MBiz | Spring 2019

SPRING 2019, VOL. 15

GOING TO THE DOGS Canine gear takes the world by Storm P24

GATHERING IN GIMLI

TRAVEL MANITOBA Drawing a roadmap for tourism growth in Manitoba P16

MCC's 88th AGM and 2019 Manitoba Economic Summit P6

The Slater family from K9 Storm Inc.

Travel Manitoba - Proud Partner of MBiz magazine.

ACTIVELY IMPROVING OUR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Manitoba hog farmers follow strict environmental regulations. As a commitment to protecting our environment, Manitoba hog farmers have reduced the sector’s carbon footprint per kilogram of pork by 1/3 over the past 50 years. Learn more at manitobapork.com/environment

George Matheson Manitoba Hog Farmer Stonewall, MB

Featured this month...

NORMAN: Churchill Chamber of Commerce Flin Flon & District Chamber of Commerce Gillam Chamber of Commerce Lynn Lake 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 CENTRAL: Carman & Community Chamber of Commerce Chambre de commerce Notre-Dame-De-Lourdes Gladstone Chamber of Commerce MacGregor & District Chamber of Commerce Oakville & District Chamber of Commerce Portage la Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce Treherne & District Chamber of Commerce CAPITAL: Headingley Regional Chamber of Commerce La Salle & District Chamber of Commerce Niverville 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 Plum Coulee & District Chamber of Commerce Rosenort & District Chamber of Commerce Winkler & District Chamber of Commerce Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce Assiniboia Chamber of Commerce Chambre de commerce francophone de Saint-Boniface East St. Paul Chamber of Commerce

EASTERN: Beausejour & District Chamber of Commerce Chambre de commerce Saint-Pierre-Jolys Chambre de commerce St. Malo & District Falcon/West Hawk Chamber of Commerce Grunthal & District Chamber of Commerce Lac Du Bonnet & District Chamber of Commerce Landmark & Area Chamber of Commerce Pinawa Chamber of Commerce Piney Regional Chamber of Commerce Reynolds & Whitemouth District Chamber of Commerce

Development Tours. 10

MCC members explore northern Manitoba during eye-opening Economic

Springfield Chamber of Commerce Steinbach Chamber of Commerce WESTERN: Boissevain & District Chamber of Commerce Brandon Chamber of Commerce

economic impact. 24

Delta 9 Cannabis Inc. growth strategy is expected to have widespread

Carberry & District Chamber of Commerce Deloraine & District 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 INTERLAKE: Ashern & District Chamber of Commerce Central Interlake Chamber of Commerce Eriksdale & District Chamber of Commerce Fisher Branch Chamber of Commerce Gimli Chamber of Commerce Teulon & District Chamber of Commerce MIDWEST:

One home-made vest for a Winnipeg Police Canine Unit service dog led to thriving business, K9 Storm Inc.

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

antiques and outdoor furniture. 44

Brandon’s Ion Coating earns kudos for high-quality applications for autos,

A MESSAGE FROM MCC PRESIDENT & CEO CHUCK DAVIDSON

SPRING 2019, VOL. 15

THE ESSENCE OF 2019: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

MANITOBA CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE mbchamber.mb.ca PRESIDENT & CEO Chuck Davidson DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & POLICY Karen Viveiros 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

communities to our involvement with the Look North Initiative, to the next step we’re taking as contributors to rural economic development strategy, the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce is a powerful engine and serves as The Voice of Business in Manitoba. We are thankful for the support of our valuable sponsors and partners, who trust us to conceptualize and create high-quality experiences, and we are thankful for the dedication of our Chamber staff and boards, and the almost 10,000 individual business members — rural, urban, agricultural, and northern — small businesses, large corporations, and everything in between. The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce is honoured to be able to support business success, and to contribute to growth in the province. We hope you enjoy this latest edition of our MBiz Magazine, its pages filled with Manitoba success stories.

A s a member-driven association, the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce’s mandate is to provide value to members across the province through policy development and advocacy efforts, top-notch events, interesting and educational communications, quality networking opportunities, and partnerships that inspire business excellence and drive growth. If I had to pick one term to capture

WRITERS Jim Bender Andrea Geary Wendy King Geoff Kirbyson Pat St. Germain Jim Timlick

Karen Viveiros Lindsey Ward PHOTOGRAPHY Darcy Finley Numerous organizations supplied DESIGN Jane Chartrand View online at: winnipegfreepress.com/ publications

CHUCK DAVIDSON President and CEO Manitoba Chambers of Commerce

our focus in 2019, it would be “economic development.” From our planned tours of northern

It might be wild to think that work can make every person’s life better.

Fortunately, we’re wild enough to try.

When a person feels taken care of at work, it makes their whole life better. If you’re the kind of company that shares this simple philosophy, let's talk. We administer group health and dental benefits, critical illness, disability and life insurance – plus anything you need to take care of your employees in the best way possible.

We’re Johnston Group. We make Work Life Wonderful.

88TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

2019 MANITOBA ECONOMIC SUMMIT ACHIEVES NEW HEIGHTS REACHING THE SUMMIT

The icy shoreline of Lake Winnipeg served as a stunning backdrop to the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce’s 88th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and inaugural 2019 Manitoba Economic Summit. More than 100 delegates from across the province — from Winnipeg to Thompson, Brandon to Swan Valley, and Niverville to Dauphin — arrived in Gimli, also known as New Iceland, for two days of keynotes, policy discussion, and expert panelists and presenters.

