WINTER 2018, VOL. 14
SURVEY SAYS... Strengthening our voice with MCC's first Business Outlook Survey P12
CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE at the 35th Manitoba Business Awards P6
RED RIVER COLLEGE: Settings Sights on 21st Century Learning P22
CANADA'S HEARTBEAT PUMPING as Northern Tourism Grows P38
Travel Manitoba - Proud Partner of MBiz Magazine
CONTRIBUTING $1.7 BILLION AND 13,000 JOBS TO OUR MANITOBA ECONOMY EVERY YEAR
Manitoba’s pork industry is a key economic contributor. As one of few industries creating new jobs in rural communities, it provides economic stability and opportunity right here at home. manitobapork.com/community
HyLife Foods Manitoba Pork Producer Neepawa, MB
Featured this month...
Celebrating outstanding achievement at the 35th Manitoba Business Awards. 6
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 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 Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce Assiniboia Chamber of Commerce Chambre de commerce francophone de Saint-Boniface East St. Paul 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
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
Springfield Chamber of Commerce Steinbach Chamber of Commerce WESTERN: Boissevain & District Chamber of Commerce Brandon Chamber of Commerce
The results are in: MCC members weigh in on the province’s business climate in the 2018
Business Outlook Survey. 12
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:
Stoplifters Inc.: Retail theft shouldn’t be accepted as a cost of doing business. 20
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
Building for the future of education in Manitoba. 22
A MESSAGE FROM MCC PRESIDENT & CEO CHUCK DAVIDSON
A STRONG, UNIFIED VOICE OF BUSINESS IN MANITOBA
DECEMBER 2018, VOL. 14
MANITOBA CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE mbchamber.mb.ca PRESIDENT & CEO Chuck Davidson DIRECTOR OF POLICY & COMMUNICATIONS Cory Kolt WINNIPEG FREE PRESS winnipegfreepress.com PUBLISHER Bob Cox MANAGER OF NICHE PRODUCTS Barb Borden barb.borden@freepress.mb.ca EDITOR Pat St. Germain pstgermain@mail.com WRITERS Cory Colt Kit Muir Sponsors PHOTOGRAPHY Darcy Finley Numerous organizations supplied DESIGN Jane Chartrand
an outstanding individual and business for their commitment to Manitoba. This year it was a privilege to celebrate Albert El Tassi, who has dedicated his career to leaving Manitoba better than he found it, and StandardAero for all they do for the province as a leader in aerospace and philanthropy. As we bring to a close the 87th year of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, we are buoyed by the feedback we have received from our first Manitoba Business Outlook survey. With this new piece to our policy and advocacy efforts, MCC is looking to strengthen our voice with credible information that reflects the challenges and confidence that Manitoba businesses are currently feeling. Our message is strong, but it’s made stronger as a unified voice for business in Manitoba thanks to a growing provincial network. On behalf of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, its dedicated staff, our 70 local Chambers, and close to 10,000 member businesses, we thank you for your continued support, and we hope you enjoy the latest edition of MBiz magazine, which celebrates business in this great province.
E very year, the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce takes time to recognize and celebrate the men and women leading and driving Manitoba forward. Just a few weeks ago, we marked the 35th Manitoba Business Awards with the stories of the businesses that are not only working to better our province, but also looking to leave an indelible mark on their employees and community. For this year’s edition, MCC continued our partnership with her Honour Janice Filmon, Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba, in recognizing
CHUCK DAVIDSON President and CEO Manitoba Chambers of Commerce
View online at: winnipegfreepress.com/ publications
35TH MANITOBA BUSINESS AWARDS
CELEBRATING THE 35TH MANITOBA BUSINESS AWARDS GROWING DELIVERY SERVICE ORDERS UP TWO AWARDS AT MILESTONE MCC GALA
BY CORY KOLT
F or the past three decades, the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC) has celebrated the best of our province’s business community, and on Friday, Oct. 26, that tradition continued. The 35th Manitoba Business Awards were presented in front of a record crowd at the Fairmont Hotel, and hosted by Global National anchor and Manitoba’s own Dawna Friesen. Each year, the awards celebrate the diverse businesses that make up our growing sectors. With finalists representing all corners of Manitoba, the awards also recognize the contributions of companies and individuals that make a lasting impact on our province. At the 35th edition, a company that gave diners a way to enjoy a meal from their favourite restaurant with the push of a button took home two awards, including MCC’s Business of the Year. SkipTheDishes has grown by leaps and bounds since its inception in 2012, and its expanding foothold in Winnipeg’s Exchange District shows the company is future focused. “It’s the stories of Manitoba businesses that never cease to amaze me,” said MCC President and CEO Chuck Davidson. “When you see the innovative men and women leading companies and driving change, it is a reminder of how strong our business sector is and can be in the future.”
