August/September 2014
Scientist turned Entrepreneur Monique Haakensen is challenging convention in how science is applied to industry
The Business of Charity How technology is impacting the charitable donation sector
President’s View Member News
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BUSINESS VIEW SASKATOON
Table of Contents
Featured Articles Scientist turned Entrepreneur Pg. 5 Monique Haakensen is challenging convention in how science is applied to industry
President’s Golf Classic 2014 Pg. 6 The 2014 winners and event sponsors
The Business of Charity Pg. 12 How technology is impacting the charitable donation sector
Promotional Features ISM Canada Pg. 9
Bringing next generation business services to Saskatoon’s mid-market business sector
2 Web Design Pg. 16 2 Web Design wins international award
Emerson Plaza Pg. 18 An exciting new 8th Street retail corridor development Monique Haakensen, President and Principal Scientist of Contango Strategies. (Image: Grant Romancia Photography)
BUSINESS Viewis a bimonthly publication of the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce 104-202 4th Avenue North, Saskatoon, SK S7K 0K1 Phone: (306) 244-2151 Fax: (306) 244-8366 Email: chamber@saskatoonchamber.com Website: www.saskatoonchamber.com Twitter: @stoonchamber Reproduction of any material contained in Business View is permitted provided credit is given to the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce. Articles and criticisms are invited, but views expressed in Business View are those of contributors and are not necessarily endorsed by, or are policy of, the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce. 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.
The Chamber
Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce Building the Best Business Climate in Canada, Thereby Creating a City of Opportunity
STAFF
Cover image by Grant Romancia
Kent Smith-Windsor, Executive Director Derek Crang, Membership & Marketing Director Terry Lawrence, Administration Roz Macala, Executive Secretary Breanne Lishchynsky, Director of Operations Linda Saunders, Bookkeeper Kevin Meldrum, Business View Publisher Dean Dangas, Committee Activity Coordinator Ryan Wig - Associate Director of Communications BUSINESS VIEW SASKATOON AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014
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President’s View
Focusing on Education Our economy benefits from strong educational institutes at all levels As our summer days get shorter and we move towards the cooler fall weather (which we have had most of the summer anyway), people return from vacation with the opportunity to refocus on priorities for the remainder of the calendar year. While our economy remains healthy and many businesses have not seen much of a summer “break”, we can all benefit from examining the components of our business that may need attention over the coming months. This is also the time of the year that our students return from summer vacation, whether to a primary, secondary, or postImage: wavebreakmedia/Shutterstock.com
secondary institution. We are fortunate to have a strong education system, which is an absolutely critical pillar for any successful society. Without an educated workforce, the ability of our businesses to compete effectively in today’s global economy will diminish. Over the past several months, the University of Saskatchewan has been in the news more than perhaps at any other time in recent memory. It is unfortunate that the majority of this news coverage has been negative. While the concern shown to ensure our University remains a respected institution is important, it is equally important to focus on the many positive things our University continues to deliver. For many decades, the University of Saskatchewan has provided a high quality education to its students. Many of these graduates have become community leaders, not only in Saskatoon but in other cities as well (you don’t have to look hard to find many successful Calgary residents with U of S degrees). In addition, our University is one of the largest employers in our city. It also provides an opportunity for our youth to further their education without leaving our community. The list goes on and on . . . . Certainly our University is struggling to make adjustments to ensure its financial viability in the future, Students who lack a strong foundation in math may struggle which requires difficult with future career opportunities decisions regarding its
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BUSINESS VIEW SASKATOON AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014
cost structure. However, all organizations must live within their financial means and the U of S is no different. Perhaps of greater concern than our University’s well-publicized issues should be the competency level in math of our high school graduates. Recently, while purchasing some refreshments during a round of golf with a few friends, we were all struck by the need for the young adult to use her iPhone calculator to tally the cost of our purchase, which was not complex. Canada has slipped significantly in global rankings of math skills for recent graduates, which are critical not only for most University degrees, but also for most of the skilled trade apprenticeship programs whose graduates are so much in demand. (Canada’s ranking in the most recent International Assessment slipped from 6th in 2006 to 13th last year out of 65 countries participating, and Saskatchewan’s ranking would have been 18th.) Without a solid foundation in math, many of our youth who have the practical skills and desire to become a skilled tradesperson will struggle to complete the required training, or in some cases fail to do so, denying them a career in a respected occupation. Perhaps our focus should not only be on ensuring our University remains the institution we have all been proud of, but also on ensuring that our youth have the education and skills for whatever post-secondary institution they choose after completing high school. Just a reminder that we are here to serve our more than 1,900 Chamber members, and I encourage any of you to contact me at any time should you have any matters that our Chamber might be able to assist you with. Tony Van Burgsteden President Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce
Cover Story
