BusinessVIEW Saskatoon August September 2016 by Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce

August/September 2016

MĂŠtis business leader John Lagimodiere is bridging the cultural divide John Lagimodiere of Aboriginal Consulting Services and Eagle Feather News in Saskatoon.

IS IT YOUR MISSION? Our staff works on the ground and out in the fields. They work hard and they work long hours. We are all doing everything we can to make sure they come home safe. Safety is part of everything we do. Davin Sanders Health and Safety Advisor, Matrix Solutions Inc.

Proud of your safety success? Know an inspirational Safe Worker? Apply for the 2017 WorkSafe Safe Worker and Safe Employer Awards. Visit www.worksafesask.ca Deadline is October 31, 2016

Table of Contents

August/September 2016

Featured Articles President’s View Pg. 4

First Nations in Business - we’ve come a long way, but still a ways to go

Cover Story: John Lagimodiere Pg. 5 Métis business leader bridging cultural divide

2016 President’s Golf Classic recap Pg. 6 Two local family businesses honoured at the national level Pg. 14 Five Minutes for Business: Have Canadian real estate prices climbed too high? Pg. 18 Métis business leader John Lagimodiere. Image: Grant Romancia Photography. BUSINESSViewis 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

Feedback on articles is 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 or its Board of Directors. 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.

STAFF

Kent Smith-Windsor, Executive Director Derek Crang, Sales & Membership Director Terry Lawrence, Administrator Roz Macala, Executive Secretary Kevin Meldrum, Marketing Director Linda Saunders, Bookkeeper Ryan Wig, Communications Director Czarina Catambing, Committee Operations Intern Meghan Johnson, Committee Operations Intern

Canadian Publications Mail Agreement No. 40052085 Return Undeliverable Addresses to: Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce 104-202 4th Avenue North, Saskatoon, SK S7K 0K1 Publisher: Kevin Meldrum

Cover Image by Grant Romancia

businessview@saskatoonchamber.com

Advertising Sales: Derek Crang

dcrang@saskatoonchamber.com

Writer: Terri Eger Photographer: Grant Romancia BUSINESS VIEW SASKATOON AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 3

President’s View

First Nations in business We’ve come a long way, but still a ways to go It is no secret that unemployment amongst First Nations greatly exceeds that of non-First Nation’s people in Saskatchewan, even as high as four to five times higher. The list Jason Yochim of challenges and 2016/17 President reasons for this Greater Saskatoon disparity is long, Chamber of Commerce however significant strides have been made in recent years to narrow the gap. Historically, two significant challenges are low high school graduation rates among aboriginal students and limited business and employment opportunities on reserve. Although most First Nation’s people would prefer to live and work on reserve, with little opportunity the only option left for those seeking employment is to move to an urban centre. This decision highlights unique challenges that exist: a lack of social and coping skills, financial and life literacy, suitable housing and connections to the business community to name a few. In spite of these challenges there is a new mindset and culture amongst the First Nations people that the time is right to do what it takes to harness the potential that exists in business and economic development. I personally believe that the greatest limiting factor to the potential that lies in every human being is between the ears. Attitudes of both First Nations and nonFirst Nations are slowly changing resulting

in many success stories in business both on and off reserve. Many of these stories may never be told due to the humility of the Aboriginal people while other stories are harder to keep secret.

Urban Reserves A quiet success story has evolved over the past three decades as one of the most promising solutions to the problems identified above. Through the Canada-Saskatchewan Treaty Land Entitlement Framework Agreement, the first urban reserve in Canada was purchased in Saskatoon by the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation. The Asimakaniseekan Askiy Reserve is a 35 acre parcel located in the Sutherland Industrial Area of Saskatoon that is home to over 40 aboriginal and non-aboriginal businesses. Today there are five urban reserves and 4 urban holdings within the Saskatoon city limits. These are owned by the first nations of Muskeg Lake, Yellow Quill, One Arrow, Little Pine, Thunderchild, Red Pheasant and the Canadian First Nations Investment Corporation. Within the Saskatoon planning district there are an additional five holdings and within the P4G Planning District another two. Urban reserves provide an excellent opportunity for the creation of new businesses and employment opportunities. They also provide an avenue for First Nations to create financial resources. In 1993, the City of Saskatoon made it a key priority in their strategic plan to build and strengthen relationships and explore partnership opportunities within the Aboriginal community. The benefits for the city are the investment in new business, refurbishing of existing businesses and the

economic spin-off from job creation and investment in the community. Furthermore, Urban Reserves strengthen the First Nations and develop positive relationships within the community. The most significant difference between an Urban Reserve and a typical commercial business is that in lieu of taxes, the Reserve is charged a fee for service for the provision of municipal services such as Police, fire, snow removal, water and sewer. The reserves enter into a separate agreement with the school boards regarding the education portion of the standard property tax levy.

