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JUNE 2006 FREEVOL.XVII NO.6

Pandemic/Banister • Hot job market/Medynski • Crass media/Hogle

Edmonton’s Desert QueenSandy McCallum

INSIDE

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Proof___2_______PROOFED BY:_______________________________________________CHANGES MADE:__________________________DATE:_________________

EDMONTONIANS JUNE 2006

lash: Phil Milroy, president and soleshareholder of Westcorp Properties Inc., has justadded the Inn on 7th, in the heart of thedowntown, to his hotel collection. The new

owner is fulfilling existing booking obligations beforeshutting down to gut the once-upon-a-time Holiday Inn.The transformation to a boutique hotel will take sevenmonths to complete. Phil boasts, “It’s going to be the nicestspot in Alberta when it’s finished.” With his proven recordin Old Strathcona with the Metterra and Varscona hotels, Idon’t doubt that for a minute.

Edmonton's arts performers are irresistibly,forever cool. My personal favourite at the Mayor's Eveningfor the Arts that drew over 1200 has to be Tommy Banks.He's but a few years younger than I, but the Senator is TheDog. Still, a gaggle of young girls voted for the AlbertaBallet's athletic and sexy interpretation of an Oscar Lopezstandard as did Lynn Mandel dressed in her adorable,metallic grey balloon skirt-suit from Blu's.

The truth is the entire performance lineup was a worthyand diverse backup to all those who won awards May 29that the Winspear. I only wish we had an opportunity to learnmore about recipients in nine categories such as CambridgeStrategies' Ken Chapmanand Satya Daswho won fortheir innovative support of poet Kirsten Sikora. Theydiscovered her a few years ago through the iHuman YouthSociety for at-risk youth who turn their lives aroundthrough the arts; published her 43-page book in an effort toqualify for the appointment of Edmonton's first PoetLaureate. That assignment, of course, went to the hockey-challenged muse, Alice Major . The night ended with theaudience dancing on stage, bobbing in their seats—like theforever young Barbara Poole—and communing inagreement with Souljah Fyah'slead singer as she recalledthe words of her music teacher: "Societies that value thearts are the cities that thrive." Bravo.

I’ve always wondered why people humanizetheir pets. Now I know—they’re family members. When

our dog Sylvie, a miniatureSchnauzer almost 16 yearsold, inexplicably lost hermobility, Dr. Ollie and I weredevastated to see her layingthere helpless. We rushed herto the Animal EmergencyHospital South where Dr.Nathan Bosviktook over.Sylvie didn’t respond to anystimulation tests and wasparalyzed in the hindquarters. It didn’t look good.We went home fullyexpecting we would have togive the word to put herdown. Many tears were shedthat night and the nextmorning. After working onSylvie all night—x-rays,blood tests, two kinds ofintravenous drips—Dr.Bosvik called in the morningto say little had changed.

I skipped work: Talkinginsurance wasn’t top of mind.

In the afternoon, I decided to spend some time with her, sortof say goodbye. Dr. Ollie was meeting me there. As I droveup to the clinic, I was flabbergasted to see Sylvie outsidewith one of the staff. She was walking… peeing…sniffing… definitely not dying. I wanted to say thanks tothe doggy god for this miracle.

The vet thought it might have been a blood clot that wentto her spine, and that drugs or luck broke it up. For word onSylvie’s long term health, we had Dr. Greg Woodard,herregular vet at General Veterinary Hospital, check her over—everything looks pretty good for a dog her age.

A word about the Animal Emergency Hospital:marvelous. It’s the only one. Emergencies only, alwaysopen and as complete as any hospital clinic for people. It’spricey, yes. But we saved our best friend. Whether Sylvielives a few more months or a few more years, she bringssuch joy into our lives, it was worth every cent.

Our thanks to Doctors Bosvik, Jaret Bogdan andCharlene Stevens and the caring technicians at theemergency facility.

Early in the NHL playoffs, I spent an Oilers’Game 4 with the Edmonton JCs. They combined arecruitment drive with the game and a free barbecue.Needless to say, Molson House was crowded. PeterHyndman was the point man. He grew up with my sonCam. Peter works for Deslaurier Financial Services Inc.and is the son of the very well known solicitor and formerprovincial treasurer Lou Hyndman. Because I was amember of the JCs many years ago, it became a night ofnostalgia. One major change is that the organization nowwelcomes women as members. In the old days when it wascalled the Junior Chamber of Commence, a couple ofmistakes were made: One, naming me Citizen of the Yearin 1989; two, bestowing the same designation to RossMcBain.

If you want to earn points with head of thehousehold, send her to Avanti’s Spa for a day of pampering.Dr. Ollie finally got around to using her birthday present

and I’m still getting the benefits weeks later. Now that she’sso busy consulting on her own, she found the facial andmassage restful and relaxing. Lunch was catered fromOriginal Joe’s complete with a glass of wine—no wondershe was relaxed.

Avanti owner Suhail Khoury said, “We’re very busynow. So busy I now have a staff of 35. The interesting thingthat has happened is that our cliental is now 25 percentmen.” I wonder if they take sort of oldmen.

Sorrentino’s Garlic Stomp always attracts thewealthy and the near wealthy. If a bomb went off, it wouldwipe out most of the moneyed in Edmonton. Actually,when you can gather 600 people who love garlic, you smellmore than the money in the room. This year CameloandStella Ragooutdid themselves raised $200,000 to be splitequally between two charities. Besides funding Sorrentino’sCompassion House, for the first time, The Lois HoleHospital Foundation will also benefit.

I would rather not write obituaries but, whenit’s a fellow you’ve had breakfast with for the better part of20 years, I want to pay my respects. Ernie Cristall passedaway a few weeks ago from cancer. He put up the goodfight… but he was always a fighter—he loved to argue.Ernie was older than most of us at the Ricky’s breakfastclub and he felt it important to hand out his wisdom to theyoung whippersnappers at the table. Many a morning, hewould say something outlandish and we were all off.

The Cristalls were one of the original Jewish families inEdmonton and had a long history of commercial success. Infact, they are immortalized with a sculpture on the 100thAvenue promenade overlooking the valley. Ourcondolences to Ernie’s wife Bunny, daughter Linda, sonBrian who delivered a superb eulogy, and his fourgrandchildren. We’re going to miss that guy greatly.

Not even a shot of penicillin could have savedthe ill-named newspaper, Dose. It’s been pulled off thestreets… and we’re healthier for it.

What a shame. Edmonton’s enthusiasm andsupport for the Oilers’ bid for the Stanley Cup is beingovershadowed by the silly and destructive behaviour of afew hoodlums on Whyte Avenue. I spoke with a long-timemember of the Edmonton Police Service who related thisstory: One of our finest, dressed in plainclothes, spotted abunch of kids throwing rocks at cars, buildings and evenpeople. He sauntered over and casually asked if they hadrun out of rocks and he offered to take them to a lot ofrocks in a flower bed at a nearby building just off Whyte.The kids followed him and his ‘friends’ to the side streetwhere all were arrested and quietly taken away.

Very effective… but it’s a little more difficult to lure anidiot down from the top of the Southpark Motors sign orout of a tree. Shutting Whyte Avenue to traffic probablyisn’t a good idea. At least traffic—however slow moving—separates the masses and doesn’t give them as much roomto be stupid. ✔

Additional reporting by Edmontoniansstaff.

Call Muggsy Forbes at 780.482.4545 or e-mail [email protected]

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By Muggsy Forbes

EDMONTONIANS JUNE 2006 3

Proof____3_______________PROOFED BY:_______________________________________________CHANGES MADE:__________________________DATE:_________________

HOW CONCERNED ARE YOUABOUT A POTENTIAL PANDEMIC?

First, survey participants were asked abouttheir level of concern regarding the possibilityof a pandemic developing in North America.Approximately one-tenth (11 percent) ofrespondents were very concerned, and 43percent were somewhat concerned. Almosthalf (46 percent) of respondents were notconcerned about a pandemic developing inNorth America.

HAVE YOU PREPARED FOR A PANDEMIC? HOW?

When respondents were asked if they hadtaken any steps to prepare themselves andtheir families for a possible pandemic, only 16percent said they had, while 84 percentadmitted they had not taken any preparatorysteps.

Those who had undertaken some prepar-ations identified a number of steps. Over half(56 percent) of this group said they hadstocked emergency supplies like food, water,blankets and generators. Thirty-eight percentsaid their preparation included keepingthemselves informed, while 19 percent had

received immunizations/vaccines, and 19percent practiced safety procedures/survivaltraining.

WHAT SHOULD GOVERNMENTSBE DOING TO PREPARE?An overwhelming majority—92 percent—ofsurvey participants felt it was very important(60 percent) or somewhat important (32percent) that governments and governmentagencies be prepared for a possible pandemic.When asked what governments and theiragencies can do to prepare for a pandemic,respondents provided numerous responses.Over one-quarter (28 percent) thinkgovernments and their agencies should stockmedical supplies in a manner which allowsquick access, and 20 percent indicated thatadditional research should be funded orundertaken.

HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOWAND WHAT DO YOU WANT TO KNOW?Respondents were queried about their level ofknowledge regarding pandemics. One-quarterfelt they were very well informed, while morethan half (56 percent) felt they were somewhatinformed. One-fifth (19 percent) said theywere not at all informed.

Finally, survey participants were asked toidentify the additional information theyneeded to be better prepared for a possiblepandemic. While 30 percent were unsure, 26percent were interested in getting informationabout emergency procedures/preparednessplans. Twenty-four percent wanted moreinformation of all kinds, while 20 percentwanted to know the probability of a pandemicoccurring here.

Linda Banister is a certified managementconsultant and the owner of Banister Researchand Consulting Inc., a full service provider ofmarket research and program evaluation services.If you have a question you would like included inthe Edmontonians Poll, contact Linda at780.451.4444 or e-mail [email protected]. For furtherinformation on the firm visit www.banister.ab.ca.

STATIONven the casual news viewer cannot helpbut have seen recent stories about birdflu (avian influenza) and its spreadthrough Asia, into Europe and Africa.

Not long ago, SARS—Severe Acute RespiratorySyndrome—assumed a prominent place in theheadlines. While many people, including healthprofessionals, are quite knowledgeable about thesediseases and their prevalence, a large number ofus rely on the mass media for insight. This monthwe asked Edmontonians for their thoughtsregarding pandemics.

EEWith Linda Banister

PollPoll

FOUNDERDICK MacLEAN

JUNE 2006Vol. XVII

Published by 399620 Alberta Ltd. on the first day of eachmonth at 333, 10240 - 124 Street, Edmonton, Alberta,Canada T5N 3W6. ©All rights reserved. No part of thispublication may be reprinted or reproduced in any formwithout written permission from the publisher.

