Edmontonians Sep09

PM 40023292

Taddes KorrisProfile

T H E P E R S O N A L I T Y O F B U S I N E S S I N T H E C A P I T A L R E G I O N

2

Proof__1_________PROOFED BY:_______________________________________________CHANGES MADE:__________________________DATE:_________________

EDMONTONIANS SEPTEMBER 2009

THAT WAS THE SEPTEMBER THAT WAS

f you haven’t heard of 18-year old singer/songwriterSamantha Schultz, you will. Sheis fresh off a summer of festivals

and various shows around Canada. Thisfall, she is attending the prestigiousBerklee College of Music in Boston totake her talent and music to anotherlevel. Alumni include Steely Dan’sDonald Fagen, Diana Krall, SteveVai, John Mayer, Quincy Jones,Branford Marsalis and Susan

Tedeschi to name but afew. As you readthis, Samantha willbe getting settled inand starting a newchapter in her musicalcareer. Having spentsome time in theBerklee halls myself, Ican attest that she willhave the time of her life.Oh yeah... she’s there ona full scholarship.Congrats, Samantha, andenjoy watching the RedSox win the World Series.Check outwww.samanthaschultz.com

Great post-Edmonton FolkMusic Festival story: I stopped byMegatunes on Whyte during the FringeFestival to grab some music. I lovegoing to Megatunes,Blackbyrd andSoundside Sound whereyou can actuallysocialize. Getting musicon-line is lame... MP3quality is sad. Anyway, Iran into Clint Andersonof Megatunes who told mea great story. One of itsemployees, Tyrell, wasworking the Friday of FolkFest, and adude walks in and starts up aconversation. “Have any famousmusicians been in the store?” “No,”says Tyrell. Then the dude asks, “Do

you know who Boz Scaggs is?” “No.No idea, in fact,” admits Tyrell. Thedude then puts his hand out and says toTyrell “I see... well, I am Boz Scaggs...”He bought some CDs and headed out.Great moment for Tyrell—hope hegrabbed some Scaggs off the shelf andhad a good listen.

As to FolkFest... I missed most ofit because my new band, The BlueMontegos, played at Fort McMurray’sInterPlay Festival opening for KathleenEdwards. I hear FolkFest was a top tobottom sell out—no doubt one of thejewels in our City’s crown.

I am somewhat embarrassed toadmit this... I had never really used ourtransit system, except for some Oilersand Esks games and a few concerts.While I have been guest hosting forPeter Brown on CBC’s Radio Activeover the summer, I decided it was time.A fantastic choice… and waay cheaperthan parking downtown. I know therehave been a few tragic bus-relatedstories… and there are plenty of shit-for-brains riding the buses. Myexperience has been nothing but firstclass—most riders say hello and thankyou to drivers who always say goodmorning and hello... and I’ve seenthem help riders get on and off the bus.

Pride and respectfor our city’stransit staff is whatI want to passalong. Although,there is a wee yinto this yang: Ihope putting hugeads on the sidesof the buses willstop. I want to

see out the window and notstare at a backward Subway sandwich.And, as much as I respect the on-airand community work of CTV‘s supperhour news team, their faces block myview of the river valley.

II

“It’s his 17th season as The Voice of theOilers and Rod Phillips has only missed threehockey games: the birth of his daughter, thedeath of his father, and laryngitis.”

~ Maureen Hemingway Movers and Shakers1990

“The new theatre season features boy sopranos,ghostwriters for rich bigots, kidnapped bridesand a marionette in a remote controlwheelchair.”

~ John Charles Arts Beat 1991

“Warning: This columnist is not the namby-pamby, do-goody, hand-wringy and up-liftykinda guy.”

~ Dick MacLean Front page 1992

“How do you find $190 million? Simple—justcut into hospital budgets.”

~ Brian Champion Opinion 1993

Which humourist said… “If it weren’t forpickpockets, I would have no sex life at all.”?

~ Dale Dauten The Corporate Curmudgeon1994

“It shouldn’t be difficult to find someonewho knows how to retain their water…someone who can debate an issue withoutpersonal attacks on other aldermen…someone who will not resort to tempertantrums in the street.”

~ Editorial on the upcoming civic election 1995

“”Hazel Hett left River City in the mid-80s toconcentrate on ‘dead art’. She explains, “Theonly good artist is a dead artist, the deaderthe better.” This is from an art dealer’sstandpoint, of course.”

~ Barb Deters Hot Flashes 1996

“….Edmonton Research Park, 320 acres ofserviced land…. is recognized internationally asone of the top 20 university-related researchparks in the world.”

~ Joyce Gariepy Biotechnology ReportSmart City Spirit! Special 1997

Darcy Levesque “…boldly launchedEdmonton Life, a slick city magazine. ‘I wrotea column called Words about Life. Howarrogant and presumptuous. I was 17 or 18years old—and naïve. We survived two issuesdespite ourselves.’”~ Barb Deters Corporate Coup for Calgary 1998

“Reaching 70 years of age is a real millstone…er…sorry—milestone. About 100 of my closest

friends showed up; about 10 of them roastedmy hide.”

~ Muggsy Forbes Funny Pompous & Unfair1999

“People who say the Olympics are anexperience of a lifetime are right. They justdon’t say how ugly it can be.”

~ Ken Karpoff The Business of Sports 2000

“The best speeches of the evening… weredelivered by Prince Edward and Lois Hole, whojust had a few things she wanted to say andgrabbed the mic to the delight of the crowd.”

~ Shannon Haggerty The Backroom 2001on the visit of the Earl and Countess of Wessex

to the World Athletic Championships

“Remember the promise of apaperless world? Forget it. Printingis Canada’s fourth largestmanufacturing industry—employing over 98,000 people in5,560 establishments, sellingover $10 billion of products in2001.”

~ Drake McHugh Printing—TheLast Word in Communications

2002

“…too many people think thatyou can’t work and go toschool… don’t whine to meand say you can’t—you can.”

