Global Ventures Magazine July/August 2010

VOLUME TWO ISSUE FOUR • JULY/AUGUST 2010

VENTURES

PUTTING THE CUSTOMER FIRST Bourgault Industries pairs leading equipment with excellent service

THE POWER OF OMEGA-3O&T Farms’ feed products feature powerful superfoods

BUILDING ECONOMIC GROWTH IN SASKATHEWAN Avison Young is helping Saskatchewan businesses find a home

INFLUENCING INTERNATIONAL TRADE The Estey Centre is building trade expertise around the world

GLOBALA S T E P P U B L I C A T I O N H I G H L I G H T I N G S A S K A T C H E W A N B U S I N E S S

bourgault_STEP_2010_outline.indd 1 12/9/2009 8:42:59 AM

JULY/AUGUST 2010 • GLOBALVENTURES 3

insideGLOBALVENTURESis the official bi-monthly publication of

Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP).Submissions to GLOBALVENTURES are welcomed.

The Editor reserves the right to edit for clarity and length. Please contact the Editor for copy submission deadlines.

PUBLISHERSSaskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP)

www.sasktrade.sk.caRegina Office:P.O. Box 1787

320 - 1801 Hamilton Street, Regina, SK S4P 3C6Regina 306.787.9210 / Toll Free: 1.877.313.7244

Toll Free: 1.888.XPORTSKSaskatoon Office:

400 - 402 21st Street East, Saskatoon, SK S7K 0C3Saskatoon 306.933.6551 / Toll Free: 1.877.313.7244

Toll Free: 1.888.XPORTSK

Concept Media2629 Angus Boulevard, Regina, SK S4T 2A6

306.545.6099 / [email protected]

EDITORPat Rediger BENCHMARK PUBLIC RELATIONS INC.

306.522.9326 / [email protected]

ASSOCIATE EDITORKatie Boyce BENCHMARK PUBLIC RELATIONS INC.

306.522-0903 / [email protected]

CONTRIBUTORSKarlen HeraufKatie BoycePat Rediger

Trilby HendersonSTEP

DESIGNBob Anderson CONCEPT MEDIA

[email protected]

PRODUCTIONLorelle Anderson CONCEPT MEDIA

[email protected]

SALESBob Harvey CONCEPT MEDIA

[email protected]

PRINTINGWestern Litho Printers Ltd. / Regina, SK, Canada

DISTRIBUTIONPrairie Advertising Ltd. / Regina, SK, Canada

Publication Mail Agreement #41786012Return undeliverable mail to Circulation Department,

2629 Angus Boulevard, Regina, SK S4T 2A6.

ON THE COVERA robotic welder at Bourgault Industries Ltd.

PRINTED IN CANADA

VOLUME TWO ISSUE FOURJULY/AUGUST 2010

cover10 Putting the

customer first Saskatchewan-based Bourgault

Industries pairs leading equipment with excellent service.

features12 The power of Omega-3 O&T Farms’ Omega-3 products are on

the cutting-edge of the functional foods industry.

14 Building economic growth in Saskatchewan

Businesses are heading to Avison Young to find their place in the Saskatchewan economy.

16 Influencing international trade

With projects around the world, the Estey Centre is helping to facilitate and expand international trade.

STEP notes 4 Message from the

President and CEO 6 Where in the

World is STEP? Upcoming international trade events.

20 STEP Staff Members Earn International Designations

23 Staff Profile Jeff Thackeray: Guiding Saskatchewan businesses into foreign markets

market info 18 Stamped with the

fairDeal seal Western Canadian farmer co-operative leads North America

in organic and fair trade certifications.

STEP services21 Opening doors to China A new international trade agreement signed by STEP will

assist Saskatchewan exporters to enter China.

22 New technology and marketing trade services

STEP moves into the digital world with the launch of several internet and social media services.

4 GLOBALVENTURES • JULY/AUGUST 2010

from pulse buyers and agents to environ-mental and high-tech renewable energy proponents. Saskatchewan has what the world wants whether it is products, ser-vices, or ideas. We have an abundance of all.

In keeping with our intent of nurturing emerging companies moving from local domestic sales to a broader provincial and international expansion, we are pleased with our “Export Readiness” initiative. Introduced on April 1, this STEP service has already delivered some outstanding success stories. The goal of the program is to have more Saskatchewan companies marketing beyond their current sphere of influence, whether that is 50 km, 500 km or 5000 km away. Please do not hesitate to call us for details.

When September arrives, we will hit the ground running with a full slate of activities. One focus will be on the lead-up to our AGM and Trade Conference titled “Taking Saskatchewan’s Best to the World” scheduled for September 28 and 29, 2010 in Saskatoon. Part of that pro-cess will be an all out effort to look for candidates that excelled during a difficult economic time to win our “Exporter of the Year” award. If your company had one of those years please don’t hesitate to contact us. Celebrating our success is an important part of how we learn and grow from each other.

In keeping with new initiatives and in-novations, it will also be our intention to unveil STEP’s new strategy focused on capturing the commercial benefits of the rapidly emerging “social media”

Message from the President & CEOA Year of Challenge and Promise

The strength and challenge of Sas-katchewan is perpetually evolving. This year, we are seeing a strong

recovery in the demand for mining and energy – two of our strongest economic engines – but the third leg of that eco-nomic stool is seeing some challenges that, quite frankly, in my decades of residence, I have never seen. That chal-lenge is the potential of a spring season so wet that millions of acres have gone unseeded. With each of the challenges mentioned – many of which are either a product of the global market and eco-nomic challenges or, in this case, Mother Nature throwing us a new curve – we will work through this as we have done so many times in the past. Nobody said it would be easy.

Our team at STEP has just completed the busiest first half of the year in our his-tory, culminating with incoming missions from over 30 countries centered around, but not limited to, the Western Canada Farm Progress Show. We didn’t accom-plish this on our own. Without our work-ing partnerships with DFAIT, AAFC and Saskatchewan Agriculture, these kind of results would never have happened. We thank all of them for their commitment and dedication to enhancing Saskatch-ewan’s position in a competitive world.

It has been a remarkable past six months. The great news is that the up-coming second half of the calendar year looks even busier.

Through July and August, there will be a steady stream of incoming missions touring the province in multiple sectors,

phenomenon. If you are of my vintage, it is important to comprehend the benefit first before we capture the potential. We hope to assist our members with some concrete evidence, choices and examples as to how we plan to use this medium.

