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EDMONTONIANS JULY 2008

ans arrived two hours early for theJune Grand Story Slam... or they risked beingturned away at the door of The Blue Chair. Citytvproducer Marina Michaelides hoped she had

saved enough seats for her entourage. This was just hersecond time performing the spoken word on stage, and thepetite Greek from England needed to find a quiet corner inwhich to tighten up her words. The innovative café—located in an obscure retail stripon 76th Avenue—has only 70seats and the place was jammedwith writers, teachers, restaurantworkers, retirees and universitystudents.

Spotted in the crowd forJune’s finals were CatherineKuehne-Harder of theupcoming Doors Open Festival,contestant/speech writerTerrence Harding, and greenarchitect Ernst Von Meijenfeldt.Nine contenders delivered five-minute narratives, judged bypatrons as they finished off their pad tai, bison burgers, andbeef churasco marinated in lime and spices.

Psychologist Dr. Norma Pelkie and her companion wereinvited to hold up score boards—a couple of toughadjudicators publicly jeered by partisans and secretlysupported during intermission. Norma had won a StorySlam twice last year and knew the high performancestandards. “Over 1,000 words means you’ve got to readfast,” says Blue Chair owner and recurring story slammerHarold Wollin. “You can’t wait for the crowd to laugh andget your story told in time—600 words is about right.”Read any longer and you lose points from a perfect score of10. Harold, a NAIT-trained chef turned ship cook turnedgraphics designer/journalist turned restaurateur, opened hiseatery four years ago. Susan Hagan brought him the ideaof a Story Slam a while back and it’s been a full roomsince. Up to $400 can be won for a solid slam.

Newcomer Marina stole the night. And the crowdcheered.

Given my advanced age, it’s tough to doanything for the first time. But thanks to We GotchaCovered, Dr. Ollie and I were invited to a Storyland ValleyZoo fund raiser: the Safari Animal Encounters Gala. Thegoal is to raise $12 million over the next 10 years to bring itup to world standards. The revitalization is being spear-headed by the Valley Zoo Development Society. ChadStewart and Donna Zazulak run the ambitious new WeGotcha Covered firm.

I never thought I’d save money merely byknowing Bryan Hall. I wanted a smaller car because my

Chrysler Intrepid was big enough to raise a family of fourin the trunk. I found one on a snowy day at CrosstownMotors and returned for a sales celebration with cake andcola. Hallsy was sitting in the used car office eating the freestuff; I went for a ride with Bob Janis. Judging by thedozens of sales plaques on his wall, he must be their bestsalesman. I liked the car and low-balled an offer.

Eventually, the used car manager, Marko Kamal,walked over and said “You really know Hallsy verywell, don’t you? He’s been our spokesman for manyyears.” “Yes, 40 years,” I said. “Okay, you’ve got yourdeal.” Two things: I saved about $5,000 off thesticker price (whatever that means)… and, I haveto be nicer to Hallsy.

The rest of the story is that, in late June, Idrove into a landscaper’s truck and trailer, parkedhalf on the road and half on the lawn… sort ofjackknifed. Somehow, I didn’t see it in the brightsunlight and did considerable damage to theright front fender. My first accident in a lot of

years… but I finally get a chance to try the insuranceclaim system after selling the product for decades.

Don’t forget to take in the Taste ofEdmonton, starting on Friday, July 18th. ChurchillSquare will be buzzing with 40 vendors, a Taste ofWine and a Taste of Beer. There is a no pet policyso leave Fido at home. Sunday will be a big daywith the Avenue of Cars, a must-see event.

Spent some time with Con Boland and hiswife Rose to celebrate his birthday at his Riverdalehome, renowned for its beautiful gardens. We got apersonal guided tour of his new place across thestreet. It doesn’t have as big a yard, but the housedoes have every gadget known to man, including afour story elevator—Con is getting on, you know.We have several family portraits taken by theaward winner, including recent ones of Dr. Ollie and mewith our miniature Schnauzer, Cue.

As some of you know, I serve on the board ofMeals on Wheels, and I want to assure folks who rely onthis service that Edmonton will not suffer the fate of theVictoria operation which has stopped home delivery. Weare blessed with very good hearted donors and people whosupport our fund raisers. And, I can’t say enough goodthings about the Meals’ dedicated staff, led by Liz Tondu,the brains behind everything, and Jim Draginda, managerof marketing and fund development. The same goes for thevolunteers who dish out the food and make the deliveriesno matter what the weather. Please don’t forget our fallfund raiser, the Celebrity Box Social. We would reallyappreciate auction items.

It was quite a honour to sort of meet the 42ndpresident of the United States, even to hug him sort of—Icouldn’t help myself and security didn’t seem to mind.

Interesting that coverage in the other local media missedBill Clinton’s remarks specific to Alberta. Basically, hesupports the continued development of our oilsands andadmitted that his “environmentalist” friends aren’t happywith that stance. He does want developers to pay moreheed to environmental factors, but is confident that it is aresource that will remain in demand for decades to come—no matter what alternatives to fuel come on stream.

Now, if we could just get Clinton to impart the samemessage to attendees at the U.S. Conference of Mayorswho were meeting in Miami. They debated a resolution byMayor Kitty Piercy from Eugene, Oregon that asked“…for environmentally sustainable energy and not fuelsfrom dirty sources like the tarsands.” Some cities are evenconsidering a ban on our fuel. The Canadian Association ofPetroleum Producers has launched www.canadaoilsands.cato open dialogue on what is being done to curb greenhousegas emissions and other environmental impacts. GettingClinton to be part of this initiative would a goodinvestment. √

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

FFwith Muggsy, Marty & Mark

Marina Michaelides

Bill ClintonPhoto by Janis Dow

EDMONTONIANS JULY 2008 3


hen you’ve been in the media aslong as I have, the number one question Iget from people I run into is…“Whatever happened to…?”

Last month on my Pugetsoundradio.com blog, I putout the ‘ask’ to Edmontonians Elsewhere and receivedresponses literally from all around the globe.

Starting with family: my brother Gord Forbes,who spent 33 years with Corus Entertainment, and waswith Moffat prior to that, is now the VP of businessdevelopment for the Vancouver Canucks. Brother GerryForbes still holds down mornings at Astral Media Radio’sCJAY 92 in Calgary. He worked with me on The Bear for abit in the mid 1990s.

Some of the original CHED guys from around1954—when it was 1080 CHED—checked in: JohnBarton and John Dolan are now in Victoria and Calgary,respectively. Both are still considered two of the top voicetalents in the business and keep active by voicing nationalcommercials for radio and television.

Other long time CHEDers elsewhere are Bob McCord,living in Laguna Beach, California… Jeff Rechner is nowdoing freelance voice work in Los Angels….former CHEDand Newcap big wig Al Anderson is in Phoenix… one-time GM Roy Hennessey is launching a brand new radiostation in Vancouver. Roy has been operating several mediabased businesses in Toronto for the past decade or so.Former program director in the station’s heyday KeithJames Sr is also living on the Left Coast and back in radio

after many years out of the business. Ernie Mushtuk, nowowns ‘half of Edson,” and many will remember ChuckBenson from his days running Yellowhead Broadcasting.

Blogging from “Down Under” is Matt Hawkinswho worked in the Edmonton media from the early 1960sto the mid-70s at CHED, CHQT and then CFRN Radio/TVas the municipal affairs/court reporter. Matt retired toNanaimo and is currently visiting his kids in Australia untilearly November.

Enjoying their retirement on the coast are folkslike former ACCESS and CKUA ex-execs DonThomas, and Jackie Rollins who e-mailed in from theParksville/Qualicom on the island. Don’ son Myke hasbeen my pal for many years. He toiled at CJCA in themid 1970s and now is the Homes Editor for theCalgary Sun.

Kathy Kovacs checked in from Vancouver,reminding me of several ex-Edmontonians nowworking there: the multi talented Dawn Chubai,Perry Solkowski, Kerri Adams, Robin Sticklee andChristie Gordon, to name just a few. And, from CISNwith one of the best names ever, Mannie Bazunis—nephew of the legendary Ernie Afaganis—is at CTV.

Many others contacted me from the area: JimArchibald, Noreen Lodge, George “Jockey G” Kelsoand Al Shaver, all from CFRN… plus Jim Hockley fromCFRN/CHQT. Ex Nor Net owners Hugh McKinnon andGene Daniels stay involved in the business from their westcoast base as well.

In the BC Interior, long time on-air guy NickCarter is still working in the business in Kamloops. Hestarted in the Canadian Forces Radio Baden-Soellingen,West Germany in 1971; then worked evenings at CFRN-AM , CJCA and CHQT in the 1970s. Former Telemediaboss Doug Shillington is retired in the Vernon area.

More ex CTV – Kathryn McDonald and PeterLabardious now toil in Toronto… Roger Millions

works for Sportsnet out of Calgary… formerweatherman Ian Leonard is in Minneapolis… and thebespeckled Ashley Banfield is in New York. Formeranchor gal Leslie Miller is with ABC TV Los Angeles.

From the original K-97 staffers: Al Murdochis making a great living as a freelance voice talent inVancouver… ex GM Matthew McBride is now amulti-license holder on the west coast… and formersales guy Wayne Keen was last sighted in Mexico.

I also got word from a few Edmonton Journalwriters: Wayne Overland has homes here inEdmonton as well as in Victoria and Phoenix… JimDavies is ‘somewhere in Mexico’ and checks in withme about every two years… Bob Remington callsCanmore home and freelances for the National Post.

