MBiz | June 2017

business is booming. B IZ MB

JUNE 2017, VOL. 11

86TH AGM HIGHLIGHTS Building a framework for success PAGE 6 CARBON TAX Let’s get it right PAGE 12

look north Developing a new vision and strategy for harnessing northern Manitoba’s rich economic potential PAGE 10

SUSTAINABLY GROWING MANITOBA’S $1.7 BILLION OPPORTUNITY

Manitoba’s pork industry contributes over $1.7 billion to our economy annually, helping to create economic stability for all Manitobans. Pork products – fresh, frozen and processed – are leading Manitoba exports. Over 13,000 Manitobans rely on the pork industry for jobs, including construction workers, veterinarians, environmental scientists, food production workers and transport drivers. The industry also provides sustainable opportunities for farmers and their families. As stewards of land and water, Manitoba farmers have become world leaders in soil and manure management technology, and take pride knowing that the carbon footprint per pound of pork has been reduced by 1/3 over the past five decades.

“As multi-generational farmers, my family and I depend on the land and water entrusted to us for our livelihood. I work hard to protect the environment for future generations.”

– Cal Penner, Calvern Farms Argyle, Manitoba

Learn more about what we’re doing to grow sustainably at manitobapork.com/sustainably

manitobapork.com

B IZ MB

featured this month...

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: MANITOBA CHAMBERS 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

Unique talents drive Indigenous film and television production. 19

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 PEMBINA VALLEY: Altona & District Chamber of Commerce Crystal City & District Chamber of Commerce Morden & District Chamber of Commerce Morris & District Chamber of Commerce Plum Coulee & District Chamber of Commerce Rosenort & District Chamber of Commerce Winkler & District Chamber of Commerce

Culture Card connects users to arts and entertainment options. 16

Hamiota Chamber of Commerce Minnedosa Chamber of Commerce

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

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Cutting the mustard — fresh flavours on Manitoba’s culinary scene.

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A MESSAGE FROM MCC PRESIDENT & CEO CHUCK DAVIDSON

business is booming. B IZ MB

The power of the network is something we firmly believe in, and it starts with our 70 local Chambers. These Chambers are the heartbeat of their communities..."

NOVEMBER 2017, VOL. 11

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

Growing stronger and moving forward with the Chamber network

T hey say time flies when you are having fun. That saying has never been more appropriate than when talking about life in the Chamber. It was a mere three years ago when we introduced our strategic plan. Since then, the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC) and the local Chamber network across the province, many of them highlighted in this issue, have grown and strengthened. The plan was entitled “Creating Change and Making a Lasting Difference in Manitoba,” and it contains the guiding principles for making Manitoba the best place to live and work. I am a big believer in always looking forward. However, you need to look back to help develop the road forward. Over the past three years, MCC has refocused efforts to address what we see as an economic competitiveness gap with other jurisdictions. Thanks to the continued development of relationships at the provincial and federal levels, we saw vast improvements to the investment model for tourism in Manitoba and experienced a policy win with the new provincial government joining the New West Partnership. MCC’s focus and understanding of the importance and impact northern Manitoba has on our economy has resulted in my

being asked to co-chair the province’s Northern Economic Development Task Force. The power of the network is something we firmly believe in, and it starts with our 70 local Chambers. These Chambers are the heartbeat of their communities; they bring together business and residents to cultivate a better understanding and love of community. Traveling throughout Manitoba as much as I have since being named President and CEO in 2013, I have been able to see a renewed optimism in the business community. A new generation of innovators is looking beyond the urban setting, seeing the potential in rural Manitoba. They are also being encouraged by their local Chambers of Commerce. As the umbrella for the local Chambers, this growth impacts how we deliver our services, how we engage with you, and how we advocate on your behalf. As we embark on a revised strategic plan, we remain focused on being the voice for the Chamber movement and the voice of business in Manitoba. Thank you for your continued support, and I hope you enjoy the spring edition of MBiz magazine. Chuck Davidson President and CEO Manitoba Chambers of Commerce

Bob Armstrong Sharon Chisvin Chuck Davidson Wendy King Geoff Kirbyson Cory Kolt Patrick Rediger David Square Pat St. Germain Jim Timlick PHOTOGRAPHY Darcy Finley Numerous organizations supplied DESIGN Jane Chartrand

