MBiz | May 2016

B IZ MB business is booming.

MAY 2016, VOL. 9

POST-ELECTION PRIORITIES Building relationships with a new provincial government PAGE 10 OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS Manitoba Pork and the Trans-Pacific Partnership PAGE 23

FOCUS ON THE FUTURE AT 85TH AGM PROVINCE of Possibilities

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B IZ MB

Featured this Month:

MANITOBA CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

Cultivating the arts in Virden. 28

WINNIPEG AND CAPITAL REGION Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce Assiniboia Chamber of Commerce East St. Paul Chamber of Commerce Headingley Chamber of Commerce La Salle & District Chamber of Commerce Ritchot Chamber of Commerce Saint Boniface Chamber of Commerce Selkirk Chamber of Commerce Stonewall Chamber of Commerce The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce WESTERN

Pinawa Chamber of Commerce Saint-Pierre-Jolys Chamber of Commerce St. Malo & District Chamber of Commerce Steinbach Chamber of Commerce CENTRAL

Carman & District Chamber of Commerce MacGregor & District Chamber of Commerce Notre Dame Chamber of Commerce Oakville & District Chamber of Commerce Portage la Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce Treherne and District Chamber of Commerce PEMBINA VALLEY Altona & District Chamber of Commerce Morden and 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 PARKLAND Dauphin & District Chamber of Commerce Grandview & District Chamber of Commerce Roblin & District Chamber of Commerce Rossburn & District Chamber of Commerce Russell & District Chamber of Commerce

Boissevain Chamber of Commerce Brandon Chamber of Commerce

Carberry & District Chamber of Commerce Crystal City & District Chamber of Commerce Cypress River Chamber of Commerce Deloraine and District Chamber of Commerce Elkhorn and District Chamber of Commerce Melita & District Chamber of Commerce Shoal Lake & District Chamber of Commerce Souris and District Chamber of Commerce Virden and District Chamber of Commerce Waskada and District Chamber of Commerce MIDWEST

Swan Valley Chamber of Commerce Wasagaming Chamber of Commerce 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

Hamiota Chamber of Commerce Minnedosa Chamber of Commerce

Neepawa & District Chamber of Commerce Rivers & District 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 & District Chamber of Commerce Riverton & District Chamber of Commerce Teulon & District Chamber of Commerce EASTMAN Beausejour & District Chamber of Commerce Blue Water Chamber of Commerce Falcon - West Hawk Chamber of Commerce Grunthal & District Chamber of Commerce Lac Du Bonnet & District Chamber of Commerce Landmark & District Chamber of Commerce Niverville Chamber of Commerce

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MBiz | may 2016

A MESSAGE FROM MCC PRESIDENT & CEO CHUCK DAVIDSON

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 VICE PRESIDENT SALES Laurie Finley MANAGER OF NICHE PRODUCTS Barb Borden barb.borden@freepress.mb.ca EDITOR Pat St. Germain pstgermain@mail.com WRITERS Nancy Boomer Wendy King Cory Kolt Kristin Marand David Square Pat St. Germain Jim Timlick PHOTOGRAPHY Darcy Finley Numerous organizations supplied DESIGN Jane Chartrand MAY 2016, VOL. 9 B IZ MB

The voice of business for 85 years, MCC looks to the future

N avigating through a new political climate has been one of the main goals of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC) since the release of the last MBiz magazine in November of 2015. We have gone through a fundamental political shift on both the federal and provincial level. With these changes, development of credible, well-researched policy and advocating on behalf of the business community is what will set MCC apart from other business organizations. In the last few weeks, MCC gathered for our Annual General Meeting (AGM) with local Chambers from across the province. While you read more about the AGM in the upcoming pages, it also marked two milestones for our Chamber network. This year marked MCC’s 85th AGM, and it was held in Portage la Prairie, where the local Chamber is marking its 130th anniversary. Both achievements speak to the growing power and connection of the Chamber network. Our challenge is to continue to grow the network and share our success with Manitoba. It remains imperative for our provincial organization to be representative of the entire Chamber network. Part of that includes venturing outside of the Perimeter and visiting local Chambers and meeting with community business leaders to hear directly about the challenges facing the Manitoba business community. It has been a pleasure to visit the outstanding local Chambers in all areas of the province, and MCC remains committed to continuing that outreach. The information collected from these visits allows MCC to be a stronger advocate and share the successes and struggles across Manitoba with decision- makers. The road ahead for MCC includes building working relationships with our new provincial government and establishing a

stronger voice with our federal MPs and our two Manitoba Ministers. We also will begin work on a new three-year strategic plan that will look to continue increasing the profile and stature of the “Voice of Business” in Manitoba.

