MBiz | December 2017

DECEMBER 2017, VOL. 12

MANITOBA BUSINESS AWARD WINNERS We salute community builders at the 34th annual gala PAGE 8 POWER POINTS Restoring Manitoba Hydro PAGE 12

READY for TAKEOFF MANITOBA CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE LAUNCHES ITS NEW BRANDING CAMPAIGN PAGE 6

CONTRIBUTING $1.7 BILLION AND 13,000 JOBS TO OUR MANITOBA ECONOMY EVERY YEAR

Manitoba’s pork industry contributes over $1.7 billion to our economy annually and employs over 13,000 Manitobans, helping to create economic stability and opportunity right here at home. manitobapork.com/community

Olivia Penner Future Generation Manitoba Hog Farmer Blumenort, MB

Featured this month...

Frontiers North Adventures marks 30 years in Churchill tourism business. 32

NORMAN: Churchill Chamber of Commerce Flin Flon & District Chamber of Commerce Gillam Chamber of Commerce Snow Lake Chamber of Commerce The Pas & District Chamber of Commerce Thompson Chamber of Commerce PARKLAND: Dauphin & District Chamber of Commerce Roblin & District Chamber of Commerce Rossburn & District Chamber of Commerce Russell & District Chamber of Commerce Swan Valley Chamber of Commerce INTERLAKE: Arborg & District Chamber of Commerce Ashern & District Chamber of Commerce Eriksdale & District Chamber of Commerce Fisher Branch Chamber of Commerce Gimli Chamber of Commerce Riverton & District Chamber of Commerce Teulon & District Chamber of Commerce MIDWEST: Neepawa & District Chamber of Commerce Rivers & District Chamber of Commerce Shoal Lake and District Chamber of Commerce Wasagaming Chamber of Commerce CENTRAL: Carman & Community Chamber of Commerce Chambre de commerce de Notre-Dame MacGregor & District Chamber of Commerce Oakville & District Chamber of Commerce Portage la Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce Treherne & District Chamber of Commerce CAPITAL: Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce Assiniboia Chamber of Commerce Chambre de commerce francophone de Saint-Boniface East St. Paul Chamber of Commerce Headingley Regional Chamber of Commerce La Salle & Area Chamber of Commerce Ritchot Regional Chamber of Commerce Selkirk Biz Stonewall & District Chamber of Commerce Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce PEMBINA VALLEY: Altona & District Chamber of Commerce Crystal City & District Chamber of Commerce Morden & District Chamber of Commerce Morris & District Chamber of Commerce Hamiota Chamber of Commerce Minnedosa Chamber of Commerce Plum Coulee & District Chamber of Commerce Rosenort & District Chamber of Commerce Winkler & District Chamber of Commerce

EASTERN: Beausejour & District Chamber of Commerce Chambre de commerce de Saint-Pierre-Jolys Falcon/West Hawk Chamber of Commerce Grunthal & District Chamber of Commerce Lac Du Bonnet & District Chamber of Commerce Landmark & Area Chamber of Commerce

Niverville Chamber of Commerce Pinawa Chamber of Commerce

Piney Regional Chamber of Commerce Reynolds & Whitemouth District Chamber of Commerce Springfield Chamber of Commerce St. Malo & District Chamber of Commerce Steinbach Chamber of Commerce WESTERN: Boissevain & District Chamber of Commerce Brandon Chamber of Commerce Carberry & District Chamber of Commerce Cypress River Chamber of Commerce Deloraine & Area Chamber of Commerce Elkhorn District Chamber of Commerce Melita & District Chamber of Commerce Rapid City & District Chamber of Commerce Souris & Glenwood Chamber of Commerce Virden Community Chamber of Commerce Waskada & Area Chamber of Commerce

Morden's Prairie Barnwood reclaims wood — and its history — for new furniture pieces. 34

boutique boost business in Russell. 28

Bin 22 Coffee Company and Hometown Glory

hemp to new markets. 26

Gilbert Plains plant takes

to First Nations. 22

One Nation Networks delivers internet – and opportunity —

A MESSAGE FROM MCC PRESIDENT & CEO CHUCK DAVIDSON

CELEBRATING BUSINESS IN MANITOBA

DECEMBER 2017, VOL. 12

MANITOBA CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE mbchamber.mb.ca PRESIDENT & CEO Chuck Davidson DIRECTOR OF POLICY & COMMUNICATIONS Cory Kolt WINNIPEG FREE PRESS winnipegfreepress.com PUBLISHER Bob Cox MANAGER OF NICHE PRODUCTS Barb Borden barb.borden@freepress.mb.ca EDITOR Pat St. Germain pstgermain@mail.com WRITERS

Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba, in recognizing an outstanding individual and business for their commitment to Manitoba. This year it was a privilege to celebrate Brian Scharfstein and MNP for all they do in this province. As we move into 2018, MCC also has something to celebrate. We are excited to be able to share with you our new brand and logo. As we enter our 87th year of existence, we feel a new refreshed look will help strengthen MCC as the voice of business in Manitoba. On behalf of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, its dedicated staff, our 71 local Chambers, and close to 10,000 member businesses, we thank you for your continued support, and we hope you enjoy the latest edition of MBiz magazine, which celebrates business in this great province. CHUCK DAVIDSON President and CEO Manitoba Chambers of Commerce As we enter our 87th year of existence, we feel a new refreshed look will help strengthen MCC as the voice of business in Manitoba.