Jerry Siemons, who used to be CISN programdirector, was in town from Vancouver to apply for anew FM station for Pattison Broacasting. He wasjoined by Pattison’s Kelowna GM, Bruce Davis.Another former Edmontonian, Jim McLaughlin,fronted an application to the CRTC as well.

Former Moffat GM Vern Traill still enjoys life inMoose Jaw, Saskatchewan. And I heard from JohnBeaudin, an ex K Lite-type, who moved to Calgary.Michael Kuze, former A Channel weatherman is inToronto.

Finally…checking in from Lloydminster, isColleen Valentine who worked at several Edmontonstations throughout the 1990s.

If I missed you… next time around.

Marty Forbes is VP and general manager of The Bear,EZRock and The TEAM 1260 Sports Radio. [email protected]

WW

ack from the North. Inuvik to beexact... where I hosted the 8th Inuvik PetroleumShow. Big news out of the gathering includesthe successful record bid of $1.8 billion for the

rights to explore for oil and gas on a chunk of land belowthe Beaufort Sea by BP Exploration. That could certainlylead to substantial pumping down the road. Other newsincludes even more delays on the long-awaited $16.2billion Mackenzie Gas Project. Fred Carmichael, chair ofthe Aboriginal Pipeline Group, gave quite a speech sayinghe wants everyone involved to pressure the Joint ReviewPanel to make its ruling on the project this year, not nextyear. The regulatory body has to make sure the gas projectdoes not have a negative environmental impact.

Also part of the show: former Alberta Premier RalphKlein who was the keynote speaker and comedian RickMercer. I was so looking forward to Ralph’s speech. Ithought that now that he is out of politics, he would letloose and lay us out with his thoughts and opinions—not somuch. He rambled on about the media and how “importantit was to get out from under the dome.” Entertaining, Isuppose, but not much to chew on. In contrast, Rick put ona very smooth and funny show. He told us stories about hisadventures on television and backed it up with clips fromhis show(s). I heard that he might be touring the showacross the country. Something to check out.

At the end of May, I was out for a bicycle ridewhen I came upon a large group of cyclists near City Hall.It turned out to be the monthly gathering of likemindedcyclists or any other ‘self-propelled’folks who take part in ‘Critical Mass’events. They happen in various citiesaround the world... and the slogansums up the mission: “We aren’tblocking traffic; we are traffic.”

The mass, including me, rode fromCity Hall to Gazebo Park in OldStrathcona... taking up the entire streeton our way. The event promotes non-polluting transportation and raises theprofile of cyclists in Edmonton. I foundthe riders to be a fine group. It was a pleasure to ride overthe High Level Bridge without any cars on it. However, a

350 Z driver, frustrated because he couldn’t get by us, cameawful close to clipping one of the cyclists.

I’m a wee bit conflicted with Critical Mass. On one hand,after nearly being killed more that once cycling, it’s goodthat the event shines a light on cyclists. On the other hand, Iwonder if it will do a disservice by pissing off car drivers.

I find bicycling on Edmonton streets frustrating anddangerous, considering the sloppy road conditions andsome drivers who seem unwilling to share the road. Itforces a lot of bicycle riders to the sidewalk, which isdangerous for walkers.

It would be nice if drivers and riders would share the roadand follow the rules. If drivers were more conscience of andcourteous to cyclists, more people would bike to work. In aperfect world, this city would have designated bikepaths/lanes for commuters—the river valley trails are greatfor your heart and soul but not the best for getting to work.Sooner than we think, bicycles will dominate the roads ofthe city. If you want to join a Critical Mass ride, the nextone is the last Friday of the month at 5:30pm. Meet at thefountain at City Hall. www.edmontoncriticalmass.com

What a sight at the Alberta Aviation Museum...On Sunday, June 22nd, I witnessed a Canadian North 737Combi aircraft with its side hatch wide open—andEdmonton’s own guitar hero BobbyCameron, wailing away on his FenderStrat. It was Rockin’ the Runway,sponsored by Canadian North Airlines.The rain didn’t dampen our spirits.

Bobby, Anne Vriend and othersperformed in what was billed as theworld’s first Boeing 737 Combiconcert. It may hit the road, I mean air,for concerts throughout the North. It’sbeen a while since I’ve seen Bobbyplay—he was solid. He’s heading eastfor the Stan Rogers Folk Fest, thenhe’ll be at the Central Music Fest in Red Deer onAugust 16th and the Beaumont Blues Fest on the 30th.www.bobbycameron.com

I hosted the World IndigineousFilm Awards... as a part of the 2008Dreamspeakers InternationalAboriginal Film & Television Awards.Congrats to all the winning films. I raninto actor Morris Birdyellowheadwho was in Bury My Heart atWounded Knee, September Dawn, andMel Gibson’s Apocalypto in whichhe played Flint Sky. He was givinghigh praise to Older than America

which won best drama and best featurefilm. It was directed/executive produced by and starsGeorgina Lightning and Adam Beach. Here’s the story

line, according to imdb: “A woman’s haunting visionsreveal a Catholic priest’s sinister plot to silence her motherfrom speaking the truth about the atrocities that took placeat her Native American boarding school. A contemporarydrama of suspense, Older than America delves into thelasting impact of the cultural genocide and loss of identitythat occurred at these institutions across the United Statesand Canada”

Morris told me, “I have heard those stories my entire life.I was amazing to see this story on the screen. I have to saythat it is important for all to see this film. It helped me and Ithink it will help everyone fully understand what happenedin our past.” When I asked Georgina where we can see thisfilm after its debut at Dreamspeakers, she suggestedkeeping an eye on www.olderthanamerica.com.

Just say YESS to Chris Curtola... the VP of theJunior Chamber International Edmonton sent me an e-mailto get a plug in for the 10th Annual JCI golf tournament, insupport of the Youth Emergency Shelter Society (YESS)—a great and important cause. There’s an 8:00AM-shotgunstart on Friday, July 11th at the Links in Spruce Grove.Chris says there’s still time to sign up. The Links is in greatshape and the steaks, cooked over charcoal by DaleConnors, are delicious. Contact Colleen Alexander at 780-720-3839 or [email protected]

I was very fortunate to beamong the near 2000 people atthe President Bill Clinton speechon the 20th of June. My thanks toEdmontonians Sharon MacLeanand Barb Deters for the Emeraldseat. Hey, I got to shake the man’shand and will eventually have thepicture to prove it.

I just wanted to say that Clintonis likely the finest speaker I haveever heard. Nary a um/er/ah in 60

minutes plus. I really connected with what he thinks are thethree things that absolutely have to be addressed on ourplanet: inequality, insecurity and unsustainablilty. Heinspired me to do more... especially with regards to theenvironment.

Clinton’s latest book Giving: How Each of Us CanChange the World –explains a lot of what he was rappingabout. He’s doing a lot to change the lives of theunderprivileged around the world. His ability to raisemillions upon millions of dollars is impressive—when heasks, people give.

He’ll be back... don’t miss him. √

Mark Scholz, owner of MES Communications Inc. offers avariety of services including production, creative andentertainment. For more information or to suggest a storyidea, email [email protected]

BB

Mark and ‘Critical Mass’

Bobby Cameron, Rockin’ the RunwayBobby Cameron, Rockin’ the Runway

4



FOUNDERDICK MacLEAN

JULY 2008Vol. XIX

Published by 399620 Alberta Ltd. on the first day of eachmonth at C-100 Park Side Tower, 8920-100th StreetEdmonton AB CA T6E 4Y8. ©All rights reserved. Nopart of this publication may be reprinted or reproduced inany form without 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 DepartmentC-100 Park Side Tower, 8920-100th StreetEdmonton AB CA T6E 4Y8Email: [email protected]

SHARON MacLEANPublisher and Advertising Director

Telephone: 780.482.7000Fax: 780.488.9317

e-mail: [email protected]

INSIDEVOX POPMuggsy Forbes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2Marty Forbes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3Mark Scholz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3POLL STATIONGambling/Banister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

TRENDSConcierge service/Lauber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Coaching/Vespi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

SOCIAL SCENECountry BBQ photo feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

THE TRANSFORMERSEnd is beginning/Hanlen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7Emotional wiring/Brost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Natural abilities/Bradshaw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9Fearing the worst/Ohlhauser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

CIVIC BUZZ/Norwood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12MEDIA MINUTE/Hogle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

CORPORATE ETHICSGraduation/Somji . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13MY E-SPACEBreathe/Rayner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

LIVELY LIFESTYLESMenu Magic/Berry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Absolute Bodo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

BARB DETERSEditor

[email protected]

COLUMNISTSLinda Banister

John BerryLinda Bodo

Marty ForbesMuggsy Forbes

Bruce HogleDavid Norwood

Erin RaynerMark Scholz

Nizar J. Somji

FEATURE WRITERSBarb DetersRick Lauber

Peter Drake McHughMarg. PullishyLaurel Vespi

PHOTOGRAPHERSTerry Bourque

Janis Dow

SPECIAL PROJECTSEdmontonians Transformers

Tom BradshawLes Brost

Steffany HanlenLarry Ohlhauser

GRAPHIC PRODUCTIONRage Studios Inc.

THIS MONTH’S COVER

The Transformerswith the TransformeesPhoto by Terry Bourque

No. 7

1919YEARS

C E L E B R A T I N G

HAVE YOU VISITED A CASINO IN THE PAST YEAR?

To begin, survey respondents were asked if they had visited acasino in the past year. While 31 percent indicated they hadvisited a casino, 69 percent stated they had not. The mostfrequently cited reason to not visit a casino was that they do notgamble in general (58 percent), while 29 percent had no interestor time, and a small percentage felt casinos were a waste ofmoney (four percent). Of the 31 percent who had visited acasino, 45 percent had been once, 42 percent had gone two tofive times, while 13 percent had visited six or more times.Playing slot machines and volunteering were listed as the topactivities during the visits to the casino.

