January 2015 Prince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce

Prince Albert & District Chamber of CommercePrince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce

Social Media

www.facebook.com/princealbertchamber

Get in Touch

Tel: 306-764-6222

Email: chamberpa@sasktel.net

January 2015

January 2015 Prince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce 2

BBOARDOARD OFOF

DDIRECTORSIRECTORS

Board Chair

Shelley Cannon

Wilcox and Chovin Law

Offices

Past Chairman

Mike Mitchell

Tyrone Pest Control

1st Vice Chair

Jayne Remenda

Prince Albert Tourism &

Marketing Bureau

Secretary Treasurer

Gord Jahn

MNP

Board Appointed

Robert Bratvold

Saskatchewan Rivers

Public School Division

Elected Board Members

Greg Breeze,

Affinity Insurance

Bruce Vance, Prince Albert

Raider Hockey Club

Shayne Lazarowich, Prince

Albert Multicultural Council

Ian Litzenberger, Medicine

Shoppe Pharmacy

Meghan Mayer, Salon Six

A Message from the

CEO, Merle Lacert

Hello Members, Happy New Year to All!!

Each New Year brings reflections on the past year and thoughts and plans for the upcoming year. While our past year was excellent, it is with the New Year in mind that I write this column.

My first thoughts rest once again with infrastructure. The Chamber and its partners will continue to plan a strategy to see improved infrastructure throughout our region.

Let’s hope that 2015 will also see a spring and summer without any road or highway closures. We have definitely had our challenges in the past few years.

With infrastructure a priority in our area, the Chamber will be co-hosting a summit on infrastructure next month. Part of the focus will be to expand on the details

of the recent Diefenbaker Bridge Report by V-Max Consulting. Please watch for event details.

Prince Albert businesses continue to grow and we hope 2015 includes many new expansions and start-ups. We look forward to the city’s efforts to promote and attract new opportunities to realize more of the excellent potential that exists in Prince Albert.

Finding employees and filling out our workforce has been challenging. While skilled labour will likely remain a challenge, one great tool for employers to look at is the

Canada-Saskatchewan Job Grant. This program can assist employers in building and strengthening the labour pool they require. Employers can receive up to $10,000 per trainee, and may complete multiple applications to a maximum of 250,000.00 annually. The first step is to review the information and then complete the eligibility checklist. Use this link for more information;

www.economy.gov.sk.ca/job-grant

Continued on Page 5

January 2015 Prince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce 3

Chamber welcomes New Board Members

The Prince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce is pleased to

welcome new board members. The contributions made by all our

board members are appreciated and crucial to the success of the

Chamber and its efforts to engage and promote local business in Prince Albert.

Executive Officers

Chairman: Shelley Cannon, Wilcox and Chovin Law Office

Past Chairman: Mike Mitchell, Tyrone Pest Control

First Vice Chair: Jayne Remenda, Prince Albert Tourism & Marketing Bureau

Second Vice Chair Greg Breeze, Affinity Insurance

Secretary Treasurer: Gord Jahn, MNP

Board Appointed: Robert Bratvold, Sask. Rivers Public School Division

Elected Board Members

Bruce Vance, P.A. Raider Hockey Club

Ian Litzenberger, Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy

Meghan Mayer, Salon Six

Garrett Lawless, Transwest Air

James Milne, Arnot Heffernan Slobodian Law Office

Tracy Feher, Feher Financial Inc

Staff

Merle Lacert, CEO

Danica Jessie, Executive Assistant

Charlene Tebbutt Communications Coordinator

January 2015 Prince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce 4

Athabasca Basin Development Named Business of the Year

Athabasca Basin Development was named Business of Year by SaskBusiness Magazine at a

ceremony last month. The northern Saskatchewan investment company was honoured for its

efforts to not only attract investment and growth, but give back to the local community.

Since starting operations 10 years ago, Athabasca Basin Development has grown from a small

corporation to having a stake in 10 companies and revenues of more than $176 million,

SaskBusiness Magazine said in a December feature article about the company.

