B.C. Poised to Lead Economic Expansion

MAY 2016 Volume 9 Issue 5 www.cbj.ca

IN THIS ISSUE ► Grow Your Business Impact of Budget 2016 Manitoba Farm By Hiring Nurturing Leaders On Your Financial Planning Develops ‘Smart’ Beehive

CBJ speaks with Mike de Jong, B.C. Minister of Finance

Editor’s NOTE

A report by the C.D. Howe Institute concludes From Yahoo! to Uh Oh. CEO Marissa Mayer Canada will reap “relatively modest” economic is hanging onto her job by a proverbial thread gains by joining the 12-country Trans-Pacific as takeover rumours continue to swirl. Verizon, Partnership, while the bulk of the trade gains will AT&T and Time Inc. are several potential suit- be enjoyed by the U.S., Japan and Vietnam. In ors that may be interested in acquiring the once addition to Canada, New Zealand and Malaysia dominant Web portal, pre Google. If Mayer gets are also expected to see modest gains, while the the boot, she’s apparently in line for a staggering deal would essentially be a wash for the other six $55 million severance package, so she’ll be just nations. So why be a part of it, if it will only reap fine. On the upside, if she gets canned it would marginal gains? Quite simply, it’s about global leave her available to be John Kasich’s running networking. Sit on the sidelines for this one and mate. After all, he needs to do what he can to we may not be invited to the next one. Sure it’s keep up the pace with the dynamic duo of Ted not likely going to be a huge money-maker, but and Carly. as long as we’re in the black and not the red, it Did you know?... From 1994 to 1998, Yahoo! makes sense to be a part of it. accounted for the vast majority of all online In an effort to respond to widespread, hor- search engine requests. It’s since dwindled to rendous traffic congestion throughout much of about 8%, just ahead of Bing. Google is far and the Greater Toronto Area the Ontario provincial away the leader at 76%. government has announced the widening of a 4-km stretch of Highway 401 in Mississauga, just Angus Gillespie west of Toronto. The expansion, which will take @CanBizJournal place from Hurontario Street to the Credit River, will see the roadway increased from six to 12 lanes. Driving into downtown Toronto is nothing short of a nightmare. Thankfully, I only have to do it two or three times per month – at most – for occasional events. I really don’t know how people sit in that parking lot on a daily basis. Have an issue with a federal contract? Experiencing a contract dispute with a federal department?

OPO-BOA.GC.CA

Angus Gillespie | Editor-in-Chief | [email protected]

Vladimir Lukic | Creative Director | [email protected] Anisa Saeed | Jr. Ad Designer | [email protected]

Contributors | Mark Borkowski, Joe Connelly, Melonie Dodaro, Robin Grant, Dorothy Knight, Shoba Sreenivasan, Tina Tehranchian, Linda E. Weinberger

GEORGE MEDIA INC. #601 - 30 Eglinton Avenue West Mississauga, Ontario | L5R 3E7 CANADA Table of CONTENTS MAY 2016 | VOLUME 9 | ISSUE 5 032

CBJ FEATURES WHERE IS CANADA GOING FROM HERE? – By Mark Borkowski 012 WHAT CAN AN EXECUTIVE ACHIEVE IN ONE MINUTE? – By Joe Connelly 020 GROW YOUR BUSINESS BY HIRING NUTURING LEADERS By Shoba Sreenivasan and Linda E. Weinberger 026 COVER: B.C. POISED TO LEAD ECONOMIC EXPANSION – By Angus Gillespie 032 012

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CBJ FEATURES IMPACT OF BUDGET 2016 ON YOUR FINANCIAL PLANNING – By Tina Tehranchian 042 SEVEN IMPORTANT LESSONS IN SOCIAL MEDIA ETIQUETTE – By Melonie Dodaro 052 MISTAKES BUSINESSES MAKE IN A DISASTER – with John Bresland 058 BOOTSTRAPPING VS. FUNDING: IS IT A GENERATIONAL THING? – By Mark Borkowski 064 MANITOBA HONEY FARM DEVELOPS FIRST-OF-ITS KIND ‘SMART’ BEEHIVE 070 Funny BUSINESS

064 Table of CONTENTS MAY 2016 | VOLUME 9 | ISSUE 5 Business in Action

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ARCHITECTURE STYLE CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT LTD & DESIGN Organization – Coordination – Execution 078 MONCUR DESIGN ASSOCIATES Over 20 years designing exquisite hospitality spaces 092

SERVICES TalentNet – A uniquely innovative staffing and recruitment company 102

ENERGY & RESOURCES ENERGOLD DRILLING CORP. A world-class, fully integrated drilling company 112

FOOD & BEVERAGE SoLo NUTRITION A different way of thinking about food 122

COMMUNICATIONS SHARP’S AUDIO VISUAL – Setting the standard for innovation and service 132

SERVICES THE IAN MARTIN GROUP 144 092

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132 Where is Canada going from here? Only an Entrepreneurial Revival Will Save the Day By Mark Borkowski Where is Canada going from here? Only an Entrepreneurial Revival Will Save the Day 14 Only an Entrepreneurial Revival Will Save the Day

superiority will take a back seat to the universal culture of entrepreneurism. Entrepreneurs are hard-driven human beings with a vision. This vision is of how things ought to be. Petty squabbles because of various historical origins become meaningless when the vision becomes the advancement of humanity. Whether or not one particular entrepreneur’s vision is the right one can be determined after the project is completed; however, we have a moral responsibility to allow the individual to create. It is this type of permissive and inspirational culture that will allow Canada to advance and compete on equal Mark Borkowski footing with the rest of the world. There are many elements to this need. Canada’s needs are rapidly changing While governments are arguing back and forth as the ability to put food on our as to which sector of the economy needs more own tables diminishes. Foreign debt education, it should be realized that a more investors are supplying the capital to educated and trained economy needs less gov- provide us with our bare necessities ernment. Innovation is a creative process that based on our potential to provide suffocates in large government bureaucracies. a return at some future date. The Many transportation entrepreneurs find it impos- longer this future date is pushed, sible to create and adapt quickly to changing the deeper and deeper our debts environmental conditions while governments are become, leaving Canada with an creating a less reward oriented marketplace. As extremely bleak tomorrow. Our need taxes and financial returns decrease, the incen- is to emerge from this vicious cycle tive to work and create curtails. of debt financing by creating a culture Where government should get involved is that takes pride in being self-sufficient. not with the attempt at creating, but at the fos- Currently, the opposite is true. tering of creation. This would entail creating an environment where ideas, capital, and labour are THERE MUST BE a cultural revolution that located in a close geographic proximity to one returns our destiny to Canadian hands. Cries another and motivated to flow freely between of regionalism, language rights, and ethnic these three key elements. Entrepreneurs are 15 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal

As a country, we need to foster the growth of entrepreneurs in numbers by educating, training, and allowing their growth. motivated people that thrive off the fruits of their countries that foster the type of culture that we labour. As a country, we need to foster their now need to engender. As our natural resources growth in numbers by educating, training, and continue to dwindle, the urgency of our needs allowing their growth. Without an entrepreneur- become more and more apparent. ial revolution, which will return a responsibility Perhaps with the universal goal of growth for our actions, Canada will continue to fall into and betterment for Canada, we will be able to the hands of outsiders. see past our regional, linguistic, and ethnic dif- It has been said that necessity is the mother ferences to provide, at long last, a unified front of all invention. Canada has not needed to cre- determined to take us into the next century. ate. For years, we have relied on our natural Entrepreneurs are entrepreneurs are entrepre- resources to purchase the innovation of other neurs. First, we must establish a mould that can 16 Only an Entrepreneurial Revival Will Save the Day

While governments are arguing back and forth as to which sector of the economy needs more education, it should be realized that a more educated and trained economy needs less government. be copied and re-used by the next individual pledge to support it both financially and morally that wishes to develop a wealth creating prod- through education, training, and cultural backing. uct. Once our methodology for success has What we have today in Canada is a society deter- been established, it can be used again and again. mined to get the most out of life today with no Until we establish this type of procreative culture, regard for the result tomorrow. North America, Canada will never be a front runner in the race in general, has increased its focus on the short- for success. We will not even be in the race. term gains which do not result in true benefits With the fall of communism and the devalu- to society from science-based innovation. We ation of political differences, Canada’s role as an have become a society with the rape and pillage economic leader is all but over. The addition of mentality that lives for the moment. the Russian, Chinese, and various other coun- As no single individual or institution is tries to the list of viable and profitable markets responsible for getting us to this point of parasitic has lowered us considerably on the international existence, no single individual or institution economic ladder. Action must be taken now! can free us from it. Many though, will play Commitment to innovation is a long-term crucial roles. Conservative financial institutions 17 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal

Conservative financial institutions must open themselves up to the support of new ventures, especially those that deal with technological innovation. must open themselves up to the support of their hands held. In actuality, the private sector new ventures, especially those that deal with has abused the system and the government has technological innovation. Areas such as this done little to prevent their continued abuse. If sustain economies by producing internationally the private sector knows from experience that desirable goods and simultaneously encourage the government will foot the bill if they cry loud specialized education and training. It is difficult enough, why should they pay? Canadians des- to pick-up a newspaper or magazine today perately need to re-instill a pride in their ability to without locating a story about a Canadian accomplish large scale projects without bring- entrepreneur, with an award winning product, ing in the government. When we bring in the who cannot find financing. This must stop. government, we are actually bringing in foreign- Drastic changes in our ways of thinking must ers via debt financing and saying we can’t do it… be undertaken. We are falling out of control and help us. Is this what Canada has become? the federal government is convinced that only Somewhere along the line, the notion has they can accomplish needed projects because been adopted that technology entrepreneurship the private sector is unable to do things without threatens jobs and the environment. The rebuttal 18 Only an Entrepreneurial Revival Will Save the Day

Any successful entrepreneurial culture must bridge the current gap that exists between industry and education. to this argument seems archaic but individu- technological innovation that is sorely lacking. The als must constantly be reminded that we must gap is wide, but we must not be discouraged by change with the times. Time waits for no one. the distance that must be travelled. The rewards Fortunately, we may not be as far from where for making the arduous journey are plentiful and we should be as it may seem. In terms of research, not only in monetary terms. Canada is one of the most organized and efficient Examples of success from this fostering of countries in the world. It is the development of entrepreneurs – essentially in technological 19 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal

innovation – is abundant. The rise of Germany a non-constrictive environment; however, we and Japan is an ever present example, but per- must be able to make the most of our ideas in an haps a more shocking example is the fall from environment that encourages commercialization. glory of the United States for the abandonment Entrepreneurs benefit from the creative culture of their original values. Talented, hard-working, and we benefit from the spin-off benefits that the and innovative individuals drive national econo- innovation creates. We must be prepared to act mies. Canada lacks an abundance of this type of when the window of opportunity is opened. individual. The question then becomes how do As Canadians we should be taught to idolize we get from where we are, to where we want to those individuals who started with nothing and be, a country driven by entrepreneurs who create made something of themselves and others along a grand vision for our future? the way. Manipulators of wealth only look to Education is constantly thrown out as a create good for their own sake. panacea for all Canada’s woes. The term must Innovation is the key to sustainable devel- be qualified to refine its intent. If we currently opment and affluence. When we are able to expanded our post-secondary institutions to provide entrepreneurs in high risk arenas, such include another five million individuals, we as technological innovation, with the low cost would be no better off tomorrow. Our educa- capital injections necessary to establish new tion system is providing us with a great deal of products or services in global markets within a unnecessary skills. Emphasis must be placed pro-entrepreneurial environment, we will pros- from early on, that there is a great deal of merit per. This dream must become a reality if we are in specialized education focusing on the applied to survive; there are no ‘in-betweens’. Every arts. Apprenticeship programs and “useable” corner of this great country will be responsible skills are still in shortage. Students are graduat- for the success or failure of this entrepreneurial ing with no real knowledge of how they will fit in revolution and every area of the economy, be it to their particular fields. A vast majority of them government, industry, or financial institutions will have no practical skills in their areas of study. have to contribute to its well-being. CBJ Any successful entrepreneurial culture must bridge the current gap that exists between indus- Mark Borkowski is president of Mercantile try and education. Mergers & Acquisitions Corp. Mercantile is a mid- The important point to take out of all of this market M&A brokerage firm in Toronto. Contact: is that innovation is no key to success without a www.mercantilemergersacquisitions.com support structure behind it to protect the product through the minefield of devastating obstacles. Creativity itself is best suited to small groups in

What Can An Executive Achieve In One Minute? By Joe Connelly 22 What Can An Executive Achieve In One Minute?