In Conclusion For any community to be a success three fundamental elements are necessary; housing, education and health. Safe and affordable housing provides a necessary base to build stability in the family unit, without it, success is unlikely. Education is imperative, not only at a professional level but also in the basic life skills such as money management, parenting, social skills and emotional intelligence to name a few. Poor health costs the individual and community at many levels. A healthy individual is not only more confident but also more productive in terms of less time lost to absenteeism and being better equipped to meet the challenges in today’s business arena. Great opportunities exist for those who are willing to see the opportunities that exist when partnering with First Nations in education, business development and job creation, but it first starts with a willingness and the right attitude. Jason Yochim, President 2016/17 Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce

2016-17 Board of Directors for the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce President Jason Yochim - Saskatoon Region Association of REALTORS®. 1st Vice-President Kelly Bode - WMCZ Lawyers & Mediators. 2nd Vice-President, Finance Peggie Koenig - Koenig & Associates. Past President Tanya Knight - MNP LLP Chair, Governance Bill Cooper - PotashCorp. Paul Labbe - Stantec Inc. Silvia Martini - Interlink Research Inc. Linda Mason - PCL Construction Management Ltd. Deborah Meyers - Saskatchewan Polytechnic. Karl Miller - Meridian Development. Sandra Ribeiro - Canadian Light Source Inc. Chris Sicotte - Affinity Credit Union. Sanj Singh - Lighthouse Management Co. Brian Skanderbeg - Silver Standard Resources Inc. Trevor Thiessen - Redekop Manufacturing. Chris Woodland - MacPherson, Leslie and Tyerman LLP.

BUSINESS VIEW SASKATOON AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

Cover Story

Métis business leader bridging cultural divide John Lagimodiere is bringing cultural awareness to the business community By Terri Eger

John Lagimodiere is a successful entrepreneur, bringing aboriginal awareness to the business community. Photo: Grant Romancia.

An entrepreneur and member of the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan, John Lagimodiere can trace his roots to Marie Anne Lagimodiere, the first woman of European descent to settle in Western Canada and the grandmother of Louis Riel. But there is more at stake for Lagimodiere than keeping family traditions alive. Connecting the business world with aboriginal people paints a bright future for the province of Saskatchewan according to Lagimodiere. “Aboriginal people make up the fastest growing population in the province,” he said. “By 2020 one quarter of the population will be of aboriginal descent and by 2045 one third will be.” With the business sector searching for employees, Lagimodiere believes that

creating a culturally diverse workplace is the key to success. For the past 19 years he has been providing businesses with Aboriginal awareness seminars with great results through his business Aboriginal Consulting Services. “Some companies are realizing that aboriginal awareness and engagement is a good thing,” he said. Over the years he has conducted countless seminars on his own as well as many together with Winston McLean, a Cree man from the James Smith First Nation. Together the pair delivers an engaging presentation on connecting cultures in the workplace. Lagimodiere has worked with government agencies, non-profits, small businesses, resource companies and crown corporations over the years, leading them toward positive change.

By bringing cultural awareness to the business sector he has been able to assist them in ongoing success. As an example, Lagimodiere was instrumental in teaching SaskTel how to relate to aboriginal customers and employees, playing a major role in the diversification of the crown corporation. Lagimodiere is pleased with the number of cultural activities and events that have been taking place in recent years. “In the past two to three months there have been a dozen powwows, not to mention other cultural events in Saskatoon,” he said. “Never in our history have I seen more cultural engagement.” While the displays and participation are positive steps, Lagimodiere sees it as just the beginning. “We are moving toward acceptance of the culture but it doesn’t end poverty,” Continued on Page 8... BUSINESS VIEW SASKATOON AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 5

Celebrate Success!

27th Annual President’s Golf Classic

The 27th Annual President’s Golf Classic was held on June 16th, 2016 at the Dakota Dunes Golf Links. This event honours the Chamber President and provides an informal networking opportunity for participants. Despite a rainy start to the day, over 110 golfers participated at this year’s tournament.

Congratulations to the winning team whose final score was 15 under par: Colby Ernst (Seventy Seven Signs Ltd.), Austin Giroux (9Round Fitness), Brad Zdunich (Conexus), and Matthew Cennon (Adecco Employment Services) Thank you to our sponsors and prize

donors for your support and contributions that helped to make our event a great success. We look forward to seeing you at the 28th Annual President’s Golf Classic at the Moon Lake Golf & Country Club in 2017!