“We are proud, and very

humbled, to have received

this recognition,” Geoff

Gay, CEO of Athabasca

Basin Development said in

a news release.

“As an Aboriginal-owned

investment company, we

started from humble

beginnings and have

worked hard over the last

twelve years, reinvesting

earnings to grow our

company. Back in the early

days, we never would have

imagined we would be where we are today, and we are incredibly honoured to have been

chosen as this year’s Business of the Year.”

Twila Redekopp, publisher at SaskBusiness Magazine, said the Business of the Year honour is

awarded to companies that give back to the community while continuing to be admirable

corporate citizens.

“It is a way to show our appreciation to innovative, well respected and benevolent businesses,”

Redekopp said in a release.

“This year we are happy to recognize ABD for their contribution to the Saskatchewan economy

and more importantly, our communities.”

The Prince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce is proud to count Athabasca Basin

Development among its members, and looks forward to ABD’s continued growth and success.

Pictured (Left to Right): Geoff Gay, CEO, ABD; Chief Earl Lidguerre, ABD Board Member, Anne Robillard, ABD Board Chair; Twila Reddekopp, Publisher, SaskBusiness Magazine; Joyce Powder, ABD Board member, Daniel Powder, ABD Board Member.

January 2015 Prince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce 5

Shelley Cannon, Chair of the Prince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors was recently appointed to the Practitioner Staff Appeals Tribunal. Ms. Cannon will serve as Vice Chair of the Tribunal.

She was appointed to a three-year term by Minister Dustin Duncan on October 27, 2014.

The Practitioner Staff Appeals Tribunal hears appeals from medical practitioners who wish to appeal decisions of a Regional Health Authority. The Law Society of Saskatchewan is allowed to recommend six candidates to the Ministry of Health, two of whom are appointed to a three-year term.

The mandate of the Tribunal is to hear appeals related to the appointment, suspension or termination of practitioners, discipline matters or the granting, suspension or revocation of privileges. The Tribunal includes one member from each of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Medical Association, the College of Dental Surgeons of Saskatchewan, the Chiropractors’ Association of Saskatchewan, the provincial Association of Health Care Organizations and two members from the province’s Law Society.

Chamber Board Chair appointed to Provincial Tribunal

Continued from Page 2

Message from the CEO

In 2015, we will celebrate business excellence through our 25th annual Samuel McLeod business awards. This year’s awards already promise to be a excellent event that will recognize and celebrate the success of local businesses. Plan to join us on April 23, 2015 as we celebrate.

As with each new year, we are looking forward to our Annual State of the City Address and luncheon with Mayor Greg Dionne on January 29, 2015. It will surely be a great event with thoughts from the past year as well as insights into what the new year holds for Prince Albert.

Contact the chamber office or visit our website to register. www.princealbertchamber.com.

On behalf of our 12 Chamber Directors and staff, I would like to wish everyone the very best in the upcoming year. May it hold growth and prosperity for all.

January 2015 Prince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce 6

January 2015 Prince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce 7

A new government website was launched in December to help Saskatchewan

residents plan and track their career goals, and get access to the education

and training they need without leaving their home province.

SaskCareers.ca is a joint effort between the Saskatchewan Ministries

of the Economy, Education and Advanced Education, along with

the Saskatchewan Industry Education Council. The website allows

students to plan their careers, learn about the education and

training requirements of more than 500 jobs and track their careers.

Members of the Prince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce are

encouraged to take part in the launch of SaskCareers by adding

their business information to the website. Businesses are

encouraged to add information about job opportunities, internships, professional development

and job fairs.

The SaskCareers website is expected to help fill some 95,000 jobs that are estimated to be

created over the next two years, the government said in a news release.

To read the full release from the provincial government, click here.

New Website Helps Plan and Track Careers

January 2015 Prince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce 8

January 2015 Prince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce 9

Chamber Members in the News

Kudos to the Prince Albert Travelodge. They donated their hotel

ballroom at no cost for the annual Christmas Day dinner. The dinner

serves more than 2,000 meals every year to those in need. Read more about

it here.