world, the sum of their life experiences, pass in vivid detail before their eyes in less than a minute. Contrast this when we feel so bored, that a minute just simply drags by - “it’s just like watching paint dry” The question I pondered over (it took more than a minute to be honest), was exactly what could an Executive achieve in just one minute, if they were really focused, and decided to carve out their time into these bit-size, manage- able chunks? And so began my quest…. There is a well-known law called “Parkinson’s Law” which states “work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion”. There are so many examples of this, and I am sure you can recount a few yourself. For example, have you Joe Connelly noticed that no matter how much time you leave to pack before a trip, your packing always seems You may not know that I am a big to get done. Or what about the time it takes to fan of Tim Ferris and his great book have dinner - we have all had a two-hour long “The 4-Hour Workweek”. It really is dinner with our loved one, or on occasion, the incredible what can be achieved in five-minute grab-and-go version. So I challenge just 4 hours, but I wondered if this you to think and action the following: idea was taken a bit further, what an “Constrain your time to just one minute, and Executive might be able to achieve in see how much you can achieve in this time!” just one minute. I decided to call it: Here are some of my own ideas, as way of “The One Minute Outcome”. example: 1. Decision-making: many decisions can, DEFINED IN ITS classical sense a minute is a mea- and should, be made quickly. Look at decisions sure of time and consists of 60 seconds (also a that fall into the category “this has been bugging measure of time interestingly enough). How long me for a while…”. You likely have all the informa- a minute is for you is really a personal thing, and tion just waiting for your one-minute outcome. seems to be situational dependent. For example, Or consider using split-second decision making there are many well-known stories of people which draws from your gut-feel as well as your coming close to death, and seeing their whole super fast processing brain. Alternatively, review 23 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal

a decision you made previously that is now causing challenges, and consider reversing it within one minute; it might prove to be a truly great one-minute outcome. 2. Motivation: in less than one minute you can easily say thank-you to an individual, group or in fact the entire company. You can choose whatever mechanism is best including Twitter, Yammer or your Intranet. Or simply standup at the next company meeting and just say what you have to say (in one minute). Voila. 3. Action: once you have the available information, have sifted through it and made a decision, it’s now time for action. Many actions (when procrastination does not get in the way) There is a well-known law called “Parkinson’s can be handled effectively within one minute. Law” which states “work expands so as to fill Whether it’s doing it yourself or delegating to a the time available for its completion”. colleague, one minute is often time enough. 4. Feelings: sometimes it’s good just to sit- back and get in tune with your feelings. Whether can be done multiple times throughout the day they are positive feelings (satisfaction, joy, - and at only one minute per relaxation, that’s contentment, happiness), or whether they are really not bad at all. negative (anger, feeling annoyed, resentment, 6. Contemplate: sit for one minute and clear anxiousness), then take time to simply absorb your mind of all thoughts and see if anything them. A negative feeling can be changed to a comes to you. Who knows what might happen positive one within one minute by simply chang- next. ing your thoughts or perspective, and a good 7. Be creative: choose a single, clean piece of feeling can be absorbed to give you renewed paper and write the topic you want to be creative energy, all within 60 seconds. about at the top. Now time yourself and jot down 5. Relax: whether you close your eyes and random ideas on the topic as quickly as possible. take a 60-second power-nap (they do work inci- In this exercise, speed is important since it forces dentally), or meditate for just one minute just to a certain type of result. Do this for one minute clear some busy thoughts from your mind, tak- and see how much great stuff can be captured. ing some time to breathe deeply and simply relax It’s a cool little exercise, but do it when you have 24 What Can An Executive Achieve In One Minute?

Once you have the available information, have sifted through it and made a decision, it’s now time for action. 25 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal

enough energy since it’s really a forced-sprint. visits’ so focused that they are achieved within 60 8. Stop doing something: it’s a bit like deci- seconds. Now that’s real focus. sion-making, but involves simply choosing to Just imagine if after all of this, that you are stop doing something that you are spending a still having trouble squeezing an outcome into lot of time on. Many actions are busy-actions, just one minute, and so you can simply decide to that don’t really deliver based on the amount of double the time, and make it two minutes instead time invested. It takes only one minute (or less) – wow. Now you really need to be productive. to simply admit it is not worth your time to carry Of course not every decision, action or act on. It takes courage to admit this, but it’s a bet- can be achieved successfully within one full min- ter option than carrying on regardless and using ute of time. However, with a little training you can more of your vital and productive “one minute begin to master handling many things within 60 outcomes”. seconds or less. Then you will be able to contact A little time trick is to calculate how much Tim Ferris directly and tell him to speed up - now I your time is actually worth. This can be measured never thought I would ever write that. CBJ easily by taking your annual remuneration and dividing it by 115,200 (60minutes/hour, 40 hours/ Joe Connelly is Founder & CEO of week, 48 weeks/year). Once you know this num- Salesleadership.com, a worldwide Executive ber you now have a baseline to ask yourself “Was Sales Coaching and Consultancy company, with I really productive with this minute?”, and also to offices in Canada and Switzerland. Joe can be have some creative fun with it, “How can I be even reached at [email protected] more productive with the next minute?”. So, if you earn (say) $150,000 per year, then each minute allows you to be at least $1.30 productive. It’s truly amazing what can be achieved in a minute especially if you consciously think about it. Challenge yourself to try and see what’s on your calendar, arrived in your inbox, etc., and determine (within a minute of course) if something magical can be achieved with this time-slot. For example when someone comes into your office - tell them they have 60 seconds to get their point across (it’s great training to get them prepared for visiting in the future). Or, ensure that you keep your own ‘communication Grow Your Business by Hiring Nurturing Leaders By Shoba Sreenivasan and Linda E. Weinberger Grow Your Business by Hiring Nurturing Leaders By Shoba Sreenivasan and Linda E. Weinberger 28 Grow Your Business by Hiring Nurturing Leaders

Shoba Sreenivasan Linda E. Weinberger

MANY OF US unconsciously believe that women or private sector (whether driven by our own gut in leadership roles should be like men —whether instincts or by social psychological research) is we will admit this or not. Certainly, this view has that to be perceived as competent, women in gained support in research of successful lead- authority have to be assertive, perhaps even ruth- ers: those females who have characteristics less in their decisions, and autocratic in their style. traditionally attributed to males (i.e., competitive, Otherwise no one will listen. We call this type of ambitious, assertive, task versus interperson- woman Machiavellian Mary. She plays well in the ally orientated, secure in holding power and “male” game of pyramidal hierarchies. She knows authority over others) will be perceived as more how to be pleasing to those on top and how to effective than women who do not have these control and step on and over those below. traits. In fact, some studies suggest that profes- As women professionals, we’ve been the sional women who are nurturing and cooperative recipients of this style ourselves. Our female col- (what are called “stereotypic feminine traits”) will leagues and friends agree that our worst bosses be perceived in the “dog-eat-dog” man’s world have been Machiavellian Marys. Many tales are as incompetent. told of how Machiavellian Mary created friction, When looking to hire women for leadership pitted co-workers against each other, promoted positions, the conclusion for those in the public dissension and an atmosphere of suspicion and 29 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal

Power impacts our view of others; we respect those with status and assign lower esteem to those without.

distrust. These stories reveal how Machiavellian may think that women who are able to move Mary lowered morale, caused employee strife, up “the leadership ladder,” did so because they damaged productivity, contributed to EEO could be ruthless; or if that is not palatable, we actions and lawsuits, and jeopardized solvency. may soften the adjective to “realistic” or “has Yet, Machiavellian Marys continue to be business sense.” Such a woman plays the game prominent in leadership positions of power skillfully. across sectors. Why? Despite gender equality as the overt mantra, Frankly, they succeed because both men and archetypes of strength as masculine and weak- women believe in the myth of the “Iron Lady” ness as feminine remain potent today, just as as characteristics that are admirable because they have in the past. Power impacts our view of they promote the “bottom line.” We may uncon- others; we respect those with status and assign sciously assign nurturant styles to the roles of lower esteem to those without. Men have had subordinates to be led, but not to be leaders. We more power than women; consequently, we 30 Grow Your Business by Hiring Nurturing Leaders

The key to new ideas and growth comes from planting the seed of entrepreneurial altruism. 31 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal

women may unconsciously assign more respect competitions fosters creativity: be it inventions, to women who lead like men. original works, scientific contributions, or suc- Also, men may well be more comfort- cessful businesses. able with Machiavellian Mary, at least initially. Machiavellian Mary kills potential. The key Machiavellian Mary has no problems in promot- to new ideas and growth comes from planting ing herself. On the surface she can look like the seed of entrepreneurial altruism. We believe she is getting the job done and not distracted that a cooperative spirit of promoting the suc- by interpersonal issues, such as being con- cess of others, which is archetypically feminine cerned about the needs of others. As she does as it is nurturing and maternal, will stimulate and not have feminine frills like a democratic style encourage the exponential explosion of phe- (e.g., acknowledging team work), tasks such as nomenal creativity and productivity. CBJ down-sizing, aggressive take-overs, and issuing demotions come easily. Dr. Shoba Sreenivasan earned a Ph.D. in Clinical Is a nurturing leadership style just a nice Psychology from UCLA in 1986 and completed theory that plays well in academic journals and a post-doctoral forensic fellowship at USC. sounds good in conferences about transfor- She is a Clinical Professor at Keck School of mational leaders? Is it more aspirational than Medicine of USC, works as a VA psychologist, pragmatic? Several years ago, researchers found and has a private forensic psychology practice. that biomedical research centers with a nurturing leadership style yielded the most major Dr. Linda E. Weinberger earned a Ph.D. in biomedical discoveries. One can find examples in Clinical Psychology from the University of other fields where promoting cooperation rather Houston in 1979 and completed a postdoctoral than competition enhances creativity. Hiring forensic fellowship at USC. She has been the Machiavellian Mary may look good at first; but in Chief Psychologist at the USC Institute of the end, will torpedo the true growth and poten- Psychiatry, Law, and Behavioral Sciences, and tial of the business. Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Keck School Our background, as clinical and forensic of Medicine of USC for more than 30 years psychologists, has given us a front row seat in viewing the underbelly of human nature. We Their new book is called Psychological have done so long enough through interac- Nutrition. Learn more at tions with people who have psychopathic styles www.psychologicalnutrition.com. to know that this never brings out the best in others. Instead, as shown in the biomedical arena, cooperation instead of “dog-eat-dog” B.C. Poised to Lead Canada’s Economic Expansion By Angus Gillespie B.C. Poised to Lead Canada’s Economic Expansion By Angus Gillespie 34 COVER FEATURE » B.C. Poised to Lead Canada’s Economic Expansion

B.C. and Ontario are forecast to spearhead the country in economic growth through 2016, deemed to be the country’s current leading provincial economic drivers. The need for these two established provinces to succeed is all the more significant in light of the huge downturn facing Alberta due to the ongoing global oil pricing crisis, with no sign of a letup in sight.

AFTER THE 2008 global economic downturn, the B.C. government had each public employee sign a net zero contract, freezing wages for two years. That was followed by two years of cooperative gains contracts — where every raise had to be funded through corresponding savings in the same contract. As the economy slowly recovered the B.C. government workers signed five-year deals with modest raises and the opportunity to earn economic growth dividends. It all makes perfect sense. If the economy grows faster than pre- dicted, employees will be rewarded. It means there is now a direct correlation between economic success and salary increases. In 2012, Headlining B.C.’s impressive construction portfolio is the massive $8.3 billion Site C earth fill hydroelectric dam project in the northeastern quadrant of the province, spearheaded by B.C. Hydro. British Columbia’s GDP was the fourth largest in Canada but third now a distinct possibility given the troubles that are being faced to the east. Finance Minister Mike de Jong held a keynote B.C. has strategically created a thriving eco- address at the Toronto Region Board of Trade nomic climate that attracts investment and after which The Canadian Business Journal had fosters job creation through diversified trade an opportunity to speak with him in a one-on- and infrastructure development. The province’s one interview. 35 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal

Headlining B.C.’s impressive construction portfolio is the massive $8.3 billion Site C earth fill hydroelectric dam project in the northeastern quadrant of the province, spearheaded by B.C. Hydro.

Construction Increase $8.3 billion Site C earth fill hydroelectric dam The rate of construction is always an excellent project in the northeastern quadrant of the method of determining the health of an econ- province, spearheaded by B.C. Hydro. The eight- omy, and in B.C. it’s a going concern. Headlining year project along the Peace River is expected the list of new infrastructure is the massive P3 to contribute $3.2 billion to the provincial gross 36 COVER FEATURE » B.C. Poised to Lead Canada’s Economic Expansion

B.C. Finance Minister Mike de Jong domestic product (GDP) and $130 million to “The construction sector is the local communities. Site C is the first hydro- doing very well and it’s one of electric dam built in British Columbia in over the reasons why we’re leading 30 years. The last one B.C. Hydro built was the the country in economic Revelstoke Dam in 1984. growth.” The Trudeau government has promised billions in infrastructure money and it’s some- – B.C. Finance Minister Mike de Jong thing B.C. expects the federal Liberals will follow through on. federal government has untaken to provide. A lot “The construction sector is doing very well of that is going to focus on moving people and and it’s one of the reasons why we’re leading goods. Green-related transit technology in urban the country in economic growth,” de Jong tells centres will be big. But we’ve also talked about us. “On the infrastructure front we are looking other aspects of this that people would find forward to receiving our fair share of what the interesting, including Site C, which is the biggest 37 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal

Most new jobs over the past few years have sprouted up in the construction and retail/service sectors to the point that it now has the highest percentage of service industry jobs in the west.

public infrastructure project in our history.” component of the B.C. economy, but employ- De Jong also noted that B.C. is talking with ment in the resource sector has fallen steadily both the federal government and the Alberta as a percentage of employment. Most new jobs provincial government about the possibility of over the past few years have sprouted up in the a transmission tie-in that could help Alberta to construction and retail/service sectors to the reduce its dependency on fossil fuel generated point that it now has the highest percentage of electricity. service industry jobs in the west. “There’s an opportunity to tap into federal Given the bleak job opportunities for many infrastructure dollars to accomplish an envi- skilled workers who have traditionally made a liv- ronmental objective that crosses provincial ing in the oil and gas sector in Alberta, a number boundaries,” he says. of them are looking to transition their skillsets to The forestry industry remains a vital other forms of work and many of those people are 38 COVER FEATURE » B.C. Poised to Lead Canada’s Economic Expansion

“The population in-flow numbers from within Canada are higher than they’ve been in 20 years.”