~ Sizzler Moe Najmeddine,publisher 2003

“I came to Edmonton to play hockey,” Al Purvis remembers. “The job was secondaryto the game, but I did work. The first year, I puton frost shields and swept snow off the cars inthe lot.”~ Marg Pullishy The Purvises of Waterloo 2005

“One of our great Runyon-like charactersrecently passed away. Don ‘Buckets’ Flemingwas a fine writer, a colourful icon of sportscoverage. The stories about his ability to partyall night and file his stories are legendary.”

~ Muggsy Forbes Funny Pompous & Unfair2006

“I’m a non-stop talker.”~ Sizzler Melissa Dominelli, broadcaster 2007

“I have a pesky ambitious streak… It’simportant that what I do resonates with acertain degree of intelligence.”

~ Sizzler Kevin Gilles improv comedian 2008

2004

View preferred over Josh

EDMONTONIANS SEPTEMBER 2009 3


s we wrap up anothergreat festival summer, afew comments…First off, my thoughts over

the past month have been with LarryWerner and the PanhandleProductions people since the terribletragedy at Big Valley Jamboree.Mother Nature, in less than twominutes, destroyed almost twodecades of amazing work at thiswonderful country festival. My hopeis that they find a way through this tocontinue to build one of Canada’sfinest events.

Through tragedy, we often see mediashine. My compliments go out to MikeMcGuire and Chris Sheetz at CISNRadio for starting the ball rolling forthe Telus Field benefit for the two sonsof Donna Moore who lost her lifewhen the storm struck BVJ. Next,Lynda Steele at Global Edmonton—who raised a remarkable $108,000 forthe family—deserves a huge pat on theback for her hard work on this as well.

And hats off to all the generousdonors.

A few years back GrahamHicks of the Sun and I werediscussing Edmonton’s amazingcharitable spirit; we came to theconclusion that about 200 peoplemake virtually everything happen inour city. I can’t list them all, but thereare some notables who do seeminglyendless work to help others.

Let’s start with Mr. Hicks himself.His Christmas charity work alone isworthy of recognition because hehelps so many families through hisfund-raising projects.

Next, CHED’s Daryl Hooke hasbeen involved in Santa’s Anonymousin one way or another for over 35years.

Also at CHED, don’t forget howmuch Bob Layton does for this city.We simply would not have theEdmonton Police Air One Helicopterpatrolling over us without his efforts.

People like CTV’s Carrie Doll, JOEFM’s J’Lyn Nye, EZ Rock’s SeannaCollins and Global’s Nicola Crosbiespend countless hours after theirregular day is done: emceeing,running, riding, voicing public serviceannouncements or just helping out.

My hippy lawyer Jim Scott has aheart as big as his home province ofSaskatchewan. He participates inmarathon runs and rides, and donateshis boat for auctions several times ayear.

Dr. Bob Westbury of Telus andLyle Best of Quickcard each chair aton of events. National Bank’s AngusWatt is also always involved, as areothers in his family.

I’ve had the pleasure of workingwith Dianne Young, former presidentand CEO of the Stollery Children’sHospital, a number of times and shetoo cares deeply. We’re gettingtogether again on a Christmasprogram that I will write about inupcoming columns.

Lloyd Lewis, a few years back, wasgetting sick and tired of hearing aboutthe violence in our city and singlehandedly got a fabulous program upand running on CTV called “Enoughis Enough.”

Donna James of Calder Bateman isa breast cancer survivor and has spentmany years paying it forward andhelping other women understand thisterrible disease.

Bruce Hogle, my co-columnist inEdmontonians, has been a personalmentor of mine for many years. Hejuggles more public service work thananybody I know and is always lookingfor ways to help others.

Cam Tait of the Edmonton Journalprovides me with daily inspiration.He’s one of the funniest guys I’veever met. Although he’s permanentlyin a wheelchair, he doesn’t think ofhimself as handicapped—billinghimself as a ‘sit-down’ comedian atclubs. Cam takes on many causes, andgives them much-needed exposure inthe paper or on his blog.

I have met many highly dedicatedpeople over the past 18 years in thiscity and each of them has inspired meto give back as my way to thank thiscity for its greatness. Edmonton isblessed with an army of volunteerswho work over and above the call ofduty simply because they ‘get it’...without their dedication, this wouldsimply not be the City of Champions.

Finally, the purists are going tohate me for this: We live in a city thatmakes the success of our concertsweather-dependant. Isn’t it time tothink about building a greatpermanent outdoor facility to houseour festivals?

The Cricket Wireless Theatre inPhoenix is spectacular and covered. Ithas a great dance area, paved andcemented so that rain/mud isn’t aproblem… cooling fans above (wecould use heaters)… private suites…a fully secure paved parking lot… anda permanent food/refreshment centre.It’s an adaptable seating theatreholding anywhere from 5,000 to14,000 people in the covered area,and another 20,000 on a naturalamphitheatre on the grass above theseating area.

Just think how comfortable our festswould be—Jazzfest, Bluesfest,concerts; plays, and even Big Valleyall under the great western skies butin a permanent, secure andcomfortable style.

Think about it. √

Marty Forbes is the recently retiredVP and general manager of The Bear,EZRock and The TEAM 1260 SportsRadio. [email protected]

Allan passed away on August 13th, 2009 at home inBrentwood Bay, B.C. surrounded by loved ones.

He leaves behind his devoted and loving family; Jeanne,his wife of 59 years; son Randall (Maureen) of Edmonton;daughter Corlie of Edmonton, Dr. Janey Purvis (Dr. RobertRoss) of Oregon; his adored grandchildren, Sara McNeill(Grant) and Keely Yates (Ben) of Edmonton; Allana,Laurenne and Hilary Ross of Oregon; and his great grand-daughters Elle and Petra McNeill. Other family membersinclude brothers Dennis, Rae, and Con Purvis, their wivesand numberous nieces, nephews, Jeannette Flesher and JoanSimpson and his many friends.