Scientist turned Entrepreneur Monique Haakensen’s is challenging convention in how science is applied to industry Article by Jeff Davis The past five years have been a wild ride for Monique Haakensen, president and principal scientist of Saskatoon-based Contango Strategies. In that time she’s gone from a lab-coated technician and PhD student to chief of a rapidly-growing environmental services company, in demand from Yellowknife to Kyrgystan. And did I mention she’s barely out of her twenties? “I was definitely a little bit naïve starting out,” she says with a laugh. “So I didn’t know enough to be scared.” In a world where many highly qualified scientists find themselves struggling to find jobs, Haakensen stands out as a shining example of entrepreneurial success. Just four years in she has a staff of 14, a full slate of clients, and is the sole owner of a business with revenues in excess of a million dollars last year. “Brains and a great education are not necessarily enough anymore,” Haakensen says. “Creativity, ambition and a plucky sense of stick-to-itiveness are increasingly required to parlay a science background into a fulfilling career.” “Over the past year, I’ve become more of a businessperson,” she says. “I started off as a scientist who started a business, and now I’m a businessperson who loves science.” Upon receiving her PhD in microbiology at age 26 from the University of Saskatchewan, Haakensen began working as a research associate with the university and later the Saskatchewan Research Council. After a few years in the lab, Haakensen realized that the government-funded research projects she was working on moved too slowly to keep pace with the industries that would ultimately apply them. A more agile, userfocused and responsive approach was needed. “I saw this gap that was there,” she says. “There was good science being done in academia, but it wasn’t necessarily being done in a way that could be applied to industry, or on a timeline that could be
Finding her Niche Monique Haakensen has built a million dollar company, Contango Strategies, on the principle of an agile, userfocused response. (image: Grant Romancia) applied in the field.” “I saw this middle ground where you could take great science and apply it.” Haakensen discussed the opportunity with her husband, Kevin Haakensen, who many will know as co-owner of Prairie Wealth Management. He provided some much needed advice, helped her set up the business, and agreed to kick in $50,000 from their savings as seed capital in 2010. “My husband told me that for the first years I have to do my own bookkeeping, and his staff taught me how to do it, so I had help,” she says. “I’d recommend that to anybody – if you’re going to own a business, you need to know where your money is going.” Haakensen’s first client played an important key role in getting the business
off the ground, back when it was just her and a single technician. “When he knew I was on my own he said, ‘If you can get a lab, we’ve got a project for you.” The relationship that led to this first contract made all those thankless hours toiling in the lab worth it, Haakensen says. “At some of the jobs I worked before, I wondered why on earth was I working 100 hours per week, when maybe it wasn’t appreciated,” she says. “But then after you leave, you realize people remember you as that person that worked really hard, and cared about the work.” In February 2011, Contango Strategies got a lab of its own at Innovation Place, where it remains. Since then they’ve gotten a dozen major clients – primarily in the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Alberta – and a growing reputation in the mining sector. The core of Contango’s business, Haakensen says, is providing passive water treatment services to mining and oil and gas firms. And what really sets Contango’s water treatment facilities apart from the rest is that, to the untrained eye, they don’t look like water treatment facilities at all. “It often ends up looking like regular old wetland,” she says. A wide range of potentially harmful materials can be released into the environment through mining and oil extraction activities, and these eventually all have to be cleaned up. As it turns out, one good way to do this is by feeding them to microbes, which make them less hazardous as the microbes get to work . In some cases, this is done in processing facilities that have similarities to breweries. Within these bioreactors microbes are fed with molasses or ethanol, and kept warm with electricity, so they will proliferate and eat up the harmful chemicals. While this approach does have its time and place to be used , Haakensen prefers Continued page 10
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Chamber News
25 Annual President’s Golf Classic th
The 25th Annual President’s Golf Classic was held on June 10th at Moon Lake Golf and Country Club. The event honours the Chamber President and provides Chamber members with an informal venue to network while enjoying a friendly game of golf. This year’s event was filled with great fun and no rain! A slew of prizes are awarded to all golf participants, made possible by the generous contributions of our sponsors. It is due to the sponsor’s donations that nobody goes home empty handed. Congratulations go out to the winning team pictured here: Jason Porat, Dave Stewart, Hanosh Dubash and Van Chandra (Saboroso Brazilian Steakhouse / Bell ’n Whistle). The winners of the contest holes are: E.J. Babey (Connect Energy), Kevin Black (Canadian Digital Network Ltd.), Agnes Bourassa, Trent
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BUSINESS VIEW SASKATOON AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014
Campbell (Des Nedhe Development LP), Lynn Flury (Country Inn & Suites By Carlson), Andrea Hansen (Sutton Financial Group), Chris Hengen-Braun (Freedom 55 Financial), Roxanne Justice (Lewis M. Carter Manufacturing (Canada) Ltd.), Jeff Rask (Jeff Rask & Associates Financial Services Inc.), and Craig Sled (SaskTel). The tournament also served as an occasion to donate to charity, with the proceeds raised from the draw presented to SIIT Foundation in memory of Randell Morris. Congratulations to Jennifer Shewchuk (Global Saskatoon) winner of the Krank driver, Tanya Knight (MNP LLP) winner of the Krank hybrid, Gary Coleman (Altus Group) winner of the Keurig package, Carley Caverly (Concierge by Carley) winner of the interpretive canoe tour and Mark McClelland (Freedom 55 Financial) winner of the Walk with Dinosaurs package.
Thank you to our
Sponsors: Affinity Credit Union Braid Flooring & Window Fashions Cervus Equipment Peterbilt Chambers Group Insurance Conexus Credit Union Connect Energy Decora Homes Dream Development Flight Centre Business Travel Front Line Office Products IIBC Koncept Sign Group Krank It Golf M.D. Ambulance Care Ltd. Parr Auto Body Reed Security SaskTel Turkey Farmers of Saskatchewan Wiegers Financial The Wireless Age
Mark your calendar for the 26th Annual President’s Golf Classic in June 2015 at The Willows Golf and Country Club for a day of golf, prizes and fun. Join as a team or individually.
