ManitobaFOCUS First Quarter 2010 Entrepreneurial Spirit • Community Values G N N I I T T S I I S O O O O L A L A P H P H X CC EEX Two industry experts explain how to harness the power of change Bob Cox, Winnipeg Free Press Sean McKay, Composites Innovation Centre Manitoba Inc. PM#40787580 Sometimes it’s better to use this. Sometimes it’s better to use this. Now you can work the way you want, when you want to with the MTS Mobile Office Plan. You get a BlackBerry® smartphone with unlimited Internet access for reading and replying to emails. 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Residential Home Office Business Connect Private Networks And Maintenance Communication Your business needs it We understand. Built by Manitobans For Manitobans And darn proud of it! The dream continues in 2010... Advertorial “It Looks So Good Because We Used Superior Asphalt.” S uperior Asphalt Paving Company Ltd. is a COR certified, locally owned, family run business that was founded in Winipeg in 1982 by Guy Combot. The firm started with 4 dedicated employees, specializing in small asphalt repairs to commercial parking lots. Superior is now a growing force in the asphalt field, employing between 40-50 people in the spring/ summer and 15-20 in the winter. From new construction, including layout, excavation, compaction, supply and installation of geo-textiles, base coarse, aluminum edging, to crack and joint sealing, seal coating, cut outs and asphalt overlays. Superior’s experienced crews can successfully pave pathways, shoulders, driveways and parking lots. Superior has experienced crews that successfully complete both small and large projects. In the winter the company oversees the snow clearing of over 200 commerical parking lots, malls and shopping centres. Through the years, services have been expanded to include mechanical sanding of parking lots on a 24 hour basis and the supply of sand/salt mixtures and custom screened granite delivered barrels. Superior Asphalt Paving Co. 420 Turenne Winnipeg, Manitoba R2J 3W8 Ph: (204) 254-3737 Fax: (204) 257-6111 [email protected] THE MCC’s VISION: • Policy development that brings together businesses of all sizes, from all sectors, and communities across Manitoba. • Non-partisan public debates of integrity, that criticize government where necessary, praise government where warranted, and disdain personal attacks and exaggeration. • A Business community that demonstrates high ethical standards in all it does. •B usinesses dedicated to the vitality of their communities, the prosperity of their employees and the sustainability of the environment. Contents 6 Manitoba Matters News and Notes Relating to our Province and its Business Community • A province that understands the nature and value of entrepreneurship and promotes the competitive enterprise system. • A provincial government with sound, long-term economic strategies that are focused without ignoring opportunity, flexibility and diversity. •G overnment policies and spending that are efficient and effective, delivering the programs that Manitobans need and helping the disadvantaged. • A Manitoba that promotes the progress of all its citizens toward individual freedom, dignity and prosperity, and opposes any form of negative discrimination or needless control. 8 Exploiting Chaos Two industry experts explain how to harness the power of change 11 Diary of an Entrepreneur By Florence Leung, President and CEO of PeerFX THE MANITOBA CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2009-2010: OFFICERS Chairman Mr. Dennis Brownlee Immediate Past Chairman Mr. Ken Wilk Vice-Chairman Mr. Wayne McWhirter Vice-Chairman Ms. Carol A. Paradine Vice-Chairman Mr. David Bayluk Vice-Chairman Mr. Frank Sottana Treasurer Mr. Chris Dyer Corporate Secretary Mr. Jim Forestell Legal Counsel Ms. Tracey L. Epp REGIONAL VICE-CHAIRMEN Capital Region Mr. Jack Wilson Central Region Mr. David Bayluk Interlake Region Mr. Lorne Floyd Mid-West Region Ms. Blue Moffat Norman Region Mr. Terry Brown Parkland Region Mr. Ron Clement Pembina Valley Region Ms. Judith Sawatzky Western Region Mr. Stuart Olmstead CHAMBER REPRESENTATIVES Assiniboia Chamber of Commerce Mr. Gerry Glatz Brandon Chamber of Commerce Mr. Chris Griffin Chambre De Commerce De Saint Boniface Ms. Heather Miller Dauphin & District Chamber of Commerce Mr. Brian Chita CHAMBER REPRESENTATIVES CONT’D... Flin Flon & District Chamber of Commerce Mr. Doug O’Brien Morden & District Chamber of Commerce Mr. Ross Ariss Portage & District Chamber of Commerce Mr. Daniel Bolton Selkirk & District Chamber of Commerce Mr. David Bayluk Thompson Chamber of Commerce Mr. Keith MacDonald Winkler & District Chamber of Commerce Mr. Ken Thomas Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce Ms. B.J. Reid DIRECTORS AT LARGE Mr. Sean Barnes Mr. Gurpreet Brar Mr. David Chan Mr. Scott Craig, CA Mr. Wadood Ibrahim Ms. Jamie Alyce Jurczak Mr. Leonard Loboda Ms. Michelle Painchaud REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PAST CHAIRMAN Mr. Joe Barnsley Mr. Brian Kelly Mr. David Newman Mrs. Julie Turenne-Maynard Mr. Jeff Zabudsky EX OFFICIO Corporate Mr. Pierre R. Cronier Aboriginal Chamber Ms. Sandra Jackson Young Associates Ms. Silvia De Sousa Education Mr. Digvar S. Jayas, Mining Ms. Mary Ann Mihychuk Social Justice Mr. David Northcott Agriculture Mr. Gary Stott 14 The MCC: Making a Difference - MCC Presents 2010 Pre-Budget Submission - PeerFX Offers Online Currency Exchange Savings for Members of the MCC - Think You Know the Ministers? - MCC Experiments with Live Updates during CentrePort Mission - Business Tips Online (BTO) 18 Work and Play on the Road By Matthew Bradford 20 Postcards from the Business Edge - Ref-Nyota - Sound Strategy Communications Ltd. 22 Focus on Management Breakthrough Results with Performance Drilling and Behavioural Embedding By Rob Johnston, Regional President, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and NW Ontario, RBC Royal Bank Publisher Robert Thompson Senior Vice-President Robert Thompson Editor Ali Mintenko Branch Manager Nancie Privé Sales Manager Sharon Komoski Published by: Sales Executives Nolan Ackman, Kari Morgan, John Pashko, Marlene Moshenko, Pat Johnston Production Team Leader Adrienne N. Wilson Senior Graphic Design Specialist James T. Mitchell President Kevin Brown 5255 Yonge Street, Suite 1000 Toronto, Ontario M2N 6P4 Toll Free: (866) 216-0860 ext. 229 [email protected] 1 Wesley Avenue, Suite 301 Winnipeg, MB Canada R3C 4C6 Toll Free: (866) 201-3096 Fax: (204) 480-4420 www.mediaedgepublishing.com