joseph Communications. He is an avid public speaker, a networking host and a robust social media influencer with his LinkedIn presence and regular ADvice segment on Global TV. Plus, he is recognizable for publishing WJ Magazine which features “authentic, compelling content” and serves as a branding vehicle for his agency. WJ Magazine is also notable for having Townend on the cover of most of its issues.
Townend credits his parents and his upbringing for his value system. In fact, he has a tattoo of the word ‘believe’ on his left hand in his mother’s handwriting. “Growing up I was told there was nothing I couldn’t do; I was geared for success.”
On Education
Townend is proud to have graduated from University of Saskatchewan’s Edwards School of Business with a Bachelor of Commerce in 1999. “My time at Edwards was imperative to my later business success. It provided me with a great balance of the theory and practical.” Townend is also grateful that he had the opportunity to write his honours thesis in Marketing with the “wonderful” Professor Barbara Phillips (she is now Edwards’ Rawlco Scholar in Advertising). Early jobs included working for the Saskatoon Zoo Society, which combined Townend’s passion for animals and non-profits. Townend cites Bill Peterson, his first boss at the Saskatoon Free
Townend describes his agency’s overall philosophy:
At William Joseph we’re not consultants on where you want to go, we’re transporters of insight to places you never thought possible!
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Born and raised in Wadena, Saskatchewan, in person marketing guru Ryan Townend is exactly as gregarious and personable as you might expect.
Ryan Townend, WJ Communications
On Clients
Explains Townend: “Our agency attracts clients that share our values. We work with big thinkers who want to make a difference in their company, on their bottom line and the community that they live in. Respect is the foundation of all that we do. We respect clients’ business acumen and they respect our branding and marketing knowledge. When our clients win, we win.” While William Joseph has many diverse clients, Townend mentions a few that exemplify an attitude of innovation and boldness. This list includes Tourism Saskatoon, SaskTel Centre, Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation, Loraas Recycling, Meridian Development, Orano, POS Biosciences, Sask Pork, Sask Pulse Growers and Wiegers Financial & Benefits.
Image: Gina’s Portraits
Townend believes that it takes a special agency to help clients shine provincially, nationally and globally.
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STARS Air Ambulance is William Joseph’s charity of choice. The agency works with both the Saskatchewan and Alberta STARS teams on several signature fundraising events. “STARS is an amazing organization and we put our heart and soul behind all that we do for them.”
On Entrepreneurship
The big question Townend contemplates is are entrepreneurs born or are they taught? “You need both. An entrepreneur needs to have the education to run a business but the stomach to handle the stress. To be
COVE R STORY
Are there any pitfalls to being both a recognizable face in western Canada and a social media influencer? “I always have to be on, at airports or out on the town. I’m now a role model and people look up to me as a business mentor. When someone comes up to me and mentions a post or project I’ve been working on, it used to catch me off guard. I would rack my brain trying to figure out how I knew them. Now it’s kinda cool to have fans. I just keep being me and telling my stories.” As an optimist, Townend believes that there is always an opportunity out there. Even during the last recession, William Joseph saw growth. When he’s not travelling between offices, Townend enjoys time at home. He laughs that he is “the most extroverted introvert” whether he is “chilling with the dogs or taking a rip” on his Harley Davidson. From his farm days as a child to corporate boardrooms today, Townend is still as down-to-earth as he always was.
There’s always going to be a negative news story, falling commodity prices or downward trends. But for every challenge there’s a success story right down the road. Saskatoon’s economy is diverse – from biosciences and technology to microbreweries and restaurants – and the number of business owners making a name for themselves is remarkable. We are proud to call Saskatoon home.”
“I’m very blessed to live my passion every day. When you follow your passion everything just seems to fall into place.”
In Ryan’s Own Words William Joseph believes that the greatness of a company has many measures: profits, return on investment, client retention, outstanding marketing, awards, and even positive client feedback. But, as time goes on and the world evolves, the ultimate measure of a company’s enduring success is its legacy. What is the company’s ‘why’? How has it made an impact? How has it worked to make the world a better place?
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Ryan Townend, WJ Communications
Image: Gina’s Portraits
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Image: Gina’s Portraits
comfortable with being uncomfortable. It takes a special person to be an entrepreneur.”