HAVE YOU PLAYED BINGO IN THE PAST YEAR?Respondents were then asked about their participation in bingogames at bingo halls in the past year. The majority (94 percent)had not played bingo in the past year, while six percent hadplayed. Of these respondents, 50 percent had played once and 33percent two to five times. Eleven percent were more frequentvisitors who had played 11 or more times. When asked what theirprimary purpose was for playing bingo, 67 percent considered ita social outing. Of the 94 percent who had not played bingo inthe past year, having no interest in general and not gamblingwere the top reasons they hadn’t participated (59 and 19 percent,respectively).

HAVE YOU PURCHASED A LOTTERY TICKET IN THE PAST YEAR AND HAVE YOU WON?Finally, respondents were asked about their lottery ticketpurchases (lottery tickets include 6-49, Super 7 or any othergaming tickets available from licensed vendors and lotterykiosks). About one third (36 percent) had not purchased a lotteryticket in the past year, citing reasons that included not believingin them (25 percent), not gambling (25 percent), the perception

of low chances of winning (22 percent), and the belief that lotterytickets are a waste of money (14 percent). Of the 64 percent whohad purchased a lottery ticket, 39 percent did so less than once amonth, 17 percent about once a month, and 44 percent more thanonce a month.

When those respondents were asked whether or not they hadever won anything from their ticket purchases, 66 percentreported that they had, while the remaining 34 percent had not.When the winners were asked what they had won, answers variedfrom a free ticket or free play (five percent) up to $100,000 (twopercent). The most common answers, however, were $50 (20percent) followed by $20 (16 percent). When respondents whohad not previously won in the past were asked if they plan onpurchasing a lottery ticket in the future, 96 percent said yes, theyare going to keep on trying.

The Poll Station surveyed 100 City of Edmonton residents on the topicand, while the results of the research are not statistically reliable, theydo provide a qualitative indication of what Edmontonians are thinking.

New to the Edmontonians website:Monthly Poll Station Online Question

Visit www.edmontonians.com to register your opinion

Want a question included in the Edmontonians Poll?Contact Linda at 780.451.4444 or e-mail

[email protected].

Linda Banister is a certified management consultant and the owner ofBanister Research and Consulting Inc., a full service provider ofmarket research and program evaluation services. Visitwww.banister.ab.ca.

STATIONith the hopes of one day hitting the jackpot, people have been enticed fordecades by various gambling activities. From Blackjack to Western 6/49, thereare endless opportunities to try your luck. This month’s Poll Station askedEdmontonians about their participation in various gambling activities. WW

With Linda Banister

PollPoll

69%

39%

17%

44%

31%

Said they had not visiteda casino in the past year

Said they played the lotteryless than once a month.

Said they played the lotteryabout once a month.

Said they played the lotterymore than once a month.

Said they have visited acasino in the past year

Perc

enta

ge

Perc

enta

ge

OF THOSE WHO HAVE PLAYED THE LOTTERY...

EDMONTONIANS JULY 2008 5


Erickson College offers:Brain Based teaching on how the Human Brain actually works, andwith that knowledge you can assist people to:

• think and act more effectively;• Solve problems;• Generate new possibilities;• set SMART Goals –(Specific ,Measurable, Realistic & Timed);and much more…

“ Whether you are an experienced manager of a large team or anindividual contributor, if you believe in coaching and the power of askingquestions to inspire and transform people, this course is for you. It hasfundamentally changed my perspective on coaching and leadership andwe will continue to use the Erickson team to help our company worktogether more effectively and to perform at a higher level.”

Tim Robinson Ph.D. Director, Corporate Leadershipand Executive Development, CANADA POST.

Erickson College also conducts this ACTP programvia online distance learning.

Edmonton CoachTraining Program Two Start Dates: Sept 9 and Oct 7

For further information call1-800-665-6949 or e-mail:

[email protected]

uggling requires a sharp eye,coordination, patience and practice.It is both a skill and an art. Thebusker is polished—you or I wouldbe lucky to keep all three torches in

the air for longer than mere seconds. Think what you may: juggling doesn’t come

naturally to everyone. We drive with cellphones glued to our ears… we race from theoffice to the gym… we shuttle the kids to andfrom soccer practices. Our quality of life iscompromised. Instead of vainly tossing yetmore torches skyward, know that there is aviable answer: a concierge.

Most of us are familiar with the courteoushotel concierge who assists guests. Few areaware that the position has history behind it,dating back to the Middle Ages. In those days, acastle “concierge” kept the keys to each roomand made visitors comfortable. That role hassince evolved to become a “personal assistant” withmore—and different—responsibilities.

Regarding services, “A lot of us will say: anythinglegal, moral or ethical,” laughs Elan Lynes, director

of concierge élan Inc., here in Edmonton. She worksprimarily with the corporate sector. “It can be asbasic as having your dry cleaning or groceryshopping picked up and dropped off. Birthdaypresents purchased, wrapped and delivered to theoffice… small event planning… travel arrangements.Whatever our client needs is the service we provide.”

A concierge can and does wear many hats. And,who knew, the industry even has an overseeing body:the National Concierge Association. The NCA wasestablished in 1998 in Dallas, Texas by a group ofconcierge professionals who wanted to create aplatform for networking on a local and globalbasis… throughout the United States, Canada andinternationally. The NCA’s presence is feltworldwide with members in the corporate, hotel,retail, entertainment, civic, academic, residential andprivately-owned industry sectors.

NCA’s founding president, Sara-Ann Kasner, oncea concierge herself, often called counterparts inother cities seeking information. “She was phoningaround and really trying to

connect with thatcity, so she couldbe confidentabout where shewas sending herclient,”continuesLynes. Kasnerquestioned whysuchprofessionalswere notactivelynetworkingwith eachother. Clientsare mobile,after all:Corporatetypes often jetto meetings inother cities…othercountries.

Researchand web-

surfing aside, who better than someone local torecommend accommodation, restaurants and carrentals? And so, Kasner created the NCA. Theassociation, now 10 years old, has chapters in manyU.S. cities and recently expanded into Canada.

Lynes joined the Edmonton chapter and welcomesthe benefits of the NCA’s networking, support andannual conferences.

Laura Mitchell, president of Details Plus LifestyleManagement Inc.—soon to become Details PlusLifestyle Concierge Inc.—also sees tremendousworth in the NCA. She, along with her daughter,Katie, will become members “…as soon as they havethe next meeting,” enthuses the elder Mitchell. “It’sgood for all of us in a similar business to be able toshare ideas and things that we can improve. Bybelonging to an association, it will help us to rise toa level for ourselves and to educate us … I think itwill be a good thing to be part of something that’snational.”

While Lynes and the Mitchells serve two differentclient bases, there can be a crossover. With DetailsPlus clients, Mitchell explains, “We’re trying tofocus on their homes and what is necessary to helptheir corporate lives… we’re making their homes runso their corporate lives can run smoother.” This ofteninvolves managing the home while a client is awayon business, but there have been other requests.“We’ve picked up passports… taken cars in to beserviced… and picked up exam material for someonewho had to study on the plane.”

Not many castles remain today, but you can findconcierges elsewhere: golf courses, personal healthclubs and apartment buildings . “It really raises yourvalue as a property owner,” says Lynes. Even theEdmonton Oilers have hired a concierge. Jill Metz,the team’s Family Liaison, has been with the teamfor three seasons. She works with newly-acquiredplayers and their families to welcome them, easetheir angst in what may be a difficult transition, andorient them to their new community.

“It really started with an idea that Kevin [Lowe]had quite a few years ago that a lot more could bedone for the family to integrate them both toEdmonton and Alberta,” explains Tandy Kustiak,Oilers’ human resources manager. “It’s been atremendous resource. You think it soundsstraightforward but, with coming from Europe orother countries, barely speaking the language, it’svery, very tough for them.” Now, other NHL teamsare considering following suit. “This is a uniqueposition to the NHL overall… many of the teamshave been phoning and asking us why we set it up,what are the benefits and how it came about.”

Whether you’re a star on ice or in the boardroom,save youself from stress. Leave the juggling to eithera concierge or a busker… both are qualifiedprofessionals. √

JJBy Rick Lauber

Elan Lynes, director ofconcierge élan Inc.

Rise of theconcierge—Now in Edmonton



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Edmontonians Transformers show youhow to utilize soft skills in allaspects of your work—in dealingwith the board... in leading theexecutive team... and in buildingrelationships with employees. Quitesimply, the soft skills will largelydetermine your ultimate success.

Edmontonians Transformers arededicated to equipping businessleaders, entrepreneurs andemployees for total success in themarketplace.

Edmontonians Transformers guide youthrough strategies that help youreframe your experience andknowledge— to lead you into thedepths of your insight, character andcommitment... to renew your passionfor your work... to inspire you to livehealthy, fulfilling lives.

Champions know there is more…Develop your soft skills to achieve better business results

Send us 250 words telling us about yourself, your companyand why you want time with The Transformers.

ENTER NOW!Contest closes: September 30, 2008

E-mail [email protected] or submit your entry toEdmontonians, C-100 Park Side Tower, 8920-100th Street,

Edmonton, Alberta T6E 4Y8

* Winners must agree to having the story of their progresspublished in Edmontonians

ENTER TO WIN YOUR VERY OWN TRANSFORMATION!$40,000

Value!$40,000Value!