Manuscripts: must be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Edmontonians is not responsible forunsolicited manuscripts.

All stories Copyright ©Edmontonians

Publications Mail Agreement No. 40023292Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to:Circulation Department333, 10240 - 124 StreetEdmonton, AB T5N 3W6Email: [email protected]

SHARON MacLEANPublisher and Advertising Director

Telephone: 780.482.7000Fax: 780.488.9317

e-mail: [email protected]

INSIDEFUNNY, POMPOUS AND UNFAIRMandel Dancers/Forbes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

POLL STATIONPandemics/Banister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESSThe whole enchilada/Wegmann-Sanchez . . . . . . . .4

MAKING MONEYEconomics gone crazy/Hiebert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

SOCIAL SCENEConsular Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5JA Business Hall of Fame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

FEATURESPushing our limits/McHugh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-9Job Seekers/Medynski . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

BIZINTELScience and Tech/Croucher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 BizIT/Michetti . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Media Minute/Hogle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Civic Buzz/Norwood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

LIVELY LIFESTYLESMenuMagic/Berry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Absolute Bodo/Bodo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

BARB DETERSEditor

[email protected]

COLUMNISTSLinda Banister

John BerryLinda Bodo

Cheryl CroucherMuggsy Forbes

Ron HiebertBruce HogleGreg Michetti

David NorwoodNizar J. Somji

Jessica Wegmann-Sanchez

FEATURE WRITERSPeter Drake McHugh

Talea MedynskiMichael O’TooleMarg. PullishyPeter Roccia

PHOTOGRAPHERSTerry Bourque

Cheryl CroucherBarb Deters

Elegant Touches

GRAPHIC PRODUCTIONRage Studios Inc.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGYMichetti Information Solutions Inc.

THIS MONTH’S COVER

Sandy McCallum from River valley to barren deserts

photo by Terry Bourque

No. 6

1717YEARS

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Said they had preparedthemselves for a

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Said they had notprepared themselves

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Said they were veryconcerned regarding thepossibility of a pandemic.

Said they were somewhatconcerned regarding thepossibility of a pandemic.

Said they were notconcerned regarding thepossibility of a pandemic.

11%

43%46%

84%

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THE WHOLE ENCHILADAwo Edmonton-area cattle ranchers,George Slusarczyk andJohn Buba, wereinvited to Mexico as expert guest speakersfor The Second International Symposium of

Tropical Area Livestock 2006. The conference was hostedby the powerful Grupo Ganaderia del Golfo—LivestockAssociation of the Gulf of Mexico—in Las Choapas, aleading agricultural region in the state of Veracruz. Thepurpose was to facilitate the exchange of ideas and explorefuture business possibilities between these two agriculturalregions so far apart and separated by the U.S., the maintrading partner of both groups.

The Alberta ranchers gave PowerPoint presentationsillustrating their ranches, their animals, their machinery, andtheir techniques to an appreciative audience of severalhundred Veracruzans. Slusarczyk spoke about techniquesfor feeding and recordkeeping, while Buba discussedbreeding and artificial insemination.

Says an elated Slusarczyk, “We expected to go there andmeet a dozen farmers. We pull into this place and there’sthousands of people there.” And it wasn’t like agriculturalconferences in Alberta. “Here we would go to a town orcity for this; there it was way out in the country.”

As to what the Veracruzans got from the presentation,Slusarczyk says, “They were impressed with the idea that if

you make the crop into silage then it goes a lot further thandry hay… They were very interested in how we take feedtests from the silage and send them to a lab to see whatthey’re lacking, then add a mineral package tailored to goalong with the feed.”

Slusarczyk stressed the importance of record keeping,explaining that this seemed to be lacking in Veracruz:“They could have a hundred cows out in the pasture. There

could be 20 out there that have never had a calf, andthey wouldn’t have records to saywhich ones they were.”

After the event, Slusarczyk says,“We were treated like royalty,” with

dance performances in honour of thevisitors, who were then brought along to tour

the entertainment stage, rodeo and grounds withthe mayor of Las Choapas, Renato Tronco Gómez,

and an armed guard, who accompanied them on theremainder of their stay.

As for future business possibilities to come out ofthe exchange, Mayor Tronco Gómez wants to set up ademonstration ranch in the area to showcase Alberta

techniques for feeding, record-keeping and breeding.The desire also exists for increasing imports of our beef

which, according to Slusarczyk, do not offer competition to

local beef since the quality is different. Alberta beef couldbe sold to the high-end tourist restaurants in the state.

One Veracruzan rancher, who spoke after thepresentation, sums it up—“We have these sorts of events allthe time… with government people talking to governmentpeople, but this was different. For once, we had rancherstalking to ranchers, directly trading their techniques.”

EDMONTON’S INTERNATIONAL MBAsI’ve been wondering… how do Edmontoniansget into international business, and how do business peoplefrom other countries get interested in Edmonton in the firstplace? The University of Alberta MBA program is, ofcourse, one of our more important business incubators.

According to Craig O’Connor , director of MBAplacement and recruitment, “Over 40 percent of our MBAstudents are international students.” They come from atleast a dozen different countries and are attracted to the U ofA’s programs in international business, natural resourcesand energy, technology and commercialization, sports andleisure management, and public management.

And the program benefits Edmonton’s businesscommunity in these times of skilled labour shortage, notonly in the long run, but even short-term: “We have a lot ofstudents looking for summer internships,” explainsO’Connor. “This helps Edmonton companies tap aninternational perspective as students speak severallanguages and have an international experience.”

Dr. Joan White, executive director of the MBAprograms, explains that many of these students come fromFrance and Mexico because the U of A has a double degreeprogram with a university in each of these countries:Grenoble in France and the Monterrey campus of ITESMin Mexico. She also stresses the importance of China, withfaculty trips this year and next to learn about culturaldifferences in business practice. Many Chinese studentscoming to the U of A bring business to Edmonton. SaysWhite, “Typically the students want to come here for a fewyears, then do something where they’re linking Canadianand Chinese business.”

But, Dr. Douglas Olsen, associate dean, points out thatthe faculty does not focus just on these three countries butrather tries to attract students from as many countries aspossible: “It adds to the diversity so much. We don’t want

to overpopulate with people from any one particularregion.” And the benefit is not only to the internationalstudents. According to Olsen, the goal of such diversity is“both imbuing other students with an understanding ofCanadian culture andCanadian students with a first-handunderstanding of international business cultures throughinteraction with the international students.”

One example among the many successful graduates ofthis program is Sarah Stinson, currently working in TheHague, Netherlands, as technology officer for theCanadian Embassy, department of foreign affairs andinternational trade.

After graduating with a dual MBA from Alberta andÉcole Supérieure de Commercein Montpellier, France in2001, Stinson landed a position with the InternationalTrade Centre in Geneva, Switzerland, a joint agency of theUnited Nations Conference on Trade and Developmentand theWorld Trade Organization. She then joinedForeign Affairs and International Trade in Ottawa as atrade commissioner working in the science and technologydivision, before being transferred to the Netherlands in2004 for her current position.

Stinson credits the U of A MBA program with giving herthe skills and training necessary to so successfully promoteCanadian policy abroad and international interests here inCanada. “The double degree program opened doors anddeveloped my European network to the extent that I wasable to find work within the UN system. More specifically,the courses that were offered in the international businessspecialization were a strong introduction to the globalbusiness environment and enhancement to my knowledgeof international trade and investment. These have formed, toa large extent, the foundation of the work that I amcurrently doing at the Canadian Embassy.”

REPORT FROM THE NEW “CHINA DESK”So, what are the City’s plans for big businesswith China? I wrote in January about the visits back andforth between some of China’s larger cities and Edmonton.Well, Dick Wong, director of China Initiatives for theOffice of the Mayor, is now in charge of the China Desk,established to forward the business started between the twoareas.

Wong is a self-termed “deal-maker” who has beenworking for 20 years doing business with Asia. Accordingto Wong, these municipal interchanges are “still in thedevelopmental phase… Just because the Chinese citizensand bureaucrats want to do something… now the politiciansneed to come around.” The main interest of the delegationsis environmental technology, our expertise in solid andliquid waste and landfill management. Since these projectsin China would be funded with public money, “Thegovernment people have to be certain that a facility—justlike Gold Bar here in Edmonton—is what they want.”

And they are interested in “the whole area of governmentand policy development to support changes inenvironmental management.” So, for instance, once you putin the facility, how do you monitor how much waterindividuals or businesses use or how much garbage andsewage they produce, and how do you then charge them forit?

Following the delegation of 38 from Chongqing and theEdmonton delegation to China last fall, a new delegation of16 officials came from Chongqing in mid-May to visit theU of A School of Businessand our waste managementfacilities. Wong is expecting another delegation in Junefrom Chengdu.

Wong stresses that tourism is another hot area. “TheCanadian and Chinese governments are in the processof signing an agreement for each country to have the‘approved destination status’ for tourism from the othercountry.” At present, no tours are offered from China tothe Edmonton area, but he says this is about to change.“We have to think outside the box. The Chinese touristis very activity oriented: shopping, festivals,activities…”

Sounds to me like a perfect fit for Edmonton. ✔

Jessica Wegmann-Sanchez, Ph.D., isDirector of Corporate Communicationsfor BIDMEXICO International Inc., anEdmonton-based company specializing inforeign business development in Mexico.E-mail: [email protected]

GREA

TER EDMONTON

INTERNATIONAL BUSINE

SS

By Dr. Jessica Wegmann-San

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John Buba, the Mayor’s assistant, George Slusarczyk, and Mayor of Los Choapas,

Veracruz, Renato Tronco Gomez.

Alberta rancher George Slusarczyk surrounded by his official armed escorts.

EDMONTONIANS JUNE 2006 5

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ph: 780.454.2975 • fax: 780.482.2819

www.terrybourquephotography.ca • [email protected]

Conchita and Dr. Carlos Pechtel de Avila,Honorary Consul for Bolivia

2006 Consular Ball

Lt.Gov. Norman Kwong withArnaldo Minuti, Italian Consul,

dean of the EdmontonConsular Corps

Costa Rica HonoraryConsul Curtis Sparrow

and Iga Krol

Kay and Allan Bleiken,Netherlands Honorary Consul

he Consular Ball is always one of Edmonton’s most formal evenings… and the 26th annual, whichattracted 260 patrons to the Crowne Plaza, was no exception. Sponsored by the Consular Corps, theblack tie event supports scholarships for students enrolled in international studies at the University ofAlberta. This year’s recipients were Aaron R Denham, Rebecca Vineberg, Lord Cephas Mawauko-

Yevugah, and Chris Gallop.Chair of this year’s ball was Gordon Reykdal, Honorary Consul for the Republic of Iceland.