– Mike de Jong making their way further west to British Columbia. It’s a migration that de Jong has noticed. “The population in-flow numbers from within Canada are higher than they’ve been in 20 years,” de Jong confirms. “Not everyone is from Alberta but it would be roughly half. Happily our economy – because it is trade diversified – is accommodating those folks, whether it is big energy-related projects like Site C, our bur- geoning LNG sector or technology, tourism and agri-food, all of these are areas of the B.C. economy that are performing well.” De Jong is seeing more people enter B.C. domestically from other parts of Canada but internationally as well. That too is contributing to a phenomenon that is familiar to Ontarians – that Films such as the box-office Deadpool, starring Ryan Reynolds, were filmed in Vancouver. Will enough being pressure on the housing market. In B.C. it’s tax credit incentives remain for future movies to be produced there? Credit: mjmediabox / Depositphotos.com been especially noticeable in the lower mainland. De Jong views it all as a challenge, but it’s the extraction. With Vancouver’s film industry known positive challenge of a growing economy. as Hollywood North, the metropolitan area is the third-largest feature film production location in North America, after Los Angeles and New York Hollywood North City. While business was booming as late as last The largest section of this employment is in summer, there are critics who warn it may not be finance, insurance, real estate and corporate sustainable with the word fickle often being ban- management. However, the rural areas are died about when describing the decision-making still most heavily dependent upon resource process of executives within the industry. 39 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal

box-office smash Deadpool. It’s estimated the existing film tax credit costs the provincial trea- sury about $350 million per year. “We’re not prepared to see payouts grow at the rate they have. We have a balanced budget, but we have other priority areas that we feel we need to address on behalf of British Columbians,” he said in a previously published interview.

International Trade Another challenging task has been to get sufficient Canadian goods to tidewater and increase our trading potential with Asia. Despite the fact the Chinese economy is no longer growing at an astronomical pace of 16% or 17%, the fact is it’s still growing, albeit a far more modest 5% to 6%. Nonetheless, with such a colossal market, it still represents billions of dollars for Canadian exporters. As a country of 35 million people, de Jong firmly believes that B.C. and the rest of Canada can get a leg up on the competition by Films such as the box-office Deadpool, starring Ryan Reynolds, were filmed in Vancouver. Will enough tax credit incentives remain for future movies to be produced there? Credit: mjmediabox / Depositphotos.com “We have done relatively well as of late in entering the Chinese More than 40,000 direct and indirect jobs market but we’ve done a poor are generated by film and television produc- job in establishing a presence for tion studios in B.C., with about 80% in the Metro ourselves as Canadian business Vancouver region where direct spending totalled in India, which has the largest more than $2 billion last year. middle class in the world, far Not that long ago, de Jong announced larger than China.” cutbacks were necessary and that the province could no longer afford to keep the tax credits – Mike de Jong that draw film and TV-productions such as the 40 COVER FEATURE » B.C. Poised to Lead Canada’s Economic Expansion

India has the largest middle class in the world, but as B.C. Finance Minister Mike de Jong notes, it has been left largely untapped for export. He’d like to see that change. getting to some of these lucrative untapped mar- business in India, which has the largest middle kets ahead of the crowd. class in the world, far larger than China.” “Our challenge as Canadians is to realize that The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement Asia is far more than just China,” he notes. “We is one of the largest and most comprehensive have done relatively well as of late in entering trade deals in the world. In early February all 12 the Chinese market but we’ve done a poor job in member countries signed the TPP agreement in establishing a presence for ourselves as Canadian Auckland, New Zealand. The member countries 41 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal

65% of B.C.’s current exports go to member nations. Once the treaty officially begins, exports from B.C. are expected to increase by $320 million, with a net gain of nearly 3,000 jobs with annual GDP expected to increase by as much as $325 million. The business industries that are expected to receive the biggest boost include: agri-foods, forestry, mining seafood, architec- tural and engineering services and research and development. The B.C. provincial government recently announced it would be investing $8 million to promote the use of its wood, help advance wood building systems and products, and to expand global markets for B.C. wood products. Premier Christy Clark made the announcement while attending the Council of Forest Industries annual convention in Kelowna. “B.C.’s vibrant and globally competitive forest industry relies upon international markets for wood products. By advancing market development efforts we are helping to generate economic activity across the province, strength- ening B.C. communities and creating and India has the largest middle class in the world, but as B.C. Finance Minister Mike de Jong notes, it has been left largely untapped for export. sustaining jobs,” said Premier Clark. He’d like to see that change. The old saying “Go west, young man” is still apropos today, but now most that do are not are: Canada, the United States, Japan, Malaysia, stopping in Alberta and are instead continuing all Vietnam, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, the way out to B.C. CBJ Brunei, Chile, Peru and Mexico. The ratification process is now underway and could take up to two years after the date of signing. The TPP has a total market reach of 800 million people and a GDP of $28 trillion. About Impact of

On Your Financial Planning

By Tina Tehranchian Impact of

On Your Financial Planning

By Tina Tehranchian 44 Impact Of Budget 2016 On Your Financial Planning

According to the new budget, a deficit of $5.4 billion is expected for Canada in 2015-2016, which will grow to $29.4 billion in 2016-2017 and will gradually decrease after that with no indication of when Canada will have a balanced budget again. A detailed explanation of the significant tax measures proposed in Budget 2016 that would have an impact on your personal financial planning follows below.

Personal Tax Measures

New Canada Child Benefit In an effort to provide more benefits to lower-and- Tina Tehranchian middle income families, Budget 2016 proposed to replace the current Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB) and the Universal Child Care Benefit Finance Minister, Bill Morneau, (UCCB) with a new Canada Child Benefit (CCB). presented the first federal budget The Canada Child Benefit provides greater of prime minister, Justin Trudeau’s benefits for families at lower income levels and Liberal government on March 22, is tax-free. It will start on July 1, 2016 and will 2016. provide a non-taxable maximum benefit of $6,400 per child under the age of six and $5,400 BUDGET 2016 INCLUDED a big emphasis on per child for children who are age six through infrastructure spending, eliminated certain tax 17. If a child is eligible for the disability tax credit, credits and advantages and tried to eliminate tax the CCB maximum is increased by an additional structures that abused the system. Other signifi- $2,730. The CCB maximum benefit levels will be cant changes introduced in this budget included reduced based on family income and the num- the introduction of a new method of deprecia- ber of children in the family. tion of eligible capital property and reduction According to the government the new of the eligibility age for Old Age Security and Canada Child Benefit will help nine out of 10 Guaranteed Income Supplement from 69 to 65. families save an estimated $2,300 a year. It would 45 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal

According to the government the new Canada Child Benefit will help nine out of 10 families save an estimated $2,300 a year.

therefore be prudent for families with children This would allow a higher-income spouse with who are 17 and under to funnel their tax savings at least one child under 18 to notionally trans- into a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) fer up to $50,000 of taxable income to his/her to save for their children’s higher education and spouse or common-law partner, in order to take advantage of the 20% Canada Education reduce the couple’s total income tax liability by Savings Grant (CESG) that the government will up to $2,000. pay on up to $2500 of annual savings in an RESP. Budget 2016 proposed to eliminate the family tax cut effective for 2016 and future taxation years. Elimination of Family Tax Cut The Conservative government of Stephen Elimination of Education and Harper had enacted the family tax cut that Textbook Tax Credits allowed income splitting between spouses. According to Budget 2016, starting in 2017, 46 Impact Of Budget 2016 On Your Financial Planning

According to Budget 2016, the eligibility for the mineral exploration tax credit will be extended for one year, to flow-through share agreements entered into, on or before March 31, 2017. 47 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal

the education and textbook tax credits will be eliminated. However, any unused education and textbook tax credits carried forward from years before 2017 will remain available to be claimed in 2017 and subsequent years.

Elimination of Children’s Fitness and Arts Tax Credits Budget 2016 proposed to phase out the Children’s Fitness and Arts Tax Credits by reducing the maximum eligible amount for 2016 (to $500 for Children’s Fitness Tax Credit and $250 for Children’s Art Tax Credit) and to eliminate both tax credits for 2017 and subsequent taxation years.

Taxation of Fund Switches in Corporate Class Mutual Funds Currently, switching funds in a mutual fund corporation (commonly referred to as Corporate Class Mutual Funds) will not trigger any taxes and the Income Tax Act does not deem the exchanges to be dispositions for income tax purposes. Budget 2016 surprised the investment community by proposing to amend the Income Tax Act so that starting September 2016 an exchange between different classes of funds in mutual fund corporations will be deemed to be a disposition at fair market value. If the shares that are exchanged only differ in respect of management fees or expenses borne by the investor, and otherwise drive their value from the same fund or portfolio within the mutual fund corporation, then the proposed changes will not apply. According to Budget 2016, the eligibility for the mineral exploration tax credit will be extended for one year, to flow-through share agreements entered into, on or before March 31, 2017. 48 Impact Of Budget 2016 On Your Financial Planning

Going forward, the government is planning to close loopholes that allow private corporations to use a life insurance policy to distribute amounts tax-free that would otherwise be taxable.

Taxation of Linked Notes By doing so they were able to convert the tax An equity linked note is a debt instrument whose treatment of the return from interest income to return is determined by the performance of a capital gains. Based on Budget 2016, for linked single equity security or stock, a basket of stocks, notes offered after September 2016, the return or an equity index. on a linked note will be treated as interest income It has been a common practice for investors whether it is earned at maturity or through a sale in linked notes to sell the notes prior to maturity. on a secondary market before maturity. 49 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal

However, the economic environment and the structure of the venture capital market have changed significantly since that time. While the federal tax credit for federally registered LSVCCs will remain at 5% for the 2016 taxation year and will be eliminated for the 2017 and subsequent tax years, Budget 2016 proposed to restore this tax credit to 15% for share purchases of provincially registered LSVCCs for 2016 and subsequent taxation years.

Ontario Electricity Support Program The Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) will provide assistance to low-income house- holds in Ontario for the cost of electricity effective January 1, 2016. The OESP, which is based on household income and the number of people living in the household, will provide a non-taxable monthly credit on a tax payer’s electricity bill.

Mineral Exploration Tax Credit for Flow-Through Shares Going forward, the government is planning to close loopholes that allow private corporations to use a life insurance policy to distribute amounts tax-free Investors that would otherwise be taxable. According to Budget 2016, the eligibility for the mineral exploration tax credit will be extended Return of the Labour-Sponsored for one year, to flow-through share agreements Venture Capital Corporations entered into, on or before March 31, 2017. (LSVCC) Tax Credit This tax credit provides investors in mining The federal Labour-Sponsored Venture Capital flow-through shares with a credit equal to 15 per Corporations (LSVCC) tax credit was introduced cent of specified mineral exploration expenses in the 1980s when access to venture capital for incurred in Canada. small and medium-sized businesses was limited. 50 Impact Of Budget 2016 On Your Financial Planning

Retirement Income from the disposition are donated to a registered Improvements charity within 30 days drew cheers from the Budget 2016 included a number of welcome charitable sector, Budget 2016 announced the improvements to retirement income provisions government’s intention not to proceed with this for Canadians including the following: measure. 1. Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) for Therefore, if you had done any estate plan- low-income single seniors will be increased. ning based on this tax measure you would 2. The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) will be need to revise your planning based on the new enhanced and the government’s goal is to changes proposed in Budget 2016. make a collective decision in this regard with the provinces and territories before the end of Increase in Top Tax Rate on 2016. Personal Service Business 3. Old Age Security benefit will start at 65 years Income old instead of at 67. As a result of the new top marginal personal 4. Benefits will be increased for senior couples income tax rate being increased to 33% effective who live apart for health or other reasons in January 1, 2016, a federal tax rate increase form recognition of the fact that they face higher 28% to 33% on personal service business income expenses. earned by a corporation is proposed to be introduced to the Income Tax Act. Therefore, the Increase in Canada Student combined corporate income tax rate in Ontario Grant will increase to 44.5% on personal service busi- Budget 2016 proposed to increase Canada ness income. Student Grant amounts by 50 per cent, from $2,000 to $3,000 a year for low-income families; from $800 to $1200 per year for middle-income Business Tax Measures families; and from $1,200 to $1,800 for part-time students. Small Business Tax Rate Based on previous budgets the federal small Setback for Charitable business tax rate applicable on the first $500,000 Donations of business income earned by a Canadian- While the measure announced in Budget 2015 controlled private corporation (CCPC) had been that provided an exemption from capital gains legislated to reduce to 9%. However, despite an for certain dispositions of private corporation election promise to reduce the small business shares or real estate where the cash proceeds tax rate over the next three years, Budget 2016 51 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal

not only did not include any reductions to the received in exchange for an interest in a life small business tax rate but instead proposed to insurance policy will be included in the policy- cancel these previously legislated reductions and holder’s proceeds of disposition. to keep the small business tax rate at 10.5% after 2016. Back-to-Back Shareholder Loan Rules Multiplication of Small Budget 2016 proposed that in situations where Business Deduction the interposition of a third party between the For years, skilled and experienced accountants corporation and the shareholder prevents the had helped their small business owner clients shareholder loan rules to be applied, new legis- multiply their $500,000 small business deduction lation will make it possible to look through the through creative and complicated tax planning. third party and have the shareholder loan rules Budget 2016 put an end to this type of plan- apply so that if a debt owing to a shareholder ning and proposed to prevent business owners from a corporation is outstanding for more from multiplying access to the $500,000 small than a year, either the loan or a prescribed rate business deduction through the use of complex imputed interest benefit is included in the share- partnerships and corporate structures effective holder’s income. CBJ March 22, 2016. Tina Tehranchian, MA, CFP, CLU, CHFC, is a Life Insurance Policies branch manager and senior financial planner Going forward, the government is planning to at Assante Capital Management Ltd. in close loopholes that allow private corporations to Richmond Hill, Ontario. She can be reached use a life insurance policy to distribute amounts at 905-707-5220 or through her website at tax-free that would otherwise be taxable. www.tinatehranchian.com to discuss your Transfer of an interest in a life insurance particular circumstances prior to acting on the policy to a corporation will be affected by this information above. change in rules. Budget 2016 proposed to amend the Income Tax Act to ensure that when a disposition of an interest in a life insurance policy happens, the amounts are not received tax-free by a policyholder. While in the past proceeds of disposition of the policy were equal to the policy’s cash surrender value, after March 22, 2016 the fair market value of any consideration Seven Important Lessons In Social Media Etiquette By Melonie Dodaro Seven Important Lessons In Social Media Etiquette 54 Seven Important Lessons In Social Media Etiquette

Don’t become “that guy” and think everyone is going to play by your rules. Your business needs to establish some basic social media guidelines if it can expect to generate any results. In this article I’m going to share 8.5 examples and tactics you will want to avoid if you want to ensure you are following appropriate social media etiquette.

