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Saskatchewan Hotel & Hospitality Association ASSOCIATION NEWS 302 - 2080 Broad Street Regina, SK S4P 1Y3 102 – 202 4th Avenue N. 5 CEO MESSAGE Saskatoon, SK S7K 0K1 T: (306) 522-1664 F: (306) 525-1944 7 WANUSKEWIN BABY BISON www.skhha.com 8 SUPPORTING HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY All materials are the property of the Saskatchewan Hotel & Hospitality Association and its members. EXECUTIVE INDUSTRY NEWS CHAIR Gary Hoffert VICE CHAIR Joel Kish 10 PROCEED WITH CAUTION - GUIDE CEO Jim Bence TO RETURN TO WORK POLICIES ZONE DIRECTORS 11 FOODSERVICE SALES FALL NORTH WEST Lance Grosco RESORTS Bryan Baraniski 11 BBB BUSINESS TIP • Human resource planning and development NORTH Lance Grosco • Training materials Top employers REGINA Gary Hoffert 12 TOURISM SK WORKING TO REBUILD • Online learning and resources RSP – Rural Denny Joyal VISITOR ECONOMY choose Service SOUTH Joel Kish • Training for management and frontline staff BRANDED RESTAURANTS 13 GOOD WINE, GOOD FOOD AND • Customized training Best. Boost your Carmen Lien THE BRIGHT SIDE OF LIFE CANNABIS Tom Morris • Occupational certification SASKATOON HOTEL ASSOCIA- 13 IMMIGRATION DESPITE COVID-19 customer service TION Courtney Morrison stec.com in 2020. REGINA HOTEL ASSOCIA- TION Glenn Weir MEMBER NEWS Toll-free: 1-800-331-1529 TAVERNS Herman Zentner SALES 14 CREATIVITY THROUGH COVID WARREN NERBY Director of Communications 15 TRAIN EMPLOYEES EARLY & Member Services T: (306) 790-1045 Service Best [email protected] SASKATCHEWAN DISTRIBUTION PRAIRIE ADVERTISING LTD. Regina, Saskatchewan

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CEO MESSAGE: COVID-19 vs Hospitality Saskatchewan – A Path to Recovery

nprecedented. With near zero revenues and ever-present fixed costs (some Catastrophic. Industry paying as much as $200,000 a month) the financial pressures collapse. Global recession. are staggering. The expiration of much needed deferrals is Financial ruin. Unrecoverable. looming and without debt/tax/severance forgiveness, the Words have heard repeated outlook for everyone in our sphere seems overwhelming. hundreds of times, each and every day, for the last 3 months. Given the incredible urgency of these challenges, we took Which is why, you will not immediate action and to date have successfully lobbied hear those words from me government to: again. know it, you know it, EVERYONE knows how • Pass legislation for a Temporary Layoff Provision within our current labour code. We have also had seriously screwed we are and Jim Bence, President & CEO wins with gaining extensions to the new provision. there is no point repeating the obvious. • Pass an order that provides Commercial Eviction Protection for businesses negotiating with landlords New normal. Nimble. Inventive. Rebound. Survival. unwilling to participate in federal program. Collaboration. Recovery. Words we are now thankfully • Defer a variety of taxes and utility payments. hearing repeated more and more everyday. Which is why you • Extend programs and subsidies (both federal and will hear them repeatedly from me over the next six months. provincial) that support businesses within our sector. The stark reality is that the hospitality industry and all Phase 2. Read the Tea Leaves and Take Action. its facets has been thrown overboard and everyone is doing their best to swim to shore. Tragically, a great many simply Understanding that while almost all industries have been will not have the arm strength and aren’t going to survive. An impacted in a negative way by COVID-19, it is our industry even greater percentage will make it but having exhausted all that was hit first, has been the most deeply affected and will reserves, will take considerable time and effort to recover. the last to recover. For our entire industry, we have been There will be a few among the survivors that will be winded advocating for: but in decent shape. Those few will require assistance and • Provincial and municipal tax forgiveness. then be expected to start the herculean effort of reimagining and reigniting an entire industry. • Extension of the Temporary Layoff Provision to the end of 2020. The reasonable question to overcoming these monstrous • Extension of deferrals, unless forgiven, until the end challenges is “HOW?” The answer comes in three phases. of 2020. Phase 1. Current State • Consideration of moving reopening phases at a much quicker pace and reconsider restrictions to hotel We need an idea of the existing hospitality landscape and meeting room space, surgical masks (vs non-surgical/ a scan of the wreckage on the beach. We had over 700 events cloth), restaurant capacity, indoor pool facilities, cancelled or postponed in 2020. Thousands of bookings for opening dates for galleries, museums, camps (Child meetings, conferences, trade shows, weddings, graduations and Youth) and tourism attractions. and reunions have been wiped out. • Further discussions relating to regulations and red- tape reductions restricting the competitive landscape Modeling by Tourism Saskatchewan indicates that we will for our provincial Craft Liquor Producers (Spirits, likely see a potential loss of $730m - $1.5b this year. Our beer and wine) and suppliers. industry employs 71,000 people, 12% of the total labour • Fairness of liquor pricing to eliminate the competitive force in Saskatchewan, and right now 45% of those folks are advantage super-retailers (including SLGA sitting at home unemployed. government stores) have over our members.