On a final note, STEP is making plans to lead a partnership with SREDA, RROC, Enterprise Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, and a host of ur-ban Chambers and Economic Regions as major participants in the planned global business-to-business conference named “Centrallia,” taking place in Winnipeg on October 20-22, 2010. We are very pleased to be part of this dynamic group and it will be our intention to promote the “Best of Saskatchewan” at this world class event.

In the meantime, enjoy your summer. I plan to enjoy a motorcycle ride or two. Being middle age crazy is not always a bad thing.

Lionel LaBelle, President & CEOSaskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP)


Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership’s Market Access Program (MAP) is a funding pro-

gram designed to support the inter-provincial and international market-ing efforts of STEP Regular Members. Funds are provided to assist eligible companies to enter new markets or those entering into a new market sec-tor or market segment outside of Sas-katchewan. Financial assistance may be provided to STEP regular members that are:• Exhibiting in a trade show or trade

event or trade mission in a new export market outside of Saskatch-ewan.

• Participating and/or exhibiting in STEP-led trade missions, trade event or trade shows.

Reimbursement of up to 50% of eli-gible costs may be contributed to: • Travel cost to market from Sas-

katchewan - return economy airfare or mileage for up to two (2) appli-cant representatives.

STEP Market Access Program

• Accommodations - up to two (2) ap-plicant representatives.

• Companies exhibiting at trade shows are eligible for trade show registration fees and /or booth space rental costs.

• Translation of the company’s mar-keting materials such as brochures and product listings for the specific trade event.

Applications must be received at least 45 days in advance of the trade event. It is recommended that mem-ber companies apply early for appli-cable events that prior to March 31, 2011. For further details on eligibility and the applications process, please visit the STEP website at www.sask-trade.sk.ca.

Are you interested in penetrating new markets?Are you looking to access a new consumer base in a foreign nation?

Would financial assistance make your goals possible?The STEP Market Access Program is for you!

“A great assistance at this time in business where companies should not be cutting their marketing costs. I think it will provide long term benefits to those who take advantage of it.” STEP Member Technology Firm

“Our company needs to build an awareness of our products and their health benefits. Marketing an unknown product takes years of promo-tion to get potential companies interested. Without financial support of the program, we would not have been able to fund this awareness of our product.” STEP Member Agri-value Firm

“It is very important that Saskatchewan companies have a ‘continued’ presence at major events. The STEP Market Access Program facilitates a cost effective way for companies to reach several global regions at one single venue.” STEP Member Technology Firm


Where in the World is STEP?

6 GLOBALVENTURES • JULY?AUGUST 2010

JULYCanadian Special Crops Conference (CSCA) 2010

Date: July 11 - 14, 2010Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

The annual CSCA conference is the na-tional gathering of the Canadian special crops industry and will attract a number of international buyers. STEP will work with the Canadian Trade Commissioners Service, Pulse Canada, Canadian Special Crops Association and Saskatchewan Pulse Growers to promote the event to a network of contacts internationally. Contact: Tim Marshall, Senior Director,

Trade Development, Asia - AfricaTelephone: 306-787-2191

[email protected]

Why Exporting Luncheon Seminar

Date: July 15, 2010Location: Humboldt, Saskatchewan

Partnering with the Sage Hill Community Futures, the seminar will describe why exporting is important to Saskatchewan companies and the province with a focus

on the role that STEP plays in helping companies take their products to mar-ket.

Contact: Jeff Fang, Export Development Analyst

Telephone: [email protected]

Institute of Food Technologists (IFI) 2010

Date: July 17 - 21, 2010Location: Chicago, Illinois

The Institute of Food Technologists meeting and food exposition attracts over 24,000 attendees from more than 75 countries and is the world’s largest food ingredients exposition. The event will be used by STEP to conduct market development work through networking opportunities, walking the show, set-ting up meetings for attending compa-nies and building the agri-value team’s knowledge base on the industry.

Contact: Jennifer Evancio, Director, Agri-Value


Introductory Supplier Seminar - Public Works

and Government Services Canada

Date: July 20, 2010Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

STEP will partner with Public Works and Government Services Canada to deliver an Introductory Supplier Seminar. Fo-cused on methods to register a company for opportunities, how to search for op-portunities and resources for SME’s, the agency will also outline contracting pro-cess to find competitive/non-competitive opportunities and bidding.

Contact: Crystal Leader, Export Services Coordinator


Why Exporting SeminarDate: July 27, 2010

Location: STEP Board Room - Regina, Saskatchewan

The seminar will describe why exporting is important to Saskatchewan companies


members who ship small/ large packages, truck or containers loads and require the use of a customs broker.Contact: Donovan Swinnerton, Director,

Technology, Services & ResourcesTelephone: 306-933-6531

[email protected]

Seattle Gift ShowDate: August 21 - 24, 2010

Location: Seattle, WashingtonAs part of the continuing development of Saskatchewan’s arts and cultural industry into North America, a trade and business development mission is planned to the Seattle Gift Show. On this business de-velopment mission, STEP will organize a small group display at the show to high-light core artists, with a focus on those with an early presence in the market.Contact: Stacey Sauer, Trade Specialist,

ManufacturingTelephone: [email protected]

Farm Progress ShowDate: August 31 - September 2, 2010

Location: Boone, IowaThe Farm Progress Show is USA’s lead-ing outdoor show in the Midwest and attracts strong international attendance. The show attracts over 150,000 visitors and is also a good place to meet with key distributors and representative in the region. STEP has secured a display booth at this show and members will be provided the opportunity to display their products in this area.

Contact: Rob Ziola, Director, Trade Development, Manufacturing


Enviropro 2010 Business Development MissionDate: September 10 - 16, 2010

Location: Mexico CityA number of STEP members in the envi-ronmental sector have targeted Mexico and the Americas as markets of interest. STEP will organize a business develop-ment mission to attend the show, arrange meetings with buyers, and represent non-attending members. To ensure new mar-kets are explored, an extended business development mission will include the Guadalajara or Monterrey, Mexico area.

Contact: David Froh, Trade Specialist, Technology, Services & Resources


ABIC 2010Date: September 12 - 15, 2010

Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan The ABIC conference provides opportuni-ties for developing collaborations & part-nerships, and maintaining an ag biotech network, raising the profile of agricultur-al biotechnology both locally and inter-nationally. This conference will also have a potential Australian mission tied to it as part of previous work done in this area.