All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the association. Publication Mail Agreement #40787580 Manitoba Focus is published quarterly by MediaEdge Publishing for the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce. The views and opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, or MediaEdge Publishing. Please Return Undeliverable Copies To: Manitoba Chambers of Commerce 227 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3B 2A6 Phone: (204) 948-0100 Fax: (204) 948-0110 First Quarter 2010 Manitoba FOCUS • 5 Manitoba Matters News and notes relating to our province and its business community For more details on these stories and other Manitoba News, go to www.mbchamber.mb.ca CN Selects Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba as Community Charity for 2010 CN Canadian Women’s Open E ach year since 2006, CN and the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) have generated funds to support a children’s hospital by matching donations made through initiatives associated with the CN Canadian Women’s Open. In the past four years, this program has raised more than $3.5 million for children’s hospitals. Cargill Captures “Do Good” Stamp From Ladies’ Home Journal T o receive the stamp, an independent advisory panel must decide that a company’s charitable works are innovative, results-oriented and involve its consumers and employees. Manitoba Egg Farmers Leads the Country with New Welfare Policy M anitoba Egg Farmers is committed to the care and wellbeing of our laying hens. As a result of advancements in behavioural and welfare research, it is recognized and accepted that husbandry systems for hens should provide for the Five Freedoms. After 2018, all new housing facilities for laying hens in Manitoba will be required to meet this policy. Viterra to Acquire Dakota Growers Pasta Company B ased in Carrington, North Dakota, Dakota Growers operates one of the largest durum mills in North America and is the third largest producer and marketer of dry pasta products, primarily supplying the ingredient, food service and private label retail markets. We’ll get you off to a ﬂying start! Shuttle Transportation between Brandon and Winnipeg International Airport Services: • door to door pick up/drop off • assistance with luggage • transport freight* • pets welcome* • coat storage* • child seats *extra charges may apply. To book, call us direct or call your travel agent Brandon and area call direct 729-3333 Outside Brandon (toll free) 1 (888) 884-5533 For flights, business meetings, medical appointments 6 • Manitoba FOCUS First Quarter 2010 Province Launches New Safe Farms Check Program to Help Reduce Injuries, Deaths: Struthers T he launch follows a two-year pilot project and will offer Manitoba producers a safety and health plan template that can be customized to individual farms. Thompson Dorfman Sweatman LLP Receives National Recognition F or the 3rd year Standing Lexpert has recognized TDS as the Leading Manitoba Corporate Law Firm. TDS is the only Manitoba firm to be placed at the centre of its 2010 “Bulls-Eye” ranking of such practices in Winnipeg. Cangene’s Winnipeg Plasma Centre Relocates to New Facility “T his plasma centre actually started out at the University of Manitoba many years ago, so I think it really is great that we are able to bring this full circle and move back to the campus after all this time,” said Centre Manager, Cheryl Lawson. Kevin Chief Wins Award For Exceptional Community Service C hief is a role model and advocate for Winnipeg inner-city children and youth and is an inspirational Coordinator of UWinnipeg’s Innovative Learning Centre team. EPIC Information Solutions has been Named one of the Top 50 Best Small and Medium Employers in Canada! E PIC Information Solutions is No. 9 on this year’s list, which was compiled by the Queen’s Centre for Business Venturing (QCBV) at the Queen’s School of Business in Kingston, Ontario. Edward Kennedy, North West Co., Profiled as Top Retail Executive T he North West Co. has long been a provider of daily necessities to people living in remote northern communities. However, under Kennedy’s leadership, the company has also become an essential part of life in other remote regions, such as the South Pacific. CIBC Becomes First Major Canadian Bank to Offer a Mobile Banking App for iPhone T he App gives CIBC clients the flexibility to use their iPhone or iPod touch to check account balances, transfer funds, pay bills and even send Interac email money transfers. Budget Plan Earns International Award For Excellence “T he award and additional recognition earned in four categories this year reflects our continued efforts at seeking excellence in all aspects of budget presentation,” said Winston Hodgins, Manitoba Lotteries President and CEO. Cargill Is Piloting Video System To Audit Food Safety B y watching near real-time video, Arrowsight’s third party auditors monitor how consistently employees perform their work and provide constructive statistical feedback to plant management. Local Collette Vacations Rep Scores Four Awards R yan Mikucki, District Sales Manager for Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Northwestern Ontario received the awards during Collette Vacations’ sales meeting which this year was held in Israel and Jordan. $60,000 for Red Cross P eak of the Market’s announced target was to raise $40,000 for the Canadian Red Cross - 20 cents at a time. The final total exceeded all expectations with 259,341 bags of locally grown vegetables sold. First Quarter 2010 Manitoba FOCUS • 7 I t is standard wisdom to say newspapers are dying. But it is not true. Newspaper circulation and readership are growing, thanks to the introduction of free papers in larger cities and the reach of the Internet. The Winnipeg Free Press is read daily around the world. Newspapers are not dying. They are changing so quickly Bob Cox that they are going through what economists call “creative destruction.” Creative destruction leaves a lot of immediately apparent damage, but also sows the far less visible creative seeds of revitalization. The process can be chaotic, but you can accomplish a lot, as noted by Jeremy Gutsche in Exploiting Chaos: 150 Ways to Spark Innovation During Times of Change. Gutsche suggests exploiting chaos by fighting complacency and resistance to change, challenging existing business cultures, avoiding retreating to your comfort zones and exploring uncertainty. That is not how newspaper people normally operate, but chaos can change that. In 2009, the Winnipeg Free Press was already adjusting to the digital