As we talk with business leaders from across the province, there appears to be a wave of optimism for Manitoba. Our organization and our Chamber network have an important role to play in championing sustainable economic growth that leads to greater prosperity for business and communities in Manitoba. On behalf of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, our 69 local Chambers, and our more than 10,000 member businesses, we thank you for your continued support and we hope you enjoy the latest edition of MBiz magazine.

View online at: winnipegfreepress.com/publications

Chuck Davidson President and CEO Manitoba Chambers of Commerce

4 MBiz | may 2016

LARGEST

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MBiz | may 2016

CENTREPORTCANADA.CA

85TH ANNUAL AGM

PROVINCE OF POSSIBILITIES Provincial Chamber uses 85th AGM to focus on new roads ahead By Cory Kolt

A fter a year in which the Chamber network in Manitoba was extremely active in both the federal and provincial election campaigns, the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC) is committed to increasing its focus on policy development and advocacy. This will ensure the Chamber network continues to enhance their engagement and provide value to the members and communities we serve. That point was repeatedly echoed over the course of MCC’s 85th Annual General Meeting (AGM), held May 6-8, 2016 in Portage la Prairie. From a policy perspective, the foundation of MCC, one of the biggest challenges the Chamber network faces on a regular basis is the need to address the workforce shortage in Manitoba. Through numerous conversations with business leaders and stakeholders who make up MCC’s Workforce Committee, some policy resolutions passed at the AGM put a focus on connecting business and education and making sure they are working together to tackle training issues, among others. Businesses need to have a more open communication with education decision-makers to tell them what they need, and education needs to make the same call the other way and find out what gaps exist in education training. “Open lines of communication are critical to addressing these

growing issues in workforce,” says MCC President and CEO Chuck Davidson. “I often use the example of Behlen Industries when talking with the government. They had a tremendous need for welders and through conversations with training facilities in Brandon, a welding program was designed. That is one example, but it is something that should be the rule, not the exception.” Another big topic was about continuing the advocacy momentum made in the last year. Since the wrap of the 2015 AGM, the Chamber network worked with the previous Selinger government to implement a new sustainable investment model for tourism. With a new government now in place, there is the hope of more discussions with Premier Brian Pallister and his 12-member cabinet. Early discussions will focus on bringing the new ministers up to speed with current MCC policy, now sitting at over 60 policies in six distinct areas of focus. While the AGM focussed on a theme of “Province of Possibilities,” policy and business sessions intended to provide direction on key issues were also part of the weekend. MCC also welcomed three new board members and a new board chair looking to expand the brand of MCC and the Chamber network. Kyle Romaniuk was sworn in as the 2016-17 chair, replacing tourism operator and advocate Merv Gunter. >>

6 MBiz | may 2016

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Manitoba Chambers of Commerce President and CEO Chuck Davidson (top left) addresses the 85th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Portage la Prairie. Peak of the Market President and CEO Larry McIntosh (above) hosted Manitoba Trivia at the AGM gala. Photos by Stephanie Allen

MBiz | may 2016

The AGM agenda was packed with discussions and events for participants, including Brandon Chamber of Commerce President Jordan Ludwig (with Larry McIntosh, centre left) and Manitoba Chambers of Commerce Board of Directors Past Chair Merv Gunter, with former Canadian Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Michael McMullen (centre right). Cliff Cullen, Manitoba’s new Minister of Growth, Enterprise and Trade (bottom right), delivered his first public address as minister at the AGM. Photos by Stephanie Allen