5 Phase 3. Plan a Path to Recovery. • National stakeholders 1. Hotels Association of Canada At this point in time, June 19th, 2020, this is by far 2. Restaurants Canada the most challenging aspect to answering the question of “HOW.” Managing our businesses and industry through all 3. Tourism HR Canada 5 phases of the provincial reopening plan will be a nerve- • Government ministries and ministers wracking test for all Saskatchewan citizens. There is no more 1. Parks, Culture, Sports, SLGA important activity that we can engage in than keeping, and 2. Trade and Export Development, Immigration and Career Training strengthening, our relationships with key stakeholders and 3. Education and Advanced Education each other. 4. Deputy Premier Gordon Wyant and Deputy This includes: Minister to the Premier and Cabinet Secretary Cam Swan • Our membership! Maybe the plan should not be for us to try and swim to • Key Visitor Economy (Tourism) stakeholders shore but for us to make it to the nearest lifeboat. Together, with strength in numbers, we can paddle our hardest • Key Provincial stakeholders towards the horizon line. Everyday that we go forward, 1. Tourism Saskatchewan a new horizon will emerge, and we can adjust and alter 2. SK. Tourism Education Council course as needed. Given today’s chaotic and maddeningly unpredictable landscape, I will take a loose, nimble plan 3. Municipal Hotels Associations without many specifics over an over prescriptive strategy 4. Service Hospitality with rigid objectives any day. ■