TTPhotos Elegant Touches

John Szumlas, Honorary Consulfor Poland, with Peggy

Carrie and Gord Reykdal,Iceland Honorary Consul

and chair of the 2006 ball

Dennis Laliberte, HonoraryConsul to Thailand, and hiswife Lisa appreciated thepresence of the honour guards

Her Honour Mary Kwong andGary Mar, Minister of Alberta

Intergovernmental andInternational Affairs

Her Honour Mary Kwong andGary Mar, Minister of Alberta

Intergovernmental andInternational Affairs

SOCIALscene

6 EDMONTONIANS JUNE 2006

Proof__3____PROOFED BY:_______________________________________________CHANGES MADE:__________________________DATE:_________________

We’re addicted to cheap trade fuelled by global politics

hy does the world’s economic enginecontinue to chug along so relent-lessly? Global GNP growth this yearis expected to be over four percent.

It has been years since the world has had anythingclose to a financial crisis. Yet, according to virtuallyevery gold bug, economic conspiracist andconservative, the planet’s fiscal and monetary issuesare like a large Tsunami that should have over-whelmed us years ago. Global commerce, like theEnergizer Bunny, just keeps going and going andgoing, in spite of the problems—and there are somebig ones.

For example, why hasn’t inflation engulfed theglobal economy like it did in the 1970s and 1980s,sending it into a recession? All the inflationary signsare there. Oil has surpassed $70 a barrel, G-7 moneysupplies are growing dramatically, basic commodityprices are at record highs. Yet inflation is running at2.5 percent in Canada and Europe, and at 2.8 percentin the U.S. The most reliable early warning system offuture inflation on the horizon is long-term interestrates and, currently, they are pointing to anything buthigher inflation. Ten-year yields in Canada and theU.S. are now a little over four percent. If bondtraders thought there was even a slight chance wewould see higher inflation numbers, interest rates onlong bonds would be at least two points higher thanthey are. At this point in the economic cycle,inflation should be on a rip, but it is almost nowhereto be found.

Why hasn’t the international real estate bubblecollapsed? Demographic theorists predicted dooms-day for the real estate market way back in the late’80s. They said that baby boomers would get olderand move into condos, leaving no market for the bighouses they would leave behind. The generationfollowing the boomers, being much smaller, wassupposed to squeeze demand for real estate, sendingprices into a death spiral. Contrary to those theories,we are in one of the greatest housing booms inhistory. The end—whenever that is—will have goneon at least 18 years longer than anyone hadpredicated.

Why hasn’t the $600-billion U.S. budget deficitsunk the American economy, the “engine of globalgrowth”? Not only is Uncle Sam on an endlessspending spree, but the citizenry seems no lessaddicted to retail therapy. America’s savings rate, asof last month, dropped below zero. Mr. & Ms.Average are now converting assets into cash so theycan continue a never-ending pursuit of leisure andlifestyle. Americans now carry the highest level ofdebt as a percentage of take-home pay of any time intheir history. Despite all this red ink, 2005 was oneof the best years for retailers on record. How canboth the government and its populace keep spending

like drunken sailors? When will they run out ofmoney?

America’s $600-billion budget deficit is matchedby a trade deficit that is just as large. Even thoughexports have risen dramatically over the last decade,the Yank’s addiction to cheap foreign goods nowtotally overwhelms what it sells to others. On anaverage day, the United States imports $1.7 billionmore than it sells to others. Why hasn’t this turnedthe mighty greenback into a third world peso? Evenmore bewildering is why do foreign nations continueto lend these spendthrifts money?

So many problems—yet the global economycontinues to soldier on. How can this be?

A MUTUALLY SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIPSymbiosis is where two species depend on each otherfor survival. Sharks need cleaner fish to swim amongtheir rows of teeth and scour off the bacterial buildup; the cleaner fish need the sharks to provide themwith food. Countries too have a financially symbioticrelationship with one another. It is called globali-zation. No longer is it just the weight of what ishappening internally that affects the economicoutcome of a region, but the complex dynamics ofglobal economic forces.

The western world is addicted to consumption. Weprovide the majority of the global demand forconsumer goods. Without the western shopaholic, therewould be no need for all those factories in southernChina churning out endless amounts of products thatonly rich North Americans or Europeans would ever“ need”. Our spending addiction is aided by cheapgoods imported from overseas. We wouldn’t be able tobuy as many things if they were made by highly paidlabourers in factories in western countries because theywould be way more expensive. Low cost manufac-turingkeeps interest rates and inflation down. This means thatwe can afford to buy more and thus China gets to makemore.

The population in the Third World sees ouraffluence and, understandably, they want in on theaction. A country’s inability to meet its population’sfinancial aspirations often leads to political unrestand even political revolution if left unanswered.China is very concerned that if industrial growthshould grind to a halt, the ensuing unrest couldtopple the government. It needs more factoriescontinually creating more jobs to be able to employthe vast numbers of people moving from the farmsinto the cities. In a perverse way, it needs the West tokeep the government in power. Only manufacturingwill provide the high paying jobs necessary toemploy the masses. Since Third World countriesdon’t have a solid domestic consumer base yet, theyneed the West to buy what they produce. They have avested interest in keeping prices affordable so that

we continue the vicious circle. Where does the money come from to build all

these new factories in the Third World, and financethe western world’s budget and trade deficits? Theanswer is the global surplus in savings. Citizens incountries like Japan, Singapore, Taiwan and Korearoutinely save as much as 40 percent of their takehome pay, creating huge domestic capital surpluses.Many of these same countries run massive tradesurpluses, which form another large pool of capitalthat needs to be invested. Factories in China, forexample, provide better returns on investment thaninvesting in manufacturing in more developedeconomies. So some of this surplus money willnaturally gravitate toward the higher profits offeredin those markets. Capital is also looking for safetyand the U.S., in spite of all its problems, provides it.America’s capital markets, legal safeguards, politicalstructure, and solid middle class make it the safestplace in the world to invest. This stability is alsoprotected by a powerful military that America is notreluctant to use should it feel threatened.

As consumers, we need cheap products and loansto finance them. Developing nations requireconsumer markets and safe places to put theirbillions. Savers, spenders, producers—all desperatelyneed one another to keep the big economic wheelturning. Their savings provide the borrowed fundsnecessary to cover much of the Western World’sbudget and trade deficits. Their factories and cheaplabour keep inflation costs down and interest rateslow. This allows us to borrow more money to buybigger houses, the demand for which has helped pushreal estate prices into the stratosphere. These higherreal estate values in turn allow us to take out biggermortgages to finance even more consumerism. Thisgives the Second and Third World the economicgrowth necessary to subdue political unrest and thusguarantee the future of their political masters.

When will this merry-go-round stop? Typically, itwill end when the financial pain associated withchange is less than that of living with the status quo.So far, the system might be a little tired and frayedaround the edges, but it is still working well enoughthat all parties with their huge vested interests aren’twilling to rock the financial boat. In other words, thiscrazy economic system we have created could go onfor a long time yet. ✔

Ron Hiebert, a director atScotiaMcLeod, teaches investmentclasses at Grant MacEwan College.The author of Wealth Buildingcanbe heard weekdays at 7:34 am, onCFCW radio (790 AM). Contact himat 780.497.3215 [email protected]

Economics gone crazyWW

MAKINGmoney

By Ron Hiebert

7EDMONTONIANS JUNE 2006

Proof_3______PROOFED BY:_______________________________________________CHANGES MADE:__________________________DATE:_________________

ne common destination… many ways ofgetting there. Life is not a race. It can bea companionable wander that values thejourney over the irrevocable and

relentless destination. Here, for your reflection are fourvery different Edmonton women for whom the journeyof life is an important one to be treasured, savoured andchallenged head on. The test of life, it is said, is in theliving and you can be an observer or a participant. Ourheroines are dedicated to the proposal that a life worthliving is worth challenging head on. From Edmonton,they have set out on an odyssey to conquer their worldsand to go where that journey leads. It is the business oflife.

And in this corner…It is a sport that resonates with the foul perfume of theschoolyard bully and devastating head injuries that canaddle intelligence and shorten lives. But, for anincreasingly large group of Edmontonians, the manlyart of pugilism is neither of these things: only a sportthat requires hours of training, miles of driving andflying to the next match and the appeal of one-on-one competition where there are no ties and the endresult is mostly pretty clear… if sometimes bloody.

Meet Edmonton’s latest contribution to the manlyworld of pugilistic endeavour: Jelina Mrdjenovich, 23years old, five-foot, seven inches tall, 130 pounds andboxing’s female featherweight champion of the world.This is a time when well-spoken, attractive youngladies should still be in school or setting out on atraditional career path—teaching is nice, nursing isnoble. What in heaven’s name makes hertick and how, dear reader, canyou stop your daughtersfrom following in herfootsteps?

It’s not as thoughshe grew up hungryfor recognition inwhat the Americanscall a ghetto andCanadians refer totheir kinder,gentler model as “amulti-culturalneighbourhood”.She was raised onan Alberta ranchin Gainford andhas areputation forbeing able tohandle herselfin mixedcompany. HerSerbianfatheroriginallyimmigratedto theNorthwestTerritories.The familyowns the stringof Chateau NovaHotels—familiarto most travellersin the Territoriesand Alberta—and asuccessfuldevelopment company.Might be a sign thathard work anddedication to a dreamare ingrained in thefamily. Two sisters aresports-minded and abrother plays rugby at a more

advanced level “just for fun”.Mom’s in her corner and dad too is supportive when

she’s doing well. It’s just that, um, er… do you reallywant your daughter boxing? Mrdjenovich came to thesport honestly when an injury prevented her fromcontinuing in basketball (she had been one of the starsat the UofA). She decided to try sparring while shehealed and has never looked back. Family friend MilanLudovac, himself a deft hand at Tai Kwando andkarate, stepped forward to coach her but she insists theidea was all hers.

“I’ve always been a hard worker. You might saydriven,” she admits. “I think it must run in the family. Ilove boxing mentally, physically and emotionally. Theend result is hugely rewarding. Females have alwaysbeen treated differently in this sport,” she says, “butwomen’s boxing is beginning to take the world by

storm.”Just back from a victory in

Yellowknife where sheretained her title,Mrdjenovich will fightformer Playboycover girlMia St. John at the ShawConference Centre onJune 23rd for thelightweight crown.Getting the title atanother weight wouldbe a great birthdaypresent for Mrdjenovichwho turns 24 the nextday.