8 MBiz | may 2016

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Over the course of his year as chair, Mr. Gunter took his message of the value in commerce to government officials, business leaders and local Chambers. As for the new chair, Mr. Romaniuk is committed to growing and extending the Chamber brand to increase awareness across Manitoba of the benefits of being a member of any local Chamber across the network in the coming year. "I am honoured and excited to be part of such an important organization and encouraging a movement driven by people overflowing with passion, vision, and the drive to make things happen," said Romaniuk. "Over the past number of years, MCC has made significant strides and is ready to push forward; all systems go, focused on accelerating growth in Manitoba." As a founding partner of the CHR Group, Romaniuk has been connected to the communications firm in Manitoba he launched in 1995. Today, he is responsible for the continuous improvement of The CHR Group's portfolio of marketing and communications companies located in Winnipeg, Toronto, Cincinnati and New York. This year marked a milestone for MCC. The AGM marked our 85th and over those years we have seen numerous changes in Manitoba business. Needless to say, some companies came and went, industry has changed, and the focus of government has changed. One thing that has remained and will remain is MCC’s commitment to making Manitoba the best place to live and work and being the strongest voice for business in Manitoba. ■ 2016-2017 PROPOSED BOARD OF DIRECTORS THE MANITOBA CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE OFFICERS Chair: Kyle Romaniuk, The CHR Group Past Chair: Merv Gunter, Frontiers North Adventures Vice Chair: Judy Murphy, Safety Services Manitoba Vice Chair: Paul Holden, Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (MITT) Treasurer: Kevin Ploegman, PKBW Group Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors Inc. Secretary: Michelle Aitkenhead, RBC Royal Bank Legal Counsel: Todd Andres, Pitblado Law LLP DIRECTORS - CHAMBER Carolynn Cancade: Chamber Executives of Manitoba Damon Johnston: Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce Gerry Glatz: Assiniboia Chamber of Commerce Peggy May: Portage la Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce Scott Whitmore: Dauphin & District Chamber of Commerce Wadood Ibrahim: Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce DIRECTORS - CORPORATE Alison Kirkland: Women's Enterprise Centre of Manitoba Dale Lacombe: DMT Development Systems Group Inc. David Van Hooren: PCL Constructors Canada Inc. Helen Halliday Paul Provost: 6P Marketing Inc. Robert Lajoie: Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) DIRECTORS AT LARGE Frank Sottana: Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) Regan Windsor: Manitoba Hydro *Bold type indicates new board members

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MBiz | may 2016

AFTER THE ELECTION

Progressive Conservative leader, and Premier designate Brian Pallister, speaking at his victory party at Canad Inns Polo Park on election night. Photo by Trevor Hagan, Winnipeg Free Press

Post-Election Plans in the Works for Chamber Network By Cory Kolt

O n April 19, Manitoba voters sent a clear message that they were looking for a change and a new vision for the province. It was a change that many had expected; polls had indicated as much for weeks leading up to the election. Shortly after the final results, the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC) offered our congratulations to Premier Brian Pallister on his party's majority victory. It didn’t take long before phone calls and emails were exchanged with the new government to establish relationships with new cabinet ministers, which will play an important role in bringing them up-to-speed with the challenges facing Manitoba businesses. MCC is looking forward to working with the men and women who make up the cabinet, specifically in the areas of finance, economic competitiveness, workforce, and regional economic development. A new government provides MCC with the opportunity to build new relationships that will hopefully produce positive results for Manitoba, something echoed by Chuck Davidson, President and CEO of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce. "The Chamber and the businesses we represent are looking forward to working with this new government to put in place the foundation where local businesses from across Manitoba can thrive and grow," said Davidson. “Issues such as addressing workforce shortages are very important to our province, and we look forward to presenting the issues to the new government.” Having a stable majority government will permit Premier Pallister and his team to put in place a strong plan to promote Manitoba. During the campaign, the Manitoba Chamber network set out a vision of our priorities for the government; we look forward to working with the new

government and the opposition to ensure our priorities are brought to the forefront and addressed. The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce set out to be very active during the campaign to position the priorities of our local Chamber network. Over the course of the campaign, MCC created 60 tweets that were viewed by more than 38,900 users. From those 60 tweets, 385 engaged with our tweets, including all clicks of links within the tweet, retweets, replies, and links. "Like any election, platforms are general in nature. It is the fine print of the platforms that are important to organizations like MCC. It is now time to see the fine print on many of these platforms. That is where the real growth and impact of a policy position is determined," added Davidson. Before the election call, relationships with the previous government led to numerous meetings and positive change in policy regarding rural economic development and investments in tourism. Once the campaign platforms indicated party directions, MCC was curious to see how the issues important to the Chamber network, laid out in our platform document Growing Forward, were going to be addressed. Major concerns of MCC, like northern Manitoba development, education and tourism were all covered to some degree by all the parties. The new government's plans on some issues, including addressing workforce needs, balancing the budget, tax changes, and joining the New West Partnership will be a strong jumping off point when discussions with ministers take place over the next few months. Given the combination of challenges facing Manitoba and vision shared by Premier Pallister, the honeymoon will be short, especially when working towards the No. 1 issue facing business – workforce shortages. ■

10 MBiz | may 2016

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MBiz | may 2016

PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE & DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