Christian Braid (Braid Flooring & Window Fashions), Tracy Arno (Essence Recruitment), Andrea Hanson (Sutton Financial Group) and Evan Drisner (Nu-Fab Building Products)
e),
Centr occer toon S (Saska (SaskTel) ll e w k n o lac Jodi B on Allis skTel), d Sheld led (Sa LP) an Craig S ight (MNP L Kn Tanya
Carl S chlos Troy Davie ser (Prairie s (M.D la . Amb nd Park), J ulanc e) an ason Hyn d Gar d ry Co (Prairiela leman nd (Altus Park), Grou p)
Thank you to our Prize Donors:
96.3 Cruz FM Action Office Interiors Adecco Employment Services Ltd. Affinity Credit Union Affinity Credit Union - Commercial Service Aim Electric Ltd. Al Anderson’s Source For Sports AODBT Architecture Interior Design Associated Engineering Bazaar Novelty Beily’s Bell n’ Whistle BMO Bank of Montreal Bridge Carriers Inc. Brunsdon Junor Johnson Appraisals Ltd. Business Development Bank of Canada Cameco Corporation Canadian Western Bank Canadian Western Bank and Trust Canpotex The Cave The Centre CIBC Colony Coffee & Tea Conexus Credit Union Connect Energy Credit Bureau of Saskatoon Crossmount CTV Cut Casual Steak & Tap Days Inn Saskatoon
Delta Bessborough DirectWest Earls Restaurant Edward Jones ERCO Worldwide Fabmar Communications Global Saskatoon Golder Associates Golf’s Carwash Inc. Hilton Garden Inn Hudson’s Taphouse Hunters Bowling JaKe’s on 21st Ken Cheveldayoff - MLA Saskatoon Silver Springs Kenmore Land Co. Ltd. Koncept Sign KPMG MSLP Lynne Yelich - MP Blackstrap M.D. Ambulance Care Ltd. Maximum Training Meewasin Valley Authority Miller Thomson MisterPrint - PrintWest Morris Industries Ltd. National Bank of Canada Nordic Industries (1979) Ltd. North Ridge Development Corp. Original Joes Park Town Hotel Peace Hills Trust Co. Percy H. Davis Limited
Persephone Theatre PGI Printers PotashCorp Radisson Hotel Saskatoon Reed Security Robertson Stromberg LLP Rock Creek Tap and Grill Saskatchewan Abilities Council Saskatoon Airport Authority The Saskatoon Club Saskatoon Prairieland Park Corporation Saskatoon Soccer Centre SaskTel Shakespeare On The Sask Festival Inc. Sheraton Cavalier Hotel - Saskatoon State and Main Stuart Olson Construction Sunrise Publishing Sutherland Hotel Taverna Italian Restaurant TCU Place TD Bank Commercial Banking Thomson Jaspar & Associates Three Farmers Tourism Saskatoon Turkey Farmers of Saskatchewan The United Group Vern’s Pizza Winston’s English Pub & Grill The Wireless Age Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Inc. Zep
BUSINESS VIEW SASKATOON AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014
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Promotional Feature
A new kid on the block
ISM Canada brings next generation business services to Saskatoon’s mid-market business sector It’s an exciting time for Saskatoon’s mid-market business sector! ISM Canada, the company with worldclass business expertise and deep roots in the province, has opened up shop in Saskatoon, and is offering a revolutionary and exciting suite of new business services, aimed at the mid-sized business sector.
“We’re offering world class business services at a local price” “By opening an office here, ISM Canada has combined its wealth of business skills and resources with local expertise. It’s created a very specialized organization focused on serving the unique needs of Saskatoon customers. Really, we’re offering world class business services at a local price, with local talent,” said Janelle Mansfield, Territory Executive, and manager of the Saskatoon ISM Canada office. Mansfield said the new suite of business products, including the locally hosted Community Cloud Services and the innovative new Social Media Analytics Services, provide business leaders, Human Resource, Marketing, IT, and corporate executives, access to tools that will support and add tremendous value to their work processes. “Community Cloud Services really gives companies peace of mind. It offers additional server space at a fraction of the cost of building and maintaining server farms. It’s flexible, you pay only for what you use… and your data is all housed here in Saskatchewan.” As well Mansfield says Cloud Services can be built to suit the needs of the customer. ISM offers a private environment, a public
Janelle Mansfield is a Territory Executive and manager of the new Saskatoon ISM Canada office
environment, a hybrid environment and a community environment. Social Media is fast becoming a necessity rather than a luxury in successful corporate marketing strategies, so to effectively manage corporate brand and reputation, it’s critical to understand the conversations taking place over social media about, or in connection with your company. Mansfield says that’s why ISM’s Social Media Analytics Service is such a great tool for business. “It enables you to manage reputation risk, enhance and manage your brand, predict customer behaviours, influence customer and employee experience, discover trends influencing corporate direction… and more.
It’s like having your own intelligence service,” she said. “This is such an exciting time for Saskatoon,” said Mansfield, “there’s so much growth, new business, entrepreneurial spirit and a significant change in culture. It’s a privilege for ISM Canada to be part of this unique business community, “said Mansfield. ISM’s history and expertise in the province is well known. The company has provided IT and business services to mid-sized and larger organizations, corporations and government agencies for more than 40 years. As an IBM company, ISM Canada has a wealth of business expertise and a solid understanding of the needs of Saskatchewan companies.
Free Cloud and SoCial Media lunCheonS Social Media analyticS: Thursday, September 18 cloud coMputing: Monday, October 6 11:30am - Registration 12:00pm - Lunch The Saskatoon Club, 417 21st Street East ismcanada.com Follow us on:
Spaces are limited, please register early at www.ismcanada.com under events or call (306) 667-0868.
BUSINESS VIEW SASKATOON AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014
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Continued from page 5
to let nature do most of the heavy lifting. “Our main technology or service is treating water in a passive way, with little or no electrical or chemical inputs needed,” she says. “We call this passive water treatment. “If you can make the right habitat for the microbes to live there, the natural systems will happen in a self-sustaining way, just like a natural wetland is self-sustaining.” As the wetland grows, it can mineralize even the harshest metals into the ground where they are no longer harmful to the surrounding environment, and therefore don’t need to be dug out and removed. “We want to take it out of the water and back into solid forms, which are not as toxic,” Haakensen says. “If you have contaminants like arsenic or uranium, we can actually make it into a mineral and put it back into the soil so it’s no longer a threat to the environment.” This innovative process is particularly valuable to very remote mine sites, and Contango recently inked a deal to work with a Canadian-owned gold mine in Kyrgyzstan. “All our business has come from word of mouth,” she says.