For our team at William Joseph, our ‘why’ – why I started William Joseph, why we do what we do, and why our entire team wakes up in the morning, is shared success. Shared success happens with drive and purpose, with effort and accountability. It requires a mindset, an appreciation for others, and a ‘you succeed, I succeed’ mentality. This has become more than just a corporate policy, but a way of life and virtuous cycle here at William Joseph. We believe it is something that makes us successful as a company in terms of the value we provide, as well as the partnerships we make, the stories we tell, and the knowledge and skill set we continue to refine. Our agency started small with large ambitions. We’ve been full throttle over the past few years and we’ve expanded to offices in Grande Prairie and Red Deer. These days we get pitch packages from other cities asking us to open a William Joseph office there. Now a fully-integrated marketing agency with offices in four cities, we still appreciate the importance of believing and trusting in one another, and that what we share with others defines who we are as a team, as a business and as an industry. I’m so lucky that I get to work with the most talented, dedicated and passionate individuals each day. They are always willing to go the extra mile, they champion our culture and they are there for our clients. The strength of William Joseph is the individuals that make it up. I’m so proud of my team and cannot thank them enough for all that they do. Find out more at williamjoseph.com.
BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON MARCH / APRIL 2019 17
18 BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON MARCH / APRIL 2019
SPECIAL FEATURE
Employee Benefits Enjoyed by 30,000 Canadian Businesses The Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan has been protecting Canadian firms for over 40 years. More than 30,000 small to midsize businesses choose the Chambers Plan to protect their employees with comprehensive group benefits, including Health and Dental insurance, making it Canada’s #1 employee benefits plan for small business.
For more information on the ChamberPlan and how it can help your business, please contact one of the following ChamberPlan administers:
The Chambers Plan is the simple, stable, smart choice for business; combining accessibility, flexibility and the stability of pooled benefits. Firms choose the Chambers Plan year after year because it offers unsurpassed value and customer service.
Wiegers Financial & Benefits 120 33rd St E, Saskatoon Phone: (306) 244-0949
Aurora Workplace Solutions Inc. 10-510 45th St W, Saskatoon Phone: (306) 649-4000
Simple. Stable. Smart.
The Chambers Plan – it’s for your benefit. Simple
Looking for an employee benefits plan that’s simple to manage? Spend less time administering your benefits program with: • Chambers Plan’s exclusive advisor support • Quick set-up • Easy-to-use forms • 48-hour claim processing • Simple administration
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STAFF FEATURE
Dana Wilkins Thrives as Director of Member Experience by Elizabeth Ireland the benefits of Chamber membership. In his spare time, Wilkins is an entrepreneur himself. He trained as a master distiller in Kelowna and, with his business partners, is in the process of launching a craft distillery in east central Saskatchewan. The distillery is aiming to open to the public in fall 2019. Wilkins is very proud to be the father of three children in their 20s and two stepsons.
The Dirt What’s something people might not know about you? I’m an extrovert to the extreme and I’m comfortable talking to anyone – from a person on the street to a business leader to a provincial government minister. I get my energy from other people. In September 2018, Dana Wilkins returned to his hometown of Saskatoon and began the role of Director of Member Experience with the Chamber. Armed with his MBA from the University of Regina’s Kenneth Levene Graduate School of Business, Wilkins was charged up to work directly with our city’s many entrepreneurs and businesspeople.
What’s your dream job? Something that includes riding my motorcycle in the summer and promoting my distillery!
Favourite quality in a man? Kindness and generosity. Favorite quality in a woman? Enjoys life, fun-loving and knows her power in a professional setting. What do you most appreciate in your friends? To be able to not talk for months but pick up right where we left off. My close friends are supportive and invested in my success – even if it’s a risky endeavour like opening a craft distillery. What is your idea of happiness? My ideal day would be with family and friends in the mountains or at the lake. A good cup of coffee or a beer would also be nice. What do you consider your chief characteristic? Resilience and perseverance. Dana Wilkins can be reached by email at dana@saskatoonchamber.com.
Favourite virtue? Having a cause that helps the less fortunate.
Wilkins began his own career on the frontlines as a Corrections Officer and retired from public service 29 years later in an executive role as the Director of Community Corrections in Regina. Taking his MBA turned Wilkins towards the excitement of private sector life. He notes that returning to Saskatoon, after decades in Regina, further emphasized our city’s rapid growth and vibrant, youthful energy. As the Chamber’s Director of Member Experience, Wilkins actively supports making Saskatoon the best business environment in Canada, shining a positive light on Saskatoon’s attributes and sharing
BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON MARCH / APRIL 2019 21
THE TWO MOST IMPORTANT DAYS FOR YOUR COMPANY.