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6 Craven Motor Inn AJM Solutions AJM Solutions TheCraven Craven Motor Inn in Craven, Motor SK is nestled in theInn scenic Group Partners Qu’appelle Valley along Highway 20. It is a favourite spot for localThe Craven residents Motor to have Inn in a Craven,drink, an SK appetizer is nestled or intwo, the and scenic enjoy withGroup Schneider Partners greatQu’appelle company. Valley along Highway 20. It is a favourite spot for local residents to have a drink, an appetizer or two, and enjoy “I think we picked a good hotel. The area is growing, there with Schneider great company. Electric. Exclusive is a lot new housing on this side of the lake and along Saskatchewan“I think we picked Beach a good and hotel. Kanata The Valley. area Weis growing, get a lot there of Electric. Exclusive peopleis a lot newstopping housing in,” onsaid this Wayne side ofMcKay. the lake and along Agreement Saskatchewan Beach and Kanata Valley. We get a lot of He and his wife Carolyn bought the hotel in 2002 but first people stopping in,” said Wayne McKay. Agreement becameCraven involved in the hotel/bar Motor industry in 1992 Inn when theyAJM for Solutions Energy investedHe and his with wife partners Carolyn in boughta bar at the Regina hotel Beach.in 2002 In but 1996, first they The Craven Motor Inn in Craven, SK is nestled in the scenic Groupfor EnergyPartners boughtbecameBABY the involved hotel BISON in in Punnichy, the hotel/bar Have SK, industryand thenan in the 1992Incredible Craven when Motor they SenseManagement of Timing Inninvested in 2002.Qu’appelle with They partners Valley ran alongtwo in a hotels Highwaybar at for Regina20. five It is a years, Beach.favourite then spotIn 1996, soldfor thethey local residents to have a drink, an appetizer or two, and enjoy with Schneider hotelbought ingreat thePunnichy hotelcompany.anuskewin in in Punnichy, 2007 is delighted to focus SK, to onceandon their againthen business announcethe Craven the in Craven.birthMotor of a babyManagement bison … three baby bison to be exact. Incredibly, Inn in 2002. They ran two hotels for five years, then sold the Systems to the The CravenW “I think Motor thesewe picked babies Inn a is arrivedgood a tavern, hotel. on auspicious The and area patrons is days, growing, with must thethere befirst of calf legal arriving on Earth Day, the third arriving on May 5th Red hotel in Punnichy in 2007 to focus on their business in Craven.Electric. Exclusive drinkingDressis agea lot Day, newto and visit housing the the last onestablishment. calf this arriving side of onthe Mother’slake Along and alongDaywith May alcoholic 10th. This new Systemsgeneration of bison is comprised ofto three females the andSaskatchewan one male and Beach are the and offspring Kanata Valley.of a new We herdget aof lot bison of with ancestral tiesHospitality back to Yellowstone National Park. Industry beverages,The Craven appetizersMotor Inn is and a tavern, fried foods and patronsare available. must beThe of legalAgreement people stopping in,” said Wayne McKay. Mississauga, Ontario – March 26, 2014 - AJM Solutions hotel’sdrinking steakThis age remarkabletopit visit is open the group establishment.Thursday of four throughcalves Along is the Saturday withfirst alcoholicgeneration and is a of He and his wife Carolyn bought the hotel in 2002 but first GroupHospitality Inc. and Schneider Electric CanadaIndustry are pleased popularbeverages,bisonbecame choice babies appetizers involved for to begroups bornin theand on hotel/bar looking fried this land foods industry for since fund-raising are thein 1992available. signing when of events. theyTreaty The Six for Energy hotel’sin steak 1876. Bisonpit is nearlyopen becameThursday extinct through in the lateSaturday 1800’s dwindling and is a toMississauga, announce that Ontario AJM Solution – March Group 26, 2014 is now - AJM a Schneider Solutions The businessinvested alsowith partners has six in roomsa bar at Reginaand living Beach. quarters In 1996, theythat popularfrombought choice some the 30 forhotel million groups in Punnichy, throughout looking SK, and forthe thenfund-raisingGreat the Plains Craven to events. Motorfewer than Management ElectricGroup Inc. Partner and Schneiderfor Hospitality Electric Solutions. Canada are pleased are rented1000.Inn in Itout. 2002. is the All They descendants the ran rooms two hotelsof havethese for lastbeen five remaining years, redecorated then animals sold the thatand have to announce that AJM Solution Group is now a Schneider modernized.The businessfoundhotel ain new PunnichyThree also home has have inat 2007 sixWanuskewin private rooms to focus bathrooms and onas atheir conservationliving business quarterswhile inherd. the Craven. that other SystemsElectricUnder the Partner terms forto of Hospitalitythe the agreement, Solutions. AJM Solutions Group threeare rented shareThe Cravenout. a community All Motor the Innrooms is bathroom. a tavern, have and been Workers patrons redecorated must in construction, be of legaland will sell, install and commission Schneider Electric Energy mining,modernized.drinking Wanuskewinand other Three age to industry visitChiefhave the private Executiveestablishment. are steady bathrooms Officer, rentersAlong with while Darlene of alcoholic the the roomsBrander, other and Hospitalityis ManagementUnder the terms Solutions of the Industry agreement, to hotels, motels AJM Solutions and resorts Group livingthree sharequarters.quoted:beverages, a “Already, community appetizers based andbathroom. on friedtheir foods birthdays Workers are available. we knowin construction, The these bison throughoutwill sell, install Canada. and commission This dedicated Schneider alliance Electric will offer Energy havehotel’s an steakincredible pit is opensense Thursdayof timing! through It is an Saturday honour and for isour a parkMississauga, Ontario – March 26, 2014 - AJM Solutions mining, and other industry are steady renters of the rooms andGroup Inc.opportunitiesManagement and Schneider forSolutions Electric improved Canada to hotels, energy are pleased motels efficiencies and resorts to hoteliers While tothepopular welcome Craven choice these Motor for groupsmagnificent Inn islooking in close creatures for fund-raising proximity back toevents. to their the hustlenatural living quarters. to announcethroughout that AJM Canada.Solution Group This is dedicatednow a Schneider alliance will offer territory. We lay down tobacco to give thanks for their arrival and across the country. and bustleThe business of the annual also has musicsix rooms festival and living that quarters takes that place just Electric Partneropportunities for Hospitality for improved Solutions. energy efficiencies to hoteliers acrossWhile lookthe arethe Cravenforwardrented highway, out. toMotor Allsharing the the Inntownrooms this is herd ofinhave Cravenclose with been allproximity redecorated itselfof the remains world. to and the They ahustle place have Schneider Electric, a global specialist in energy Under theacross terms ofthe the country. agreement, AJM Solutions Group and bustlebecomemodernized. of a thepowerful Threeannual symbol have music private of hope festival bathrooms and resilience that while takes theduring otherplace these just trying times of isolation.” for quietthree relaxation. share a community bathroom. Workers in construction, will sell, management,install and commission delivers Schneider integrated Electric solutionsEnergy focused on across the highway, the