Top: Gimli Harbour. Far right: Travel Manitoba President & CEO Colin Ferguson (left) and MCC President & CEO Chuck Davidson.

“There are significant shifts happening in the labour market, and businesses are facing powerful disruptions in the way of fast-moving technology, evolving job roles, and in the rise and fall of sectors and industries,” says Chuck Davidson, MCC President & CEO. “Our goals with this summit were to host experts whose messages would be directly beneficial to members of our local Chambers and business leaders. Delegates walked away energized, ready to address the challenges facing Manitoba and take advantage of opportunities.” On Thursday, May 2, representatives from more than 20 local Chambers

of Commerce participated in the MCCs 88th annual general meeting, which saw the election of two new board members, Beverlie Stuart of the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (MITT) and Eric Wiens of Stantec. The meeting was followed by lively policy debate and discussion led by MCC Policy Committee Chair Brian Kelly, on topics ranging from skills development and workforce readiness to northern 911 service, oil pipeline projects, school tax amendment proposals, air travel expansion, and more. Davidson says that policy development and advocacy is a big

part of the MCC’s mandate as a provincial Chamber organization. “Our policy book contains almost 60 well-researched statements on issues affecting Manitoba’s competitiveness — most of which have been submitted by local Chambers in our network for consideration then voted in at AGMs — and others which have come from our policy committee and approved through the same process. We believe it’s one of the most significant roles we play, because together, our 10,000 business members have a much stronger voice than when they’re speaking alone.” The 2019 Manitoba Economic Summit was the first of its kind CONTINUED >>

SPRING 2019 7

Top: Delegates and hosts went full Viking at the 2019 Manitoba Economic Summit welcome reception. Above, from left: New board member Beverlie Stuart (Manitoba Institute of Trades & Technology); MCC President & CEO Chuck Davidson (left) with past chair Judy Murphy (Safety Services Manitoba) and board chair Paul Holden (Education Canada Group); Stuart Murray (Host committee Co-Chair, Manitoba 150); Gimli Chamber of Commerce President Stephen Bannister.

<< CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS for the MCC, with keynotes from The Honourable Perrin Beatty, President & CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce; The Honourable Ron Schuler, Manitoba Minister of Infrastructure, and Stuart Murray, Host Committee Co-chair, Manitoba 150. “We hosted sessions on climate change and business resiliency, economic development and adapting to tech and demographic changes, community branding and its benefits, as well as workforce challenges. Our panelists and speakers offered sound knowledge of these issues, an understanding of how to approach them in a practical way, and in many cases, recommended resources to turn to for guidance.”

The MCC prides itself on designing networking opportunities to members and the Manitoba Economic Summit delivered. Summit delegates were treated to a lively welcome reception put on by the Gimli Chamber of Commerce, our gracious hosts, and featuring Viking craftsmen, warriors, and artisans, as well as Icelandic fare. “Delegates connected with other Chambers and business owners/operators throughout the two days, which is great, especially if you’re from a rural and northern region that’s a bit more remote or sparsely populated,” says Davidson. “It’s so important to be able to put faces to names, and to have access to other business owners and community leaders so you can discuss common issues

and challenges.” Next year, the 89th annual general meeting and 2020 Manitoba Economic Summit will be held in May in the city of Winnipeg with host Chamber, the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, the largest in the MCCs 71-Chamber network. ■ VERY SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR VALUABLE SPONSORS AND PARTNERS INCLUDING PRESENTING SPONSOR: CN; PLATINUM SPONSORS: TRAVEL MANITOBA, JOHNSTON GROUP, AND CHAMBERPLAN.CA; GOLD SPONSORS: MANITOBA PORK AND PAYWORKS; SILVER SPONSORS: WORLD TRADE CENTRE WINNIPEG, REVGENAPPS.COM, AND PRINT PRO.

SPRING 2019

Save smarter, not harder

See how much more you can save. See our rates at scu.mb.ca/businessrates

2019-2020 BOARD OF DIRECTORS THE MANITOBA CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE OFFICERS CHAIR Paul Holden, Education Canada Group PAST CHAIR Judy Murphy, Safety Services Manitoba VICE CHAIR Peggy May, Southport Aerospace Centre Inc./Portage la Prairie Chamber of Commerce VICE CHAIR Michelle Kuly, Blueprint Inc. TREASURER Kevin Ploegman, Fort Group Chartered Professional Accountants Inc. SECRETARY Michelle Aitkenhead, RBC Royal Bank LEGAL COUNSEL Nicole Smith, Pitblado LLP DIRECTORS Mike Boucher, Deloitte Carolynne Cancade, Chamber Executives of Manitoba / Brandon Chamber of Commerce Darin Downey, Gardewine Alison Kirkland, Women’s Enterprise Centre of Manitoba Karly McRae, Lakehouse/ Wasagaming Chamber of Commerce Priti Mehta Shah, 49-97 Capital Partners/ Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce Justin Phillips, Sycamore Energy Inc. Paul Provost, 6P Marketing Inc. Beverlie Stuart, Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (MITT) Dave Van Hooren, PCL Constructors Canada Inc. Eric Wiens, Stantec

™

Jim Carr, MP/député Winnipeg South Centre 204.983.1355

Terry Duguid, MP/député Winnipeg South 204.984.6787

Doug Eyolfson, MP/député Charleswood-St. James- Assiniboia-Headingley 204.984.6432

Robert-Falcon Ouellette, MP/député Winnipeg Centre 204.984.1675 Dan Vandal, MP/député Saint-Boniface - Saint-Vital 204.983.3183 Reducing taxes, red tape and increasing trade opportunities for businesses. Réduire les impôts, le fardeau administratif et multipliez les occasions pour les entreprises.