Contango Strategies has grown to a staff of fourteen with clients around the world (image: Grant Romancia) Given her whirlwind rise to entrepreneurial success, Haakensen says she’s happy to have traded the beaker for the boardroom, especially since things are getting tougher now for scientists. Fewer pure science jobs are available now, she says, and many qualified scientists remain underemployed as a result. “Every job posting we have that is sciencerelated has at least 100 people apply for it, from across Canada and the US,” she says. While starting a business isn’t for everyone, Haakensen says underemployed scientists would be wise to re-evaluate their skills from
a different angle. After all, scientists have lots of transferable skills like asking questions, getting to root causes, optimizing systems and troubleshooting problems. “If you have a science degree and aren’t finding a job as a scientist, try to look at what your skillset is and what you learned,” she says. “Then you can reverse it, take those skills and say “what other job likes to do those things?’” And if you decide to strike off on your own and start a business, Haakensen says, remember that revenue generation must take the back seat to research projects…at least at the beginning. “You have to listen to your customers,” she says. “If there is one thing that’s working, do it – go for the low-hanging fruit and get that revenue.” “Find a way to be profitable first, and then use those profits to fund new technology development and invest further in scientific research.”
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Business News
Building new bridges The North Commuter Parkway and Traffic Bridge projects in Saskatoon
Back in June, the provincial and federal governments announced $116M to fund two new bridges in Saskatoon - the North Commuter Parkway and the Traffic Bridge. The province will commit $50 million to the north commuter portion of the project while $66 million from the federal government’s P3 Canada Fund will contribute to both bridges. The total project has been estimated to cost $250 million, and will be built using a P3 model (public-private partnership). The city, provincial, and federal governments have also released a document called “Bridging to Tomorrow”, which provides some additional details on the projects as follows:
North Commuter Parkway The North Commuter Parkway will link the Marquis Industrial area with the University Heights area, by extending Marquis Drive across the South Saskatchewan River and connecting to McOrmond Drive at Fedoruk Drive. On the west side of the South Saskatchewan River: • Marquis Drive will be extended to connect to a new 400 metre long, six-lane bridge. • A six-lane arterial roadway will connect Wanuskewin Road to the bridge. • Pedestrian and cyclist facilities will be constructed. On the east side of the South Saskatchewan River: • McOrmond Drive will be extended to connect to the new bridge. • Central Avenue will be twinned and extended to intersect with McOrmond Drive. • Sound attenuation requirements will be evaluated for existing residential
•
•
•
areas along Central Avenue north of Attridge Drive. McOrmond Drive will be five lanes between the bridge and the intersection with Central Avenue, and then four lanes east of the intersection with Central Avenue. Improvements will be made to the intersection of Central Avenue and Attridge Drive. Pedestrian and cyclist facilities will be constructed.
The North Commuter Parkway will: • Help support the transportation needs of citizens by providing a critical commuter connection across the South Saskatchewan River that links the Marquis Industrial Area with Saskatoon’s northeast residential developments. • Reduce traffic on existing bridges and major arterial roadways, particularly the Circle Drive North Bridge, which will result in further positive traffic impacts city-wide. • Help increase economic productivity in Saskatoon and the entire region by significantly reducing traffic congestion in the City’s North Industrial Area, and providing access through the future University Heights light industrial employment area. With a future population of 300,000, up to 40,000 vehicles are expected to use the Parkway each day. At a population of 400,000, more than 50,000 vehicles are expected to use the Parkway each day.
Traffic Bridge The new Traffic Bridge will provide an important linkage for commuters, pedestrians, and cyclists crossing the river between the
downtown employment area and residential areas in the south sector of the city. The design will provide a unique look that maintains elements of the original heritage and character of the existing bridge, while meeting modern bridge engineering standards. The existing vertical profile of the bridge will be retained and the overhead clearances will be maintained, and existing traffic movements to enter and exit the bridge on either side of the river will be maintained. The new Traffic Bridge will: • Provide an important linkage for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists crossing the river between the downtown employment area and residential areas in the south sector of the city, and will support the growing city centre. • Play a significant role in providing access to the downtown area by offering an additional way to cross the river, particularly when other core river bridges are undergoing maintenance. • Enhance the movement of pedestrians and cyclists with wide 3.0 metre walkways located on each side of the bridge. Cyclists may also travel in the driving lanes, which will be marked with sharrows. • Provide 3.7 metre wide driving lanes that will enable emergency vehicles like fire trucks to use the bridge, and make the bridge a potential transit route. The wider lanes will also reduce the frequency of side-swipes and collisions. The bridge will accommodate average traffic volumes estimated to approach 11,000 vehicles per day, with capacity to serve over 20,000 vehicles per day. (Source: “Bridging to Tomorrow”)
BUSINESS VIEW SASKATOON AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014
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Feature Article
The Business of Charity How technology is making an impact on the charitable donation sector Article by Kristy Rempel
“With non-profits tackling social issues as a Social Enterprise, and businesses forming their own foundations, the lines between business and charity have never been more blurred.”