4x the energy 4x the perspective 4x the counsel 4x the results

Steffany Hanlen Les Brost Tom Bradshaw Larry Ohlhauser

Summertime

Cathy Chomiak pilots her husband, John, around in her new toy at their farmnear Moscow, Alberta. John raises Charolais and money for premiers ofAlberta. He also heads up Hemisphere Engineering.

“We’re staying at home this summerlooking after our Green and Gold garden,”says the University of Alberta’s Chair,Board of Governors, Brian Heidecker.“That’s Jim Hole’s idea; he’s co-chairingthe university’s centenary celebrations.”Brian, a former rancher is the “chiefgardening expert among other things” onthe Board and likes to project manage2300 bedding plants out his back door.

Donna Von Hauff with Natasha on her lap is joined bylawyer–accountant-biz mogul Samy Salloum and Linda Hall.Donna is spending time with two Peruvian Paso horses bornthis Spring. Sired by her first stallion, El Zorro, one is calledEl Yuma and the other remains nameless. “They ride like aRolls Royce,” enthuses the retired author and fund-raisingexecutive. “I will train them for show and continue to breeduntil my husband, Peter, says it’s time to sell.”

Dr. Raj Sherman is the parliamentary assistant for Alberta Health and Wellnessand will be “working, working, working” this summer, says his constituencyoffice manager, Mary Martin. Raj was in Boston last week attending an earlychildhood conference and is off to Halifax for a week in July. In the meantime,he spends one day every two weeks as an emergency doc at the NortheastCommunity Health Centre.

Sharon MacLean with Louise Graywho took over marketing duties atHemisphere Engineering from BarbMantai. Barb spent 20 years atHemisphere before deciding to marryVern last year and retire.

Principal electrical engineer at HemisphereEngineering Vern Mantai with Dr. WayneShillington, President of Norquest College,who’s vacationing all of July.

“I look forward to selling raffle tickets for the Downtown Rotary Club at Capital Ex,”says jacket model Dr. Paul Byrne, president ofGrant MacEwan College. Between speakingengagements in Quebec on the topic ofeducational leadership, Paul plans on stayingclose to home this summer. “And, oh yes,”says the road fan, “I really like the Rexall Indy,too.”

Lorraine and her husband, thepride of Vegreville, Don Mazankowski—for whom the Alberta Heart Institute wasnamed—relax at a BBQ on the longestday of the year. Richard Furtak is onthe right.

SCENEsocial

Near the CityPhotos by Peter Von Hauff

7EDMONTONIANS JULY 2008


f change was easy, more people would do it. Iftransformation was easy, I think we would all bemuch closer to living the lives we say we want. Inorder to be successful, you have to believe it is

possible. To get from the daily grind to a life of your owndesign means habits, behaviours, communication skills andawareness must improve. This is not an option.

The journey for Brent Taylor and Arlene Schilke beganwith an enthusiastic Brent “diving off the cliff” into a five-month long experience with the Transformers—almost as ifhe knew what he and his wife/business partner were gettinginto. Now I wonder: If they knew then what they knownow, would they have taken on this challenge? They ‘said’they wanted to transform their lives and business, but didthey really mean it?

My first meeting with the owners of Timewise EventManagement Inc. came soon after they won theEdmontonians Transformers’ contest. We selected them forseveral reasons: The one that jumped out for me was that Isaw a small business bursting at the seams with no realplan, direction or vision for growth. This excited me. Thisrealization terrified them. At different times, each actuallytold me they were afraid of what this process might do totheir lives. Whether it was working or not, they knew whatto expect on a day-to-day basis. Trying to run a businesswithout some sort of vision is not only an excuse for failing,it is exhausting. And they were both exhausted. They havenot taken a vacation in years. Arlene stated that one of thegoals she had for the next 12 months was to book a familyholiday to Hawaii. Brent was dumbfounded and exclaimed,“Are you crazy?… that means we have to work evenharder.”

I had my work cut out for me.So, we met for more than three hours. Our time together

was designed to begin the process of helping Brent andArlene identify their core beliefs and start to create a visionfor their lives based on balance between home and work.

As very committed and intense individuals, they arestrong in their opinions about what each other needs todo… however, neither realized it might have been a goodidea to talk about who would do what, by when and why. Ididn’t expect their disturbing lack of communication. Whenasked, neither Brent nor Arlene had any idea how the otherfelt about their own roles in life or the role the other personhad assumed at work or at home.

The values exercise I asked them to complete brought upa series of unexpected emotions. Brent and Arlene, byvirtue of their answers, both discovered they are moredriven by their voids than motivated by things they value.This means they are working extremely hard to not fail…rather working smart to succeed. This leads to a fear basedmanagement-by-fire system of leadership that has themreacting to short term issues as they arise daily. Therealization stopped them cold. They had been working intheir business, and not on it—the classic treadmill trap ofsmall business.

During the next few months, I suggested books they

should read… helped them refine their vision… andanswered a couple of e-mails to help clarify some ofthe key issues they still had.

As the transformation process came to an end, webooked a final meeting to give their experience someclosure. Both Arlene and Brent stated that the processhad been “awesome”… that they have seen positivechanges in each other. They told us they now attend tothe business in a much more communicative and

supportive way with each other and their staff. Theimportant revelation for me was hearing that they arestructuring their time around having a life balance inplace that supports them, using the tools werecommended to help them keep growing andcommunicating more clearly and respectfully.

The downside was that neither Brent nor Arlenecommitted to building their vision as part of an ongoingsuccess plan: There is no trip to Hawaii booked and neitherhas added fitness to their daily or even weekly plan.

Certainly, I wish Arlene and Brent all the best, but I’mdisappointed they didn’t use the Transformers more whenthey had us at their disposal. Had I won a package like this,I know I would have been way more selfish, especiallygiven its value beyond its dollar worth. And, since change ishard, why try and do that alone, too?

Nonetheless, this has been a wonderful experience forme. I met two fantastic people with huge potential forsuccess who were willing to give it their best shot. Brentand Arlene also see that the end oftheir transformation is just thebeginning. √

Steffany Hanlen is a personalperformance coach who conductsThe Champion Seminars.Contact:[email protected]

II

The End is the BeginningThe End is the Beginningwith Steffany Hanlen

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otivation is not anissue for Brent andArlene. They areambitious people

from rural homes where hard workwas a given, seeking success intheir business and personal lives.Transformer Steffany Hanlen’swork has focused them onmanaging their business rather thanhaving their business manage them.

That leaves the last ingredient inthe transformational recipe:courage. It takes courage to lookinward to see the role we play inconflict… to take responsibility forour part… to discard old alibis.

We must also be prepared to letgo of false scripts. Are our partnersand associates really behaving asthey do because they want to bedifficult? Could it be that their“emotional wiring” is playing apart in the situation? Thefoundation of successful conflictmanagement is realizing we are allemotional beings with different“wiring”. Our challenge is tounderstand how to manage thosedifferences and to reactappropriately.

Brent and Arlene differsignificantly in their approaches toemotion. While both try to suppressthe feelings driving conflict, theirmotives for doing so are polesapart.

It is Brent’s preference to internalize and analyze conflict. He tends to “de-emotionalize”discord and treat it as an intellectual exercise. This is his default style of conflictmanagement.

Arlene works very hard to keep her emotions in check. Understandably, particularly inthe business environment which often marginalizes women who show strong feelings.While Arlene has learned to repress her emotions, it is not her preferred conflict style. Ittakes tremendous concentration for her to maintain control in difficult situations. And, it’senergy-draining. Her powers of concentration are now being put to better use as she learnsto “be easy” with her emotions.

The first challenge Brent and Arlene faced was to understand how their different conflict

styles affect their relationship.Working with me, they havebegun to recognize the dynamicsof their own conflicts and seetheir individual roles in thesituation.

They have come a long way inachieving that understanding.Arlene’s awareness that, “…thethings I say affect Brent moredeeply than I realized” was ahuge step forward. Brent nowhas a deeper understanding ofthe nature of conflict—especiallyits inevitability.

Conflict often emergesbecause of our human tendencyto judge others, and to reacttoward them in a mannerconsistent with our judgment.This is particularly true forpeople like Brent and Arlenewho have a strong religiousbackground.

The Timewise duo is notunique. All of us play thejudgment game and ourconclusions say as much aboutus as they do about the object ofour judgment.

My Judgment Guide is ahandy tool for self-assessment…a checklist I use when I findmyself sliding down judgment’sslippery slope. I ask myself thesequestions: • Am I understanding before Ijudge?• Is it really necessary to judgethis person? Do their beliefs oractions harm anyone butthemselves? Is it my place tojudge?• Do I listen to what my

judgment says about me, more than what it says about others?• Am I judging large, when I should be judging small and specific?

For all of us, the rush to judgment is a huge barrier to power listening, and to deeperunderstanding. Why bother to listen for understanding when we’ve already made up ourminds? Arlene spoke of the internal shift that has occurred since she has begun to focus onputting herself in the place of others before going to judgment.

Complex relationships bring added pressure—the more roles we play, the greater thepotential for conflict. Arlene and Brent are lovers, spouses, parents and business partners.That’s about as complex and as challenging as it can get. It’s important that they haveclearly defined roles and responsibilities, and mutually reinforce each other within theircompany. As parents, they understand the concept of “united we stand, divided our childrenplay us against one another.” It’s the same basic concept for staff management.

Brent and Arlene have certainly learned the importance of boundaries. It’s imperative thatlife partners who are also business partners define parameters around the different roles thatare being played at any given moment. At our first meeting, I challenged them to monitorthe times they “talked shop” in the bedroom. I asked them at our second meeting to noteany shifts or insights that had occurred in the interval between the meetings. Arlene quicklyresponded, “We had no idea how much we were talking business in the bedroom!’