DIRECTORS AT LARGE Kyle Romaniuk, Vantage Studios

SPRING 2019 9

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TOURS

Delegates visited successful local businesses, including Canadian Kraft Paper Industries.

HEAD NORTH: MANITOBA CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE DELEGATES EXPLORE THE PAS & OPASKWAYAK CREE NATION “Northward, northward, turn your vision To a land that’s fresh and braw Til you’ve tasted God’s Own freedom In the wilds around The Pas. There’s a life that grips and holds you In the wilds around The Pas.”

- Selected verses from The Northland, author Bert Huffman, July 20, 1920

SPRING 2019

When you visit The Pas and OCN, the first thing you notice is that the air is fresh, the forest is thick, and the Saskatchewan River that bisects the two communities looks markedly similar to the Red River that winds through Winnipeg. Then you meet the people who call the northern town and First Nation home, and you feel warmth and hopefulness. You sense community connectedness and pride when you hear story after story from locals who came to the area on a short- term teaching, nursing, or construction contract “all those years ago,” and just never left. “This region has so much opportunity and promise,” says Jennifer Cooke, general manager of the local newspaper, The Opasquia Times, and vice-president of The Pas & District Chamber of Commerce. “As I drove the highway in to town 25 years ago, it seemed so remote, and I couldn’t believe I was moving here. But I’m still here. I’ve made a great life for myself and my daughters, and the potential for others to do the same is definitely here.” On April 24 and 25, 2019, more than 20 members of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC) boarded Calm Air flight MO126 bound for two full days of tours of local operations, meetings with business and community leaders to explore potential relationships and alliances, and for some, a first-time, eye-opening visit to a northern community.

“This is the second economic development tour the MCC has hosted, and it was productive,” says Chuck Davidson, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce President & CEO. “Our delegates had a jam-packed itinerary, including presentations from OCN leaders and The Pas elected officials, and from regional economic development professionals, who showcased current initiatives, needs, goals, as well as investment opportunities.” The delegation toured University College of the North, a provider of educational options ranging from one-day soft skills training to four-year bachelor of nursing and education degrees. The group was also treated to tours of successful local businesses such as Canadian Kraft Paper Industries — a sustainably-operated paper mill that has risen from the ashes to employ more than 300 people; Otineka Mall — a 250,000-square-foot shopping centre and the largest mall in the North; and the OCN LED Smart Farm, a sophisticated joint operation with University of Manitoba researchers that grows fortified vegetables and fruit year-round in a 1,100-square-foot space at the back of the bingo hall. “Our community utilizes LED Smart Farm technology to support local nutritious food growth and promote food security, and we’ve seen our produce come out four to seven times more nutritious than what’s in the grocery store,” says Stephanie Cook, Smart Farm technician. “Our goal is to achieve a 40 per cent reduction in the number of imported vegetables and a 20 per cent reduction in community diabetes rates by 2023.” The harvest is provided free of charge to local community members — more than 60 per cent of whom are living with diabetes. The goal is to take the operation to the next level, and to help other northern communities implement the technology. Best of all, the project is still in the running for the federal government’s Smart Cities Challenge, with the potential for a $10-million prize. Participants also heard from Jamie Wilson, VP, Corporate Development, Arctic Gateway Group, a partnership of Manitoba and Nunavut First Nations and Northern communities, Fairfax, and AGT Food and Ingredients.

SPRING 2019 11

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TOURS

Top left: Delegate Mick Lautt (CEO of SciMar Ltd.); Travel Manitoba President & CEO Colin Ferguson (above right) with Northern Manitoba Tourism Awards winners. Bottom left: delegate Adam Nepon (Partner, Realcare Inc., Indigenous Services). Opposite page, clockwise from top left: University College of the North (UCN) Nursing lab and Indigenous Room; Calm Air aircraft; Paskwayak Business Development Corp. CEO Ginger Martin (standing); the Sam Waller Museum.

“We resurrected the rail line from The Pas to Churchill, and we own and operate the Port of Churchill, Canada’s only Arctic seaport serviced by rail. We’re strategically located on the west coast of Hudson Bay, and the Arctic Gateway is the front door to Western Canada, linking Canadian trade in resources to the global marketplace.” According to delegate Mick Lautt, CEO, SciMar Ltd. and Executive Director of the Wellness Transformation Network, the tour was two days well-spent. “I really appreciated the diversity of site visits and the level of engagement from local stakeholders and leaders. We were warmly welcomed and graciously hosted, and our time was efficiently organized to provide good exposure and value,” says Lautt. “I was able to initiate a surprising breadth of business relationships with the northern folks we met and networking with the southern crew was productive and a lot of fun. Personally, I The Ice Cream Hut OPEN 11 am - 10 pm Daily Noon - 10 pm Sundays Burgers, Fries, Shakes, Soft & Hard Ice-cream, Daily meal specials