Image: macgyverhh/Shutterstock.com
The Internet has transformed the way we shop, get directions, choose the movie we want to see -- and even look for a charity. Readily available information and services from around the world have also produced global competition for both businesses and charities alike. Just 20 years ago the internet was new. No one at that time could have imagined an app on your phone which would allow you to donate money while walking to a lunch meeting. The scope of how the internet would both simplify and complicate our lives was not yet imaginable. Donor stewardship could be considered the ultimate customer service. Many charities weigh the integration of new technologies against how it may make them better donor stewards. Good stewards keep donors inspired, engaged and up to date on all charitable activity; this has been going on long before social media rose to prominence. Incorporating technology into the fold, while often helpful, can also complicate things because the options seem endless and the obvious start point may be unclear. Today’s more tech-savvy donor often thinks 12
BUSINESS VIEW SASKATOON AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014
of themselves as an “investor” in social good and community wide change, rather than simply a financial donor, and they just may be. Seemingly undisputed however, is how this demand for technology has dramatically
“Donor stewardship could be considered the ultimate customer service. Many charities weigh the integration of new technologies against how it may make them better donor stewards.” changed the charitable sector forever. The pace of the rat race has become faster than most can keep up with – especially charities. The constant push for public awareness and donor stewardship with limited human resources is always pitted against the cost to raise a dollar and the return on investment (ROI). Social media offers opportunities to connect and engage with those interested in hearing your message, but very seldom does this activity account for a major contribution to a charities bottom line. Online donation portals have become almost as standard and common place as having a
web page. Despite this, traditional methods of donation are still commonplace. Many charities will tell you that large donations still come through face to face meetings and hand written cheques. Technology has also helped to create competition where it didn’t exist before. Until recently, fund raising has been the sole domain of the charitable sector. Promises of ‘good things to come’ and small tokens of thanks in return for monetary support is how charities survive. The adaptation of crowdfunding now has artists, businesses, start-ups and community projects ‘fund raising’ too. With non-profits tackling social issues as a Social Enterprise, and businesses forming their own foundations, the lines between business and charity have never been more blurred. As the sectors begin to merge, expectations in both camps are going to have to change, some drastically. Our lives have become dependent on technology. The pace in which it is created, adapted and changed is astonishing. The third sector is working to keep up, but as for what is on the horizon – it’s anyone’s guess.
Kristy Rempel is the Donor Services Manager at the Saskatoon Community Foundation and also sits on the Board of Directors for the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce
Chamber News
Member report on the Canada - China Executive Forum By Ken Ziegler
“The Going Global Committee is dedicated to creating awareness of international business opportunities for Saskatchewan” The Canada – China Executive Forum, hosted by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), was held in Vancouver on July 14th, 2014. The Government of Canada and provincial governments of B.C., Alberta, and Saskatchewan sponsored the event, together with a number of corporate partners. Ken Ziegler, Co-Chair of the Going Global Committee and past President of the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce, attended the event on behalf of the Chamber and was pleased to provide Business View readers with a report from the forum. Honorable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, brought greetings on behalf of the Federal Government, and B.C. Premier Christy Clarke did likewise for B.C. as host of the Forum. Chinese representatives came from a variety of sectors, including companies involved in agriculture, real estate, information technology, mining, health products and services, venture funds, construction and
Image: huafeng207/Shutterstock.com
engineering, as well as several Chinese banks registered and carrying on business in Canada. The common theme from many of the Chinese representatives is that Canada remains a very attractive place to do business. One delegate was quoted as saying, “simply put, Canada’s system just works.” Other commonly cited positives about the Canadian market by Chinese delegates included the openness and predictability of our regulatory system and the stability of Canada’s banking, legal, accounting and taxation systems. Additionally, it goes without saying that our abundant resources are a key area of investment interest to the Chinese. Forum delegates also heard that the B.C. government is currently undertaking lobbying efforts to advocate for a bank clearing center in Canada for Chinese currency, with a proposed location for the center in Vancouver. These “clearing hubs” have the potential to attract business and create skilled jobs, and will significantly boost trade and financial activity with China. “The implications for Canada and B.C. in particular if this were to happen would be profound, both from a political and business perspective,” commented Ziegler.
Among the delegation of Chinese representatives attending the Forum was Mr. Shia Hao, Chief Representative for Canada from the Agriculture Bank of China. The Agriculture Bank of China is operational in Canada, and has been active in following many of its clients who are involved in agriculture and food industry as they enter the Canadian market. “The Bank has a client list that would be the envy of any investment attraction group in Canada looking to bring FDI in the food industry from China to Canada. The Saskatchewan market has a tremendous amount to gain from partnership with these groups, so we must remain actively engaged with them in order to promote investment within our province,” commented Ziegler. This is the first such Canada – China Executive Forum organized by APEC, however, a reciprocal forum has already been announced, and will be hosted in Beijing from November 8-10, 2014 just prior to the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting. The Going Global Committee will remain mindful of this initiative and will continue to update the Chamber membership on its progress.
Farmers working in a grain field in Sichaun, China BUSINESS VIEW SASKATOON AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014
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Member News
Community Learning Commons Strengthening our community through life-long learning Finding employment and advancing in the workplace will be among the goals of people enhancing their skills and knowledge within the Community Learning Commons. Success stories abound among the nonprofit organizations planning to collaborate to provide education, life-long learning and mentorship at the former St. George’s parish hall on 20th Street West. “I couldn’t read a recipe; now I’m a baker and part-time waitress. I take orders from customers, keep baking records, order groceries for the bakery and restaurant, and work on a computer,” says READ Saskatoon Learner Barbara McSheffrey. “At home, my family is happier because I’m happy, and my success is a source of inspiration for my kids. My youngest son knows he will succeed despite his learning disabilities.” Carlos Guzman, who was raised in Columbia, credits the Saskatchewan Intercultural Association (SIA) Mentorship
Program for enabling him to fully participate in his new community through employment, volunteer roles and leisure activities. “This was a major step for me. Two years into my Master’s Degree in Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan, I still faced challenges integrating myself into Canadian society.” The benefits to individuals and families will grow, when Ability in Me (AIM), the Canadian Paraplegic Association (Sask), SIA , READ Saskatoon, the YMCA Child Development Centre and other non-profit organizations come together within the Community Learning Commons. By collaborating and sharing space, members of the Learning Commons will ensure more people reach their potential. “Helping families and individuals in need meet their basic day-to-day requirements is so important, but alone can’t address root causes of the challenges they face,” says Curtis Kimpton, Co-Lead of the Kinsmen
Club of Saskatoon initiative to develop the Community Learning Commons. “Long-term strategies that help to build independence are needed to help individuals and their families step permanently out of poverty. Education is a path to employment, job satisfaction, income, food and housing security, self-reliance and health. The Learning Commons will play a vital role in strengthening our community because it will enhance the lives of so many people.” To foster development of the transformative Community Learning Commons please contact the Kinsmen Shared Learning Campaign team at KCOSlearningcommons@gmail.com.
