action! online Come and join the masquerade! The Voice of Business in Saskatchewan October, 2014

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1 The Voice of Business in Saskatchewan action! online October, 2014 In this issue... Frederick Nicolas to appear at ABEX ABEX Finalist lineup Policy Roundtables... and more! Come and join the masquerade! The 31 st annual ABEX Awards, November 1 at the Delta Regina Hotel in Regina will feature a masquerade theme as well as a performance by a very special guest, Former Cirque du Soleil performer 1996 Olympian (France) Guinness Book of World Record Holder Frederick Nicolas Tickets available at Don your mask and join us for a night of glamour, elegance and celebration! Social Media Get in Touch Tel: info@saskchamber.com

2 CEO s Message Ideas Crossing Borders - Critical to Everyone s Future It has been said that If goods don t cross borders, armies will. In its day, this line was meant literally as well as figuratively, and it is still taken literally in some parts of the world today; however, in the new world where we are less likely to raise arms over the failure of a food shipment, I see us having a little more latitude on the issue. That said, in our new world economy its meaning is a new one, based on the original but with different connotations. Saskatchewan s economy relies on our imports and exports. That s true for grain, potash and farm equipment. It is also true for ideas and expertise and that is where I think we need to cross more borders - both figuratively and literally. Most of us have seen Saskatchewan business go through the best decade of our working lives. How do we maintain that momentum, or even take it to the next level? We cross borders to get ideas and expertise from elsewhere. Those ideas will take what we do well, and ramp it up. They may also take what we do poorly and offer solutions we have failed to find ourselves. By crossing borders, we also have the ability to teach others what we know and help them build upon their current level of success -- spurring ongoing two-way information sharing. I recently vacationed in PEI and attended the Canadian Chamber of Commerce conference there. The conference played host to many Chamber staff and volunteer leaders who exchanged ideas to take home. And while I am very proud of how strong our Saskatchewan Chambers - and the business community in general - are, I am not so bold as to suggest that we can t be better, and so I ask a lot of questions when I am at a business or Chamber gathering. But being in PEI for a period also brings to mind how different we are from the Maritime provinces, and in fact most other provinces. We live differently, we work differently and we see the world differently. We may cheer for the Leafs or the same Olympic team but in the day to day aspects, we are different. It is exactly that difference we need to explore and exploit - in a good way, to change each us into better business jurisdictions. There are lessons to be learned here and markets to be explored. We can see who other provinces sell to (and how they do it) and then learn why it works or maybe why its doesn t. As a province we have made billions selling our goods worldwide, so crossing borders is not a new subject; however, a significant amount of our exports are done by a very few,and all of us could benefit from a cross-border lesson in business. We should follow STEP s lead by going to Williston to see what they need down there (Quick answer: everything). We should engage in business exchange visits with our New West Partnership provinces to learn more about each other. Some ideas will make us money today, and some will make us money tomorrow. Whatever and however you do it, I urge you to cross borders and talk to people. If we don t, we will face the future constrained by our own thinking and our own borders. So - don t fear the armies crossing into our borders. Instead, fear your welltravelled competitors crossing into your markets. 2

3 Congratulations, 2014 ABEX Finalists! The ABEX 2014 Finalist list has been announced -- out of 85 nominations received, 46 reached the Finalist category to vie for the coveted ABEX Awards on November 1 at the Delta Regina Hotel. The judges faced a significant challenge in selecting who the top businesses were, said Steve McLellan, CEO of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, who hosts the event. The overall quality of the nominations was stellar this year. Saskatchewan business is really making a name for itself, and we are so pleased to join with presenting sponsor Conexus Credit Union to be able to celebrate these success stories. In the Community Involvement category sponsored by BHP Billiton, the finalists included: Fast Trucking from Carnduff, PAR Contracting of Weyburn, the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) from Saskatoon, Redhead Equipment from Regina, RH Electric from Yorkton, and Wiegers Financial & Benefits from Saskatoon. The Growth & Expansion Award Finalists (award sponsor PFM Capital Inc.) are: Bioriginal Food & Science Corporation of Saskatoon, High Octane Welding of Meadow Lake, NL Construction of Yorkton, North Ridge Development Corp. of Saskatoon, and RH Electric of Yorkton. Saskatoon swept the Innovation category finalists (sponsored by Innovation Saskatchewan), with the following Saskatoon companies vying for top position: Bioriginal Food & Science Corporation, Peachy Printer, Push Interactions, Quickthree Solutions, and Xylem Inc. In the Marketing Award category, sponsored by Handy Special Events, the finalists were: Dream Development of Regina, Farideh Marketing of Regina; Gold Eagle Lodge of North Battleford, North Prairie Developments of Saskatoon, and S&E Trusted Online Directories of Saskatoon The New Venture Award finalists (award sponsored by the Saskatchewan Ministry of the Economy) are: McKenna Distribution & Luxury Granite of Regina, Quickthree Solutions of Saskatoon, RCM Safety Services of Yorkton, Streamline Oilfield Services Ltd. of Weyburn, and Triumph Construction of Saskatoon. In the Service category, sponsored by Canalta Hotels, the finalists were: Innovative Rehabilitation Consultants of Saskatoon, North Prairie Developments of Saskatoon, North Ridge Development Corp. of Saskatoon, Yorkton Plumbing & Heating of Yorkton, and SIGA. The ABEX evening is glamourous and celebratory. Photo of 2013 ABEX by Curtis Hemming 3