made more valuable connections than I had expected and learned more about the communities than I had hoped. As a bonus, the location was beautiful and the food excellent.” Adam Nepon, Partner, Realcare Inc., Indigenous Services, says he will definitely apply to participate in future tours. “The Economic Development Tours are one of the most efficient ways for businesses just starting to explore opportunities in northern Manitoba markets. Like most tight-knit communities, reputation and who you know is everything. Delegates are personally introduced to key decision-makers which could potentially take weeks, months, or years to reach without the proper information and contacts,” says Nepon. “The tour also provides an opportunity for companies looking to start their paths to Reconciliation. Our great province has unique demographics, and one in five Manitobans will identify as Indigenous by the end of 2020. That’s 20 per cent of our population, and in turn, 20 per cent of our economic capacity.” Davidson, originally from Snow Lake, co-chaired the Look North Initiative and was recently appointed to the board of the Community Economic Development Fund. “These tours are so important to our selected host communities,” says Davidson. “They are pleased to be able to spotlight what’s happening there, and to connect with leaders from throughout Manitoba. Thank you to all our gracious hosts in The Pas/OCN! Next up – Churchill on July 3 and 4!” ■ SPECIAL THANKS TO MCC ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TOUR SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS: GOVERNMENT OF CANADA,WESTERN ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION, COMMUNITY FUTURES MANITOBA, PROVINCE OF MANITOBA, LOOK NORTH, BDC, AND CALM AIR.

63 - 4th Ave NE, Altona Ph: 204-324-6836

SPRING 2019

EXPERIENCE THE NORTH pƈXƈTÅƈƆī ŋ

Proudly Connecting Winnipeg to Northern Manitoba and Nunavut for over 55 years. ÇÊŚ¾¨XÅÅ4 ¤Ø ŋŁīƆiXØƈSiʗʗ œŎiƗYÅʎ

www.townofgillam.com

1.800.839.2256 calmair.com

SPRING 2019 13

EXPAND YOUR BUSINESS.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TOURS CAN HELP YOU PROSPER IN NORTHERN MANITOBA.

The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce wants to help you explore new markets right here at home. Our mandate is to champion sustainable economic growth, leading to greater prosperity for business and communities in Manitoba. MCC Economic Development Tours provide business leaders with a greater understanding of the economic opportunities that exist throughout Manitoba , and provide host communities with an opportunity to showcase their value proposition with the goal of expanding the local economy. The two-day tours are chock-full of opportunities to network with decision-makers and business leaders, tour local operations, and assess potential future prospects.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TOURS 2019 – 2020 2019: July 3-4 2019: Oct. 9-10 (tentative)

Churchill Flin Flon Thompson / Nelson House Churchill

April 2020: July 2020:

(Limited to 20-25 participants per tour.)

For more information, and to submit your expression of interest visit: tours. JOIN THE CHAMBER .CA

SPRING 2019 15

TRAVEL MANITOBA

A ROADMAP FOR TOURISM GROWTH IN MANITOBA

Bloodvein River Photo: Dustin Silvey

T hanks to our province’s incredible wildlife, vibrant culture and unique tourism experiences, Manitoba was selected by Lonely Planet as one of the top 10 regions in the world to visit in 2019 in their annual Best in Travel campaign. This designation by a leading global travel media company shows there is worldwide interest in Manitoba’s tourism experiences. This win for our province’s tourism industry came as the final touches were being put on a plan to grow tourism in Manitoba. This April, the Manitoba Government, the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce and Travel Manitoba launched the Provincial Tourism Strategy for Manitoba. Built on extensive research, analysis and community engagement, this strategy outlines a plan to increase tourist expenditures to $2.2 billion from $1.6 billion by 2022. “There is significant demand for the types of travel experiences Manitoba can offer, including northern and Indigenous tourism and world-class water-based experiences such as fishing, paddling and

lakeside recreation,” said Growth, Enterprise and Trade Minister Blaine Pedersen in a release. “The strategy provides us with a roadmap to capitalize on these opportunities by setting clear goals and working together to position Manitoba as a unique and vibrant four-season destination.” The strategy references the long-term potential to double tourism’s contribution to GDP from 3% to the current national average of 6% of Canada’s tourism industry overall. This represents unprecedented opportunity for the tourism sector to maximize economic growth. “It is a tremendous accomplishment that the Government of Manitoba, Travel Manitoba and the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce have all come together to build on the momentum occurring in this province,” said Stuart Murray, Travel Manitoba Board Chair and Co-Chair of the Provincial Tourism Strategy Steering Committee. “Working in collaboration toward a common tourism vision will allow us to attain uncommon results.”

“There is significant demand for the types of travel experiences Manitoba can offer, including northern and Indigenous tourism and world- class water-based experiences such as fishing, paddling and lakeside recreation.” - Minister Blaine Pedersen Growth, Enterprise and Trade

In addition to increasing visitor spending by 19%, another target is to increase the total number of visitors by 40%, reaching nearly 13 million by 2022. The expansion of the tourism industry to $2.2 billion will create jobs, generate tax revenues, stimulate trade relationships and enhance community pride. In order to reach those targets, the Provincial Tourism Strategy for Manitoba identifies five overarching goals: leading brand and market positioning; investing in destination and experience development; improving transportation and mobile connectivity; fostering collaboration among all stakeholders; and building public support for tourism. While the lead organizations and relevant stakeholders are committed to completing the initiatives outlined under each goal, the success of the Provincial Tourism Strategy – and that of the tourism industry as a whole – is reliant on a whole- of-government approach to tourism. Collaboration between Travel Manitoba and government departments and agencies is necessary to enable critical province-wide improvements to areas such as roads, wayfinding, digital connectivity, wildlife management, as well as parks revitalization including season extensions, park amenities and services. Industry input shaped much of the strategy’s top priorities, such as continuing support for Manitoba, Canada’s Heart… Beats brand as the provincial signature and the need to attract more meetings, conferences and major events. A measurement and monitoring system, led by an appointed Steering Committee will ensure the Provincial Tourism Strategy remains relevant over time thanks to continual input from stakeholders. As endorsed by Chuck Davidson, President & CEO of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce and Co-Chair of the Provincial Tourism Strategy Steering Committee, “Manitoba has a professional, passionate and dedicated tourism industry, and this strategy will lead to tourism becoming an even greater economic driver for the province than it is today.”