town of Craven itself remains a place Schneider Electric, a global specialist in energy “The festivalmining,Bison areused and a otherkeystone to give industry species us aremore andsteady arebusiness rentersessential of years inthe the rooms healthago, and butand IestablishmentManagement making Solutionsof the energy Grasslands to hotels, efficient ecosystem. motels and and Wanuskewinreliable, resorts and will provide AJM for quiethasliving relaxation.undertaken quarters. a Grasslands restoration project that has reclaimedthroughout a fullSolutionsmanagement, section Canada. of land withThis previously dedicatedsupportdelivers allianceusedandintegrated for advanced will agricultural offer solutions engineering focused tools on to think it’s more self-confined now,” said McKay. opportunities for improved energy efficiencies to hoteliers practicesWhile the within Craven the Motor park Inn border. is in close Native proximity Prairie to Grasslands the hustle are the most makingendangered energy ecosystem efficient in the worldand reliable,and require and will provide AJM “The festival used to give us more business years ago, but Iacross thehelp country. their business. A memberbisonand bustle toof act the asof Saskatchewanathe critical annual link music in the festival Hotels food thatchain. and takes Hospitality place just think it’s more self-confined now,” said McKay. Solutions with support and advanced engineering tools to Association,across theMcKay highway, finds the townthe ofassociation Craven itself to remains be a avaluable place Schneiderally help“This Electric, their partnership a business. global specialist is the nextin energy step in our strategic forWanuskewin quiet relaxation. Board Chair and co-Chair of the Thundering Ahead Capital Campaign, Felix Thomas stated: “By introducing forA member smaller businessof the Saskatchewan owners like themselvesHotels and Hospitalityespecially whenmanagement, development, delivers integrated demonstrating solutions focused a commitment on to our customers bison“The back festival to theused land to give we will us more be adding business that yearsessential ago, element but I neededmaking for balanceenergyto“This provide partnership efficientin both the a andcultural best reliable, is possiblethe and nextscientificand will stepsolutions provide sense. in our AJM Wefor strategic their business. This negotiatingAssociation, with McKay government finds the about association business to concerns.be a valuable “They Solutionsally with support and advanced engineering tools to aimthink to it’sgrow more the self-confined park to act as now,” a natural said oasisMcKay. within the city limits that willdevelopment, offer a place for demonstrating families to come aand commitment connect to our customers arefor smallerquitewith pro-business, the business land once owners again.” and they’velike themselves been good especially to us. We when havehelp theirstep business. brings AJM Solutions Group to the next plateau in our A member of the Saskatchewan Hotels and Hospitality developmentto provide the best possible solutions for their business. This cheapernegotiating pricing with forgovernment our beer supplyabout businessand those concerns. kinds of things“They“This partnership is the next step in our strategic byare being quiteAssociation,We partpro-business, offer of special the McKay group,” gratitude findsand thethey’vehe to noted.associationthe Brownleebeen “There to good beFamily aare valuableto a Foundationus. couple Weally have offor their stepgenerous brings donation AJM that Solutions has allowed Group history to to the be next plateau in our for smaller business owners like themselves especially when development,as one demonstrating of the better a commitment value-added to our resellers customers in the hospitality thingscheapermade, I’d pricing like and them this for incredible toour finish beer story supplyup toon, unfold. andhopefully those that kinds will ofcome.” thingsto providedevelopment the best possible solutions for their business. This negotiating with government about business concerns. “They space in Canada,” said Andy Mastroianni, President of AJM by beingare part quite of pro-business, the group,” and he they’ noted. been “There good to are us. aWe couple have ofstep brings AJM Solutions Group to the next plateau in our We kindly remind the public that all Wanuskewin’s trails and facilities remainas one closed of duethe to better COVID-19 value-added and construction. resellers in the hospitality things I’dcheaper like thempricing to for finish our beer up supply on, andhopefully those kinds that of willthings come.” developmentSolutions Group. Wanuskewinby being part will of thereopen group,” on thehe noted.September “There long are weekend. a couple of ■ space in Canada,” said Andy Mastroianni, President of AJM as one of the better value-added resellers in the hospitality things I’d like them to finish up on, hopefully that will come.” “This agreement will create a strong foundation for delivering space inSolutions Canada,” said Group. Andy Mastroianni, President of AJM Solutionsinnovative Group. solutions in energy management to the hospitality Connect Energymarket,”“This isagreement a Saskatoonstated Fahmi basedwill create natural Jabri, gasa Business strong supplier foundation Development for delivering “This agreement will create a strong foundation for delivering dedicatedinnovative to serving commercial solutions and in institutional energy customers management to the hospitality innovativeManager solutions forin energy Schneider management Electric to the Canada. hospitality “AJM Solutions has throughout the province. market,”provenmarket,” stated Fahmi that stated Jabri, Fahmi Business Jabri, Development Business Development CurrentlyManagerManager supplyingfor Schneider more for Electric Schneiderthan 7,000 Canada. customer Electric “AJM locationsSolutions Canada. has “AJM Solutions has SHHA inproven Saskatchewan; thatproventhey have including that built health a valued regions, network more than in 180 this area, and that they municipalare governments, committed school to expandingdivisions, condominiums, their services and product SHHA manufacturers,they have built hotels a valued and networkbusinesses in largethis area, and small.and that they SHHA are committedofferingsthey have to expanding to built their a theircustomers.valued services network and We product arein this proud area, to andhave that them they as SAVINGS AVERAGING 17% PER YEAR The Connect Energy team has over 100 years of combined offeringsourare to their committedpartner customers. serving to We expanding arethe proud Hospitality to their have servicesthemindustry.” as and product SAVINGSCALL ABOUT AVERAGING OUR FLEX17% PERPLAN YEAR experience serving Saskatchewan natural gas users since our partnerofferings serving theto theirHospitality customers. industry.” We are proud to have them as SAVINGS CALLAVERAGING ABOUT OUR FLEX 17% PLAN PER YEAR 1988. Connect Energy has alignedwww.schneider-electric.ca itself with a world class CALL ABOUT OUR FLEX PLAN AA creditour energy partnerwww.schneider-electric.ca company serving that plays the aHospitality strategic role industry.” in providing the mostwww.ajmsolutionsgroup.com competitivewww.ajmsolutionsgroup.com energy purchasing options for its clients. ■ www.schneider-electric.ca www.ajmsolutionsgroup.com 4 4 4 7 SUPPORTING THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY as Restaurants and Bars Reopen.