Sharing the vision, fostering opportunity. Affinity Credit Union strives to foster opportunities for growth in business with First Nations and Métis people.
TeleService® 1.866.863.6237 affinitycu.ca
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BUSINESS VIEW SASKATOON AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014
MORE READERS WITH MORE BUYING POWER
74% of adults with personal incomes of $50,000 or more are StarPhoenix readers. 74% of adults with household incomes of $100,000 or more read The StarPhoenix.*
To ďŹ nd out how your business can best reach this audience, call 306.657.6340. *Source: NADbank 2013 Study; Saskatoon CMA (Adults 18+: 229,100). Combines print & online. Read in last six days
REACHING AUDIENCES
IN MOREWAYS THAN EVER BEFORE.
Promotional Feature
2 Web Design wins international award By Mouneeb Shahid, CEO, 2 Web Design
2 Web Design is honoured to be the recipient of various internationally recognized awards over the past month. These include the Consumer Choice Award, two Hermes Creative Awards and four Summit International Awards. “We are very excited to receive these prestigious awards” said Mouneeb Shahid, Founder and CEO. “These awards would not have been possible without the efforts of our creative team and the trust of our clients.”
Consumer Choice Award Consumer Choice Award is the only organization in Canada to determine the top-ranked service providers in various categories by conducting an independent market research survey that is statistically accurate. Unlike other awards, where the winner is chosen by a panel of judges, winners of the Consumer Choice Award are selected by the consumers. 2 Web Design received the Consumer Choice Award for “Excellence in Web Design” for the third consecutive year.
Hermes Creative Awards Hermes Creative Awards is an international competition for creative professionals involved in the concept, writing and design of traditional materials and programs, and emerging technologies. There were over 5,500 entries throughout the United States, Canada and several other countries. 2 Web Design received two Gold Hermes Awards. One for 2webdesign.com in the category of B2B Website and one for neechiegear.com in the category of B2C E-Commerce Website.
Summit International Awards The Summit International Awards offers participants a unique opportunity to showcase their talents alongside similarly positioned agencies, and to have their work judged by experts in the advertising field. There were more than 5000 submissions from 24 countries. 2 Web Design received Silver Awards for speedyvacuum.ca in the category of Retail
Website and for tcuplace.com in the category of Community Website. 2 Web Design also received Bronze Awards for neechiegear.com in the category of E-Commerce Website and for schulte.ca in the category of International B2B Product Website.
About 2 Web Design 2 Web Design is a creative web design agency that has created over 400 websites for businesses, non-profit organizations, and government agencies throughout Canada. Founded in 2004, their vast experience in the web design industry allows them to truly understand the process involved with designing and developing successful websites, and ensuring the solution they provide helps their clients achieve their goals. For more information, please contact: Amanda Toy Communications Director 306.664.2932 amanda@2webdesign.com
Go to SlaughterMySite.com to get a complimentary analysis of your website. Scan Me
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BUSINESS VIEW SASKATOON AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014
Mouneeb Shahid Founder & CEO
Promotional Feature
Say on your pay Raising the bar on compensation governance
For over 20 years, Canadian publicly-traded companies have been required to disclose the compensation paid to their top five executives. US and UK companies were subject to similar disclosure requirements long By Barry Cook of before they were Western Compensation implemented in and Benefits Consultants Canada. Commencing in the late 1990s publiclytraded UK companies were encouraged to provide shareholders with a “Say On Pay”, wherein shareholders could provide a nonbinding, advisory vote (for or against) the compensation reported for the executives. Say On Pay (“SOP”) became mandatory in the UK in 2003 and mandatory votes have since been adopted by a number of other countries, including the US. A number of major Canadian banks extended advisory SOP votes to shareholders in 2010. There are now well over 100 Canadian public companies (including about 80% of Canada’s largest companies) which have voluntarily adopted non-binding SOP voting by their shareholders. Although almost all of these companies received the support of a majority of their voting shareholders this was not so for a few companies. The media coverage other reporting on the non-approvals have accelerated companies’ desire to utilize compensation governance best practices and to engage shareholders in the process. It is important to recognize that engaging shareholders through SOP does not mean that boards of directors are abrogating their responsibilities with respect to executive compensation. On the contrary, SOP simply
puts greater onus on boards to use best practices of privately-owned companies, public when establishing and verifying appropriate sector entities and even not-for-profit policies, setting performance standards and organizations. Decision-makers in many assessing executive performance. Soliciting of these organizations have increasingly shareholder approval provides shareholder become aware of and embraced the principles input which can be appropriately considered underlying good compensation governance for future compensation changes, as well as and are actively applying this knowledge helping determine whether there is a need to their compensation programs and to increase the board’s engagement with practices. Employers should anticipate that shareholders on compensation matters. If compensation governance best practices will there is a significant proportion of shareholders continue to evolve, and it will be important which vote negatively, this permits the board to ensure that their policies and programs to consult with the disapproving shareholders address the needs of their stakeholders. to discuss and hopefully resolve their concerns. So, has SOP influenced anything other than the compensation arrangements for the top executives in publicly-traded companies? The answer is “yes”. SOP has been a catalyst Our surveys give organizations access for raising the bar to information on current salaries, on compensation bonuses, group insurance, retirement governance. Publiclybenefits and compensation best traded companies practices. (particularly those which have adopted a voluntary shareholder SOP vote) have increased their due diligence top REASonS to pARticipAtE on compensation structure, the process 1 Over 375 positions for compensation 2 Receive 50% discount decision-making, 3 Free report on actual & projected and the reporting salary increases and other communications with iMpoRtAnt DAtES shareholders. The May 1 awareness created data collection opens through shareholder September 30 reporting and media contAct Nancy MacLeod data collection closes 1-800-781-2411 | wcbc@wcbc.ca coverage has had october an influence on results available Additional 15% discount for the compensation
SALARY SURVEYS
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participate at
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Chamber members
BUSINESS VIEW SASKATOON AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014
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Promotional Feature
Emerson Plaza: An exciting new 8 Street corridor retail development th
Saskatchewan retail sales numbers continue to increase and are anticipated to grow in the range of 5% again in 2014. Although most of the recent new retail construction has focused on outlying suburban growth areas, the most desirable shopping destination for many shoppers continues to be 8th St. This is reinforced with traditional average rental rates in the $24.00 to $36.00 per square foot rate and overall vacancy rates in the 3% range along this popular and centrally located retail corridor. Don Karnes of Royal Lepage Commercial Real Estate states that while it is natural for the majority of new construction to occur in growing suburban centers, it is a rare and highly desirable opportunity for business operators to also have high quality newly constructed options in established retail areas, that have a proven track record of success for the business owner. Due to the high demand for space, and the favorable rental rates, the owners of the former Planet Car Wash location have completed demolition and are well under way with a much needed retail redevelopment called Emerson Plaza. The plaza will offer individual space configurations from 1,574 sq. ft. to 4,722 sq. ft. in Building A, and 1,617 sq. ft. to 10,713 sq. ft. in building B. There is ample on-site parking, excellent storefront and pylon signage, and great street appeal with the newly constructed modern building design. Anticipated occupancy for Tenants is estimated to be in the early Spring of 2015.