Learn more at travelmanitoba.com

Photo: Max Muench

Winnipeg Folk Festival Photo: David Quiring

DELTA 9 CANNABIS

THE FUTURE IS

Delta 9 Cannabis fuels economy with high-end retail outlets and expansion plans

N ow that the smoke has cleared on the legalization of cannabis in Canada, it’s clear the burgeoning retail industry will prove to be anything but a buzz-kill for local economies. In fact, a mere six months after the first cannabis shops opened their doors in Manitoba, one of the province’s longest- running suppliers has already seen its revenues soar, with plans to expand its already considerable operations. In 2017, Delta 9 Cannabis Inc. — one of the first cannabis companies licensed by Health Canada for cultivation for medical use — posted annual sales of $944,000. By December 2018, with fewer than three months of newly legal retail sales

on the books, those figures had climbed to $7.6 million, with $5.27 million of that coming in the fourth quarter. And with average retail transactions among the highest in the country ($65 in store and $100 online), Delta 9 is already eyeing additional opportunities through the province and beyond, with plans in place to ensure production capacity can keep pace with the steady demand. “The last year — we called that our Phase One Expansion — brought us up to 154 modular Grow Pods and 4,200 kg of annual capacity,” says Delta 9 CEO John Arbuthnot. “This year we’re looking to add about 450 additional pods, bringing our capacity up to about 16,000 to 17,000 kg — so effectively

SPRING 2019

tripling or quadrupling that current capacity number. “And long-term, we have released plans to add up to 1,500 more of those modular pods through 2020 to 2022, taking our production capacity to about 60,000 kg.” Delta 9 is now one of the country’s only vertically integrated cannabis companies, licensed as a cultivator, processor and distributor for both medical and recreational use. Its first retail location — on Dakota Street in St. Vital — opened to great fanfare last Oct. 17, with lines stretching out the door for the first few days afterwards. Since then, two more retail shops have opened, in Osborne Village and in Brandon, both with Instagram-worthy interior layouts and helpful staff who walk consumers through the purchasing process — while providing information on product varieties and explaining options for consumption. That emphasis on education has helped the company avoid much in the way of community pushback, even though the months leading up to the rollout were rife with hand-wringing from government and concerned citizens alike. “We wanted to shake up that conventional stigma of what is a pot shop,” says Arbuthnot. “We wanted to take cannabis and put it into a retail setting, and we wanted to make that well-lit and inviting and very professional, with staff who are knowledgeable and who have followed all of the educational programs and are able to provide that knowledge to the consumer. “I think in a lot of ways we were able to hit that on the head with the launch of the Dakota store. Since then, we haven’t got a whole lot of ‘not in my backyard’ sentiment from the community. I think people, to a large extent, are liking what we’re doing.” “We wanted to shake up that conventional stigma of what is a pot shop. We wanted to take cannabis and put it into a retail setting, and we wanted to make that well-lit and inviting and very professional..."

Opposite page: Delta 9 Osborne Village – 478 River Ave. Above and left: Delta 9 Brandon – Brandon Shoppers Mall.

In addition to its retail locations, Delta 9 also fills orders online and provides same-day delivery service. Arbuthnot says he’s somewhat surprised by how under-utilised those services have been, with online sales only accounting for about six to seven per cent of overall distribution. “I think some of it is that this is so new, and people are very much enjoying the brick-and-mortar retail experience and everything that goes along with that,” says Arbuthnot. “Over time, as people need to lean less on some of the education and other pieces you can only find in store, they may gravitate towards the convenience factor of being able to place an order online and have it delivered later in the day.” A fourth Delta 9 retail store is set to open in Thompson by July of this year, and the company has been pre-approved by the province to launch more shops in smaller markets throughout Manitoba. Needless to say, its workforce has grown exponentially — from 35 full-time employees in 2017 to over 250 today — not to mention all the spinoff jobs created while the company follows through on its expansion plans. “That’s where the trickle-down really hits the local economy,” says Arbuthnot. “This isn’t just dollars, this is construction, this is trades, it’s plumbers and electrical journeymen and all of those people who actually build out these facilities. There are equipment suppliers and manufacturers — there’s a lot that goes into that capital deployment, and those benefits are then spread throughout. “And from there, obviously our goal is not just to spend all this money, it’s to create a business that’s viable and creating real revenue generation. The economic impact of this project could be in the area of a half-billion dollars a year.” ■

SPRING 2019 19

JUST WATCH ME! CONTEST

JUST WATCH ME! Video contest shines spotlight on Manitoba entrepreneurs

A Beausejour man’s line of vibrant succulent arrangements is poised for a full bloom this summer, thanks to a video contest celebrating the spirit of rural entrepreneurs. Jeff Stoneham — owner of Jeff Stoneham’s Creative Planters — took top prize in the Seasoned Entrepreneur category of this year’s Just Watch Me! contest, a Community Futures-sponsored initiative showcasing the efforts of business owners with health conditions or disabilities. In business for nearly four years, Stoneham designs and sells succulent arrangements that come in colourful, eye-catching