Allan was the foundation of our family. He dedicated his life to the happiness andwelfare of those he loved. He was respected and adored by his family, whose lives havebeen forever enriched by his presence. Allan was an outstanding athlete, and as assistantcaptain of the Edmonton Murcurys Hockey team, won the 1950 World Championships andthe gold medal in the 1952 Olympics in Oslo, Norway. He served as director of theEdmonton Eskimos during their 5-year run as Grey Cup Champions. He loved fishing andhunting with his good friends and will always be remembered as the Captain of hisbeloved boat “The Raider”. Allan was also a successful businessman, spending 56 years inthe automotive industry as the owner and CEO of Waterloo Mercury/Waterloo Ford. Hewas an avid art collector, enjoyed traveling with his wife Jeanne and relaxing at their homeaway from home in Maui. His zest for life and his sparkling blue eyes will be sadly missedbut fondly remembered forever.

There was a private family burial and memorial service in Victoria. A celebration ofhis well lived life was held at The Royal Mayfair Golf and Country Club in

Edmonton on Friday, August 21st, 2009. Donations may be made to the Allan R.Purvis Junior Hockey Memorial Fund, 11420 - 107 Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T5H 0Y5.

Speaking of jewels, belovedEdmontonians’ columnist and man-about-town Norman “Muggsy” Forbes was thecentre of attention on Sunday, August16th. Friends and family—ranging in agefrom newborn to ancient—gathered tocelebrate his 80th birthday at a patio partyorganized by his much younger wife, Dr.Ollie Triska. It was a happy and hilarioustime. Never has anyone who doesn’t drinkbooze received so many bottles of wineand spirits—seriously, what do you getfor a guy who has everything? The namesof most of the well-wishes had appearedin Muggy’s Funny, Pompous & Unfairand VoxPop columns over a 15-year run.Muggsy is planning to launch a blog forhis legion of fans.

Do your part. The 2009 ScotiabankAIDS Walk for Life is on Sunday,September 20th. The 5km event, insupport of the HIV Network ofEdmonton Society, begins at Churchill

Square, winds through thedowntown core to theLegislature, and returns to thestart. The Edmonton Journal’sNick Lees is the first-ever MileHigh Marshall, and will lead theExtra Mile Club for walkers whoraise $1,000 or more. The clubwas established by HIV Edmontonto recognize and celebrateextraordinary fundraising efforts.Extra Milers will be feted at theSutton Place Hotel on the 17th,sponsored by Yellowtail. Excellentchoice in naming Nick—yet anotherjewel in Edmonton’s crown. Formore information, check outwww.hivedmonton.com

The Canadian Progress ClubToasty Roast will see RickLelacheur, pres and CEO of theEdmonton Eskimos, and Patrick

LaForge, pres and CEO of theEdmonton Oilers in the hot seats.Organizer Don Clarke promises “drywit designed to tickle the funny boneand exercise the digestive tract” at theOctober 5th fundraiser. Roasters includeKen King, head honcho of the CalgaryFlames, Al Hamilton, Lyle Best, andIris Evans, minister of Alberta’sdwindling revenues. Also on stage willbe Chief Justice Al Wachowich aka ThePolish Prince who officially retires fromthe bench on October 1st. Ticketsalways go fast, so call Don at780.481.3390 or Earl Krausert at780.434.4242 right away. √

Mark Scholz, owner of MESCommunications Inc. offers a variety ofservices including production, creativeand entertainment. For more informationor to suggest a story idea, [email protected]

with Mark & Marty

AAOctagenarian Muggsy ForbesOctagenarian Muggsy Forbes

4



FOUNDERDICK MacLEAN

SEPTEMBER 2009Vol. XX

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 POPMark Scholz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2Marty Forbes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3CELEBRATING 20 YEARS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

POLL STATIONPro Sports/Banister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

SIZZLING TWENTY UNDER 30Profiles/Henrie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-18Contact List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

VISIONARIESCormier/Croucher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19Inovotech Up-date/Croucher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20Briefs/Croucher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21Social Media 101/Schwabe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

BARB DETERSEditor

[email protected]

COLUMNISTSLinda Banister

John BerryLinda Bodo

Cheryl CroucherMarty ForbesBruce Hogle

David NorwoodErin RaynerMark Scholz

Walter SchwabeNizar J. Somji

FEATURE WRITERSBarb DetersGreg Gazin

Lauren HenrieRick Lauber

Peter Drake McHughMarg. Pullishy

PHOTOGRAPHERSTerry Bourque

Barb DetersQuincey DetersCheryl Croucher

Rocco Macri

SPECIAL PROJECTSEdmontonians Transformers

Tom BradshawLes Brost

Steffany HanlenDr. Larry Ohlhauser

GRAPHIC PRODUCTIONRage Studios Inc.

THIS MONTH’S COVER

2009 Sizzler, Bassist Taddes Korris Photo by Terry Bourque

No. 9

2020YEARS

C E L E B R A T I N G

pedicures. manicures. facials. aroma therapy message

Slimming Secret!

Why it works?The wrap detoxifies the body.

The body can get overloaded with toxins becauseit cannot keep up with the filtration process.

The more toxins in the body, the more lymphaticfluid increases to protect cells.

You force out toxins. Once the toxins are gone,the lymphatic fluid decreases and you lose

inches. It is not water loss—rather, an exchangeof minerals for toxins.

780.459.3444

Lose 4 to 20 inches in an hour!A hot new detoxifying body wrap!

That’s a Wrap!Call Linda Perras

at Suddenly Slimmer Day Spa

www.suddenlyslimmerdayspa.com

STATIONhe City of Edmonton is home to a wide array of professional and amateur sportsteams, each supported by loyal fans throughout the City and surrounding areas.These sports teams—the Oilers, Eskimos, Oil Kings, Edmonton Rush andCapitals—provide the City with entertainment, excitement and civic pride, as

residents unite to cheer on their favourite teams to success. This month’s Poll Stationgauged Edmontonians’ awareness of the various sports teams, as well as their attendance atgames, and how these sports teams affect the City as a whole.