“I’m an athlete, and I enjoy doing what I do. I owemuch of what I have been able to do because of thesupport system you find in Edmonton. A lot of the boxersI meet are jealous of the Edmonton fan support becausethey know you can go a lot further with that support andit isn’t every city you find it in. I’m very lucky because Ihave a wonderful following… knowledgeable andinterested. I want to stay in Edmonton as long as I can.”

Her most fervent wish is that women’s boxing will bepicked up by the Olympics but there is only feint hopefor the next several years. Meantime, she takes occasionaltime off to cheer the Oilers, jogs in the morning andworks out in the afternoons at the Cougar Gym. Whenshe’s not preparing for a fight, Mrdjenovich is involvedwith the Chateau Nova Hotels.

Family? “Maybe,” she says noncommittally, “but fornow I’m just thinking about the next fight. This is acommitment and I must stay focused. I’m prettyyoung… I have time to make those decisions later.”

Mrdjenovich, who packs a powerful knockoutpunch, says she doesn’t fear damage to herself and ismost interested in the sport—not the money thatsomeday might come from it. An increasing number offans are beginning to recognize her name and,importantly, mothers are beginning to introduce theirdaughters to her. For a number of reasons and forvarious people, she has become a role model and, youcan tell by her demeanour, she takes some quiet pridein that.

She recognizes she has not chosen a traditional pathto what glory professional sport can provide but, forEdmonton’s Jelena Mrdjenovich, it is the right sportfor her and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Run for your lifeShe is an ultimate and extreme athlete, ahybrid; one engine or the other alwaysrunning. She is Edmonton’s DesertQueen and the sands of time have takenthis 43-year-old all over the world anumber of times.

Sandy McCallum, Edmontonians’coverthis month, will run six desert marathonsthis year. They will give her pain anddiscomfort—perhaps injury—in a sleeplesspursuit of her dream to live up to her ownexpectations.

For relaxation, McCallum is planning aworld-record-breaking, two-year cameltrek she calls her Sahara Odyssey. Shewill embark next March to cross theSahara from the west coast of Africa to

the Nile and back again—about 9,000miles. But this year, her sights are set on

breaking world records by competing in the DesertGrand Slam—six gruelling ultra-marathons that willtest her mental and physical well-being.

OOBy P. Drake McHugh

The strength withinThe strength withinWomen—young of age and heart—train for life’s rewards

Photos by Terry Bourque

COVERstory

Continued on page 8

Photo supplied

Mrdjenovich with her twoworld championship belts in

the super featherweight class

April in Morocco— McCallum placed 30th overall


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She is already the first woman in the WesternHemisphere to race the 1,000 miles through the hostileSahara. In April, she finished at the base of the ancientpyramids after another 150-mile ultra marathon thatsaw her place first in her age group, the sixth woman

across the lineand 30th overall.

It may saysomething aboutthe trauma facedin such exploitsthat Advil (fortoday’s toughpain) is aprimary sponsor.Edmonton RiverValley Health,devoted to theprevention ofsports injurieshelps out too, asdoes Gord’sRunning Store…but, in the end,she races aloneagainst thedesert.

Four of the races fall under the Racing the Planetbanner: Competitors cross the Gobi in China, head forthe Atacama in Chile, then on to the Sahara in Egyptand wrap up in The Last Desertin Antarctica. Racerscarry their own gear and food supplies. Eachcompetition leg lasts seven days and covers 240kilometres/150 miles. Dehydration and sprains arecommon, so too are mental and physical exhaustion.

The Gobi is known as ‘the race of no return’. Saltlakes, mountain tops, narrow canyons, temperaturesover 50º Celsius and altitudes rising to 10,000 feet aresome of the challenges competitors face. Within daysof this interview, McCallum left for China to face herthird hardest challenge in life. She had previouslyconquered a drinking problem and had quit smoking.She began her new life at 36 and has been running forher life ever since.

“People expect a superhero,” says the 117-pound,five-foot-six runner, “but I’m just an ordinary personwho decided I did have the discipline to turn my lifearound. I also have the advantage of being able to workthrough pain and I excel in heat. It is pain, peace,wonder and joy. It is much like having a baby.”

She considers running to be “like going off to do ajob.” She enjoys meeting villagers in far away, exotic

locations and coming to understand and appreciate asimple way of life whose time has mostly passed inCanada.

A motivational speaker, the former news anchor talksto children and adults about plans to direct their lives…a pro-active approach to life rather than lettinghappenstance or circumstance control lives.

“You want to be the healthiest person you can be,”McCallum explains, “and to do that, I’ve learned to bepositive. Running empowers me in all facets of my lifeand it demands I set goals and exceed them.”

She trains locally with Brian and Donna Logue and,on her own, she cross trains in cycling, swimming, stairmaster and snowshoe climbing. Locally tested,McCallum was found to have a fitness score the sameas most Edmonton Oilers. She may need it. In theseries of races she is entering, she will be running 950lonely desert miles this year. It should almost doublethe world record.

But McCallum’s greatest accomplishment is aboutgetting her life together to live it well… to takejoy in meeting goals each day.

Anchoring her lifeTelevision lies. Well, it is not so much thatit lies as that it doesn’t quite tell the truth.The people we welcome into our livingrooms and feel we know are much likeus and yet very different. J’Lyn Nye, thepopular Global Newslate night anchoris such a person.

“How many size 16 news anchors doyou know? Just because you’re not size 2or 4 doesn’t mean you can’t be a goodrole model.”

Why do we feel we’ve known her foreverand why do we trust her opinion anyway? Ata time when personality worship is rampant, itis comforting to see someone who is not just apretty face, but has charm, class and the ability tocollect, edit and present news...who never aspired tohave a stylish ‘Twiggy’ figure—the bane of healthprofessionals everywhere. Nye is not your averagenews anchor. She is smart, personable and her ownwoman. It was not easy getting to this point in her life.

“I’m the girl the boys never danced with,” Nye offerscandidly. “I was five-foot-ten inches tall and a biggirl… and in a world of thin and petite, that bringsbaggage with it.”

She had figured her life was to unfold as it shoulduntil she visited Beny-Sur-Mere, a Canadian cemeteryin France, home to fallen Canadians who stormed Juno

Beach on D-Day. “I had a moment when I looked atthose gravestones for so many teenagers and youngmen. It was an epiphany. I thought: All these youngpeople went to war so that I would be able to dowhatever I wanted—speak out or body build or do thethings they did not have the opportunity to do. I wasnot being all that I could be. I decided to change mylife.” And change she did.

“I decided to take control of my body,” Nye remembers.“I got a tattoo”—she doesn’t say where… a lady would nottell and agentleman wouldnot ask—“and I beganbody building.”Nye is quick topoint out thatwhile

everybody thinks they understandbody building, very few people do.The ‘sport’ suffers from animage problem. Perhaps, theArnold Schwarzeneggerfactor? “I’ve had peoplesay, ‘Oh I couldn’t do that,I wouldn’t like to look likea man’… But I don’t looklike a man and that’s not

Continued from page 7

The two J’Lyn Nyes —

neither is bitchy

Sandy McCallum

Photo

s sup

plied


Proof_2_______PROOFED BY:_______________________________________________CHANGES MADE:__________________________DATE:_________________

what it’s all about. Sure you see competitors withmassive definition of muscle but most body buildersare in it to keep their shape and conditioning, and toenjoy the discipline and the health rewards. Competingis important, sometimes for self-esteem, but it is thejourney not the destination that keeps most peopleactively involved. It is challenging you to have thediscipline and the drive to reward yourself.

“I do quite a bit of motivational speaking andbasically what I tell people is you’ll never be happyliving someone else’s dream—not your boss’s, your

kid’s or your husband’s. Set goals to make yourselfhappy. Never say ‘can’t’. Try it. And if you fail, failforward. That is, take the lesson life has given you andgo with it. Too many people talk themselves out ofdoing things. Don’t beat yourself up. There are enoughpeople around who will do that for you.

“I get angry with people who say ‘Oh, I could neverdo that’ because I was one of those people, and Idetermined to be happier with myself. I lost 60 poundsbody building over six months and, when I’m notcompeting, my weight fluctuates but I’ve got the heightto carry more weight. I’ve learned to be comfortable inmy own skin.

“When I look back now, I’m brutally honest withmyself. I was more insecure than shy... I was Pigpen inCharlie Brown, always a black cloud over me. I’m backto about 180 pounds but now I’m muscle, and muchlighter when I compete. I train at Hardcore Health andFitness and I like Kinsmen (Field House) because thesupport system is so good. I will never be the ultimate

body builder. I’m just the wrong shape, but that doesn’tmean I can’t strive to be the best I can be. Some of myfriends just don’t get it. I tell them, they don’t have to:This is about me and who I am. The first time I was onstage, there was such a rush. I didn’t have the musclebut I set a goal for me and I reached it.”

Strange things began to happen. “I’m nowhere nearas bitchy as I used to be,” Nye laughs. “I don’t sweatthe small things and I have more energy for myhusband and friends. I’m honorary chair of theEdmonton Humane Society, and I have a full and richlife personally and in the community. I consider myselfa work in progress.”

Some work… some progress.

Alive, alert and strongThey say that growing old is not for cowards and thatit helps to have a sense of humour. The body loses itstone, the mind can go walkabout, making mentalcallisthenics more difficult. But medical researchshows that if you can stay active, you will live longerand be healthier.

Case in point: Meet Del Dilke, body builderextraordinaire and 75 years young.

“Some people thought 74 was a bit old to take bodybuilding,” she says without a trace of humour, “but Iwas having some weight problems, and it wassuggested I call the Alberta Body BuildingAssociation. Brian and Donna Logue helped me

tremendously. I trained with the treadmill and weightlifting. I started in January and, by June, I wasperforming in Red Deer. David Stride is my trainerand my hero. The sport is so full of people whosupport you… who want you to do well.

“I train three days a week, about an hour. I like thetreadmill, and I’m not a swimmer but I do a lot ofaqua exercise.

“It’s not the destination; it is definitely the journey.It’s about how wonderful you can feel. I’m healthy,strong and mobile and I no longer fear getting sick orfalling. I don’t have pain and I am focused. Thisreally is preventative medicine.”

Dilke, the owner of Del’s Fashions on 9th for thepast 26 years, oftenworks out at EliteMuscle and Fitnesswhich happens to beacross the road from acemetery. “It makes mework harder,” shelaughs.