Thank you to our sponsors

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BUSINESS VIEW SASKATOON AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

Fabmar Communications Golder Associates Golf’s Carwash Inc Hilton Garden Inn The James Hotel Ken Cheveldayoff KPMG MSLP MacPherson, Leslie & Tyerman LLP Manos McDougall Gauley LLP Meewasin Valley Authority Midtown Plaza

MisterPrint Printwest MNP LLP North Ridge Developments Corp Park Town Hotel Peace Hills Trust Co. Persephone Theatre Potash Corp

Robertson Stromberg LLP Saskatchewan Rush Lacrosse Club Saskatoon Airport Authority Saskatoon Club Saskatoon Folkfest Incorporated Saskatoon Inn Saskatoon Prairieland Park Corporation Saskatoon Soccer Centre Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan Festival Inc. Sheraton Cavalier Hotel SIIT Taverna Italian Restaurant TCU Place Tourism Saskatoon Winston’s English Pub & Grill

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Cover Story continued from Page 4...

he said, stating that the aboriginal population has the highest incarceration rate, the highest suicide rate and the lowest education rates. “Almost seventy percent of children on reserves live in poverty.” “The only thing that is going to change that is education, training and employment,” he said. “Everyone has a part to play to change that. Everyone has a responsibility to grab an oar and start paddling.” For Lagimodiere that responsibility comes in the form of educating people about issues relating to the aboriginal population including the fact that they pay taxes. “I explain the issues and our history,” he said. “I give them the facts. Unfortunately they’ve been robbed of the facts for a long time but with education and awareness we can change that.” “Things are getting better,” he said. “And the more we all know, the better it will be.” Informing the public also comes in

BUSINESS VIEW SASKATOON AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

the form of Eagle Feather News, a monthly news magazine and daily news website that features all things related to First Nations and Métis people. Lagimodiere says there is still a lot of work to be done but that the future looks promising for aboriginal people in Saskatchewan. “We have a different generation of leaders. We have record setting numbers of people with postsecondary education. We are getting more and more people engaged and are working for change within our own community. There is a bigger sense of urgency.” For this Métis entrepreneur, being involved in positive change for his people makes all the hard work worthwhile. “We are recruiting allies in making Canada a better place,” he said. “I think we are making a difference and I think what we do offers value to the community.”

John Lagimodiere says the future is promising for aboriginal people in Saskatchewan. Photo: Grant Romancia.

Promotional Feature

HVL Distribution relaunching Zep products in Saskatoon After a short time away, Zep brand professional strength cleaning and maintenance solutions for small business and home cleaning products are back in Saskatoon, working with many of the previous Zep staff with a new plan and business model. HVL Distribution brings to the market some unique plans and product offerings; we stock Zep product primarily but now have the ability to source any cleaning or maintenance products required. We feel Zep manufactures the strongest and most complete chemical line available in the market today; however, one manufacturer cannot possibly produce everything so we have reached outside to bring in a few unique products to offer Saskatoon. HVL Distribution is a privately owned 50 year old Saskatchewan-based company with a new name and will be the strongest force with the most technical assistance

available in the industry in Saskatchewan. The company had humble beginnings and remains that way today. We started with a lady who enjoyed the cleaning industry and began cleaning buildings in Prince Albert. She had a husband who would prefer to discuss the jobs rather than perform them, this husband and wife were an unknowingly great team. With Delores’s non-stop work ethic and George’s flare for sales they grew that one lady cleaning company into a supply company that occupied a 10,000 sq. ft. distribution center. We have sadly lost our founders but the torch has been carried within the same family. Kevin Isbister, the grandson of George and Delores Davison was able to purchase the company from George in 2000 and still owns the company today. Aside from chemical we are proud to say we can offer any product that has to do with Maintenance and sanitation. We

have partnered with Clarke Equipment to bring the inventor of the Autoscrubber into Saskatoon. Clarke offers a full line of janitorial equipment including vacuums all the way up to ride-on auto scrubbers and soon a full line of pressure washers. We also offer mops, brooms, garbage cans, dishwashers and the list goes on. Being a privately owned company allows us to adjust our business and offerings to our clients’ needs, putting our customers first, which seems to be very common in this day and age. At HVL Distribution we work diligently on earning your business and ensuring it is a mutually beneficial relationship for years to come. HVL Distribution would like to thank the Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce for recognizing locally owned Aboriginal entrepreneurs. Kevin is proud of his Aboriginal decent and has worked hard maintaining and expanding this family business.