View online at: winnipegfreepress.com/ publications

86TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

NEW FORMAT, NEW POLICY AND NEW DIRECTION HIGHLIGHT 86TH AGM

C hambers from across Manitoba converged in Winnipeg May 4-5 to network with colleagues, meet new Chamber members, hear from a wide range of speakers, and get a better look at the future direction of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC). Hosted by the Assiniboia Chamber of Commerce, the 86th Annual General Meeting (AGM) kicked off with the swearing in of a new board and Judy Murphy as new board chair. Judy brings a wealth of business understanding and leadership through her involvement on boards like Manitoba Centennial Centre Corporation (Audit Committee Chair), the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce (Past Chair), the Reh-Fit Centre, and the Crown Corporations Council of Manitoba, along with other task groups and committees. The AGM also provided the perfect platform to share an updated

strategic vision focused on outcomes in regards to economic growth, job creation and a growing, more connected Chamber network. The updated strategic plan has a strong focus on advocacy and policy development, specifically in the areas of developing a long-term economic vision for Manitoba, business attraction and retention, labour market, and key sector support. This focus will emphasize improving our competitiveness with other jurisdictions; working to make Manitoba a leader regarding job creation, and further developing and connecting with our Chamber network across Manitoba. Day One wrapped up with a rousing debate of 21 (nine renewal and 12 new) policy resolutions. Among the new resolutions are advocacy plans to highlight the need for better policy surrounding Aboriginal engagement and the processes that are paramount to the process of growth. A call for government

6 MBiz | june 2017

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

Left: New board chair Judy Murphy. Top: Harry Mardon Award recipient Merv Gunter. Above (from left): Philip Gass (International Institute for Sustainable Development), Terry Shaw (Manitoba Trucking Assoc.), and James Battershill (Keystone Agricultural Producers). Photos by Matthew Alcock

to better address Indigenous participation in the economy and improving the Duty to Consult and Accommodate process are two key areas for MCC in the months ahead. The Chamber network also had a great deal of discussion, both during the policy session and conversations throughout the AGM, centered around the province’s plans for carbon pricing and where MCC and the Chamber network fall on the issue. A resolution was passed calling on the government to share the work it is doing on this “Made in Manitoba” plan and provide a suitable business case framework and economic assessment (including tax implications) of its cost and impact, to be shared with Manitobans through proper consultation before any final decision is made by MCC. Day Two started with a keynote speech and Q & A with Deputy Premier Heather Stefanson. She spoke about the work being

continued >>

MBiz | june 2017

86TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Clockwise from top: Growth, Enterprise and Trade Minister Cliff Cullen (left), new board chair Judy Murphy, MCC president and CEO Chuck Davidson and Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman; Michelle Aitkenhead (RBC); Gerry Glatz (left) and Warren Thompson (Assiniboia Chamber of Commerce); Warren Thompson at the podium; Volunteer of the Year Award recipient Wadood Ibrahim. Photos by Matthew Alcock

8 MBiz | june 2017

2017-2018 BOARD OF DIRECTORS The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce OFFICERS CHAIR Judy Murphy, Safety Services Manitoba VICE CHAIR Paul Holden, Education Consolidation Corporation (ECC)

VICE CHAIR Robert Lajoie, Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)

PAST CHAIR Kyle Romaniuk, The CHR Group TREASURER Kevin Ploegman, Fort Group Chartered Professional Accountants Inc. SECRETARY Michelle Aitkenhead, RBC Royal Bank LEGAL COUNSEL Todd Andres, Pitblado Law

DIRECTORS - CHAMBER Scott Whitmore, Dauphin and District Chamber of Commerce Priti Mehta-Shah, Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce Carolynn Cancade, Chamber Executives of Manitoba (CEM)

Peggy May, Portage la Prairie and District Chamber of Commerce

Merv Gunter, Churchill Chamber of Commerce Karly McRae, Wasagaming Chamber of Commerce

DIRECTORS - CORPORATE Helen Halliday, Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada Paul Provost, 6P Marketing Inc. Alison Kirkland, Women’s Enterprise Centre of Manitoba Dave Van Hooren, PCL Constructors Canada Inc. Mike Boucher, Deloitte DIRECTORS AT LARGE Regan Windsor, Manitoba Hydro Frank Sottana, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)

<< continued from page 7

done across the province, the value of the Chamber network, and the challenges the province faces with new marijuana legislation from the federal government. Manitoba’s main voice in Ottawa, Minister of Natural Resources Jim Carr, provided a lunch speech focused on relationship building. More specifically, on how the federal government is building relationships with the new administration in the U.S. Carr said conversation and finding the common connections have played a large role in the early discussions. Attendees also heard panels on carbon pricing, the role of media, and secrets to a successful Chamber. And the Commander of 17 Wing in Winnipeg, Col. Andy Cook, kept the room laughing during his one-hour session. Col. Cook shared some jaw-dropping numbers on the impact Canada’s military has in Manitoba and across the country and just how the military deals with attracting a new generation of millennials who might not see a career serving their country as a “cool” option. As the AGM came to a close, two long-serving members of the Chamber network were honoured for the work they have done and continue to do in promoting the value of the Chambers of Commerce. Current Winnipeg Chamber Board Chair and retiring MCC board member Wadood Ibrahim was presented with the Volunteer of the Year Award. Past MCC Chair and tireless tourism champion Merv Gunter received the Harry Mardon Award for his contributions to MCC. MCC would like to thank our partners at CN, this year’s presenting sponsor, along with all those who attended this year. We are looking forward to seeing you at the 87th AGM next May, which will be hosted by the Wasagaming Chamber of Commerce. ■