A t the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, we love to acknowledge and celebrate business excellence in the province. Just over a month ago, MCC hosted the 34th Annual Manitoba Business Awards Presented by Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries. This event has become bigger and better every year, and this year we raised the bar yet again. Outstanding businesses from around the province were recognized for not only their business contributions but more importantly their contributions to the communities in which they do business. In addition, MCC is honoured to continue our partnership with her Honour Janice Filmon,

Bob Armstrong Sharon Chisvin Chuck Davidson Sherry Kaniuga Wendy King Geoff Kirbyson Cory Kolt

Patrick Rediger Pat St. Germain David Square Jim Timlick Lindsey Ward PHOTOGRAPHY Darcy Finley Numerous organizations supplied DESIGN Jane Chartrand View online at: winnipegfreepress.com/ publications

COVER STORY

A NEW IMAGE FOR THE VOICE OF BUSINESS IN MANITOBA It’s a brand new day for the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce.

Dynamic brand imaging developed in collaboration with MCC Board of Directors past-chair Kyle Romaniuk, principal at marketing firm Vantage, reflects MCC’s role as the increasingly influential voice of business in Manitoba. “The Chamber has grown, its profile has grown and the brand just hasn’t continued to evolve with it,” says MCC President and CEO Chuck Davidson. The previous brand’s five Roman columns represented the five pillars of the organization which, from a policy perspective, have changed over the past few decades. Coinciding with strategic planning sessions that pinpoint key priorities and sharpen focus on the Chamber’s identity and core values, the timing was right to update the imagery, he adds. “We’ve made a number of changes within the organization, the direction that we’ve been going, and I think the board and staff felt it was time for a bit of a refresh in terms of our look and feel.” Romaniuk says the new visuals are designed

to represent MCC’s role as an organization that informs and educates business leaders and government; brings industry and regional business networks together to drive economic growth and stability; advocates on behalf of members; cuts red tape and works to make Manitoba the best place to live and work. The logo icon’s conceptual elements represent cutting red tape, an inclusive meeting place and the collective and unified voice of business. Davidson says the imaging also provides brand continuity for the 71 Chambers in the network. “There are going to be Chambers that are going to continue on with their current brand, which is fine, but for those that don’t have the capacity or resources to go through this process then we’re there to help them along as well,” he says. “We’re excited about where the organization has gone. We’ve been in operation for 86 years and we hope this is the logo and brand that will move us forward for decades to come.” ■

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“We’re excited about where the organization has gone. We’ve been in operation for 86 years and we hope this is the logo and brand that will move us forward for decades to come.”

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MBIZ AWARDS GALA

The gala evening celebrated outstanding Manitoba businesses and individuals. Bottom right: Canadian Footwear and FootHealth Centres president Brian Scharfstein (left) accepts his Lieutenant Governor Award. Photos by David Moder Photography

BUSINESSES RECOGNIZED AT MCC 34TH ANNUAL AWARDS GALA Steinbach Credit Union receives both Large Business and MCC Business of the Year Awards BY CORY KOLT

O n Friday, Oct. 27, an Manitoba business at the 34th Annual Manitoba Business Awards Presented by enthusiastic audience gathered at the Canad Inn Destination Centre Polo Park to celebrate and recognize the best of

the contributions of companies and individuals that make a lasting impact on our province. With the Lieutenant Governor, her Honour, the Honourable Janice Filmon, and the Honourable Blaine Pederson, Minister of Growth, Enterprise, and Trade taking part in this celebration, guests heard heartfelt speeches from a wide variety of industry leaders, sharing the importance of the work they and their fellow nominees do, and recognizing the roles their clients and partners play in their success. Among the

winners, Steinbach Credit Union captured the inaugural Manitoba Chambers of Commerce Business of the Year Award. “The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce believes in recognizing business excellence in Manitoba, and we were pleased to see nominees from across the province as finalists for our awards,” said MCC President and CEO Chuck Davidson. “The judging committee had some difficult decisions based on the calibre and quality of the businesses, but we are thrilled to recognize the following companies.”

Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries. Each year, the awards celebrate

the diverse businesses that make up Manitoba’s growing sectors. With nominees representing all corners of the province, the awards also recognize

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We salute the class of 2017: BRIAN SCHARFSTEIN Lieutenant Governor Awards — Individual A lifelong resident of Winnipeg, Canadian Footwear and FootHealth Centres president Brian Scharfstein is active in the business community, frequently taking on leadership roles. He served as Chair of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce in 2013 and on boards of organizations such as the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, Winnipeg Harvest, and the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Mount Carmel Clinic Foundation, and the City of Winnipeg Police Board. >>

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POLAR INDUSTRIES LTD. (SPRINGFIELD) Outstanding Small Business — Sponsored by BDC Recognized through its involvement with the popular History Channel show Ice Road Truckers, Polar Industries Ltd. is a leading remote logistics specialist with a corporate culture based on service, philanthropy, and personal as well as corporate growth. It serves communities in northern Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario, many of which are isolated 10 months of the year and rely on its professional service for vital supplies. Finalists: 6P Marketing; PrintPro Digital & Offset NORIMA CONSULTING INC. (WINNIPEG) Outstanding Medium Business — Sponsored by Taylor McCaffrey LLP. Founded out of a basement in St. Vital and an office in San Diego in 2006, Norima Consulting offers technology consulting and strategic resourcing to mid-to large-size organizations across industries — including financial services, health care, insurance and utilities/energy — and operates as an innovation accelerator to corporate clients. Finalists: Redfern Farm Service Ltd.; Shindico Realty Ltd. STEINBACH CREDIT UNION (STEINBACH)

Below from left: MCC Board Chair Judy Murphy, Siloam Mission CEO Jim Bell,

Canad Inns CEO Dan Lussier. Photos by David Moder Photography

Outstanding Large Business — Sponsored by CPHR Manitoba

Started as a rural cooperative, Steinbach Credit Union grew without mergers to become Manitoba’s largest credit union and the 8th largest in Canada, with over $5 billion in assets. For the past 75 years, SCU has worked with members to create relationships based on trust and support. Its success is rooted in the philosophy of serving the needs of members and a continuing a tradition of exemplary service. Finalists: Jacobson & Greiner Group Ltd.; Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology RED RIVER COLLEGE (WINNIPEG)

<< CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS

MNP Lieutenant Governor Awards — Business

Founded in Brandon in 1956, MNP is a leading national accounting, tax and business consulting firm with more than 4,000 staff. One of the country’s largest professional service firms, it has been named as one of Canada’s top 50 employers every year consecutively since 2009. MNP proudly serves its clients in public, private and not-for-profit sectors. Through partner-led engagements, it provides a collaborative, cost- effective approach to doing business, and personalized strategies to help organizations succeed — across the country and around the world. SILOAM MISSION (WINNIPEG) Outstanding Not-for-Profit — Sponsored by Canad Inns Since 1987, Siloam Mission has provided meals, clothing, and hope to Winnipeg’s poor and homeless community. Serving hundreds of people with dignity and respect every day, lending a helping hand to those who need it most, Siloam Mission provides programs and services free of charge for over 2,500 people annually. In 2016, 507,563 meals were served, an increase of 3 per cent each sitting from 2015. An increase of 15,000 additional meals is expected in the upcoming year. Finalists: The Winnipeg Foundation; True North Youth Foundation

Long-Term Achievement — Sponsored by CPA Manitoba

Red River College takes pride in students’ achievements — and in providing the highest-quality education available. The graduate employment rate consistently exceeds 94 per cent, and RRC strives to keep the curriculum on the cutting edge through partnerships with industry, and by using state-of-the-art equipment. With more than 200 full- time and part-time programs spread over nine campuses in Manitoba, its aim is to be recognized globally for excellence in applied learning, research and innovation. Finalists: Qualico; WM Dyck & Sons The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce would like to thank all our dedicated sponsors and partners for their continued belief in the Chamber movement. We also send our congratulations to all the nominees and look forward making the 35th Annual Manitoba Business Awards bigger and better. ■

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Clockwise from top: Award winners show off their hardware; MCC Board Chair Judy Murphy (left), Lieutenant Governor, her Honour, the Honourable Janice Filmon, MNP Regional Managing Partner Andrew Stibbard and Bell MTS Vice-Chair Dan McKeen; Janice Schultz, BDC Manager, and Polar Industries President Mark Kohaykewuch; Red River College’s Dr. Christine Watson (left), Tim Silversides, Board Chair, CPA Manitoba, and RRC’s Rebecca Chartrand; Steinbach Credit Union accepts the inaugural Business of the Year Award from Judy Murphy and MCC President and CEO Chuck Davidson (far right); Norima Consulting CEO David Kuik accepts the Outstanding Medium Business Award. Photos by David Moder Photography