WE RECOGNIZE AND CELEBRATE THE WINNERS OF THE 35TH MANITOBA BUSINESS AWARDS: ABDO (ALBERT) EL TASSI Lieutenant Governor Awards – Individual, Presented by Bell MTS
A well-known businessman and philanthropist, Albert works tirelessly to promote understanding, tolerance and respect, not only in Winnipeg but globally. He has called Winnipeg home since 1969, when he started out in the shipping department of Peerless Garments Ltd. As of June 2006, he has been President and CEO of Peerless Garments LP, a manufacturer and importer carrying two main businesses — leather and cold-weather garments. For over 45 years, he has worked closely with Department of National Defence staff on the design and development of specialized garments for the military.
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STANDARDAERO Lieutenant Governor Awards – Business, Presented by Bell MTS Founded in 1911, StandardAero is one of the global aerospace industry’s largest independent maintenance, repair and overhaul providers. Its mission is to be the best employer, the most trusted service partner and a place where custom solutions come standard. With over 6,000 employees — more than 1,300 working in Winnipeg — StandardAero has become a truly international company. Its solid roots in Winnipeg are now the backbone of the province’s important aerospace sector. MANITOBA MUSEUM (WINNIPEG) Outstanding Social Enterprise The Manitoba Museum is the province’s largest not-for-profit heritage and science centre, renowned for its vivid portrayal of
Manitoba’s rich and colourful history. It is also the province’s central repository of heritage materials and supplier of heritage services, with over 2.8 million artifacts and specimens, including the internationally renowned Hudson’s Bay Company Museum Collection of more than 27,133 artifacts. With nine interpretive galleries, the Planetarium, Science Gallery, and Alloway Hall, visitors of all ages can explore the interrelationship of people and their environment. Finalists: Building Urban Industries for Local Development (BUILD) Inc.; NorWest Co-op Community Health Centre BLAYNE WYTON, PRAIRIE BARNWOOD LTD. (MORDEN) Entrepreneur of the Year, Sponsored by Taylor McCaffrey LLP Prairie Barnwood Ltd. (PBW) was founded by Blayne Wyton in 2008. It was during a trip to Ontario that the vision for PBW was born, to create handcrafted
furniture from reclaimed wood. Working from his shop near Morden, the company dismantles old barns, sheds and homesteads to make heirloom-quality pieces. More than just a business owner, Blayne is a strong voice and advocate for human rights and empowering women, helping with humanitarian aid work, including projects to provide basic needs for villagers in rural India and raising funds to buy land and build a farm to employ widows in India. Finalists: Hillary Proctor, Leaf Landscaping Inc.; Karen Swystun & Fred Loewen, Waterford Global Inc. SYCAMORE ENERGY INC. (WINNIPEG)
Outstanding Small Business, Sponsored by CPHR Manitoba
Founded in 2012, Sycamore Energy Inc. believes in working towards a clean, sustainable and independent energy future by providing access to electricity generated
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WINTER 2018 7
Top row from left: Jim Burkitt, Regional Logistics Director with Federated Co-operatives Ltd. accepts the WCB Return to Work award; the SkipTheDishes team after being named Business of the Year. Middle row from left: WAA President and CEO Barry Rempel, Barkman Concrete President Alan Barkman (Long-term Achievement winner) and MCC board chair Paul Holden; Albert El Tassi (recipient of the Lieutenant Governor Award for an individual); Claudette Leclerc, CEO of the Manitoba Museum (Social Enterprise winner). Bottom row from left: Global National anchor and awards host Dawna Friesen; Chris Simair, CEO and co-founder of SkipTheDishes, accepts the Large Business award, with Dan Rutherford, Director of Marketing and Business with FastAir, which was the award sponsor. Photos by David Moder Photography
<< CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS
KEYSTONE WESTERN INC. (GRANDE POINTE) Outstanding Medium Business, Sponsored by Rogers Communications Canada
from renewables. The vertically integrated renewable energy design and installation firm’s team has over 30 years of residential, commercial and agricultural experience in the areas of solar photovoltaics, electrical, structural, design and sales. Sycamore’s leadership is dedicated to finding creative solutions and delivering exceptional value to customers seeking to offset or eliminate their exposure to rising grid-tied energy prices. Finalists: Brockie Donovan Funeral and Cremation Services; The Sneath Group.
consultative business approach, industry flexibility, unique corporate culture and professional working environment drive both business and personal growth for its customers, employees and investors. The company’s success has directed it away from being a basic provider of trucks and rates, to becoming a logistics consultant and business partner. Finalists: Vomar Industries Inc. (Tank Traders); McNally Robinson Booksellers
Celebrating over 25 successful years, Keystone Western Inc. provides asset-based logistics solutions for shippers throughout North America, along with freight forwarding services, logistics audits, shipment lane costing and carrier optimization. Its
CONTINUED >>
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WINTER 2018
Accessibility is...