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MBiz | june 2017

NORTHERN MANITOBA'S ECONOMY & THE LOOK NORTH INITIATIVE

A new vision of THE NORTH O pportunities to shape the direction of regions come along once in a generation. The chance to help develop long-term, functional solutions for future sustainable economic development for Developing a Path Forward for northern Manitoba By Cory Kolt and Chuck Davidson

It has world-class resources — mining, forestry, electrical generation and tourism — that are the envy of other provinces and countries. In setting the stage for sustained growth, the focus for communities, First Nations and governments is to embrace the possibility of prosperity and economic growth through building skills and efficiency, and developing productive, sustainable relationships. A long-term, visionary solution that will take advantage of the vast potential of the North is required. Strong policy and the ability of community and business leaders to take stock of their assets and pinpoint where there is potential for future economic development will be an important piece of the puzzle. The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC) has long advocated for this kind of discussion and has worked with governments to reexamine the state of the North and the role the Chamber network could play in bringing prominent northern voices together. That vision evolved into Look North, a multi-faceted plan to spur economic change and development. MCC President and CEO Chuck Davidson has a deep understanding of, affection for, and connection to northern Manitoba. Born and raised in Snow Lake, Davidson was approached to co-chair Look North. He

Manitoba’s North might be a once in a lifetime pursuit. Economic challenges and the lack of a clear strategy for growth have left northern Manitoba at a critical crossroads. Many of the major communities throughout the North are reliant on one major industry. The current economic climate continues to rely on market conditions where even the slightest change can send the residents and economy into a state of uncertainty. The most recent examples: the halting of the 2016 shipping season, closing the Port of Churchill and halving the town’s rail service, which is unstable at the best of times. These decisions left and continue to leave residents and businesses cut off from a regular supply of products and materials needed to live. In The Pas, the town’s primary employer, Tolko Industries, made a business decision to close, leaving the future uncertain until a new buyer was found at the last minute. All of this has happened at a time when most experts and those who live in and study the region say the economic potential of northern Manitoba is enormous.

10 MBiz | june 2017

The economic potential of northern Manitoba is enormous. It has world-class resources — mining, forestry, electrical generation and tourism — that are the envy of other provinces and countries.

made it clear from the start what is required for this task force and plan to have any chance at success. “Without question, this process has to be driven by northerners,” said Davidson. “Their engagement is crucial to this process to ensure the solutions are coming from the North and not the government. There has been a fundamental shift in understanding that residents and business leaders can drive change and not wait for the government to come to the rescue.” The first steps to collecting northern thoughts and ideas came in early April. Davidson and OCN Chief Christian Sinclair, the task force co-chair, spent a week holding summits in The Pas, Thompson and Churchill. “These community discussions were an important first step toward developing the long-term plan needed,” said Davidson. The summits heard from close to 150 leaders from all corners of northern Manitoba, including mayors, chiefs, major employers, small business owners and scientists. The discussions were very productive and provided the task force with critical information that will help develop a working plan. Northern Manitoba has no shortage of raw materials; what is need is investment (capital) and skills (labour)

to reinvigorate and propel the economy forward. This requires a combination of human and financial capital, expertise, skills and infrastructure. Northern and Aboriginal communities must have access to training and education to be full participants in the northern economy. Davidson sees this as a real chance for the North to come away with substantial change and, maybe for the first time in decades, a true path toward sustainable, self-sufficient growth. “What is different and encouraging is having the chance to see the engagement with youth,” said Davidson. “Some of the ideas and business ideas coming from high school students have been staggering. They understand the importance of building a future in their communities. I don’t know if that would have been the case five or 10 years ago.” MCC has long viewed northern Manitoba as a key asset and a region full of potential for growth and opportunity to support the provincial economy. Our hope is that through this process we will develop a forward-looking and proactive strategy that will unleash the North’s real potential and provide northern residents with optimism for the future rather than uncertainty. To learn more, visit www.gov.mb.ca/looknorth. ■

MBiz | june 2017

CARBON PRICING

CARBON PRICING Its Potential Imprint and Impact on Manitoba By Cory Kolt

T he issue of carbon pricing, climate change, and the role Canada needs to play is not easy to comprehend. But one thing is clear — the federal government is trying to take a giant leap toward having Canada play its part by making a case for cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent from 2005 levels by 2030. The issue of how we do it, and how fast we