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Member News

Saskatoon Aboriginal Employment Partnership (SAEP) The Saskatoon Aboriginal Employment Partnership (SAEP) was established to foster Aboriginal inclusion in the economy and to complement the development and implementation of Aboriginal Employment best practices in Saskatoon. The partnership engages with Aboriginal people, various levels of government, businesses, education/ training institutions and community based organizations to collaboratively create a Saskatoon Aboriginal Employment Strategy that improves Aboriginal participation in the work force. Mr. Gilles Dorval and Mr. Gabe Lafond, Co-Chairs for the SAEP have stated, “Increasing the participation of Aboriginal people in our labour force is one of Saskatoon’s biggest challenges

and opportunities. As the fastest growing segment of the population in Canada, we need to create a future where more and more aboriginal people are employed and benefiting from the opportunities that come with the economic growth being experienced in Saskatoon.” The SAEP is governed by a management team made up of members from the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA), City of Saskatoon, Saskatoon Tribal Council, Saskatoon Health Region, the Gabriel Dumont Institute and the Saskatoon Regional Intersectoral Committee. The SAEP Management team gathers input from a group of approximately 25 businesses and organizations interested in Aboriginal employment in Saskatoon. The partnership also employs a full time

program manager to oversee the day to day activities of SAEP. For additional details, please contact: Dale Skibinsky Program Manager; Saskatoon Aboriginal Employment Partnership (SAEP) P: 306-250-3204 E: saep@sreda.com

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BUSINESS VIEW SASKATOON AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

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Promotional Feature

Infinity Management brings unique services to Saskatoon Infinity Management is an event planning, model management and matchmaking company in Saskatoon. Infinity opened in September, 2015 and in a short time has grown to be a dominate industry contender in three different business sectors. The event planning sector includes events from weddings to birthday parties to corporate functions and everything in between. We also offer a unique speciality service that includes engagement planning for men â&#x20AC;&#x201C; helping the

everyday male plan their dream proposal for soon-to-be fiancĂŠ. The model management sector of our business works with almost 100 models ranging in all shapes & sizes, ages, gender, ethnicity backgrounds and experience levels. Unlike other modelling agencies we believe that every body type is beautiful and everyone deserves the chance to be a model. Our matchmaking sector is the newest branch to the business. Matchmaker Kymm is Saskatoon's own Patti Stanger for those who have seen the hit TV show Millionaire Matchmaker. We offer a one-on-one individualized matchmaking services tailored to your specific needs, wants and lifestyle. Without the use of any online dating sites, our vision is a proactive and interactive modern day spin on traditional matchmaking. Be sure to check us out on the Internet, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

BUSINESS VIEW SASKATOON AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 11

Member News

Home grown talent ready to lead Saskatoon’s team

Forward Cameron Hebig (photo courtesy of the Saskatoon Blades) The Saskatoon Blades had a busy offseason. Fortunately, they didn’t have to go far to address their challenges. Blades head coach Bob Woods headed off to work with Stanley Cup champion coach Dan Bylsma in Buffalo. The Blades promoted Dean Brockman, who had worked alongside Woods for two years. Brockman has a rich resume, including guiding the Humboldt Broncos to two national championships and four provincial titles. “We will bring that winning culture to the Blades and we have two great additions to help us do it,” says Brockman. Resumes came from everywhere for the vacant assistant coach position but Brockman never left the city, hiring two locals: Ryan Keller, a former Blades captain, and Bryce Thoma, who won a Memorial Cup with Red Deer. Thoma, who went on to play and earn a degree at the University of Saskatchewan, returned to Red Deer to join Brent Sutter’s coaching staff. He then left to become head coach and general manager with the Weyburn Red Wings. “I’m thrilled to come home. I think we have a great coaching staff to help the players work to get better everyday,” says Thoma. Keller just stepped away from the game 12

BUSINESS VIEW SASKATOON AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

as a player, having won championships in the American Hockey League (Binghamton) and Switzerland (Zurich). “I grew up watching the Blades, then I played for them and now I’m coaching them,” says Keller. “I’ve come full circle and I’m excited to get working with the coaches and the players.” The coaching staff, which also includes assistant coach Jerome Engele and goaltending coach Tim Chevaldae, will see some familiar faces on the ice, including Cameron Hebig, Wyatt Sloboshan, Dustin Perillat and Brock Hamm, all products of the Saskatoon Minor Hockey Association. The team is also close to the community off the ice. For example, the Potash Corp. Star Wars Night last season, which was covered by outlets like Sports Illustrated, ESPN, TSN and Buzz Feed, saw an auction of Star Wars themed jerseys, which enabled the Blades and Potash Corp. to present a cheque for 36-thousand dollars to the Food Banks of Saskatchewan. “We believe in community,” concludes Brockman. “And now, more than ever, we need the community to come support us and help us take Saskatoon’s team up the standings.”