PROUD TO SERVE Portage Chamber celebrates 130th anniversary By Wendy King

A few vest buttons will be popping with pride this year, as the Portage la Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce celebrates its 130th anniversary. “We’re proud to be one of the oldest Chambers in Manitoba and we will continue to be a dynamic and respected community-based organization, committed and responsive to the needs of its members for another 130 years,” says Cindy McDonald, who is coming up on her sixth year as executive director. The Chamber represents more than 260 businesses and finds its strength in numbers. Founded in 1886, one of its earliest, and certainly most forward-thinking, initiatives involved traffic. McDonald recently found a resolution dating from 1897. It called upon the Chamber secretary treasurer to urge local governments of the day to approach the Northern Pacific & Manitoba Railway Company, “with a view of entering into arrangements for the utilization of their railway bridge across the Assiniboine River for traffic purposes." “That was certainly an early highlight,” she says. The role of the Chamber is to be the leader in supporting the needs and concerns of the business community. “We promote the city and district as a great place to live, visit and do business,” McDonald says. “We partner with other groups on initiatives and work with the city and RM on issues that affect the business community. We’re not only the voice of business, we’re also dedicated to the vitality of our entire community.” That commitment was demonstrated when the popular Strawberry Festival came to an end some years ago. The Chamber took a lead role in inaugurating another free summer

festival, the Portage Potato Festival, which is going into its 13th year and is now run by a volunteer committee. “The Chamber has always supported community events and will continue to do so, all the way from sponsoring to chairing,” McDonald says. Taking on those leadership roles means having dedicated people who believe Portage la Prairie and the surrounding district is a fine place to do business, and McDonald says many people have made standout contributions, including current president Dave Omichinski, the executive council and board members. “All of the past presidents, board members and staff have contributed to the success and longevity of the Portage Chamber,” she says. Fostering economic and community growth means engaging with the broader region as well. One way the Chamber marked its anniversary was by hosting the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce 85th Annual General Meeting May 6-8. “We thought this would be a great fit with 130 years serving the Portage and area business community.” Plans are underway for a Chamber celebration this summer, and there are always plans for the longer term. This March, the Chamber hosted its first business trade show in more than 15 years. It was a great success and the show is expected to be bigger and better in 2017. “We’re always working on new ideas and events to help promote Portage and drive the economy,” says McDonald. “The future is bright as our membership continues to grow and the business community sees the value proposition of being a member of the Chamber.” ■

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MBiz | may 2016

HEALTHY WORKPLACE CHALLENGE 2016

Identified as one of the MCC’s top strategic initiatives, health care is a top priority for our province’s business community. A strong, sustainable health-care system benefits both the citizens of Manitoba and the businesses that employ them and help grow our economy and the communities in which we live, work and play. A healthier population leads to a more productive workforce and reduces health-care costs to the government, which in turn can allocate funds to other areas that have a greater impact on the economy. For this reason, the MCC is taking a long-term approach to this important area. In November of 2013, Wellness Works was introduced by the Government of Manitoba in partnership with MCC. The program is directly aimed at building healthy workplaces. In its first two years, over 60 Manitoba companies (including MCC) have joined the

program. In 2016, our goal is to reach 100 companies through the Healthy Workplace Challenge. One of the 60 companies to sign on was the University of Manitoba (UM). MBiz recently spoke with Arlana Vadnais, Employee Wellness Specialist & Interim Campus Mental Health Facilitator, about the UM’s engagement with the program. What led your company to join the program? A partnership with Wellness Works seemed to be an excellent fit as the University of Manitoba is committed to being an employer of first choice … and already has commitments in many areas addressed by the program. Success Through Wellness, the UM’s Mental Health Strategy, also recognizes that part of being such an employer includes the need for a sustained focus on the connection between health and wellness and academic or career success. In addition to fostering a positive work environment and encouraging healthy work/life balance for our employees, the UM is actively seeking to explore creative ways to enhance the focus on workplace health and wellbeing.