world. Then a strike in October 2008 cost about $4 million. Next came a recession that cut ad revenues by 20 per cent. Then it faced a refinancing deadline that required finding $60 million in a frozen credit market. Free Press managers acted unlike traditional newspaper people. They realized that they needed to reorganize the business permanently. The resulting changes were unimaginable a year ago: • Eliminated home delivery on Sundays and created one big weekend paper. • Replaced free printed papers for schools with electronic editions. • Reorganized newspaper distribution, closing depots and reducing staff. • Reorganized classified advertising, which had been set up to take ad orders over the phone. • Started a Sunday tabloid only available for single-copy sale. • Launched online sites for key advertising, including autos and homes. • Started a community newspaper for southwest Winnipeg. • Integrated Canstar community newspapers into the Winnipeg Free Press, eliminating an entire carrier force. Some of these moves seem crazy. But Gutsche advises you to question rational thought, and to intentionally destroy in order to create. Most rational thinking was that the Sunday paper could never be stopped. But it was never profitable. Eliminating Sunday delivery allowed the Free Press to create tremendous value in the weekend paper, which is better than any paper the Free Press has ever produced. That is what management tried to do across the organization — not simply cut costs, but build something new and more sustainable. The creative destruction and chaos is not over. But the paper is better positioned to thrive because it has learned how to adapt to change coming at a dizzying pace. Bob Cox is the publisher of the Winnipeg Free Press and Canstar Community News. He has also served as editor of the Free Press, which has been publishing continuously in Winnipeg since 1872. Check out an expanded version of Cox’s article at www.mbchamber.mb.ca 8 • Manitoba FOCUS First Quarter 2010 I I T T I I O O L L P P EEXX Jeremy Gutsche’s Exploiting Chaos: 150 Ways to Spark Innovation During Times of Change argues that chaos is the cutting edge, and the ability to harness power of that tempest separates the winners from the “also rans.” And he points out that sooner or later every business will experience the chaos of a changing environment. Culture of Revolution “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” 1. Perspective • Assume tremendous potential in rival ideas • Avoid retreating to your comfort zone 2. Experimental Failure • Don’t ask, “Do you like it?” Ask, “What’s wrong with it?” • Don’t celebrate the attainment of the summit, celebrate the style of the climb 3.Customer Obsession • Fight the confidence that you know your customer 4. Intentional Destruction • Celebrate that nothing is precious Trend Hunting “Innovation and strategic advantage hinge on your ability to anticipate trends and identify the next big thing.” 1. Reset: Erase your expectations and start with a blank slate. 2. Hunt: Study customer needs, market dynamics, and random sources of inspiration. 3. Cluster: Identify meaningful patterns, not macro trends. 4. Re-Cluster: Force yourself to look beyond your initial bias. W G N N I TI CCHHAAOOSS Gutsche offers a self-described “quintessential road map” for all those seeking opportunity in times of change. Here is a breakdown of his basic framework, examples of his insights, and how two leaders in Manitoba have coped with the “chaos” surrounding their fields. You can find out more about Gutsche and his ideas at www.TrendHunter.com. Adaptive Innovation “…think big while acting small.” 1. Be methodical, but circular • Define a clear customer need • Ideate like it matters • Synthesize in a smaller team • Create rapid prototypes • Test and optimize • Repeat 2. Manage innovation like a stock portfolio • Diversify • Control the size of your bet • Don’t overreact • Bigger risk = bigger reward • Pursue alpha (disproportionate value) • Ignore sunk costs Infectious Messaging “Well-packaged stories travel faster than ever.” • Create something that is interesting to your customers, and your product will have the potential to become viral. • Package your product like it’s the best in the world. • Whether your story is conveyed through text, image or sound, adapting to the lifestyle of your customer can have a profound effect. e are in one of the oldest cutting-edge fields around. Composites are made from two or more materials that combine to create a better, more durable material. The first composites date back to ancient times when straw was mixed with clay to make bricks. Today, advanced technologies are combining materials like fibreglass, carbon or graphite, aramid, polypropylene, and even natural materials such as flax, hemp and straw in everything from aerospace to the automotive, biomedical and sporting goods markets. Sean McKay Gutsche is right; you need to be methodical as you pursue innovation. It’s a fine balance of pursuing a wide, wild range of ideas in a way that doesn’t take you off track and returns to your fundamental goal - value to your customers. The Composites Innovation Centre’s innovation process may not exactly match the framework developed by Gutsche, but they are kindred spirits. Our “project pipeline” process seeks to identify, assess and select projects. During the initial definition process projects are described, the client and collaborators are identified, its purpose is cross-checked against performance measures aligned to our strategic objectives, and an estimate of resources and cost is combined with a preliminary assessment of the funding that would be required. Our key strategic objectives relate to Gutsche’s fundamental point that innovation needs to deliver value. We look at whether the innovation will bring in new clients, repeat clients, develop a new capability and/or transfer a technology to our industrial partners. Once the level of effort is defined, a candid look at our ability to take on the initiative is conducted regarding whether the resources it will demand will eclipse the result we expect. The screening process looks at feasibility in terms of technical risk and economic viability. The technical risk is balanced against economic risk and, together with the strength of its match with our strategic directives, provides for a determination as to whether funds will be allocated and how much is warranted. Next we move on to the planning process. We refine the work statement with the customer and develop what the deliverables are going