Today. Tomorrow. William Joseph is a fully-integrated marketing agency that empowers organizations to achieve their boldest business objectives and succeed on a local, national and international scale. Partner with us and have the vision and ability to achieve extraordinary outcomes through objective-driven marketing.
MAKE 2019 YOUR STRONGEST YEAR YET. STRATEGY
| BRANDING | WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT | DIGITAL MARKETING | SOCIAL MEDIA | ADVERTISING
306.979.2945 | williamjoseph.com 22 BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON MARCH / APRIL 2019
LEADERSHIP
Walt Disney Company provides leadership opportunity by Kendra Cruson
Leadership lessons are all around us. The trick? Recognizing the opportunity. On a recent trip to Walt Disney World, a place visited numerous times with my family, we came head long into a four-hour line up. As busy Type A leaders can relate, standing in a four-hour line? Completely unacceptable.
4. Make a clear path to achieving the goal. Goals are achieved by taking one step and then the next. Use the knowledge that arriving early will result in waiting too. A toasty warm breakfast sandwich and coffee eases boredom of line waiting plus gives you energy!
repeating, “Stay to the Right”. For heaven sakes abide, this is not their first rodeo! By moving further and further to the right as we moved to the entrance, we ended up in the 50th position from the front. In the context of Disney’s Pandora attraction, that made us first!
Our first day at the park, a lag of about 12 years since our last visit, we arrived at the park gate at 9am, the exact time the Disney website states as the opening time.
5. Look for opportunity to leverage position. Disney park main entrance lines are in sets of two. Sometimes that second line only appears to be as long as the first. Actively seek a great position and avoid groupthink.
8. Celebrate the success! After all, you deserve it. Through the parking lot, through the main gate, through two series of lines to the attraction, enjoyed the attraction and out the exit by 8:53am… a 7 full minutes before the park even opens. Hooray!
6. Put the right person in the right position. As you may have guessed, there were other Type A park hoppers there too, anxious to get to Avatar without the line. If you have visited Disney, you will already know that Disney is the champion of moving people effectively. There are multiple lines before you get to “the” line. We sent our fastest runner through first and then made our way to her position. (This tactic of sending someone ahead to get a place in line so that the rest of the group can join is a whole other article)
While I do love the excitement of the thrills and technology that Disney attractions provide, getting to the most popular ride on the planet without waiting in line is more of a thrill than the ride itself.
We had heard endless hype about the new Pandora attraction, based on the popular movie Avatar. That would be our first stop. Once through the main gate, we arrived at the tail end of a mob, about two miles from the Pandora entrance, to a FOUR HOUR long line-up. The lessons: 1. Embrace the loss (aka: don't stand in line). Today you are not getting to that thing you planned. Instead, take the time to do something else enjoyable or productive. We headed to Everest to a mere 20-minute line because a million people have decided to wait for Pandora. 2. Investigate (aka seek expert advice). Get more information, read between the lines, and ask the same question a few times. Speaking with a guest services agent revealed that the gates open at 8am even though the park officially opens at 9am.
7. Listen and watch for cues from the person in charge. The park attendant leading us into the area near the entrance kept
Opportunities to lead are all around you, and you do not have to wait to be the person in charge to lead. Look for the opportunity and then step in! Enjoy the journey. Kendra Cruson, MBA is Vice President Operations at the Chamber. She can be reached at (306) 244-2151 or kendra@ saskatoonchamber.com.
3. Form guiding coalition (Get buyin from key players on your team to make some changes before the next attempt). This can be tricky. Communicate, communicate, communicate. These are serious obstacles. Both Disney and Google say the open time is 9am. And your family members are not thrilled about leaving the house at 7am to arrive at 7:30am when “Google says the park opens at 9am”. Change management requires persistent, repetitive delivery in a variety of forms to be effective.
BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON MARCH / APRIL 2019 23
PROFILE
Paddock Wood
Blazes the Trail for Saskatch by Elizabeth Ireland
24 BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON JULY / AUGUST 2018
Brewing Co.