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What pledges did you decide to select? Active Transportation, Ergonomics, Infrastructure to Support Physical Activity, Reducing Sedentary Behaviour, Stress Management, Flu Prevention, Healthy Food Culture, Respectful Workplace and Work-Life Balance. What was the initial reaction to the program from staff? What have been the results of the program? We launched our new wellness website, Live Well, in January of this year, including the UM’s Wellness Works pledges. We plan to gather some evaluative information from the university community following our Live Well @ Work Week coming up June 13-17, 2016. Can you share specific success stories? • An inter-departmental team created the Live Well website to provide our students and employees with a ‘one-stop shop’ for wellness resources. This website allows employees to easily access campus resources that are available within the five areas of wellness: Environmental, mental, physical, social & cultural, and spiritual. Recognizing the need for a variety of resources, including those that are online or off-campus, a section of Live Well is devoted to the Wellness Works pledges, and provides easy access to all the related resources recommended on the Wellness Works site. • Live Well @ Work Week – June 13-17, 2016 marks the second annual wellness week for employees. Formerly named Staff Mental Health Week, the week now has a broader wellness focus, offering events and activities for employees in areas covered by Wellness Works, including the Reducing Sedentary Behaviour, Stress Management, and Work-Life Balance Pledges. • Mental Health First Aid at the U of M. The UM has recently committed to providing free Mental Health First Aid (Basic and Youth) courses to its employees as part of the Respectful Workplace and Stress Management pledges, along with the University’s own strategic plans and priorities. The aim of these two-day certificate courses is to reduce stigma and increase participant confidence in supporting those struggling with mental health problems. • U of M Staff Appreciation Week at the Active Living Centre - June 27-30, 2016. During this week, UM faculty and staff can try out one of the Active Living Centre’s instructional programs, take a lunchtime group fitness class, go for a swim, play some tennis or use the amazing track or equipment in the 100,000-square-foot Active Living Centre. This week fits well with our Wellness Works pledges to reduce sedentary behaviour and to promote positive stress management and work-life balance.

The Healthy Workplace Challenge urges more organizations to sign Wellness Works commitments.

Would you recommend the program to other companies? Why?

Yes. Wellness Works offers a supportive framework and a multitude of resources both for the employer seeking to support their employees and for the employee seeking wellness-related supports. The variety of supports and resources, as well as the focus on local and Canadian resources, provides an excellent framework upon which to build a successful and accessible wellness program. In 2015, MCC also introduced a Health & Wellness Blog on its corporate website, designed to highlight successes that Manitoba companies are having with Healthy Workplace initiatives. It also provides valuable information from health & wellness professionals and industry resources. ■

For more information on the Wellness Works Program, please visit www.gov.mb.ca/healthyliving/hlp/wellnessworks/

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MBiz | may 2016

Recruitment DRIVE Heaps of help wanted on Hydro projects By Wendy King

MANITOBA HYDRO - a proud member of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce

Workers at the Keeyask and Keewatinohk camps will have all the comforts of home, and then some. Photos courtesy of Manitoba Hydro

I t takes a lot of people-power to generate power for the people. This summer, more than 2,600 workers are needed to construct the Bipole III Transmission Reliability Project and the Keeyask Generating Station. “Currently, more than 70% of the electricity generated in Manitoba is delivered to customers using the existing two HVDC (high voltage direct current) transmission lines — Bipole I and Bipole II — which run alongside each other for much of their route, making Manitoba Hydro’s system vulnerable to weather or other events that could cause damage,” says Bruce Owen, public affairs officer at Manitoba Hydro. “A failure of these two lines, particularly in the middle of January, could mean we cannot deliver enough electricity to meet our customers’ demand.” Bipole III reduces this risk by creating an alternate route, a 1,400-kilometre HVDC transmission line to deliver electricity and a second converter station in southern Manitoba at the Riel site east of Winnipeg. The project also includes a northern converter station known as Keewatinohk near Gillam. The Keeyask Generating Station, one of the larger infrastructure projects in North America, will provide renewable, low-emission electricity to meet Manitoba’s growing demand for energy. “In a nutshell, both projects work together to make the electrical supply in Manitoba more reliable and more secure,” says Owen. To get these projects built, workers with a broad range of skills are required. That means people who can work from the ground up, starting with support services in catering, janitorial, clerical and security. Then there are the construction trades: Heavy equipment operators, electricians, carpenters, labourers and more. It’s like a grocery list of potential employment opportunities. During the peak period this summer, contractors are required to maintain a workforce of about 1,300 tradespeople. A majority will be recruited to work on the Keeyask project through the province’s Job Referral Service. Keeyask is being built in partnership with four First Nations. Workers will stay at the Keeyask Camp, which is equipped with approximately 2,100 rooms with private washrooms and showers. The site provides Internet access, a restaurant-style dining complex with healthy meal options, recreation facilities that include an elevated running track, fitness machines and a full gymnasium with courts for badminton, squash and volleyball. There is a games centre with pool tables, video games and two movie theatres, as well as a commissary. A workforce of about 500 tradespeople at the Bipole III Keewatinohk Converter Station will stay at Keewatinohk Lodge, which is co- managed with Fox Lake Cree Nation. Each room has its own washroom