Seven Types of BAD Etiquette

1. Tell People to Follow You/ Melonie Dodaro Like Your Page This is so tacky, never works and reveals your lack of a real social media strategy in your very Are you often worried about making first message. It screams unprofessionalism, mistakes on social media platforms especially for LinkedIn etiquette as pictured in and unsure of the appropriate social the example above. etiquette? You should never start off a new relationship by asking for something. Would you do it in real DO YOU KNOW that each social media platform life? Then don’t do it online. has it’s own set of unspoken and often spoke rules of what is appropriate etiquette? 2. Promoting Your Blog Posts If you want to play with other kids in the or Events In Irrelevant Groups social media sandbox, you need to learn a cou- Now obviously this is just spam but it’s kicking ple pointers on friendly interaction unless you the ignorance up a notch with total disregard want to play alone. Learning proper social media for context. In this case, I happened to see a etiquette is as crucial as playing nicely in the guy posting about his “fantastic MLM training sandbox is to getting invited to birthday parties. course” to help “blow up your MLM business” Remember how it felt to get excluded from in a group dedicated to combatting childhood those parties? obesity. Huh? 55 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal

Your business needs to establish some basic social media guidelines if it can expect to generate any results.

Not only will these practices get you banned turns people off is connecting without a cus- from groups and potentially social media plat- tom message. If you don’t know somebody and forms, you will leave a negative impression with you’re trying to connect with them, you need to every single person on the way out. May I please tell them why. ask you…what is the point? If you are trying to connect with a stranger without telling them why, trust me when I say 3. Adding People To they will be wondering why you want to con- LinkedIn Without A Custom/ nect. And in most cases, they’ll click “Ignore” or Personalized Message worse “Report Spam”, and you definitely don’t LinkedIn etiquette can be rather fragile in cer- want that to happen! tain areas and one practice that consistently HINT: Try to focus on why they would want 56 Seven Important Lessons In Social Media Etiquette

If you are trying to connect with a stranger without telling them why, trust me when I say they will be wondering why you want to connect. And in most cases, they’ll click “Ignore” or worse “Report Spam”. 57 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal

to connect with you and encapsulate that in as when it comes to Facebook and LinkedIn if you few characters as possible. Give them the WHY start posting every hour or worse multiple times they need to accept your connection request. in hour you will find yourself blocked by many of your friends/connections. 4. Sending Out Obvious Mass Messages 7. Tweeting The Exact Same Both LinkedIn etiquette and Facebook etiquette Thing To Multiple People are similar in this philosophy: nobody feels It really devalues your message if people go back special when they receive a message sent to a to your profile and see that you are tweeting the bunch of other people. If you don’t have the time same thing over and over again with no person- or consideration to send individual messages alization. This is poor social media etiquette on then you should do your best to at least make it any site but it’s much more obvious on Twitter. seem that way. Write your message copy so it speaks to a Good Social Media Etiquette Is person, not an email list. People don’t appreciate Common Sense you using their connection on social platforms as I say that good social etiquette is common sense an invitation to keep them in the loop with your but common sense it self seems so…uncommon. business. Tailor your message for the specific It is important to learn what works and what audience and individuals you are trying to reach doesn’t on each social network if you want to every time. avoid alienating people or worse damaging your brand and/or credibility. CBJ 5. Auto Direct Messages (DMs) On Twitter Melonie Dodaro, founder of Top Dog Social This is truly the bottom of the barrel when it Media – an agency that helps business owners, comes to poor Twitter etiquette and is the rea- entrepreneurs and professionals use social media son why the feature itself has become useless. marketing to boost their visibility, attract new Direct messages might be useful someday once customers and increase their revenue. For more Twitter finds a way to reclaim this feature from information: www.TopDogSocialMedia.com. the spammers that polluted it.

6. Posting Too Often Each social network is a little different, for example it’s okay to post many times a day on Twitter because things move quickly there. However Mistakes Businesses Make in a Disaster Mistakes Businesses Make in a Disaster 60 Mistakes Businesses Make in a Disaster

When the unexpected happens to a business a delayed action – or the wrong action – can cause as much harm as the initial incident itself.

THAT’S THE MESSAGE of John Bresland, former board member and chairman of the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, who will be a keynote presenter at the 2016 World Conference on Disaster Management, to be held June 7-8 at The International Centre in Toronto. “The last thing you want to do is be taken by surprise,” said Bresland, who now consults large organizations on chemical process safety. “There are practical steps every business should take to effectively learn, communicate and plan for future disasters to which the organization may be vulnerable.” According to the UK-based Business Continuity Institute Global Top 10 Threats list, cyberattacks remain the number one risk facing organizations today, followed closely by data Cyberattacks remain the number one risk facing organizations today, followed closely by data breach and unplanned IT outages. breach and unplanned IT outages. Businesses are also deeply concerned about threats to physi- prevented and errors in response avoided. cal security, with acts of terrorism jumping from He cited the following as the five top mistakes tenth to fourth spot on the list and security inci- businesses make when preparing to respond to, dents moving up from sixth to fifth. mitigate and move forward from disaster: “Regardless of the size or nature of the incident, ramifications will be huge when businesses 1. Failing to define worst-case scenario. What fail to prepare,” Bresland said. After painstak- might be considered a relatively small incident ingly analyzing its investigations of industrial fires can quickly become a very expensive one if a and explosions since 1998, the Chemical Safety company fails to look beyond the immediate Board found most accidents could have been safety issues and consider business impact. For 61 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal

Cyberattacks remain the number one risk facing organizations today, followed closely by data breach and unplanned IT outages.

example, even a small event like a fire can lead 2. Lacking understanding of risk. A company to significant loss of production and profits long that fails to fully understand the risks associated after the fire is extinguished. “Ask yourself: what with its operation, and fails to take the neces- is the worst possible scenario and prepare for sary steps to mitigate them will find itself caught that,” advised Bresland, pointing to the 2010 in the crossfire. Bresland cited the example of a BP Gulf of Mexico oil spill where losses have small, family-owned fertilizer business in Texas mounted well into the billions of dollars. “I don’t that was forced to declare bankruptcy following think there are many companies in the world a tragic explosion that killed 12 firefighters and that could afford the amount BP has had to three members of the public, an event he said spend on response to the oil spill.” could have been avoided altogether. “As part 62 Mistakes Businesses Make in a Disaster

In order to respond effectively to media questions and a possible backlash arising from an incident, senior executives need to be well rehearsed. of their operation, they were storing and using the form of community advisory panels made up ammonium nitrate, a material that can explode of first responders, community representatives, under the right circumstances,” he explained. local authorities and health officials who meet “They should have been aware of those hazards regularly with facility management to discuss and ensured proper procedures were in place to important issues. For other companies, it may be appropriately guard against them.” Information Sharing and Analysis Centers (ISACs) to help combat cyber security threats and prob- 3. Neglecting to build community ties. When lem solve in the event of an attack. For example disaster strikes, it’s crucial to have good relation- following data breaches at large retailers such as ships with “people on the outside,” Bresland said. Target and Walmart where millions of personal For chemical companies, outreach is often in records were stolen, the retail industry took steps 63 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal

to create its own ISAC to ensure information done answering questions and promptly left sharing between retailers, law enforcement and while taking sips from a water bottle. “It was the other relevant stakeholders moving forward. middle of a disaster and he was unable to face the tough questions,” Bresland said. 4. Overlooking response requirements. Never Bresland will share some of these, and other, underestimate the time and resources required insights in his keynote address entitled Is your to get your operation back up and running fol- company and your community prepared for an lowing an incident. Businesses often fail to take unanticipated incident? at WCDM on June 8 at into account the loss of productivity that will 8:45 am. CBJ ensue when employees who are usually involved in productive work will be pulled away to deal For more information or to register for the with insurance claims, regulatory agencies and event, visit www.wcdm.org possible investigations by outside groups. “The bottom line is a single incident can suck the oxygen out of your company for a long time afterward,” Bresland said. “You’re going to need to rebuild your business and your reputation so it’s important to build the resources for that into your contingency plan.”

5. Being ill-prepared to deal with media. In order to respond effectively to media questions and a possible backlash arising from an incident, senior executives need to be well rehearsed. Outside consultants trained in crisis management often work with organizations to ensure managers are equipped to deal with the pressure. You don’t have to look far for examples of what not to do, Bresland said, pointing to the 2014 water crisis in West Virginia as an example. At a press conference to address his company’s role in the chemical spill that dis- rupted water service in nine counties, Freedom Industries’ then president announced he was Boostrapping

VS Funding

Is it a Generational Thing? By Mark Borkowski Boostrapping

VS Funding

Is it a Generational Thing? By Mark Borkowski 66 Bootstrapping vs Funding: Is it a Generational Thing?

Mark Borkowski Dominic Mazzone

Dominic Mazzone is a serial business concept. However, that has changed in entrepreneur, international speaker, this generation of venture capital, crowdfunding, author, and Canada’s digital guru. and everyone else looking to cash in on the next Through Smashbox Consulting he hot idea. Every time we speak with young entre- is constantly advising businesses on preneurs about their business ideas, more than dominating their industries through 50% of the time they tell us that their model is digital transformation. His book predicated on finding funding. When we ask what Digital or Death, has been read and a Plan B would look like without funding, the stut- chosen by some of the top business tering begins and dissolves into mumbling. leaders globally. Dominic is a constant Great funding can be fantastic for a great champion of entrepreneurship and concept and a great entrepreneur. What many is helping tomorrow’s leaders as an entrepreneurs don’t realize is that it can also be Executive-In-Residence at the Ivey a crutch, a de-motivator and sometimes even a School of Business. nightmare. Funding is not free money -- it’s fee money and all of that money can come with a BOOTSTRAPPING VS FUNDING was never a combination of debt, loss of equity, a partner you question that entrepreneurs had to ask. It was never wanted, and sometimes, just plain old fees. always bootstrapping no matter the size, stage, or Mazzone believes the following: 67 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal

Funding is not free money -- it’s fee money and all of that money can come with a combination of debt, loss of equity, a partner you never wanted, and sometimes, just plain old fees.

Funding Addicts: Is The that the real viable business models are going to Supply is Drying Up? start being separated from the fluffed up trash. This is not to mention whether or not you can actually get funding, because we are now coming out of what you might call a super cycle of Funding is Brilliant When funding. In fact, Pitchbook reported that their the Bootstrapping Was analysts see 2014 up to the beginning of 2015 as Brilliant a peak for the venture capital industry. Though There is something that comes with the numbers looked good, the second half of bootstrapping that can’t be replicated. Call it 2015 started a decline that could go well beyond experience, grit, drive, desire, tenacity, it really 2016. That’s concerning to say the least and doesn’t matter. Overall, it’s the experience with something all start-ups looking to raise capital the model and all of the know-how to be able to should pay attention to. This is also a clear sign take capital and create exponential results. A wise 68 Bootstrapping vs Funding: Is it a Generational Thing?

The seasoned entrepreneurs that have already built more than one business don’t look for funding as their first choice for launch or growth. If the experienced entrepreneurs aren’t counting on funding, the rookies should be paying attention. 69 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal

woman once said that money makes you more launch or growth. If the experienced entrepre- of who you already are. The same could be said neurs aren’t counting on funding, the rookies for business. Money can make a great business should be paying attention. model absolutely soar and conversely, it can take We hear everyone running around and talk- a bad one and eventually expose all its issues. It’s ing about the Lean Start-up Model as if it was important to note that rarely does money fix a something new. Conceptually it’s not, as this has bad business model and that’s why the smart and always been the natural course of the knowledge- steady money bets on recognizable stability vs able and common sense entrepreneur from a hope. Funding a great business model and team generation past. Lastly, we believe that some of that has shown a potential to generate cash flow the best innovation comes from a lack of funding. and growth on a consistent basis, is the differ- We believe it, and spoke about it at length in the ence between fledging and flying. article, “Is Money an Innovation Killer?” So take the time, push like hell, flush out your model properly and proof it out before thinking How Seasoned about funding. You just might find that you end up Entrepreneurs Launch with a more honed business model as a result of It’s easy. Take an idea, work on it night and day all that bootstrapping, and probably more owner- and absolutely bootstrap the heck out of it until ship of your own company. CBJ it shows promise. Then, keep hammering at it without funding until it gets to a point where they Dominic Mazzone can be reached at know the money will actually make a difference. www.smashboxconsulting.com In fact, we continually see more seasoned entrepreneurs going down this route even though they Mark Borkowski is president of Mercantile have access to money. Why? Mergers & Acquisitions Corporation. Mercantile • They’ve learned that it all comes with a price. is a mid market M&A brokerage firm. Contact: • They’ve learned that if the model can’t stand www.mercantilemergersacquisitions.com on it’s own, it probably won’t do much better with an injection of capital. • They know what it’s like to take something from nothing, bring on funding too early and get too diluted. Let’s repeat that. The seasoned entrepreneurs that have already built more than one business don’t look for funding as their first choice for Sweet Business Strategy Manitoba Honey Farm Develops First-of-its-Kind ‘Smart’ Beehive Sweet Business Strategy Manitoba Honey Farm Develops First-of-its-Kind ‘Smart’ Beehive 72 Manitoba Honey Farm Develops First-of-its-Kind ‘Smart’ Beehive