Image: Gina’s Portraits
hewan Microbreweries
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PROFILE
Steve Cavan is the founder and CEO of Paddock Wood Brewing Co. He is also its award-winning brew master – a coveted role responsible for the production of all beer at a brewery. Cavan knows a lot about beer and is eager to share his knowledge. Paddock Wood is a long-time member of the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce. Cavan appreciates the “awesome” option for small businesses to provide group insurance and benefits for their employees through Chamber membership. Originally an academic from Ontario, Cavan and his family moved to Saskatoon in the early 1990s. His wife is still an English professor at the University of Saskatchewan. At that time, there were no craft breweries in the whole province and Saskatchewan residents were notable for their collective love of Old Style Pilsner (brewed by the monolithic company Molson Coors Canada).
Image: Gina’s Portraits
Paddock Wood’s current business is comprised of approximately 25 percent ready-brew kits and 75 percent selling bottles and kegs to individuals, bars, restaurants and liquor stores. Amazingly, when Paddock Wood started, the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) had no process in place to register craft brewery products.
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Our beer kits really took off and are still very popular. We do the messy work and customers just need to add yeast. The essentials of authentic craft beer are always malted barley, water, yeast and hops.
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Cavan hit a snag when he tried to order brewing supplies from the US and suppliers needed him to have either a storefront or an active website. To make a long story short, Cavan started a successful home brewing supply business and eventually opened a store in 2000. The name Paddock Wood comes from a large village in Kent, England that’s a famous regional centre for growing hops.
Image: Gina’s Portraits
“In the 1980s, craft breweries were popping up all around Ontario. I had developed a taste for good beer while travelling in Europe and, after doing research on the science of brewing at the library, I wanted to brew my own beer at home in Saskatoon,” says Cavan.
Steve Cavan, Paddock Wood Brewing Co.
PROFILE
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Over the years I’ve converted a lot people to drinking craft beers. Paddock Wood created the microbrewery market in Saskatchewan and made it possible for others to enter the market.
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Steve Cavan, Paddock Wood Brewing Co.
After all these years in the brewery business, what is Cavan’s own beer preference? While Cavan admits that he doesn’t drink a lot, he is “really partial” to a British ale. His top choices are Robin of the Wood, an English bitter made with traditional UK ingredients, and 606, which is an Englishstyle India Pale Ale (606 is also Paddock Wood’s most popular beer).
Image: Gina’s Portraits
Paddock Wood is also known for its growlers – a reusable halfgallon jug used to transport draft beer, best described as a way to sell take-out craft beer. At any time, Paddock Wood has seven beers on tap and the team keeps its growler devotees updated on what’s on tap through social media.
What does Cavan predict as the future of craft brewing in Saskatchewan? “I’m proud that Paddock Wood was the first craft brewery in Saskatchewan and we still have a very strong presence in the province. The main shift I see is from individuals drinking industrial lagers to craft beers – more people want a beer with flavour and find it hard to go back to a massproduced beer.” Cavan cites the US states of Colorado, Oregon and Vermont as places where craft beer consumption is now predominant. In Canada, the strongest microbrewery markets are in British Columbia and Ontario. Paddock Wood Brewing Co. 116 103rd Street East, B1 info@paddockwood.com paddockwood.com (306) 477-5632
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TECHNOLOGY
Tech Developments in Hospitality and Entrepreneurship by Elizabeth Ireland
Business Voice sat down with Jordan Dutchak, Executive Director of Co.Labs, to find out more about the local tech companies that are on his radar in 2019. Located at Innovation Place in Saskatoon, Co.Labs is Saskatchewan’s first technology incubator and has served as a creative collaboration space for 64 tech start-ups in its first 18 months of operation. Venuetop.com is a centralized online platform for users to search, compare and book venues for an event or meeting with minimal hassle. It offers free listings to venue owners, as well as promoting, tracking and invoicing bookings efficiently. Dutchak describes Venuetop as “Airbnb meets Booking. com for both established and underutilized
venues in the hospitality and events industry.” Sunil Khandade is the founder and CEO of Venuetop. He appreciates how Co.Labs (and the community around it) have helped Venuetop to grow from a single person company to a team of five in just six months. “Co.Labs has given valuable guidance and mentorship for taking each step in business. Hiring the team, scaling up the company and product commercialization are crucial benefits. The super-talented Co.Labs team, and its mentors, helped me develop my product and marketing strategies. I just love being around this environment,” says Khandade. Saskatoon entrepreneur Alicia Soulier is the founder of SalonScale Technologies – a rapidly growing company that she started in January 2018. As a professional hairstylist and salon owner herself, Soulier was well aware of the guesswork involved in pr icing hair colour. SalonScale Technologies has launched easyto-use software that transforms how hair salons do business; the app calculates the exact cost of every bowl of hair color mixed. Co.Launch, a province-wide accelerator for emerging tech start-ups in the