Forward Wyatt Sloboshan (photo courtesy of the Saskatoon Blades)

Canadian Chamber Advocacy

Premiers reach deal in principle on Canadian Free Trade agreement The Canadian Chamber of Commerce reacts with cautious optimism to the announcement that Canada’s Premiers have reached an agreement in principle on internal trade. It is expected that the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, once implemented, will allow for freer trade within Canada and contribute to eliminating regulatory barriers between provinces and territories. This has been a long-standing demand of the Canadian Chamber, outlined most recently in the Top 10 Barriers to Competitiveness for 2016. “The agreement in principle that was announced today is a step in the right direction, but we hope to see more concrete measures soon. This is a priority issue for business, and the sooner we can eliminate interprovincial barriers to trade, the sooner our economy will benefit. Premiers have had

a lot of time to work on this, and the business community expects to see results,” explained the Hon. Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. “We’re happy to see that the provinces’ will be including many of our recommendations to the agreement, but right now we need to see a defined plan,” he continued. Today’s announcement indicates some progress in the way the provinces work with each other on interprovincial trade, an area where we need major changes to benefit business, consumers and governments across the country. “We’re very pleased that the provinces will be moving to a ‘negative list’ approach, which will now list only exclusions to free trade between provinces. All other goods and services will now be automatically included. This approach will contribute

to eliminating trade barriers and make decisions on exclusions more transparent,” said Mr. Beatty. Today’s announcement raises questions on next steps and ratification. “We’re disappointed to have to wait longer for a concrete agreement, especially since it has taken 149 years to get this far. We welcomed the news that a positive framework had been developed by provincial economic ministers two weeks ago, and had hoped that this week's meeting would close the deal. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is prepared to help complete and implement an agreement as soon as possible. Most of all, however, we will insist on concrete, ambitious measures to finally eliminate these barriers that are costing Canadians billions of dollars,” said Mr. Beatty.

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BUSINESS VIEW SASKATOON AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 13

Member News

Two local family businesses honoured at the national level By Terri Eger Two local chamber members have been recognized for their success at the national level. Sutton Financial Group and Saskatoon Funeral Home were awarded the CAFE Family Enterprise of the Year Award (FEYA) in 2016 and 2011 respectively. The Canadian Association of Family Enterprise (CAFE) was established in 1983 as a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the well-being, understanding and success of families in business. The annual award is designed to “recognize, celebrate and promote the achievements of Canadian family businesses and the considerable

The business continues to offer full personal financial planning for families and business owners. It also offers business consulting services in relation to pensions and benefits along with leadership development. Putting clients first and assisting them in their pursuit of financial security and peace of mind has been a major focus for the business when it began as it is today. In recent years the business has Saskatoon Funeral Home was also awarded “Family Enterprise made a smooth transition from of the Year” in 2011. (Supplied photo) Bob’s leadership to its current partners Stuart Sutton, Jay Stark, community, Edwards said Saskatoon Tim Hansen and Andrea Hansen. Funeral Home puts a great deal of focus “We have put a lot of effort into on local involvement, and remains making sure the business lasts committed to the economic, social and beyond the original vision my spiritual betterment of our community. father had,” said Sutton. “The “We’ve learned that if we focus on core confidence our clients have in values the rest will take care of itself,” us speaks to the level of trust he said. The family owned and operated they had in my dad and the business employs 100 individuals level of trust they continue to throughout the province with locations have with the current partners.” in North Battleford and Saskatoon Serving the community has offering full funeral and crematorium been at the heart of Saskatoon services to families as well as family pet Funeral Home which received crematorium services. the award in 2011. “We’d like to offer our congratulations “We have always been Sutton Financial Group at the 2016 CAFE FEYA Awards (supplied to Sutton Financial Group for their a service family and feel photo) excellence service to Saskatoon and privileged to be in a position the surrounding community and the contribution they make to both their to help people when they really need recognition that comes with this award,” local communities and our national it the most,” said Morgan Edwards said Edwards. economy.” who continues to manage the business “We were a bit surprised and quite his great grandfather started in 1910 To nominate a worthy business family honoured to receive the award,” said (the same year they joined the Greater for the 2016 Family Enterprise of the Stuart Sutton, current partner and son of Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce, Year Award – Saskatoon Chapter: Bob Sutton who started the business in making them one of the longest standing please visit http://www.cafecanada.ca/ 1990 and operated it until his retirement members in the city). chapters/saskatoon/family-enterprisein 2014. Sutton has been a member of As the fourth generation of the family of-the-year the Chamber since 2003. operating a business in his home