4 The Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award finalists (award sponsored by Cameco) include: Jessica Tetu (Just for You Day Spa & Gift Studio) of Regina/Saskatoon, Bridie Lunde (Little Red Market Café) of Mortlach, Steve McKenna (McKenna Distribution) of Regina, Timothy Martin (Mint Holdings) of Regina, Joseph Dosch (Prairie Diesel Inc.) of Humboldt, and Elysia & Natasha Vandenhurk (Three Farmers Products) of Saskatoon. Competing for the Environment Award, sponsored by SaskWater are: Blue Earth Environmental of Weyburn, Emterra Group of Regina, and Three Farmers Products of Saskatoon Push Interactions Inc. of Saskatoon will receive the 2014 Export Award, sponsored by the Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP). Voting for the new Community Cornerstone Award sponsored by SaskEnergy (the only award decided by public selection) is underway at Voting for this award will take place up to and including November 1. The public is encouraged to visit the site, register and vote daily. The finalists for this award are: furnaceguys Home Heating & Cooling of Saskatoon, George Home Hardware of Melfort, Madill s Drugs of Meadow Lake, the Prairie Dog Drive In of Carlyle, and Ted Matheson Men s Wear of Prince Albert. Saskatoon s M. D. Ambulance will be inducted into the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce Business Hall of Fame at the Awards ceremony. Mr. Paul J. Hill of the Hill Companies has been named 2014 s Business Leader of the Year, an honour sponsored by Saskatchewan Polytechnic. Have you voted for your ABEX Community Cornerstone Finalist yet? Register and vote daily at ABEX FAQs: Q: What does the masquerade theme of this year s ABEX mean in terms of what I should wear? A: The attire of ABEX, as always, is business formal; however, we are embracing the glamour and mystique of the masquerade, so we encourage guests to wear a mask or other masquerade accessories. The key is to think mystery and allure, and not Hallowe en costume ball. Q: Does ABEX have a Twitter or Facebook where I can follow the goings-on? A: You bet! The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce Facebook page will have updates, as well as ABEXAwards feeds. Join us in spreading the good word! Q: How often can I vote for my Community Cornerstone Finalist, and when does it close?a: Voters can register and vote once each day up to and including November 1. 4

5 ABEX headliner Frederick Nicolas: Aerial Suspense Former Cirque performer, 1996 Olympian, 2001 Guinness Book record holder to perform at ABEX If the mystery and allure of the masquerade hasn t drawn you in -- if you haven t bought your ticket yet to shine with Saskatchewan business finest -- then maybe, just maybe this will change your mind. The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that the 2014 ABEX Awards will feature a performance by aerialist Frederick Nicolas. Nicolas has been making headlines for over a decade in the gymnastic world, including representing France at the 1996 Olympic Summer Games in Atlanta, Georgia (where he and his teammates placed 11 th in the Men s All-Around category, and he placed 33 rd in All-Around Individuals), and being included in the 2001 Guinness Book of World Records for a rope climbing record. As well, Nicolas worked in Las Vegas from as a performing artist in the Wynn Hotel s aquatic extravaganza Le Reve (which was featured in the premiere of Mike Rowe s most recent television series Somebody s Gotta Do It). The show, billed as the most popular on the strip, involves complex aerial acts suspended as high as eight stories over a million-gallon pool, followed by thrilling dives into the water. In 2009, he was engaged by Cirque du Soleil to help with the creation of its Viva ELVIS Las Vegas Frederick Nicolas show, Nicolas became known as an iron man performer, never missing a show during his nearly 3,000 performances in Las Vegas (over 1,638 at Le Reve and 1,255 in Viva ELVIS). In 2012 Nicolas retired from the Cirque, moving to Saskatchewan to coach competitive gymnastics. As if gymnastics wasn t enough, Nicolas is also a Tae Kwan Do black belt, and an expert in the use of nunchuks. Nicolas describes what he does as intense and difficult, both mentally and physically. It involves flexibility, and you have to have strength also, he said. He will be joined at ABEX by members of Cirque Nova Circus, a group of performers with expertise in the circus arts, hailing from the Gaspesie region of Quebec. Still from a video of Nicolas practicing aerial pole work So -- what are you waiting for? Your tickets are online at 5