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ideation and prototype phase, was created by Co.Labs in early 2018 to support earlystage ventures in the community. SalonScale Technologies was one of 10 start-ups in the first cohort of the program. After winning the grand prize of $15,000 in June 2018, the company hit the ground running with funding and an Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) grant. Dutchak describes SalonScale Technologies as a start-up that is “rapidly scaling.” “It was great to beat all the boys at Co.Launch, especially as a women-led tech company in the beauty industry. The Co.Labs team has definitely helped us to think bigger and broader,” says Soulier. SalonScale Technologies now has eight full-time employees. Soulier believes the perks of Co.Labs and being part of a community has helped her to attract software developers. The third company on Dutchak’s radar is Brew Ninja, led by software engineer Shea Martin out of Regina. Developed specifically for the microbrewery industry, Brew Ninja’s sales and production tool integrates with Square’s point-of-sale (POS) system and it also connects to the accounting software QuickBooks. Co.Labs is funded by the provincial and federal government through Innovation Saskatchewan and Western Economic Diversification Canada. Co.Labs Innovation Place 229-116 Research Drive, Saskatoon www.co-labs.ca | @colabsyxe
Watch for future Business Voice columns on what's happening in Saskatoon's tech sector!
NON-PROFITS
Global Gathering Place For twenty years, Global Gathering Place (GGP) has been providing support to Saskatoon’s newest residents. Considering that Saskatoon is growing at approximately three times the national average and more than half that growth is due to immigration, the caring staff at GGP are kept busy. Belma Podrug, ED of GGP, explains, “It isn’t enough for us that a newcomer to the city just survives, we want them to be successful and thrive! Newcomers’ success helps everyone—it drives economic growth,
brings new energy and innovation, and enriches our society.” To this end, GGP offers a wide range of programs and services aimed at promoting social, cultural, economic, and civic participation. Newcomers are in charge of their own settlement journeys and are encouraged to access as much or as little support as they need. With two locations, 70 staff, and over 200 volunteers, newcomers learn English, develop skills, make friends, explore the city, access mental and other health supports, obtain employment advice and assistance, and find help navigating
Canada’s many complex systems. GGP is a home away from home for immigrants and refugees, and key to their successful integration. To learn more, visit globalgatheringplace. com. Global Gathering Place truly ‘puts heart in the city’!
Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program – Business Challenge 2019
The Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program is run out of the North Saskatchewan Independent Living Centre, which is
a non-profit, cross-disability organization promoting the independence and integration of people of all disabilities or health conditions in Saskatoon. The Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program ensures easy access to business services and support mechanisms needed to consider selfemployment as a viable option. Offering free business and accessibility counselling,
business plan supports, group business training, workshops, networking opportunities, and loans up to $2000. The Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program is excited to announce they are hosting a Business Challenge 2019! Registration opens April 1, 2019. Eligible applicants must reside in Saskatoon, have a self-declared disability or health condition, and have been in business less than 2 years. Successful finalists will be chosen to bring their business plans to life and prepare their in-person pitch presentation! The winner of the pitch presentations will win $2000! We are bringing in an independent panel of business professionals to judge the submissions. The panel is made up of Lecturers from the Edwards School of Business, community business professionals and organizations, and local business owners. For more information email edp@nsilc.com
BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON MARCH / APRIL 2019 29
NON-PROFITS
The Saskatchewan Craft Council – Your Quality of Life Partner Fostering and valuing the development of creativity is not a sidebar or a luxury. It’s intrinsic to raising successful generations of innovators and leaders. We need to recognize that art and the creative industries are pillars of our economy along with agriculture, resource development, education and health. In this deeply divided world we need a mechanism to move us out of the “box” and into an open space where big ideas and collaboration can have a real impact, where we can create strategic pathways for the public good. Creative industries and art play a transformative role in a society. Art shoulders the knowledge economy and assists in the development of ideas and inventions. Art and creativity provide us with a reflection of ourselves, a look at our history, and lay the groundwork for the path forward. In 50 years, it will be the creativity that is remembered and celebrated. We should place value on it today. Art, in all its forms, contributes to
Saskatoon’s quality of life. It is our fabric. We need to internalize and believe that continued investment into and celebration of the arts is transformative. South Korea celebrates its craftspeople as National Treasures because they recognize that their contribution to the “what is” and “what will be” is fundamental to the success of that nation. The Saskatchewan Craft Council is ready to work with the Saskatoon Chamber to solve problems and grow Saskatoon’s reputation as a city where quality of life is nurtured and valued. Visit the Saskatchewan Craft Council Gallery and Fine Craft Boutique at 813
Broadway Avenue. For more information on our programming and hours of operation contact saskcraftcouncil.org.