Contact: Jennifer Evancio, Director, Agri-Value


Virtual Trade Mission - Developing Opportunities

Outside North AmericaDate: September 2010 - TBC

Location: Saskatoon or Regina, Saskatchewan

The STEP Technology, Services and Re-sources team will undertake a “virtual” trade mission whereby STEP members


P.O. Box 26011, Regina, SK, S4R 8R7, Canada TEL: 306.543.4777 FAX: 306.545.0661 WEB: www.otfarms.ca

THE OMEGA-3 SOURCEO&T Farms Ltd manufactures Omega-3 feed components,

providing functional food solutions globally for both

animals and humans.

and the province with a focus on the role that STEP plays in helping compa-nies take their products to market. This event will also provide the opportunity to walk companies through the export plan workbook and offers one-on-one meetings.

Contact: Jeff Fang, Export Development Analyst


AUGUSTFITT Skills International

Trade TrainingDate: August 14 -15, 2010

Location: Regina, SaskatchewanSTEP offers FITT Skills International Trade Training, a unique international trade training which was formed from an expressed interest by Saskatchewan com-panies to make international trade train-ing available. Registration is being taken for the International Trade Management module with a registration deadline of August 6, 2010

Contact: Blair Hudyma - Programs & Training Specialist


Member Education Seminar - Transportation &

Information Technology Date: August 19, 2010

Location: Willows Golf & Country Club - Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

The seminar will focus on methods to ef-fectively utilize the internet to ship prod-ucts locally or around the world. Trans-portation companies will share the merits of using online services to increase ef-ficiency and productivity. The seminar will be a valuable learning experience for

8 GLOBALVENTURES • JULY/AUGUST 20108 GLOBALVENTURES • JULY/AUGUST 2010

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARDMurray Daku, Vice President and Chief Operating OfficerHitachi Canadian Industries Ltd.

VICE CHAIRCory Furman, Partner MacPherson Leslie & Tyerman, LLP

Jim Engdahl, President & CEO Great Western Minerals Group Ltd.

Ngee Cau, Chief Executive Officer Marketel

Keith Brown, CEO Trailtech

Dale Lemke, President Display Systems International Inc.

Tim Wiens, President & CEO O & T Farms

Greg Larson, CEO The Larson Group of Companies

Shannon Jakes, Senior Manager CIBC Commercial Banking

Greg Menzies, President & CEO Wigmore Farms

STEP Board of DirectorsSandra Purdy, President Prairie Berries Inc.

Paul Degelman, Sales & Marketing Manager Degelman Industries Ltd.

Doug Matthies, Deputy MinisterMinistry of Finance

Alanna Koch, Deputy MinisterMinistry of Agriculture

Chris Dekker,Interim Chief Executive OfficerEnterprise Saskatchewan

will be linked with international buyers via STEP’s in-house teleconference facili-ties or Webex. The focus will be to put STEP members “face to face” with inter-national buyers without leaving the prov-

ince. The VTM service offers the option to explore new opportunities without incurring some of the usual initial market development and travel costs.

Contact: Donovan Swinnerton, Director, Technology, Services & Resources



Master of International Trade Move to Change“I found the online Master of International Trade (MIT) program to be an excellent way to prepare graduate students for the world of international trade, both domestically and internationally.”

Chad SwanCe, MIT Graduate

aPPLY nOwFor more information about the MIT program, visit: www. schoolofpublicpolicy.sk.ca


What is FITTskills?

The Forum for International Trade Training; FITTskills Program is a turnkey series of international business courses designed to help you develop the skills and knowledge required in today’s com-petitive global markets. These practical courses are enhancing the content, pres-tige, value, and effectiveness of interna-tional trade training at educational in-stitutions around the globe. FITTskills is also being used as the basis for corporate training solutions to increase employees’ international business skills.

The FITTskills Program consists of eight courses that can be delivered as a series, individually or incorporated into an ex-isting business program. Together, the eight courses set the standard of excel-lence for the field of international trade by addressing essential topics within the context of global trade. The modules are as follows:• Global Business Environment• International Trade Research• International Trade Management• Legal Aspects of International Trade• International Marketing• International Market Entry Strategies• International Trade Finance• Global Supply Chain Management

How do we do it with STEP Delivery?

STEP delivery is known to be the most efficient in terms of time and function! We offer each module in 2 days over weekends. Courses begin at 9 am and go till 5 pm each day on the weekend and we have several professionally designat-ed professors who instruct them. After your two day in house instruction, you are given 30 days self study to prepare yourself for the online multiple choice exam. Generally, each course has a 45 day turnaround period, which means you can be a CITP in less than one year through STEP delivered FITTskills. Our program is no doubt focused on the working profes-sional, and we are pleased to help you on your educational path to success.

Why take FITT Courses?• Because FITT equips individuals and

businesses with the practical skills they need to succeed in today’s competitive global marketplace.

• FITTskills is being used as the basis for corporate training solutions to in-crease employees’ international busi-ness skills.

• Currently, there are more than 65 insti-tutions across Canada and around the world offering the FITTskills Program.

• The CITP (designation gained after all 8 FITTskills modules are completed) is recognized globally, signifying pro-fessional excellence, knowledge, and skills to employers and clients alike.

• CITPs are recognized by private firms, academic institutions, and government organizations for their world-class ex-pertise.If you are interested in registering or

would like to learn more about the mod-ules, please visit the STEP website at www.sasktrade.sk.ca.

FITTskills Modules

Student Testimonial“FITTskills was an important tool in helping

to start my career in international trade. The program content was, and continues to be, very relevant for international trade

professionals.” –Tim Owens CITP, International

Services Manager, Concentra Financial

The FITTskills schedule has been set until February 2011, so start planning now and increase your skill set through FITTskills International Trade Training,

offered solely in Saskatchewan by STEP for business professionals like you. Join us for the next set of FITTskills modules!


– more than 35 years ago in St. Brieux, Saskatchewan. Founder Frank Bourgault, a local farmer and partner in the Massey Ferguson farm implement dealership, came up with the design for a new cul-tivator after witnessing the struggles lo-cal farmers were having with equipment that could not stand up against the stony landscape of the St. Brieux area.