6 ADVOCACY in ACTION By Curtis Hemming With the Saskatchewan Legislature scheduled to resume sitting on October 22, there will soon be a lot more activity within the provincial government as new legislation once again begins to move forward. In light of the provincial election scheduled to take place next fall, the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce has created a new policy development process that should enhance the organization s ability to create and adopt timely policy resolutions that we hope will become part of the various party platforms as Election 2015 gets closer. Stay tuned as details regarding the new policy roundtables are sent out to Chamber members throughout the province. Also on the topic of policy, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce recently held its 2014 AGM in Charlottetown and there were two policy resolutions that were submitted from Saskatchewan, both of which were passed by the delegates in attendance without amendments. The two policies were Incentives to Relocate and Air Quality Management Systems. Since these policies were also adopted at the Saskatchewan Chamber s 2014 AGM, they were already sent to the appropriate provincial and federal Ministers on numerous occasions since May, but they will now also become part of the Canadian Chamber s advocacy efforts as a result of being adopted at their conference. With Chambers from across Canada in attendance, the conference in Charlottetown was an excellent opportunity to determine how all of the various organizations should collectively advocate on issues that are of mutual importance to businesses across the country. platforms will be a key goal that the Chamber network will be working toward over the next year. As business advocacy organizations, Chambers of Commerce are only as effective as their ability to positively change the environments that their member businesses operate within. With elections being such a vital component upon which the policy directions of governments are created and validated by public opinion, Chambers need to make sure their ideas are incorporated into the election dialogue as early as possible. For that reason, the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Canadian Chamber and other provincial and city Chambers, will be working hard over the next year to prepare for the various elections that will be happening in late The following page has details on the locations and times of the roundtables, and how to register. These roundtables will be opportunities for you to help shape the policy direction of the Saskatchewan Chamber, which will ultimately become the recommendations of this province s business community in the upcoming elections. With your help, the power of the Chamber network will be more influential than ever during the upcoming year and the result will be an even greater number of policy ideas being incorporated into the agendas of both the provincial and the federal government. While there are certainly a wide variety of regional issues that vary between the provinces, there are many items that the network of Chambers were able to reach consensus on. Since there will also likely be a federal election in 2015, getting business-friendly ideas into the federal party 6

7 Policy Roundtables We re listening to you. The government listens to us! The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce is developing policy recommendations for the coming year and upcoming provincial election. We want to hear from you on the ongoing and emerging issues that are impacting your business and we are coming to Swift Current, Regina, Weyburn and Saskatoon. Join us at our policy roundtable to share your ideas for strengthening the provincial business environment. About the Event The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce has updated its policy development process. The new process gives us an opportunity to meet with business people in their communities. Who is invited? The policy roundtable is open to members of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce as well as members of the Swift Current Chamber of Commerce (Swift Current location), Regina and District Chamber of Commerce (Regina location), Weyburn Chamber of Commerce (Weyburn location) and Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce (Saskatoon location). This event is closed to members of the media and government. Swift Current November 3, :00-4:00 pm Walker Place 2150 Walker Street, Swift Current Regina November 4, :00-4:00 pm Ramada Regina 1818 Victoria Avenue, Regina Weyburn November 5, :30-4:30 pm Canalta Hotel 1360 Sims Avenue, Weyburn Saskatoon November 6, :00-5:00 pm Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce Boardroom th Avenue North, Saskatoon Register Online Today It s easy and free to register online for the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce Policy Roundtables - just visit: and click on the upcoming events. Contact Information Phone: kmckee@saskchamber.com Web: 7