8 as Restaurants and Bars Reopen.

Masked Keven Blehm, Earls Regina . General Manager gives the thumbs up on the reopening, visiting with Bonnie from Kalron Construction Ltd. And Cynthia Broussard, Cynkara Business Solutions.

From left, Jim Bence, SHHA President & CEO; Cynthia ary Hoffert, SHHA Board Chair enjoys a Bigger Better Broussard, Owner, Cynkara Business Solutions; Ryan G Burger and a pint at Earls East, Regina Urzada, Owner, Atlas Hotel Regina & George Marshall, Jim Beck, right, owner of Rock Creek Tap & Grill, Saskatoon CEO, Service Hospitality celebrate the Phase 3 reopening welcomes SHHA President & CEO Jim Bence and wife Melissa. at The Knotted Thistle Pub in the Atlas Hotel. From Left: Warren Nerby, SHHA Director of Communications sits with Georgie Schuring, Operations Manager, Canadian Red Cynkara Business Solutions, went all out in support of Cross and Ajit Matharu, Homelife Crawford Realty at Earls Albert industry, visiting a number of SHHA members including South Regina The Ice House, Emerald Park owners Joel & Kristen Kish. Barley Mill Brew Pub Hostess Taylor kept it safe and fun for our And, Alex Bodnarchuck, Rod Gawley, and Samantha friends at team Cynkara Business Solutions. From left Terry, Melanie Joyal enjoyed the sun at the Waterfront Beach Bar & Grill, & Cynthia enjoyed Themselves before responsibly “bar hopping” over to The Ice House in Emerald Park for a visit with owner and Regina Beach, and the hospitality of owner and SHHA SHHA Vice-Chair Joel Kish. board member Denny Joyal. ■