With Linda Banister

PollPoll

TTARE YOU AWARE OF EDMONTON’SPROFESSIONAL SPORTS TEAMS?

To begin, respondents were asked if they were aware of theCity’s numerous professional sports teams. All respondents (100percent) were aware of the Edmonton Oilers hockey club, whilethe majority was aware of the Edmonton Eskimos CFL team (97percent), and the Edmonton Oil Kings of the WHL (83 percent).More than three-quarters were aware of the Edmonton Capitalsbaseball team (77 percent) and Edmonton’s lacrosse team, theRush (72 percent). When asked if they were aware of anyadditional sports teams in Edmonton, 10 percent mentionedamateur sports teams such as the Edmonton Huskies footballteam and U of A Golden Bears, and three percent mentioned theDrillers professional soccer team.

HAVE YOU ATTENDED ANY GAMES?

Respondents that were aware of each City sports team were thenasked if they had attended any games in the past 12 months. Ofthose aware of the Oilers, over one-third (36 percent) had

attended a hockey game, while 35 percent of those aware of theEskimos had attended a game. Twenty-three percent ofrespondents aware of the Oil Kings had attended a game, 10percent of those aware of the Capitals had attended at least onegame and of those aware of the Edmonton Rush lacrosse team,15 percent had attended a game.

WHICH TEAM IS YOUR FAVOURITE?When asked which of the City’s professional sports teams wastheir favourite, respondents most frequently mentioned the Oilers(61 percent), followed by the Eskimos (25 percent), EdmontonRush (two percent), Capitals (two percent), and the Oil Kings(one percent).

HOW DO THESE TEAMS AFFECT THE CITY?Next, respondents were asked for their level of agreementregarding a series of statements about the City’s sports teamseffect on Edmonton as a whole. When asked if the City’s sportsteams provide residents with a source of civic pride, three-quarters strongly agreed with this statement. Seventy-sevenpercent strongly agreed that there was a wide variety of sportsteams in Edmonton, while 88 percent strongly agreed that Citysports teams provide Edmontonians with a source ofentertainment. When asked if these sports teams were a goodway of promoting the City, 79 percent strongly agreed, while 76percent strongly agreed that these sports teams provideeconomic opportunities for Edmonton.

Finally, respondents were asked if there were any additionalsports leagues that they would like to see come to Edmontonthat are currently not available. A professional soccer team (14percent) and a professional basketball team (11 percent) werementioned most frequently, followed by four percent whowould like a major league baseball team to come to Edmonton. √

Monthly Poll Station Online QuestionVisit 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.Visit www.banister.ab.ca.

Perc

ent

Perc

ent

100%97%

36% 35%33%

15% 10%

83%75%

72%

Said they wereaware of the

Edmonton Oilers

Said they hadattended anOilers game

Said they hadattended an

Eskimos game

Said they hadattended an Oil

Kings game

Said they hadattended aRush game

Said they hadattended a

Capitals game

Said they wereaware of the

Edmonton Eskimos

Said said theywere aware of the

Edmonton Oil Kings

Said said theywere aware of the

Edmonton Capitals

Said said theywere aware of theEdmonton Rush

EDMONTONIANS SEPTEMBER 2009 5


oberto Moreno and Elisse Heine metin 2006 at a salsa dancing class. Heclaims it was his impressive dancing

skills that attracted Elisse, but she says it wasotherwise.

“We were both taking a class and then westarted hanging out,” Roberto explained. “Itwasn’t long before we were dating, and nextthing you know we were partners and actuallytraveled to places like Puerto Rico… and Miamito compete and perform. It wasn’t a year laterwhen we were doing business together.”

Roberto moved to Edmonton at the age of 13.As he approached adulthood, he realized that hislife in Canada was much different than the onehe led in Mexico.

“I came from Mexico City and, in Mexico, theculture is very friendly. There’s

always events and activities, youare always meeting interesting

people. Then, coming toEdmonton, living half of mylife here, I just kind ofthought, ‘Well, where do youmeet people?’ I don’t wantgo to the bars… I don’twant to go to the lounges.I’m a professional… How doI meet the movers andshakers of the city?”

On the other end of thespectrum, Elisse was a bornentrepreneur. At the age of12, she started her own littlesummer business.

“Every weekend I wouldset up a table outside my

family’s lake house and sellbeach balls and other toys. It

was silly, but it was my firsttaste of entrepreneurship.”

In September 2008, the couplelaunched Divertido: Urban Jaunt

which is intended to change theway young career professionals

socialize.“We’re really not trying to create

networking events. We’re trying tocreate events where people can actually

make social connections, within theprofessional and business world,” Elisse

explained. “We love laid back environments sothat everyone is comfortable and can just enjoy

themselves.”

Divertido—“fun” in Spanish— hosts eventsevery six weeks, September through June. Withthemes from pop art night to Chinese New Year toa casino complete with burlesque dancers, Robertoand Elisse transform the atmosphere of retailspaces—trendy locations like 29 Armstrong,Ginger Clothing and Apparel, and the Eye CareGroup in the Birks Building.

While both enjoy simply meeting people, Elisseespecially likes “creating an experience and seeingpeoples’ reactions when they come in.”

Roberto and Elisse have kept advertising forDivertido to a minimum, which allows them tomaintain the intimate feel that they desire at theirevents. They do engage in a cross-promotionalrelationship with Edmontonians magazine: LastSeptember, they also began hosting a website calledsizzlinginedmonton.com, built around the profilesand activities of several years of the individualsfeatured in the Sizzling Twenty under 30 issues.

“We saw it as an exciting opportunity to developand create an on-line medium that showcased localentrepreneurs, with a primary focus on theSizzlers,” says Roberto. “It’s a way to promote theconcept and the spirit of what being a Sizzlermeans.”