The Canadian beekeeping industry statistics, and the amount and type of food is abuzz with news that Manitoba (pollen) entering the hive. The data will then researchers have found a way to be communicated to record-keeping software ‘see’ inside beehives without lifting developed by Function Four to estimate the their lids, giving honey producers a amount of honey produced and alert beekeepers leg up in the face of lower-priced as to optimal harvest times. The sensors will also international honey supplies and the be programmed to serve as an early-warning need to comply with emerging farm- system to guard against harmful mite infesta- to-table legislation. tions, vandalism or wildlife damage, and will collect data related to food-handling activities. DEVELOPED BY DAUPHIN-BASED Durston “The sensors are unique in that they provide Honey Farms in partnership with Winnipeg soft- a level of detail that to date has not been able ware firm Function Four and a team of Mitacs to be attained,” said Professor Shafai, whose researchers led by Professor Cyrus Shafai at the cutting-edge research is funded by Mitacs, a University of Manitoba, the first-of-its-kind apiary national not-for-profit organization dedicated to management system relies on specialized sen- building research-based partnerships to create a sors placed directly inside beehives. Using RFID more innovative Canada. “This ground-breaking technology, the sensors relay vital information system is taking the business of maintaining bee- needed to make better decisions about honey keeping records to new levels.” harvesting and hive management, ultimately Campbell predicts the ‘smart’ beehive technol- improving honey production efficiency. ogy will give Durston Honey Farms a competitive “Right now the only way to inspect bees is advantage by allowing the company to more effi- to open the lid, puff smoke in and take the hive ciently deploy field staff, take preventative action apart to examine it,” explained Allan Campbell, against colony collapse and easily comply with head apiarist at Durston Honey Farms, one of emerging food safety standards. The software is Manitoba’s largest honey producers with 3,500 accessible in the field using iPads and in the office hives located throughout the province as well using a web browser, meaning employees will as in the Fraser and Okanagan Valleys of British always have access to real-time data. Columbia. “Once these new sensors are installed, “Whenever we send out a crew with equip- we’ll get a virtual look at what’s going on inside ment it comes at a cost and if we find the hives from several kilometres away,” he said. aren’t making honey as we thought they were, Scheduled to roll out this summer, the we’ve wasted resources,” he explained “When sensors will collect information such as hive these high-tech sensors pick up a heavier weight temperature and weight, bee population on the scale or detect more foraging activity, we 73 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal

Sensors will collect information such as hive temperature and weight, bee population statistics, and the amount and type of food (pollen) entering the hive. 74 Manitoba Honey Farm Develops First-of-its-Kind ‘Smart’ Beehive

Canadian beekeepers face stiff competition from low-priced imported honey which is often diluted with corn or rice syrup.

will know where to find a full honey load and can the age of a queen, how long she has been in a keep our harvesting costs down.” hive and how productive she is,” he said. For a bee farm that is as large and mobile as According to the Canadian Honey Council, Durston Honey Farms, the technology is also key there are approximately 7,000 beekeepers in to monitoring hive health, which relies mainly Canada operating a collective total of 600,000 on the activity of the queen bee. “Right now if hives and producing 75 million pounds of you asked me about the voyage of a single hive honey annually, two-thirds of which is pro- throughout it’s movement in a year I wouldn’t be duced in the Prairies. able to tell you. With this new data, we’ll be able In addition to challenges of hive health and to track everything about a hive right down to high production costs, Canadian beekeepers 75 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal

“Canada is said to have one of the safest food chains in the world but that’s being threatened by lower-quality imports,” he said. “Canadian producers are held to a high standard and we’re losing out to competitors who aren’t held to the same standards.” The pioneering apiary management system being developed by Mitacs researchers and Function Four will help by lowering the cost of compliance. For example, a simple, ques- tionnaire-based app on the iPad will prompt beekeepers to answer specific food handling questions about each hive and yard. Compliance reports for each biosecurity and food traceability standard are then automatically generated. “Working with university researchers on this project has enabled us to expand our business expertise into a new market and deliver innova- tions that best suit the needs of farmers,” said Bruce Hardy, CEO of Function Four. Ultimately, Campbell expects to track with unparalleled certainty which boxes came from Canadian beekeepers face stiff competition from low-priced imported honey which is often diluted with corn or rice syrup. which hives, which treatments have ever been applied, the date the honey came through the face stiff competition from low-priced imported extraction room and the small batch it entered. honey which Campbell said is often diluted with “This technology is putting our company ahead corn or rice syrup. At the same time, Canadian of the farm-to-fork curve,” Campbell said. honey producers are under increased pressure “Ultimately our goal is to be able to tell consum- to comply with emerging food traceability stan- ers ‘This honey came from hive number 457 at dards, such as the federal government’s Hazard this precise location and the name of the queen Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) and Safe is Carrie.’” CBJ Foods for Canadians Act, all of which comes at a cost and puts them at a disadvantage when competing with imports, Campbell explained. BUSINESS IN ACTION BUSINESS IN ACTION STYLE CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT LTD Organization – Coordination – Execution ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN STYLE CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT LTD Organization – Coordination – Execution 80 ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN » Style Construction Management Ltd

Excellent client service is habitually AS THE PRESIDENT of Style Construction, Chris the hallmark of success in the Sloan disburses a substantial quantum of time professional world of interior networking with existing and potential clients in design. It’s that unwavering addition to attending numerous industry trade commitment, combined with shows, conventions and symposiums, as well as outstanding creative workmanship luncheons and business dinners. and genuine passion, which In associating with corporate clients from has guided Toronto-based Style both the commercial and industrial sectors, Construction Management Ltd Sloan often observes many similarities between to the pinnacle of the industry the two entities as it relates to interior design as a full-service construction patterns. If one were to believe many reading management firm for more than materials, including what’s available on websites 35 years. and newsletters, it would be effortless to surmise 81 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal 82 ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN » Style Construction Management Ltd

Chris Sloan, President Zenon Moucessian, Project Manager

“Truthfully I find most of our “Truthfully I find most of our clients are still clients are still quite traditional. quite traditional. The executives still have their The executives still have their offices and the workers still have cubicles and offices and the workers still open areas,” Sloan says. have cubicles and open areas.” In addition to the customary, established boardrooms, Sloan has observed that there – Chris Sloan, President, seems to be more of a cornerstone on the devel- Style Construction opment of smaller breakout rooms where people can take a phone call or meet in more intimate, targeted groups. that there is a heavy focus on the open office “People still like their private offices and space concept, but Sloan believes traditional val- I don’t think that’s going away anytime soon ues still account for the majority of what clients regardless of what all the fancy designers like to ultimately want to see in their offices. put out there,” he says. 83 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal

Expert Advice Oftentimes clients will seek out Sloan’s advice or ON SIGHT DESIGN his opinion on what direction their new design should take, but it truly comes down to the individual’s preference and the image they want We work with clients of all types and have to portray to the public and their employees. In experience with spaces designing office space for clients there always LARGE & small must be consistency and uniformity. In addition Since 2007 we have been to offices and open space, the smaller breakout helping companies improve areas offer the option of having private con- their corporate image and employee moral through versations without interruption if working on a the design of their work particularly challenging task that requires ancil- environments. A well designed workplace is a lary concentration. happy workplace. Working closely with both industrial and We are BCIN registered and members of the commercial clients, Sloan says there are far Association of Registered Interior Designers more synergies than someone on the outside of Ontario (ARIDO) might imagine with few tangible core differences separating the two. From Style Construction’s perspective they follow the same procedures the need to respect the workplace of others. It’s with a need to hire a designer, the electrical and essential to be as quiet as possible so as not to mechanical engineers and acquire all the neces- disturb any of the neighbouring business tenants sary work permits for construction. within the confines of the building. “Whether you are working in an office building downtown with no warehouse space or an industrial building, everyone still wants a nice Each Project is Unique office space,” he remarks. “Even in a big industrial During more than three decades in operation, building you’ll have your warehousing and rack- Style Construction has taken on countless proj- ing out back but in the front where the offices ects ranging from modernizing centuries-old are located people want a nice environment so buildings to providing a first identity for brand the look is often quite similar.” new buildings. It’s a labour of love regardless of One of the more notable fundamental chal- the task at hand with each project presenting dif- lenges in working within the downtown core ferent challenges and opportunities. has far less to do with procedures and the con- “Certainly going into a brand new building struction design but rather it’s far more about means that you are starting with a clean sheet 84 ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN » Style Construction Management Ltd

Natalia Veiga, Project Manager Jim Horvath, Site Supervisor

and generally with new modern systems as well. to that are the tenants themselves, who is looking You’ve got better air conditioning and electrical to evoke the culture of their specific enterprise systems and better layout for plumbing and that and what they are trying to espouse to the public. sort of thing,” Sloan says. “That makes it easier to It means the employees at Style Construction work with because you don’t have any surprises devote a tremendous amount of time in getting to behind any of the walls or any old rotten bits know all of their clients exceptionally well before that need to be retrofitted. However, sometimes the actual design process gets under way. working in an older building you have more “It’s one of my biggest focuses and one of character, such as brick walls and old-fashioned my biggest selling points,” Sloan confirms. “I take doors or hardware, depending on how much the time to really get to know a client well before money the previous tenant put into it.” doing anything. I want to know what their goals Each different edifice and the corporate are and what image they’re trying to project in offices within them have their own unique their space and the environment they want to characteristics and personality traits. In addition create for their employees.” 85 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal

“I take the time to really get to 6790 Kitimat Rd. Unit 1 Mississauga, ON L5N 5L9 know a client well before doing E: [email protected] anything. I want to know what T: 905.997.8834 their goals are and what image Trusted Electrical & Datacom Solutions they’re trying to project in their servicing the Commercial & Industrial sector. Expect the BEST service space and the environment & installation on every job, big or small. they want to create for their • Complete electrical building lighting, power, electrical rooms employees.” • Custom boardroom systems including floor monuments, projectors, sliding dividing walls • Lutron, Crestron & Nlight lighting systems – Chris Sloan • LED & T5 Building & warehouse Retrofits • Lighting Retrofit Financing – don’t pay any upfront costs of the new lighting retrofits & labour but reap the benefits of the new, brighter lighting system. After As any expert interior designer would agree, a short period you will also reap the energy costs associated with energy efficient lighting while helping office space should be much more than the protect our planet • Complete office electrical buildouts area where employees sit and do their work • Complete Data/Voice cabling solutions • Fiber Optic Installations every day; it should be a direct reflection and • Fire Alarm System service & upgrades • Standby Generator Installations extension of the company’s personality and • ESA licensed contractor • Engineering services culture. By developing a close and trusting working relationship with his clients and looking out for their best interests, Sloan is never shy the design drawings are completed and approved about recommending changes that will enhance is when Sloan brings in one of his project efficiencies and employee productivity. managers to handle the daily progression. It’s a “I’m trying to save them money and make slow integration by choice, with Sloan ensuring their workspace more efficient, which will benefit the client and project manager are comfortable them in the long run. Nobody gets offended. It’s with one another before handing over the reins more a matter of having their eyes opened and for the construction phase. they are often very appreciative,” Sloan says. “I’m always available to talk and correspond At Style Construction there are several with the clients but in terms of running the project essential phases in dealing with the client: the I typically hand that off once we have the draw- predesign, the design and construction and post- ings completed,” he says. maintenance. Sloan channels most of his energies towards business development; meeting clients, establishing new relationships and telling them New Website how the process is going to unfold from start to Nothing speaks to a company’s success more finish. Once the project reaches the stage where than a solid portfolio and well-written referral 86 ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN » Style Construction Management Ltd 87 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal

endorsements from satisfied clients. With business becoming more competitive each and every Resource day, Sloan recognizes he must always develop Interiors Inc. innovative ways to promote the company’s services to remain at the forefront. To that end, Commercial Flooring Style Construction has just rebranded its corporate Services website with a wonderful new aesthetic look and navigation, where visitors to the site can read many WE DO WHAT of those referrals along with viewing numerous WE SAY high-resolution photographs that outline the amazing creative craftsmanship in some of Style Construction’s completed office projects.

“We’ve redone our marketing materials and 50 Northline Road Toronto, Ontario M4B 3E2 have some new brochures and have updated T: 476.750.7443 the look and feel. The new website has lots of great pictures and quotes from satisfied clients,” ResourceResourceResourceResource Sloan proudly mentions. “We’re breathing a lot of colour and life into the new site. It was just time for a fresh look.” parts of Canada. However, Sloan makes it abun- Through word of mouth from their many dantly clear that he genuinely prefers to keep his satisfied clients – as well as their expansive proven client base confined to the GTA for one simple, portfolio – Style Construction receives requests albeit very poignant reason: he wants to be nearby for their professional services from far beyond the to ensure the project is being properly managed Greater Toronto Area, oftentimes from Toronto- first-hand from start to finish. area companies that also have a presence in other “We pretty much stick to any job that is within a reasonable drive, which would be Burlington to “The new website has lots of the west and Oshawa to the east and Newmarket great pictures and quotes from to the north,” he says. satisfied clients. We’re breathing As the company continues to expand, Sloan a lot of colour and life into the felt it was the right time to hire a new site supervi- new site. It was just time for a sor this year. fresh look.” “He’s our on-site eyes and ears which saves me and my project managers a lot of time on – Chris Sloan the road,” he says. 88 ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN » Style Construction Management Ltd 89 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal

Previously the project manager would have to visit the site on a daily basis, which meant Sloan and his project managers were spending a lot of hours in the car while the office workload continued to pile up. The addition of the site supervisor has freed up others’ time, allowing them to take care of the important administra- tive tasks in the office. As with any industry there are always rules and regulations to follow, but Sloan doesn’t find any of them particularly onerous to deal with when it comes to interior design. Although government directives tend to be rather cum- bersome, the intent is good, and that is the important prevailing factor, including improvements to workplace safety.