Congratulations! To Jayne Remenda, who has been named the new Economic

Development Manager for the City of Prince Albert. Jayne will leave her position as

head of Prince Albert Tourism and the city’s Destination Marketing Fund to take on

her new role, starting January 19.

Congratulations! To James Milne, who was welcomed into the Prince Albert Bar

Association in a ceremony in Prince Albert in December. James is a new board member with

the Prince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce and works with Arnot Heffernan

Slobodian Law.

Way to Go! To all our Chamber members and individuals who helped raise money for Give a

Little Life Day in support of the Victoria Hospital Foundation. The December 5 event raised

more than $400,000!

January 2015 Prince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce 10

Geroy Simon Collects Coats 4 Kids

Geroy Simon from the Saskatchewan Roughriders was at the Northern Lights Casino Dec. 2 to

sign autographs and collect donations of warm winter coats for children in need. Since retiring

as a professional football player in June, Simon has been promoting his charitable foundation,

Coats 4 Kids. In total, 116 winter coats were collected for the

program.

The Prince Albert Co-op Home & Agro Centre also joined in the

giving, donating 300 brand-new toques and mitts for the cause.

January 2015 Prince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce 11

How Safe is Your Business? Kick off your New Year right and do so safely. As a business owner, you make every effort to comply with relevant regulations and legislation to ensure your employees are safe.

Ask yourself these important questions:

How many people do I have trained in basic first aid and CPR?

When was the last time we updated our first aid and CPR training?

Does everyone know where the First Aid kit(s) are located, and is someone responsible to check them for supplies on a regular basis?

In the event of an emergency, does everyone know what to do?

It is important as a business owner, regardless of your size, to stop and exam your safety procedures. Even if you are a business of one and work from home, you and your family are just as important as a business with 50 or more employees. As an employer your obligations may vary if you are in the city or working in an isolated or distant location. The first step of being prepared is doing an inventory of what you have or don’t have, thus being able to then under-stand what you need. At Parkland Ambulance Care, we have the tools to help you do this inventory. Just give us a call and we’d be happy to share the tools with you.

Once you understand what you need, there is another need to go out and get. We at Parkland Ambulance Care can provide you with the essential training to bring your employees up to the required standard. Whether it is basic first aid, WHMIS or TDG, we have the resources to assist you. But remember, before an emergency happens, it is important to educate your employees to take responsibility for safety in the workplace.

Depending on the type of business different hazards exist. Create the opportunity, maybe just once a month, to share an item

everyone can work on improving. Maybe it’s the wet floor, turned up carpet or icy sidewalks; there are hazards we need to recognize to prevent injury.

If you need assistance, we are happy and willing to assist. Visit our web site at www.parklandambulance.com or email lyle@parklandambulance.com to get first aid and CPR training set up from your workplace.

You may not know that such training is now available online, which decreases the amount of time employees are away from the workplace.

Parkland Ambulance Care is also able to provide staff meeting or lunch-time speakers. Maybe a fresh face will give those sometime boring safety meetings a new look. We are happy to help and it doesn’t cost you a single thing. Be safe and help your employees carry that message to their homes as well.

Please, let us help you reduce injuries in your workplace!

January 2015 Prince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce 12

Chamber of Commerce Hosts Annual Christmas Social for Members

The Chamber of Commerce held its annual Christmas Social on

December 10. A number of Chamber members took part in the event and

enjoyed meeting and networking with other local business owners.

We look forward to the continued success and participation of all our

members in 2015! Thank you for your continued support of the Chamber!

January 2015 Prince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce 13

January 2015 Prince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce 14

Chamber Members Take Part in Mock ‘Dragon’s Den’

A number of local business owners and Chamber members took part in a mock Dragon’s Den event December 2 at Prince Albert Collegiate Institute (PACI). The event was an opportunity for local high school students to practice their skills in public speaking, presentations and debate in an effort to convince business owners to support their cause.

Students were asked to present a persuasive speech which would convince the dragons to support a cause. Dragons were given $1000 of ‘PACI Bucks’ and at the end of the presentations dragons were asked to distribute their funds to the most persuasive speakers.