Commerce (MCC) has been examining and researching the issue and the impacts of carbon pricing. While the provincial government has committed to developing a made- in-Manitoba plan, to date, we are left with no specifics. As it stands, MCC remains concerned the pressure to create a provincial solution, different from the federal plan, could be done too hastily without knowing the potential ramifications to both Manitobans and the business community. At our recent Annual General

get there, is the real problem. While addressing the issue in his October announcement for a pan-Canadian solution, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the provinces could create a cap-and-trade system or put a direct price on carbon pollution — but they must meet the federal benchmark or "floor price." The proposed price on carbon dioxide pollution, under the national plan, would start at a minimum of $10 per tonne in 2018, rising by $10 each year to $50 per tonne by 2022. However, a one-size-fits-all federal solution does not work across the board. Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall has taken an aggressive approach by

Meeting, a significant amount of discussion centered around the province’s plans for carbon pricing. The popular theory is that a carbon price under the Manitoba plan would be $30 per tonne, likely to be felt in a six to nine cent per litre increase at the gas pumps. MCC has been at the forefront in presenting the government with ideas to lower taxes and find ways to allow Manitobans to keep more of their hard-earned money. Before any final decision is made on carbon pricing in Manitoba, the Chamber believes it is important that the provincial

calling out Trudeau and his plan. Premier Wall says the carbon tax would likely push oil rig companies south of the border, resulting in fewer people working in Saskatchewan's already struggling oil and gas sector. Most recently, that province’s environment minister made it clear that Saskatchewan would never allow a carbon tax. That alone puts further pressure on the competitive imbalance that already exists across jurisdictions, not to mention the impact to Manitoba firms doing business in the U.S. The Trump administration has made it clear climate change is not on its radar, creating an even more tilted playing field. For the past year, the Manitoba Chambers of

government share its research related to the impacts of a made- in-Manitoba plan. We will also be asking the province to provide a suitable business case framework and economic assessment (including tax implications) of its cost and impact, shared with Manitobans through proper consultation. MCC understands the approach the provincial government is being pressed into making, but believes Manitobans should be more engaged and educated on the potential impact any (provincial or federal) program will have and why it is needed. The goal should be to make a case for a change, along with creating a viable plan for Manitoba. ■

12 MBiz | june 2017

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MBiz | june 2017

Competitive edge Asper Co-operative Education Program

E mployers who pursue top talent from the I.H. Asper School of Business are gaining a competitive edge through the Asper Co- operative Education Program. Established in 2006, the program gives employers an opportunity to recruit and “test-drive” highly motivated students who consistently excel during their four- month work placements. “Approximately 80 per cent of our students will end up with their first career job post-graduation with one of their previous co-op employers, so it’s a great recruitment and retention tool for employers,” says Kelly Mahoney, director of the Asper Career Development Centre. “You can bring them in for a four-month period and assess the skill set, the aptitude, personality fit with your team … and then if you like them you certainly have the opportunity to invite them to work full-time or do another placement.” Mahoney says 96 per cent of employers who participate in the program say they

would hire their co-op student if given the opportunity, and 99.6 per cent would recommend the co-op program to other employers, who may be eligible for a tax credit that covers 15 per cent of the student salaries. The benefits run both ways. Students compete for paid work placements that are meaningful and relevant to their field of study. Starting at the end of their second year of university, they have three four-month co-op placements over the following two years. They’re exposed to different workplace cultures and management styles and they’re able to apply their academic training in hands- on roles that contribute to the employer’s bottom line. The employment rate for graduates last year was 100 per cent, and with a full year of job experience under their belts, students have a better understanding of the type of work and workplace environment that suits them, a factor that may contribute to higher retention rates

for their employers. Each year, participants are invited to nominate a Co-op Student of the Year and a Co-op Employer of the Year. International student Liying (Jenny) Peng won the 2016 Student of the Year Award following her first co-op placement with Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods last summer. Peng, who is majoring in Accounting and Management Information Systems, completed two projects — testing a new online store and rewriting a financial reporting package — with a degree of independence and professionalism the company would expect from a full- time employee. “It’s almost the first time in my life that someone put so much faith in me and delegated really high level work for me,” Peng says. “I think I was lucky — however, I also think I did an exceptional performance.” Peng has since completed a second co-op placement with Investors Group, and her

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I.H. ASPER SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