Sustainability With each passing day there is a more press- ing mandate for companies to adhere to stricter guidelines to ensure that the impact on the environment is always kept front of mind. Manufacturers have been ahead of the curve for quite some time, which means the ability to purchase top-quality sustainable products such as carpets, paints, drywall and doors is never an obstacle. LEED certification is still not widely embraced by many companies due to the prohibitive associated costs, but Sloan says many still want to build to that standard and be as sustainable as possible without going for the actual certification, which is where all the costs come in with the proper 90 ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN » Style Construction Management Ltd

documentation and consultants filling out all the beautiful office space with lots of glass and fancy paperwork, verifying certification standards have sliding doors with this new aluminum framing been met. system with nice carpeting and ceiling tile Within the past year, Style Construction has finishes and new lighting. They went with all LED worked on a number of interesting projects. lighting, which looks really great. We have lots of “We did an IT company out in Burlington pictures from that project on our new website,” last year and took it from what used to be an Sloan says. industrial space where they were manufacturing Another recently completed project that food additive products. It was a dirty old Sloan and his team are exceptionally happy with warehouse full of machinery. We cleaned it all up is Radiation Solutions, a company that makes and created about 7,000 to 8,000 square feet of radiation detectors that you’d see at shipping 91 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal

“Our bread and butter is in the 2,000 to 15,000-square foot range. Occasionally we get a couple of nice marquee projects each year that are bigger and fancier, and I would like to have a few more of those each year and do more work for landlords.”

– Chris Sloan

manufacturing space for their product. It’s one of those jobs where everything worked really well. The client was happy and we were happy.” The success at Style Construction is evident in the work they have done and the work they continue to do. It is Sloan’s hope that his company will add one or two more employees within the next year or two while also securing a few more of the larger projects they’ve occasionally undertaken to date. “Our bread and butter is in the 2,000 to depots and airports. This was a repeat client for 15,000-square foot range. Occasionally we get a Style Construction, which had previously spear- couple of nice marquee projects each year that headed the interior design of their offices about six are bigger and fancier, and I would like to have a years earlier. few more of those each year and do more work “We just built out about 20,000 square-feet for landlords. Traditionally I’ve always gotten my of office space for them including a big research business from real estate brokers but over the past and development area and a testing area with year I’ve really been working hard at developing anti-static epoxy floors and all new LED lighting. It relationships with some of the larger landlords and was a great project,” Sloan says. “We had a client it’s starting to bear fruit.” CBJ who knew what they wanted and had the money to spend on great office space for their staff and www.styleconstruction.ca MONCUR DESIGN ASSOCIATES INC. Over 20 Years Designing Exquisite Hospitality Spaces ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

MONCUR DESIGN ASSOCIATES INC. Over 20 Years Designing Exquisite Hospitality Spaces 94 ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN » Moncur Design Associates

Robynne Moncur founded Moncur OVER THE YEARS, the company has been Design Associates Inc. (MDAI) in 1992 involved in both new build construction and with the belief that hospitality spaces renovations of large and small projects for indi- could be beautifully designed and vidual owners, including large corporations exquisitely crafted, and still remain across North America. Some of its clients include within budget and on schedule. Davidson Hotels & Resorts, the King Edward The company designs spaces Hotel, Caesar’s Windsor, Fallsview Casino Resort to be stylistically versatile. Each and the Redstone Winery. The Canadian Business project marries the client’s unique Journal recently spoke with President and requirements with the imaginative Principal Robynne Moncur about the company’s insight of the design team. It is unique design philosophy and what puts MDAI dedicated to the subtle balance ahead of the competition. between function, beauty and superior quality. As a privately owned company, MDAI meets the needs Unique and Responsible of the hospitality design industry, Interior Design developing well-conceived interiors in MDAI’s design philosophy doesn’t follow a a professional manner. particular look—and that’s the point. Moncur 95 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal 96 ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN » Moncur Design Associates 97 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal

explains that each project has a unique set of requirements and clients hire her design team to provide something that is unique to the client’s property. “There are some hospitality designers that have a certain look,” she says. “I try to the do the opposite of that.” While the company strives to design unique projects every time, of equal importance is what Moncur calls responsible design. She describes responsible design as a combination of elements which result in world-class interior design. “I think it’s very important that design is responsible—not only financially viable— but it needs to meet the client’s budget and their time constraints,” she explains. “Anybody can get it right if you keep throwing money at it. The idea is to do the best job for the client within their budget and answer 98 ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN » Moncur Design Associates 99 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal

whatever design criteria that they put forward.” “Responsible design is also a product that looks good, but will also perform. It may look great the day it opens, but if it doesn’t look just as great three years down the road, you haven’t designed responsibly. Sustainability comes into that—green choices—that’s all what I consider to be responsible,” she adds. In fact, time and budget limitations don’t thwart creativity, Moncur says — they fuel it. “Being on time and on budget is very important. To me, within a limited timeframe and a limited budget, it is the creative person that really answers all of those questions and gets it right the first time.” Moncur says she draws inspiration from many sources, especially Europe. “I read every design magazine you can possible imagine. I attend many different design shows. The shows in London and Milan; the furniture shows. The flooring show, the lighting shows in Italy as well. I make a point of keeping on top of the industry. And I guess what makes me a little bit different is that I love the business of design. I love the business of hospital design and how hotel and restaurants operate and how they make their money.”

Interior Design with Subtle Storylines For each project, the design team conducts thorough research, collecting information from the client. This includes what the client is looking for, what they want to achieve and who the end user is. This process then allows the design 100 ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN » Moncur Design Associates

team to create a storyline and proceed accord- and they want to delve into it, it is possible,” she ingly. For example, the interior design of Marriot says. “So it’s that interest without it being kitschy in St. Kitts was inspired by culture of liming, that we like to weave into our design.” basically relaxed cocktail culture, Moncur says. In designing the interior of the King Edward “Everything relates to the story — but it’s not a Hotel, Moncur elaborated on the company’s match set. If anyone wants to know the story design vision. She wanted to maintain the 101 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal

Close Attention to Detail While the interior design industry requires immense creativity, attention to detail is an essential quality. “I work with a lot of different people who say that once the designer has completed the design work, they never hear from or see them again. Whereas with us, literally when the hotel is opening, it’s myself and a couple others who are running around and straightening the flowers.” “I have been told many, many times by clients that they are amazed that we never miss a date,” Moncur continues. “If I tell them they are going to have such and such on such a date, they do. Full stop. We don’t miss deadlines and we do what we say we’re going to do when we say we’re going to do it. Within their budget. I know it sounds like a simple formula, but it doesn’t happen a lot.”

Constantly Striving for Excellence “I’m always trying to improve the caliber of the work we’re doing. And when I say caliber, it’s not necessary bigger projects, it’s more interesting projects, maybe a little more unusual,” Moncur says. “I really love getting a new client; to me, it’s an exciting prospect. I like interesting projects, small boutique hotels, individual restaurants, hotel’s classic feel, but add modern touches and grab-and-go outlets, they can all be exciting upgraded amenities. She says there is a ten- projects. So it’s the caliber of the project that I’m dency to to put a modern face on a property always trying to improve.” CBJ when doing a full renovation. “But rather than masking the character, you should embrace it — www.moncur.ca that’s where the interest lies.” TalentNet Inc. SERVICES

A Uniquely Innovative Staffing TalentNet Inc. and Recruitment Company 104 SERVICES » TalentNet Inc.

In the recruiting and staffing TORONTO-BASED TALENTNET INC. provides business, the ability to represent leading organizations with this boutique ser- industry leaders in highly competitive vice. Founded in 2013, it helps companies use marketplaces depend on quick their brand to attract and retain high-quality access to the most talented contingent labour, while reducing cost and candidates at the lowest possible risk. The company employs some of the most cost. According to a recent Forbes innovative thought-leaders in the contingent article, boutique staffing firms are at workforce today, including former corporate a competitive advantage because and procurement executives and management they have a more focused client base consultants, solution developers and tech- and more time to invest in finding the nologists to develop answers to recruiting and ideal candidate. These specialized staffing challenges. companies pay more individual A proudly certified Women’s Business attention to filling the position and Enterprise, TalentNet offers world-class pro- have access to a large talent base to fessional payroll, self-sourcing alumni, and select the most qualified candidates. redeployment solutions. It successfully began 105 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal

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President and Co-founder, Amber Prothero 107 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal

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The company’s contingent labour force provides clients with a database of candi- database is an exclusive community of dates that are already familiar with the client’s candidates which a client can access to fill environment, tools and technology, and it is positions. As Prothero says, a banking client, applicable to large organizations that are look- for example, would have their branding on a ing to hire contingent workers regularly. “We particular database. Then as part of its services help provide that platform to better enable either TalentNet or the client manages the them to source this expert talent, to bring them database with its “self-sourcing programs.” back into the organization,” Prothero says. “If our clients have recruitment capabili- ties, they are given access to this community. Otherwise, we provide a recruitment team to A True Strategic Partner our clients,” she says. “These teams and this The company’s vision is to set a new standard of database are 100% propriety to our client. excellence in the contingent labour marketplace There’s no crossover to other industries, or by leading innovation, encouraging transforma- other teams.” tional thinking and exemplifying superior client TalentNet’s private talent community partnership. It serves as a true strategic partner 108 SERVICES » TalentNet Inc. 109 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal

to its clients. As a result, this empowers clients to build stronger relationships with their contingent labour workforce while decreasing talent acquisition costs. And where conflicts of interest hinder larger companies, Prothero says the company elimi- nates that risk with its channel exclusivity. This approach allows TalentNet to serve as its clients’ strategic partner. “We offer channel exclusivity to our clients, which means we choose one market leader in every industry to work with as our client. So we would have, for example, only one banking client. That client would be able to look at us as truly a strategic partner giving us the privilege of working side by side to build stronger, more robust programs over time and serving as brand ambassadors helping to grow their business. There would be no fear of us working with their competition or using their brand- attracted candidates in another institution.”

First-Rate Service and Technology As an enterprise-class private talent community, clients can integrate, capture, organize and access worker data from their VMS, ATS or other workforce management systems. The company’s white-glove managed services allows clients self-sourced workforce to access new opportunities, while end users can evaluate available workers based on skills and experience, location and previous history providing services to the organization. 110 SERVICES » TalentNet Inc.

The company has become successful quickly those two key components that has lead to our because, as Prothero explains, it has contributed success. We have really scalable services as well, disruptive innovation to the industry, and pro- so our solution is applicable to very large organi- vides first-rate service and technology. “We have zations with a global footprint.” combined an industry first technology with an “We offer a service that has never been offered industry first service. And it is the combination of in the market before,” she adds. “It’s truly proving 111 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal

to be the next evolution in the staffing industry. and services, including independent contractor We are revolutionizing the way companies buy (IC) compliance, diversity and niche supplier contingent labour services by helping those com- enablement (sub-vendoring) and CWM panies monetize their data—and access it in a consulting and advisory. CBJ much easier way, at a reduced cost.” TalentNet also offers additional products www.talentnet.com ENERGOLD DRILLING CORPORATION “A World-Class, Fully Integrated Drilling Company” ENERGY & RESOURCES

ENERGOLD DRILLING CORPORATION “A World-Class, Fully Integrated Drilling Company” 114 ENERGY & RESOURCES » Energold Drilling Corporation

The energy industry is not any approach to drilling, they operate over 230 rigs in different than most commodity- 22 countries worldwide and provide a compre- based industries and drilling services hensive range of drilling services from early stage have always been classified as highly exploration to mine site operations. Energold is skilled. The people with the skills one of the largest drilling service companies in and expertise to operate drilling the mineral and exploration sector. equipment continue to be in high Energold was incorporated in 1973 as demand, as drilling companies Windflower Mining Ltd. and began as an explo- are the first on the scene when ration company by Frederick W. Davidson, companies decide to start exploring. President, CEO and Director. Davidson received his MBA from the University of British Columbia ENERGOLD DRILLING CORPORATION is a in 1970 and his Chartered Accounting designa- leading global specialty drilling company that tion in 1971. He is a member of the Canadian services the mining and energy sectors in the Institute of Chartered Accountants. Davidson Americas, Africa and Asia. Internationally rec- reorganized Windflower Mining in 1994, with a ognized for their social and environmental portfolio of properties located in the Dominican 115 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal

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Republic, part of the divestiture from TOTAL, at a minimal environmental footprint. Energold’s which time the corporate name was changed to frontier drills can be broken down into com- Energold Mining Ltd. and in 2005, was named ponents and easily mobilized with the heaviest Energold Drilling Corp. component weighing in at only 400 pounds, In the process of bootstrapping its own versus the conventional rigs that typically weigh projects with proceeds of contracting these drills easily more than two tonnes. out for local mining peers, Davidson realized significant growth in a niche market, previously overlooked. As exploration programs in remote Becoming the leader in locations with limited infrastructure and access frontier drilling to heavily forested properties was increasing, Jerry Huang, Manager, Investor Relations, joined more companies were forced to look at the Energold in 2011 and has over 10 years of experi- uncharted frontiers. Existing mineral drilling ence in financial services and banking experience technologies and services available in the market within the natural resource sector with a focus were inadequate and the industry needed a drill- in client advisory, negotiation tactics, financial ing rig that was highly mobile and would leave markets and risk management. 116 ENERGY & RESOURCES » Energold Drilling Corporation