The more complex the relationship, the more imperative it becomes to develop strategiesto manage the boundary issues and conflicts that emerge. Business pressures place hugestress on the loving relationship between couples who are also business partners, andbusiness setbacks or failures can deal a fatal blow to personal relationships.

Brent and Arlene are up to that challenge—they are an impressivecouple. It was gratifying to work with people who have a strongwork ethic, and a deep and powerful commitment to each other,their family and their business. Brent and Arlene are willing to dothe ongoing heavy lifting that comes with personal and professionalgrowth. The Timewise team is on their way to transformation. √

Les Brost is head of Souther Star Communications.Contact: [email protected]



with Les Brost

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uring the Transformers original interview, Arlene and Brent presentedvocal tendencies that would require a bit more investigation.Consequently, some fun vocal challenges were in order. Both hadbreathing issues and articulators that needed motivation.

We discussed a number of issues related to speaking and the voice—from how tonegotiate speaking protocol at conventions and seminars to proper pronunciationissues (schedule, skedule). Then I heard this common complaint: “Why is it thatsometimes you meet with a prospective client… and you know that you are theirperfect match. You explain your plan in detail and expect them to jump at your offer.What happens? They stare blankly, thank you for your time, and excuse themselves.”Sometimes you never had a chance. More often, the answer has to do with whathappened, in the room. Perhaps the presentation missed the mark.

We moved on. I gave Arlene and Brad a challenge: I asked them to tell me aboutthemselves, Timewise and what role each plays in the company in a three- to five-minute presentation.

Arlene was up first and is a naturally gifted speaker. She has a strong voice, a greatsmile and skill as a writer. But, there were also some not so great things happening.The pace was very fast; there was a lack of effective phrasing and limited pausing.The result? Too many ideas were coming at us at once. We were being asked toconsider ideas but not given enough time to think… our brains couldn’t keep up andour focus began to drift. Once Arlene lost us, it wasn’t easy getting us back.

With Brad, it was a surprise to see the effect stepping in front of the camera had onthe onetime cameraman. His tension rose, his voice retreated into the back of thethroat and he became difficult to understand. Brad has the Canadian habit ofinflecting up at the end of most sentences, turning statements into questions. This puthis credibility at risk. His natural ability with humour helped make him likable butthe verbalized pauses made his presentation difficult to follow. Brad’s gestures weregenerally good… but, during the second part of his presentation, his hands remainedinterlocked in a death grip, flying apart on the line “Well, that concludes mypresentation.”

Getting their points across, especially with the pressure on, was not easy. Giving smart people good information went a long way to getting this dynamic

couple on track. Like most people, it is what they do not know that holds them back.A few weeks later, I spent time talking with Brent and Arlene and introducing themto a new tool designed to correct some of their speech sounds and improve theirvoices.

At the final interview, Arlene’s speaking pattern had noticeably improved. Therewere a few times when the passion increased and speed took over but, more often,her words were well chosen. Generally, she expressed herself well. Brent has madegreat strides. He told us how simply marking places to pause in a speech helped hisspeaking at a conference. His voice has come along way but still recedes into theback of the throat at times. There is a battle to keep the sound coming forward

without it sliding into nasality. Both are works-in-progress and I hope they continueto apply the advice they have been given.

As the other Transformers asked them questions regarding the experience, Ilistened to their voices, what they were saying and how they were saying it.

While Brent and Arlene have grown and learned a great deal, they expressed somefrustration that the process was wrapping up just when their schedules werebecoming more open, and this training could really be more fully explored. Alas, Ihave noticed in my life that we meet teachers not when we are ready for them butwhen we need them.

There is no doubt that the time spent with the Transformersaffected their lives. The true test will be to see if it changestheir lives. Over the next few months, they will have theopportunity to work on the T4 skills and to keep exploring andbuilding everyday. If they can make these skills not somethingthey are doing, but the way they are doing things, they will beon their way. √

Tom Bradshaw is the head of the Academy of Voice & Speech.Contact: [email protected]



DD

NaturalAbilitiesNaturalAbilitieswith Tom BradshawPhoto by Terry Bourque



oaching is one of the fastest growingprofessions in the world, having gainedincreasing popularity in the past 10 years. Thisgrowth reflects people’s interest in personaldevelopment and organizations’ desires for

advantages over competitors in a glo7l economy. Successstories have also contributed to the demand for coaching aspeople become aware of the tangible benefits thatindividuals and organizations experience when workingwith a professional coach.

WHAT IS COACHING?Coaching is an ongoing professional relationship that helpspeople produce extraordinary results in their lives, careers,businesses or organizations. Through the process, clientsdeepen their learning, improve their performance, andenhance their quality of life. Coaches partner with clients ina collaborative, thought-provoking and creative exchangethat inspires them to maximize their personal andprofessional potential. Coaches are trained to listen, toobserve and to customize their approach to individual clientneeds.

WHY HIRE A COACH?Individuals hire a professional coach for many reasons: toboost their career performance… to have higher-qualityrelationships… to improve health and wellness… to explorespiritual and personal fulfillment… or to set and achievemore ambitious goals.

Organizations use coaching as a way to provide personaland professional development. Studies demonstrate that itproduces more profound and longer-lasting results than justtraining and/or consultation interventions alone. At one time,coaching within organizations was primarily focused onremediating under-performance. Today, organizationspartner with coaches for a wide variety of reasons: team andleadership development, change management, employeemotivation and retention, workplace culture, and visionclarification.

HOW DOES COACHING WORK?Coaching can take place via telephone or in person, between

two and four times per month in meetings that last 30 to 60minutes. In each meeting, the client chooses the focus of thesession, while the coach listens, and contributes observationsand questions. The coach provides structure, tools andsupport for clients to examine their assumptions andperceptions, identify obstacles and set goals. This interactioncreates clarity and moves the client into action.

HOW DOES COACHING DIFFERFROM OTHER PROFESSIONS?Coaching is distinct from other professions in both thetechniques and approaches used. Consultants are usuallyhired for the purpose of accessing specialized expertise.They usually diagnose problems and prescribe solutions. Ingeneral, the assumption with coaching is that clients arecapable of generating their own solutions, with the coachsupplying supportive, discovery-based approaches andtechniques.

Coaching can also be distinguished from therapy thatdeals with healing pain, dysfunction or conflict. The focus istypically on resolving difficulties arising from the pastwhich hamper an individual’s emotional functioning in thepresent. Coaching, on the other hand, is forward moving andfuture-focused with emphasis on action and accountabilityrelated to personal or professional success.

Mentoring is often confused with coaching. Mentors usetheir own experiences in a specific industry or area of careerdevelopment to guide less experienced individuals.Although some coaches may mentor new coaches, they arenot mentors to their clients.

WHAT SHOULD SOMEONE LOOK FORWHEN SELECTING A COACH?Professional coaching is a self-regulated industry; there areno legislation or regulations governing who can use the title“coach”. With the increasing popularity of coaching, therehas been a proliferation of people adding “coach” to theirbusiness cards. Many have not been formally trained inspecific coaching skills and are simply transferring skill setsfrom other professions. Often, this results in an inadequateor ineffective coaching experience for clients.

Coaching has its own unique skills and competencies.

Professional credentials in other areas do not mean that anindividual has the skill set needed in effective professionalcoaching. Potential clients should be diligent in asking aboutcoach-specific training and credentials.

Certification comes from the International CoachFederation (ICF), the largest organization of professionalcoaches. It means the coach has received professionaltraining from a program specifically designed to teachcoaching skills in alignment with the ICF Competencies,and is accountable to the ethics and standards set forth bythe ICF Code of Ethics. √

Need a coach?Questions to ask when hiring a coach:

• What is your coach-specific training? • Do you hold an ICF credential, or are you enrolled in

an ICF accredited training program? • What is your area of coaching specialty? • What specialized skills or experience do you bring to

your coaching? • What is your philosophy about coaching? • What is your specific process for coaching? (How

sessions are conducted, frequency, etc.) • What are some coaching success stories? (specific

examples of individuals who have done well andexamples of how value was added).

For more information about coaching or to locate atrained coach in your area:

International Coach Federationwww.coachfederation.orgEdmonton Association of Professional Coaches www.edmontoncoaches.com

Laurel Vespi is a certified life coach and author ofSpontaneous Combustion: Setting Your Life on Fire. Sheis the President of the Edmonton Association ofProfessional Coaches. Check out the Free Stuff onLaurel’s website where you can also receive free coachingtips and inspiration by subscribing to her newsletter,Inside the Circle. www.stonecirclecoaching.com

By Laurel Vespi

CC

finda coach

In praise of the coachIt’s not therapy

• How to develop in new positions

• Transitioning into leadership roles

• The “crisis of too much”

• Increased professional and personal success

Leadership, management and coaching experiencein government with access to Emotional Quotient.Coaching focuses individuals on:

A graduate of RRU Executive Coaching programwith a BHEc from U of Manitoba

Yvonne Grabowsky,PHEc., CEC

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Email: [email protected]



ur meeting began with: “Good afternoon,my name is Dr. Ohlhauser. I am one of theTransformers.”

“I know who you are. You scare me,” saidBrent. Great way to start the interview.

Later, Brent explained that he was concerned about hislife-work balance and, in particular, his health. He wasafraid he would flunk the wellness test.

Arlene was eager to participate in the wellnessassessment. Her biggest concern was finding time forherself while working in the business and raising threeyoung children.