Top left: 2016 Student of the Year Jenny Peng. Above: 2015 Student of the Year Indigo Adam-Grant. Photos courtesy of the I.H. Asper School of Business Opposite page: 24-7 Intouch staff and students. Top from left: Director of Marketing Jaime Dzikowski, former co-op student and recent hire Brittany Karam. Middle from left: Charles Ventura, Shelly Plett, co-op student Indigo Adam-Grant, Bradford Gyselman. Bottom from left: current co-op student Paige Small, Celyna Yu. Photo by Darcy Finley

experiences have inspired her to strengthen her communications and leadership skills. The 2016 Employer of the Year was 24-7 Intouch Contact Centres, an innovative, rapidly growing company that provides customer service for many high-profile brands. Mahoney says three co-op students who nominated the company said they looked forward to going to work there every day. “They were exposed to an amazing range of professional opportunities, and all made significant contributions for which they felt appreciated.” 24-7 Intouch vice-president of Marketing Morgan Stewart, a 2009 Asper School graduate, says company executives were honoured to receive the award. “It gives us recognition among new grads that we provide meaningful work to junior team members and have energetic people ready to motivate and mentor them,” Stewart says. “It’s important that we continue to grow our corporate headquarters here in Winnipeg, and by investing in the best of the best that

the Asper School has to offer we’re hopeful that they will choose us when they graduate.” Recent 24-7 Intouch co-op student and graduate, Brittany Karam, has chosen to start her career with the company. 2015 Co-op Student of the Year Indigo Adam-Grant was among the students who nominated 24-7 Intouch. Her work there included researching potential clients’ current customer service practices and writing detailed sales requests for proposals. “I did some major work for some major brands, which would mean a lot of money for the company if they did get them as a client,” Adam-Grant says. A Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) student, Adam-Grant has completed three co-op placements. Her first co-op employer, PepsiCo Canada, hired her for an entry level management position that she’ll take on when she graduates next spring. During her PepsiCo placement, she significantly increased incremental display space in stores and demonstrated the value of implementing a new sales practice.

During her second co-op placement, at StandardAero, Adam-Grant and another co-op student built automatic Excel templates to update data reports, saving some full-time employees hours of time each week. “The co-op program has been by far the best decision I made in my degree,” she says. “It allowed me to learn new skills, and the positions that I was put in were real positions that actually helped the companies I was working for.” The only program in Manitoba accredited by CAFCE (the Canadian Association for Co- operative Education), the Asper Co-op is also one of the province’s largest. Along with academics, Mahoney says students participate in professional development training to ensure they have all the tools they need to be successful, including business communications, professional etiquette, teamwork and problem-solving skills that employers value. “You can take advantage of that training process and not have to go through it yourself.” ■

MBiz | june 2017

CULTURE CARD

Arturo Orellana is the mastermind behind the Culture Card app. Photo by Darcy Finley

Free app connects users to arts and entertainment By Wendy King Cultural EXCHANGE

W hen international students come to Winnipeg to study, they sometimes become so enamoured of the place they decide to stay on and make it their permanent home. Arturo Orellana first came from Madrid to study here 12 years ago. He has since returned to make Winnipeg his home, and he’s made it his business to be the city’s biggest cultural cheerleader — literally. Orellana is the brains behind Culture Card, a free downloadable app that gets you a direct line on all things cultural in Winnipeg — with discounts to boot. “I find that one of the biggest issues in Winnipeg is that no one knows what is going on, so people need to go to 50 websites or 50 social media pages to do their research,” he says. “So we are trying to fix that.” When Orellana completed his stint as a student in Winnipeg, he returned to Madrid. He finished his law degree and

realized that it wasn’t for him. “I ended up doing a project with the government of Madrid where we created a platform to welcome every international student and every tourist, to make sure they had a full connection with our city and with our culture,” he says. He came back to Canada with idea of connecting Winnipeg. “I’m coming from Madrid, one of the most cultural cities in the world, the kind of society where we are always active, we are always out,” he says. “When I came here, it felt like people were more into a weekly routine, but when they realized there was something cool, they make the effort to go. That helps people to inject more money into the local economy.” Culture Card offers local businesses and cultural providers a free marketing platform in exchange for exclusive discounts for users. Currently, 150 providers — the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Royal Winnipeg Ballet,

Manitoba Opera, Canadian Museum for Human Rights, theatre companies, restaurants, hotels and more — are offering significant discounts, some as high as 50 per cent. “Before, we actually had to approach them and convince them to be part of it. Now, we are adding between five and 10 providers every week, and most of them are reaching out and saying that they want to be part of this.” The project has had some assistance from Futurpreneur Canada, but Orellana hopes to secure other funding. Another goal is to get the word out about smaller arts and culture groups and individuals. Orellana organized an event in April for Regan Hirose and Harold Rancano, local dancers who are seen as superstars everywhere but here. “They have been winning salsa contests all over the world in the last five years, and nobody in Winnipeg knows about them,” he says.