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MANITOBA HYDRO

RESTORING MANITOBA HYDRO

S oon the Public Utilities Board (PUB) will begin an important public hearing to review Manitoba Hydro’s rate application as well as its capital projects. This hearing will not be like previous PUB hearings, and this rate application is not like previous rate applications. As Manitoba Hydro is seeking rate increases which, if approved, will be significant for our customers, we would like to take the opportunity to tell you why we are doing this. It is important to understand Manitoba Hydro faces significant operating risks as a business — the risk of drought, the risk of further deterioration in export prices, the risk of rising interest rates, the risk of cost overruns on major capital projects, the requirement to spend capital

on refurbishing existing equipment, and no growth in domestic electrical demand. We’ve had years of good luck in these areas. But we can’t operate Hydro based on the hope that good luck will continue. Under the direction of the previous board and provincial government, Manitoba Hydro undertook more than $14 billion in major projects with no realistic plan to pay for them. If rates are not increased the business will continue to be cash-flow negative, needing to borrow hundreds of millions of dollars every year just to fund its core operations. More importantly, the debt of Manitoba Hydro, combined with existing provincial debt, will create a debt- to-GDP ratio for the Province of Manitoba of between 65 and 70 per cent — amongst the highest in Canada. In short, this is a combination that leaves

our customers, and the public finances of Manitoba, very vulnerable. As a Board we have a critical responsibility to address this. That is why we developed a new 10-year plan to restore Manitoba Hydro’s financial strength, and protect our customers from these risks. With the determined support and effort of Manitoba Hydro management and employees, action has already been taken to reduce operating costs and streamline the business. We have reduced the overall management structure at Hydro by 25 per cent, including a reduction of 30 per cent at the executive level. In addition, the company will have reduced its total number of employees by well over 800 by the end of January 2018. These cost reductions are important, but on their own can’t address the billions of dollars of debt coming

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Left: The Keewatinohk Converter Station —- northern terminus for the Bipole III transmission line — moves towards completion. Middle: Construction continues on the spillway for the Keeyask Generating Station in northern Manitoba. Right: The Keeyask Generating Station under construction in northern Manitoba.

forward. Rates must play a critical role in our plan. This was not a simple decision. We know and understand the impacts rate increases will have across Manitoba. But if we don’t take these steps now, we leave our customers vulnerable to significant unplanned rate increases in the future. It is natural for our customers to ask questions and want to see evidence when

faced with this challenge. That is why we look forward to the PUB process. Through the PUB, Manitobans will be able to see our case presented in the greatest detail. It is a process important to all Manitobans. We respect this process, and are prepared for the scrutiny it will bring. As Board members, we understand this is an issue that arouses passions. We are Manitobans who want to build a strong

province for our children and grandchildren. We also have a deep knowledge of the challenges that face enterprises with large financial profiles like Manitoba Hydro. That’s why we feel so strongly about this issue. As the stewards of Manitoba Hydro, we understand our responsibility to restore Manitoba Hydro’s financial strength and protect our customers and Manitoba taxpayers for future generations. ■

H. SANFORD RILEY Chair, Manitoba Hydro Electric Board President & CEO, Richardson Financial Group JENNEFER NEPINAK Manitoba Hydro

STEVE KROFT Vice-Chair, Manitoba Hydro Electric Board

DAVID BROWN Manitoba Hydro Electric Board President & CEO, Richardson Capital ALLEN SNYDER Manitoba Hydro Electric Board President, AM Snyder Associates

EARL EDMONDSON Manitoba Hydro Electric Board President, Edmondson Housing Limited DAYNA SPIRING Manitoba Hydro Electric Board President & CEO, Economic Development Winnipeg

CLIFF GRAYDON Manitoba Hydro Electric Board MLA, Emerson

President & CEO, Conviron Group of Companies MICHAEL PYLE Manitoba Hydro Electric Board CEO, Exchange Income Group

DR. ANNETTE TRIMBEE Manitoba Hydro Electric Board President, University of Winnipeg

Electric Board Senior Advisor,

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UWINNIPEG FACULTY OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS

“One of the significant advantages of becoming involved in extra- curricular activities is becoming engaged

in the community.” Business student Andrew Collignon in the Buhler Centre, home of the UWinnipeg Faculty of Business and Economics. Photo courtesy of UWinnipeg

“As part of experiential learning, we encourage engagements with the community, whether as volunteers on social issues, or as part of competitions,” says Dr. Sylvie Albert, Dean, Faculty of Business and Economics. “Students have a choice to take entrepreneurship courses and will have access to community experts and networks if they are interested in pursuing a social enterprise concept.” One opportunity students are exposed to is Jeux du Commerce West, an annual business competition that challenges schools across Western Canada to showcase their strengths in academics, debate, athletics and social activities. UWinnipeg has entered a team in each of the past five competitions. “One of the pillars of JDC West is the community and volunteer portion in which the whole team supports five not- for-profit organizations,” says Collignon. “During my time in the competition, the shared experiences built in the community have helped with my personal development.” According to Albert, a well-rounded education is something more employers will be seeking as advances in technology disrupt traditional positions. “As more processes are eliminated or diverted to AI, we need to ensure our students have a complete understanding of the people side as well as the technical side,” says Albert. “It is important to keep our finger on the pulse and become more flexible in redesigning programs to fit the new realities of industry 4.0.” ■

UWinnipeg Faculty of Business and Economics students are CONNECTING WITH THE COMMUNITY

I n an ever-changing business environment, what are students in The University of Winnipeg’s Faculty of Business and Economics doing to stand out? It’s simple: just one thing. “We always express to students the importance of doing one extra thing every year throughout their degree, whether it’s volunteering, joining a student association, or enrolling in a co-op,” says Carter Cousineau, Director, Operations and Business Development, UWinnipeg. “At the end of their degree, they will be astonished how far they have come in preparation for their next chapter.” Students are embracing the concept, and seeing how community involvement sets

a UWinnipeg business degree apart from the competition. “One of the significant advantages of becoming involved in extra-curricular activities is becoming engaged in the community,” says Andrew Collignon, a fourth-year accounting major and founder of the University of Winnipeg Accounting Students' Association. “Establishing the accounting association has connected me to many professionals, and accounting students get to meet these professionals through UWASA events.” Recognizing the advantages for graduates, the faculty has begun to embed more outside opportunities directly into the curriculum.