facilities and the lodge offers amenities similar to Keeyask to provide a home away from home experience. “These are five-star accommodations,” says Owen. “These are excellent places for people to work and be supported. In comparison to similar projects, there is nothing like it.” In addition to Keeyask and Keewatinohk, about 1,000 tradespeople are needed at peak times for the construction of the Bipole III Transmission Line, along with 500 tradespeople for the construction of the Bipole III Riel Converter Station. Workers on the Bipole III transmission line will live in mobile contractor camps and local accommodations along the route as construction progresses. Keeyask and Keewatinohk are governed by the Burntwood Nelson Agreement, a collective agreement which ensures first preference for northern Manitobans. The Bipole III transmission line construction

These are five-star accommodations, these are excellent places for people to work and be supported. In comparison to similar projects, there is nothing like it.”

is governed by the Transmission Line Agreement, which includes provisions for Aboriginal employment preferences. Variable shifts are available at each project. Generally, workers at Keeyask and Keewatinohk are in camp three weeks, with one week off. Along with airfare to return home for breaks, additional benefits and incentives include wage enhancement for security guards, drillers and blasters. Workers also have access to a comprehensive drug and alcohol program, on-site cross cultural awareness training, employee retention support and emergency medical services. Owen says it’s the nature of the business that as the structures rise, people who are finished their part of the project will leave, and the camp will wind down. “You will always require people on site to make sure things are running smoothly and for security and to maintain road access.” Regardless of employment time lines, the priority is to ensure a healthy, balanced workplace, he says. “The goal is to make people feel at home, happy, that they’re not lacking, and so that the focus is on the job.” ■

MBiz | may 2016

PCL CONSTRUCTION - a proud member of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce

W hen you see the green and gold PCL Construction flag flying at a building site, you know something exciting is underway. “Seeing the PCL logo up all over the city on some of the most prominent buildings being built in Manitoba gives us a feeling of being part of something bigger — Winnipeggers building Winnipeg,” says David Van Hooren, operations manager for the Winnipeg District. “Personally, it represents safe, ethical and professional delivery of construction services to our city, province and country.” PCL is a 100% employee-owned company headquartered in Edmonton, conducting operations all over North America, the Caribbean and Australia. PCL employees take great pride in their work and their company, which officially celebrated 50 years in Manitoba in 2015, although its history in our province goes back even further. Manitoba started springing up in 1963. They included the Mall Centre at 491 Portage Ave. near the University of Winnipeg, and the Royal Bank Building near Portage and Main (220 Portage Ave.). In 1965, PCL established a permanent district office in Winnipeg and continued to build the city’s skyline, with landmark projects such as the Richardson Building and the Winnipeg Inn, which is now the Fairmont at Portage and Main. Many of the most prominent attractions and businesses in the province have been constructed by PCL, including the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and MTS Centre. The company also works on remote northern and First Nations projects such as the University College of the North campus in Thompson. Whether it’s part of your daily commute (the Disraeli Bridge), your place of work or school (Manitoba Hydro Place and various projects at the University of Manitoba) or where you like to shop (IKEA), PCL has roots in your neighbourhood. BUILDING ON HISTORY PCL Construction looks ahead to next half-century

Beehives were in, a British band was about to spark Beatlemania and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers had just won two Grey Cups in a row when some of PCL’s earliest projects in

Many of the most prominent attractions and businesses in the province have been constructed by PCL, including the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and MTS Centre. ”

Staff celebrate 50 years at the Winnipeg headquarters. PCL projects include the Disraeli Bridge and the White River Hydroelectric Project in White River, Ont. Photos courtesy of PCL Construction

“We are so proud of the impact that our projects make to our community,” says Van Hooren. PCL currently employs 158 full-time salaried staff in Manitoba who work on construction sites and in the office, and another 180 hourly employees who work exclusively on project sites. Careers within PCL Manitoba range from estimating and accounting to administration and project management, as well as superintendents. Employees are unionized through the Prairie Arctic Regional Council of Carpenters, Construction and Specialized Workers Union and the Operating Engineers of Manitoba Union. Van Hooren says the passion with which ideas are brought forward in Manitoba is unparalleled, and many projects completed here require unique and out-of-the-box thinking. “That ingenuity was recently reflected in the addition of the loge seating to the MTS Centre. The expertise and dedicated teamwork required to complete a project of this nature — especially considering the building continued to operate at full capacity — is a source of pride for me,” he says. Looking ahead to the next 50 years, PCL plans to continue to grow and move forward with the province, actively pursuing and completing work in the buildings, civil, special projects and agribusiness sectors. The next time you pass by the PCL flags flying at the corner of Graham Avenue and Hargrave or Carlton streets, you’ll recognize the dedication to community that is behind the upcoming True North Square — a mixed- use collection of residential and commercial buildings and public space. Van Hooren says that project is slated for completion in 2018. “PCL is honoured to be part of this vision, which we believe is transformational for our city and province.” ■