Frank had a reputation for using his mechanical skill to solve problems oth-ers couldn’t fix, and soon came up with a solution. He spent the following sev-eral years testing his new shank protec-tion design, before developing a 16-foot cultivator prototype model in 1970. The

With core business values that include a focus on innovation and understanding their cus-

tomers’ needs, Bourgault Industries Ltd. has established a solid reputation as a manufacturer of high quality, durable and reliable farm equipment that its custom-ers can rely on.

“Bourgault Industries Ltd.’s success has come from its ability to develop innova-tive products that have allowed farmers to become more efficient,” says Gerry Bourgault, President of Bourgault Indus-tries Ltd.

The company began manufacturing its first product – a dual-purpose cultivator

popularity of the unit led Frank and his business partners, Don Coquet and Paul Leray, to begin mass production, and Bourgault Industries opened its first manufacturing facility in St. Brieux in De-cember 1974.

In the years since, Bourgault Industries has expanded its product line to include air seeders, air drills, grain carts, fertilizer applicators, and harrows and packers, in addition to its line of tillage equipment. However, the company’s air seeders and air drills are its most sought after prod-ucts.

“Bourgault is the world leader in air seeding technology,” says Gerry Bour-


PUTTING THE CUSTOMER FIRST

Bourgault Industries’ leading equipment comes with expert service

BY TRILBY HENDERSON


gault. “We put this technology on very robust platforms so that the products are very durable and operate trouble free.”

Bourgault says the company’s prod-ucts are initially considered to be the more expensive option when compared to the competition, but their capabili-ties and durability mean they add more value to the farmer’s bottom line than any competing products, making them the least expensive equipment to own in the long run.

All products are manufactured at fa-cilities located in both Canada and the United States, with a combined total of 400,000 square feet of manufacturing space.

“We are a world class manufacturing company with state-of-the-art manufac-turing equipment,” says Bourgault.

The company opened its U.S. head-quarters in Minot, North Dakota in 1994, after realizing that they would need a physical presence in the country if they wanted to grow their American market share.

Today, Bourgault Industries’ annual sales exceed $150 million US, and its suc-cess has brought the company provincial and national recognition, including an in-duction into the Saskatchewan Business Hall of Fame in 2001.

In 2008, the company also became the first to receive the Agricultural Manufac-turers of Canada’s Certificate of Achieve-ment in Safety and Health. The certi-fication is evidence of the company’s commitment to ensure the highest level of worker safety in the industry, and the value it places on its staff.

Including subsidiaries such as Highline Manufacturing Ltd., Bourgault Industries employs about 750 people.

“Most staff have farming experience and understand how and where the equipment is used by our customers,” says Bourgault. “This helps them ensure that they deliver the quality of equip-ment that farmers require.”

Bourgault Industries currently has about 150 franchised dealers, with dealer representation in each of the company’s key market areas. However, as the own-

ership of dealer networks in Canada and the United States becomes more concen-trated, Bourgault says the company must deal with the challenge of major manufac-turers who strive to prevent their dealers from taking on competing product lines as a condition of allowing the dealers to acquire additional dealership locations.

“We have been successful in keeping our proprietary technology industry lead-ing, which has allowed our product line to provide our dealers with exceptional returns, keeping them motivated to find ways to satisfy their mainline manufac-turers and sell our products,” he said.

In addition to North America, Bour-gault Industries also sells its products in the Australian, Asian and Eastern Eu-ropean markets. In Eastern Europe, the company primarily serves Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan where it has established a strong network of dealers. In fact, the solid performance of its equipment and dedicated support of its staff has led Bourgault Industries to become one of Eastern Europe’s major suppliers for seeding equipment.

Bourgault says the company’s long-time membership with Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP) has

been very beneficial to the company in terms of establishing international busi-ness relationships.

“We have used STEP’s research capa-bilities and knowledgeable personnel to assist with market studies in various countries that have presented interest to us, and to help us identify and contact potential clients. We have since devel-oped some very good relationships in overseas markets that continue to pres-ent excellent opportunities for large vol-umes of sales.”

Bourgault says the company plans to continue to grow its market area, in-cluding the recent development of new marketing relationships in Mongolia. The company also plans to continue to focus on innovation by developing a new tech-nology for the American market, which it expects will have applications in all other areas.

“Our plans for the future are to main-tain our lead in the development of tech-nology that will add value to our custom-ers’ businesses,” says Bourgault. “By so doing, we will continue to differentiate our products and maintain our position in the worldwide marketplace.


and it also makes the protein and energy more digestible.”

O&T Farms’ vegetable-based, flax-rich products also have outstanding results for animals. In a study supported by Sun-West Food Laboratory in Saskatoon and O&T Farms, adding LinPRO to the diet of laying hens at an inclusion rate of 15 per cent resulted in an Omega-3 fatty acid content of greater than 400mg per each 52g egg, as well as an 8.5 per cent increase in egg production and a 9 per cent improvement in feed efficiency as compared to a flax only diet.

In another independent study by the University of Saskatchewan, cows fed 1.5kg of DairyPRO daily not only had an increased milk yield of 1 to 3kg, but also produced milk with a higher Omega-3 content while maintaining the same solid non-fat to fat ratio.

Producers also appreciate the other advantages of dry extrusion including re-duced feed flow and dust problems and extended shelf life of the feed compo-nents.

To top off these benefits, O&T Farms follows strict quality control programs that ensure both product safety and em-ployee safety, including meeting CFIA and HACCP requirements and also com-pleting Foss NIR testing on each outgo-ing load.

With its solid product line, O&T Farms has been expanding its customer base across Canada and internationally since the company started to focus solely on manufacturing livestock components in 1996. The next step for the company is to enter the mainstream marketplace, says Wiens.

“We’ve pursued the functional feed category since we obtained our patent on Omega-3 products in 2007. The chal-lenge has been to get producers, proces-sors, and consumers properly educated to buy and consume Omega-3 meats.”

The task of entering a marketplace is not new for Wiens, whose family has a long history of entrepreneurship.

His father and uncle started O&T Farms in 1967 by supplying eggs to Canada Safe-way in Saskatchewan. The business ven-ture, which began after moving on from a trucking business in Manitoba, was very successful. By the 1980’s, O&T Farms was the second largest producer in Canada. Over the years, O&T Farms has been in-volved in a range of agribusinesses, in-cluding layer, broiler, and pullet produc-tion, equipment sales, and international agri-value management projects.