16 MBiz | june 2017

“We are trying to make sure that all these artists have some recognition, that we feel proud of these local artists and that we support them and ‘buy local,’ so they can afford to be full-time local artists and they don’t have to worry about spending nine hours a day working somewhere else.” Orellana also holds a master’s degree in management and market research. It was a managerial decision to contract out some aspects of the project. “We’ve partnered with ID Fusion here in Winnipeg, which I would say is one of the top app development companies in Manitoba,” he says. “They are taking care of all the technology part of it and we are taking care of the marketing, all the sales and especially the creative writing and the partnerships we are building.” Close to 60 per cent of users who download the app at culturecard.ca also sign up to receive a weekly newsletter. It suggests 35 things to do in Winnipeg, with small descriptions of events and links to buy tickets. The app is already on a roll. A recent launch secured 5,000 users and Orellana hopes to reach 50,000 users by Christmas 2017. “We want to present Winnipeg as the most multi-cultural place in Canada all year long.” ■

MBiz | june 2017

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter plan to return to Winnipeg in July for the marathon build. Photo by CNW

COMMUNITY Building

Carters to join Habitat for Humanity marathon By Sharon Chisvin

L yle Street in Winnipeg’s St. that distance is measured by thousands of sturdy houses sheltering thousands of happy and stable families. Carter and his wife Rosalynn are ambassadors and volunteers with Habitat for Humanity. Motivated by the belief that access to secure and affordable housing is an inalienable right and the foundation for a better life, Habitat has been building houses for low income families for more than four decades. James neighbourhood is a long way from the White House in Washington D.C., but for former American president Jimmy Carter Both Carters will be in Winnipeg the week of July 9-14 as part of Habitat for Humanity's 34th Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project. At 92 and 89 years of age respectively, they will be donning hard hats and eagerly wielding hammers, saws and sandpaper as they help to build 40 houses in the city, most of them on Lyle Street. The building marathon is part of an initiative designed to coincide with and celebrate the country’s 150th birthday. The project, the biggest Habitat for

Humanity build ever in Canada, will engage thousands of volunteers in the construction of 150 new homes in 40 communities across the country over the course of the summer. Habitat volunteers typically reflect all backgrounds and experiences. Many of them are, like the Carters, retired seniors. Others are middle-aged suburbanites, downtowners, high school and university

offering a variety of support services. “We will build 20 homes that week to the stage of being closed in, which means, roof, walls, windows, doors, exterior insulation and siding are complete,” Pereira adds. Professional trades will then add the finishing touches, making the houses ready to be moved into within a few weeks.

I get immense joy out of creating not just a house, but a home for each of these families... together we change lives.”

students, labourers, artists, professionals and business executives. Many have no prior building experience. “We will host over 2,500 volunteers in Winnipeg,” says Michelle Pereira, Habitat for Humanity Manitoba’s vice- president of Marketing, Communications and Philanthropy. That number will be divvied up over the five days of the build. Each day will see 400 volunteers actually working on the houses, and another 100 volunteers

“I get immense joy out of creating not just a house, but a home for each of these families,” says Walter Geddert, Habitat’s Winnipeg long time site supervisor. “Together we change lives.” Geddert was on site when the Carters first came to Winnipeg to build 18 homes back in 1993, and he is excited to work with them again. With affordable housing being such a dire need in so many communities, in so many countries, it is highly unusual for

18 MBiz | june 2017

THE PATH YOU TAKE IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS WHERE YOU GO.

scu.mb.ca

the Carters to return to a locale where they have already built. But, as Pereira explains, the Carters decided to come back to Winnipeg because of their particular interest in and affinity for Indigenous people. Forty percent of the houses being built in Winnipeg in July are earmarked for Indigenous families. Habitat houses are not given away. They are purchased at fair market value by families who have met strident criteria, including the donation of 500 hours of their sweat equity to the organization. What Habitat does though, thanks largely to corporate sponsors, is make the dream of home ownership possible by selling the houses without profit and providing affordable, no-interest mortgages geared to the income of the purchasers. “What Habitat families have in common is that the adults in the family are working full-time and have done so for an extended period of time,” explains Pereira. “They all have children and they are trying to improve the quality of life for their family. But for a variety of reasons, they have been unable to gather the down payment required to purchase a home and are unable to qualify for a traditional mortgage.” It is a well-established fact that stable and affordable housing provides positive health, employment, educational and economic outcomes that benefit both the families residing in the homes and society as a whole. That is precisely what has motivated Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter’s more than 30 year commitment to Habitat for Humanity, and it is the reason that they will be in Winnipeg again this summer to hammer, saw and sandpaper with thousands of other like-minded volunteers. ■

MBiz | june 2017

FOCUS on Manitoba

Indigenous filmmakers drive vibrant production industry By Wendy King

F ilm and television production in Canada has always been a very well. The province boasts a vibrant Indigenous film and television production sector that produces uniquely-voiced, uniquely-lensed stories powerful enough to resonate across the country. "regionalist" proposition. But that regionalism has served Manitoba Nicole Matiation, Executive Director at On Screen Manitoba, says about 23 per cent of production companies are owned or partially owned by Indigenous people. Companies like award-winning Eagle Vision; Animiki See Digital Production; two Métis-owned production companies, Manito-Média and Wookey Films; Media Rendezvous; and Tina Keeper’s Kistikan Pictures showcase just some of the talent pool. On Screen Manitoba engages with different partners to provide support.