9 INDUSTRY NEWS

PROCEED WITH CAUTION – A Guide to Return to Work Policies amidst COVID-19

or organizations and Once again, we have stepped up to help by developing our F individuals throughout Return to Work Plan, a Safety Guide for Employers in the Saskatchewan, the last two Hospitality & Service Industry. ThisGu comprehensiveest manual Guest Security months have been a time filled will walk youCo mthroughfort the steps needed for a safe return with challenges and leading to work and features specific subsections for the hotel, us to adjust to a different way restaurant and community services industries. Furthermore, of living and doing things. there is a supplier contact list to assist you in acquiring the We have seen businesses make right PPE for your organization.Eco-Friendly the tough decision to close Energy Jacyntha Laviolette As weM aprogressnagement through the phases of the reopen Safety Advisor their doors or change their way of operating. We have also seen Saskatchewan plan there is no doubt that the future holds plenty of people working from home. Of course, all of a lot of uncertainties. That said, with proper planning and this was done to help flatten the curve with the spread of preparation returning to work can be a safe and smooth COVID-19. PUTTING YOURtransition. GUES ForT additionalS FIRS resourcesT please visit our website at www.servicehospitality.com. We are always here to support In late April, PremierAmana Scott Ro Moeom A announcedir Condit iothen ingprovince’s & Hea ting Onity Electronic Lock Solutions Schneider Electric Room Controllers you in all mattersInte healthgrated and Green safety-related, Solutions feel free to reach plan to reopen Saskatchewan. This announcement has many out to us at: [email protected]. ■ of us looking forward to lifeOffices getting in“back Toronto, to normal”, Calgary or and Vancouver 1.877.848.PTAC at least a new normal, so what shouldw wew wexpect.ajm movingsolu tionsgroup.com forward?

It goes without saying that business, as usual, will be anything but, certainly in the upcoming weeks and months. With safety being a top priority, appropriate workplace safety policies will need to be put in place; this could include the use of personal protective equipment, rules around physical

distancing,REGINA staggering of schedules,SASKATOON increased mental Tel: 306-525-3333 Tel: 306-652-7777 health Fax:supports, 306-757-3551 and more. It is Fax:pertinent 306-244-0225 that employers Toll Free: 1-888-838-3323 Toll Free: 1-888-595-5545 YOUR BEST CHOICE develop, initiate and communicate these policies prior to FOR BEER reopening, and/orHotel returning Equipment to the & physical Smallwares work locations. This, of course, leads“DEPEND us to the question ON US”of where to begin? Order Desk Hours – Monday - Friday SUMMER 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. When COVID-19 hit, many of us were faced with WINTER 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. PH 1-800-661-2337 creating emergency, and business continuity plans. These FAX 1-800-262-9653 plans were created with the help of resources, guides and Internet Ordering @ www.bdl.ca support, including those offered by Service Hospitality. Customer Service 924-9658 KITCHEN HOOD SYSTEMS 1-800-661-2337 #3 *Supply *Inspect *Rent Regina, Saskatchewan SASKATOON REGINA 10 Phone 306-721-6490 Fax: 306-789-3450 PH 931-0135 PH 924-9667 www.firecanada.com FAX 931-8006 FAX 352-3739

8 FOODSERVICE SALES FALL to lowest level in more than a decade Restaurants Canada ommercial foodservice sales in Canada plummeted by over-year sales at supermarkets and grocery stores grew C a record 36.6% in March 2020 compared to February by 22.1% in March and specialty food stores (e.g. meat/ 2020 (adjusted for seasonality) due to COVID-19 and the fish markets, fruit/vegetable markets, bakeries) reported lockdown that began on March 15. an 11.6% jump in sales. Beer, wine and liquor store sales Overall, foodservice sales fell to nearly $4 billion in increased by 10.4%. March, the lowest monthly sales since November 2009. This represents a record $2.3 billion decline in sales compared to Consumer Confidence Improves in May February 2020. Although the foodservice sales data from April will show an On a year-over-year basis, drinking places were hardest even larger decline when the results are released by Statistics hit as sales plummeted by a staggering 58.8% in March Canada at the end of June, there are some encouraging signs compared to March 2019. Sales at full-service restaurants tumbled by 49.4%, with steep declines across the country. for optimism. The Conference Board of Canada recently released its consumer confidence index, which rose slightly In contrast, quick-service restaurants fell by 22.9% as many in May after tumbling to record lows in March and April. locations stayed open for takeout and/or delivery. While nowhere near where it was compared to pre-COVID Retail Food Trends in March levels, the improvement in consumer confidence in May By way of comparison, consumers flocked to retail food offers a subtle sign that the worst may be over. Let’s hope stores to restock their fridges and pantries. As a result, year- that’s the case. ■

BBB BUSINESS TIP: Virtual Meeting Etiquette

ue to the COVID-19 Be aware of your setting. Distractions in most homes D pandemic the number of is inevitable. When finding a space to hold your virtual meeting, be sure the area you are in has adequate lighting, virtual meetings has increased not too much noise, and a neutral background. A setting drastically, whether it is a free from audible and visual distractions will lead to a more efficient and professional meeting. check-in with your supervisor or a business-related webinar. Dress accordingly. Virtual meetings are still professional business meetings. Whatever you are wearing during the Here are some BBB tips on virtual meeting should be an outfit you would wear in the etiquette… office to an in-person meeting.