Good for your business. Good for your customers.
One out of every six Manitobans face daily challenges with accessibility. To help remove barriers to access, the Manitoba government passed The Accessibility for Manitobans Act (AMA) in 2013. All businesses must offer accessible customer service, effective November 1, 2018. It’s not only the right thing for you to do - it’s the smart thing to do. Offering flexible, barrier-free customer service can only help your business grow. Learn more about how your business can meet the new accessibility standards at www.AccessibilityMB.ca
Open for everyone.
SKIPTHEDISHES (WINNIPEG) Outstanding Large Business, Sponsored by FastAir Executive Aviation Services, and 2018 MCC Business of the Year SkipTheDishes was founded in 2012 by brothers Chris and Joshua Simair, who left their traditional careers to launch a tech startup, offering Canadians a better way to order restaurant food, through online delivery. The founding group also included another Simair brother, Daniel, and two university friends, Jeff Adamson and Andrew Chau. Skip established its Winnipeg headquarters in 2013 and is one of the city’s largest private- sector employers, with a staff of 2,000. The company now partners with more than 14,000 independent, local and national restaurants in over 115 Canadian markets coast to coast. Its rapid growth and success in tech innovation, job creation, and workforce development encourages economic development across the sector. Finalists for Large Business: HyLife Ltd.; Westman Communications Group BARKMAN CONCRETE (WINNIPEG) Outstanding Long-term Achievement, Sponsored by Winnipeg Airports Authority For 70 years, Barkman has built a name as an innovator and an industry leader in precast concrete manufacturing. Founded in Steinbach, it started as a small septic tank-producing operation and now offers Canada’s most diverse, quality tested precast product line for residential, commercial, and agricultural applications. With more than 200 employees in three locations, Barkman works hard to maintain a family-led atmosphere, which translates to a commitment to customer service. Barkman values integrity in its relationships, quality in its products and services, loyalty to its people, and innovation in its field. Finalists: The North West Company; Triple E Canada Ltd. FEDERATED CO-OPERATIVES – WINNIPEG DISTRIBUTION CENTRE (WINNIPEG) Return to Work Award, Sponsored by Workers Compensation Board Federated Co-operatives Ltd. (FCL) is a different kind of business, focused on serving independent retail co-operative members with a core business model, including wholesaling, manufacturing, marketing and administration in four areas: Agriculture, energy, food & home, and building solutions. The Winnipeg Distribution Centre — which serves 212 Co-op locations in 132 Manitoba communities — made enormous strides in safety between 2011 and 2017. The FCL Return to Work program includes extensive group safety training and cross-training of all employees. Since the program was implemented, FCL has reduced its rates and premiums by more than half. Lost time due to injury has dropped 90 per cent since 2017, and time lost claims saw a reduction of 96 per cent, setting a course as an employee health and safety leader working to achieve zero accidents. Finalists: Actionmarguerite; Gardewine Group LP The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce would like to thank all our dedicated partners for their continued belief in the Chamber movement. We also send our congratulations to all the finalists and look forward to the next chapter of the awards in 2019. ■
From top: Bell MTS Vice-President of Business Solutions Ryan Klassen (left) with representatives of StandardAero, which was the recipient of the Lieutenant Governor Award for a Business, and MCC Board Chair Paul Holden; Jamie Jurczak (left), partner at Taylor McCaffrey LLP, with Prairie Barnwood owner and Entrepreneur of the Year Blayne Wyton and Paul Holden; CPHR Manitoba Board Chair Janice Harper (left), with Justin Phillips, CEO & co-founder of Outstanding Small Business winner Sycamore Energy and Paul Holden; Rogers Communications Canada’s Karen Holden (left) with Keystone Western Inc. Vice-President Dave Tardi, who accepted the award for Outstanding Medium Business, and Paul Holden. Photos by David Moder Photography
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WINTER 2018 11
MCC BUSINESS OUTLOOK SURVEY
SLOW AND STEADY APPROACH SETS THE COURSE… BUT WILL IT WIN THE RACE?
MCC survey shows support of government direction, but points to barriers for business growth
BY CORY KOLT
I s the slow and steady direction set by the provincial government the right approach for Manitoba and our business community? According to the results of the 2018 Manitoba Chambers of Commerce Business Outlook Survey, conducted by NRG Research Group, in partnership with CPHR Manitoba and Manitoba Building Trades, the answer is yes, but with an asterisk. The survey shows support of the provincial government’s focus on reducing the deficit and shows a general positive feeling about the overall state of affairs in Manitoba. However, with a slow and steady approach from government, business respondents appear to have a similar outlook toward their future, one that identifies familiar challenges ahead.