"We provide free memberships to National Screen Institute program

continues to produce widely seen productions like Ice Road Truckers; We Were Children ; and currently in production, Taken .

graduates; we provide promotional and other support to the Winnipeg Aboriginal Film Festival; we’ve worked with the Winnipeg Film Group’s Mosaics program; we’re in contact with the local Indigenous Filmmakers Association,” says Matiation. At the cornerstone of Indigenous- owned production is Eagle Vision, an independent company founded in 1999 by Lisa Meeches and Wayne Sheldon. In a past interview, Meeches indicated that Eagle Vision has pushed boundaries in areas like ownership percentages on shows, development projects, and acquisition of existing shows. "We’ve partnered and strategized ourselves in such a way that we are the major stakeholders and that’s set a precedent for sure," she said. The company has produced, and

Filmmaker Madison Thomas grew up in a solid, supportive family of mixed heritage in Winnipeg’s North End. She got her first break at age 17 as a production assistant on APTN’s Vitality Garden . She’s just a few years into her career and is already working as head editor on Eagle Vision’s series Taken . She has directed an episode of the series and has several credits for writing and directing short films. She recently completed the Women in the Director’s Chair program. “I was only able to go to Women in the Director’s Chair thanks to On Screen Manitoba — they funded my travel as well as my registration fee for the program," says Thomas. On Screen Manitoba also helped her to

20 MBiz | june 2017

ON SCREEN MANITOBA

Opposite page: Lisa Meeches, co-founder of award-winning production company Eagle Vision, which is currently in production on the second season of crime documentary series Taken . Above: Stills from the eight-part Manito Média documentary series Au Pays des Mitchifs , supplied by filmmaker Patrick Clément.

attend the imagineNATIVE Film and Media Arts Festival in Toronto. "To have that support has been absolutely fundamental for my career," she says. Carole Vivier, CEO and Film Commissioner at Manitoba Film and Music (MFM), says MFM administers funds to support the creation and development of Indigenous-led projects and funds programs initiated by other organizations to support content, development and training of Indigenous filmmakers and producers. MFM funding has been allocated to: We Were Children (Eagle Vision); Cashing In (Animiki See); and Taken (Eagle Vision), among others. “Other capacity development programs we fund include National Screen Institute’s IndigiDocs program; and the CBC New Indigenous Voices program, a course that exposes young Indigenous people to a variety of creative and challenging

employment opportunities in film, TV and digital media," says Vivier. MFM’s Television Production Fund offers a 15 per cent bonus for (self-declared) Indigenous producers when applications are ranked against non-Indigenous applications. A similar bonus exists for Francophone productions. Patrick Clément, who is Métis, is the president/producer at Manito Média. He says MFM has always been integral. "MFM administers the tax program, and we’ve used their equity program twice where they become an investor in projects, closing that little gap in financing without which the project might not have gone through," says Clément. Clément also sits on the board at On Screen Manitoba, where he says his role is to provide a producer’s perspective from a small independent company. "We are a niche in the Francophone market

in Canada, able to tell stories about who we are and what it means to be French Canadian outside of Quebec and more precisely Franco-Manitoban, and Métis- Francophone in Manitoba." Manito Média’s most recent project is Au Pays des Mitchifs , an eight-part documentary series profiling the traditional Métis community of St. Laurent. He says On Screen Manitoba is a key supporter, providing access funds to get the production company to meetings with broadcasters not based in Winnipeg. "On Screen Manitoba advocates for us with all the incentives that Manitoba can provide for production, whether that’s tax credits or other benefits, such as when they advocate for us in front of the CRTC when there are consolidation transactions like Bell-MTS, so the business doesn’t concentrate in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver," he says. ■

MBiz | june 2017

Carly Minish founded Smak Dab after mustards she made as Christmas gifts got rave reviews. Photos by Darcy Finley

Smak Dab founder savours success in gourmet market MUSTARD Cutting the

SMAK DAB

The one thing I’ve really learned is that you can’t be afraid to spend money to make money... putting money into marketing has been really important.”