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Your business is always changing. And so are your employee benefit needs. The Chambers Plan provides employee benefit solutions to 30,000 small businesses in Canada. We see first-hand the amazing entrepreneurs we have in this country and you inspire us with your passion.

Get the plan that adapts with you. Visit chamberplan.ca It’s for your benefit.

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Hon. Jim Carr Winnipeg South Centre 204.983.1355

Terry Duguid Winnipeg South 204.984.6787

Doug Eyolfson Charleswood- St. James-Assiniboia- Headingley 204.984.6432

Kevin Lamoureux Winnipeg North 204.984.1767

Hon. MaryAnn Mihychuk Kildonan - St. Paul 204.984.6322

Robert-Falcon Ouellette Winnipeg Centre 204.984.1675

Dan Vandal Saint-Boniface - Saint-Vital 204.983.3183

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NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART HOG BARNS BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, ANIMALS AND THE ECONOMY

A s part of the Manitoba pork industry’s focus on continual improvement, new legislation and science-based regulations about to be brought in by the provincial government will encourage new investment in Manitoba’s pork sector. Hog farmers will be able to deal with the backlog of re-investment needed to upgrade their barns and equipment. Over the next ten years, farmers will invest about $2 billion to replace their existing barns and build some additional capacity. Protecting land and water and providing animal husbandry are always top priorities, and new barns will further reduce our environmental footprint and allow for the adoption of new animal husbandry practices. These advancements will have a positive effect on the overall provincial economy by creating jobs and business opportunities in both rural and urban Manitoba. Farmers will need to invest in new structures that are more energy efficient by using LED lighting, computer-controlled fans and motors, heat recovery systems and better insulation. Barn surfaces will use plastics and stainless steel that will be easier to wash, requiring less water. New buildings will last longer and be easier to maintain, and will include new fire prevention measures. The building environment overall will be more comfortable for animals and staff alike.

Barns will be designed to meet the new national animal care codes developed by veterinarians, research scientists, farmers and animal protection organizations. These commitments include group housing systems for gestating (pregnant) sows. As well, livestock watering systems will operate better and continue to meet animal needs. Computerized feeding systems will ensure all animals are fed according to their specific nutritional needs. These include specialized feeding plans and individual feeding of sows. New barns will provide more space in group pens to accommodate the increased size of hogs required by processing plants. “…new barns will further reduce our environmental footprint and allow for the adoption of new animal husbandry practices.” The industry has under-utilized pork processing capacity in Manitoba’s plants, which puts them at a cost disadvantage to the United States. With most of our locally raised pork being exported, the industry needs to compete directly with our neighbours to the south. Balanced expansion in barn capacity will ensure plants have enough hogs to become more efficient, further benefitting the provincial economy. With an abundance of land, water and farmer expertise and passion, there is an exciting future for Manitoba’s pork industry.

“Over the next ten years, farmers will invest about $2 billion to replace their existing barns…”

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I.H. ASPER SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

O nce the Rodney Dangerfield of its field, behavioural economics is getting a lot more respect these days. University of Manitoba I.H. Asper School of Business assistant professor Chi Liao says the fact that the pioneer of behavioural economics, Richard H. Thaler, won the 2017 Nobel Prize for Economics lends even more legitimacy to a relatively new field that is gaining acceptance. Liao started teaching a Behavioural Finance class in the fall of 2015, in preparation for the launch this September of the Asper School’s new Master of Finance (MFin) degree program. The only MFin program available between Toronto and Vancouver, it gives Winnipeg- based students the first opportunity to earn a degree that’s highly valued in finance industry job markets. The program also prepares students to write Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exams to earn the globally recognized CFA designation. A component of the CFA exams, Behavioural Finance was new to the Asper School, but Liao has conducted research in the field over the past several years. She says it’s a complement to traditional academic models, focusing on how predictably irrational human behavioural factors affect markets. “Traditional finance assumes that we’re all rational and as a result, markets are rational and efficient,” Liao says. “However, people tend to be irrational in predictable ways. It’s a more realistic picture of how markets and people function the human factor Behavioural Finance and risky business decisions

Photo courtesy of the I.H. Asper School of Business

in reality, as opposed to what theory generally tells us.” For example, traditional models typically posit that everybody should participate in the stock market, but in reality, only about half of Americans (and by extension, Canadians) invest in stocks. “If you’re saving for retirement … you’re leaving a lot of wealth on the table if you don’t participate in the stock market, so the question is why.” Liao has authored or co-authored several working papers, including Risk Taking Begets Risk Taking: Evidence from Casino Openings and Investor Portfolios, which found that people who gamble at new casinos in their communities go on to take more risks in their portfolios. Currently, she’s working on a research paper that examines whether experiences with significant economic hardship in childhood have lasting impact on adult risk- taking behaviour. “What we’re finding generally is that people who experienced financial instability in the household as a child are less likely to participate in the stock market as an adult.”