to be, how we’ll accomplish it, who is to perform the work and what it will cost. A review process is then enacted that includes senior management, and often a project review committee comprising members of our board of directors. The committee assesses and confirms whether the project is actually aligning with our strategic objectives and whether the technical and financial contributions are reasonable and within our established guidelines. One thing Gutsche seems to miss is the power of partners to extend your innovation. We have developed a comprehensive network of industry partners and institutions like Red River College, the University of Manitoba and NRC laboratories in order to effectively meet our client requirements. Sean McKay is Executive Director of Composites Innovation Centre Manitoba Inc. (CIC), a not-for-profit organization whose main goal is supporting economic growth of composite component manufacturers. It is governed by an industry-led board of directors consisting of many key industries in Manitoba including Boeing Winnipeg, Magellan Aerospace, Motor Coach Industries, Structural Composites Technologies, Schweitzer Mauduit Canada and Acsion Industries. www.compositesinnovation.ca First Quarter 2010 Manitoba FOCUS • 9 We Offer: • Low Teacher to Student Ratio • Before and After School Program • 5 Day Fulltime Kindergarten • All Welcome Remember when... Education meant learning Faith meant believing Friends meant forever Our values are still the same 505 Brewster Street, Winnipeg, MB Telephone: 204-222-1841 Fax: 204-222-1769 www.stjosephtheworkerschool.ca Choosing the right amount of coverage to protect your independent business and your employees can be confusing. HED Insurance and Risk Services can help. We'll take care of your assets and reduce your financial risk while you take care of your business. Insuring Independent Business Commercial Insurance Employee Benefits HED will tailor a commercial insurance package to suit your needs with a wide range of products from Property Insurance to Surety Bonds. TotalGUARD is HED's unique employee benefits program designed to meet the needs of both your employees and your budget. Our guarantee to you includes: • An understanding of your business, • Low-hassle administration, and • Reasonable rates. TotalGUARD offers you: • Pooled rates for immediate and long-term savings, • Low-hassle administration, and • Flexibility. Call 1-800-665-8990 today or visit us online at www.hedinc.com Commercial Insurance – Justin Friesen ext. 7211 Employee Benefits – Scott Stewart ext. 7287 10 • Manitoba FOCUS First Quarter 2010 Diary Diary of an Entrepreneur An inside look at the joys, struggles and successes of being an entrepreneur T his issue features Florence Leung, President and CEO of PeerFX, an online peer-to-peer currency exchange that changes exchanging by bringing people together to exchange with each other, cutting out unnecessary fees in the process. Additional information may be found at: www.peerfx.com. Feb 1 Finished proposal for a partnership where we would get passive income. The way to set up a partnership is to provide our back end system to the partner, which is essentially streamlined with low overhead, and have the partners manage the sign-ups of their members to our services. We also look at providing incentives such as revenue sharing with affiliates so that they market our services to their customers. I am a huge proponent of making the pie bigger so everyone gets a piece. Feb 3 Team meeting to look into our sales numbers from the past month and recruiting efforts. Five interviews and one moving on to the next round. A lot of companies say they hire based on personal skills and qualifications they see on the resumé – but what does it all come down to in the end? The person has to be likable, and we need to feel that they can do a great job of whatever we pass their way. How do we test for this? We give them a task to work on and see how they do! Feb 5 Presenting my workshop on business implementation at the Enterprize Business Plan Competition, a national business conference for the brightest minds in business. Totally kicked butt on this one – I’ve done PeerFX proud. Feb 6 On a jet plane to Toronto and pumped to bring on our future Director of Sales. Looking forward to meeting him in person after eight months of emailing. Feb 8 Spent an hour trucking out on the GO train to meet our potential hire; he didn’t disappoint and I can see that his experience, energy and ability to get things done will be an invaluable addition to our team. At the point where we are now, hiring key people to the core team takes a LOT of time, as it should. As the president of a small start up, it costs a lot to on-board a new employee, to train them and familiarize them with the business, so it’s not just the cash flow that goes to the employee. For me it took eight months for both the senior sales executive and myself to be comfortable and trust each other. You know you’ve hit this point when you can talk about strategy, sales and all aspects of business openly. Feb 10 Had a 15 minute meeting with my advisor in Toronto; I look up to him because he’s super efficient with his time, asks the right questions to get the necessary information about the company and gives to the point and executable advice. By the “right questions,” I mean he doesn’t ask about things that don’t matter. He defined sales volume as the key goal in the business right now, so he asked what the trend has been for our sales, whether it’s growing, whether current volumes are sustainable and how we plan on growing our sales as we forecasted. Things that don’t matter are things that don’t drive sales. For example, signing up a new partner is great, but how long does it take to fully on-board this new partner? Are sales going to come in right away? If not, then it’s not an immediate matter. In a small business there are usually 5,000 things going on at once, and it’s prioritizing using the above method that gets us focused in on what’s important. First Quarter 2010 Manitoba FOCUS • 11 Diary Feb 12 Phone meeting with government advisor on getting financing out in Asia; taking some time to reflect on where the best opportunities are for a company such as our own, Vancouver itself just isn’t a financial service centre. I have always pitched PeerFX to technology investors, since we have a patent-pending process that will change the way small businesses and individuals exchange their money. Upon reflection, PeerFX is actually a branding business; the initial draw for our customers