Saskatoon Folkfest Saskatoon Folkfest Incorporated is proud to be commemorating 40 years of inspiring and celebrating multiculturalism. A premier summer event in Saskatchewan, Folkfest produces an annual festival to creating an opportunity for the public to engage with and learn about the different cultures within our society. A single passport provides unlimited access and transportation to all pavilions as patrons take a trip around the world, within their own city. The three-day festival fosters and enriches the understanding of the diversity of cultures and origins of the peoples of Saskatoon as well as working to promote multiculturalism through education, art and anti-racism activities. The 2018 festival featured 21 cultural organizations – each with their own ethnic pavilion providing an engaging showcase of heritage dress, performances, informative cultural displays and activities and of course FOOD! Bringing together well over 5,000 volunteers and 300,000 patrons of all ages each year, Folkfest
highlights Saskatoon as a diverse, inclusive community. One of the pillars for Folkfest is engaging youth in our community, the Youth Ambassador Program encourages the exchange of ideas and respect for one another’s cultural traditions. Each pavilion selects one or two outstanding youth leaders, they welcome festival visitors, and serve as the face and future of Folkfest throughout the summer. The annual Preview Gala joins together all
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of the pavilions under one roof to celebrate the essence of Folkfest prior the actual festival. Join us in 2019, Folkfest at 40 – Rediscover Memories, August 15th, 16th and 17th. www.saskatoonfolkfest.com
NON-PROFITS
SODS Hosts Another Successful Annual Diversity Awards Gala On the evening of February 7th, the Saskatoon Open Door Society handed out its Diversity Awards to local business people at its annual awards ceremony and dinner. For the third consecutive year, members of the settlement community and the business sector came together to celebrate the achievements of companies and individuals who display exceptional leadership in workplace diversity and an inclusive attitude to immigrants. In addition to the awards presentation, the gala evening included a spectacular program of entertainment featuring our city’s many cultures and a multicultural fashion showcase put together by the MASALA Model & Talent agency. Through video presentations, guests heard Saskatoon business leaders speak about their diversity and inclusion initiatives. This sold-out event has been growing in
every way. This year the seating capacity doubled, full tables were booked by a number of province-wide organizations, and the Mayor of Saskatoon attended for the first time. The awards list also expanded to include the Newcomer Entrepreneur Award for a local business that is primarily owned and operated by a newcomer and has been in operation for two to ten years. This year’s winner, Tech Edge Ltd., demonstrated outstanding support for immigrant employment, contributions to the local economy, and commitment to community involvement. 100-129 3rd Ave N, Saskatoon (306) 653-4464 www.sods.sk.ca
BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON MARCH / APRIL 2019 31
SPECIAL FEATURE
You’re a businessperson, you’re supposed to haggle by David Barnett
I wanted to take a few moments to talk about negotiation. While I realize that there are experts out there who specialize in negotiation and training people to negotiate, I want to talk about some very basic issues in buying something. Namely; making some kind of effort. Let me be more specific. In our culture, we have been trained since childhood not to negotiate anything. This is taught to us by department stores and grocers. You see the price, that is what you pay. Nobody ever tried to haggle with the clerk at the grocery store. Besides, we all know they don’t have any authority over pricing. The problem is that we take this thinking into our dealings with people who do have this authority. I once worked with a man from Saint John, NB who had an idea for a business. All he needed was some land. One day he spotted the perfect piece of land and called the Realtor who was advertising it. When he heard the price, he knew that he could not afford it and passed on the opportunity.