8 Members in the News By Elissa LaLiberte, Director of Membership Engagement Congratulations Ray Malinowski of Leon s Manufacturing Company Inc. and Ram Industries Inc., who was honoured for his long service to the Yorkton Chamber of Commerce. Ray has been an active member of the chamber for many years, serving as both Director and President of the Yorkton Chamber of Commerce and President of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce. Malinowski also served as a Director and member of the Executive Committee with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. On September 24 th the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST) has re-branded as Saskatchewan Polytechnic, and re-launched as a member of Polytechnics Canada. As a polytechnic, we are student-focused and employer driven, says Dr. Larry Rosia, president and CEO of Saskatchewan Polytechnic. What makes us different is our emphasis on applied learning that meets labour market needs, thus equipping students to build rewarding careers. Congratulations to Jeff Aramenko, who has joined the Saskatoon and Region Home Builders Association as Projects and Special Events Manager. Heather Guthrie of the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce celebrated a milestone in September - a notable 25 years with the Chamber! Congratulations to you, Heather! The Canalta Hotels chain recently opened a hotel in Martensville -- the 10 th Saskatchewan location for this business! Now, that s growing Saskatchewan! An amazing accomplishment for McKercher LLP, who because of countless hours their lawyers and staff have volunteered in the community, have received the 2014 Canadian National Pro Bono Law Firm Award. Kudos to all of you! BHP Billiton presented a donation to the Humboldt District Hospital Foundation on September 19 th in the amount of $88,000 for a portable x-ray machine. BHP hosted a public BBQ at their LeRoy office to help celebrate the purchase. The new x-ray machine is expected to arrive in about two months. On September 24 th Crescent Point Energy donated $4.5 million to the Weyburn and District Hospital Foundation. The foundation has now reached its target of $20 million which will be put toward a new hospital. The new hospital will replace the Weyburn General Hospital. Saskatchewan Literacy Network celebrates 25 years! The 25 th anniversary celebration will be held at Wanuskewin Heritage Park in Saskatoon on October 29 th. For more information about supporting literacy, contact the Saskatchewan Literacy Network at or saskliteracy@sk.literacy.ca Farm Credit Canada (FCC) FCC AgriSpirit Fund is providing $1 million to 78 community groups across Canada, including 12 in Saskatchewan, to support capital projects to improve the quality of life for rural residents. Congratulations to former Saskatchewan Chamber Chair Richard Ahenakew on recently being named honourary chair of the Prince Albert and District Chamber of Commerce. This was in recognition of the work he has done in support of First Nations and Aboriginal businesses. Ahenakew also serves as chair of the Prince Albert Board of Police Commissioners and general manager of the Northern Lights Casino. 8

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10 Other News... Multi-Material Stewardship Western (MMSW) and the Ministry of Environment are looking for your feedback on the new Multi-Material Recycling Program (MMRP) and MMSW s small business policy. If you are a business that supplies or distributes packaged goods and paper to households in the province, you can provide your feedback by visiting and submitting the questionnaire online. They also want to know if you are interested in attending potential consultation meetings in October-November 2014 to learn more about your responsibility under the MMRP. If there is an interest in consultation meetings, potential dates, locations and times will be posted at saskatchewan.ca/recycling and Employers are invited to attend the Workers Compensation Board Annual Rate Setting Information Sessions, in Regina Oct. 20 at the Travelodge South, and in Saskatoon Oct. 21 at the Hilton Garden Inn. Registration is required, and seating is limited. To register visit the website at Congratulations to Kent Campbell who has moved to become the Deputy Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs for the province, as well as to Laurie Pushor, who is now Acting Deputy Minister of the Economy. MEMBERSHIP CENTRAL By Jesse Chatterson, Director of Membership Sales Welcome to our new members! The Kindersley Inn Kindersley Kelly Panteluk Construction Ltd. Estevan Alliance Wellness & Rehabilitation Moose Jaw To refer a business for membership, please contact Jesse Chatterson at jchatterson@saskchamber.com, or call him at Thank you to our renewing members in September! Your continued support of the Chamber movement makes it possible for us to achieve on your behalf, and we want you to know we appreciate you as members! Weyerhaeuser Desjardins Abrametz & Eggum Ring Appraisals Kipling Chamber of Commerce MacPherson, Leslie, Tyerman LLP WMCZ Lawyers Sunrise Publishing Global Transportation Hub Dakota Dunes Golf Links Conexus Credit Union Prudhomme International Inc. Helping Hands Personal Care Home Potzus Ltd. Pillar Properties First Nations Bank of Canada Saskatchewan Mining Assoc. Success Business Consulting Chateau Regina Solvera Solutions Association of Saskatchewan Regional Colleges Got Mold? Imperial Parking Acutec Systems Dream Asset Management Greystone Prince Albert Insurance TD Canada Trust Canalta Hotels Norac Systems International Business Furnishing Bourgault Industries Gene s Realty Partnership Akzo Nobel Chemicals Medallion Pipe Supply 10

11 [Little changes, big difference] You ve got the power TO SAVE You don t have to be in the dark to save. Using energy efficient light bulbs can save you up to 21 per cent of your home electricity costs. Visit saskpower.com/save