By Wendy King C ash flow is always an issue for any business “The one thing I’ve really learned is that you can’t be afraid to spend money to make money,” says Minish. “There are times you just have to be really proactive and get out there and just really promote and take advantage of opportunities to get your name out there — putting money into marketing has been really important.” Minish, who is a Red Seal chef, grew up in the Swan River Valley. She took her culinary training at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology and then moved back to Manitoba and started apprenticing to be a chef. start-up. But Carly Minish, founder of Winnipeg’s Smak Dab, a local small-batch gourmet mustard maker, has learned the value of making financial investments anyway. “When I was working in restaurants, I was incredibly broke. One Christmas, I wanted to make my family homemade gifts and I thought, ‘Well, nobody is making mustard — let’s just play around with that,’ ” she says. “I whipped up a beer chipotle flavour and a honey horseradish and everyone was raving about them and how good and how original they were. I thought that was kind of cool.” Eventually, she started selling her mustards at the St. Norbert Farmers’ Market, where she realized she had a hit. Gearing up, she found that the little bit of business training she had in culinary school helped, but she was still in new territory. “When you start a new business, there’s such a steep learning curve and it takes you so far out of your comfort zone,” she says. “But I like the challenge of learning a brand new skill set, and you have no choice but to do your best and kind of move along.” She found some assistance through Manitoba Food and Agriculture, Manitoba Trade and Investment and Futurpreneur Canada, which provided guidance on everything from finding a commercial kitchen to getting her product to market. In 2015, Minish entered the Great Manitoba Food Fight, winning a silver award and a $7,000 cash prize. She says it was a wonderful experience that gave Smak Dab great exposure — and the timing was perfect since her business needed the cash injection. “The money went into new branding and really helped us grow to the next level.” Smak Dab mustards are available through a number of retailers from B.C. to Ontario, as well a handful of fine local restaurants. “Retailers are our bread and butter, but we get really good feedback from our restaurants. People really like the idea that there is a local product on the menu,” she says.

Minish is continuing to invest in and grow her company. She has bigger plans for down the road, and more immediate plans for mustard fans — a new flavour, hot honey jalapeño, was officially launched in May. Minish says products like hers are growing in popularity because people want to explore new possibilities. “Food is a very powerful thing. It speaks to everyone,” she says. “And we all want to be part of that movement with more focus on food and what we make and how we make it. Smak Dab wants to be a part of that.” ■

MBiz | june 2017

JUST WATCH ME! VIDEO CONTEST

Winners overcame adversity to start businesses By David Square Just watch me!

M anitoba entrepreneurs reaped two first-place awards in the Community Futures 2017 Just Watch Me! video contest. St. Malo’s Lucy Fouasse took top honours in the Seasoned Entrepreneur category and Donald Glenn of Thompson won in the Start Up Entrepreneur category. Fouasse owns Lil’ Steps Miniatures &

Wellness Farm, which relies on horses and other animals to provide therapy for children and teens. She was a counselor in the mental health field for 17 years before a severe head injury halted her career. “Several years ago, I fell down some slippery metal stairs in winter. A severe concussion developed into post- concussion syndrome,” she says.

She experienced depression, double vision, migraines and memory loss, but she fought back and overcame her health issues. In 2015, she launched her equine wellness farm. Currently, she has two large horses, 12 miniatures, a small donkey, a five-pound dog, pigs, rats and more. This summer she’ll add a Holstein steer named Dozer — “a friendly giant

24 MBiz | june 2017

The animal chooses the child. The bond never fails … it always works out.”

Lucy Fouasse, owner of Lil' Steps Miniatures & Wellness Farm in St. Malo, has a menagerie of assistants. Each animal has a unique talent for providing therapy to kids and teens. Photos by Darcy Finley

that is over six feet at the withers.” As part of their treatment, kids pet and hold the animals or exercise large horses by leading them on a halter. “The animal chooses the child. The bond never fails … it always works out,” she says. People in the St. Malo area are very supportive, providing inexpensive hay, clearing her driveway in winter and building a playground on her farm. “A neighbour mucks out stalls for free because she thinks it’s fun!” Fouasse received a $1,000 cash prize and connections to marketing experts and programs to help grow her business. Donald Glenn also overcame adversity to establish his own business. He had worked

as a mechanic in Thompson for 16 years when a flu virus triggered a rare autoimmune condition called skin writing disease. He describes the symptoms as constant itching that raised welts. “I wanted to break into a run to escape what felt like a swarm of black flies biting all parts of my body,” he says. As a result, he suffered severe depression and physical weakness. Unable to continue his job as a mechanic, he and his growing family were in financial distress by the time a workable treatment was found. When his health began to improve, a Community Futures representative suggested he apply for a start-up business grant. Always a DIYer, Glenn opened Shorty’s

Upcycling Studio in 2016. His idea was to collect discarded materials and recycle them into functional furniture or art objects. “It’s easy to find scrap in Thompson because nothing is sent away to be recycled,” he says. His business has been supported by the people and press of Thompson, who appreciate the uniqueness of his work. Winning the Just Watch Me! honour furthered his notoriety, and he was recently invited to speak at a conference attended by Thompson Mayor Dennis Fenske and local MLA Kelly Brindle. Manitoba had a third winner: Gimli’s Carrie Arsenault, owner of Sugar Me Cookie Boutique earned third place in the Seasoned Entrepreneur category. ■

MBiz | june 2017

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