Manitoba and Saskatchewan to produce videos sharing their business success stories. Over 5,000 votes from across Canada and the world were cast to determine the latest Seasoned Entrepreneur winners. Christina Hooper, owner of Backcountry Fitness and Conditioning in Warren, Man., took third place in the same category. A certified Canfitpro instructor who deals with anxiety stemming from post-partum depression, Hooper recently marked four years of leading fun and affordable boot camps for women in the Interlake — helping her clients lose weight while embracing healthier, more active lifestyles.

planter bases — ranging from pastel letter and animal shapes to hand- decorated chalkboard bottles to rustic repurposed logs. “What first drew me to succulents were the colours and the wide variety they came in,” says Stoneham, who once had a profound fear of public speaking and one-on- one conversations. “I have always enjoyed working with them, and wanted to find creative things to put them in.” Already a hit online, Stoneham’s handiwork is available through his Facebook page (@JScreativeplanters), and at The Forks Trading Company and Pennyweight Market in Beausejour. In addition to a $1,000 prize, his

No stranger to busy schedules (she also runs a hobby farm with her husband and five kids), Hooper says Backcountry has allowed her to make her passion for fitness a priority — and to grow as both a leader and an entrepreneur. Also attracting contest buzz was fourth-place finalist Julie Paseschnikoff, owner of Oak Bluff- based apiary Bee Boyzz Honey, which she runs with her husband and three children. With nearly 200 hives to tend, the family has expanded its line to include both liquid and creamed honey (the latter available in 15 different flavours, from maple to espresso to pumpkin spice), with all products available at grocery chains

“It gives me great happiness in knowing I

accomplished the goals I set out to accomplish, even with my disability.”

Just Watch Me! winnings include a marketing toolkit comprised of three hours of business plan consultations, plus logo and business card design services. Stoneham hopes the new tools will help expand the popularity of his business to the point he’ll need to hire someone to help complete his orders — though as a first-time entrepreneur, he’s also been primed on the importance of pacing yourself. “One piece of advice I got was to take things slow, and don’t put too much on your plate,” he explains. “The most challenging thing (about the business) is completing my planters in a timely manner during my otherwise busy schedule. The most rewarding thing is seeing the reactions on people’s faces when they receive them.” Each year, Community Futures invites entrepreneurs from

and specialty stores throughout the province. “It’s scary, but it’s so worth it in the end,” says Paseschnikoff, who notes being her own boss allows her to work around the mobility issues caused by osteoarthritis in her right hip. “It gives me great happiness in knowing I accomplished the goals I set out to accomplish, even with my disability.” In addition to the Seasoned Entrepreneurs chosen by voters, a panel of judges selected a winning Start-Up Entrepreneur from each province. Manitoba’s winner was Jody Hunter, owner and operator of Studio 23 in Ste. Anne, where for more than a year he’s provided audio recording services for music, TV and film, video games and radio commercials. “I’m very happy with how my first year in business went,” says Hunter. “The second year is looking even brighter.” ■

SPRING 2019

Clockwise from top: Jeff Stoneham (Jeff Stoneham’s Creative Planters); Julie Paseschnikoff (Bee Boyzz Honey); Jody Hunter (Studio 23); Community Futures West Interlake manager Lana Cowling (far left) with Christina Hooper (Backcountry Fitness).

SPRING 2019 21

PRAIRIE FUSION - ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

PRAIRIE FUSION MERGES VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS A new day is dawning on the Portage la Prairie arts scene. theatre, which seats 418 people, but there’s also a dance studio, a pottery studio, a classroom, three galleries and a gift shop. The family of William (Bill) Glesby provided the majority of funding to build the centre in the 1980s, Bernhardt-Lowdon says, and they are still quite involved today, particularly his daughter, Erla.

Glesby came to Portage la Prairie in 1944 and quickly established a reputation as an entrepreneur in the garment industry. He later branched out into a number of other business ventures. A long-time philanthropist in the community, he died in 1996 at the age of 79. To sock some money away for the newly-formed organization, the centre held a fundraiser on May 24 called “Eat, Sip and Bid.” The staff at Prairie Fusion also hope to increase the size of its membership. Annual dues are $25 for adults, $45 for families, $20 for students and $75 for groups. Benefits include free admission to the galleries, discounts on all classes and workshops as well as discounts on tickets to select performances and art supplies. Members also receive first notification of upcoming exhibit openings and other events. One other change: The building is owned by the City of Portage la Prairie and it will now be responsible for all maintenance, which will free up more of the centre’s money to be put towards programs and events. A third tenant in the building, Community Futures Heartland, will remain in its current ocation. ■

The Portage & District Arts Centre and the William Glesby Centre theatre have joined forces and will now be known as Prairie Fusion - Arts and Entertainment while the building from which the new entity will continue to operate will simply be called The Glesby Centre. Margaret Bernhardt-Lowdon, executive director, says it only made sense for the two organizations to amalgamate as they weren’t in competition with each other. “Together we can become a true hub for Portage,” she said. The merger process began two years ago and only finished up earlier this year after the new moniker was selected from more than 100 entries. The new name had to meet certain criteria, including capturing the organization’s desire to create a centre of excellence for both the performing and visual arts in Portage la Prairie and the surrounding area; matching their vision of an exciting and vibrant hub that focuses on the arts; and recognizing their rich history. The Glesby Centre’s signature space is the

SPRING 2019

A file photo of a gallery in the former Portage & District Arts Centre, which has merged with the William Glesby Centre.

The Glesby Centre’s signature space is the theatre, which seats 418 people, but there’s also a dance studio, a pottery studio, a classroom, three galleries and a gift shop.

SPRING 2019 23

K9 STORM INC.