12 2014 Pre-Budget Survey Report By Kristin McKee, Director of Policy Development To prepare to provide input to the Minister of Finance for the 2015/16 Provincial budget and to help shape the discussion during the upcoming provincial election, the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce conducted a survey of its membership in early September 2014, 205 businesses responded. The top three issues identified by survey respondents were: infrastructure investment, managing and encouraging sustainable growth, and personal income tax reform. When asked to evaluate the government s priorities overall, the respondents generated the following ranking. (The blue line represents a weighted degree of priority) Infrastructure Investments Managing and Encouraging Sustainable Growth Personal Income Tax Reform Education/Training Enhancement Aboriginal Engagement in the Workforce/Education Healthcare Improvement (controlling cost and quality) Corporate Income Tax Reform Property Tax Reform Regulatory Efficiency and Simplification Controlling the Size and Cost of Government Immigration Expansion PST Reform Environmental Protection Debt Reduction Affordable Housing Competitive Royalty Rates When considering all forms of potential government action, infrastructure investment was ranked as the highest priority by a considerable margin, explained Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce CEO Steve McLellan. However, when respondents were asked to look at choices related to revenue, personal income tax reform took the lead. Appropriately balancing these significant initiatives will present a challenge to government, but we are encouraging them to re-evaluate some of the resources committed to lower priority areas. When asked where the provincial government should reduce spending respondents indicated reducing the operations/size of government was number one followed by reducing health care costs. Balancing the budget continues to be an important part of budgeting but debt reduction remains a relatively low priority among our members, continued McLellan. The largest percentage of respondents were neutral on the province s current debt level, while 35.23% of respondents did express some level of discomfort; 27.46% indicated that they were comfortable or very comfortable with the current debt level. 12

13 2014 Pre-Budget Survey Report (cont d) Looking forward, respondents placed a heavy emphasis on managing and encouraging sustainable growth. Reducing taxation, lessening regulatory burdens and increasing infrastructure investments were identified as the best ways to encourage businesses to invest more capital and create new jobs in Saskatchewan. The best way for the government to encourage growth is to create an attractive, competitive business environment. Taxation and regulation are their best tools for doing this, while their role in managing growth is very closely linked to their ability to provide adequate infrastructure, concluded McLellan. It is through a combination of action on these fronts that we can build longer term sustainable growth. When asked to look at government performance more broadly, over 40% of respondents indicated that government involvement in private ventures is a significant or very significant issue in terms of restricting capital investment, growth, or competition. Most notably, 44.86% of respondents indicated that they felt there had been no change over the last three years with regard to the government s involvement in private ventures. When asked where the provincial government should reduce spending, the respondents generated the following ranking. (The blue line represents the frequency of each response.) Government Operations/Size Health Immigration Expansion Aboriginal Engagement Regulatory Efficiency and Simplification Housing Environmental Protection Tax Reform Education Red Tape Processes Crown Corporations PST Reform Social Services Debt Reduction Test drive a potential long term employee Saskatchewan Polytechnic Co-operative Education has business students for January 2015 work terms from four diplomas: Accountancy, Administration, Human Resources and Marketing. Please contact Shelley Ruecker: P E shelley.ruecker@saskpolytech.ca 13

14 CHAMBER STAFF action! online is a monthly membership e-publication of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce. Steve McLellan CEO smclellan@saskchamber.com Marilyn Leier Administrative Assistant mleier@saskchamber.com Kristin McKee Director of Policy Development kmckee@saskchamber.com Curtis Hemming Director of Government Relations chemming@saskchamber.com Jesse Chatterson Director of Member Services jchatterson@saskchamber.com Elissa LaLiberte Director of Membership Services elaliberte@saskchamber.com Cindy Wright Director of Special Events cwright@saskchamber.com Dawn M. Barker Director of Communications dmbarker@saskchamber.com CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair - Bruce Anderson (b-creative group) 1 st Vice-Chair - Randy Beattie (PFM Capital Inc.) 2 nd Vice-Chair - Shawna Nelson (Sheraton Cavalier Saskatoon) Directors - Immediate Past-Chair - Marion Ghiglione (Handy Group of Companies) Cam Cooper (Praxis Analytics) Andrew Geary (Deloitte LLP) Trina Warren (MNP LLP) Greg Hanwell (Beer Bros. Gastropub & Deli) Patricia Warsaba (McKercher LLP) Ricardo Silva (Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems Canada) Sean Young (Young s Equipment) Monica Kreuger (Global Infobrokers Inc.) Michael Cossar (Saskatoon) Broad Street Regina, SK S4P 3V2 Get in Touch Tel: info@saskchamber.com