“In its early beginnings as Energold Mining maintain high productivity. “It was a challenge Corp., a junior gold exploration company with convincing potential customers to use Energold projects in Dominican Republic, manage- rigs initially,” says Huang. “Compared to the norm ment purchased an underground rig hoping to of one and two storey tall brightly coloured and use it long term on their project,” says Huang. largely immobile rigs, Energold rigs were modu- “Unfortunately, the project was not success- lar, a fraction of the height and did not need ful, however, it provided Energold with plenty of road permitting or clear cutting of trees to make experience to adapt for surface drilling equip- space for operation.” ment traditionally used underground.” Once clients started to try the drills out, Energold started marketing these drill rigs they were instantly convinced that this sur- actively to mining companies. “As opposed to passed conventional rigs. “Our rigs and work automating the rigs, Energold relies on manual ethics have positioned Energold as the leader in labour and simple design with the philosophy frontier drilling as we offer more effective por- that anything should be easily replaceable to table drill solutions with minimal impact to the 117 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal

environment, providing tangible benefits to local company that serves the energy sector. societies through job offerings and training. This In 2012, Energold was awarded as the was the first phase of a multi-year strategy for “Most Innovative Company in British Columbia”. growth,” says Huang. Energold also won the Ernst and Young “Entrepreneur of the Year Award” in the Mining and Metals category and was named “Canadian Combining global Innovators at Work Series” in 2014 by The Globe presence with local and Mail Inventor Series among a myriad of other knowledge accolades in the industry. Energold continues to Energold quickly capitalized on the opportu- look at new growth markets and remains versa- nity to differentiate itself, and went from being tile in expansion plans. an exploration company to a mineral drilling services entity. Since 2011, as part of their long- term strategic plan, the company aggressively Capturing the expanded the business from minerals alone into highest standards of energy and water drilling on a global scale. This craftsmanship and expansion included an increase from three rigs in quality service early 2006 to over 246 rigs operating in over 25 “Service and commitment to our customer is countries worldwide today. something that comes straight from the top “We combine our global presence with and our CEO leads by example day to day,” says intimate local knowledge through our extensive Huang. “A client’s success on a project if they local crews to ensure your project is a success,” discover the next gold belt means we will likely says Huang. “Energold is a global drilling group extend our drill job with them, making it a win- with focus on efficiency, value to our clients, win vested relationship.” minimizing impact on the environments and By providing high quality service and pro- bringing social benefits to the areas we work in. ductivity, clients get results faster which could We focus on hiring and training locals to leave a potentially help them raise capital for further lasting benefit in the frontier African and devel- development. “With our knowledge of rig design oping countries we work in.” and product feedbacks from both customers Energold owns and operates a parts manu- and our own experiences in the field, our ser- facturer in Chihuahua, Mexico and a design vice and products capture the highest standards and assembly facility in Little Hampton, United of craftsmanship and quality that is necessary Kingdom. In 2011, Energold acquired Bertram when working in barren frontier projects,” says Drilling Corp., a diversified specialty drilling Huang. 118 ENERGY & RESOURCES » Energold Drilling Corporation

The demand for the drilling and exploration Providing a positive business exceeds $11 billion globally as noted social and environmental by Mineral Economics Group (SNL), 2014. This impact in global figure is down nearly $21B from the period of communities 2011-2012. With increasing resource nationalism and disinter- “We anticipate this number to drift around this est in foreign companies that do not bring value level until an external shock such as an increase to locals, more mining companies are finding it in commodity prices or shortage of acquisition necessary to work with contractors that under- targets for majors start to hit their resource base,” stand local culture and have good reputation of says Huang. “Keep in mind this figure isn’t just providing jobs and training to locals. Energold has drilling expenditures but also entails consulting a tremendous advantage, as their philanthropic costs, engineering costs, and more.” approach is recognized on a global level. 119 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal

“We saw the need to employ local person- of Energold’s customers, providing them with a nel and work to establish strong and meaningful more lasting cooperative environment. relationships in the communities in which it “We have a driller academy set up in the conducts its business,” says Huang. “Energold is Philippines where we train our drillers and pro- a leading corporate citizen amongst our peers. vide them with a mechanical training that is a Our entire business model revolves around our lifelong skill, and a full HR policy for cross train- mobile drilling rigs which relies on the intimate ing drillers in different operations and graduating knowledge our local workers have of the land- them to drill supervisors and eventual managers,” scape and access of the local area.” says Huang. “Drilling takes years to perfect, fortu- Energold provides significant social benefit to nately our rigs are designed to be user friendly the communities they work in. This approach has and take less than half the time to learn on, com- helped build support for the corporate initiatives pared to conventional rigs.” 120 ENERGY & RESOURCES » Energold Drilling Corporation 121 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal

impoverished communities lacking water supply. The holes were drilled to depths of over 80m installed with hand pumps. While mining continues to be a challenging industry, Energold is striving to diversify its business and does so successfully with manufacturing drill rig products catering to water drilling, geotechnical drilling, and geothermal renewable energy businesses. “Service and commitment to our customer is something that comes straight from the top and our CEO leads by example day to day,” says Huang. “A client’s success on a project if they discover the next gold belt means we will likely extend our drill job with them, making it a win- win vested relationship.” Energold’s most important asset and its strategic advantage is its people. Their global team On any given project around the world, sets them apart from the competition. Their Energold employs between 15-25 local labourers success means they are growing rapidly in many or ‘drill helpers’ to assist with projects. Engerold’s different drilling markets, by application and geo- corporate social responsibility objectives include a graphic region: In mineral exploration drilling: joint initiative with a major mining company. coring and RC; in energy: oil sands coring, seis- “Our Haiti Bridge Project was completed mic shot-hole and geothermal drilling; as well as in coalition with Newmont Mining Corp.,” says manufacturing at our plants in the UK and Mexico. Huang. “The community had limited transporta- Proudly a Canadian company, Energold is tion access to the other side of the river. Energold headquartered in Vancouver, BC, and is publicly decided to step in and donate the material to build traded on the Toronto Venture Stock Exchange the towers for the bridge, the main cable anchors, under the symbol EGD. CBJ and the time to drill and install the anchors.” This project provided a direct benefit to the local www.energold.com community in terms of employment and infrastructure development. Energold also donated four water wells in the state of Chihuahua across SOLO GI NUTRITION “A Different Way of Thinking about Food” FOOD & BEVERAGE

SOLO GI NUTRITION “A Different Way of Thinking about Food” 124 FOOD & BEVERAGE » SoLo GI Nutrition

Are you ready to be part of a healthier slow-carb revolution?

LEADING THE CHARGE is an innovative company from Vancouver called SoLo GI Nutrition, which is gaining widespread notoriety for its efforts to promote a healthy consumer shift towards better eating and exercise habits, enhanced by nutrient content. Saul Katz, Founder and CEO of SoLo GI Nutrition is on a mission to educate the public about the benefits of blood sugar management through food and exercise. As a food industry visionary, he is promoting a consumer shift to consider the blood sugar impact as well as the nutritional content, when selecting a food or beverage. “After 30 years in functional food research and development, I have come to the conclusion Saul Katz that a simple, yet fundamental shift is needed to help address “Diabesity” and the energy shortfall,” says Katz. “As an industry, we need to develop physiological spike, crash and crave. food products to help consumers keep their Because blood sugar management is key blood sugar and insulin levels in check.” to weight management, sustaining energy and At the forefront of the blood sugar manage- living vitally, since its introduction, the low gly- ment movement, SoLo’s low glycemic product cemic and gluten-free line of SoLo GI® Energy formulations are disruptive by design to the Bars has been embraced by consumers, health snacks and energy bars that are contributing to professionals, research scientists, sports teams the interlinked epidemics of obesity, diabetes and and Olympians. the human energy deficit. SoLo recently won silver for the 2014 Alive High in protein, fiber and slow-release carbs, Consumer Choice Award – Best Fitness and SoLo GI® Bar is the ideal snack to bridge the Weight Management product in Canada. between-meal-gap, providing nutrients, promot- “We’re proud of being recognized by con- ing satiety and sustaining energy without the sumers for developing a superior product,” says 125 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal

Saul Katz with Chantel Popoff, Director of Marketing, SoLo GI Nutrition, Canadian Health Food Show, April 2013

Katz. “It’s also quite an accomplishment being Twenty Years of Science named finalist in the top product awards in Covered in Yogurt and Canada, out of the gate.” Chocolate SoLo was a finalist in the Retail Council of SoLo GI® Energy Bars represent the platinum Canada, “Grand Prix Award” for Best Snack in level of science in the food industry. SoLo GI Canada and the Rogers Media “Product of the Nutrition was created by Katz’s drive from his Year Award” for the Best Energy and Nutrition Bar. passion and commitment to undo the damage 126 FOOD & BEVERAGE » SoLo GI Nutrition

Alive Magazine Consumer Award Dinner, January 22, 2015; President Ryan Benn and Account Manager Karla Gursche, Alive Publishing Group; SoLo GI Bar awarded the 2014 Silver Consumer Award for the Best Fitness and Weight Management product in Canada.

being caused by the modern diet and lifestyle. research and development company to “raise “At the age of 40 I was at the top of my the bar” in the food industry, developing foods professional career,” says Katz. “I had two law to promote health, prevent disease and enhance degrees and was General Counsel and Vice performance. His work was made possible President of the Triple Five Group of companies, through a joint venture with the University developers of West Edmonton Mall and Mall of of Alberta Hospitals and Industrial Research America. I was deeply inspired to leave my life Assistance Program grants from the National legacy and to help humanity.” Research Council of Canada. In 1993, Katz established a functional food In working with the country’s top health 127 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal

professionals and food scientists, Katz and his RBC Dominion Securities Inc. team understood that too many foods today contain processed carbohydrates that are rapidly Your Future digested and spike blood sugar and insulin lev- s In ood ands els prematurely. This process can contribute to I G H insulin resistance, obesity, type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease as well as poor productivity and At the Hymers Wealth Management Group of RBC Dominion Securities, we’re focused on people energy. like you—professionals who value security and a Research has shown more than 60% of trusting relationship with their financial advisors. Rhonda Hymers and her hand-selected team of Canadians to be overweight or obese, and life- experts work to create a customized portfolio style diseases such as heart disease and cancer tailored to suit your needs in the short and long term. Included are the added benefits of tax, estate, remain leading causes of death and disability. and financial planning, along with other services The Canadian Diabetes Association reports that such as business succession planning. 20 people per hour are newly diagnosed with With our discretionary portfolio management service, we take the load off your shoulders and give pre-diabetes or diabetes. It is projected that one you peace of mind—no matter what the future may in three children will develop diabetes during bring. Rhonda and her team work daily with high and ultra-high-net-worth clients to bring them peace of their life time. mind and make their lifetime goals achievable. Armed with this knowledge and backed by “Achieving your life’s goals takes a real working scientific research, Katz was convinced that the commitment. There is nothing more rewarding to me than listening to a client’s vision for the future and then seeing pervasiveness of high glycemic carbs in the food that vision take root over the years.” – Rhonda Hymers supply was causing metabolic chaos and one of For a complimentary second opinion on your the solutions to addressing diabetes, obesity and portfolio, contact us today. the energy deficit was to introduce low glycemic product alternatives on grocery shelves. Rhonda hymeRs, cim, fcsi, ciwm Vice President, Portfolio Manager “I approached the inventors of the Glycemic & Wealth Advisor Index at the University of Toronto,” Katz says “to hymeRs wealth management gRoup of RBc dominion secuRities apply their low glycemic protocols in our devel- Suite 1100 – 1708 Dolphin Avenue Kelowna, BC V1Y 9S4 opment of a pioneering line of low glycemic Phone: 250-712-2148 | Toll-free: 1-877-308-4766 energy and nutrition bars.” SoLo GI® Energy www.rhondahymers.com Bars are the first line of clinically validated and certified low glycemic energy bars in Canada. In addition to being low GI (glycemic index of

RBC Dominion Securities Inc.* and Royal Bank of Canada are separate corporate entities which are 23-35), SoLo is also certified gluten-free by the affiliated. *Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund. RBC Dominion Securities Inc. is a member company of RBC Wealth Management, a business segment of Royal Bank of Canada. ®Registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence. © RBC Dominion Securities Inc. 2015. All Canadian Celiac Association of Canada. rights reserved. 15_90832_VFW_001 128 FOOD & BEVERAGE » SoLo GI Nutrition

Saul Katz and Matthew James, CEO, Purity Life Health Products, distributor of SoLo GI Bars, Canadian Health Food Show, October 2014 129 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal

Move from Low-Carb to Slow-Carb “Carbohydrates are arguably the most misun- derstood nutrient of today. It is important to remember that carbs are the essential and preferred fuel for your brain, central nervous system and muscles. All carbs, including starches and sugar, are converted to glucose, which is blood sugar. It is the rate at which your body converts carbs into glucose that matters,” says Katz. “The lower and slower your body raises blood sugar and insulin levels, the better for managing your weight, sustaining your energy and preventing disease.The solution is not to eliminate carbs, but rather to manage them.” (CHIP) and was recently used by McGill with “When looking at a nutritional label, consum- the Canadian military in a weight loss and fit- ers should equally consider what the potential ness challenge with the results presented at the blood sugar impact is of that food,” adds Katz. Canadian Cardiovascular Congress in Vancouver Many convenient snack foods such as granola October 26, 2014. bars and most energy bars are loaded with SoLo Bar has also been used in peer- rapidly digested, high glycemic carbs. Other low- reviewed, low GI published clinical studies by carb options are formulated with non-caloric leading scientific institutions including: Harvard alternative sweeteners such as aspartame and Medical School, Children’s Hospital in Boston, sugar alcohols, which don’t appeal to many National Institutes of Health and the Fred health conscious consumers and don’t supply Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. carb energy for today’s fast-paced lifestyle. It is also a top choice of energy that sus- tains for professional sports teams across North America (including the Blue Jays and Toronto Validation, Recognition Raptors), NCAA universities in the U.S., elite and and Future Plans Olympic athletes like Kelsey Serwa, Canadian SoLo GI® Nutrition has been embraced by health Olympic medalist at Sochi. professionals and the scientific community. The big food companies have not incor- SoLo is the only bar recommended by McGill’s porated low GI into their product development Comprehensive Health Improvement Program process. It takes innovative companies to raise Saul Katz and Matthew James, CEO, Purity Life Health Products, distributor of SoLo GI Bars, Canadian Health Food Show, October 2014 130 FOOD & BEVERAGE » SoLo GI Nutrition 131 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal

the bar in the food industry. SoLo appears poised for rapid growth and Katz is interested to source expansion capital to grow the low glycemic food category with better-for-you low GI alternatives under the SoLo GI brand, as a substitute to the problematic products on grocery shelves. “It’s all about creating balance. Getting away from the addictive cycle of spike, crash and crave, and shifting towards grazing on low glycemic snacks to achieve steady blood sugar and energy levels throughout the day,” says Katz. SoLo Bar is available across Canada through all channels including grocery, pharmacy, natural food, sports, convenience and food service. If taste rules in the food industry then SoLo GI® Bar is king. If the consumer can feel the benefit of the promise (sustained energy and satiety) without sacrificing taste such as with SoLo, they convert. “Whereas most energy bars don’t meet taste expectation, SoLo Bar exceeds consumer expectation with eight deli- cious flavours in its line up including: Chocolate Mandarin, Peanut Power, Pineapple Coconut and Apple Cinnamon with Quinoa, and other delec- table delights.” “How can something that tastes so good, be good for me too? That’s what I love to hear.” Saul Katz, CEO of SoLo GI Nutrition CBJ

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For more information please contact SoLo Gi Nutrition at 250.491.1720 or [email protected]. SHARP’S AUDIO VISUAL “Setting the Standard for Innovation and Service in the Audio Visual Industry” COMMUNICATIONS

SHARP’S AUDIO VISUAL “Setting the Standard for Innovation and Service in the Audio Visual Industry” 134 COMMUNICATIONS » Sharp’s Audio Visual

Photo Courtesy of Moment Factory

THE CANADIAN AUDIO visual industry is a collaboration in these environments is fueling a vibrant and active one that touches us every reliance on audio visual systems. day through our digital signage, meeting Sharp’s Audio Visual delivers a complete spaces and classrooms and ever increasingly range of innovative audio visual and digital on our mobile devices. It is also an industry signage solutions with class-leading profes- that has become essential to the operation sionalism and service. Sharp’s started as a of government, institutions and corpora- circuit show services company in Alberta in tions, resulting in a growing need not only 1923 with Sharp’s founder, William Henry for equipment but for installation, integra- Bowerman Sharp, traveling the country side tion and managed services contracts. These showing the likes of Buster Keaton films to stakeholders are the most prominent con- rural communities that did not have access to sumers of audio visual products and services. movie houses. For the past 91 years, Sharp’s The increased need for communication and has been a leader in the development of 135 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal 136 COMMUNICATIONS » Sharp’s Audio Visual

audio visual solutions in Canada.They have an Sharp’s is an audio visual systems integra- Illustrious history of growth through mergers, tor with a focus on services and was placed acquisitions and organic growth, that now rec- sixteenth in the top fifty North American ognize Sharp’s Audio Visual as a coast to coast integrators in the Systems Contractor News organization within the country. for 2014. For several years they have been “Sharp’s Audio Visual is focused on provid- a member of the Global Presence Alliance ing outstanding experiences to our customers which offers a sole source solutions approach through the total life cycle of their audio to global audio visual integration projects. visual communications needs” says Jeff Faber, They can facilitate standardized audio visual President and CEO. “In particular, we are implementation almost anywhere in the focused on managed and professional services world. This alliance has been very helpful to such as consulting services to ensure full needs assisting their clients’ growing geographic analysis is provided prior to build out as well as needs. “Additionally, we have recently seen a asset management and after sales services.” large shift toward the Microsoft Lync based 137 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal

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presentation technologies called Lync Room critical to understand how to use the systems Systems” says Tim St. Louis, Executive Vice that have been provided. President. “I see more of our clients looking to “Additionally, our Rapid Care after sales us to facilitate Lync, or soon to be called Skype service level agreement is the most mature in for Business, integration. We see this as a large Canada” says Tim St. Louis. “It provides three contributor to our success in the next few levels of care with guaranteed response times, years as it is a logical extension of an organiza- loaner equipment and extended warranties to tions overall communications strategy.” ensure up time on audio visual systems that Through consulting, Sharp’s can align the have become critical to workflow. We can even finished product to their client’s environment offer remote monitoring and usage reporting to maximize usability and return on investment. for organizations that need that level of care After sales services are of particular importance and data.” because their clients need to actually adopt The audio visual industry requires genu- and use the product. Training their clients is ine business acumen to succeed. Creativity, 139 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal

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innovation and teamwork are the key to suc- established themselves as a SMART Certified cess. “The current environment demands that Training Centre in three provinces which Sharp’s is constantly looking for ways to trans- places them in an elite group of organizations form and adapt our business” Says Jeff Faber. that can offer certification training for SMART “The professional audio visual industry is now Technologies. less focused on specific devices and instead “A significant change this year is an over- is centred on cloud and IT-based collabora- haul to our business systems to a complete tive solutions that allow our clients to be more in the cloud ERP solution” says Jeff Faber. productive in their meetings.” “This product will enable us to work faster and One example of Sharp’s innovation is their smarter to meet our client’s demands. Also, investment into the constant development of we have established a Presidents council this their Rapid Care service level program. They year in an effort to incubate innovative ideas have recently added an Elite level to their Rapid from within the organization. This council is a Care program to manage situation critical mechanism for staff to provide unique ideas to audio visual systems such as control rooms to senior management to foster innovation in the meet market demand. They have also recently business.” 141 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal

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Through managed and professional ser- acted as the preferred supplier to SAIT for the vice products as well as their commitment to past twelve years, working closely to provide building strategic partnerships, Sharp’s is able solutions that deliver maximum value to their to be the strategic communication technol- stakeholders. In addition, we have supported ogy partner for their customers, providing the organization through annual scholarship them exceptional experiences. They constantly contributions.” engage their customers through a dedicated Sharp’s Vendor Focus program enables team of system designers, consulting services, them to align their sales, design and fulfillment trainers, programmers, after sales support efforts, ensuring that clients receive optimal technicians, project managers and installation value from the products and systems they professionals. “We have been very successful provide. They continue to establish partner- establishing long term partnerships with key ships with organizations across Canada who organizations that contribute to our mutual see value in both their regional and national benefit” Says Jeff Faber. “SAIT Polytechnic scope and expertise. “We have several large cli- in Calgary is a perfect example. Sharp’s has ent projects in development that are exciting” 143 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal

Food Bank” says Tim St. Louis. “In fact, through the Adopt a Family program we delivered two truckloads full of gifts and financial support to one needy family.” Sharp’s Audio Visual raises money in numerous ways, including special events, bake sales, internal raffles and most importantly their annual water balloon tossing event where staff pay for the opportunity to pelt the Leadership team with water balloons. Sharp’s Audio Visual Leadership is focused on delivering the exceptional experience to their clients. They also recognize that they must constantly develop and improve to have a competitive edge. “We will continue to lead the audio visual industry in Canada by being the provider of choice as a result of our innovation” says Jeff Faber.CBJ

www.sharpsav.com says Jeff Faber. “Of course the migration to a new ERP is a big one. Another is Sharp’s Rapid Room templated solutions offering. This is a product that we can offer to our clients at very competitive rates, in a quick time frame with proven technology. I like to say it hits all three angles of the good, fast, cheap paradigm, something rarely seen in technology offerings.” Sharp’s believes strongly in giving back to the community as it fosters a sense of internal team work and a sense of belonging in the community at large. This is something that Sharp’s promotes internally through our charity committee. “This year, we gave back through Adopt a Family, Toy Mountain and the THE IAN MARTIN GROUP SERVICES

THE IAN MARTIN GROUP 146 SERVICES » The Ian Martin Group

Businesses track performance 200. A score between 40 and 80 is considered through a variety of different average. Those who attain high results in the B mediums. Some follow the black Impact Assessment can become a “Certified B line, with success determined purely Corp” – a business’s whose purpose is “not only through quarterly profitability. Others to be the best in the world, but to be the best for look to their consumers, evaluating the world.” the number of clients they’ve It’s important to note that this isn’t simply a impacted over a set period of time. quest for improved social responsibility in busi- Those traded on the public market ness. Yes – social responsibility and charity are translate company value by their a significant part of the B Impact Assessment share price. – yet the purpose is to be all-encompassing. Profitability and employee happiness remain ALTHOUGH THESE METRICS can promote equally as important. growth, they do not measure the total value a Several notable companies have realized business creates in society. That’s why many the importance of tracking success through the business owners, seeking a better standard to B Impact assessment. The movement’s “Case track success, have turned to the growing com- Study” page is filled with highly regarded inter- munity of Certified B Corporations (the “B” stands national businesses – Patagonia, Ben & Jerry’s, for “Benefit”). and Etsy, to name a few – who have taken the Certified B Corps measure and report against step towards becoming better corporate stew- a comprehensive 3rd party standard, called the ards. Among these names, with an impressive B ‘B Impact Assessment’ that measures the busi- Impact Score of 105, is CEO and Chief Steward ness’s stakeholder impact – stakeholders are of the Ian Martin Group, Tim Masson. defined as: shareholders, employees, suppliers, “I believe the B Impact Assessment is the customers, community, and the environment. It’s world’s most comprehensive definition of the new like LEED certification but for a whole business rules of the game – it brings together data from a instead of just a building. variety of different areas and forms a single num- In short, a great company not only suc- ber that track’s a company’s positive contributions ceeds financially, but also makes a positive to society,” Masson explains. “It’s about competing impact on the lives of its employees and con- not only on the financial playing field, but also in sumers. Activities are rated under the headings company culture, community contributions, and of ‘Governance’, ‘Workers’, ‘Community’, and environmental awareness.” ‘Environment’. The purpose is to score as highly For the Ian Martin Group, the primary goal as possible in each, with a total possible score of is to develop a world in which every person has 147 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal

Tim Masson, CEO and Chief Steward 148 SERVICES » The Ian Martin Group 149 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal

the opportunity to pursue meaningful work. The Ontario-based company, which offers engineering, telecom, and information technology staffing assistance, recognizes the huge impact it can have on the lives of the people and companies it connects. “There’s a lot more to connecting a person and a potential employer than what’s on a resume,” says Masson. “The culture and values need to fit. The business is looking for someone who wants to make a positive contribution and help the company succeed. The applicant is seeking a place where their skills and contributions are not only acknowledged, but appreciated.” The Ian Martin Group was one of the first Canadian companies to join the B Corp movement in 2012; however, the founding belief system had resounded in the staffing firm decades earlier. “We found that adopting the B Impact Score “Mary Masson, my grandmother, began the as a key measure of success challenged us to business in 1957 with her partner, Ian Martin. It become more creative in the way we run our was a consulting engineering agency then, but business…we’re competing on the B Impact Score has always carried the forward thinking attitude just as aggressively as we are in the marketplace.” that brought it to where it is today,” Masson notes. Since completing the initial assessment – “My grandmother always taught us that being which originally gave the company a score of 89 in a position of authority did not mean acting as a - the Ian Martin Group has taken upon itself to sort of dictator; it’s an obligation to promote good.” raise its score. Between 2012 and 2014, the firm When Masson was presented with the established a singular mission statement to guide opportunity to take the B Impact Assessment, he its future steps. It sought new ways of increasing viewed it as a way to place a number on the Ian employee engagement, including participating in Martin Group’s success as a positive business. the Great Place to Work survey, which eventually The initiative placed a valuated figure on the led to being named as the 25th Best Workplace business’s practices, and, in doing so, provided a in Canada by Great Place to Work® in 2014. way of tracking improvement. In 2013, the Ian Martin Group formed a 150 SERVICES » The Ian Martin Group

‘Stewardship Council’, a team comprised of ground for creative advancements to flourish. persons from all departments and levels to act The final and perhaps most radical change as the voice of all stakeholders driving change made by the Ian Martin Group was its decision within. The Stewardship Council opened the to alter its hiring practices to match its mission lines of communication between all members to create a world where every person can pur- of the company, and thus provided an open sue meaningful work. The company, “started 151 MAY 2016 « The Canadian Business Journal

leading-edge technology with personality/ culture/skills assessments to help match more people with Meaningful Work. These initiatives along with Stewardship Council led changes boosted the Ian Martin Group’s B Impact Score from 89 in 2012 to a resounding 105 in 2014. Now, Tim Masson seeks to raise that score even higher, aiming at 120+. The company’s long term goal, set under the 2012 mission statement, is to connect 100,000 people with meaningful work. As put by Masson: “Have we reached every goal yet? No – we are going to keep setting the bar higher. We’ve made an important decision: Game on.” CBJ

For more information on the Ian Martin Group, please visit http://www.ianmartin.com/.

To learn more about the B Impact Assessment and how you can start changing your business for the better, visit http://bimpactassessment. net/, or follow Tim Masson’s blog at http://ianmartin.com/blog/.

hiring anyone who showed up and made it clear that it was also their personal mission in life – their ‘why’”. The result of this philosophy led to the formation of two new businesses, Hirefly (a light-weight recruiting service) & Fitzii (a predic- tive applicant tracking system), that combine Be FEATURED... Be FEATURED... Be NOTICED... Be NOTICED...

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