BUSINESS VIEW SASKATOON AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

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The user engagement metric By Mouneeb Shahid, Founder & CEO, 2 Web Design Digital marketing has taken over traditional marketing like a pandemic. Surely, there is the convenience of launching digital marketing campaigns quickly and easily, but the primary reason why businesses prefer to invest in digital marketing is due to the ability to track their Return On Investment to the penny. To run a successful digital marketing campaign, it is important to consider the variables that influence the user journey. The user journey starts right from the point of introduction to your company, whether it is through a campaign, a 3rd party channel or on your website. Often businesses rush to launch a campaign without thinking too much about the actions the user will need to perform to achieve the goal. As a business, you have to understand and map out the user journey right from the initial point of contact to the point they convert to a customer and begin a long-term relationship with you. Unfortunately, there is no perfect formula or an alchemist out there that can reveal the elixir of digital marketing success. On the upside, when you do take the plunge, you can track with great detail your audience’s engagement levels to determine what works and what fails. Over time, your objective should be to continue to optimize your user journey to see what gives you the best results. Measuring results are the key when it comes to digital marketing success. Depending on the extent of your campaigns, you can track a variety of user metrics. Before we get to the digital marketing metric that matters most, following are key metrics that you need to be aware of: Website Analytics

The number of website visitors provides you an overview of how many people are finding your business online and which pages are most popular. It is important not to get carried away with “hits” or “visits”, you must also understand the rest of the terminology in the analytics report. Visitors landing on your website and exiting after a few seconds can potentially have a negative impact. It would imply that the user experience on your website was simply not engaging, or you are not getting quality visitors. Quality visitors are people that are actively looking for your organization, or a product or service that an organization like yours offers. You can use a free analytics tool like Google Analytics to understand how your website is performing. However, it is crucial that any analytics application is installed properly to give you accurate data.

Social Media Analytics Understand that there are conversations that are occurring about your industry online, and there is an opportunity for your organization to be involved in those conversations to build awareness. You can use the mainstream social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to get the ball rolling, but to make your invested time worthwhile, you need to track which conversations and content types are creating an impact and delivering a return on investment. Certainly, building “likes” and “followers” can be a key performance indicator, but social channels continue to evolve as they become saturated with content and over time you have to compete and put more effort in creating compelling content that is more engaging.

Social media is not a one-way street, but a network of connections that can spread your message rapidly. Using a tool like HootSuite that allows you to track what works and what doesn’t, so you can invest your time in what matters.

The User Engagement Metric Without a doubt, the most valuable digital marketing metric is “user engagement”. If you have an audience engaged with your message, then you have hit the goldmine. A user that is engaged will spend time reading your message and act upon it. They will also visit your digital channels for new information and look forward to the next update. What drives users is mainly the type of content you have for them to consume. If your content is interactive, dynamic or in a rich media format, you will achieve higher levels of engagement. But even if it is a simple article that is a great read with valuable information can do the trick. It can be challenging to measure engagement and usually, you need an application that can track and evaluate user behavior across multiple channels. A tool like HubSpot allows you to track users across multiple channels and bring all that data together in a consolidated dashboard. If you are interested in learning more tracking your users and building an engaging digital experience for your online audience, email me at mouneeb@2webdesign.com. As a tribute to our clients, following are some recent projects: - ShakespeareSask.com - LightSource.ca - RockPaperCoffee.ca

BUSINESS VIEW SASKATOON AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 17

In 1997, there was a famous cover story in the Economist about American stockmarkets entitled “Crash Dammit!” Frustrated analysts just couldn’t Five Minutes for Business understand why massively overpriced shares kept on rising year after year. Surely, a crash was coming! Instead, investors rode three more of the best years of the dot-com boom…then it did crash in 2000. The point is it’s impossible to predict when a bubble will burst.

The extreme divergence shows up in the Price to Household Income ratio, which is normally 3 to 4 (e. if household income is $50K, then a home costs $150 to $200K). Once that ratio reaches 6 or 7, we get into bubble territory. The only markets that are flashing r warning signs are Toronto and Vancouver.

Have Canadian real estate prices climbed too high? After years of experts— including the IMF, the Bank of Canada, the OECD, Canada’s biggest banks and its biggest mortgage insurer—warning that Canadian real estate is overvalued and cruising for a bruising, it must be time to write our own “Crash Dammit!”

That’s why we’re worried that a flood of foreign fun is pushing real estate skyward. In the 12 months through June 2015, Chinese investors bought $18.4billion (U.S.) of real estate in Australia and $28.6 billi in the United States. Canada (incredibly!) doesn’t ha hard data on foreign real estate sales, but National Bank estimates that Chinese buyers account for one third of Vancouver’s condo market.