The ‘Dragons’ included:

Don Jones, Anderson Motors , Evergreen Nissan

Betsy Chan, MNP

Mayor Greg Dionne – City of Prince Albert

Shayne Lazarowich, Prince Albert Multicultural Council

Andrew Potter - Prince Albert Online Marketing

Rod Thomson – Saskatchewan Rivers Public School Board

Chad Mogg - Dr. Java's Coffee House

Darryl Mills – Prince Albert Daily Herald

Ms. Leslie Blacklock - AODBT architecture and interior design Prince Albert

Some of the students’ pitches to the Dragons included:

Using abandoned buildings in PA to create specialized medical clinics for children.

To increase funding for places like the YWCA and Our House so more beds can be provided for homeless people.

To reconsider and call into accountability the way professionals in the mental health care system treat patients.

To train and place people into school to train children to confront and deal with bullies for themselves.

Thank you! From the students and faculty at Prince Albert Collegiate Institute

January 2015 Prince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce 15

January 2015 Prince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce 16

Over the years, Meals-On-Wheels (MOW) clients have greatly benefitted from the time and energy of volunteer drivers from the Prince Albert Parkland Health Region (PAPHR).

Corporate and community groups in the area are a particularly important part of the Health Region’s volunteer workforce. Several have taken on a monthly, or bi-monthly, commitment to deliver hot meals to Home Care clients.

Often used as a team-building activity by employers, staff are given time to go out and distribute meals to the elderly or the physically impaired who can’t cook for themselves or go out for groceries. Meals on Wheels drivers report a high level of satisfaction with their task. They also report a very positive outlook when returning to their offices for the rest of the day.

“Now, more than ever, employers are looking into the value of staff volunteering ,” says Sonya Jahn, Director of Volunteer Services. “Happier staff means a better retention rate. It also means a greater sense of health and wellness, therefore cutting down on absenteeism.”

Employers looking at group projects, or team volunteering, as a way to improve workplace morale need look no further than the Meals-on-Wheels program. It is an excellent choice for achieving that goal. The Meals-on-Wheels program in Prince Albert recently welcomed two new local companies to its volunteer roster. The Riverside Auto Group and the Northern Lights Casino joined long-time drivers from the following companies and community groups:

Conexus Credit Union

Kin Enterprises

Parkland Ambulance

Pineland Home Care

Prince Albert Parkland Health Region (Corporate office staff)

Royal Bank of Canada

Royal Purple Elks

Saskatchewan Polytechnic

Scotiabank

Superannuated Teachers

If your employer, staff or colleagues are interested in taking on Meals-on-Wheels as a team project, please call the Health Region’s Volunteer Services Department at 306-765-6010.

Thanks a million to all of you for your dedication and service to the residents of this community.

Sonya Jahn

Director of Volunteer Services

Local Businesses Volunteer with Meals-on-Wheels

January 2015 Prince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce 17

Tickets are now available for the Chamber’s Legacy Brunch and the Samuel McLeod Business

Awards Gala. To register for these exciting upcoming events, call the Chamber at 306-764-6222

or register online.

Upcoming Events at the Chamber of Commerce

Legacy Brunch

March 19, 2015

Samuel McLeod

Business Awards

April 23, 2015

January 2015 Prince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce 18

Raiders Wrap Up Exciting First Half It’s been an exciting first half for the Raiders with some highs and lows, a few new faces in the

line-up and a great outlook as the team drives for the playoffs. Recap all the excitement on the

Raiders website in the Frank Dunn Toyota Game Highlight zone www.raiderhockey.com

Raider Store

Get your hands on the newest Raider merchandise! Visit our store located in the Raider Office

at the Art Hauser Centre Monday to Friday 9:30-5:00 or during home games! Can’t make it to

the rink? We’ve got you covered, shop online through the Raider Store at your convenience

anytime of the day!

Mobile App

Don’t forget to download the official app of the Prince Albert Raiders. It allows you to keep up

with the team, check the schedule and scores, receive news and game updates and more!

Coming up in the second half of the season, fans who download the app will have chances to

win some great Raiders prizes!