Besides planning events of their own, Robertoand Elisse are also breaking into the partyplanning world, helping small- to medium-sizedcompanies that “want to do something other than

take their employees to a bowling alley or bar forthe annual Christmas party.”

The past year has been exciting and challenging,particularly when both were holding down full-time jobs. Elisse is the managing director ofRedman Technologies Inc., a growing Internetcompany that develops on-line applications anddesigns websites for the real estate industry. The25-year old holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with amajor in science, technology and society from theUniversity of Alberta. Until a couple of monthsago, Roberto was a technology/security consultantwith EPCOR. He earned a diploma in computersystems security from NAIT. At 27 years of age, heis now devoting his energies to growing Divertidoand their other ventures.

Roberto and Elisse have so many ideas that theydon’t quite know what to do with them. Given thatthey are innovative and risk-taking in theirbusiness ventures, running a variety of companiesis highly probable.

“We figured if we could dance together, we coulddo anything together.” √

~ Lauren Henrie

RR

Entrepreneurs, Event Planners, Dancers

ConnectingRoberto Moreno & Elisse Heine



DAVID BAYDAOwner/DirectorEzemble [email protected]

WILL BUCHKOWSKYFinancial AnalystDeloitte & Touche LLP2000 Manulife Place, 10180 - 101 StreetEdmonton, AB [email protected]

KRISTA CASTELLARINOwner & Founder, Fabulous FurballsSchool Administrator, The Fur Institute2755 Broadmoor Blvd, Suite 116Sherwood Park, AB T8H 2W7krista@fabulousfurballs.comwww.fabulousfurballs.comwww.thefurinstitute.comDesigner, Fabulous Krista [email protected]

MICHAEL CHRISTIANSENOwner ReNUE Properties Ltd.223-9 Chippewa Road Sherwood Park, AB T8A 6J7780.416.4331www.renueproperties.com

KARELLA CUMMINGSFounder & President West Indian Culture [email protected]

ANNIE DOBuyer/ManagerLUX Beauty Boutique10120-124 StreetEdmonton, AB T5N 1P61-877-451-1423

SEAN FARMERFounder/OwnerLoud City [email protected]

TIMOTHY FRANCISFounder/Joint Venture BrokerSimplified Real Estate SolutionsSuite #393, 3-11 Bellerose DriveSt. Albert, AB T8N 5C9780.938.0025Tim@TimothyFrancis.comwww.TimothyFrancis.comwww.LearnToJointVenture.com

ZAC HOGLEProducer/EditorAquila Productions17214 106A Ave Edmonton, AB [email protected]

REBECCA JONESOwnerManning Curves 212 Manning Crossing NWEdmonton, AB T5A 5A1780.406.8872Fort Saskatchewan Curves9745 – 90 StreetFort Saskatchewan, AB780.992.9478

TADDES KORRISStudent, Manhattan School of MusicProject Organizer, Vytis Records 780.456.2816, [email protected]

JAIMY MILLERIntercultural Communications FacilitatorThe Centre for Excellencein Intercultural EducationNorQuest CollegeA023, 10215 – 108 StreetEdmonton, AB T5J [email protected]/cfe/intercultural/index.htm

ROBERTO MORENO & ELISSE HEINECo-FoundersDivertido Urban Jaunt/[email protected]

MARIJA PAVKOVICOwner/DirectorMaKami College Inc. 205 A - 5004 98 Ave. (Capilano Mall)Edmonton, AB780.468.3454

ALEXIS MARIE ROBB-CHUTEPhotographer & ArtistAlways Alexis Marieof Living Images Art and Photography Inc.780.499.4311info@alwaysalexismarie.comwww.AlwaysAlexisMarie.com

EMILY SALSBURYOwner, PureStyle Productions780.485.6574, [email protected]

NICOLE SOROCHANFounder, ViewStreet ProductionsInterim CEO and Co-FounderEnviroSpeak Media [email protected]

ROBERT TYNDALE OwnerRoom 32210988 - 124 StreetEdmonton, AB T5M [email protected]

NEVILLE WRIGHTSprinter/BrakemenAthletics Canada/Bobsleigh Canada780.504.5560

he 2009 edition of Edmontonians Sizzling Twenty under 30 introduces readersto another 20 dynamic, young entrepreneurs from the Capital Region. Since2002, we have dedicated the pages of this annual special issue to the faces andstories of 160 accomplished and impressive men and women.

They are the Sizzlers—self-starters… promising professionals… gifted artists andperformers… hard-working entrepreneurs… motivated community volunteers. They arecreative, urban and modern trendsetters. They are the products of our colleges, universitiesand life’s experiences—driven by the need to succeed.

The Sizzling 20—nominated by Edmonton’s business leaders, professional mentors,

educators and interested individuals—mark two aspects of Greater Edmonton’s youthfulvitality: young leaders and young writers. Each year, Sizzling Twenty under 30 is a learningexperience for a student from the MacEwan School of Communications who is chosen tointerview the finalists, write the profiles and participate in the photo sessions. The profilerprovides a first-person account of the experience.

Edmontonians Sizzling Twenty under 30 encourages other young Albertans to reachbeyond their grasp. And, as part of this Signature Event, Lexus of Edmonton—togetherwith Edmontonians, Global Edmonton and numerous corporate sponsors—hosts a blazingreception to recognize our rising stars.

TT

s I was approaching the final months of my two-year journalism program at Grant MacEwanCollege, I began looking for an internship

position, something that would fit me and the educationI wanted to continue.

When I found the posting for Edmontonians SizzlingTwenty under 30 internship, I knew, immediately, that itwas the one for me. Freelance writing appeals to me,especially the freedom of working my own hours. I applied,all the while crossing my fingers and asking everyone Iknew to do the same, hoping that I would be given thechance to show, in this capacity, my capabilities.

I received a call from Editor Barb Deters one day inApril, just minutes before one of my classes began. Igrinned from ear to ear when she told me she wanted mefor the job.