The couple completed the self-assessment tool that Ihave used with literally thousands of people across NorthAmerica. When answered truthfully, it provides an accuratesnap shot of a person’s current health status with a focus onfactors that include levels of exercise, quality of nutrition,sleep patterns, stress levels and capacity for leisure. Arleneand Brent got a wake up call.

Brent was happy that his Body Mass Index (BMI) andwaist measurement were better than he thought they wouldbe. It became clear why he was scared of me when wereviewed the wellness factors of levels of exercise, qualityof nutrition, stress and capacity for leisure, his scores were2-4 out of 10. Not good.

Arlene—doing double duty time in their business andhousehold—scored better than Brent, but still in the dangerzone: less than 4 out of 10 on the same wellness factors.

The good news is that my wellness program doesn’t endwith the evaluation. Brent and Arlene did what most smart

individuals do when faced with a reality check: Theywanted to change… to become responsible for theirwellness… to be the CEOs of their health. Change is aprocess that takes discipline. Their success in businessindicates to me that they practice discipline while bringingchange to their business. Now they had to learn to applythose same change processes to improve their health.

First, Brent and Arlene learned how each’s factor caninfluence their health… and accepted that their attitudetoward health was their responsibility. Arlene and Brentthen developed specific goals to improve their health.Hers was “to have a BMI of 22 by the beginning ofJune.” His was “to have a level of exercise rating of 5 (outof 10) by the end of June.” They developed an action planto take them to their goals, including milestones tomeasure their progress at 30, 60, and 90 days. Theagreement was that I would hold them accountable totheir action plan. Success at each milestone would be metwith a reward that they could celebrate together.

Independently, both Arlene and Brent developed verysimilar action plans that included purchasing a pedometerto monitor their goal of 10,000 steps a day… joining afitness club… engaging a personal trainer to conduct afitness assessment and provide advice on an exerciseprogram… and working out three times a week. Arlenecommitted to spending three hours a week just forherself.

Ninety days later, are Brent and Arlene moving forwardon their quest for wellness and have they reached theirgoal?

Brent desperately wanted to improve his level ofexercise, but explained, “This is our busy season, I just didnot have the time. But what I now do, I read the nutritionlabels on everything I pick up to ensure what kind of fat Iam eating. Thanks, this process will make a difference, Ineed to rework my goals and plan smaller changes.”

Arlene met her goal of achieving a BMI of 22. Greatwork. She agreed that spring had been a busy time for thebusiness, but “…I took control and decided to put ourhealth back into our lives. The pedometer was a veryhelpful accountability tool.”

Both Brent and Arlene are now committed to trulygetting back on track, as their business slows down throughthe summer, and to take more responsibility for theirwellness.

When you have the discipline to repeat a behaviour 21days in a row, it becomes a habit. Brent is no longer“scared of me.” After his reality check, building hisaction plan and commitment to improving his health, heshould get the success he desires.

I’m confident Brent andArlene can be the CEOs of theirwellness. √

Dr. Larry Ohlhauser, MD, is theauthor of The Healthy CEO andpresident of Ohlhauser &Associaties.Contact:[email protected]

fter the final meeting and photo sessionbetween the Transformers and the Tranformees,Editor Barb Deters got an e-mail from Brentthat said, “Thank you so much for being a part

of this experience and helping to make us part of theTransformer experience. It has been an awesome ride.”

So, Edmontonians asked Brent and Arlene to share theirthoughts on their experience with the Transformers:

“Over the past few months the Transformers have set uson a path that will take our personal lives and our companyto new levels. As the owners of Timewise EventManagement, we were apprehensive going into thetransformation as we were unsure of what would beinvolved in the process. After our initial meetings with theTransformers, we found ourselves looking forward to theexperience with great anticipation—and we were notdisappointed.

“Like every small business, we face a multitude of issuesand have to continually innovate and seek new resourcesand solutions. It is also challenging to balance theexhausting demands of a young family in our personallives with the growth of the business and addition of newemployees. To make matters more complex, we aremarried and business partners… and the line between thetwo often blurs.

“Our greatest lesson evolved from our time withSteffany Hanlen as we came to the realization that we needto work on the business rather than in the business. Thishas been a complete paradigm shift for us as we have had

to rethink how we work. In a small business, it is easy tolet the work distract from the attention the business needs.Now, we are taking steps to train and empower ouremployees to do more of the critical event logistics wehave been doing ourselves. This is giving us the time weneed to focus on what we should be working on: businessstructure and development.

“Les Brost provided us a small piece of advice that hasmade a big difference in our personal lives and maritalrelationship. He asked us to make grand efforts not todiscuss business in our bedroom. This gem helped us totake the focus off our business and to place it on us. Notonly has this helped us to reduce our sleepless nights ofanxiety, but we are taking more time to focus on ourrelationship, creating more intimacy and reducing conflictin our personal lives.

“These are two small insights into the breadth of valuethe Transformers have added to our personal lives and ourbusiness. They have given us a firm foundation from whichto take ourselves and Timewise Event Management to awhole new level. We look forward to further utilizing therelationships we have made with them—and the tools theyhave given us—to develop a bigger and brighter future forourselves, our employees and our clients.

“Thank you to the Transformers and Sharon MacLean’sEdmontonians for making us a part of this invaluableopportunity.” √

Brent Taylor & Arlene SchilkeTimewise Event Management Inc.

AA

OOwith Dr. Larry Ohlhauser

FearingFearingthe Worst

Moving On

Photo by Janis Dow



Canada is 139 years old. I wasdelighted that Isabel Gauthier ofEdmonton took the opportunity to speakglowingly about our flag and remarkablecountry at a Daughters of The Nile—phenomenal supporters of ShrinersHospitals—convention last month inSeattle. She pointed out that the MapleLeaf Flag, proclaimed in 1965,represents our nation’s unity withoutdistinction of race, belief opinion orlanguage. The Trudeau era laterestablished Canada as bilingual.

With a backlog of one millionimmigration applications, we willeventually become more multiculturalthan bilingual. I have no concerns aboutthe influx of immigrants. But PublicPolicy Forum President Jodi White saysfear of being misunderstood as anti-French or anti-English is keepingCanadians from engaging in an overdue

national debate about bilingualism. Shefeels this policy must come in line withthe vast number of immigrants whosefirst language is neither French norEnglish.

That’s why I deplore the cheap racistshot that Quebec separatist writerVictor-Levy Beaulieu used indescribing Governor General MichaelleJean as a “Negro queen”. That cameabout after Jean suggested the Frenchshould look beyond Quebec to the onemillion francophones in the rest ofCanada who struggle to preserve theirlanguage and culture.

Jean’s feelings were echoed byDenis Perreaux of L’associationcanadienne-francaise de l’Alberta.Acknowledging there are 22,000francophones in Edmonton—fromQuebec, Congo, Haiti and Burundi—Perreaux said: “We have to change themindset from being a French-Canadiancommunity to being a francophonecommunity.”

I also have no idea what Beaulieu

thinks of current Montreal Canadienscoach Guy Carbonneau. Before hereturned to Montreal, Carbonneau hadto join the Dallas Stars. Why? BecauseQuebec would not allow his teenagedaughter to attend an English-speakinghigh school since she was afrancophone.

Earlier this year, a Leger Marketingpoll revealed Quebecers are morecomfortable with people of their ownethnic origin and more likely to thinkminorities weaken their culture. Thatwas followed by the long-awaitedBouchard-Taylor report on theintegration of immigrants in Quebec: Itstated, among other things, thatminorities are seeking employment inthat province much more than accom-modation.

Having started my journalism careerwith Canada’s first bilingual station—Sudbury: two hours English/two hoursFrench—I pride myself on havingmany bilingual friends. But I see nodifference between Louis Desrochers,

Jim Edwards and Louis Douville allbeing able to speak French and Englishthan I do with Tony Cheung beingable to speak English and Mandarin,Willie Littlechild speaking Cree andEnglish, or Premier Ed Stelmachconversing in Ukrainian and English.

I love that Governor General Jeanovercame skeptics when she first gotthis position and has proven to be aremarkable visionary and wonderfulspokesperson for all Canadians. Shereminds me of another favourite GG,Quebec-born Georges Vanier, whoespoused the creed: “I am not English,I am not French. I am a Canadian!”

Isn’t that what’s most important inour discussion on language? √

Bruce Hogle is the formernews director at CFRN TVand recently retired head ofthe Alberta Press [email protected]

ollowing through on mycolumn last month, the urbanvillage concept is becomingincreasingly popular: What

was old-fashioned is suddenly newagain, and this time it looks as if it’s atrend that is here to stay. Century Park,Strathearn Village, Vision for theCorner in Glenora, the Village atGriesbach and downtown Edmontonitself are some of the developments thatI highlighted in that column. All more-or-less characterize the urban village,which Wikipedia defines as a conceptwhose aims are “to create anenvironment in which... people can live

and work… is self-sustainable, isenvironmentally friendly [and]encourages community development andbonding. A key focus is self-sustainability, where people can live,work, shop and entertain in a singleurban area.”

One of the latest projects embracingthe urban village concept is the $450million St. Albert Village, which St.Albert City Council approvedunanimously at its meeting in late May.The project, to be built out over the nextfive- to seven-years, will become homefor up to 2,000 residents. It will includelow-rise townhomes as well as five high-rise towers of 15- to 19-stories, andcommercial and retail space. The Village

will replace Grandin Mall, which willbe torn down in phases. Thedevelopment has been designed in such away that its highest density units arefurthest away from existing residentialneighbourhoods, yet the site sits virtuallyin the heart of the city, with manyexisting amenities located in closeproximity.