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BUSINESS VIEW SASKATOON AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014
Business News
Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership names their new President and CEO
Mr. Tim Wiens, Chair of Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP) Board of Directors, is pleased to announce that Mr. Chad Fleck has been named President & CEO. Over the last 17 years, STEP has continued to innovate and offer valuable programs and services to Saskatchewan exporters. The membership continues to grow, along with the solid reputation and brand of STEP. Under the new leadership, STEP is embarking upon an exciting new phase of growth and development. “Chad’s commitment, passion, and expertise for Saskatchewan business made him our candidate of choice for the President & CEO position,” said Mr. Wiens. “He brings a proven record of private sector knowledge, operational leadership, strategy development, and international business experience and relationship management to the position. Our Board is confident that his entrepreneurial spirit, combined with his extensive knowledge of international trade and business, will enhance trade and economic growth for our membership and for the province.” Born and raised in the province, Chad has deep ties to Saskatchewan where he grew up on a family farm. He first held employment in the province in the oil and gas industry before pursuing an undergraduate degree at the University of Saskatchewan, Edwards School of Business. He holds an M.B.A. in Marketing, Organizational Strategy and International Business from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and Schulich School of Business at York University as well as an Executive Certificate
in Strategy and Innovation from MIT Sloan School of Management. Chad’s key business strengths align strongly to Saskatchewan’s key economic sectors with past employment in the oil, gas, energy, coal and agriculture sectors. Chad joins STEP from his most recent position as Commercial Counsellor & Senior Trade Commissioner with the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo where he worked extensively with and was a champion of the private sector. Previous positions include Chief of Staff, G8/ G20 Summits Management Office (SMO); Representative, Central America and the Caribbean (CAC); International Business Development Group, Export Development Canada (EDC) and Deputy Director (Japan, Korea, Taiwan), North Asia Commercial Relations, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada. Chad is thrilled to return to the province, lead the STEP team, and to work with STEP members. He will join the organization on August 1st, 2014 based out of the Regina STEP office. Minister
Responsible for Trade, the Honourable Jeremy Harrison, noted that Chad has extensive knowledge in international trade, experience with the private sector, and deep Saskatchewan roots. “Saskatchewan’s presence on the international stage continues to grow,” Harrison said. “Chad’s diverse global experience will help STEP fulfill the province’s aggressive export targets as identified in Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan.” STEP is a non-profit, membership driven, government/industry partnership, designed to promote the growth of Saskatchewan's export industry. For more information, visit www.sasktrade.sk.ca
BUSINESS VIEW SASKATOON AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014
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CHAMBER VOLUNTEER COMMITTEES COMMITTEE CHAIRS Aboriginal Opportunities Chris Sicotte - Affinity Credit Union
Meetings: 1st Tuesday of the month - 9:00-10:30 am
Agribusiness Opportunities Bert Sutherland - BERTradioonline.com Loran Forer - BMO
Meetings: 2nd Monday of the month - 3:30-5:00 pm
Business Growth Elise Hildebrandt - The Mortgage Centre
Meetings: Last Tuesday of the month - 8:00 am
Business of Science & Technology Sanj Singh - AdeTheraputics Inc. Meetings: TBA
Celebrate Success! Lynn Nastiuk - Sask. Health Research Foundation Jason Yochim Saskatoon Region Association of REALTORS®
First Nations and Métis Opportunities Committee The First Nations and Métis Opportunities Committee have recently undergone a Strategic Planning session to establish a unified plan for the coming years. The committee has been working hard to foster relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal businesses in the Saskatoon area. Agribusiness Committee Every month a guest speaker embedded in the agricultural sector presents on informative and best practices within the agricultural industry. The Committee is focused on connecting and learning about new and innovative measures taking place in the agricultural industry. Business Growth Committee ‘Shaken with a Twist’ will be starting up again in September, come join us September 18th for a cocktail and appetizers at Cut Casual Steak and Tap and enjoy listening to prominent women in the business community sharing their story. The committee will also be hosting its ‘Business by Design’ workshop series in October, please visit www.saskatoonchamber.com for more information.
Meetings: Depending on need - closer to event
Environmental Sustainability Colleen Yates - Equinox3 Consulting Ltd.