Later that year, he heard that it had sold for half its’ asking price. The point I’m trying to make is that if you want something, decide what it’s worth to you and make an offer. Sometimes we Canadians are too concerned about offending someone and we don’t want to make any offers that we fear may offend someone. I sometimes get motivational e-mails and every once in awhile they really strike me as significant. One I received last week said that “80% of success is just showing up.” I firmly believe this. On the flip side, I also know a man who was in a position and had the desire to buy a rental property. He and his realtor visited several properties and made lots of offers. All of these offers were for substantially lower than the asking prices. Guess what? He bought a building at a good discount from a seller who had not received any offers in over six months. In a previous article I talked about vendor financing in selling a business. Here are some amazing facts from a conversation
MEETING SPACE
RENTAL
Member Exclusive For more information: Janelle at 306-244-2151
janelle@saskatoonchamber.com
BOOK TODAY: • beautiful view • catering available • underground parking is available at Delta Hotels Downtown Saskatoon (formerly Radisson Hotel)
32 BUSINESSVOICE SASKATOON MARCH / APRIL 2019
with Greg Kells, head of Sunbelt Business Brokers of Canada. Greg Said, “almost 70% of businesses without real estate are sold for 70% of their original asking price with vendors financing almost 50% of the purchase price. Most of these businesses are purchased by New Canadians because most Canadians wouldn’t feel comfortable making an offer like that.” If you want to buy something, figure out what it’s worth to you and make an offer. Growing your business and your wealth is all about acquiring assets that generate cash and/or appreciate in value. The only way to buy stuff is to make offers. David Barnett is an educator, author and consultant working to help entrepreneurs around the world understand how businesses are bought and sold. Access hundreds of articles, YouTube videos and join David’s email list at www.DavidCBarnett.com
Whether you’re looking to learn, build partnerships and create a thriving business, or you dare to be a community leader that influences policy and makes an impact, it all happens at the Chamber.
Built by the creative minds at William Joseph Communications, the new website is now live! Check it out at saskatoonchamber.com
CHAMBER TRIPS
Chamber Trip to India 2019
The Saskatoon Chamber India Tour Group
The inaugural Saskatoon Chamber trip departed for Delhi, India on October 23, 2018 on the incredible Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Prior to this flight, I was not into planes at all. Likely because my experiences flying had all felt about the same. Not this time! Air Canada’s direct Toronto to Delhi flight aboard this luxury craft was just that, luxury. Visiting India at this time of year, took us head long into the Diwali season and
a jam-packed plane for the 13 hour trek. Imagine yourself in any situation, confined to one spot for 13 hours, with 300 other people. What is the first thing that comes to mind? If it was odors, you are wrong! That’s because this Air Canada 787-9 has a sophisticated air exchange system that brings fresh air onboard as you fly. Beside the fresh atmosphere, the seating was very comfortable and conducive to a good night’s
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sleep. If you have the option to take this craft, do it! Air travel has never been so good for the economy traveller. Invest in a set of Sony wireless noise cancelling headphones for long-haul flights. You will arrive well rested, fresh and ready for your adventure! Check out the submissions to our photo contest: Person, Place and Thing.
CHAMBER TRIPS
Person
1st place - Brenda Erikson 2nd place - Janis Woodward 3rd place - Agnes Fredericks
Place
1st place - Brenda Erikson 2nd place - Agnes Fredericks 3rd place - Janis Woodward
Thing
1st place - Agnes Fredericks 2nd place - Janis Woodward
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HIGHLIGHT REEL
Chamber Happenings
Chamber on Tap (January)
With the national “Bell - Let’s Talk” campaign, mental wellness of our business people is top of mind. January’s Tap featured these three amazing businesses talking wellness for business leaders and entrepreneurs. Leon from Bridges Health, Brooke from Food to Fit Nutrition and Dawn from ClubMynx.
Chamber on Business
When a man as passionate about feeding the world as Chuck Magro comes to town, you can bet it will be a full house. Thank you to Nutrien’s Saskatoon senior executives and staff for the time and opportunity for one-on-one conversations with our guests.
Pulse on Politics
With a Federal election just months away, Maxime Bernier attracted a good crowd with his talk of Kinder Morgan, Energy East along with his ideas for Canada as Leader of the People’s Party of Canada.
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Revelant. Engaging. Simply Awesome!