MBiz | may 2016

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MANITOBA PORK - a proud member of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce

Going to the Hogs Pork and the Trans-Pacific Partnership By Jim Timlick

W hile many sectors of the Canadian economy stand to benefit from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), the multilateral trade agreement is particularly promising for pork producers. Canada exported more than $3.4 billion in pork products in 2015, which accounted for over 50% of hog production in this country. Those numbers could be boosted substantially if producers gain increased access to lucrative markets such as Japan and Vietnam, as is expected if the TPP is adopted by the federal government. A significant portion of that increased revenue would likely flow into the coffers of pork producers in this province. The Manitoba pork industry is worth an estimated $1.2 billion a year, with exports accounting for $880 million of that total in 2014. Andrew Dickson, general manager of the Manitoba Pork Council, says the TPP would make it far easier for producers to market their products in the Pacific Rim because it would dramatically reduce or eliminate restrictive tariffs and other trade barriers. In Japan, for example, a 4.3% tariff is applied to most over-gate — or over market price — pork products imported into the country. An under-gate tariff is similarly applied on imported pork. TPP would immediately eliminate the over-gate tariff while the under-gate fee would be phased out over 10 years. Dickson says Japan is considered one of the world’s most lucrative markets for pork. It’s a dietary staple for the country’s 126 million people and sells for nearly twice as much as it does in Canada. Last year, Canada exported more than $951 million worth of pork products to Japan, which ranks second behind only the U.S. ($1.45 billion). While increased access to the Japanese market is an enticing prospect, Dickson says it’s far too soon to say how it would impact Manitoba pork producers. “This is a long-term operation. It will be 10 or 11 years before it’s all revealed. It’s not going to happen overnight,” he says. “It’s like making a cake. A cake has a lot of ingredients, and it’s not finished until there’s icing on it.” One challenge for Manitoba pork producers is the need to increase production capacity, especially at the farm level. Dickson says it’s already an issue and will only become more pronounced if demand for Canadian pork increases under the TPP. “I can tell you right now Maple Leaf in Brandon is operating below capacity. They could use another one million pigs a year and they have the markets for them,” he says. Increased international demand would also likely mean a need for more workers. The Manitoba pork industry currently employs

about 13,000 workers annually when you factor in farm operations, processing plants, the trucking industry and butchering operations. Dickson says there is little chance of the TPP resulting in additional pork imports making their way into Canada, since it’s already essentially an “open market.” The U.S. currently supplies Canada with about 25% of its domestic pork needs while the Americans import about the same amount of Canadian pork, a situation that is mostly due to a lack of certain cuts in both countries. The agreement between the TPP’s 12 signatories could benefit Manitoba pork producers if members are less likely to take part in currency devaluation as a result. Dickson says a Canadian dollar valued at or below $0.85 US is good for producers because it typically means more exports, while a strong loonie can mean trouble. Although the federal government has already signed onto the trade pact, there has been speculation that it could be months before the federal cabinet ratifies the deal, and it may even outright reject it. Dickson says he hopes the new Liberal government follows through on its commitment and ratifies the TPP at the same time as the other member countries. Should it reject the deal or enter into an agreement later than other nations do so, it runs the risk of repeating the same mistake the Conservative government did a few years ago, when the U.S. achieved a free-trade agreement with South Korea first. As a result, Canadian pork exports to South Korea plummeted by more than two-thirds, or about $170 million, in just two years. “We can’t afford to lose that (percentage of business) to Japan,” Dickson cautions. “That would be an absolute disaster to the pork industry. We would have to close down farms across the country.” ■ Japan is considered one of the world’s most lucrative markets for pork. It’s a dietary staple for the country’s 126 million people and sells for nearly twice as much as it does in Canada.