The Slater family (from left): Jim, Glori, Jeff, Meghan, Jessica and Riley, with Brewser and Jettie. Photo by Darcy Finley A DOG’S BEST FRIENDS K9 Storm makes custom gear for service animals — and for family pets

BY LINDSEY WARD P olice officers can’t enter the line of duty without proper protective gear. But what about their dogs? That’s the question former Winnipeg Police Canine Handler Jim Slater asked back in 1996, after he and his service dog Olaf were involved in the Headingley Jail riot. Olaf had faced great danger because he didn’t have a proper bulletproof vest — and Slater couldn’t let his faithful sidekick answer future calls unprotected. So he went to work making a Swat vest for Olaf. Using his own ballistic panels and a home sewing

machine, he stitched together his first custom service dog vest. He didn’t know at the time that it would be the first of many. “Dogs are very expensive, highly trained assets to the police service,” Slater says. “They’re high-valued animals. The training process is incredibly long and there’s an emotional attachment. There’s a need to protect them.” Many other dog handlers agreed with Slater, and over the next year enlisted him to make vests for their own four-legged friends. By 1998, his side project had gone from a public service to a booming business. So he formalized his company, K9 Storm Inc. “We had no plans on developing a business,

but the demand was there,” he says. And it continues to grow. While Olaf has since passed away (after recording over 100 captures in his K9 Storm vest), his Patrol Swat Vest remains a hot seller. That product and the many others K9 Storm Inc. makes – including specialty harnesses, leashes, seat belts, floatation devices and Special Forces skydiving jump kits – are shipped to over 30 countries, and are even worn by U.S. military dogs in Syria and Afghanistan. “We’re a custom tailor for the world,” Slater says of the many service dogs the company outfits, mostly German shepherds, Dutch shepherds, Belgian Malinois and Labradors. “We send out a sizing kit system to whatever

CONTINUED >>

SPRING 2019

COELEMENT

“Dogs are very expensive, highly trained assets to the police service,” Slater says. “They’re high-valued animals. The training process is incredibly long and there’s an emotional attachment. There’s a need to protect them.”

Photo courtesy of K9 Storm Inc.

SPRING 2019 25

Visitors can shop, tour the operation and take leash-making workshops. Above photos by Darcy Finley. Photos at left and above right courtesy of K9 Storm Inc.

client needs it. When that kit gets back to us, we harvest data from that and enter it into our system and create the custom vest. It has to fit perfectly. “For our customers that are going out, it comes down to life and death. The equipment is not cheap, but it’s going to last.” After 21 years in operation, Slater finally opened the doors of K9 Storm Inc.’s three-storey Bannatyne Avenue outlet last year because, well, everyone kept knocking on them. “It got to the point where people were knocking on our door and asking if they could buy our harnesses and leashes along with our patrol vests,” he says. “We had no sign on our door. We were happy working behind the scenes in the shadows, but the public pushed

us forward into opening our retail store, where we sell the exact same quality of equipment that we sell to the police and military to anybody from the public who appreciates high-quality gear.” Dog owners have since flocked to the store, not only to purchase gear, but to participate in leash-making workshops and to tour the family-run operation, where they can see how everything is made from scratch, from design to sewing and milling. Slater says they’ve had visitors from as far as Oslo, Norway, as well as New York and Los Angeles. He’s pleasantly surprised that K9 Storm Inc. has become a bit of a tourist destination. “You can’t imagine sometimes where life takes you,” he says. “It’s a lot of fun.”

SPRING 2019

K9 STORM INC.

SPECIALTY ITEMS Three unique K9 Storm Inc. products you may (or may not) want to try at home:

JUMP PAK: Certain missions call for arrival by parachute. This handy Pak provides a container with predictable aerodynamics so the dog can fly more accurately in freefall mode.

SEATBELT: A special leash/harness that hooks up to child-seat anchors so if you stop short, your pooch doesn’t fly into the front seat, or worse.

DOG FLOATATION DEVICE: Believe it or not, some dogs can’t swim. This doggy lifejacket keeps Rover afloat if he takes a misstep off the boat or dock.

The company has 28 human and two four-legged staffers – its Director of Greetings (D.O.G.) Brewser, a nine-year-old Boxer cross, and Junior D.O.G., Jettie, a one-year-old Boxer cross. “(Brewser and Jettie) work hard,” Slater laughs. “They make their rounds and soak up all of the attention.” Along with canine snuggles, K9 Storm Inc. employees benefit from daily lunches prepared by the company’s own chef, a daily fitness program and a compressed work week. Slater is happy to go those extra miles to retain employees. “We’re all pulling in the same direction, and there’s a lot of camaraderie. The days go by quickly.” Slater also makes a point of connecting with K9’s clients, many of

whom have riveting stories to tell. He invites world-class speakers to come to town to share their experiences through the Storm Through Anything speaker series. “This is the world that we do business in,” he says. “It’s an honour for us to be able to build it, and that we’re able to share it now with our own city, 21 years into it.” Slater also gets to share K9 Storm Inc. with his immediate family. His wife Glori, their two sons, Jeff and Riley, and their daughters- in-law — Jeff’s wife Meghan and Riley’s wife Jessica — all work there. Seeing his professional and personal worlds merged in what he calls such “a vibrant place” is beyond gratifying, he says. “I’m the luckiest guy on the planet, honestly.” ■