More recently, under Wiens – who is highly involved in the provincial business scene, including serving as director for both the Canadian Western Agribition

THE POWER OF OMEGA-3

O&T Farms enters the functional food marketplace

BY KATIE BOYCE

Regina-based O&T Farms is on the cutting edge of the functional foods industry. Research from

the University of Saskatchewan and oth-er independent institutions shows the company’s line of livestock feed compo-nents significantly boost the amount of Omega-3 fatty acids in meat, dairy and eggs. In the human functional foods mar-ket, Omega-3 has been shown to have significant health benefits including re-duced risk of heart disease and stroke, decreased symptoms of hypertension, depression, attention deficit hyperactiv-ity disorder (ADHD) and improved joint health.

“We believe the growing functional foods market has huge potential right now,” says Tim Wiens, president and CEO. “Our customers are excited because our feed components produce high Omega-3 levels without affecting taste, providing a consumer friendly, natural source of these desirable fatty acids.”

O&T Farms achieves these high Ome-ga-3 levels by combining flaxseed with pulses in its patented dry extrusion pro-cess.

“Dry extrusion makes the sum of the parts greater as a whole,” explains Wiens. “It utilizes heat and pressure to create a fusion process that strips away the anti-nutritional properties that exist


and STEP, as well as chair of both Enter-prise Saskatchewan’s Agri-value Sector committee and the Farm Animal Council of Saskatchewan – O&T Farms has shift-ed its present focus to the functional foods industry. This change began while addressing a problem in O&T Farms’ for-mer egg layer operations.

“Our research into livestock feed com-ponents really began in 1996-97 when we were looking at ways to deal with the replacement of our flocks,” says Wiens.

He explains that, at the time, the company began paying to have flocks removed from its barns, a task they had received money for in the past. Instead of taking on the extra expense, the com-pany turned the problem into a new business venture.

“When entrepreneurs see an oppor-tunity, they measure it and make a deci-sion to move forward or to wait for other options,” says Wiens. “We believed we

could turn this cost into profit so we put together a business model that would al-low us to get value from our replacement flocks. We were operating a feed mill at the time, so we looked at the equip-ment already available to the feed indus-try. We had worked with dry extrusion in the early 1980s, so we leveraged our knowledge, purchased equipment, and ventured into a new business.”

“We looked at what our opportunities to grow in the poultry industry were ver-sus the feed component business, and there was more of an opportunity for growth in the feed business,” he says.

He credits the book Good to Great by Jim Collins for providing O&T Farms with guidance during this transition, explain-ing that the book encourages companies to “determine what you’re passionate about, what you’re best at, and what makes money. O&T Farms was known as an egg and poultry business, but every-

thing evolves.” He adds that the compa-ny looked ahead to “what we could be and what we could do.”

In the years to come, it’s this coura-geous entrepreneurial spirit backed by a solid product line that will help O&T Farms succeed as an industry leader in the emerging functional foods market-place.


BY TRILBY HENDERSONAvison Young Commercial Real Es-tate (Sask) Inc. is working hard to promote economic growth

in the province by facilitating the ar-rival and expansion of new and existing companies, and encouraging the devel-opment of new commercial real estate infrastructure in the province.

“Everything other than a person’s principal residence is considered com-mercial real estate, so there’s always a role for us when it comes to economic growth,” says Richard Jankowski, Avison Young’s managing director.

BUILDING ECONOMIC GROWTH IN SASKATCHEWAN

AVISON YOUNG helps the province’s new and incoming businesses find a home

A rendering of Avison Young’s new 115,000 square foot low-rise office buildings to be constructed in Regina.

Although Saskatchewan’s economy is poised on the edge of unprecedented economic growth, many businesses in-terested in moving to the province are finding it difficult to obtain space for their business, says Jankowski. The com-pany tries to help clients locate, pur-chase, manage or sell their commercial real estate within Saskatchewan. Busi-ness attraction is relatively easy, given

its nationwide reach through the Avison Young corporate network, as well as lo-cal partnerships, but without an inven-tory of space or developed land, finding options for growing businesses can be a challenge.

Founded in 1978, Avison Young is Canada’s largest independently-owned commercial real estate services com-pany and the only national, Canadian-owned, principal-managed real estate brokerage firm in the country. Avison Young was formed when Graeme Young & Associates of Alberta (1978) joined with Avison & Associates of Ontario (1989) and British Columbia (1994) in an effort to provide clients with more com-prehensive real estate services at the lo-cal, national and international level.

Today, the corporate entity employs more than 600 real estate professionals out of 17 offices spanning Canada and into the United States. As a full-service real-estate firm, Avison Young provides clients with investment sales and of-fice, industrial and retail leasing; land-lord and tenant representation services; property acquisitions and dispositions; property management; and consulting and research.

Avison Young Commercial Real Estate (Sask) Inc. opened its office in Regina in 2004. In addition to the longstand-ing history of the national network, Jankowski says the Regina company has also benefited from the 30 years of in-dustry experience that president Dale


Richard Jankowski, Managing Director and VP of Operations, (left) and Dale Griesser, Presi-dent and Broker of Avison Young Commercial Real Estate (Sask) Inc.

Griesser has brought to the business, including the many valuable local con-nections he has fostered to better serve their clients.

“Our industry is very relationship based, so we function with that principle in mind and Dale ensures that value is ingrained in our team,” says Jankowski.

The company’s diversified platform linked to its national parent company make up one of the most important dif-ferences between Avison Young and its competitors in the south Saskatchewan region.

“Avison Young Regina is a commercial real estate entity, but locally we’ve got a strategic alliance with a property man-agement firm, a development company, and a construction management com-pany,” says Jankowski.

In fact, the company shares its office with these three partners – NewWest Enterprise Property Group, Granite Properties, and Granite Developments – all ready to provide complementary services to the commercial real estate industry.

Jankowski says Avison Young tries to bundle its services to better meet their clients’ needs. For example, clients wishing to expand or relocate may need construction management support, oth-ers often need property and asset man-agement services, while others may be looking for investment property advice, technical consulting and support.

“Really, what it means is we’ve got access to an à la carte portfolio for cli-ents,” says Jankowski. He adds that one of the biggest challenges facing the Sas-katchewan real estate market is the lack of inventory available.