“I enjoy competing…I think a lot of peoplebelieve it is good forthe sport. I will neverhave huge muscles but Ido look toned. And, youknow, I believe mymemory has improved.

“People sometimesask me why I need bodybuilding… and why amI wasting my money,but I feel we only haveone body and, if itbreaks down, it is nothealthy. I’ve seen it in

people much younger than me. I’m alive, alert and Idon’t get tired. I get up in the morning and lookforward to walking—just walking—for half an hour.My memory is better now than it was years ago. Mybody is hugely strong. I am 150 pounds and five-foot,three inches tall. Do I want to look like a man? Thatisn’t what this is about. It is about physical andmental health… I can’t tell you what a change it hasmade in my life.

“I believe in treating myself well. I have regularmassages and have my nails done. My late husbandtaught me a lot. He was a body builder. He died at 72with a body that would put most 40-year olds toshame. I just hope I can continue to body build untilGod takes me.” ✔

Body building:The process of developing

the musculature of the bodythrough specific types of dietand physical exercise, suchas weightlifting, especiallyfor competitive exhibition.Often not considered a truesport because it does not

involve athletic effort.

Del Dilke: training acrossfrom a cemetary makesher work harder


Proof__1_____PROOFED BY:_______________________________________________CHANGES MADE:__________________________DATE:_________________

There’s a secret buzzing all overGreater Edmonton that we can’t

wait to tell you about…

“ I was getting ready for the lake,but my suit was a little snug,”remembers Nadine Jolson. “A

friend suggested the wrap.” Themineral soaked bandages “felt

kind of like a corset,” saysNadine. But it was worth it.“I rushed home to try on the

swimsuit and it was loose. I couldwear it and actually breathe.”

“You start by recording yourbefore measurements,” says LindaPerras of Suddenly Slimmer. “Wecheck jaw, neck, forearm, wrist,

bust, waist, abdomen, hips, upperthighs, lower thighs, calves and

ankles. Then comes thetreatment itself.”

1. The wrap. You are wrappedfirmly with elastic bandages

soaked in warm mineral solution. 2. Get your blood pumping.

Light physical activity revs upcirculation.

3. Remoisten. Every 20minutes, the mineral solutionis applied. After 60 minutes,

the wraps come off.

Why it works?The wrap detoxifies the body.The body can get overloadedwith toxins because it cannot

keep up with thefiltration process.

The more toxins inthe body, the

morelymphatic fluid

increases toprotect cells.

You forceout toxins.Once thetoxins are

gone, thelymphatic fluid

decreases andyou lose

inches. It is notwater loss—

rather, anexchange of minerals for toxins.

That’s a Wrap!Call Linda Perras

at Suddenly Slimmer Day Spa

pedicures. manicures. facials. aroma therapy message

www.suddenlyslimmerdayspa.com

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ExecutiveWelcome

Personal marketingto select business

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Call Jeanne Wright todayPhone: 780.487.2001

E-mail: [email protected]

n mid-May, as Oiler fever gripped the city, 600 members the community donned their finery to honour three of its leading citizens. LyleBest, Don Oborowski and John Stanton were inducted in the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame at its 26th Annual Gala Dinner andInduction ceremonies. The event was held in the recently opened River View Room at the Shaw Conference Centre.

Best, president and CEO of Quikcard Solutions Inc., is a leader in the “emerging field of social entrepreneurship.” Considered the go-to-guy when you need to organize a spectacular event, raise funds or serve on an advisory board, Best is no stranger to recognition for hiscommitment to Edmonton. He serves on numerous corporate and not-for-profit boards and committees. Quikcard offers full health care and dentalplans to more than 3500 under-25-person companies in Canada.

Don Oborowski, president and CEO of Waiward Steel Fabricators Ltd., is a strong supporter of education, with a focus on apprenticeshiptraining. His long-time service includes membership on the Alberta Apprenticeship Board, NAIT board of governors, CAREERS-The NextGeneration, and chair of the executive cabinet committee for theHealth Research Innovation Facilities under construction at theUofA Hospital. Oborowski is a generous donor to variouscharities.

Stanton, president of The Running Room, turned his personalpassion into North America’s largest chain of specialty stores—now totaling 75—for runners and walkers. In so doing, he hascontributed to the improved health of thousands—more thanhalf-a-million people have taken part in training clinics alone.Stanton’s company sponsors more than 400 runs/walks forcharity annually. The proceeds from his Pink Ribbon ClothingLine go toward breast cancer research. ✔

IISOCIALsceneJA Business Hall of Fame

Jay Ball, president of Junior Achievement withJanet Riopel of CAREERS-The Next Generation,and Neil Wilkinson, chair of the Capital RegionHealth Authority

Board Chair IanMcDonald wavedthe Oilers flag at theblack tie gala—thegame was telecastfor enthusiasts,many of whom areseason ticketholders and luxurybox owners

Board Chair IanMcDonald wavedthe Oilers flag at theblack tie gala—thegame was telecastfor enthusiasts,many of whom areseason ticketholders and luxurybox owners

Mayor Stephen Mandel went ‘boldlywhere no others would go’ and showedhis Oiler spirit. Shown with RobertFernandez of Johnson Controls and JAboard member, and his wife Sybille.

The 2006 Business Hall of Fame laureates Don Oborowski, Lyle Best and John Stanton

The 2006 Business Hall of Fame laureates Don Oborowski, Lyle Best and John Stanton


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ncentives. Rewards. Perks. Call them what you will.Publicly frowned upon for government electedofficials and upper echelon bureaucrats… yet reveredin the private sector and bargained for by unions.

In the past, employees courted employers for jobs. Butnow, job-seekers are the ones being wooed. Alberta is backin economic boom mode with more than $130 billion ofdevelopment underway and announced. Well and good, butfinding enough skilled—and evenunskilled—labour andprofessionals to fill thehuge demand is achallenge… and theripple affect is wide-ranging.

Essentially, 96 percentof Albertans areemployed—considered bymany to be near totalemployment. Thisemployee shortage iscausing employers tocompete in order to hire and retain employees. The drivingforce, naturally, is the energy sector. Top dollars are beingpaid to get massive oilsands projects into production:Starting salaries of $70 to $80,000 for many jobs in the FortMcMurray region are not unusual.

It’s difficult for other sectors to attract workers, especiallyso in the non-energy related manufacturing, retail andservice sectors. More often than not, companies are forcedto stretch their limits with wages well beyond the regulatedminimum, with benefits packages and bonuses. A quickperusal of the want ads in the dailies attests to the struggleto attract workers with phrases like “competitive salary…health benefits package that includes pension plan… on-the-job training… opportunities for personal andprofessional development… $3000 signing bonus… be partof a great company.”

While an employer may succeed in hiring employees, itcan be difficult to keep them.

“There’s an awful lot of employee poaching,” says DaveRoberts, dean of the School of Mechanical andManufacturing Technologies at NAIT. “A number ofemployers still participate in offering higher wages to scoopjourneymen from other employers. This causes a big wageescalation.”

To prevent employees from leaving their jobs for a higherwage, companies in Alberta are offering a wide variety ofincentives to employees.

Ross Bunnah, the branch manager of Adecco Staffing inEdmonton, says employers will ask him what they can doto attract employees. He suggests good incentives thatbenefit staff in their personal lives, not just in theworkplace—as simple as monthly massages or giftcertificates to restaurants. Employers can also make jobseasier by providing good computers, spaciouscubicles/offices, up-to-date phone systems.

Pleasant working conditions and perks that includeeverything from on-site fitness facilities and day cares toclub memberships and profit-sharing go along way in retaining employees.

“Last year, a lot of employees wereleaving companies for more money. Now,employees are being choosier, pickiertoward jobs they’re going into,” saysBunnah.

Some retail and fast food companiesthat traditionally pay minimum or nearminimum wages are getting creative toattract and retain employees.

At The Shoe Company, employeeshave the opportunity to earn medalsbased on performance, such as high salesand good customer service. The medalscan be used to purchase products in the store—recent adsfor local job fairs promoted “free shoes”. It also offers staffdiscounts and weekend trips for management. “We try tomake our environment fun,” says Jeff McFater, districtmanager of The Shoe Company.

Starbucks is another company that offers incentives to itsstaff. “If we work part-time, we get full-time benefits andfull health care coverage. You can also buy stocks inStarbucks. They’re called ‘bean’ stocks,” says KristinaButtrey, a barista at Starbucks.

McDonald’s offers many incentives to employees but the

newest, started in January, is a scholarship program for highand junior high school students who work at its fast-foodoutlets.

According to recruitment manager Susan Centis, “It’sbrand new to the Alberta market.” She explained thatbecause of the booming provincial economy,

McDonald’s needed tooffer staff somethingmore. For every hourworked, the company puts25 cents into an account forthe employee, up to a total of$500 a year. Up-dates areprovided every four months soemployees can see how muchthey have accumulated. Themoney is specifically intendedto be used for post-secondaryeducation, including trades

training, or as bonus money if theemployee chooses McDonald’s management as acareer.

But Centis emphasized that the most important part ofretaining employees is keeping your promises to them andtreating them with respect.

SIGNS OF THE TIMES“It’s kind of crazy out there right now. Companies aredesperate for good people.”

So says Tanya Shewchuk, a recruiter at Coape StaffingNetwork in Edmonton, who knows first-hand thatcompetition among employers is happening with allindustry sectors.

One approach is to go directly to potential employees.Finning Canada is traveling to prospective employees withits Wanted Tour, a country-wide recruiting campaign,because it needs 5,000 skilled employees by 2010.

Greg McNeill, director of human resources, described thecampaign as based on a military theme: The

recruiters wear camouflageclothing, boots, and drive aHummer. The tour isadvertised in local papersand on radio stations acouple of weeks before theteam arrives in the targetedcommunity. Sometimes, on-location radio broadcasts areused to hype the one-dayblitz, inviting people tointerviews at the localFinning office or a hotel.

“The strategy was to dosomething different. We wanted to create this image of afun company. We wanted to get into people’s backyardsinstead of them coming to us,” says McNeill.

The employee shortage has also been a real boost tocompanies that rent and sell portable signs. Streetsthroughout the Capital Region are peppered with helpwanted messages: “now hiring… training provided…benefits… opportunities for advancement… local routes…$13/hr to start…” A truck/RV wash has even mounted oneof the portable signs in the back of a half-ton to advertise itsjobs openings around town.

During the Stanley Cup playoff series a company boughtTV space to announce openings for power engineers. Adelivery company seeks drivers—and offers a hiringbonus—with a radio ad. On-line sites like monster.com andworking.com post hundreds of jobs and resumés.