The trouble By is that Canada effectively Hendrik Brakelhas three housing markets. In Toronto and Vancouver, price But the second factor is that Toronto and Vancouver Senior Director, Economic, Financial & Tax Policy, Canadian Chamber of Commerce growth is soaring 16% per annum, and affordability have accounted for almost all of Canada’s job creatio has plummeted to crisis levels. Then, there is a boring over the past year. This is a world-wide phenomeno In 1997, there was a famous cover middlethat tier of cities—Ottawa, Regina, where big globalized cities like London, Paris and N Once ratio reaches 6 Quebec, or 7, we get into big globalized cities like London, Paris Montrealterritory. is a little hotter—where home prices have York are pulling in the hot new service sector jobs— story in the Economist about American bubble The only markets that are Yorktechnology, are pulling in the hot new ahead of t been mostly stable, rising around 1.5-3% per year over and New finance, design—and surging stock markets entitled “Crash Dammit!” flashing red warning signs are Toronto and sector jobs— finance, technology, the past five years. Finally, there are parts of Alberta service rest of their countries. Frustrated analysts just couldn’t understand Vancouver. and Newfoundland where home prices are declining. design—and surging ahead of the rest of So the question is what to do? Is the public policy go why massively overpriced shares kept their countries. So the question is affordability for everyone? Reducing speculative risk on rising year after year. Surely, a what to do?bubbles? Is the public goal Preventing Tighter policy mortgage rules are a go crash was coming! Instead, investors idea, but they for haven’t solved the problem. Before we affordability everyone? Reducing rode three more of the best years of consider taxes on foreign buyers, we need better dat speculative risk? Preventing bubbles? and to agree what the goal is. There is not a national the dot-com boom…then it did crash Tighter mortgage rules a good idea, policy that will work for are Vancouver and St. John’s. W in 2000. The point is it’s impossible but solved the problem. alsothey havehaven’t to beware of unintended consequences. In to predict when a bubble will burst. 1974, Ontario brought taxes in a 50% on profits from la Before we consider ontax foreign After years of experts— including sales to prevent speculation. The market collapsed buyers, we need better data and to overnight. the IMF, the Bank of Canada, the

OECD, Canada’s biggest banks and its biggest mortgage insurer—warning that Canadian real estate is overvalued and cruising for a bruising, it must be time to write our own “Crash Dammit!” The trouble is that Canada effectively has three housing markets. In Toronto and Vancouver, price growth is soaring 16% per annum, and affordability has plummeted to crisis levels. Then, there is a boring middle tier of cities—Ottawa, Quebec, Regina, Montreal is a little hotter—where home prices have been mostly stable, rising around 1.5-3% per year over the past five years. Finally, there are parts of Alberta and Newfoundland where home prices are declining. The extreme divergence shows up in the Price to Household Income ratio, which is normally 3 to 4 (e.g. if household income is $50K, then a home costs $150K to $200K).

BUSINESS VIEW SASKATOON AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

That’s why we’re worried that a flood of foreign funds is pushing real estate skyward. In the 12 months through June 2015, Chinese investors bought $18.4- billion (U.S.) of real estate in Australia and $28.6 billion in the United States. Canada (incredibly!) doesn’t have hard data on foreign real estate sales, but National Bank estimates that Chinese buyers account for one third of Vancouver’s condo market. But the second factor is that Toronto and Vancouver have accounted for almost all of Canada’s job creation over the past year. This is a world-wide phenomenon where

agree what the goal is. There is not more information, please aFor national policy that will contact: work for Vancouver and St. John’s. We also have Hendrik Brakel Director, Economic,consequences. Financial & Tax Policy toSenior beware of unintended (284)brought | hbrakel@chamber.ca In613.238.4000 1974, Ontario in a 50% tax on profits from land sales to prevent speculation. The market collapsed overnight. For more information, please contact: Hendrik Brakel, Senior Director, Economic, Financial & Tax Policy 613.238.4000 (284) | hbrakel@chamber.ca (Reprinted with permission)

5 Minutes for Business

The Federal Budget and Business: Maybe They’re Just Not That into You?

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MEMBERS PAGE COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Agribusiness Opportunities Bert Sutherland - Rayacom Print & Design

Loran Forer - BMO Business Growth Mark Zielke - Start Fresh Media Business of Science & Technology Bill Lewis - Engineering for Kids Raj Nayak - University of Saskatchewan Sandra Ribeiro - Canadian Light Source Business of Science & Technology ICT Subcommittee Allan Wolinski - Vendasta Technologies Celebrate Success! Lynn Eberle - Great Western Brewing Co. Chamber on Tap Evan Drisner - Nu-Fab Building Products First Nations and Métis Opportunities Committee

April Roberts - Saskatchewan First

Nations Economic Development Network Bert Sutherland - Rayacom Print & Design

Future Opportunities Committee

Bill Brooks - Eclecthink International Going Global Ken Ziegler - Robertson Stromberg LLP Monica Kreuger - Global Infobrokers Government Affairs Michael Chudoba - Foundation Realty

