Profile Stories

Staying Power:

Committed to Delivering a Vision For Decades

By Véronique Loewen

What do a women’s clothing store, a chemical products plant, a chartered bank and a children’s mentorship non-profit organization have in common? Staying power.

It takes stamina, grit, determination and the ability to shift, evolve and innovate to deliver on a vision and mission established decades earlier. It means being able to see a need in the market place or a gap in the community and finding the most efficient and effective ways to address it. It is exactly what the four organizations featured in the following pages have done. For many years, they have stayed true to their original vision and adapted to remain relevant. Now they each celebrate milestone years in their respective fields. Yet, they do not rest on their laurels; they constantly evaluate the demand, societal changes and their ability to continually improve and serve their community. These are their short stories and our opportunity to celebrate their lasting presence in Saskatoon.

EnviroWay Delivers Environmentally Friendly Products for 35 Years

In 1987, just as the world adopts the term “sustainable development”, Bob Behari, who holds a degree in chemistry, emigrated to Canada just 10 years earlier, launched EnviroWay. Bob was environmentally conscious well before it was cool and widely accepted as the right thing to do.

With EnviroWay, Bob intended to help address the harm caused to the environment by traditional chemical cleaning products. Bob and his wife, Sonja, were raising three young boys and he wanted to make sure that the cleaning products they were using were effective and safe for his boys and the environment. “That’s why I developed Red Marvel as a household cleaner; it was the start of the company,” says Bob.

Now, Sonja and two of their boys are all involved in the company along with over 350 employees - many of them new immigrants thanks to EnviroWay’s partnership with the Saskatoon Open Door Society. A phenomenal growth with over 300 products exports to more than 20 countries, and Red Marvel is still a best seller! While most soaps are manufactured in the USA, EnviroWay’s cleaners are produced locally and they allow for the refill of the containers returned by customers. To date, EnviroWay has refilled nearly 1 million plastic containers that would normally find their way to the landfills. “We take pride in promoting eco-conscious products. EnviroWay products tell customers that there’s a better way,” says Bob with a smile.

“We are proud of the role we play in keeping waters clean in communities across the province, and in particular we are very proud of our partnership with Indigenous communities,” explains Bob. One such partnership was born as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, when Indigenous communities were having a hard time securing personal protective equipment and sanitizing products. EnviroWay partnered with Battleford’s Agency Tribal Chiefs to develop an Indigenous brand of home cleaning products called Nikihk. “Today, Nikihk is on shelves in 37 retail locations throughout Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba, and is well on its way to soon being available nationally. This type of partnership creates exciting economic opportunities for all people in Saskatchewan and addresses the Truth and Reconciliation call to action,” adds Bob.

After 35 years, and having created a thriving business, Bob is not ready to slow down yet. “We are building a national refill program – the Soap Exchange - that will dramatically reduce plastic waste. I developed the concept and tested it years ago, and now its time has come to expand throughout western Canada and beyond,” Bob concludes.

Bob and EnviroWay, thank you for all that you do to reduce chemical harm in our communities’ water streams and CONGRATULATIONS on your 35 years in business! www.enviroway.ca

Focused on Helping Indigenous a Thrive for 25 Years

What would you do if you lived in a remote community and there was no bank to deposit a cheque? If it took three weeks for a mailed deposit to reach your bank? If the local grocery store took a hefty cut to cash your cheque?

What would you do if you had an idea to start a business, but none of the major banks would give you a loan because of where you live? These are some of the situations that the First Nations Bank of Canada (“Bank”) set out to address when it launched 25 years ago.

Fast forward 25 years, and First Nations Bank, headquartered in Saskatoon, now administers over $1.2 billion in assets. The Bank is owned 87% by Indigenous shareholders from three territories and four provinces. It has nine full-service branches, including two in Saskatchewan and one in each of Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Northwest Territories, Nunavut and the Yukon. The Bank also created nine unprecedented community banking centres - often a kiosk within a general store - to serve the most remote communities. In 2020 the Bank established a wholly owned trust company, FNB Trust, to serve Indigenous trusts.