Governments, institutions and mostcompanies—largeand small—pointpotential hires tothe ‘jobopportunities’section on theirwebsites.

Clearly, there isno shortage ofinventiveness whenit comes to gettingthe word out thatpeople are needed atall levels of the jobmarket.

These days, more companies are going to post-secondaryinstitutions to talk to students before they graduate. In thelast four months, there’s been an increase in companiesasking to speak directly to students at NAIT. According to

Pat Quilley, career advisor, “It’s good because theemployers get to talk to the students they want. They reallyneed staff, and they know these students have the trainingthey need.”

Quilley adds that NAIT will be more prepared to bring incompany representatives to talk to the students. “It haschanged our focus a bit. We were trying to attractemployers, and now we are trying to accommodate them.Next year, we’ll be putting on more career events, whereemployers have more of a chance to get on campus.”

It’s a scenario that is played out at virtually every post-secondary institution in the province, as employersscramble to fill their needs before students shop themselvesaround.

The prosperity Albertans are enjoying is evident: At stoplights, you’re surrounded by an Escalade, Explorer, Beamerand Benz… you notice a Lexus and a Land Rover in theon-coming lanes. More signs of the times. Housing pricesare at an all time high and few stay on the market for longerthan a couple of days... some are gone in hours. Builderscan’t keep up with demand. Interest rates are exceptionallylow, and credit is readily available. The Oilers made aremarkable run for Lord Stanley’s Cup, and bars wererunning out of beer.

Does it get any better? ✔

By Talea Medynski

II

Advantage: Job-seekersThe good, the bad, and the ugly


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One of my fondest memories is thatof being a judge for the first EmeraldAwards. The year was 1992, and the worldwas on fire with enthusiasm forenvironmental stewardship. Those wereheady times with Brundtland, Rio,rainforests and recycling all top of mind.

For the previous four years, I had beenreporting on environmental issues for CBCRadioand trouble always seemed to takeprecedence in the news.

But the Emeralds was somethingrefreshingly different. Here was anopportunity to celebrate environmentalsuccesses.

There were a couple of celebrities on thatfirst panel of judges. Even sitting, hiscowboy hat on the table, oldtime naturalistand author Andy Russellloomed head andshoulders above the rest of us. ActressTantoo Cardinal, pumped with thenotoriety from her recent role inDanceswith Wolves, had just stepped off a planefrom Los Angeles, her box of nominationsto review in tow.

We met in the boardroom on the 40thfloor of PetroCanada’s tower in downtownCalgary. Throughout the day we’d arguedover the dozens and dozens of nominations;in the end, exhausted by the process,exhilarated by the realization there were somany unsung heroes of the environment.And now, we could give them therecognition they so richly deserved.

2006 marks the 15th Emerald AwardsCeremony for the Alberta EmeraldFoundation for EnvironmentalExcellence. This year’s event takes place atthe Winspear in Edmonton on June 14th.Executive Director Becky Vander Steenand her events committee have plannedanother stellar evening complete with liveentertainment, video profiles of the finalistsand, of course, fabulous food for the après-awards reception.

The 2006 judging panel has pouredthrough 113 award nominations from acrossAlberta. Edmonton and area has always

made a strong presence and this year is noexception.

Edgar andJeanne Jonesare among thethree finalists for individual commitment.Many people will recognize Edgar T. Jonesas the man behind the lens who hasphotographed thousands of birds and otherwildlife in Alberta. Over several decades, heand his wife have traveled North America

giving talks to help raise public awarenessabout the value of conservation. Just lastmonth, I made my first visit to Jones Pond,an idyllic lake hidden in the trees at WagnerBog just west of the city. You can still seethe blind Edgar built to photograph a rarespecies of gulls at the lake the 1950s.

Two of the three finalists in the largebusiness category are Dow ChemicalCanada Incand a joint project betweenPetro-Canadaand the City of Edmonton.Dow has a long history of environmentalleadership in Alberta. I remember attendingthe launch of its wetland reclamationproject in the late 1980s. Petro-Canada hasworked with the city’s Gold BarWastewater Treatment Plantto recyclewater for use in its refinery. Thedevelopment of a special membrane fortreatment eliminates the need to continually

withdraw water from the NorthSaskatchewan River, and the new processwill enable future adaptations to processalternate feedstocks such as bitumen.

Among the finalists in the governmentinstitution category is Alberta Associationof Municipal Districts and Counties. Ithas constructed a new administrationbuilding at Nisku which incorporatesleading edge green technologies and ishighly energy efficient. As well, the greenbuilding is used to actively promote thevalue of environmental innovation.

Under the category of climate change, theNorthern Alberta Institute of Technologyis vying for an Emerald Award with its fuelcell applied research project. Involving aninternational partnership, NAIT hasoperated a 200 kW phosphoric acid fuel cellfor 27 months, reducing its greenhouse gasemissions by 2294 tonnes. The institutenow offers a course in fuel cell operationsand maintenance and provides educationaltours to students and the general public toraise awareness about fuel cell technology.

It will be interesting to see who walksaway with the coveted Emerald Awardtrophies. As a four-time judge, I know howhard it is to choose between all the finesubmissions because the way we look at it,when it comes to action on behalf of ourenvironment, everyone is a winner.

At the ceremony I’ll also be lookingforward to hooking up with Edmontonlawyer Ron Kruhlak . Ron and his firmMcLennan Rosshave been involved withthe Emeralds since the Foundation’sinception in 1991.

“I got involved because I was aware ofgood things being done for the environmentthat weren’t attracting the attention orrecognition that many of the negativeaspects seemed to attract,” says Ron.“Despite the conflict in these areas betweenindustry and government or environmentalgroups and industry, we’ve created aplatform where the judging process is seento be credible. Emerald Award recipientshave benefited from the exposure andconnections that follow which help taketheir projects to another level.”

Paul Hunt, chair of the EmeraldFoundation’s board of governors and vice-president of Climate Change Central,says, “Receiving an Emerald Award raisesthe bar for others to do better. This is donewithout regulations. It’s done voluntarily,for the public good, and often for the goodof business. It really makes good businesssense to care for the environment.”

Building on the success of the past 15years, the Emerald Foundation will soonbroaden its scope to include a range ofprograms and activities to highlightenvironment excellence throughout theyear. To support this initiative, Paul andRon have embarked on a fund developmentprogram with the goal of raising $5 millionto establish a self-sustaining endowment.More about that in the near future.

Tickets for the 2006 Emerald AwardsCeremony are available through the websiteor by phone at 1.800.219.8329. You canalso check out the complete list of this andevery year’s nominations at www.emeraldawards. com

Alberta is home to one of the mostcelebrated water ecologists in the world, Dr.David Schindler.Last month I wrote aboutthe latest publication by David and his

Science&Tech

MOTOROLA—THE REAL PHONE SEXNEW YORK, NY – Just after the Javaprogrammers and product engineers haveadded functionality—and just before themoney guys start figuring out distributionchannels, margin and EBIT—your typicalmobile phone-in-the-making gets handedoff to a crowd less keen on numbers.

That’s because the prototype is nowpassed on to the designers: that yellow-power-tie-loud-cuff-link group who oftenmake or break the entire deal. In otherwords, this is where the marketing typessee how “branding, packaging, positioning,style and colour” apply to the newestmobile phone model.

The smaller the mobile device, the morepersonal it becomes; meaning what’s rightfor me probably isn’t right for you. Whiletechie end-users are concerned mostly withfunctionality, the vast majority of mobiletelephone buyers, such as those betweenthe ages of 13 and 23, are equally—if notmore—concerned about making a fashion

statement. It’s not just about a phone; it’sabout who they are and, hey,oneuppersonship runs rampant.

“It’s cool to drool,” says Jim Wicks,chief designer at Motorola at a recentmedia event here in the trendy, studio-loftarea of the West Side of Manhattan.

Wicks, an individual with an impeccabletrack record—he designed Sony’s firsthandheld cell phone—possesses near rock-star status within the electronic gadgetdesign community. As quarterback of theMotorola design team, it’s his job to makethe product visually appealing for themasses, give it a sexy name and, at thesame time, maintain low production costsand, oh yeah, keep all the oh-wow features,too.

Incidentally, you did know that RFperformance (reception) is influenced bycolour, didn’t you? And you did know thatdifferent Telco carriers have differentdefinitions of what they call pink?

All joking aside, Wicks’ job is muchmore difficult than it appears because nomatter how much research anddevelopment dough you throw at aproblem, how the technology is packaged

for the consumer really counts.Let’s take the PEBL, a smooth, oval-

looking unit with a dual-hinge mecha-nism that lets you open and close it in aone-handed, beam-me-up-Scotty stylethat is guaranteed to raise pointyeyebrows at your next Star Warsretreat.Complete with MPEG4 video captureand playback, picture caller-ID andBluetooth wireless technology, it comesin a soft-touch finish of your choice ofgreen, pink, blue and orange. Heck, itevens come in a cool, “slider-like” boxreminiscent of a slider phone. Uh, seewhat I mean about packaging?

A Motorola technology, calledSCREEN3, gives you zero-click accessto news, sports, entertainment and othercontent directly from the PEBL homescreen. This helps you get to the webwithout pushing a series of keys tolaunch a browser. The carriers will lovethis feature as much as you… mainlybecause it gets you to a chargeablesweet spot faster and easier than before.

Like the earlier RAZR model, a slimunit aimed to fit in the tightest of jeans,a feel-good phone like the PEBL didn’t

just happen. In addition to the technicalfeatures, Motorola researchers studyfurniture design, home interior,automotive and consumer trends. Theyeven have an annual colour and materialforecasting workshops, which putstogether trend and colour consultants,current paint suppliers, and Motorola’sCMF (colour/material/finish) productteams. They gather to share trendinformation and insights.

By the way, Motorola researchersfound that we are more stressed thanever and are searching for simplicity.We consumers will also be willing topay for luxury and self-expression and,above all, we want fun products.

If this sounds familiar, relax: JimWicks already has the perfect model ofphone just for you. ✔

Gregory B. Michetti of theAlberta-based systemsintegration firm MichettiInformation Solutions, Inc.can be reached viawww.michetti.com

BizIT 101

INTELINTELBizBizPaul Hunt

David Schindler

Jone’s Pond

Continued on page 13


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Members of the ParliamentaryPress Gallery remain sullen and sulky overPrime Minister Stephen Harper’s newrules for the media. Such as journalists nolonger being able to “scrum” ministersleaving the cabinet room; tighter controlson the PM’s itinerary or out of countryguests; or the PM addressing the mediabehind a lectern, rather than at the NationalPress Gallery where he’d have to sit behinda table.