“We’ve essentially got the lowest va-cancy rates in every asset class in all the major markets in Canada. That’s a huge challenge going forward because the province’s economy is doing well, the national economy is recovering quite well, and we’ve got a huge resource sec-tor that’s waiting to be developed. Com-panies are looking to move here, but there’s a shortage of office space, and a shortage of industrial space. There are

limited options for them, which is not good.”

The lack of available space is imped-ing the province’s ability to attract busi-ness, despite all of the great things Sas-katchewan has to offer.

“At one time, people were suggest-ing there was a restriction on economic growth through government policy. Now it’s due to the availability of human and physical resources,” says Jankows-ki. “There have been a lot of rumours about companies moving to the major cities, but how can that happen when there’s nothing available for them?”

He says the solution will require the work of all levels of government, as well as the private sector, adding that much can be done locally. For one, municipali-ties need to focus on developing land and making services available, even if it means taking a calculated risk, in order to attract new business to their area.

Jankowski believes the biggest oppor-tunity lies within the private sector.

“It’s the small to medium enterprises that drive our economy, and they have been evolving,” he says. “Growing up, getting an education, and getting a job has been our culture. We need to tran-sition to growing up, getting an educa-tion, and starting a business. The lack of an entrepreneurial mindset, and the

absence of a business succession plan, are huge challenges we have to address in the future. As the saying goes, the best way to predict the future is to cre-ate it.”

He believes Avison Young and its alli-ances will continue to play a role in solv-ing these challenges through the numer-ous services it provides. For example, it recently took on the role of marketing the space in two new low-rise office buildings planned for construction in Regina – one that it is developing inter-nally. Together, the two buildings will add about 115,000 square feet of much needed office space within the city. And plans are in the works for much more of the same throughout the city and re-gion.

Whether helping a local business manage their commercial real estate as-sets or assisting an emerging company to find the space to enter the market, Jankowski says Avison Young will con-tinue to figure out how to remove road-blocks and facilitate economic develop-ment.

“That’s our role, and we are incredibly honoured to be part of that. In Saskatch-ewan, our time is now. My favourite quote has been used in times similar to the present – ‘if not now, when; if not us, who?’


Since the Estey Centre for Law and Economics in International Trade began operating in 1999, the in-

dependent not-for-profit interdisciplin-ary institution has developed an inter-national reputation for its research and training in issues related to international trade, trade facilitation, trade policy, law and economics, and it has reached this goal as a lean organization.

The mission of the Estey Centre – “to achieve worldwide recognition as a centre of excellence for research, train-ing and professional development in in-ternational trade, trade policy, law and economics” – may be considered a lofty vision for an organization of any size and at any location, but the two full-time staff at the Estey Centre in Saskatoon,

INFLUENCING INTERNATIONAL TRADE

The Estey Centre is building trade expertise around the world

are proving that this mission is possible, even with surprisingly few resources.

James Leach, the Centre’s Executive Director, says that in looking back over the past decade, “the major highlight is how far we’ve come since the Centre opened.”

“The Centre was launched with federal funding, which enabled us to set up an office, and begin our research activities,” explains Leach. “By 2002, however, we no longer had that financial support from the federal government and it became apparent that the Centre’s survival as an independent organization depended on

shifting its focus to revenue-generating activities.”

This change in focus resulted in the Centre developing its now successful pro-gram of international trade training and technical assistance.

Leach adds that another indicator of the Centre’s success, despite minimal resources, is the popularity of its online academic journal, The Estey Centre Jour-nal of International Law and Trade Policy. First published in 2000, the journal was somewhat unique at the time because it was electronic.

“Now, we are into Volume 11, and have published about 150 articles by scholars and senior trade officials,” says Leach, “and we know that it is being read on six continents!”

BY KATIE BOYCE


During the past year, the journal has featured scholarly articles by academ-ics from Jordan, Kansas, Geneva, South Africa, Germany, Greece, and Belgium, and was chosen by Germany’s Centre for International Development and Environ-mental Research to publish the papers presented at its International Sympo-sium.

Wayne Robinson, the Centre’s Director of Professional Development, attributes the Centre’s success to its lean business model and its associates.

“We are able to do what we do because we have a stable of very talented associ-ates. We can call on their expertise when and where we need it. We may be a lean organization, but we have a wide area of expertise to draw on.”

While most of the Centre’s work is out-side of Saskatchewan and Canada, the Es-tey Centre still has strong ties to its home base. The Centre has completed a large number of studies and research projects, including a study for 12 Saskatchewan cit-ies on the Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA) between British Columbia and Alberta.

One of the Centre’s main projects, which Robinson and Leach call “the Hum-boldt Model,” truly has Saskatchewan roots. The Humboldt Model is a train-ing program for community and regional economic development planning. It origi-nated in 2004 when a group of 35 volun-teers based in Humboldt, Saskatchewan, set out to develop a regional economic plan.

The Estey Centre acted as a mentor for the group, which became known as Action Humboldt. Based on a program it had piloted in rural Manitoba, the Centre helped the Humboldt volunteers to iden-tify the economic strengths and challeng-es of their region, and discover how to build on both for their region to thrive.

Humboldt, an agriculture centre with almost 30,000 people, has since seen positive results. New families have moved to the area, and local businesses have ex-panded.

Robinson says that the economic de-velopment training program in Humboldt

was “remarkably successful.” The key to the planning group’s success, he says, is that it is a completely community-driven project, supported by both public and private sectors.

The Estey Centre has since taken the Humboldt Model around the world to Borneo, Indonesia, by delivering the eco-nomic development training program to two communities, in partnership with the Trisakti University International Business School and the Trisakti School of Man-agement, both based in Jakarta.

This began when the Centre – which, at the time, was delivering trade policy training at Trisakti University – shared the concept of the Humboldt Model with the University’s personnel, who then wanted to know if the Model could work for them. After securing support from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), they tested the Humboldt Model in two Indonesian communities – both with great success. One of the com-munities is now building an aquarium to develop a tourist attraction where visi-tors can view the local species of exotic fish that are unique to the region, while the other community is helping residents manufacture furniture using locally grown rattan.

For the Centre, this success shows that the Humboldt Model can cross the bor-

ders of culture, language, and geograph-ic location.

Much of the Centre’s work for the past few years has been focused on the APEC Economic Integration Program, a $10 million project being done in partner-ship with the Conference Board of Can-ada and funded by CIDA. The program aims to build World Trade Organization-related capacity in the countries of In-donesia, Philippines, Thailand, Lao PDR, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Now in its sixth and final year, the training program has been transferred to institutional partners in the six countries.