The survey points to staffing, whether it’s retaining good staff or hiring qualified, skilled staff, as a significant challenge over the coming year. Other obstacles to business growth, often noted by members, include the rising costs of doing business (i.e., business inputs and wages), government red tape and taxation levels. And while the government receives good marks on the work it has done, a deeper dive into the numbers shows a business community that sees barriers and competitiveness remaining unaddressed, or at least not moving fast enough, by the government approach. Regarding economic development, members are clear; there is a role for the provincial government to play in promoting growth in Manitoba. However,
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Do you feel things overall in the province are heading in the right direction or have they gotten off on the wrong track?
Thinking about 12 months from now, do you expect the number of people employed by your company will be...?
71% Right Direction
11%
7%
23% Wrong Track
6%
6%
27%
17%
67%
60%
Strongly right Direction Somewhat right direction Strongly wrong track
Somewhat wrong track Don't know
Larger About the same Smaller
Thinking about the next 12 to 18 months, what is the greatest challenge facing your company?
22%
Hiring retaining staff Increasing sales/Growth/Margins Access to capital/Cash flow/Grants Tax burden/Carbon tax Too much red tape/Bureaucracy Economic uncertainty/Economic downturn/Trade Concerns Competitiveness Increasing wages/Pensions/Cuts High cost of living/Rent/Fuel Interest rates Transportation/Northern MB isolation Other Nothing Don't Know 0 5 10 0 5 10 15 20
15%
12%
15
20
25
11%
25
8%
6% 6%
5%
4% 4%
2%
1%
6%
7%
12%
0
5
10
15
20
25
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TOP 2 BARRIERS IMPACTING ACCESS TO SKILLED LABOUR Lack of funds to hire qualified staff (can't meet the market pay range for the right person)
TOTAL TOP 2 SELECTIONS %
What do you see to be the biggest barriers impacting your ability to hire qualified employees in your business? Please select the top two from the list.
23
Inability to attract qualified candidates
21
Wages don't meet expectations
21
Time and cost of training
20
Amount of steady work to offer
18
Alignment of current employee skills and abilities with needs
14
Not suited to the specific requirement of work
12
Lack of proper training
10
Turnover related to hiring the wrong person/talent mis-match
10
Education
8
Lack of proper certification
7
I experience no issue in terms of access to labour
12
Don't know
6
What role do you see the provincial government having in economic development in the province?
The government needs to be involved but in a limited manner
43%
The government should be leading the charge and active with incentives and subsidies
43%
The government should be "hands off" and let market forces dictate
8%
Don't know
8%
0
10
20
30
40
50
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Would you support or oppose a full review by the provincial government of all provincial taxes in Manitoba?
7% Total Oppose
2%
8%
5%
45%
UNIQUE VENUES
40%
20
25
Strongly support Somewhat support Strongly oppose Somewhat oppose Don't know
85% Total Support
MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES
<< CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12
there is some difference in opinion when it comes to the extent of its involvement. One area that MCC has addressed with the government that would help kick-start our economy into another gear is a much- needed review of taxes in Manitoba. The call for a full tax review is supported by a significant majority of survey respondents. Maybe even more surprising, businesses rated personal income taxes as the highest priority item. For Manitoba’s economy to show sustained, long-term growth, it will start with focusing on growing from within and providing business with the support and confidence to build. As the province commits to being the most improved province, the survey shows it might be time to set the targets towards addressing and removing the barriers and competitive gaps that keep us from growing our economy and help spur the internal growth required to increase our economic fortunes going forward. You can view the full results of the 2018 Manitoba Business Outlook Survey by visiting our website www.jointhechamber.ca. ■
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WINTER 2018 15
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WINTER 2018 17
JOHNSTON GROUP
LOCAL BUSINESS BENEFITS ENTIRE COMMUNITY J ohnston Group’s story starts with and continues to be guided by a simple question: “How do people want to be taken care of at work?” support. They believe in putting people first and helping everyone to live in a thriving community. They are heavily involved in large charitable organizations like United Way and Habitat for Humanity, but they also are staunch supporters of the smaller, more targeted
to educate. But as David Johnston explains “We do it with a smile because we respect and appreciate Canada’s small and family-owned businesses. After all, we share the same roots and enterprising spirit.” Workplaces look a lot different today than
This may seem like an obvious question for a benefits provider to ask, but it wasn’t always the case. It wasn’t until the 1980s that some industries started making a shift. They no longer expected the customer to conform to their offering and instead began building their business around what was best for their customers. It was a simple philosophy, yet it didn’t take hold in employee benefits. For something as personal as benefits, the industry remained awfully impersonal. Johnston Group decided to change that. Johnston Group got its start with the Chambers Plan. Whether you’re a one-person start-up or a 50-person operation, you have a right to feel secure in the health and well- being of your employees. That’s why in the early 1980s, Johnston Group teamed up with local Chambers of Commerce to bring fair- priced health and dental benefits to small businesses across Canada. It was a natural partnership as both organizations shared the same belief: When local businesses are healthy and vibrant, the communities we all call home are healthy and vibrant too. Johnston Group takes pride in Winnipeg and chooses to lead by example with regards to
So, how do people want to be taken care of at work? The answer to this question is simple: In a way that makes their whole life better.