Despite the woe-is-me attitude by somejournalists, CanWest News Serviceeditor-in-chief Gerry Nott bluntly states that ifHarper wants to limit access to cabinetministers and move microphones around,that’s his prerogative and journalists simply“need to do their jobs differently and worka little harder.” Chris Cobb of the OttawaCitizenadds, quite rightly, that Canadianstypically yawn with indifference whenjournalists whine about picayune matters.

That aside, of far greater concern for me,are the rights of citizens and the responsi-bilities of journalists when it comes toprivacy in times of grief.

Juliana Melenkoof Andrew has notread the Edmonton Journalor theEdmonton Sun since August 25, 2004—theday her nine-year-old granddaughter wasdragged to death by a horse near that town.She also no longer watches local televisionnews on CFRN, CBC, Global or Citytv(which was then the A-Channel).

Juliana’s world changed forever after thatfateful day almost two years ago. Sheremains angry and miffed by news crewswho violated her grief and privacy bycoming on her property. She phoned theSun, Journaland all TV newsrooms tocomplain to the editors or news directors.Only one television journalist returned hercall and apologized.

While residents in Edmonton and otherCanadian metropolises are accustomed toviolence and tragedies as part of their dailynews diet, it’s rare for smaller centres likeAndrew, Taber, Mayerthorpe and

Whitecourt—all of which were inundatedby big city media when tragic news hitthose communities.

When it comes to complaints, the CRTCinvestigates those against the electronicmedia. The Alberta Press Councilprovides a Code of Practice for the printmedia. In dealing with privacy, the APCstates (italics my own): “Publishingmaterial or making inquiries about theprivate lives of individuals without theirconsent is not acceptable, unless they are inthe public interest, overriding the right ofprivacy.” Dealing with grief, the PressCouncil says: “Newspapers, and journalistsserving them, should in general avoidintruding into personal grief.Inquiriesshould be carried out with sympathy anddiscretion.”

Former Alberta Justice Minister DaveHancockwas much more emphatic onthis subject, stating in a letter to JulianaMelenka after her tragedy: “It is a sad factthat not all editors and journalists agreeon where the line should be drawnbetween your need for privacy and the

need to make others aware of the eventstaking place in your community. Eachnewsroom has its own standards of whatis acceptable when seeking out a story.Just as opinions can vary within a familyor a community on the best way to dosomething, journalists disagree on theissue of privacy and how far to go inchasing details.”

Juliana, like me, defends freedom of thepress. But that does not help her with theongoing memory of the tragic loss of hergranddaughter and what she perceives asa deliberate media invasion of her griefand privacy, and that of some members ofher family. A belated call, or visit, bythose media outlets that ignored Juliana atthe time might finally help bring aboutthe closure that this grandmother isseeking. Providing, ofcourse, anyone cares. ✔

Bruce Hogle is the formernews director at CFRN TVand recently retired head ofthe Alberta Press Council.

Media Minutewith Bruce Hogle

colleague Dr. Bill Donahue documentingthe water crisis across the prairie provinces.Over the years, David has been honouredwith many prestigious awards, including theStockholm Water Prize and Canada’shighest scientific award, the GerhardtHertzberg Gold Medal.

In April, David and his wife Dr. SuzanneBayley, a well known peatland specialist,traveled to Beverly Hills where he waspresented with yet another award. This one,theTyler Prize for EnvironmentalAchievement,is America’s “premier awardfor environmental science, energy andmedicine conferring great benefit uponmankind.” It also comes with a substantialmonetary stipend. When I asked Davidwhat he would do with his $100,000, hethought he would put some toward ascholarship fund he has started and sometoward a land trust he is building toconserve critical wildlife corridors. ✔

Cheryl Croucher is anEdmonton broadcastjournalist and host ofInnovation Alberta. You canhear the program on CKUARadio Tuesdays at 8pm ordownload it when you visit

www.innovationalberta.com.E-mail [email protected]

Roger Gibbins, President and CEOof the Canada West Foundation, recentlywrote an insightful and thought-provoking article, Let’s Get Ready forthe Big League. Noting that the census-metropolitan areas of both Edmontonand Calgary have passed the one-millionmark, Gibbins points out that while weare indeed now in the “big leagues” of

cities worldwide, we are “far from bigplayers in this new and intensivelycompetitive environment.” Citing datafrom an interesting website,www.citypopulation.de, he notes that438 communities around the world sharethe one-million-plus distinction,including 69 in North America (six inCanada), 52 in China alone, and 43 inIndia.

“What,” Gibbins asks, “if we defylogic for the moment and consider theCalgary-Edmonton corridor to be asingle urban region? Even with 73percent of the provincial population,there are 170 larger urban regionsaround the globe.” In fact, he writes,Minneapolis-St. Paul, Seattle andPhoenix each have metro populationsgreater than all of Alberta, while Tokyo’spopulation of 34 million is larger than allof Canada’s.

The point of all this, of course, is thatdespite our relatively new status as largeurban agglomerations, both Edmontonand Calgary are in a very competitivefield, and there is no room forcomplacency. And, in fact, Gibbinsacknowledges that both cities are alreadythinking strategically. “Edmonton’s long-term infrastructure planning is beingtaken up as an international model, andthe ImagineCalgaryproject takes thecity’s planning horizon out 100 years.”

Equally important, he suggests that it’stime to develop a provincial strategy“that builds on the idea of Edmonton andCalgary in a complementary role, ratherthan one of long-standing rivalry.Internal struggle to supplicate oneanother’s strengths will not be product-ive in the long run.” With this in mind,Calgary has “financial strengths andabundant sources of energy expertise.”Both, he says, have been joined togetherin the University of Calgary’s newInstitute for Sustainable Energy,Environment and Economy.With theresources available to it, the Institute“has the opportunity for truly globalleadership.”

Similarly, Gibbins points out, “thealliance between the University ofAlberta and the Capital Health[Authority] opens up the possibility forEdmonton to become the medicalresearch capital of Canada and aresearch hub on the continent. If Calgaryis the new Toronto, then Edmontonmight be the new Boston.” In calling fora provincial strategy to build on theunique strengths of the two major urbancentres to provide us with a competitiveglobal edge, he warns that the “worstcase would be simply to drift toward thefuture, for we know our internationalcompetitors are not drifting. It is time,then, to think of our urban centres asprovincial assets similar to our naturalresource endowment, and to apply the

same long-term strategic thinking.” Gibbins is absolutely dead-on in his

analysis. While I doubt that an over-reaching provincial strategy has yet beendeveloped, some signs point to a movein the right direction. I’m not as familiarwith the University of Calgary’s newInstitute, but it is apparent that thefunding of major health research,teaching, and clinical facilities heresuggests a recognition that Edmonton israpidly becoming one of NorthAmerica’s—and in fact the world’s—premiere health centres.

In this context, the many projectsattached—literally and figuratively—tothe University of Alberta and CapitalHealth’s University of AlbertaHospital site are indicators of just howimportant Edmonton has become as amedical centre. The $190 millionMazankowski Alberta Heart Institute ,scheduled to open in 2007, will be oneof North America’s major cardiac care,research and teaching facilities withcapabilities second to none anywhere.The west side of 114th Street, however,will soon be home to a complex evenmore impressive in scope than the HeartInstitute. The Edmonton Clinic,previously known as the HealthSciences Ambulatory LearningCentre, is a massive, $577 million

facility which will house diagnosticservices and day clinics from theUniversity of Alberta and StolleryChildren’s Hospitals, providing one-stop access for patients and freeing upmuch-needed space in the existingMackenzie Health Sciences Centreforadditional hospital beds. The EdmontonClinic will also provide the U of A withthe means to transform the province’shealth services personnel to meet futureneeds.

The largest health-related buildingproject in Western Canada, if not theentire country, and set to open in 2011,the Edmonton Clinic will total about170,000 square metres in size—that’s 1.8million square feet for old-timers. Inaddition to accommodating day clinicsand increasing the number of availablehospital beds, the clinic will create aninterdisciplinary education environmentfor the 6,000 students in the full

spectrum of the university’s healthsciences programs. U of A PresidentIndira Samarsekera and Capital HealthPresident and CEOSheila Weatherillbelieve the integrated approach willbecome a model for academic healthcentres across North America. Moreover,it will augment the region’s ability toattract more top-level medicalprofessionals, students, and others inrelated fields. It’s a winning strategy, onethat makes Mayor Stephen Mandelhappy too: It’s put Edmonton front-and-centre.

It was interesting to read theconclusions drawn from the 2006Edmonton Real Estate Forumheld lastmonth—it seems we can’t win. Deve-lopers have shied away for years frombuilding any new office space in thedowntown core because lease rates wereso low. Now, with the office vacancyrate the lowest it’s been in more than adecade and rents rising above $20 persquare foot per year, real estate expertsare saying that rather than pay anecessary $25 to $30 per square foot fornew construction, tenants will movetheir offices to the suburbs. The onepossibility, they note, is a newgovernment building in the next year orso, and much of that depends on the fate

of the Terrace Building and theLegislature Annex, both ofwhich the Alberta governmenthas indicated will bedemolished.

So here we have a doubling ofthe downtown population in thepast six years with more tocome, an increasingly healthyentertainment sector with newrestaurants, bistros and clubs,and a strengthening retail sector,but there will be limitedcommercial office space. I’m no

expert but that doesn’t make sense tome. Cost isn’t always the sole factor indeciding whether or not to build, I’mtold; and, in a healthy downtown, thelocation of offices is an asset and tenantsare willing to pay. The trend towarddowntown core renewal isn’t just anEdmonton phenomenon; there is a cachetin being in a trendy area. And the cost ofland in the suburbs may be cheaper, butit’s not necessarily more desirable. Morepeople like to walk to work and that’s animportant psychological factor that can’tbe ignored. There may be no newcommercial office construction nextyear, but I’ll bet on something happeningdowntown sooner ratherthan later. ✔

David Norwood is afreelance writer/[email protected]

Civic Buzz

Roger Gibbins

Continued from page 12

Edmonton Clinic renderingfor preliminary site analysis


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ody building certainly requires a specializeddiet. One that’s heavier in protein. The thing toremember is that everyone’s body is different,hence my requirements will vary from what

you might need.According to Brad Fehr, director of fitness at the

Castledowns Y, there seems to be a misconception that theharder you train, the more protein you need.

“That’s not necessarily the case. Recent studies haveshown that endurance runners and cyclists, in fact, needmore protein than body builders.”

Bottom line? Consult with your trainer and nutritionist toensure you are getting the proper nutrients required for yourbody type. It’s very important.