With all of this international work – which also includes benchmarking trade facilitation systems and processes in the Caribbean region for the Caribbean Cus-toms Law Enforcement Council – Leach and Robinson say that the Centre is prob-ably better known in other parts of the world than in Saskatoon.

The idea to base the Centre in Saska-toon was a legacy of its namesake, the late Mr. Justice Willard Estey, a Compan-ion of the Order of Canada and former Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada.

Leach says that, in the mid-1990s, “Justice Estey initiated discussions with the then-Dean of Law, Peter MacKinnon, about his interest in establishing a lega-cy at the University of Saskatchewan by


raising funds for a chair in international trade law at the College of Law. However, he was subsequently persuaded to think in terms of a centre with a much broader mandate than simply a Chair, and the Es-tey Centre was created.”

Leach, who served for 31 years in the Canadian foreign service, started as the Centre’s first Executive Director in 1999. Robinson joined him ten months later, also after a career with the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade; in fact, they both first met in 1981 when posted together to New Delhi, India.

The Centre has benefited from Justice Estey’s plan for a Saskatoon base, not only with the Humboldt model, but also through its collaboration with the Univer-sity of Saskatchewan to teach the online post-graduate Master of International Trade (MIT) degree program.

The Centre has worked with Saskatche-wan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP) by partnering with the organization’s International Projects Unit and teaching FITTSkills courses. It has also provided

Going Global workshops for Trade Team Saskatchewan to introduce Saskatchewan businesses to international trade.

In the years ahead, the Estey Centre will continue working from its Saskatch-

ewan base to influence international trade relations, with potential projects in Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Burundi, Laos, Southeast Asia, and the Eastern Carib-bean.

The STEP Exporter of the Year Award was introduced in 1999 to recognize the ex-port achievements of STEP Regular Members. The Award recognizes such achieve-ments based on criteria including: • the introduction of new products/services into new markets • a significant increase in export sales • a high ratio of export sales to total sales • a positive impact on the community through job creation

The award recipient will receive public recognition, affirmation of business excel-lence from peers as well as province-wide and international acknowledgment. Applications are reviewed by a Selection Committee of Saskatchewan business leaders involved in providing assistance to exporters. Eligible companies must be Regular Members of STEP who are actively exporting. The submission deadline is August 6, 2010 with the recipient being presented the award at the STEP Trade Conference in Saskatoon on September 29, 2010.

For more information, please contact: Heather Swan, Manager - Corporate Services: Telephone (306) 787-7942 or [email protected]

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This June, Farmer Direct Co-oper-ative Ltd. (FDC) became the first business in Canada and the Unit-

ed States to receive domestic fair trade certification.

The new certification means that FDC is now both certified organic through Pro-Cert Organic Systems and certified fair trade through Quality Certification Services. This status makes it the first or-ganization eligible to carry the fairDeal seal – an organic industry supply chain non-profit and product seal – on mem-bers’ products.

“People usually associate fair trade with coffee, sugar, bananas and other crops from the global south, but fair wages to farm workers and fair prices to farmers are just as much a concern in in-dustrialized nations like Canada and the United States,” explains Murray Horkoff, an FDC farmer-owner from Kamsack, Sas-katchewan. “Now organic consumers can purchase fairly traded flax, wheat, beans, peas, lentils and other crops grown in the Northern Hemisphere.”

Along with fair prices to farmers and living wages to farm workers, fairDeal

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was founded to incorporate fair trade, pay equity and other additional ethical standards into organic agriculture. The fairDeal seal on products is an easy way for shoppers to know that their purchase supports certified organic farming meth-ods and fair business practices.

“Most of society is unaware that farm workers in many states and provinces are not protected under Federal, State or Provincial Labour laws. Since farm work-ers have no recourse under law they are often exploited. Therefore, organic con-sumers are now demanding organic foods that are fairly traded,” says Keith Neu, an FDC farmer-owner from Hudson Bay, Sas-katchewan. “We are proud to be able to offer certified organic, fairly traded food to these families.”

“If we truly believe in democracy and fair trade then we must economically or-ganize ourselves in ways that are demo-cratic and fair. Support for organic family farms and pay equity are fundamental to any system of fair trade. But it has to be easy for consumers,” says Gene Davis, FDC President who farms out of North Portal, Saskatchewan. “That’s why if consumers

are looking for certified organic, certified fair trade food where all companies in-volved practice pay equity they need only look for one seal – the fairDeal.”

Founded in 2002, Farmer Direct Co-op-erative Ltd. is a farmer-owned business that provides the world with ethically grown and traded food. Its co-operative of 70 certified organic family farms based in the Canadian prairies produce high qual-ity, 100 percent certified organic grains, oilseeds, pulses and meats for food man-ufacturers, distributors and food service providers in Canada, the United States, European Union and Japan. FDC is a bulk supplier of organic grains specializing in containers, truckloads, railcars and 25 lb grain bags to retailer bulk bins.

For more information, visit www.farmerdirect.coop.


STEP Staff Members Earn International Designations

STEP staff Jennifer Evancio, Direc-tor - Agri-value and Jeff Thackeray, Manager, Market Intelligence have

attained their designations of Certified In-ternational Trade Professionals (CITP).

The CITP is the only professional trade designation of its kind and is earned by completing courses and meeting standards and requirements set by the Forum for In-ternational Trade Training (FITT) which is Canada’s international trade training and professional certification authority.

Congratulations to these two staff members for this milestone in their pro-fessional careers who now join an impres-sive nucleus of STEP staff who are past recipients of this designation.

Register Today!

Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP)

2010 Trade Conference, September 28 - 29, 2010 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Your opportunity to network with international, national and

provincial delegates, sharing your focus on export markets.

Conference Agenda and Program at a Glance

Visit www.sasktrade.sk.ca for registration information and sponsorship opportunities.

STEP - Taking Saskatchewan’s Best to the World!

♦ Economic Updates/Exporter’s Panel (The Canada Brand) ♦ Social Media and Websites (Leveraging Tools to Increase International Sales) ♦ Avoiding Fraud (Verifying Potential Business Partners) ♦ Exporting and Transportation Issues/Challenges (Saskatchewan Perspective) ♦ Working a Trade Show from Both Sides of the Floor (Ensure ROI) ♦ The Next Frontier in Equipment Sales (New Market Opportunity) ♦ Keynote Address - Ken Schmidt - Marketing Visionary and Former Director of Communications for Harley-Davidson.