is the savings, but the retention happens with our brand, which includes the service, credibility, our partnership network, etc. Financers in Asia look to strategic investments, and places such as Hong Kong and Shanghai have investors that are attracted to these opportunities. Currency exchange is a commodity market that has been boring for a long time, and PeerFX is here to make it sexy. Feb 15 Got a chance to catch up with another awesome entrepreneur today via phone. He is in the non-profit space running an online charity that uses the funds collected to microfinance businesses. He shared some of his past experiences in terms of getting financing and provided me with insight into how to pitch investors with what PeerFX currently has. He said it’s okay not to have everything in place right now, but paint the right picture and let the investors know what their funds can do for the business. What milestones will their money help us achieve? What does that do for them in terms of growing shareholder value? Feb 19 Redefined the finest executive class suites in Winnipeg Daily and extended stay accommodations Leather furniture, granite countertops, 32” flat screen HDTV Free wireless high speed internet Well appointed kitchens with new appliances Spent the day dealing with our system developers to see how we could speed up the process to hit our end of March deadline. When you sign a contract you expect things to be completed on time. Let me tell you what…with developers/programmers/ engineers alike, you can expect that 90 per cent of the time you will discover something new along the way that has to be built and the project won’t be finished on time. Do you tell them not to develop these additional new features/functionalities they have discovered? I chose to let them develop all the features they recommended and push them for the same deadline. When you can get everyone on the same page and convey how much it means to you that the project gets done on time, 99 per cent of the time they will work harder to help you meet your goal. My developers are awesome. Feb 28 www.placelouisriel.com 190 Smith Street, Downtown Winnipeg, MB, Canada TF: 1.800.665.0569 12 • Manitoba FOCUS First Quarter 2010 PLA 11366-MB Focus Ad-FIN.indd 1 This is probably the best way to finish off my diary of an entrepreneur submission – Canada Men’s Hockey takes GOLD. We wrap up the month with new sign-ups every day, and more social media coverage and website traffic. Time to ramp it up in March! 9/22/09 3:25:06 PM The North American tour. We do that, too. NORTH AMERICA’S RAILROAD We’re CN. And with our extensive rail network reaching every major market on the continent, we’re North America’s Railroad. Proud sponsor of the CN Canadian Women’s Open, the CN Canadian Women’s Tour, the CN Future Links junior golf program, and CN Miracle Match, a national charitable initiative supporting children’s hospitals. When you make a donation to CN Miracle Match leading up to and during the CN Canadian Women’s Open, CN will match your gift. This year supporting The Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba. Lorie Kane, LPGA touring professional www.cnmiraclematch.ca www.cn.ca August 23-29, 2010 St. Charles Country Club, Winnipeg www.cncanadianwomensopen.com TICKETS AT 1-866-571-LPGA (5742) THE MCC: MAKING A DIFFERENCE Think You Know the Ministers? MCC Launches “Meet the Ministers” Video Series. This new video series is dedicated to helping Manitobans find out a bit more about their political leaders. Each video has a Minister answering five questions: Graham Starmer, MCC President (l), makes a point with Finance Minister Rosann Wowchuk • What is the biggest surprise relating to your new department? • What is the biggest challenge in relation to your department? MCC Presents 2010 Pre-Budget Submission For the fifth year in a row the MCC’s Pre-Budget submission championed the Chambers’ Great Jobs Agenda. “I am proud that for five years we have presented a consistent and comprehensive vision to enhance Manitoba’s prosperity in a knowledge-based economy that is increasingly global,” explained MCC President Graham Starmer. “Indeed, these challenging times and a growing number of authorities are proving the wisdom of our advice.” The Great Jobs Agenda is an eight-point plan that places the goal of “great jobs” as the focal point. In turn, the agenda argues that creativity is the key to great jobs. For the first time the MCC prepared a summary “Agenda Scorecard” to help gauge the progress that has been made on the Great Jobs Agenda. To find out more go to www.mbchamber.mb.ca. PeerFX Offers Online Currency Exchange Savings for Members of the MCC Do you exchange U.S. dollars to Canadian dollars or vice versa? As a Manitoba Chambers of Commerce member, you have exclusive access to an additional 10 per cent discount on our industry-leading low cost currency exchange service for small- to medium-sized businesses. PeerFX is an online currency exchange company that has a peer-to-peer currency exchange model matching currency exchangers up with others. This low overhead process saves small- to mediumsized businesses and individuals up to 80 per cent in transaction fees compared to leading banks. Find out more at www.mbchamber.mb.ca. 14 • Manitoba FOCUS First Quarter 2010 • What is the biggest opportunity in relation to your department? • What inspired you to get into politics? • What is your favourite office knick-knack and why? Editions featuring the Minister of Finance and Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation are now available at www.mbchamber.mb.ca or on YouTube. Steve Ashton, Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation MCC Experiments with Live Updates during CentrePort Mission The MCC continues to lead the way in its efforts to leverage the Internet and social media to serve Manitoba’s business community. Recently it used its Virtual Network site to feature updates from MCC President Graham Starmer as he participated in the CentrePort mission to the U.S. Starmer’s posts provided an ongoing report on the mission, key links and pictures. “We know CentrePort is a huge issue so we had already created a CentrePort discussion on the MCC Virtual Network where our members could get updates on the project and share their thoughts” said Starmer. “So it just seemed natural that I post there while the mission was happening.” Providing key information in a timely way is part of the MCC’s goal of ensuring its members are informed. Laughs Starmer, “I knew the posting experiment was a hit when I sat down