Karen Smith, CEO Be mindful of time. Online Focus on your verbal communication. During daily Better Business Bureau of face-to-face communication, you are continuously giving Saskatchewan meetings may require a few and receiving nonverbal signals. This includes eye contact, more technological steps. If not properly sorted out before, posture, head nods, facial expression, etc. As an attendee, be common virtual meeting hindrances may cause you to be sure to verbally acknowledge that you understand or agree with what is being said. Use the chat box feature and let the late. If your meeting is at 9:00 am, try to log in a few minutes presenter know that you are listening and think they are earlier. This will give you an opportunity to address possible doing a great job. problems and ensure you are not keeping anyone on the Following these BBB tips can help you have professional other side of the screen waiting. and successful meetings from your home. www.bbb.org ■

11 TOURISM SASKATCHEWAN working to rebuild Saskatchewan’s visitor economy

Photo: Prince Albert National Park – Tourism Saskatchewan

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way people The primary focus is on local – encouraging Saskatchewan travel and participate in activities. Practicing safe, physical residents to enjoy and support local businesses and discover distancing and following the advice of health officials is what is in our own back yard – practicing safe, social critical. But there are still many opportunities to enjoy the distancing and respecting health guidelines. outdoors, discover new experiences and explore the province. Marketing efforts across Tourism Saskatchewan’s website Tourism Saskatchewan is developing short, medium and and social media channels remind Saskatchewan residents long-term marketing strategies and a marketing support of their profound attachment to this province. At the same framework to lead operators and destinations in targeting time, we thank them for taking seriously the responsibility the most resilient travellers and markets. This direction of keeping people safe and stemming the spread of the virus. will be valuable to them as restrictions are lifted and travel Travellers are encouraged to re-introduce themselves to resumes in phases. Saskatchewan - to embrace the changes as opportunities Tourism Saskatchewan’s marketing strategy is aligned with to keep our province open and safe, but also to make new the approach of our federal tourism partner, Destination discoveries, create new stories and rituals, and experience Canada, as well as other provincial marketing organizations. more of what Saskatchewan has to offer. ■

12 GOOD WINE, GOOD FOOD and the Bright Side of Life

arly in the pandemic, ability to withstand great trials, coming to life again year after E German wine producers, year. There is tenacity, tenderness, and patience required to the Selbach family, reached produce good wine. out to us with a message of hope: “Greetings from the Likewise, small and medium-sized businesses come into Mosel where the sun is shining, being because the owners and employees have tenacity and and spring is in the air… We patience. These past months have brought unprecedented are all obviously concerned trials to us all, but perhaps few have felt the economic about the virus pandemic. impact as acutely as those in the hospitality industry. Many Jill Childerhose As wine growers, nature shows amazing restaurants may not reopen, and we will all be the Doug Reichel Wine Marketing us that life goes on. We are poorer for it. For those establishments that do reopen, we are in the process of bending the canes, the buds are swelling, hopeful that life will re-emerge – the sounds of conversation, the first green is on bushes and trees. Wine belongs on the smells and tastes of food. Business has not always been the bright side of life...” easy and probably will not be going forward, but like good We believe this is true at all times. Good wine does belong wines, good restaurants belong on the bright side of life. on the bright side of life and is an illustration of nature’s dougwines.com ■

DESPITE COVID-19 Immigration to Canada is Continuing

he year 2020 will The federal government very early on recognized the T be remembered for an importance of the seasonal agriculture workers that come to Canada on a yearly basis, totaling no less than 60,000 each exceptionally long time. We year, and that these workers were essential to the well being of can only hope that 2021 is a Canada. There were still many hiccups and delays and if you year of recovery and we can file can’t find fresh vegetables or fruit in the fall and winter, you away the preceding year as a will know why. Canada does not lack the natural resources bad experience with outcomes for food production, but we clearly lack a population willing that were successfully resolved. to assist in its growth. Daniel Hirschkorn Saskatoon Immigration & While I would love to talk about Employment Consulting Inc. The Province of Saskatchewan is still accepting applications (SIECSI) something besides COVID 19, to its programs, and this is very much appreciated. However, at this time it is still driving so much of our immigration there is increasing pressure on employers to prove they have exhausted all avenues of local hire before they can support policies and procedures, at times with daily changes. Most a new immigrant with a job offer. This does not really importantly, immigration to Canada is continuing, with correspond with the intent of the provincial immigration very little actually halted or stopped. Delays are the new program, but for the time being it is just another challenge norm, however. to be overcome. ■