Meetings: Last Monday of the month - 3:30-5:00 pm
Going Global Ken Ziegler - Robertson Stromberg Pedersen LLP Monica Kreuger - Global Infobrokers Meetings: Last Thursday of the month - 3:30-5:00 pm
Government Affairs Michael Chudoba - Innovative Residential
Meetings: 2nd Wednesday of the month - 4:00-5:30 pm
Health Opportunities Dave Dutchak - MD Ambulance Care Ltd. Debby Criddle - Synergos Capital Management Inc. Meetings: TBA
Knowledge & Youth Development Jeff Wandzura - Phenomenome Discoveries Meetings: 2nd Wednesday of the month - 5:00 pm
Membership Development Evan Drisner - Nu-Fab Building Products Kristy Rempel - Saskatoon Community Foundation Meetings: 2nd Thursday of the month - 11:45-1:30 pm
More information available online at www.saskatoonchamber.com under Committees.
Business of Science & Technology Committee The Business of Science & Technology aims to promote our City’s science and technology-based businesses and to bridge the gap between the science, technology, and business communities. The committee has recently launched a sub-committee focusing in the field of information and communications technology. Future Opportunities Committee The Future Opportunities Committee is keeping Saskatoon updated on the new innovations happening locally and internationally to help Saskatoon stay prepared and propel successfully into the future. Going Global Committee The Going Global Committee is dedicated to creating awareness of international business opportunities for Saskatchewan. The committee is currently monitoring developments with the Temporary Foreign Worker Program to assist small and medium sized enterprises that may be affected with the recent changes. Government Affairs Committee The Government Affairs Committee, in partnership with MNP LLP, have recently launched the 2014 Business Climate Survey. The survey focuses on the business confidence of local business leaders as well as other factors related to doing business in the Saskatoon area. Results can be found at mnp.ca Knowledge & Youth Committee The Knowledge & Youth Committee has been working alongside with the University of Saskatchewan Junior Chamber of Commerce on a number of exciting ventures in which will be ready to launch in the Fall. Stay tuned for the exciting upcoming news!
For membership information contact Derek Crang
(306) 664-0702 dcrang@saskatoonchamber.com Visit saskatoonchamber.com today under Member Services for more details
Bergman Hardy Technologies Inc. Consultants - Computer 112D-116 Research Dr, Saskatoon Phone: (306) 500-0166 Andrew Bergman Dale Carnegie Training Consultants Communications 310-4209 99th St, Edmonton Phone: (306) 263-3093 Jolene Watson Dean Angell Ent. Inc. Consultants AND Home-Based Business Phone: (306) 291-9130 Dean Angell Dr. Rick Jaggi Medical Professional Corporation Health Care - Services / Supplies Royal University Hospital, Ellis Hall, Saskatoon Phone: (306) 850-3181 Dr. Rick Jaggi Duda, Jennifer Health Care - Services / Supplies 318 Sears Cove, Saskatoon Phone: (306) 270-3303 FLT Connections Telecommunications / Wireless 102-136 2nd Ave S, Saskatoon Phone: (306) 242-4277 Sunny Mundi / Sean Slawinski Glacier Refrigeration Contractors 2505 Jarvis Dr, Saskatoon Phone: (306) 291-3599 Jim King
New Members
Ian Grove Interior Design Ltd. Interior Design / Decorators 413 Avenue H N, Saskatoon Phone: (306) 220-2289 Ian (Happy) Grove
Red Eagle Cellular Retail - Electronics 101-2553 Grasswood Rd E, Saskatoon Phone: (306) 477-7004 Rhonda Adair
Icon Mechanical Corp. Construction 411 Senick Bay, Saskatoon Phone: (306) 280-4418 Jordan Bird
Royal Canadian Legion Nutana Br #362 Non-Profit Organizations AND Rental 3021 Louise St, Saskatoon Phone: (306) 374-6303 Patti Semkiw
ImageWorx Auto Automobile - Lease / Rental / Sales AND Home-Based Business Phone: (306) 261-9723 Devin Dolgopol
Saskatoon Journal Home-Based Business Phone: (306) 653-2576 Joanne Paulson
International Women of Saskatoon IWS Inc. Non-Profit Organizations 412-230 Avenue R S, Saskatoon Phone: (306) 978-6611 Ijeoma Udemgba
Shenouda Headley Derpak Law Group Legal Services 103-202 Wellman Cres, Saskatoon Phone: (306) 974-3393 Sami Shenouda
ISM Canada Business Development / Information Services AND Technology 500-121 1st Ave S, Saskatoon Phone: (306) 667-0855 Janelle Mansfield
Small, Laura Individual Members Phone: (306) 242-5567
Jakeco Holdings Inc. Agricultural 5-820 51st St E, Saskatoon Phone: (306) 249-5503 Jayce Cote
Ukrainetz, Dan Individual Members Phone: (306) 291-2700
Jesse Lewis Hypnosis Entertainment / Attractions PO Box 2845, Tisdale Phone: (888) 241-7165 Jesse Storoschuk
Sun Sign Solutions Consultants Phone: (306) 668-0015 Brian Kendall
Is safety your mIssIon?
Safe Employer Cenovus Energy Inc. (Weyburn)
In 60 years of operation, safety has always been top-of-mind for the employees and management at Cenovus Energy Inc., winner of the 2014 WorkSafe Saskatchewan Safe Employer Award. As a safety leader, Cenovus promotes better health and safety behaviours among employees. “We want to make sure our employees are always thinking about safety,” says Darcy Cretin, Superintendent, Saskatchewan Conventional Oil and Natural Gas. “We strive to be the best at what we do each day and to do it safely,” says Cretin. “At Cenovus, we’ve always wanted to achieve no injuries, but Mission: Zero makes it a visible goal.” For more information about the WorkSafe Saskatchewan Safe Worker and Safe Employer Awards, visit worksafesask.ca.