Those who do participate in the market should be aware of a few common foibles, many of which have been researched by another pioneer, Hersh Shefrin, a U of M graduate who has co-authored papers with Thaler and who wrote the book Beyond Greed and Fear: Understanding Behavioural Finance and the Psychology of Investing. For example, “we tend to sell our winners and hold on to our losers, so if you have a portfolio and you decide to sell your stock, you’re more likely to sell the stock that’s gone up in price since you purchased it,” Liao says. “And you tend to hold on to your losers because you don’t want to realize those losses. The reason that’s bad is that on average the winners you’re selling outperform the losers that you hold onto.” People who are overconfident tend to trade more frequently, and also have the lowest returns, Liao adds. “I would tell investors to hold passively managed low-fee funds, basically buy the entire market and hold on to it,” she says. “If you do want to buy and sell individual stocks and tinker, treat it as a separate fund, don’t do it with your retirement fund.” ■

december 2017

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FENTRO TECHNOLOGIES

SUPPLY CHAIN REACTION Bridging the gap for window and door fabricators

Fentro Technologies' most valuable asset — its team of skilled staff at the Morden plant. Photos by Darcy Finley

associated with the industry’s supply chain, and they knew there had to be a better way. “There were too many different European suppliers required to complete the final product,” says Fentro general manager Eduard Braun. “The company’s mission from the beginning has been to bridge the gap between the window and door fabricator and its European-based suppliers of profiles, hardware and accessories, through support and service.” Fentro grew rapidly after it was founded in 2001 in Delta, B.C. In 2006, its head office was moved to a 30,000-square-foot building in Morden and today, the company is a leading distributor of window and door systems,

focusing on three core areas of service: Patio doors and uPVC profile systems, hardware and tools, and interior shadings. “Our extensive knowledge of tilt-and- turn window systems and European door systems, from engineering and development to warehousing and logistics, allows Fentro to provide North American window and door manufacturers with cutting-edge European fenestration products and solutions,” Braun says. “With more than 60 years of combined experienced in the fenestration industry, we are dedicated to sharing our knowledge of the tilt-and-turn system to help fabricators offer their customers a high- quality window product that meets North

BY PAT REDIGER

It has often been said that when a door closes, a window of opportunity opens. That was the case for the founders of Fentro Technologies, a trio of entrepreneurs who immigrated to Canada from Germany with a vision to bring European tilt-and-turn windows to North American fabricators. Having operated a manufacturing plant for many years, they understood the challenges

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RECRUIT TOP TALENT

HIRE AN ASPER CO-OP STUDENT Engage tomorrow’s top business professionals. The Asper School of Business’s AACSB and CAFCE-accredited co-operative education program accepts only the strongest students. It emphasizes leadership and professional development to prepare students to excel in the workplace – from day one, at leading-edge companies across Canada. 100% of our students are employed full-time within 3 months of graduation 99% of our employers would recommend Asper Co-op to their peers

American building codes and requirements.” Fentro also offers preassembled lift and slide doors that can easily be integrated into product offerings. “Our experience has equipped us to be able to assist our customers in not only the supply chain, but also in helping create the manufacturing process,” Braun says. “Our knowledge of work flow, equipment requirements, and scaling allows us to aid our customers in a large part of the fabrication process.” The company provides a wide range of products, including French shutters and balcony systems. However, one of Fentro’s greatest assets is its staff of close to 20 full-time workers. “Our staff is experienced with design, fabrication and distribution of these products,” Braun says. “We strive to offer superior customer service with support to the fabricator just starting up or the seasoned fabricator.” ■

december 2017

ONE NATION NETWORKS

CONNECTING FIRST NATIONS Internet projects bring jobs and opportunity

BY BOB ARMSTRONG

A t three First Nations in Manitoba and Alberta, community- owned telecommunications companies are providing internet, TV and home phone services, while creating jobs and keeping profits in the community — thanks to help from One Nation Networks. A division of Winnipeg-based WiBand Communications Corp., One Nation Networks provided turnkey services to set up the telecom companies at Ebb and Flow First Nation (just west of Lake Manitoba) and at Alberta’s Siksika and Stoney Nakoda First Nations. Jen Kennedy, president of One Nation Networks, is proud of the community- building success of the companies, which employ six technicians and three office staff in communities where new jobs are scarce. Bringing high-speed internet and unlimited long distance to Indigenous communities is crucial to their economic development. But the three companies set up by One Nation Networks do more than just that. “There are a lot of companies that are just providing an internet connection,” says Kennedy. “The difference is we actually create a self-sustaining business that the First Nation owns.” WiBand Communications Corp., established in 1999, provides commercial internet services to thousands of businesses across the four western provinces. The services offered by One Nation