OPENING DOORS TO CHINA

STEP signs international trade agreement to assist Saskatchewan exporters

In conjunction with the Premier of Sas-katchewan’s trade mission to China to promote trade and commerce op-

portunities between Western Canada and Asia, Saskatchewan Trade and Export Part-nership (STEP) signed a trade agreement with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT).

“Working with a trade and investment promotion agency such as CCPIT is ex-tremely advantageous for STEP mem-bers. With this agreement, we are now able to leverage established trade and economic relations with industrial and business circles in over 800 cities and regions in China,” says Lionel LaBelle, President and CEO of STEP.

Established in 1952, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) is China’s national trade and in-vestment promotion agency. As the larg-est institution for the promotion of for-eign trade in China, the organization’s mandate is to promote the development of economic and trade relations in line with law and government policies of the People’s Republic of China.

“CCPIT has signed cooperation agree-ments with over 300 foreign counterparts and established joint chambers with for-eign national and local chambers of com-merce. Their national network in China covers 20 industrial sub-councils in such sectors as machinery, agriculture, pet-rochemical, commerce, grain business, and logistics as well as 50 provincial sub-councils and over 800 local branches. All

this leads to further opportunities for STEP members,” notes LaBelle.

“Clearly, this agreement has the poten-tial to enhance the international trade

level with China and, most importantly, provides a framework for STEP members to secure future opportunities.”

Front Row: Lionel LaBelle, President & CEO, STEP and Jia Huai, Deputy Director General , CCPIT. Second Row: Interpreter, Doug Moen, Deputy Minister to the Premier and Yun Chang,

Chief Representative, CCPIT.


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hub for activities and information re-ceived in real-time from STEP-led trade shows and missions. On-the-fly trade leads captured during a trade show or mission will be sent to a password pro-tected area of the blog accessible only to STEP members.

Trade information, trends, new regu-lations and policies that could impact Saskatchewan businesses and keep them informed will be posted to STEP Twitter accounts and will be accessible only to STEP members.

For further information, contact Dan Maynard, STEP Trade Specialist, Technol-ogy and Marketing at (306) 787-2222 or [email protected].

now expanding this role and will offer a full suite of technology-based services for members.

One of the new services for STEP members are Virtual Trade Missions, where members can meet buyers via videoconferencing or from a desktop computer. Where appropriate, sample products will be sent to buyers followed by a videoconference/webcast service, bringing members in direct contact with potential buyers.

Advisory Services are another new option for STEP members. This internet counseling service will help members to promote and obtain the right qualified leads for their web sites.

Training on how businesses can lever-age social media and the internet is also available to STEP members via webinars and live events.

STEP is also launching a new blog. The STEP blog will serve as an information

NEW TECHNOLOGYAND MARKETING

TRADE SERVICESSTEP Moves Into the Digital World

Trade missions and trade shows have been the cornerstone of in-ternational business development

at Saskatchewan Trade and Export Part-nership (STEP) since its inception in 1996. While this is still the modus operandi at STEP, the organization is looking at lever-aging the latest technology to enhance trade development efforts.

STEP has launched a new trade devel-opment and promotion service using the internet and social media. The organiza-tion also recently created a new Tech-nology and Marketing Trade Specialist position, which is held by former Agri-Value Trade Specialist, Dan Maynard. Dan comes to this role with many years of ex-perience in both internet marketing and international trade.

STEP recently embarked on several internet and social media pilot projects that successfully enhanced trade oppor-tunities for members. The organization is


Staff Profile: JEFF THACKERAY: Guiding

Saskatchewan into foreign markets

BY KARLEN HERAUFWhen Jeff Thackeray saw a presentation on Saskatch-ewan Trade and Export

Partnership (STEP) during his under-graduate days, he knew right away there was something intriguing about the organization.

“They were leading the push in the province in terms of international business,” says Thackeray, who is now approaching his fourth year of employment with STEP.

STEP strives to increase export opportunities for Saskatchewan businesses into existing and new markets all over the world. Working in nine key areas that range from agricultural biotechnology to profes-sional services, the organization pro-vides essential services for national and international market success.

One method to accomplish these goals is through Market Intelligence, the process of gathering and provid-ing information through customized reports to help member companies make informed business decisions.

Thackeray joined the STEP team in 2007 as a Programs and Training Specialist. In that position, he helped develop the FITTskills and Agri-Value Marketing training programs, as well as organize annual conferences and other events.

He soon became a Market Intelli-gence multi-sector specialist for the Technical and Professional services

unit. At that time, Market Intelligence operated separately for each ma-jor industry that STEP worked with. However, in March 2010, Market In-telligence amalgamated into a single STEP unit and Thackeray became its manager.

As manager, Thackeray ensures the quality of customized reports prepared by his department, seeks new resources, such as new markets and new ways of researching, and continues to directly provide Market Intelligence for companies.

According to Thackeray, it’s a job that is both challenging and reward-ing.

With approximately 400 member companies, the volume of work can be high, but Thackeray enjoys the ac-tive challenge of helping STEP’s cli-ents make good business decisions. He leaves the international leg-work up to other STEP employees, but he does spend time travelling around the province and the country. And he still gets his share of foreign culture.

For Thackeray, one of the biggest challenges is dealing with cultural and language barriers.

Foreign bodies often have different policies that Thackeray must grasp before he can identify successful business opportunities for Saskatch-

ewan companies. When interpre-tive challenges with foreign markets arise, he relies on past travel expe-rience and thorough research and analytical skills to give him a greater breadth of understanding.

Thackeray also enjoys being part of a larger process and team, and developing an understanding of how countries, policies, and busi-ness work together. But, what is his favourite part of the job?

“I get paid to learn about new things,” says Thackeray. “I learn something new every day.”

Thackeray has a Bachelor of Ad-ministration with a specialization in marketing from the University of Re-gina. Before joining STEP, he spent time with the Prince Albert Regional Economic Development Associa-tion, now part of Enterprise Sas-katchewan. He recently received a Certified International Trade Profes-sional designation from the Forum for International Trade Training, in recognition of his exceptional capa-bilities in international trade.



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