During weight training, you actually breakdownmicroscopic pieces of your muscle mass. To repair andrebuild muscles, weight lifters have to eat half an hour aftertraining. This is because your body starts to repair what’sbeen lost and needs to absorb nutrients.

So what’s a body builder’s diet like? There are the usualsuspects involved: fish, chicken, lean beef, power bars andraw vegetables.

Peter Yeung, a 47 year-old stay-at-home dad is into bodybuilding. He says tinned tuna is one of his mainstays. Hetries to ingest one gram of protein per one pound of bodyweight per meal three times a day, compared to someonewho is into competition and will eat small amounts everytwo hours.

A typical meal for Peter is a tin of tuna, garden salad andbrown rice or a 4-6 oz. grilled New York steak, bakedpotato with sour cream, and chives, and a salad—hisfavourite is spinach—with a small amount of dressing.

One of the “new” meats being recommended by sometrainers is a diet of lean buffalo. It has the lowest amount offat and carbs per four-ounce serving of any commerciallyproduced meat on the market. Simply prepare buffalo asyou would beef—grilled, roasted, stewed.

Donna Logue and her husband, Brian, run Elite BodyBuilding and Fitness. She says sugars and fats are a no-no.But that doesn’t mean you can’t have enjoyable, tastymeals. Among her favourites are these pancakes, and thechicken meatballs. She was gracious to send along severalrecipes that Elite uses for clients. One thing is certain: Theserecipes that could be used by any weight-conscious readers.

PANCAKES16 egg whites (2 small cartons)500 ml cottage cheese3 1/2 cups dry oatmeal (more or less depending how dry ormoist you want the pancakes)20 packages of the chemically altered Sugar Twin or Stevia, the natural sugar.1 Tbsp vanilla

592 calories protein; 770 calories carbs; 1362 calories totalTo get a calorie for each, divide total number of pancakesby total calorie and then total into carb and protein calories.For example: 20 pancakes = 68 calories per pancake 38

calories of carbs and 30 calories ofprotein. Calculation for each pancake:80 calories (40 protein + 40 carbs)For additional protein: Add 2 scoopswhey powder, 234 calories

CHICKEN MEATBALLS1 lb ground chicken breast1 tsp No Salt1/2 tsp garlic powdersprinkle Mrs. Dash2 oz. diced onion3 egg whites1/3 cup oatmeal

Mix ingredients together. Form into balls and fry in pancoated with Pam cooking spray. Cook until firm, approximately 30 minutes.Top with salsa.Protein: 692 calories (69%); carbohydrates: 161 calories(14%); and fat: 172 calories (17%). Total for full recipe:996 calories

SWEET SALSA1 Red Pepper1 Green Pepper1 Tomato1/2 cup Onion1 cup Celery1/3 cup white vinegar6 packs Sugar Twin or Stevia

Chop in food processor, add vinegar and Sugar Twin orStevia to taste. May add more or less Sugar Twin or vinegarto desired taste.83 calories carbohydrates for total recipe

TUNA CASSEROLE6 – 4 oz cans of tuna18 oz California Mix (frozen broccoli/cauliflower/carrotmixture)3 egg whites1/2 cup chopped onions

1/2 cup sliced celery1 oz oatmealMrs. Dash1/2 tsp Pepper1 Tbsp lemon juice

Boil California Mix until soft,mash. Drain tuna and mixingredients together and pressinto casserole dish sprayed withnonstick cooking spray. Bakein oven at 350°F forapproximately 45 minutes.

Casserole will be firm to touch.8 servings. 146 calories per serving: 28 caloriescarbohydrates, 107 calories protein, 11 calories fat

SHEPHERD’S PIE1 lb ground eye of round1 1/ 2 cups unsalted tomato sauce2 tsp. chili powder1/ 2 tsp dried oregano1 tsp no fat beef bouillon1 package frozen mixed vegetables, thawed

Topping1 1/2 lbs potato1/2 cup non fat sour cream1/4 tsp No Salt1/4 tsp pepper

Peel and boil potatoes until soft. Drain water except for 2Tbs. Add sour cream, No Salt, pepper and mash potatoesuntil smooth. Cook beef in skillet. Wash and drain fat. Add tomato sauce,chili powder, oregano and beef bouillon. Continue to cookmixture. Coat casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray,spoon beef into dish, add layer of vegetables and thenpotato mixture. Bake uncovered at 350°F for 35 minutes.

6 servings. 265 calories total: 20 calories carbohydrates, 218calories protein, 27 calories fat ✔

Contact John at [email protected]

MenuMagicwith Chef John Berry

BB

LIVELYlifestyles

Shepherd’s Pie

Buffalo stew with roasted newpotatoes and steamed beans


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o you have a fear of long-term commitment toupholstery? Do you yearnfor a fresh look in your

home without spending a bundle? Are petsor children taking their toll on yourfavourite chair? The answer is simple:Slipcovers. And, the best part is, these chicshells are not shrouded in mystery. Unlikeplumbing or wallpapering, they are easilyinstalled without glue, screws or nails.

The first slipcovers were made fromchintz fabric, discovered in India in the1700s by a group of French decorators.Faster than you can say “That’s a wrap!”society’s upper crust was clamouring for thecovers to protect their expensive silk andbrocade upholstery. By the 1950s,slipcovers had become all the rage inAmerica. Slipcovers are to furniture whatclothing is to the body. They camouflage,dress up, dress down, give character, andconvey style. They transform, add color,and give seasonal lifts—you can switchwarm winter colours for cheery summerflorals or stripes. They protect against dirtand sunlight. They can be washed or drycleaned. Tailored or loose fitting, thesegems can even make an odd piece offurniture feel at home.

Okay, let’s get started. Take somefabric and a sewing machine, et voila.Right? Wrong! After spending aconsiderable amount of time researchingthe art of slip-covering, here are theinstructions I sourced:

“Keep lengthwise parallel to straightof grain while converting back tooriginal measurement to obtainactual fabric measurement…On rightoutside back fabric press 3” to wrongside on center back to mark centerback line parallel to and 2” fromfold… Shape intersection of seat andinside back to side edges after folding

each end of the skirt to the wrongside to make a facing.”What?There had to be an easier way. So after

some tweaking and re-tweaking, here iswhat I came up with:

Start by tossing aside your measuringtape. Using inexpensive fabric or old sheets,drape the furniture unit you want to slip-cover. Pin to fit and cut away excess fabric.Remove, de-pin, and copy fabric profileonto paper for a pattern. Sew prototype,place on unit, adjust with pins if necessary,and tailor to fit. Remember to transfer anychanges to paper pattern piece. Cut patternfrom desired fabric; sew together with rightsides in; turn inside out; slip on furniture…Et voila—done.

Sewing a slipcover is like fitting agarment; similar to people—all havedifferent shapes and sizes. The good thing isfurniture doesn’t lose or gain weight, soonce a piece has been fitted, you can make

as many slipcovers as you want. Addvariety with embellishments such asmonograms, fringe, trim or tassels for acustomized look.

Now, if this still sounds too complicated,consider covering only the bottom seat areaof your chair; much like a fitted sheet.Using the same technique outlined for a fullcover, fit your fabric to the unit by pinningand cutting away excess fabric on cornersonly. This half-slip cover can be held inplace with bedding garters or Velcro.

The rule-of-thumb is that if you can make asuit from a particular fabric, it will besuitable for slipcovers. Here are some fabricsuggestions that work will:• Twill and Canvas Duck are both hard

wearing fabrics that are great for familyand children’s rooms. A 12oz density isbest.

• Sateen andPolished Cottonsare usuallythe fabrics of choice for prints. However,

I suggest staying with plain or simpleprints to avoid challenges in matchingpattern repeats.

• Sheetswith at least a 300-thread countwear well and are an inexpensivealternative for quick décor changes.

• Linen is a classic fabric with durability,but has a tendency to wrinkle. Trysourcing a look-alike cotton/syntheticblend. Linens work in any décor, andprovide an airy touch for spring andsummer.

• Damasks, Jacquards andTapestriesallproduce attractive finished pieces.However, these fabrics are morechallenging to work with, and call formore experienced sewing skills.

• Fun fur is a cozy alternative for thewinter months. The only problem is youwill never want to leave your seat. ✔

Contact [email protected] or visitabsolutebodo.com

DDThe great cover upThe great cover upwith Linda Bodo

Proof_1_____PROOFED BY:_______________________________________________CHANGES MADE:__________________________DATE:_________________


50/50–Not always equal

Many companies begin with two associates decidingto go into business for themselves on a 50/50 basis.The partners work side by side to nurture theirventure, share the risks and reap the rewards equally.Fast forward 20 years; the company is well establishedin its market and maintains a consistent financialperformance and the two entrepreneurs are enjoyingthe benefits of owning a successful business. Theirsuccess has been noted and a larger competitorapproaches the company with a view to taking it over.One owner is delighted with the situation; the otherhates it. Both lawyer-up and the gloves are off.

This very thing happened when we were engagedby an acquisition client to approach a synergisticcompetitor in a different geographic location. Ourclient was well financed and prepared to pay apremium to acquire the target company. The reluctantpartner refused to talk to us or give permission for thewilling partner to release any information. Eighteenmonths later and with no shareholder agreement inplace, they are still fighting; we have never receivedany financial information and our client’s focus is nowelsewhere. The window has closed.

Another case we encountered was a divestitureopportunity where the two owners were in a disputebecause each wanted to buy the other out but neitherwas prepared to sign a non-compete agreement as theseller. Their solution was to shut down the company,sell all the assets through a reputable auctioneer, splitthe proceeds and both start-up again in directcompetition with one another. Aside from the obviouscosts, neither side received any value for the goodwillin the business they had so carefully grown over theyears.

In a third situation, the two founders had theforesight when they first started the business todocument an acceptable format for each party to buythe other out. Their process was fair and provided thebuyer with very attractive financing terms at a valuedetermined by a simple formula. One owner becameill and his wife promptly hired a lawyer in an attemptto “set aside” the agreement and start again. Thesituation deteriorated from there and the final solutionmay end in allowing the courts to take control of thesituation and possibly appoint a receiver to liquidatethe company.

Recognize that people change their goals over theyears. The best time to sign a shareholders agreementis when you are starting your company, but it is nevertoo late to get one drafted. If you would like to discussyou particular situation, please email me [email protected] or call me at780.448.9386. For more information aboutFoundation Group visit our website atwww.foundationgroup.ca.

Stephen W. Kent, CA(780) 448-9099

ACQUISITIONS, DIVESTITURES & CORPORATE FINANCE

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