SPRING 2019 27

1919 WINNIPEG GENERAL STRIKE

1919 WINNIPEG GENERAL STRIKE Remembering six weeks that rocked the city

T he 1919 Winnipeg General Strike marked a pivotal moment in Canadian history. For six weeks, 30,000 workers — 20,000 of whom were not union members — stood in solidarity, until a violent confrontation on June 21 effectively brought the strike to an end. While the workers lost their fight for union recognition, better wages, and improved living and working conditions, the strike had a far-reaching impact. Strikers secured a promise from the province to hold a royal commission, which ultimately found that better wages and working conditions were in fact needed. And over the next few years, strike leaders were elected to all three levels of government, including J.S. Woodsworth, who went on to help form the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF), which later became the NDP. Over time, universal health care, workplace safety standards, union job security and the 40-hour work week followed — benefits historians and labour leaders alike attribute directly to the strikers. The Manitoba Federation of Labour and

supporters have been planning centenary celebrations for several years. And since early May, they have provided multiple opportunities for Winnipeggers to learn about the strike and to participate in the centennial, with free concerts, exhibits, strike tours and many other events. One of the most high-profile events is set for June 21, when a permanent memorial to the strike will be unveiled at the Pantages Playhouse Plaza. Conceived and designed by artist Noam Gonick and late sculptor Bernie Miller, it is a full-size replica of a streetcar, inspired by photographer L.B. Foote’s iconic image of crowds tipping over a streetcar on June 21, 1919. On what is now known as Bloody Saturday, a silent parade to protest the arrests of strike leaders and the city’s ban on demonstrations ended when the streetcar was driven into a crowd near City Hall. Angry strikers tipped it off its tracks and the crowd was attacked by North-West Mounted police, hired police “specials” and soldiers. At the end of the day, one striker had been

shot dead, another was mortally wounded and dozens were injured. Fearing more violence, leaders officially ended the strike five days later, on June 26. The public art has been supported by the Winnipeg Arts Council’s Public Art program, Heritage Canada, Winnipeg Foundation, Centre Venture, and Manitoba’s labour unions. While the finishing touches are being added on-site, the bulk of the streetcar replica was built at DMS Industrial Constructors, by workers whose union is represented by Manitoba Building Trades (MBT). While there were many contributing factors, the strike was started when members of the Building Trades Council and Metal Trades Council — which later merged into what is now the MBT — walked off the job in early May 1919, after employers refused to recognize their efforts to organize together. The Winnipeg Trades and Labour Council called for a sympathy strike soon afterward, and the General Strike began on May 15 at 7 a.m., when women telephone operators were the first strikers to leave their posts. MBT commissioned a painting from

SPRING 2019

A permanent monument, to be unveiled on June 21, was inspired by L.B. Foote’s iconic photo (left). Below, Rise Up 100 concert performers Ani DiFranco, Leonard Sumner and Bruce Cockburn.

Winnipeg artist Yisa Akinbolaji, titled For Us, to commemorate the strike. It also devoted its annual yearbook to the centenary, and is posting historical notes in a daily blog on its website. Manitoba Museum has transformed its Urban Gallery to take visitors back in time through its centennial exhibit, Strike 1919: Divided City, which is on until January 2020. Dalnavert Museum has also mounted an exhibit, Strike 1919: Our Cause is Just. The historic home was once owned by Sir Hugh John Macdonald, who was in the anti-strike camp as the Police Magistrate at the time. Strike! The Musical, a reimagined version of the original 2005 production from composer Danny Schur and co-written by Schur and playwright Rick Chafe, kicks off the summer season at Rainbow Stage. The show runs from June 18 - July 5. Other major events include the upcoming Rise Up 100: Songs for the Next Century Concert, set for June 8 at Old Market Square. The free concert runs from 2 p.m. - 11 p.m. with performances from Ani DiFranco, Bruce Cockburn, John K. Samson, Leonard Sumner, Sweet Alibi, and Two Crows for Comfort. ■

SPRING 2019 29

DAUPHIN'S COUNTRYFEST

MUSIC TO THEIR EARS Countryfest marks 30 years of fun and fundraising BY JIM BENDER

F rom a humble beginning at a rural festival site south of the city, Dauphin’s Countryfest has grown into an internationally recognized event that draws stars from across North America. The longest-running country-music festival in Canada will celebrate its 30th anniversary June 27-30, with an impressive lineup of acts headlined by Jason Aldean and Toby Keith. “I remember it starting, but not doing so well,” says Dauphin Mayor Allen Dowhan. “Now it’s our biggest event of the year every year.” Countryfest was established in 1989 to raise funds for what was then a “financially stressed” SELO Ukraina festival site, home to Canada’s National Ukrainian Festival every August long weekend. The music festival started to build success after Rob Waloschuk, of Yorkton, Sask. company Performance Promotions, was hired to book bands for the second year. Over time, he started helping out with marketing and securing corporate sponsorship, and he became Countryfest general manager last year.

Waloschuk has hit all the right notes, helping to make Dauphin a preferred destination for country’s top acts. “It is pretty impressive,” he says. “When I first started, I never thought it would grow into what it is, an internationally recognized festival. It’s kind of a feather in our hat.” Acts booked over the years have included Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Paul Brandt, Dallas Smith and the ever-popular Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, which will kick off this year’s festival on June 27. On Sunday, June 30, musicians who performed during the festival’s early years — including Toby Keith, Neal McCoy, and Doc Walker — return for the Throwback Birthday Bash. “I never thought I could bring some of these acts to smalltown Dauphin,” says Waloschuk. “But they know all about us in Nashville now.” The Sunshine City boasts a population of about 8,500, which swells by 10,000 or more each Countryfest weekend. Run by non-profit corporation Countryfest Inc., the event has an annual economic impact

CONTINUED >>

SPRING 2019

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48