Networks cover everything from preparing a business plan through to setting up communication towers and training staff, as well as providing training to other members of the community. One Nation has also helped several Indigenous communities prepare applications to the Connect to Innovate funding program — for which the federal government has announced an additional $750 million in support. The three companies currently in operation have more than 1,300 residential customers, who didn’t previously have access to home internet services. Siksikatel, serving the Siksika First Nation east of Calgary, was the first of the trio, with

and businesses is a great business opportunity, says Kennedy. But it’s much more than that. “You want to make a difference and do something meaningful,” she says. “Our projects do something meaningful in providing employment and opportunities in Indigenous communities. Community ownership of infrastructure is important, because it should be their own asset, creating jobs in their community, with the profit staying in the community.” ■ At work on a communication tower at Ebb and Flow First Nation. Photo courtesy of One Nation Networks

the project beginning in 2010. Next came Stoney Nakoda Telecom,

west of Calgary. That company has grown to have seven towers, with plans underway to expand to a nearby cottage community. First Communications Telecom in Ebb and Flow is the latest achievement, begun in 2016. As with the other telecoms, First Communications has met with an enthusiastic response from the community, reaching its two-year sign-up goal within eight months of operation. Working with First Nations to develop communication infrastructure

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PEOPLE ARE AT THE HEART OF EVERYTHING WE DO

There are a lot of companies that are just providing an internet connection. The difference is we actually create a self-sustaining business that the First Nation owns.”

Introducing integrated HRIS, Payroll & Work Management helping you focus on the heart of your organization

december 2017

A TOUCH OF GLASS FRG delivers the wow factor in custom pieces

Loyal clients call FRG the best-kept secret in the glass industry. Well, start spreading the word. On Dec. 11, the company is opening a new facility in a high-visibility location overlooking McGillivray Boulevard, at 58 South Landing Drive, with a new showroom to serve designers, architects and walk-in customers. Award-winning home builders, and contractors, already rely on FRG to create the custom glass and staircase features that

deliver the wow factor in many new homes and newly renovated homes — seamless glass shower enclosures in master en-suites, glassed-in wine rooms, gleaming kitchen backsplashes and upscale staircases, railings and glass inserts. FRG president Brendan Berntt estimates upwards of 70 per cent of all the mirrors in new homes in Winnipeg are supplied by FRG. FRG specializes in full wall mirrors for washroom vanities, and custom wall mirrors for home gyms and businesses. While FRG works with the majority of Winnipeg’s leading home builders and

renovators, there’s a common misconception outside the industry that the company is strictly about auto glass. FRG is a third-generation family business, and was formerly known as Fort Rouge Plate & Auto Glass throughout most of its 50- year history. The company rebranded several years back to better reflect the scope of its services, supplying residential, commercial and auto glass of every description. And now customers will be able to drop by the 2,600-square-foot showroom and see for themselves why FRG is the clear choice in

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FRG

everything from modest model homes to $1 million showpieces. “We wanted a place where we could showcase all our custom work,” Berntt says. A customer lounge is intended to create a welcoming atmosphere, where designers, architects, builders and renovators are encouraged to bring clients in to see and touch the products that will grace their homes. A stunning central staircase featuring polished stainless steel, bamboo and glass is the focal point of the showroom, which features displays of full-scale

seamless shower enclosures, mirrors, glass partitions, back-painted glass backsplashes and more. There’s also a paint booth, so customers can have coffee tabletops, shelving, backsplashes and virtually any other glass piece custom-painted in the colour of their choice. Paint is applied to the back of the glass, making for a smooth, glossy finish. Manager Michael Messervey says the new facility has a host of benefits for customers and FRG’s staff of 25 customer service experts, installers, designer and managers. An expanded workshop will allow FRG

to improve its systems and expand its product lines. A large parking area and bay warehouse and service doors will expedite deliveries, and the location is convenient and easily accessible to all areas of the city via the Perimeter and major city routes. Drop in, or visit FRG online at www.frg.ca. ■ Visit the new FRG showroom and workshop at 58 South Landing Drive, three minutes west of the Kenaston Costco off McGillivray Boulevard. Opening Dec. 11, 2017. www.frg.ca

december 2017

HEMP SENSE INC.