The Raj Manek Business Mentorship Program has been operating since 1998 and is accepting applications for their September 2016 intake. The Raj Manek Mentorship Program provides: • One-on-one mentorship with an experienced mentor whose skill sets compliment your targeted areas of improvement. • Monthly seminars on topics of interest create an environment where participants can feel comfortable asking questions. • Technical advisors available one-on-one in the areas of Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, IT, Legal, Sales, and Strategic Planning. • Program affiliations to access databases and resources from other programs including Census, Reference Canada, Hoovers, iSell, Kompass. • Access to Raj Manek Mentorship Program databases including e-Statement Studies, First Research, and Profit Driver. • Peer-to-peer mentorship service where business owners can congregate and share their thoughts, ideas, and jointly solve problems with the guidance of a technical expert. • Networking opportunities. This relationship is an interactive sharing environment which results in an enriching, mutual learning experience. E-mail info@manekmentorship.sk.ca or visit us at: manekmentorship.sk.ca. 9Round opens first Saskatoon location on Duchess Street Newly opened in Saskatoon by owner Yvon Giroux, 9Round delivers the ultimate body transformation program for all fitness levels. 9Round is a specialized fitness center dedicated to serving clients who want a unique, fun, and proven workout that guarantees results. 9Round offers a kickboxing theme fitness program that incorporates a functional, interval, cardiovascular, and circuit training regimens. The programs consist of a proprietary system of 9 challenging workout stations developed by a professional fighter. Address: 706 Duchess Street, Phone: 306-249-5425 Web: www.9round.com The Saskatoon Airport Authority welcomes the first flights of new airline New Leaf to YXE July 27th marked the first flights out of Saskatoon for new low-cost airline New Leaf. “We are delighted to host a new ‘low-cost’ service that strives to stimulate air travel and complements our community’s connectivity within Canada,” said Stephen Maybury, president and CEO of Saskatoon Airport Authority.

Ltd

Health Opportunities Dave Dutchak - MD Ambulance Care Ltd. Sanj Singh - Lighthouse Management Inc. Corey Miller - Saskatchewan Cancer Agency

Sustainability Opportunities Colleen Yates - Equinox3 Consulting Ltd. For more information or to join a volunteer committee email us at: committee@saskatoonchamber.com

BUSINESS VIEW SASKATOON AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

The water cannons were out to greet the first flight into YXE from New Leaf. Photo courtesy of Saskatoon Airport Authority.

For membership information contact Derek Crang (306) 664-0702 dcrang@saskatoonchamber.com Visit saskatoonchamber.com today

9Round Saskatoon, Duchess Health & Fitness 1-706 Duchess St, Saskatoon Phone: (306) 249-5425 Yvon Giroux AgVantage Solutions Inc. Agricultural AND Consultants PO Box 398, Watrous Phone: (306) 946-9680 Grant Michelson Australian Sheepskin Apparel Health Care - Services / Supplies AND Manufacturers 526A 45th St E, Saskatoon Phone: (306) 934-7119 Stephen Playford Boost Strategic Coaching Business Services AND Home-Based Business Phone: (306) 241-1022 Daria Malin Churchill Garment Care Ltd. Dry Cleaners 12-1024 Taylor St E, Saskatoon Phone: (306) 343-1222 Linda Demena Enns & Baxter Wealth Management Financial Services / Planning 207-502 Cope Way, Saskatoon Phone: (306) 974-2626 Roderick Baxter

Welcome New Members

F.E.D. Construction Ltd. Construction 3134 Caen St, Saskatoon Phone: (306) 291-4256 Andrew Wiebe Five Star Excavating Ltd Construction 821 46th St. E, Saskatoon Phone: (306) 491-9488 Jody Erickson Food To Fit Health & Fitness 2206 Albert Ave, Saskatoon Phone: (306) 717-6291 Brooke Bulloch HVL Distribution Distributors AND Chemicals 2623B Faithfull Ave, Saskatoon Phone: (800) 667-9668 Kevin Isbister, Taralene Ziola Jade Development Corp. Property Management 816 Sandy Rise, Martensville Phone: (306) 215-0655 Andy Stow Jannatec Technologies Mining Equipment / Supplies AND Communications 101-2301 Avenue C N, Saskatoon Phone: (306) 343-3367 Mark Burnett

Lothian & Associates Management Group Inc. Consultants - Business 550 Redberry Rd, Saskatoon Phone: (306) 380-3765 Derek Lothian One Touch Automation Inc. Technology 1308B 8th St E, Saskatoon Phone: (306) 974-7676 Calvin Garraway Serendipity Flowers & Stuff Florists AND Retail - Gift & Novelty A-727 22nd St W, Saskatoon Phone: (306) 384-3003 Shawna Leah We Care Home Health Services Health Care - Services / Supplies 6-2155 Airport Dr, Saskatoon Phone: (306) 244-2273 Cindy Regier Zem4 Service Solutions Ltd. Overhead Doors - Sales / Service AND Construction PO Box 21168 RPO Grosvenor Park, Saskatoon Phone: (306) 221-9123 Jackie Zemlak

BUSINESS VIEW SASKATOON AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 23