for coffee in Minnedosa and someone approached me and said I seemed run off my feet during the mission.” Find out about CentrePort and the many ways the MCC Virtual Network can help you at http://manitobachambers.ning.com/. Take a closer look at Part of the Red River Valley Research Corridor Gateway to the United States Grand Forks Established anchors: • University of North Dakota • Energy & Environmental Research Center • Research Enterprise & Commercialization Park Resources & expertise of the Economic Development Corporation to ensure your growth To discuss your opportunities for business in Grand Forks, contact Klaus Thiessen. An ideal partner to help grow your business 701-746-2720│[email protected] www.grandforks.org First Quarter 2010 Manitoba FOCUS • 15 BUSINESS TIPS ONLINE (BTO) The BTO section of the MCC website features think-pieces on the issues that matter to business. Topics include innovation, HR, media relations and more. Here is a sampling of recent articles: Innovation Is Our Hidden Deficit By Kevin Lynch, Vice-chair of BMO Financial Group and former clerk of the Privy Council and secretary to the cabinet Evaluating Productivity: Make Sure You Have Performance Guidelines Geared To Your Organization By Barbara J. Bowes, president of Legacy Bowes Group, author of three books and host of the weekly BowesKnows radio show. A Quick Response: Media Relations Tip #2 What Kind of Manager Are You? By Lisa Saunders, co-founder of Sound Strategy Communications Ltd. and a communications specialist with over 15 years experience working as a broadcaster, journalist and publicist. By Robert Half International To find out more about these and other BTO pieces go to the Business Tips Online portion of www.mbchamber.mb.ca. Want to contribute to BTO? Email [email protected]. Associations and Corporations frequently select cities for their major conferences and conventions because of the drive of their local leaders. These events have a major impact on the commerce of Winnipeg when they are held here. Is it time for your group to consider Winnipeg? Advice you can count on. At Taylor McCaffrey, we understand your needs. Whatever question you may have, we’ll work together with your business to provide sound guidance and focused solutions for your legal matters. Let our knowledgeable Taxation, Estate and Business Law Departments handle your questions with advice you can count on. Frank Lavitt, B. Comm (Hons), C.G.A. (Hon), LL.B., TEP Phone: (204) 988-0438 email: [email protected] Douglas Finkbeiner, Q.C. Phone: (204) 988-0414 email: [email protected] Let us help you! For further information contact: Debbie Maslowsky, Program Director 375 York Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3C 3J3 Phone: 957-4526 Email: [email protected] Taxation & Estate Department Business Law Department The Winnipeg Convention Centre invites you to join Winnipeg’s Inner Circle. It is comprised of Winnipeggers like you who want to bring future conferences and conventions here, but need the additional resources that an organization like the Winnipeg Convention Centre can provide. 9th Floor, 400 St. Mary Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3C 4K5 Phone: (204) 949-1312 Fax: (204) 957-0945 www.tmlawyers.com 16 • Manitoba FOCUS First Quarter 2010 Promoting our City from within. Workplace Injuries Are PREVENTABLE For more information on preventing injuries visit www.safemanitoba.com Work and on the Play Road By Matthew Bradford G ive them a place to work and they’ll bring the laptop. Give them a place to play and they’ll also bring the family. Be it a generational quirk or a desire long overdue, employees are seeking a greater balance between work and play, placing the onus on the hospitality industry to either accommodate or risk losing the business. So just what caused the world’s workforce to start longing for a little more fun during the daily grind? As Rheanne Gray with Russell Inns sees it, the drive for a better rounded workday has been brewing since we first started clocking in. “[Work/ play balance] has been important to employees, managers, and self employed people since the dawn of time, but has not been possible for the masses until the modern age,” offers Gray. “Providing them with an opportunity to merge work with family time is of critical importance to our clientele,” she adds. There’s little dispute that repeat business is the bread and butter of the hospitality industry, which is why many in the field have had no qualms with adapting their facilities and services to appeal to both business and family minded clientele. Besides the picturesque beauty of Manitoba, the province offers much by way of entertainment for families, or individuals. “Hotels understand the importance of the work and play balance and how tough it is for individuals with family and work — and for the workplaces themselves — to take this into account when planning,” says John Anderson, hotel general manager with South Beach Casino and Resort. And while some responsibility falls on the work- 18 • Manitoba FOCUS First Quarter 2010 place to create the right blend of work and leisure while out of the office, Anderson admits that, “hotels and the hospitality industry play a part in this with assistance in itineraries and the various components that can add value and variety to the standard 9 to 5 meetings.” Fully equipped with over 600 slot machines, tropical pools, lounge spaces and a slew of activities for families, it’s safe to say that the South Beach Casino and Resort has the entertainment end covered. In accommodating their more work minded clients, this popular Winnipeg resort also features 5,000 square feet of event space, adaptable meeting rooms, group planning services, free high-speed Internet throughout the hotel, guest rooms equipped with business desks, and extras like voicemail messaging and long distance calling rates. In making space and resources available for both business and pleasure, the South Beach Casino and Resort strikes a balance that has no doubt been positive for the bottom line. You can also add Russell Inn to the list of companies who simply ‘get it.’ Already outfitted with ample meeting space and business resources, Gray and her team — under the leadership of manager Daymon Guillas — recognized the need for more in the way of entertainment and family provisions. Their solution? The Asessippi All Season Resort. A key force in its creation, Russell Inn worked with partners to create a nearby ski resort and outdoor activity haven which has come to take on a life and popularity all its own. Explains Gray: “We recognized that guests who wish to bring partners along or families are looking for quick, affordable, quality activities as well as a cushion of hospitality. Now, we have many tourism and recreational opportunities that we’ve spent years developing and will continue to develop to encompass every season. The Asessippi All Season Resort is our finest example, but we also make an effort to discover what it is that is important to people and then, well, then we create it.” And don’t forget the essentials. Reports Gray: “We’re now adding a Tim’s. It would be sacrilege to have a foodservice cluster in Canada without a Tim Hortons!” Though unable to provide much in the way of extravagant entertainment for kids, Rocheen Samorodny, general manager with the Comfort Inn Winnipeg Airport is still very much aware of the benefits of doing so. “Corporate travel is one of our key segments,” recognizes Samorodny. “If the corporate traveller is bringing their family, it’s very necessary to ensure we can accommodate them. Otherwise, the negative impact would very much reflect a downturn on revenue.” asy? ns were so e o si ci e d if e to n’t it be nic and integrity Providing free breakfasts, children’s Would r the talent r.ca ok to a CA fo isionsmatte Until then, lo e right ones. www.dec en-suite movies and child-friendly staff make th is just part of the Comfort Inn’s strategy. The other half is taking full advantage of their prime location. “Our area is very appealing to families, especially with children,” says Samorodny. Situated near Polo Park, one of Winnipeg’s 29_0147_29132 TarotAd SQ.indd 1 largest malls, as well as movie theatres, museums, big box stores and many other attractions, Samorodny is assured that, Chartered Accountants “along with the city’s appealing theatres Maria and festivals, any family would have 29-0147 plenty to do and see while in Winnipeg.” 03 Clearly, how each hotel attracts their business is different and dependent Mar 23/09 on their location, current clientele and Mar 19/09 resources on hand. Offers Gray: “Every hotel, tourism operator, or area is going to find their offer niche; one that 100% fits within their unique atmosphere or area. To say that a certain set of criteria is the magic formula to meet the needs of today’s business or pleasure traveller would be arrogant, erroneous, and perhaps insulting to the customer.” M29132 dagal 29_0147_29132 TarotAd SQ.indd Decisions m at ter. 3/24/09 11:03:08 AM CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW 4.625 × 4.625 N/A N/A N/A CMYK However it happens, the big business lies in making a place that can be both an escape for families and a place to get down to work. Explains Gray: “If we can find a sincere way of providing that, we’ve created a stronger tie to our customer and therefore, repeat visits.” First Quarter 2010 Manitoba FOCUS • 19 BLACK 100% Ref-Nyota 158 Fort Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3C 1C9 www.refnyota.com What They Do: Empower refugees to flourish and grow with their talents. Claim to Fame: “We are proud to be the first for-profit organization formed by a former refugee to focus on empowering refugees to gain economic independence and become strong contributing members of Canadian society through the use of their talents and skills.” Business Philosophy: “We all know the old saying ‘give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and he’ll eat forever.’ It is now time not just to teach refugees to fish, but to trust that they already can fish. The need is to assist them in employing what they’ve already learned, and thereby enable them to use their skills to create economic opportunity and independence for themselves.” Serge Kaptegaine, Founder, Ref-Nyota POSTCARDS FROM THE BUSINESS EDGE Sound Strategy Communications Ltd. 104 - 287 Tache Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R2H 3B8 www.soundstrategy.com What they do: Sound Strategy Communications Ltd. attracts positive media coverage to your business and increases awareness about your product or service. The company specializes in media relations, publicity, media training seminars, corporate writing, graphic and web design - and having fun! Lisa Saunders, Co-Founder, Sound Strategy Communications Ltd. Claim to fame: Sound Strategy’s team consists of well-trained communications professionals and former awardwinning journalists who have worked for every major news network in Canada. They’ve leveraged their editorial expertise with extensive public relations experience to lead a number of successful campaigns locally and nationally. Business Philosophy: “The key to being a successful service provider is to build and nurture relationships with your clients. If you take the time to truly understand and connect with your clients, the level of trust skyrockets and you end up with a good friend, as well as a good client.“ Space for Growth Southport is a property management and development company supporting aviation, training and commercial initiatives. Airport FAcilitieS: 4 active runways with a Transport Canada approved air traffic control tower, ground support services, and light aircraft parking. commerciAl SpAce & educAtionAl FAcilitieS: Customized space is available in existing buildings for commercial & educational facilities. commerciAl lAnd: 80 hectares of prime land (groundside and airside) are available for new commercial & industrial development with low taxes & competitive lease rates. eASy AcceSS: Centrally located in Canada, with easy access to major transportation routes and the USa. H REGULAR FLATBEDS H LOW BED SERVICE H CONTRACT HAULING Tel: 204-428-6030 Toll free: 1-800-558-4680 email: [email protected] web: www.southport.mb.ca 20 • Manitoba FOCUS First Quarter 2010 PL 55 PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE “You Call... We Haul” H REFRIGERATED SERVICE FOCUS on Management Breakthrough Results with Performance Drilling and Behavioural Embedding By Rob Johnston, Regional President Manitoba, Saskatchewan and NW Ontario, RBC Royal Bank T he title may sound complex, but in actual fact, what I am speaking of is the tried and true results that come from a sports model for coaching applied to the business environment. RBC Royal Bank works closely with Cohen Brown, a world leader in performance consulting, to help us reach our productivity potential and consistently perform the way we know our employees are capable of. As part of an RBC hosted event Cohen Brown recently met with more than 100 business leaders in Winnipeg to present a short overview