13 MEMBER NEWS

CREATIVITY through COVID

By Pat Rediger, Benchmark Public Relations

everal industries have been hard hit by the COVID pandemic, and the hotel and hospitality industry has been particularly S impacted. But through perseverance and creativity, there are members who have been finding new ways to continue operating in this changing environment. Earls, for example, closed its doors like other restaurants when the pandemic started and relied on takeout and pickup orders. It quickly pivoted to provide a complete line of meal kits, grocery staples, and takeout options as part of its Earls at Home program, a new offering developed in response to COVID-19. Earls has followed stringent safety protocols, and has developed the new, enhanced safety measures guests will experience when they return to Earls for the duration of the pandemic. Airline Hotels partnered with KidSport Saskatoon to create contactless bottle drive to support the children’s charity. People wishing to donate their bottles pulled up in their vehicles to the Travelodge and volunteers would then take the bottles and place them in a storage container. All the funds raised through the bottle drive helps disadvantaged youth participate in community sport programs. As an added incentive, the Travelodge provided frontline workers the opportunity to pick out some baked goods in exchange for their recyclables. Lynn Flury, corporate director of marketing at Airline Hotels, said this was a way for the company to say thank you to the community. “There’s lots of essential service workers, frontline workers, including our own, that have been working through these times to keep us fed and safe and informed,” she said. Carolyn Genest, Chief Strategist for d3h Hotels, which operates the Days Inn and Home Hotels brands, said they have been keeping the doors open through some out-of-the-box thinking. One of the first initiatives they did was to create recharge rooms for those seeking a rest for a few hours. “This was really born out of truck drivers, but it is really for anyone who needs it,” explained Genest. “They can rent a room in four or eight hour increments anytime between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. so they can have that break. We set it at a reasonable rate so we could be able to offer them that much needed rest.” The program was designed for those who wanted a longer break rather than just a stop for a meal and a shower. It has been very popular for those looking for a release from the pressures of working during a pandemic. Another initiative the hotel chain has undertaken is a reduced rate for healthcare workers. There are workers who have an increased risk of exposure to the virus and may have family members who are immunocompromised, so they are reluctant to return home. The

Jennifer Peterson KidSport Provincial Coordinator is interviewed by a opportunity to stay in a hotel provides them with an alternative to CTV Reporter during the Saskatoon Travelodge/KidSport Bottle drive. placing their family members in danger.

14 “One healthcare worker has stayed with us since the start of the pandemic. His father is immunocompromised and would not survive if he contracted the virus. Out of care for his father, he began looking for a place to stay, and it just so happened that during the week that we posted our health care rates, someone shared it with him. He was over the moon grateful to have able to have that opportunity to stay with us,” said Genest. d3h Hotels is also providing subsidization and great rates for families with children suffering from medical conditions. The company has had a long affiliated with Ronald McDonald Houses through its d3h Foundation. Ronald McDonald Houses were closed to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, but there are families that still require life threatening surgeries. Genest said the company realized there were families impacted by the closing of these facilities and d3h Hotels have been able to provide a place for those families to stay while their children received the care they needed. The thank you’s that that staff have received from these families has been heartwarming. “I’m so proud of the staff at our hotels. They have really come together and have been very caring during this time. It’s nice to be able to help people in such a unique way.” ■

TRAIN EMPLOYEES EARLY to prepare for a productive future

he Saskatchewan Tourism Education Council has seen steady interest in employee and operator training through the T spring and summer. Workers are making an effort to upgrade their skills and enhance their career development. In addition, STEC has been working with operators to set up webinars and other opportunities to improve management skills, offer new professional development training, and prepare businesses for a resilient recovery. industry.tourismsaskatchewan.com ■

______The SHHA, working tirelessly on your behalf!

It is in times of crisis like this when membership matters most. The SHHA team and Board of Directors are committed to supporting Saskatchewan’s tourism & hospitality industry through this unprecedented emergency.

And as devastating as this crisis is, we know from experience that we will "Struggle and Emerge". Rest assured that the SHHA will continue to work tirelessly on your behalf and be your voice with government. Supporting the SHHA Keeps Your Voice Strong! 790 – 1045

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The 2020 Saskatchewan Travel Guide is a concise summary of the province’s main tourism areas and highlights, featuring stunning imagery and engaging copy. The Official Saskatchewan Road Map is also available.

Saskatchewan hotels and motels can help visitors travelling in and around Saskatchewan by making travel literature available in their rooms and lobbies.

Bulk quantities are available for FREE by contacting Patti Peesker at [email protected].