St. Albert Village is being developedby Amacon, a successful Vancouver-based property firm with majorcondominium and redevelopmentprojects in Vancouver, Surrey, PortCoquitlam, Montréal, Toronto, LosAngeles and Mississauga. This is the

company’s first foray into Alberta.Construction of the first phase couldbegin this coming winter or next spring.St. Albert Village also represents a majordeparture for our neighbouring

community: It’s the first high-risedevelopment Saint City has seen.

Another project that comes close toembracing the urban village concept isBellwether Park, comprising some 750homes in northwest Edmonton. Insteadof being self-contained, however, thedevelopment takes advantage of themature Athlone neighbourhood’sproximity to existing amenities: grocerystores, restaurants, pubs, specialty shops,schools (K to 12) and playgrounds, aswell major retailers such as Costco, BestBuy and Home Depot, along 137thAvenue.

Described as “family-oriented,”Bellwether Park is high density withoutbeing high rise. Most of the units are infour-storey apartment buildings, whilethe remaining units comprise two- andthree-floor townhomes. Designed byRositch Hemphill Architects, withinteriors by False Creek Design Group,both of Vancouver, this project isproving to be a popular concept—anurban village of sorts with a twist.

While the housing market inEdmonton—and Alberta in general—hasslowed, demand still exists for goodquality, well-designed properties.Century Park is well underway with athird tower crane erected on site in mid-June. Urban planner Armin Preiksaitis,who is involved with many of metro

Edmonton’s urbanvillage concepts,suggests that initialwork on StrathearnVillage shouldcommence in thespring of 2009, whileengineering work anddetailed architecturaldesign for Vision onthe Corner is aboutto commence, anddevelopment permitapplications arebeing prepared.

Edmonton-based Dynacor Mediadid us proud in the Big Apple, bringinghome six international awards honouringthe best in television, video and filmproduction. Its entries were among14,000 submissions from around the

world, including industry giants such asWarner Brothers, Ogilvy of New Yorkand the PGA Tour at the recent 29thAnnual Telly Awards in New York.

Dynacor won a prestigious Silver Tellystatuette for its high definitionproduction, Dig a Little Deeper in theCanadian Badlands, created for andcurrently used by Alberta Tourism, Parks& Recreation to promote travel to thisunique tourism destination. “It’s anamazing piece of hardware to put onyour shelf,“ says managing directorTerri Dorn. She also brought home fivebronze statuettes for outstanding creativeachievement in safety, public relations,multimedia, education, as well as traveland tourism.

Especially significant was thatDynacor won an award in almost everycategory it entered. Each entry is judgedon its own merit against a standard ofexcellence; more than 75 percent ofentries receive no award, and only sevento 10 percent win the highest honour; aSilver Telly, designed and minted by thesame company that produces the Emmysand Oscars.

Dynacor Media also received a recentaward for Best Digital production fromthe Alberta Motion Picture IndustryAssociation. To view the winningentries, visit www.dynacormedia.com.

The new Sobey’s Urban Fresh isproving very popular with downtowndwellers. The store is more than agrocery destination; not only can peoplepurchase everyday food and other items,but there’s an amazing selection of freshfish, exotic meats (kangaroo burgers,anyone?), a huge variety of cheeses, delimeats, food prepared to go (includingpizza baked in a sizzling pizza oven).Sobey’s also includes a bistro, where onecan relax with some food, a glass ofwine or a beer.

Look for a second Urban Fresh to openthis fall in College Plaza,where Organic Rootsused to be located. √

David Norwood is afreelance writer/[email protected]

edia Minutewith Bruce HogleM

ivic Buzzwith David NorwoodC

FF

Urban VillageEmbrace the concept

St. Albert Village...

...will replace Grandin Mall



s proud parents (including yours truly), wespend a better part of the month of June invarious graduation ceremonies, listening tospeeches from a wide range of individuals,

including those being recognized for lifetimeachievements. As I sat through some of these speeches, Irecognized a prevailing theme: Times have changed andthe future facing today’s graduates is very different than thefuture their parents found.

One of the main differences is in the struggle of“uncertainty.” Twenty-five or 30 years ago, the level ofuncertainty was much less than today’s youth face. We hadthe luxury of an established, proven path for new graduatesto take. Few would deviate from this path and, in mostcases, there was little to no risk involved with following it.

Today’s youth lack that established path. They are facedinstead with numerous options, each with its own set ofopportunities, challenges and levels of uncertainty. Goneare the days where one would drive through life…changing careers maybe two or three times… ultimately,riding into the sunset at the end of an illustrious career anda lifetime of achievement.

At the Ivey Business School at the University of WesternOntario, the keynote speaker also spoke of globaluncertainty. This uncertainty, he suggested, was rooted inthe pace of global growth and its impact on theenvironment. This uncertainty was further compounded byglobal political instability, global terrorism and globalgrowth in capitalism. With more of the world’s populationwanting more “stuff”, the cycle of capitalism and

consumption and the impact on the environment continuesto accelerate. The key accelerant to this cycle is easy accessto and mass proliferation of data globally. Thus the pace ofchange and the breadth of uncertainty continually advance.

Consider the price of oil. While the whole world isfocused on the change in price, it is not the change itselfthat is astounding, but the speed of change. Clearly, globaloil supply, reserves and consumption, cannot possiblychange at the same pace as the price of oil. So what drivesthe price? Analysts continually gather data: Oil supply,reserves, expected production, stability (or instability) ofvarious oil producing regions, expected increase (ordecrease) in demand, etc.

They analyze this data to determine trends and anticipatethe future. This anticipation can lead to speculation which,when driven by greed creates massive price swings, resultsin immense wealth for some and despair for others.

There are interesting dimensions to this process:• Each analyst uses a different model, giving different

levels of importance to the data, resulting insometimes differing results, not so much inmagnitude, as in the rate and pace of change.

• The situation changes, sometimes long before theforecast actually materializes. This changes theanticipated outcome, thus adding momentum to theswings.

• Different organizations (or countries or people) havevarying ability to either capitalize on the swings or toprotect themselves from them, which contributes tofurther uncertainty in the global market place.

It is interesting to note that the organizations that theseoil analysts and economists work for (be it banks, orinvestment houses or the like) often end up as the largestbeneficiaries of these swings, since without the swings theyhave no income. Unless of course greed permeates (as itdid with the mortgage crisis), and then everyone has to paythe price.

The proliferation of data not only impacts world-widebusiness, but also the mental health of the masses. One ofthe fastest growing societal ailments is anxiety. Anxiety hitsthose who have the innate ability to anticipate hard,especially because they perceive consequences, many ofwhich are not real, nor possible.

Unfortunately, there is no school that teaches you how todecipher and interpret this world of mad data: What isreal… what will likely change… what is the range or timespan for the change… and, ultimately, how to make theright decision, at the right time and for the right reason.

Our graduates of today must develop the skills andability to anticipate, understand and solve “real” challengesand problems while, at the same time, avoid getting caughtup in the cycle of speculation and greed.

Congratulations to the class of 2008! √

Nizar J. Somji is president and CEO ofJaffer Inc., a management/investmentconsulting firm; and chairman of theboard of Matrikon Inc., a company hefounded in 1988.

AA

reath is essential to life. Breathing is one ofthe foundations of a good work out and,done properly, is part of good technique thathelps increase the flow of oxygen to your

muscles, allowing them to work harder and repairthemselves faster.

A fellow who knows this better than most is LenPanchuk, owner of Breathe Personal Training andFitness.

Len graduated with a Masters in plant biotechnologyand molecular biology from the University of Albertain 2001. Two years later, disenchanted with the “lablife” of a scientist, he focused on building his physicaltraining clientele and doing personal training full time.

When I asked Len about his favourite mistake,surprisingly and without hesitation, he said “MyMasters degree for sure. You don’t know until youknow. I knew that it (science) wasn’t what I wanted todo… but going through the program taught me theskills that I have since used to start my business. It’snot the specifics you learn, but the process.”

The experience helped him achieve his dream ofowning a gym. In early 2004, he opened Shape In UpPersonal Fitness, just off Whyte Avenue. Len attractedclients looking to focus not only on weight loss but alsoon an overall philosophy of feeling great aboutthemselves, sticking to their workout plan andconsistently fitting that plan into their lives.

With the mentorship of David Dorward and DonMacDonald, Len’s business grew. He wanted to buildhis business without sacrificing time with his two smallchildren, which meant having more space to hire moretrainers. The opportunity arose when he purchasedBreathe from owners Chris Ring and Scott Ogonoski

earlier this year, and moved into a bigger space onWhyte Avenue and Calgary Trail.

From a marketing perspective, the Breathe PersonalTraining and Fitness logo—a person over a workouttool called a Bosu—is easily recognizable and visuallycommunicates the brand very well with its fluid,runner-like look. Len understands that his success isdependent on how well he builds and maintains hisrelationships… with clients, trainers and others in the

community who focus on fitness (chiropractors,massage therapists, physio therapists). Although somedirect mail or strategic advertising could help buildbrand awareness, it will be word of mouth that makesor breaks his business.

Over coffee, we pondered how to get people talking.One of Len’s goals is to offer classes and to developprogramming to keep the whole family fit. He sees hisgym becoming a hub for the community. To get people

talking, perhaps he can launch a new class or programwith some fanfare, or host an event to recognizereferral partners who have helped grow his business.