MBiz | may 2016

FOOD TRUCKS INTERNATIONAL

WHEELS hot Food truck business is gathering steam

By Wendy King F ood Trucks International (FTI) is serving up made-in- Manitoba entrepreneurial ingenuity to the world. The Dugald company’s state-of-the-art restaurants on wheels have hit the streets in every Canadian province, 21 U.S. states and Panama, and they’ve drawn interest from as far afield as Saudi Arabia and Greenland. FTI president Otto Kemerle says three mobile eateries are using FTI-built trucks here in Manitoba — Habanero Sombrero, Simba Safari Grill and Little Pizza Heaven — and the trend is just heating up. He found a study showing that up to 4% of the total restaurant industry will be based out of food trucks by 2017, at least triple the current rate. “We know the trend is moving that way because the big chains are phoning us now looking for units and wanting us to help design for them.” It helps to be nimble to meet the needs of the market. Kemerle bought the business, which builds and remodels concession trucks and trailers, just over two years ago. He says sales used to be web-based, but he recently took a turn toward old- school marketing.

“We went to the International Pizza Expo trade show in Las Vegas recently and it was unbelievable,” he says. What brought approximately 500 potential customers into the FTI booth was the presence of a finished truck that was ready to be delivered to a client in Kentucky. “People were very excited to actually see finished units, which was a really smart move because it wasn’t just having a booth and showing pictures,” he says. “People could actually touch it and feel it and walk through it.” He says people just couldn’t believe what they were seeing — a spacious, fully functional restaurant on wheels. “The food trucks you see on TV a lot of times are dingy old converted trucks, and people came and saw this brand-new trailer that is extra wide, extra tall, with lots of space where they can actually have four or five people working in it — it’s restaurant sized,” he says. The result was keen interest from buyers in the U.S., Canada, South America and Europe. “We’ve actually just talked to someone in Yellowknife, so we’ll see,” he says. “You have to find a way to get the propane to flow, because when it’s minus twenty, propane doesn’t flow, so what they would usually do is park in a heated garage overnight, and then make sure they start it every couple of hours.”

24 MBiz | may 2016

Transforming trucks and trailers into state-of-the-art mobile restaurants is Dugald-based Food Trucks International’s specialty. Photos by Darcy Finley

Along with accommodating different health and construction codes for each jurisdiction in which the trucks will operate, climate is a huge consideration and FTI has both northern and southern climate packages. “With the northern climate package, we make sure the water tanks are above-floor so they don’t freeze, but in the southern climate you can put them below so you get more room,” he says. “In a southern climate, you have to make sure you have extra power for air conditioning.” One unique project for the company was refurbishing a 1947 school bus for New York Fries. “We had to raise the roof and put tons of stainless steel on the inside,” Kemerle says. “That’s very rare, especially something old like that, but it was the owner’s 65th birthday so he went all out.” Regardless of the project, FTI will only install commercial equipment. Safety is the number one concern, followed closely by quality. “For safe quality food, you want a commercial fridge which is made to be opened and closed 20 times an hour so it holds the temperature,” says Kemerle. “And we have three different safety switches for our propane

system — which is becoming an industry standard, but we started it. We’ve been pretty leading edge on a lot of the safety aspects which is why I think people have been talking to us.” While Kemerle likes to cook on weekends, immersing himself in the ultra-efficient mobile kitchens hasn’t changed the way he rolls on the culinary front. “I’m a little bit of a foodie myself but I can’t do anything like what these people can do in food trucks,” he says. “It is amazing what they can put together from the combinations they think of —wow.” ■ We have three different safety switches for our propane system — which is becoming an industry standard, but we started it . We’ve been pretty leading edge on a lot of the safety aspects which is why I think people have been talking to us. ”

MBiz | may 2016

STEEPED in Success Business InfoCentre serves tea company well By Nancy Boomer

W hen Ralston and Amanda De Zilva were growing up in Sri Lanka, the inspiration for their future business enterprise was literally growing all around them. The brother-and-sister team developed a genuine appreciation for pure Ceylon tea when they lived near many of the vast estates which produce this world-renowned commodity. When the siblings immigrated to Canada eight years ago, they recognized an opportunity to introduce Manitobans to the exquisite taste of Ceylon tea and related tea infusions. Both worked in the Sri Lankan tea industry, so they were already very familiar with the product they intended to market through

their Chizma Tea Collections company. Their business concept brewed for a few years. Then the pair found an invaluable, one-stop resource in Winnipeg that helped them realize their entrepreneurial dream. “When my sister and I first decided to pursue our business idea, we began working with Futurpreneur Canada, a national, non-profit organization that helps young people launch their own businesses,” says Ralston. “We asked them where we could get good information about succeeding in the Manitoba tea industry, such as the various permits we might need and other legal requirements. They referred us to the Business InfoCentre (BIC) at the World Trade Centre Winnipeg (WTC

26 MBiz | may 2016

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