When I received the nomination forms for the Sizzlersand read over the information about each person, I wasimpressed. Every one of these young people wasaccomplished and had already done so many positivethings in their lives.

As I approached my first interview, I forgot nearly all ofthe things that I had been taught in school aboutinterviewing. Instead, I felt it was best to just chat. So that’swhat I did.

What is amazing about these Sizzlers is not just thethings they have done, but the enthusiasm andinnovation with which each has done it. It is apparentthat they love what they do, and have passion for theircareers.

And that is why I enjoyed this assignment so much.We met in coffee shops… in their work places… inhomes. They let me into an intimate part of their liveswhen we visited and I was able to discover who theyare and why they love what they do.

That’s the reason I wanted to studyjournalism in the first place. I feel like it’snever been just the story for me, but thepeople within the story—who they are andwhy they are the story.

Thank you to Edmontonians, to BarbDeters and to all the Sizzlers, for making myinternship such an incredible experience. √

~ Lauren Henrie

s I was approaching the final months of my two-year journalism program at Grant MacEwanCollege, I began looking for an internship

position, something that would fit me and the educationI wanted to continue.

When I found the posting for Edmontonians SizzlingTwenty under 30 internship, I knew, immediately, that itwas the one for me. Freelance writing appeals to me,especially the freedom of working my own hours. I applied,all the while crossing my fingers and asking everyone Iknew to do the same, hoping that I would be given thechance to show, in this capacity, my capabilities.

I received a call from Editor Barb Deters one day inApril, just minutes before one of my classes began. Igrinned from ear to ear when she told me she wanted mefor the job.

When I received the nomination forms for the Sizzlersand read over the information about each person, I wasimpressed. Every one of these young people wasaccomplished and had already done so many positivethings in their lives.

As I approached my first interview, I forgot nearly all ofthe things that I had been taught in school aboutinterviewing. Instead, I felt it was best to just chat. So that’swhat I did.

What is amazing about these Sizzlers is not just thethings they have done, but the enthusiasm andinnovation with which each has done it. It is apparentthat they love what they do, and have passion for theircareers.

And that is why I enjoyed this assignment so much.We met in coffee shops… in their work places… inhomes. They let me into an intimate part of their liveswhen we visited and I was able to discover who theyare and why they love what they do.

That’s the reason I wanted to studyjournalism in the first place. I feel like it’snever been just the story for me, but thepeople within the story—who they are andwhy they are the story.

Thank you to Edmontonians, to BarbDeters and to all the Sizzlers, for making myinternship such an incredible experience. √

~ Lauren Henrie

AA

Lauren HenrieProfiler

Phot

o by

Ter

ry B

ourq

ue

7EDMONTONIANS SEPTEMBER 2008


ac is a fourth-generation Hogle to choose amedia-based career. But he didn’t want thestellar reputations of great grandfather Bill,grandfather Bruce or father Steve to influence

his ability to land his first job on his own merits. Hemanaged to pull off an interview at AquilaProductions without telling his future employer, DonMetz, his last name.

It’s apparent that Zac has what it takes to make itin the video production industry: the news sense, thecreativity, the passion. Zac’s talents as aproducer/editor are evidenced in numerousprojects… whether tributes to Oilers’ fan favourites,or crowd pumpers for the Oilers and Eskimos, or amotivational mood-setter for the Stollery Children’sHospital fund-raising auction at The Snowflake Gala.

“I have a really neat job. As a producer and editor,I get to see a project from the early stages of pre-production right through to the final edits.”

Zac recently finished a documentary calledEdmonton 2030, and is in the early stages of Rodeo: AnEternity of Seconds, a television series that follows anumber of cowboys on their path to the CanadianFinals Rodeo, which will air on the History Channelnext spring.

While earning his Bachelor of Arts degree with amajor in film and media studies at the University ofAlberta, Zac started ANP Entertainment to focus on

local and international groups in promoting projectsthat hold a high level of personal interest to him.

To that end, Zac worked with his father on ashort film called Burundi is Crying to assistYouth for Christ in creating awareness of theplight of children in the impoverishedAfrican country. The 25-year old admitsthat the film, now being shown aroundthe world to raise funds for YFCorphanages, was the toughest video he hasever had to edit.

“I love the freedom of having my ownproduction company, along with workingfor Aquila. I love the fact that I can take aconcept and develop it from start to finish.Eventually I want to work in fictiontelevision, so having my own companyreally lets me develop what I wantto be.”

Despite his hecticschedule, Zac coaches awomen’s soccer team,and volunteers withthe CNIB, Stollerytelethons, FortEdmonton Park andother not-for-profitorganizations.

Whole-heartedcommitment to one’sprofession andcommunity is part of theHogle tradition. Zac doesnot disappoint. √

~ Lauren Henrie

Zac HogleProducer, Editor, Volunteer

ZZ

Photo by Terry Bourque



icole Sorochan seems to be the epitomeof a modern day entrepreneur. TheEdmontonian works to change the

world, especially from a conflict andenvironmental stand-point. She graduated withdistinction on the Dean’s List from theUniversity of Victoria with a major in Pacificand Asian studies and a minor in film.

“I finished school, bought the camera, jumpedon a plane to Thailand, and read the manual forthe new camera I’d just bought…”

Once there, Nicole began to film what shethought would be a six month project. It turnedinto a four-year adventure. Same Same butDifferent documents the conflict in SouthernThailand between insurgent Muslims and thegovernment, and is scheduled for release thisfall.

The burgeoning film maker has alsostarted her own companies,viewstreetproductions.com andEnviroSpeak Media. Viewstreet, the firstCanadian company to be added to Google’sAd Creation Market Place, specializes inon-line video advertising for clients likeLouis Vuitton, National Geographic andGinch Gonch.

“EnviroSpeak.tv is an interactivesocial action network, as

opposed to a social media

site,” Nicole explained. “We’re more than aplace to watch videos; we’re not a greenYouTube. We have a larger mandate behind us.”