of their model for breakthrough performance. It is easy to understand the value of good coaching in an organization. But getting granular in behaviour diagnostics takes some effort and focus. It is important to recognize that behavioural deficits will limit the growth and productive performance at any organization. Unless addressed specifically, the behavioural gaps may develop into the passive acceptance of mediocrity. A key first step that is core to coaching, is to identify the behavioural deficits within your organization and the obstacles impacting the embedding of the desired behaviours. The sports coaching model brings a slightly different mindset to some of the more traditional feedback processes used in business. Nobody would dispute the value or significance of sports coaching, especially as Canadians are still glowing from our Olympic achievements. Can you imagine a sports coach in golf pointing to a club and a bucket of balls, and then telling their athlete to go at it for a few hours or even days and follow up by booking a meeting to discuss the outcomes a week later? In business we have often missed the signifi- cance of observation and specific feedback on the “plays” or steps involved at a granular level for performance drilling and coaching. Performance coaching is about the direct observation of key skills in action – not numbers or plans. Coaching is collaborative; focused on motivation and learning versus advice. Coaching sessions must have specific outcomes to improve performance and results. Ideally practice should be part of a coaching session or as close afterwards as possible to embed the desired behaviour with accelerated and compressed experiential learning. Sports coaching seeks to achieve executional excellence. To use an old cliché – “it’s not rocket science.” But in this case we give a new twist to quantum physics with E=MC2 defined as “Mastery x Consistency = Executional Excellence. Learning to be an effective coach also takes practice and coaching. When observing, the coach needs to know what success looks like in order to provide feedback and build skills. Coaches need to dialogue on what they will be coaching for, and engage the employees to understand and participate. Active listening, note taking and tracking in a coach’s log are important elements of granular observations to support feedback. Observing is useless unless detailed and specific feedback is provided to help improve performance. Accurate, honest, granular and value added are key to quality feedback. Checklists and tools will support clarity and consistency for those expected behaviours that are known to deliver the desired results. A simple loop of observation – feedback – skill building is applicable across most roles in many organizations whatever the industry. The sports coaching model is a powerful tool with proven results. On the surface performance drilling and sports coaching is easy to understand. The not so simple part is identifying those specific behaviours that will deliver results and achieve the shift from numbersbased coaching to skills-based observational coaching. Organizations will see solid benefits in business performance and employee engagement when they embed the sports coaching model with both a mindset shift and cultural change. Like any good athlete will tell you, practice makes perfect – it’s not easy but it works. RBC Royal Bank has worked closely with Cohen Brown to enhance their performance with coaching routines that help employees develop the skills necessary to be the best they can be at delivering quality service to clients and finding advice solutions to meet unique financial needs. If you would like to learn more about Cohen Brown or how RBC can assist your business please email Rob Johnston at: [email protected] 22 • Manitoba FOCUS First Quarter 2010 Advertorial T he South Beach Casino & Resort is fashioned in an Art-deco design and tropical atmosphere. Our distinctive resort offers Grand Suites, Junior Suites, Luxury and Deluxe guest room accommodations with a high standard of service and amenities. Visit our tropical pool area. Enjoy your stay with our various Getaway packages. When planning your next meeting, conference, staff retreat, special event or reception, the South Beach Casino & Resort is the perfect location. Our Grand Ballroom with high ceilings and unique banquet menus can serve up to 300 persons for dinner. Our Casino offers 600 slot machines with the latest titles and themes in Manitoba – ranging from 1 cent to $20.00! Table games including: Blackjack, Fortune Pai Gow Poker, Midi-Baccarat, Texas Shootout, and Roulette. Live Poker Room with ongoing Texas Hold’em tournaments. Join the Ocean Club to earn benefits and redeem for Coupons & Beach Bucks. Also on site is our Coral Reef Giftshop. The Blue Dolphin Lounge features free live entertainment, playing your favourites from Country to Classic Rock every Friday and Saturday evening. At Mango’s Restaurant we offer exceptional cuisine including many Canadian and tropical favourites. Enjoy our lavishly stocked International buffet, seven days a week. Try our Specialty Seafood Feast Buffet - Thursdays, Prime Rib Buffet - Saturdays, and Sunday Brunch Buffet (12 p.m. – 3 p.m.), or our Mango’s Dinner Specials from Monday to Wednesday Nights. Call 1-204-766-2100 or 1-877-775-8259 for more information or visit our website: www.southbeachcasino.ca Experience theDifference MEETINGS & CONFERENCES Whether your visit is for business or pleasure, action or relaxation, South Beach Casino & Resort will cater to your every desire. Located 30 minutes north of Winnipeg on Highway 59, near the shores of Lake Winnipeg, South Beach Casino & Resort is the perfect location for planning a meeting, conference, staff retreat, special event, or social function. South Beach Casino & Resort Sales & Catering Office: 1-877-775-8259 ext. 3109 www.southbeachcasino.ca Small Business Big Market Losing employees to larger companies? Group insurance too expensive? Take advantage of your Chamber of Commerce membership to level the playing field. The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce partners with the Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan to ensure its small business members have access to affordable, custom benefits. You choose the coverage, so you control the cost. It’s a huge advantage, exclusive to members. Call and see why 25,000 companies call Chambers Plan benefits their own! Canada’s #1 Group Benefits Plan for Local Business TF: 1.877.277.0677 Administered by Johnston Group Inc.