With a few deep breaths, Breathe will continue onthe right track.√

BREATHE’S TOP THREE

Tips for staying fit while travellingWe don’t always have a say about where we go or whenif we travel for business… but just because we’re on theroad doesn’t mean our fitness regime has to fall by thewayside. Here are Len Panchuk’s tips for staying fit whiletraveling:

1. Plan but be flexible. Build an exercise plan, basedon using your own body weight, that is flexibleenough to adapt to available equipment.

2. Eat well and get enough sleep. Be consistent withyour exercise plan by making healthy food choicesand getting sufficient rest.

3. These shoes were made for walking. If you takeone extra thing with you on the road, make it yourrunning shoes, because you can walk or run almostanywhere. It’s also a great way to get to know thearea you’re visiting. √

Erin Rayner is president of ED Marketing andCommunications Inc. You can submit marketingmaterials for review; suggest young entrepreneurs to beprofiled; nominate a Top Three; or ask a businessdevelopement question. [email protected]

By Erin Rayner

For Young Entreprenuers

my spaceEBB

ETHICScorporate

One breathaway from fit

’Tis the Season of Graduation

By Nizar J. Somji



or some, picnics can be a royal pain... forothers, it’s a feast on wheels. Let’s look backto the Victorian era. Back then, picnics in theoutdoors differed little from sumptuous feasts

in elegant dining rooms. It is whatever you want tomake it. My favourite is still a French loaf, severalwonderful cheeses, some apples, grapes andstrawberries, a bottle of champagne or wine, somechocolate and voila—a simple, fun summertime picnic.

Whatever you want to do food wise, there are a fewprecautions to keep in mind... First, refrigeration is amust. You don’t want your potato salad, or any otherdish with a cream sauce, mayonnaise or raw eggs—anything that can cause food poisoning if it’s not keptcold—left in a hot car on a Sunny Alberta day. Beespecially careful with raw hamburger.

Make sure your cooler contains ice, or use aportable mini-fridge that plugs into your car lighter.Instead of bagged ice cubes, I fill an old milk jug orpail with water and freeze it for at least three days. It’sthe best way to ensure your cooler stays cold for along time. Also, freeze juices the night before andthey’ll be ice cold when served.

Secondly, pack compactly. Your cooler should holdall perishables: salads, sauces, creams, meat, fish, anddesserts. A cardboard box or plastic storage bin willhandle plates, cutlery, napkins, buns, unopenedcondiments, chips and so on.

If cold storage is a problem, pack foods that don’tneed to be chilled: peanut butter and/or jelly/jamsandwiches in plastic baggies... dried/tinned fruitsnacks and nuts... cookies and crackers... fresh fruits.

To avoid viruses and bacteria during prep andserving, keep work surfaces, utensils and containersclean. Hand washing is a must so take some towelettes.Use disposable plates and cutlery for easier clean-up.

It’s imperative to fully cook all your meats and fish.Never partially cook meat to be finished later: Thisallows bacteria to grow, some of which producetoxins. People have died from e-coli. Cookhamburgers until the juices run clear, and serve themright away. If you are uncertain, simply cut into aburger to check.

Don’t leave food out longer than one hour. Ideally,return cold foods to the cooler right after serving. Hot

foods should be kept hot or refrigerated to avoid thegrowth of harmful bacteria.

The picnic Linda Bodo and I had with editor BarbDeters is a good example. After preparing our UltimateMushroom burgers, they went right on the grill, werethoroughly cooked and eaten right away. Ourvinaigrette and salad fixings were held in the cooleruntil served. Leftovers went back into the coolerimmediately.

Have a wonderful, safe and exciting summer. Cheers!

ULTIMATE MUSHROOM BURGERS1 1/2 lbs ground beef, bison, moose, elk or venison 4 Portobello mushrooms, 3-4” across1 finely diced shallot (or 1/4 purple onion)1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil 2 Tbs. Dijon mustard2 Tbs. soya sauce 1/2 tsp sea salt4 hamburger buns 4 lettuce leaves4 large white button mushrooms ketchup4 pcs. apple wood smoked cheese 1 egg

• Wipe the Portobello mushrooms with a damp cloth.Remove the stem and brown gills and discard. In asmall bowl, mix 1 Tbs. of mustard, oil, 1 Tbs. soysauce, and pepper. Liberally brush over both sides ofthe mushrooms.

• Finely chop the button mushrooms. Set aside.• In a medium bowl, mix ground beef with remaining

mustard, soy, shallot, chopped mushrooms, pepperand one egg. Shape into 3/4-inch thick patties.

• Grill the Portobellos over direct medium high heatuntil tender. Turn occasionally and baste with themustard sauce.

• Grill hamburgers over medium high heat until welldone. Place a piece of smoked cheese on top. Whencheese is melted, place burger on bun with a dollopof ketchup. Top with a Portobello and lettuce. Servewith salad. Enjoy! √

Contact Chef John Berry at [email protected]

Check www.edmontonians.com for Chef John’s AppleVinaigrette to give zing to a green salad and appleslices; and Linda Bodo’s picnic projets and recipes.

FF

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a pique-nique debuted in 17th-Century France.Oddly enough, these first excursions occurredindoors and were a precursor to the potluck affair.Piquer translates to pick or peck at food… and

nique is a term used to describe something small. Thedouble barrelled pique-nique signified a fashionablegathering where guests contributed to the occasion withcanapés, crudités and champagne. After the FrenchRevolution in 1789, royal parks opened to the public andpicnicking became a popular activity.

A couple of centuries later, the picnic migrated to Englandduring Queen Victoria’s reign, where the tradition continuedin mossy woodlands or on estate lawns, resplendent withfine china and crystal. They were lavish affairs—sumptuousfoods: a variety of meats, game and poultry… fresh salads,vegetables and lobster…. savoury pastries, pies and tarts,fruits, cakes and biscuits… wine, champagne and, of course,tea. And a kerosene burner, used solely for boiling the water.

Today, the picnic is the perfect compromise between theconcrete jungle and nature. Choose the right spot—neithertoo close nor too distant. Picnickers should feel wellremoved from their usual environment, but not exhausted bythe journey. Food and drink should be easily stored,transported and enjoyed with a minimum of fuss.

As a salute to its French creators, celebrate your nextpique-nique with a Provençal-style setting that would inspireMonet. Repurpose an oilskin tablecloth into a sail to eludesun or rain and suspend it with bungy cords. Use woodencrates to haul accoutrements or unperishables to the site,then flip them over for seats. Comfy cushions can padbottoms. Replace the ubiquitous gingham throw with asubtle Provençal print and adapt wine crates as trays linedwith placemats and napkins. For evening affairs, add votivesnestled in canning jars hung from branches Keep water,wine or pop bottles from spilling with simple spiral holdersfashioned from chain link fence wire. Empty tuna cans dodouble-duty as votive holders, olive oil tins as wine coolers,and tomato cans as vases for freshly picked wildflowers.

Ultimately, a picnic depends not so much on food as onmood. At the heart of the matter is the ambience created bya happy coincidence of good grub, the right setting and greatcompany. Santé! √

Contact Linda Bodo at [email protected] or visit www.absolutebodo.com.

Picnic...or pique-nique?It’s whatever you want it to be

LL

LIVELYlifestyles

with Chef John Berry

Magic

MEN

U

with Linda Bodo



Create a sail to ward off rain or shin from oilskin cloth.Fortify corners with interfacing and fold fabric for a two inch hem.Add large grommets. Fly canopy with bungy cords between treetrunks. The elasticised cords allow cloth to move with the windomitting the need for slits in the fabric.

Repurposetins or cans

Crates used for haulingpicnic fare play doubleduty as comfy seatingwhen paired withcushions

Wine crates ceaseprecarious balancingacts with knees, platesand glasses



Most private company owners fulfill adream when their children join theirbusiness. As these children mature andparticipate in the challenges of runningfamily operations they rise through theranks and often become partial ownersof the companies. However, we havefound with family owned businessesthere is rarely a shareholders agreementthat clearly determines the rights of eachshareholder or what happens if sharesare sold in family businesses.

One father ran his business for manyyears. His son helped him whileattending high school and joined thecompany full time upon graduation. Theson took on increasing responsibility untilthe father let go of the reins completely.By this time company operations hadexpanded into a variety of areas whichinvolved several subsidiaries owned bythe father, the son or both of them. Thearguments began when an offer wasmade to purchase the entire business.How was the value to be allocated toeach subsidiary? The father felt that theson owed everything to him; the sonbelieved that without him the companywould have failed years before. The in-house disagreement escalated and thesituation turned ugly. The buyereventually walked away from the deal.

Another family business had a problemwhen the eldest son became thecompany president. He wanted to buy-

out his parents and two siblings whohad been given shares in the companybut did not participate in the operationof the business. An independentvaluation was made and a deal wasstruck with his parents and one of hissiblings. The other sibling didn’t like thevaluation and wanted more. The dealnever closed. As a result some familymembers no longer speak to each other.The company was eventually sold at adiscount to a third party.

In another case a founding fatherretired and left the running of hisbusiness to his daughter while retainingsignificant ownership shares with his twochildren. The daughter who ran thebusiness decided she had had enoughand wanted to sell the company. Herfather and sibling who enjoyed thefinancial benefits of ownership wereopposed to the sale as they enjoyed agood lifestyle financed by the profits ofthe company. The dutiful daughter felttrapped, believing she had an obligationto her family and no way out.

Structure your business properly.Always have a unanimous shareholdersagreement in place even if all theshareholders are related. If you need helpstructuring your business for sale pleasecall me.

with Stephen W. Kent, CA(780) 441-6793

ACQUISITIONS, DIVESTITURES& CORPORATE FINANCE

Blood—thicker than waterGreed—thicker than both

edmontonians jul08

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