With an impressive 70% Indigenous staff, including four of its nine executives, the Bank serves mostly Indigenous individuals, businesses, governments and community organizations. However, Keith Martell, President & CEO, explains that “We also have many non-Indigenous customers. They choose to bank with us, because they have operations near or within Indigenous communities or they serve Indigenous clients. It’s their way of supporting their Indigenous neighbours and answering the Truth and Reconciliation call to action. But our main focus remains on helping support the economic prosperity of Indigenous communities and people.”

The Bank has kept pace with the changes in banking systems over the years, particularly when it comes to electronic banking services. “In many small rural or remote communities, the Internet connections are extremely slow and online transactions are difficult. We’ve had to find delivery mechanisms that are better adapted. When we invest in new systems, we think of the reality for our customers and we tailor our electronic and in-person services for those markets. That’s something that the major banks don’t often do,” says Keith.

With its 25th anniversary celebration on November 19, 2021, the First Nations Bank reaffirmed its commitment to serving one of the fastest growing segment of the market, which is the Indigenous economy. Keith adds, “When the Indigenous economy grows that’s good for the entire province and country. With us, the profits stay local. We are proud of what we have accomplished in 25 years and we look forward to continue to grow in places where we can employ Indigenous people and serve Indigenous communities such as in British Columbia and Northern Ontario.”

CONGRATULATIONS First Nations Bank of Canada - the only chartered bank headquartered in Saskatchewan – and all the best for the next 25 years! www.fnbc.ca

Fifty Years of Youth Mentorship in Saskatoon

When in 1972 Big Brothers Saskatoon was established under the umbrella of Big Brothers Canada, there was no indication that in 2005 the organization would amalgamate with Big Sisters to be the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization we know today.

For fifty years, the mandate has been and remains to help build Saskatoon Children’s confidence to achieve more by matching them with positive adult mentors. “In the early years, our organization was focused on serving youth from single parent homes, but over time our mission has shifted to serve youth facing adversities, regardless of the family dynamic,” explains Kim Megyesi, Executive Director.

The relationship between youth and mentor helps the youth in areas such as mental wellness, social emotional competence, educational engagement and employment readiness. When adults mentor youth, they help position them to reach their full potential, regardless of the adversities they may be facing. A social return on investment study identified that for every dollar spent on a mentorship relationship, $23 is returned to society by a thriving youth. According to the Centre on the Developing Child at Harvard University, “children who do well despite serious hardship have had at least one stable and committed relationship with a supportive adult”. In the past 50 years, we are proud to have been able to match thousands of youth with caring supportive adults, who have mentored them in ways that have changed the trajectory of their life,” says Kim.

Big Brothers Big Sisters relies on many partnerships, such as with Indigenous communities, mental health services providers, schools and many others within the community to ensure that they can be responsive to the needs and adversities that many youth are facing. Their latest program, Big Steps, builds on their relationship with the Ministry of Social Services to focus on transitioning youth living in care to living on their own through the power of mentorship. They are actively recruiting adult mentors who have interest, expertise, or similar lived experience to serve these youth.

Kim concludes by reminding everyone that, “relationships are critical factors to building healthy communities. As adults we have an opportunity and responsibility to mentor our young people and equip them to mentor the next generation. The community of Saskatoon will thrive as a result. Through the pandemic we learned the value of human connection. As we reopen, let’s not forget this important lesson. I challenge everyone to take the time to give the gift of human connection.”

A huge thank you to Big Brothers Big Sisters for the support they provide to Saskatoon’s youth and congratulations for 50 years of service to the community. www.saskatoon.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca

Klassique Designs, Bringing Fashion to Saskatoon for 40 Years

Kajoo Kamal has always been fascinated by fashion, but her interests didn’t match her education. Imagine her parents’ surprise when with a degree in arts and science with a major in clinical psychology in hand, she decided to start a clothing store!

While planning her new venture, Kajoo was juggling her master’s degree studies and working at a men’s clothing store, but that did not stop her. She soon opened her first location in the now defunct Midtown Village just behind the current Midtown Plaza, and the rest is history.