groups, like the Bear Clan Patrol and Graffiti Art Gallery. They support youth programs, cultural organizations, sports teams, the arts, education – a seemingly endless list of organizations that enrich the community. Today, Johnston Group administers group health and dental benefits, critical illness, disability and life insurance to more than 30,000 small businesses, 300 larger companies and 350 Indigenous organizations across Canada through the Chambers Plan, Maximum Benefit, and CINUP programs. It’s not easy to administer employee benefits to more than 30,000 small- and mid-sized businesses across Canada. There are a lot of cases to evaluate, claims to process, policyholders to check in with and customers
they did 30 years ago, and the pace of change is only getting faster. As employee benefit needs evolve, so will Johnston Group. Small businesses have just as great a need to hire and retain top talent as anyone else, and Johnston Group is committed to offering the programs and support owners need to take care of their employees in the best way possible. So, how do people want to be taken care of at work? The answer to this question is simple: In a way that makes their whole life better. There are a lot of companies out there that feel this way. They believe that when a person is taken care of at work, it improves their entire life. It’s our mission to give these companies everything they need to take care of their employees in the best way possible. ■
BENEFITS US ALL. Experience
For over 35 years Johnston Group has been providing benefit solutions to companies of all sizes, currently administering $500 million in premiums. More than 30,000 Canadian businesses trust Johnston Group for their employee benefit needs.
1.800.893.7587 johnstongroup.ca
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT SOLUTIONS
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maximumbenefit.ca
Recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies every year since 2001.
An entrepreneur with significant experience in the retail sector, Winnipegger Matthew Baerg wants to help retailers put a stop to shoplifting. Baerg is president of Stoplifters Inc., a company he established to address the problem that he says costs North American retailers as much as $40 billion annually, in addition to potentially compromising employee and customer safety. >> RETAIL CRIME CONTROL Stoplifters Inc. addresses workplace safety, legal and social issues
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STOPLIFTERS INC.
“I am a Harvard grad who has opened numerous, new retail locations in two provinces for one of Canada’s largest retailers,” says Baerg, a former Manitoba Young Entrepreneur of the Year. “Over the years, I have seen shoplifting evolve from a young kid sneaking a candy bar into his pocket to a van parking at the front entrance and a group of people brazenly running into a store, grabbing all they can, and threatening people with weapons as they run out. The sad fact is that no one is doing anything about this growing epidemic.” Baerg says large retailers typically instruct employees not to interfere with suspected shoplifters. But experienced thieves are well aware of the policy and conduct themselves accordingly. For a monthly fee, Stoplifters’ clients will be able to post door decals to indicate that the company is monitoring the premises, and they will get help in identifying and addressing theft risks and establishing security best practices. Stoplifters can also help connect habitual shoplifters with the support services they need to stop stealing. “Few police reports are filed, fewer are followed up and only a tiny, tiny percentage are ever prosecuted,” Baerg says. “We have many social service resources in Winnipeg, but no one is funneling shoplifters to those resources, so they don’t get the help they need to change their lives.” His company would serve as a liaison for retail clients by filing and following up on police reports, and working with law enforcement and social workers to better deal with shoplifting and offset its ill effects on business performance and store security. “In my opinion, shoplifting is a major workplace safety issue,” he says. “Increasingly, employees, and even customers, are subject to the tension and fear associated with a blatant criminal act. There is always the potential for violence and a customer who witnesses an incident may no longer shop at that store, out of fear.” Some stores hire security guards during busy periods, but Baerg believes his company can provide more comprehensive service, and at a lower cost. “I am hoping that Stoplifters will be seen as a disruptive innovation that offers practical solutions to a growing problem for retailers, and society in general, because millions of dollars are lost at retail every day to shoplifting,” says Baerg. “If I can convince retailers, police, prosecutors and government agencies that shoplifting is not ‘just the cost of doing business,’ but an important societal problem that needs to be addressed, I will consider Stoplifters to be a success.” ■ “If I can convince retailers, police, prosecutors and government agencies that shoplifting is not ‘just the cost of doing business,’ but an important societal problem that needs to be addressed, I will consider Stoplifters to be a success.”