GREEN ACRES Processing hemp right down to the final straw

BY PAT ST. GERMAIN

A new processing plant in Gilbert Plains is spinning hemp straw into … well, not exactly gold, but a close approximation. Kitty litter, fibril soil enricher and an absorbent flour for cleaning up liquids are among the innovative products Hemp Sense Inc. plans to produce from hemp straw that would normally be burned in the fields. Company president Lyall Bates says the environmentally friendly 30,000-square-foot plant fired up production with a tried-and-true food product, hemp seeds, in part

to give farmers a single market for the entire hemp plant. “All the other products, this is the first time it’s been done,” he says. “Right now, farmers take the seed and they’ve got a market for the seed and then the straw, they just burn it because there’s no market for it. “Now he’s got a market for the seed locally and he can turn around and sell the straw. Even if you turn around and get $30, $40 an acre return clear on your straw, that’s just another income.” Hemp Sense has custom balers to harvest plants in

december 2017

Kitty litter, fibril soil enricher and an absorbent flour for cleaning up liquids are among the innovative products Hemp Sense Inc. plans to produce from hemp straw that would normally be burned in the fields.

The new plant in Gilbert Plains is rolling out its product line in stages, starting with hemp seeds.

Photos courtesy of Hemp Sense

cases where farmers don’t have the necessary equipment. And so far, the company has a contract in place to supply kitty litter to 1,400 stores across North America. The litter ticks off a lot of boxes, serving a burgeoning pet supply market, providing diversified farm income and meeting consumer demand for green products. Produced in a zero-waste, zero- water facility, hemp litter has several advantages over clay litter. “Clay tracks on the cat’s feet, gets all over the furniture and people are breathing in that fine dust. Whereas the hemp is 100 per cent green. It absorbs

495 per cent of its weight, so it’s the highest-absorbing product we compared to other cat litters,” Bates says. Lightweight, chemical- and dust-free, it can also be composted. Parkland farmers led the charge to develop a hemp industry, forming the Parkland Industrial Hemp Growers (PIHG) cooperative soon after Canadian production was legalized in 1998. Late PIHG chairman Joe Federowich was also a driving force in promoting fiber production before he died in 2009. “Joe Federowich years ago was determined that the farmers needed to look at different crops, different incomes.

He was determined hemp would work and stuck with it,” Bates says. Hemp Sense was incorporated in 2015, and while it’s rolling out a limited number of products in the initial stages, Bates says it has the capacity to expand the product line at little cost. “Now we’re getting pretty excited because our products are getting ready to hit the shelves,” he says. “It’s a new industry yet. The seed market’s there and now I think there’s a big opportunity — we can take the waste product and give farmers another income, so I think it works hand in hand for the farmers and ourselves.” ■

december 2017

common GROUND Family businesses excel with coffee, clothing and customer service BY WENDY KING

Most people consider it a bargain when they get a “two-fer” — a two-for-one. When the Keating family took over an old bank building in Russell, that’s just what the town got: Bin 22, a funky coffee shop; and Hometown Glory, an on-trend clothing store.

Inspired both by their travels and their rural roots, Mark and Claudia Keating decided to open Bin 22 Coffee Company, a place to offer high quality espresso-based drinks like those they had enjoyed in Europe. They saw potential in an old brick bank building on the main street in town. After major renovations, it now houses Bin 22 and the fashion boutique owned by Mark’s niece, Jessica Keating. “We’re very aware that small towns need to offer something if they are to

stay viable, and we thought, ‘Russell needs that,’ ” Claudia says. “We’re just so proud of how it all turned out.” Jessica, 31, studied fashion marketing at Olds College, and Hometown Glory grew out of her passion for clothes. “I just felt that clothing for our age at a good price point was missing and I thought I could bring that so people wouldn’t always have travel to the city,” she says. “I wanted to offer something that would keep up with the trends in Russell.” A coffee shop

and a clothing store in one building might seem like an odd combination but the two businesses share common philosophical ground: A recognition they could provide a needed service; stellar customer relations; and an enjoyable atmosphere. Both tie customer experience to a well- considered esthetic. Bin 22 has a “cool but cozy” urban farm decor, with warm, inviting colours, barnboard from the Keating’s farm and scoops from an old grain elevator.

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BIN 22/HOMETOWN GLORY

RIght: Jessica Keating and husband Russell Davies kick up their heels at Hometown Glory. Photos courtesy of Bin 22 Coffee Company and Hometown Glory

Jessica furnished Hometown Glory with personal items like her dad’s old record player, vinyl LPs and even a Tom Petty wall — things that create conversation. “It’s a whole experience, so even if you don’t want to shop, maybe you just want to hang out and have your coffee from Bin 22 and just enjoy your time here — that’s what I have set out to do,” she says. “I don’t care if people don’t spend money when they are in here or if they are just passing through to get to the coffee shop. I want them to feel welcome because they are walking through the door, and that’s the first step.” Both businesses back their service with quality offerings — world-class coffees and “prairie-inspired” boutique items that are unique, beautiful and tailored to local customers' needs. "They wanted more than clothing, they wanted little knick-knack things they could pick up with a pair of leggings, so now, for example, we offer a stationery line that they just eat up," Jessica says. “They also want Canadian-made products that really reflect where we live because people are really wanting to support our country — including local artisans.” The community response to these businesses has been strong. “Local support means everything to me,” says Jessica. “And the surrounding communities which don’t have a lot of shopping options now come into Russell, which is great.” ■

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