The collections available at Klassique Designs reflect the trends. Today that means textured fabrics that are comfortable, versatile and easy to travel with. Although black, white and ivory remain underpinnings, there are many more unique and vibrant colours to chose from. “The amazing thing about this business is that I’ve had some suppliers for forty years and of course some are long gone. But I’ve been able to stay true to my vision - bringing quality and stylish clothing to my clients, while offering special occasion apparel, classic business wear, sassy and funky outfits, and more,” says Kajoo.

For this downtown business owner, the real appeal over the years has been to learn to know her clients. Kajoo describes, “I’ve developed many long-lasting friendships; in essence I’ve created a “Klassique family.” My pleasure is to help women match their clothes to their personality and understand that their attire is an extension of who they are. It's rewarding when I can help a woman discover her personal style to fit her lifestyle and ensure that she is comfortable in her clothes.”

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and with the exponential rise of online shopping, Kajoo wondered if she would get to celebrate her forty years in business this year. However, although sales slowed down, her many long-time customers continued to shop and many young graduates eager to support local stores, came to purchase their dress. Klassique’s front window, which changes constantly, remains a sure way to see the latest fashion in person. “After the last two years, people crave human connections. They crave trying clothes on and touching them. They are sick of having to return things that don’t fit. So, business is picking up again,” says Kajoo.

Over the years, Klassique has served many celebrities, politicians of all stripes, large corporations’ executives, but you most certainly didn’t hear that from Kajoo. She prides herself on being discreet. Kajoo states that “when celebrities come to town for their shows and take the time to stroll down to the store to purchase something for themselves or their wives, they don’t want me advertising that; we share a private moment, a special moment, and I respect that. The same goes for all my clients. If you see my clients on my social media platforms, it’s because they agreed first to allow me to share their fashionable and Klassique style.”

Thank you Klassique for beautifully dressing women from Saskatoon and far beyond, and CONGRATULATIONS on your 40 years! www.klassique-designs.myshopify.com

There’s never been a better time to live Totally Locally!

Great food, unforgettable experiences, ready-now products, high quality servicesour city is home to great locally owned and operated businesses who are ready to serve you, create jobs and build a better-quality life for us all.

On November 15th we launched the Totally Locally Market hub, an initiative of the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Western Economic Diversification and Saskatoon’s business improvement districts. The Hub features locally owned and operated businesses that contribute jobs, incomes and community sponsorships to help Saskatoon thrive. Every day, these businesses provide goods and services made right here, served up with a smile and “thank you” every time.

Many also contribute to the vibrancy, safety and beauty of Saskatoon’s downtown and retail districts in heritage neighbourhoods. Because they open their doors, and welcome visitors from around the corner and around the world, they generate revenue to beautify our streets, improve accessibility and create a safer environment for everyone.

Every time you choose to shop, support and enjoy local, your dollars grow Saskatoon’s economy. The Hub is all about connecting you with local businesses that are eager to serve you.

Rediscover Saskatoon’s locally owned and operated businesses, visit www.totallylocally.ca

Interested in joining the 110 local businesses featured on the Totally Locally Market Hub? We have a spot for you!

Contact Treena Skaalid, Outreach & Events Manager at events@saskatoonchamber.com

Feel good. Make it count. Live Totally Locally today.

Here’s what Totally Locally businesses are saying about the YXE Market Hub…

Why you decided to participate to have your business featured on the website?

We saw this as an excellent opportunity to be part of a community and to discover other local businesses within our city. Supporting local is the essence of our business, so it was an easy decision for us! It's a platform that fits with our mission and values and we are honoured to be part of such a great community.

What do you think of the Totally Locally website?

We love it! I love how user-friendly it is! Whatever you're looking for, just type it in the search bar and instantly you have a list of amazing local businesses to serve you. It's also a great way to discover new businesses and ideas that you didn't know existed within Saskatoon!

Why a business should be on the Totally Locally Market Hub?

Businesses should take the opportunity to be part of the Totally Locally Market Hub as it works to promote local businesses within our community. It serves as a resource for those looking to support local, making it easy to find businesses in a quick and effective way. Whether you're searching for products and services or looking to connect with other local businesses, it's a wonderful resource and a quick way for those to find your products and services.