Jim Carr, MP Winnipeg South Centre 204.983.1355 • jimcarrmp.ca
Terry Duguid, MP Winnipeg South 204.984.6787 • www.terryduguid.ca
Doug Eyolfson, MP Charleswood-St. James- Assiniboia-Headingley 204.984.6432 • deyolfson.liberal.ca
Dan Vandal, MP Saint-Boniface - Saint-Vital 204.983.3183 • www.danvandal.ca
Reducing taxes, red tape and increasing trade opportunities for businesses.
Réduire les impôts, le fardeau administratif et multipliez les occasions pour les entreprises.
PROUD SUPPORTERS OF Manitoba Businesses
Dougald Lamont
Judy Klassen
Jon Gerrard
Cindy Lamoureux
MLA Kewatinook
MLA Burrows
MLA St. Boniface
MLA River Heights
MANITOBA LIBERAL CAUCUS
manitobaliberals.ca MBLiberalCaucus.ca
WINTER 2018 21
RED RIVER COLLEGE
RED RIVER COLLEGE Building for the Future of Education in Manitoba
F or the last 80 years, Red River College has been growing and adapting to keep pace with the changing needs of Manitoba’s employers. Through consultation and research, the College consistently stays ahead of the curve to provide its students with the most up-to-date training in state-of-the-art facilities. When the time came to expand again, the College didn’t want to just meet immediate needs; instead leadership made a plan to fulfill industry needs for the next 80 years and beyond. “Right now we’re experiencing very dramatic changes in our economy, driven by disruptive technologies and new ways of delivering services,” said Paul Vogt, President and CEO of RRC. “As a result of the abrupt changes in workplaces, career paths for 21st century workers will have more of a zig-zag shape, with virtually every turn or dead-end involving the need for further skills acquisition.” According to Vogt, that is something the College is fully prepared for. The plan to stay ahead of the curve can be boiled down to four simple steps: first, a commitment to RRC’s
relationships with business and industry partners, to learn about current and changing needs directly from the source; second, more focus and resources dedicated to applied- learning and co-operative learning, so students can learn and be mentored in a business setting; third, a focus on re-skilling, so a person at the midpoint in their career can grow their skills as their job changes; and, fourth, a more flexible, course-based approach to learning, giving students opportunities to acquire specific skills at their own pace and convenience. “It’s our role to work with business and industry to anticipate what those future changes will be,” said Vogt. “For today’s students to become the leaders in their chosen fields we can’t train them on equipment or processes that have been obsolete for years, or that are currently on the way out the door. We’ve seen that, even now, businesses are falling behind. They are ripe for disruption and it’s the College’s role to be ahead of the curve so Manitoba businesses have the talent they need to remain viable.” On top of expanding its approach to how
education is delivered, RRC is also expanding its campuses. With more than 21,000 students enrolled in programs every year, the College is operating at capacity and needs more space to house its most in-demand programs. With demand for advanced skills increasing, it’s essential for RRC to expand so it can continue its role in training and preparing students for a changing economy. With more than 21,000 students enrolled in programs At the Notre Dame Campus, that expansion comes in the form of a new Skilled Trades and Technology Centre (STTC), a 104,000-square- foot facility that offers state-of-the-art instruction for programs like Carpentry, every year, the College is operating at capacity and needs more space to house its most in-demand programs.
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Renderings provided by Number TEN Architectural Group and Diamond Schmitt Architects
Electrical, Construction and Machining. A 6,000-square-foot space, “Smart Factory,” was recently added to the project and will act as a technology demonstration site and experiential learning facility. With the opening of STTC this past August the College was able to grow its capacity by about 1,000 students per year, while creating a public space in which trades education is on display to prospective students and the community. Looking to the future, the College also broke ground on its new 100,000-square- foot Innovation Centre in the heart of the Exchange District. The space will be a hub for innovation, business and technology in Winnipeg’s Exchange District and will welcome industry partners (both entrepreneurs and established businesses) to explore new ideas through a collaborative education model. “The idea builds on what we’ve been doing at our ACE Project Space for the last decade — which is pair students directly with businesses to work together on a real-life project,” said Vogt. “They may be working with and learning
from mentors in the industry with years of experience, and they may be working with students from another program in multi- disciplinary teams. Both scenarios provide invaluable training that you can’t get by sitting in a classroom and taking notes.” Housed within the Innovation Centre will be programs in Business, Technology, Information Security, Digital Media Design, Video Game Development, Marketing and Communications — as well as new programs in Indigenous Entrepreneurship and Social Enterprise. The new building will also be home to the ACE Project Space, and the Language Training Centre, creating a larger sense of community on campus. Local businesses will have the opportunity to create partnerships and book space in the building for satellite offices, product research and development, and product testing — as well as events in one of the building’s two larger spaces, the Agora and the 210-seat Roundhouse Auditorium. “We’ve been building roots in the Exchange District for the last 15 years and we’re excited
