Manitoba's Top Employers

16 MANITOBA'S TOP 25 EMPLOYERS 2015 ByJenniferMcFeeforTheFreePress MANITOBALIQUOR &LOTTERIES Amergingofemployee strengths W hen the Manitoba government announced in April 2012 that the Manitoba Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) would be merged with Manitoba Lotteries, it not only created an opportunity to modernize services for the public but also to bringtogetherthebestofbothemployeecultures. Both were thriving in their own right and by joining forces – they officially became Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries on April 1, 2014 – management was presented with an opportunity to take a close look at what worked and what couldbeenhanced. "I think it allowed us to really step back and assess each ofourorganizationsandwhatthestrengthsandweaknesses werethatwebroughttothetableandrecognizethestrengths ofeachother,"saidRobCampbell,Vice-PresidentofHuman Resources, who previously worked with Manitoba Lotteries. "It allowed us to create a lot of synergies that were held from a financial perspective, but also from an efficiencies perspective." Their efforts were rewarded by once again being named oneoftheTopEmployersinManitoba. Michelle Kaschl, Senior Organizational Development Consultant,who beganhercareerwithMLCCnineyearsago as a Liquor Mart store manager, said the merger has created more opportunities for staff and brought together creative people from both sides with fresh ideas and perspectives. The result, she said, is a reinvigorated work force – herselfincluded. "I love working for this organization," Kaschl said. "I think it'sagreatplacetobe." Both sides were growing at the time of the merger, creating even more buzz. Manitoba Lotteries had launched PlayNow.com and had partnered with True North Sports and Entertainment to open the Shark Club, a new gaming centredowntown. Meanwhile, Liquor Mart Express stores had been introduced in Winnipeg and in Brandon, and have proven verypopular. As the Crown corporation responsible for the distribution and sale of beverage alcohol, and for providing gaming and entertainmentexperiencesinasociallyresponsiblemanner, Kaschlsaidprovidingtrainingforemployeesiscrucial. Kaschl said over half the training they provide is for front linestaffincasinos. "We invest a lot into developing people to make sure that we'vegotagreatlevelofcustomerservice,"shesaid,noting that when groups book events at the Casinos of Winnipeg theyalwaysraveabouttheservice. "Wetakealotofprideinthat." The same pride goes into training frontline staff at Liquor Mart stores throughout the province. The distance between storesmeansmuchoftheirtrainingisdoneonline. "Weneedtotrainourpeopleequallyandweneedtomake sureit'savailabletoeveryone,"Kaschlsaid. Staff members are trained on everything from how to deal with underage or intoxicated persons, to delivering exceptionalcustomerserviceandproductknowledgeonthe thousandsofproductsthatareofferedatLiquorMarts. "Coursesareavailableonline,"Kaschlsaid. Providing proper training and support for employees leads to excellent retention, she said, and if employees are interestedinmovingtootherpositionswithinthecorporation, there's assistance for them with resumé and interview preparationaswellascareerplanning. Employees at Liquor & Lotteries devote an impressive amount of time – more than 6,700 volunteer hours last year –atsome50-pluseventsthroughouttheprovincesponsored bytheorganization. EmployeeslastyearvolunteeredattheManitobaMarathon servingatwaterstations,atSiloamMissionwheretheyhelped serve1,500Thanksgivingdinners,andatFolklorama,where 'atonofvolunteers'helpedwithvarioustasks. "We offer many volunteer opportunities through the organization,andemployeespicktheonesthattheylikeand theychoosewhat'simportanttothem,"Kaschlsaid. "It'saverydiverseandquitewell-oiledmachine,"Campbell said."It'ssoimpressivetoseeourstaffoutatsomanyplaces, makingadifferenceinourcommunities." Campbellsaystheirenergyanddedicationtotheseevents mirrorstheirworkefforts. "Everybody works so hard, it's just super impressive," he said. "It's a high-energy work place with such dedicated people.It'ssomethingtobeproudof." ManitobaLotteriesandMLCCemployeeshaveadeephistory ofvolunteeringandcontributingtotheircommunities. ManitobaLiquor&Lotteriesphoto

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