Users sign on, research differentenvironmental problems all over the world orshowcase their own concerns... andcollaboration happens. Environspeak even offersfunding so you can take your actions offline. It’san end-to-end solution.

“We’re only really first diving into how muchpotential the Internet has to change the world,so what this site does is really try to harness

that power.”

When Nicole isn’tputting the finishingtouches on herdocumentary orperfecting her socialnetworking sites, shevolunteers her

time to helping youth understand the differencethey can make with a video camera, somethingshe knows inside out.

Nicole’s list of credentials continues to growand impress. She was the youngest guestlecturer at the Harvard Pacific AsianInternational Relations Conference in Tokyo in2005. At the Climate Camp in the UnitedKingdom in 2008, she gave sessions on newmedia, backpack journalism and guerillafilmmaking. Other projects—everything fromclimate change to exiled Syrian activists inLebanon—include a five-part mini-series for Al

Gore’s Current TV and The Real News out ofToronto and New York.

So where does the 27-year old see her careergoing?

“I don’t want to know what I’m going to bedoing 10 years from now because that doesn’t

allow my path to be altered. I think some ofmy greatest successes so far have beenbecause I’ve let it go.” √

~ Lauren Henrie

NN

Nicole SorochanVideographer, Lecturer, Activist




espite his large stature and impressive number of accomplishments in the world of athletics, Neville Wright isan incredibly modest individual. As the second youngest of seven children whose father passed away at an earlyage, Neville was taught to work hard.

“My mom raised all of us from such a young age. We were never spoiled and, because of that, I learned that youneed to work for what you have because, when you do that, you appreciate what you’ve been given.”

And, now Neville has been given a second chance at Olympic glory. The dedicated athlete trains almost everyday to remain in tip-top shape. It’s a regimen that began seriously while he was enrolled in physical

education at the University of Alberta, from 2003 to 2007. Neville won six conference titles in sprinting, and four medals—two gold, a silver and a bronze—at

the Canadian Inter-university Sports level. He represented Canada at the World UniversityChampionships in 2005, and again in 2007, when he ran the 100-metre dash in a mere 10.37 seconds

and earned a bronze medal. He has been a member of Team Canada, participating in the 4 x 100relay, and the 100-metre dash, missing out by two-tenths of a second to qualify for the Summer

Olympics in Beijing.“I love the competition that is involved in athletics. I also really like being able to travelto other places.” The 28-year old is a role model who believes that people shoulddedicate themselves to being the best they can be at whatever path they choose. Hedeveloped a health promotion program for youth and adults at his church, conductssummer camps and visits schools to promote athletics.

Track and field athletes are often approached to use their strength, agility andspeed for bobsledding. Since 2005, Neville had been urged to try bobsledding,but when an injury affected his track performance last year, he finallyconsidered it an option. Much to his own surprise and to that of others, he was aperfect fit.

“I went to the camp in Calgary for a week, and it went really well. Then I gotinvited out for Nationals, and things went really well there, too.”

So well, that Neville is training for the Winter 2010 Olympics in Vancouver asa member of the four man bobsled team.

“I’m excited to go to the Olympics, but I’m more excited because this teamactually has a chance at a medal. It’d be awesome to win it on home turf.” √

~ Lauren Henrie

Neville WrightOlympic Bobsled Brakeman, Team Canada Sprinter

DD




hen I was in high school, I dressed like aboy. I had no idea how to dress… Ilooked horrible… I had no idea what

eyeliner was. For some reason, I took that [fashionstudies] program because I thought it was a fluffprogram, because I thought it would be easy. Andit completely changed my life. Nobody everthought I would be in this industry—I didn’t eventhink I’d be in this industry…”

Today, Emily Salsbury owns PureStyleProductions, a company that handles anything andeverything that has to do with Edmonton’sgrowing fashion industry. She has become the go-to gal for identifying fashion trends, stagingevents, and sourcing photographers, models and

stylists. Emily has contacts with allthe right people.

In 2006, PureStyle expandedits services to include a

management consultancy and amodeling agency. Utilizing her

expertise in image makeovers,

colour analysis and wardrobe building, she offersthe style coach program for Southgate Centre. Shematches applicants’ fashion needs withmerchandise available in the mall. The service iscomplimentary upon a $20 donation to SuitYourself, the charity that helps less fortunatewomen get their wardrobes career-ready.

The massive remodel and expansion ofSouthgate “brought me to tears. I grew up withthat mall.” The addition of 30 new, high-endstores “is exciting and gives me even moreoptions. I get to take people shopping and seeingthem transform is truly rewarding,” says Emily.

The 26-year old graduated from Grant MacEwanCollege with a major in business development anda minor in retail marketing. She serves on theadvisory board of the MacEwan School of

Business. Emily has become a fixture on thecharity fashion show circuit, supporting What aGirl Wants for the Lois Hole Hospital for Women,Block to Shop for the Inner City Lunch Program,and Sorrentino’s Breast Cancer Luncheon.

After producing the fashion show at this month’sBridal Expo, Emily will shift her emphasis toretail marketing strategies. Essentially, sheconducts retail audits—assessing the effectivenessof staff, store layout, window displays,advertising, clothing lines. Her recommendationscan include training to improve customer servicelevels, rearranging racks and counters to increasetraffic flow, creating more provocative promotions,and acquiring new lines of merchandise.

Emily is ambitious and truly passionate aboutwhat she does.

“Without choice, without ever thinking about itwhen I was a teenager, I ended up here. And,

10 years later, I’m still in the sameindustry. I live it and I breathe it.” √

~ Lauren Henrie

“W“W

Emily SalsburyStyle Coach, Retail Strategist




e’s a 26-year old with an incredibly optimistic outlook on life.Timothy Francis loves taking on challenges that don’t stand achance against his ‘can-do’ attitude. He attributes much of his

current and past successes to the encouragement he received from histeachers, coaches and especially his parents.