HIGHLIGHT REEL
Chamber Happenings
Chamber on Tap (February)
February’s Tap focused on Indigenous Economic Development and the work being done by Councillor Dalyn Bear and the White Cap Dakota First Nation. On reservation, economic development has brought the unemployment rate down from 75% to 5% within a couple of decades. Hotel and spa are coming soon!
Chamber101
A strong crowd showed up for our bimonthly 101 where the Chamber team reviews the benefits for new members or for those wanting a refresher.
Future Members Night
A new event held at the Chamber office the 3rd Wednesday of the month. Chamber staff and service providers are on hand to discuss the benefits of Chamber membership.
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CHAIR’ S MESSAGE
Raising a toast to Saskatchewan beer, wine, spirits, hospitality and entrepreneurs.
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ingredients through to a finished product. Over the years I have heard a common refrain and lament about how Saskatchewan didn’t have an agricultural processing industry, be it processing facilities or plants, or a local “field to table” economy. Well, we do now and these opportunities, beyond locally produced spirits and beers, continue to grow and add diversity to our economy. Of course, the impact of our developing spirits and beer Saskatoon Chamber Board Chair Peggie Koenig industries on the hospitality and tourism sectors can’t be underestimated. As is the ilk of entrepreneurs, entrepreneurial When restaurants and hotels offer locally individuals see possibilities, apply creativity, produced craft beers and spirits to guests, innovation, and capital, mix that with a good they play a part in enriching an already dose of risk, and rise to the opportunities in memorable Saskatoon experience for out- the marketplace. This has resulted in using of-town guests. There is synergy between Saskatchewan grown grains and fruits in the the local spirits, wine, and beer industries local production of new and unique products and hospitality and tourism. in the spirits, beer, and wine industries, improved customer service, employment creation, and new economic churn in the community. We celebrate and raise a toast to all the forward-thinking and innovative entrepreneurs in the liquor and hospitality and distillery space in Saskatoon and area!
Image: Gina’s Portraits
With the recent governmental changes related privatizing the liquor business in Saskatchewan, Saskatoon and surrounding areas have seen an astounding growth in the number of independently owned outlets for beer, wine, and spirits. This has added competitiveness to the liquor industry resulting in better prices and services for consumers. The latest entrepreneurial ventures are companies that will deliver your liquor order to your house. No driving or dealing with icy roads or a cold car. As well, there are entrepreneurs developing and offering apps to ease the ordering and delivery process and provide convenience for people with busy lives. It has been interesting to watch entrepreneurs rise to opportunities and then create services and efficiently meet customers’ needs in the liquor retail industry. Locally produced spirits, craft beer, and wines also add excitement to the liquor variety available in Saskatoon and Saskatchewan. Saskatoon has a substantial number of craft brewhouses and distilleries that produce products with a definite Saskatchewan bent. We grow the raw ingredients here in Saskatchewan and then process those
Our brewing entrepreneurs know how to do it right with many of the companies winning international recognition and awards. Saskatchewan entrepreneurial ism at its f inest! Peggie Koenig, Chair
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Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce
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Best Wishes, Peggie Koenig Peggie Koenig is the Chair of the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce and President & CEO of Koenig & Associates Inc.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Peggie Koenig Chair
Chris Sicotte First Vice-Chair
Carla Browne Second Vice-Chair
Kelly Bode Past Chair
Sandra Ribeiro Executive
Jason Aebig Director
Stacy Dybvig Director
Linda Exner Director
Dale Lemke Director
Dr. Adam McInnes, MD Director
Graham Snell Director
Trevor Thiessen Director
Communications Advisor Canadian Light Source Inc.
President & CEO Quicklinkt Solutions Inc.
Colton Wiegers Director
Business Development Wiegers Financial & Benefits
Individual Member
Partner Creative Fire
Founder, CEO & Co-chairperson Med Hack Enterprises Incorporated
Chris Woodland Director
Broker / Owner Real Canadian Property Management Professionals Inc.
Managing Partner ICR Commercial Real Estate
General Manager Saskatoon Aerocentre
Lawyer / Owner WMCZ Lawyers
Manager, Finance & Administration PCL Construction Management Inc. Images: Gina’s Portraits
President / CEO Koenig & Associates Inc.
President Redekop Manufacturing Inc.
Chamber Board of Directors Working for You!
Partner MLT Aikins LLP
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