to keep going. This new building will belong to the community. It will bring an additional 1,200 students and staff to the area every day. With more people comes more opportunities for businesses to open and the neighbourhood to flourish — we’ll be excited to look back another 15 years from now and see what’s changed,” said Vogt. There is a need for support on this project. Facilities and equipment will need to be continually upgraded, repaired and replaced. To keep up with demand for innovative programs, Red River College is asking for local businesses to give back by making a financial contribution its capital campaign. Spaces within the new Innovation Centre are available currently for naming opportunities through donor recognition. Your donation will help the College continue to keep its programs and equipment cutting edge, providing its students with the opportunities to graduate ahead of the curve, and as leaders in their chosen fields. To get involved, visit rrc.ca/fundraising or call the campaign office at 204-632-3999. ■
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COELEMENT
Colement owner Adam Duguay prefers to stay out of the spotlight, working behind the camera to focus attention on clients and their stories. Photos by Darcy Finley
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MOVING PICTURES Every video tells a story at Coelement In an industry where practitioners can face pressure to be the centre of attention, Coelement owner Adam Duguay prefers to keep the focus on his clients. >>
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As principal and executive producer at one of Winnipeg’s premier production agencies, Duguay knows the value of making his mark behind the camera — and of working tirelessly to showcase the human stories at the heart of his clients’ operations. “At the core, that’s what we do, is storytelling,” says Duguay. “There’s a line we like to use around the office. We feel that every brand has a story to tell — we just need to find out what it is, find out what the value is to their customers, and make sure we’re telling the story that best reflects that brand.” Having worked in the industry for more than 25 years — first as a broadcast designer for Global, CBC and AOL Time Warner, then as a partner in Coelement’s earlier incarnation, Elemental Motion Media — he’s seen his share of changes, including at his own company. Originally a one-stop shop that specialized in advertising, marketing and media production, Coelement has been streamlined since Duguay became sole owner, with a renewed focus on video work and an entrenched commitment to customer service. His clients include everyone from McDonalds to Manitoba Hydro, smaller startups to global powerhouses. And though revenues have almost doubled since he took over, the preferred distribution methods have definitely changed. “Five years ago, I would say 85 per cent of our work was broadcast television, commercial work,” he says. “That’s all changed — literally flipped upside down. Now I would say 85 per cent of the work we do is online, for social [media] and internal corporate communications.” Production costs have been drastically reduced as equipment and software become more accessible. What was already a crowded playing field is these days standing-room only, but Duguay’s years of experience give him a distinct edge over the competition. “Nowadays anybody can just pull out their phone and shoot a video — it’s easy,” he says. “What’s hard is making videos that
are engaging, that are not just professional looking but also entertaining. “That’s where storytelling comes into play. As human beings we’ve been telling stories around the fire since we were cavemen. Video just allows you to tell those stories in a more emotional way.” The company’s success has allowed Duguay to be more selective in choosing his projects, and to seek out businesses, organizations and charities whose mandates are in line with his own. Recent examples include a pro bono fundraising video for the Vote Open faction of the Portage and Main plebiscite and a branded content series for U.S. mail-order giant Lands’ End, which focuses not on the retailer itself, but on smaller companies that rely on its workwear. He’s also proud of his team’s annual contributions to the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce MBiz awards, a gig that provides a captive audience of potential clients, and an opportunity to showcase his work with a “quiet confidence.” “I’ve been told I should stick my chest out more,” he says. “But I don’t want to play a video that has me on camera talking about all the things we can do. I’d rather have people experience our product, and then make a decision about who we are.” As someone who’s only too happy to cede his share of the spotlight to others, Duguay invokes a similar model when describing his ideal collaborators. “For me it’s clients that see the value in not always talking about themselves or their product,” he says. “What’s more important is how valuable your products and services are to your customers — how they’re changing their lives, how they’re helping them grow their businesses and how they’re getting more money to their not-for-profits. “If [clients] can realize that and know the power of that — the power of emotion to drive people that way — then we’re aligned, and we can do beautiful work together.” ■
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COELEMENT
We feel that every brand has a story to tell — we just need to find out what it is, find out what the value is to their customers, and make sure we’re telling the story that best reflects that brand.”
MORDEN RETAIL INCUBATOR MALL
SMALL BUSINESS BOOSTER Retail incubator mall supports Morden startups
Morden Community Development Corporation hopes the retail mall will be as successful as the local industrial incubator site.