Purchase your tickets online at www.raiderhockey.com or visit/call the Raider office at 306-765-GAME to get your seats today!

Wednesday Jan. 7th vs. Moose Jaw Saturday Jan. 10th @ Regina Pats

Friday Jan. 9th vs. Swift Current Broncos Friday Jan. 23rd @ Brandon Wheat Kings

Friday Jan. 16th vs. Kootenay Ice Sunday Jan. 25th @ Saskatoon Blades

Saturday Jan. 17th vs. Medicine Hat Tigers Friday Jan. 30th @ Calgary Hitmen

Wednesday Jan. 28th vs. Saskatoon Blades Saturday Jan. 31st @ Red Deer Rebels

Friday Feb. 6th vs. Swift Current Broncos Tuesday Feb. 3rd @ Regina Pats

Home Games Away Games

January 2015 Prince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce 19

WHITROW

STOBBS

&

ASSOCIATES

Professional

Accountants

RELIABLE ADVICE &

SOLUTIONS

144 12th St. East Prince Albert Phone:

306.764.2773

...ACCOUNTING...TAXATION...CORPORATE

SERVICES...

Financial

Statements

Corporate

Tax

Audits

January 2015 Prince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce 20

Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors

As a proud member of the Prince Albert community, our team of chartered

accountants and business advisors continue to grow to meet your unique needs.

National in scope and local in focus, we take the time to understand your

challenges and deliver personalized

solutions that help you achieve your goals.

Our diverse services include:

Assurance

Consulting

Corporate Finance

Corporate Recovery & Insolvency

Enterprise Risks

Investigative & Forensic Services

Succession

Tax & Specialty Tax

Valuation & Litigation Support

For more information contact a local MNP advisor at

306.764.6873

January 2015 Prince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce 21

Congratulations to renewed Members for DecemberCongratulations to renewed Members for December

WWELCOMEELCOME NNEWEW MMEMBERSEMBERS

Icon Realty

Super Dave Hagel

Amy’s on Second KPS Medic Ltd.

Anderson Pump House Lakeland Ford Sales

AREVA Resources Canada Northern Lights Casino

Athabasca Basin Development P.A. Anglers Fishing & Hunting

Boston Pizza P.A. Indian Metis Friendship Centre

Bev’s Fish & Seafood on 15th Paulsen & Son Excavating

CAA Travel Agency Saskatchewan Prince Albert Parkland Health Region

Cornerstone Insurance Right at Home ReDesigns

Direct Audio Saskatchewan Rivers Public School Division

E & B Lumber Sask. Liquor & Gaming Store #507

Fresh Air Experience Sask. Liquor & Gaming Store #546

Gene’s Sports Excellence Scotiabank

Good Shepherd Villa Superior Propane

Gray’s Funeral Chapel Vern’s Pizza

GRW Contracting Victoria Hospital Foundation

Hannigan Honey Y Groenen CGA Prof

Heat Smart Plus

Thank you! Your continued support of your local Chamber makes it possible for us to work

on your behalf, and we want you to know we value your commitment!

January 2015 Prince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce 22

Calendar of EventsCalendar of Events

<< January 2015 >>

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

New Year's Ex-

travaganza in Sup-

port of the SPCA

2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19

20

Managing Work-

place Conflict

21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28

29

2015 Mayor's State

of the City Address

30 31

January 2015 Prince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce 23

The Chambers of Commerce Group

Insurance Plan is the #1 plan in Canada!

For employee benefits, covering over 25,000 small businesses across the country.

ALL types of businesses are eligible for the program no industry exclusions! Call 306-922-4414 today to find out

how much money your business can save!

January 2015 Prince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce 24

Prince Albert & District Chamber of CommercePrince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce

3700 — 2nd Avenue West

Prince Albert, SK S6W 1A2

T: 306.764.6222

F: 306.922.4727

www.princealbertchamber.com

Chamber StaffChamber Staff

Merle Lacert

CEO

Danica Jesse

Executive Assistant

Charlene Tebbutt

Communications Coordinator