M orden-area entrepreneurs are getting some extra help taking their business ideas from fledgling to full- fledged, thanks to a new retail and restaurant incubator. By mid-December, it’s anticipated that four new artisan shops and two new restaurants will have opened their doors in Morden’s first retail incubator mall, which will occupy 2,000 square feet of the Pembina Connection, a sprawling commercial development site at the city’s east entrance. Made possible through a $25,000 provincial grant, with remaining costs to be covered by the City of Morden and the Morden Community Development Corporation (MCDC), the incubator project will serve
business, where they can graduate out of this incubator mall and end up building or renting larger spaces, and creating jobs within the region.” Conveniently, the MCDC has some experience in this area. Back in 2009, the organization opened an industrial incubator site — targeting potential manufacturers and other businesses considering Morden as a base of operations, but wary of inflating their investment through construction or infrastructure costs. After nearly a decade in operation, the industrial site is considered a rousing success. “It’s been at 100 per cent occupancy since its inception,” says
as a catalyst for economic vibrancy in the region, by allowing its inhabitants to mitigate some of the considerable risks faced by first- time business owners. “That’s the beauty of this incubator … it makes it very easy for people to excel,” says Chad Sheldon, business development specialist with the MCDC. “They’re able to get into a space that’s got high visibility within the city, and is in a high-traffic area, where they can begin their business without committing to a long-term lease — all at a very affordable rate.” As Sheldon explains, the incubator will provide more than just below-market rental rates and flexible exit clauses. Tenants will also have access to mentorship programs, economic experts and other professional services that
will help alleviate first-time jitters involving everything from hiring strategies and human resources to the often-rigorous roster of Canada Revenue Agency requirements. To qualify for one of the incubator spaces — which are in turnkey condition, with basic equipment and all utilities included in one monthly cost — business owners must meet a number of criteria, including providing a new or under-served product or service, presenting a written business plan with demonstrated financial support, and submitting monthly operational reports tracking percentage growth and customer traffic. “The intent of the whole project was to instigate new business, and most importantly, assist and mentor new businesses in developing their business acumen, their products and their services, while building their brand and their customer base,” says Sheldon. “Ultimately, [the goal is] to develop them into a standalone
Sheldon “We have had many businesses get their start in there that are now in their own spaces. And as we speak, it is still full today.” And while the obvious goal of the new retail site is the same — to serve as a short-term home for new businesses until they’re ready to stand on their own two feet, he’s also aware that not every new idea is a success story in the making. “If we do this well, and correctly, we will absolutely see turnover — both from people graduating and moving out because their business has progressed … but also we expect there will be some failures,” he says. “And that’s OK. Some of the businesses moving in there will be small, home-based businesses, and others may be people who only recently considered opening a business, or entrepreneurship as an option. And it could be that this will help them realize that’s not what they wanted.” ■
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SELKIRK – HOLIDAY ALLEY
PARTY ANIMALS Selkirk businesses light up the old downtown
BY KIT MUIR
S elkirk’s award-winning tourism event Holiday Alley completed its second year in early December, having already confirmed what everyone had hoped: Tourism is more than a great party, it’s an economic spark. The two-day winter festival could be a case study for how to reimagine an old prairie downtown and how to support your municipality’s downtown renewal plan. The dream to use tourism to bring more people and more spending back to Selkirk’s historic core has been successful largely because several small businesses — most of them led or owned by Selkirk Biz members — stepped up early to make it happen. “There’s definitely a correlation between a business owner who engages with their local Chamber and one who embraces a new crazy tourism idea like turning a very wide and old street into a sparkling, energetic, celebration of art, light, sound and creativity for the first really cold weekend in December,” says Holiday Alley co-creator Shirley Muir. In its inaugural year in 2017, Holiday Alley united small businesses, from the owners of a 1950s diner at one end of the old downtown to a well-established women’s clothing store that anchors Selkirk’s busiest intersection.
After a year of planning and many hours of volunteering, they managed to draw 3,000 to 4,000 people a day and ring up record sales. The Gwen Fox Gallery gift shop was the biggest winner with a 1,000 per cent increase in sales. The Gypsy Traders, a home decor store that had just moved into the old downtown, saw a 300 per cent increase in sales. Even the Garry Theatre saw a 35 per cent spike in attendance. Inclusion Selkirk, which supports adults with disabilities and runs the Riverside Grill, a restaurant that doubles as a training ground for the people they support, sold three times their usual number of burgers, fries and milkshakes during Holiday Alley’s first year. And they have seen increased traffic ever since. “We saw people coming downtown and experiencing it all over again because they had forgotten how good we are down here,” says Maria Freeman, CEO of Inclusion Selkirk, which was the recipient of the 2017 Partnership Award from the Interlake Tourism Association. “We bought this location a few years ago because it’s an established place, but we know the more local people who invest in this downtown, the more people we bring to it,” says Freeman. At the opposite end of the block is Packers
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