From the get-go, Tim excelled at all his endeavours. He was anexceptional athlete in high school, college and university. He was theone who made student ski trips happen. He embodied communityspirit and collected awards from the Rotary and CosmopolitanClubs, and was named Top Student Citizen. He was electedpresident of the students’ associations in high school and in thephysical education faculty at the University of Alberta. Heperformed with Smoothride, a rock band that played 146 shows,including a showcase spot at the Western Canadian Music Awards.

After earning his degree, Tim gravitated toward a career related tohis field of study. While managing a high school wellness centre, herealized it wasn’t nearly as fulfilling as he hoped it would be.

“I loved everything about my job. I loved the kids, the staff, everything.But I just wasn’t honouring my true self.”

Leave it to Tim to figure out a way to satisfy his need to pursue entrepreneurialaspirations and his need to help others. After learning the intricacies of the realestate investment business, he opened Simplified Real Estate Solutions Inc. Hefocuses on people who have good incomes but don’t qualify for mortgages intraditional ways because they are self-employed, new to their jobs, or new toAlberta. With creative financial solutions, Tim assists them in becominghomeowners. He also operates as a joint venture broker, connecting those who wantto buy, sell, rent, manage or own any type of real estate—something he hopes toone day take to a global scale.

But, before that happens, Tim is heading back to his high school in St. Albert. Heplans to mentor members of the student council. “That’s really where it all startedfor me. If I can help another group of students maximize the experience… I will doit in a heartbeat. Student council—what an amazing, life-changing opportunity.” √

~ Lauren Henrie

e’s a 26-year old with an incredibly optimistic outlook on life.Timothy Francis loves taking on challenges that don’t stand achance against his ‘can-do’ attitude. He attributes much of his

current and past successes to the encouragement he received from histeachers, coaches and especially his parents.

From the get-go, Tim excelled at all his endeavours. He was anexceptional athlete in high school, college and university. He was theone who made student ski trips happen. He embodied communityspirit and collected awards from the Rotary and CosmopolitanClubs, and was named Top Student Citizen. He was electedpresident of the students’ associations in high school and in thephysical education faculty at the University of Alberta. He performedwith Smoothride, a rock band that played 146 shows, including ashowcase spot at the Western Canadian Music Awards.

After earning his degree, Tim gravitated toward a career related tohis field of study. While managing a high school wellness centre, herealized it wasn’t nearly as fulfilling as he hoped it would be.

“I loved everything about my job. I loved the kids, the staff, everything.But I just wasn’t honouring my true self.”

Leave it to Tim to figure out a way to satisfy his need to pursue entrepreneurialaspirations and his need to help others. After learning the intricacies of the realestate investment business, he opened Simplified Real Estate Solutions Inc. Hefocuses on people who have good incomes but don’t qualify for mortgages intraditional ways because they are self-employed, new to their jobs, or new toAlberta. With creative financial solutions, Tim assists them in becominghomeowners. He also operates as a joint venture broker, connecting those who wantto buy, sell, rent, manage or own any type of real estate—something he hopes to oneday take to a global scale.

But, before that happens, Tim is heading back to his high school in St. Albert. Heplans to mentor members of the student council. “That’s really where it all startedfor me. If I can help another group of students maximize the experience… I will doit in a heartbeat. Student council—what an amazing, life-changing opportunity.” √

~ Lauren Henrie

HH

Timothy FrancisEntrepreneur, Broker, Mentor




ill Buchkowsky isn’t your average 24-year old.He’s a member of Mensa, the international high-IQ society for people with a proven intelligence

in the top two percent of the population. He earned his Bachelor of Commerce with a major in

finance at the University of Alberta. During his fourth year,Will worked at Blackmont Capital Inc. where he was exposedto companies looking for start-up financing.

“I’ve always been interested in unique ideas, and howcompanies can take an idea and turn it into… somethingconcrete.” After graduating, he joined Deloitte and ToucheLLP, an international accounting firm, where he works withthe firm’s national leader of biotechnolgy. As an analyst withthe firm’s corporate finance group, he assists companies withmergers and acquisitions, partnerships, valuations and duediligence.

“In line with my interests, I started the clean technologyreport at Deloitte. It’s a pretty ambitious project becausewhat it intends to do is detail the clean technology industryin BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, as well ascompanies that use clean technologies. It surveys big oiland gas companies to find out how much they’re devotingto acquiring clean technology.”

To produce the Deloitte/SDTC Western CanadianCleantech Report, Will had to acquire outside sponsorship.The report is nearing completion, and will be available freeon-line. He also will be presenting his findings at variousbusiness and environmental forums. “It’s intended to attractattention to the effectiveness of existing companies andtechnologies and to build their businesses. I’m hoping it

will bolster our reputation world-wide, and raise the profileof how companies are adopting clean technology.”

Will serves on the TEC Edmonton source panel, a groupof business, financial, legal and scientific advisors whowork with budding entrepreneurs. He also is a mentor toparticipants in the 2009 VenturePrize, the city’s mostprominent business plan competition.

As a Mensan, Will is committed to providing a“stimulating intellectual and social environment” forcommunity minded Edmontonians. To this end, heand a colleague at Deloitte, Nathan McQuay,founded the Emerging Business LeadersGroup. It brings diverse businessoriented individuals together once amonth to hear inspiring speakers,discuss innovations, and even find

partners to execute ideas. Aswell, Will is a committeemember of ArtScene, anorganization which strives toconnect young professionalswith emerging artists.

Will is dedicated totechnologycommercialization, and tocreating a nurturingenvironment for the leaders oftomorrow. And, he’s using hissuperior intelligence to further hisagenda. √ ~ Lauren Henrie

WW

Will BuckowskyFinancial Analyst, Mentor


hey always say you can’t judge somebody until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes, and I’ve alwayswanted to try on different shoes.”

Jaimy Miller is a dynamic individual. She has an innate ability to understand the multiple perspectivesof culturally diverse people and to offer solutions that can lead to successful integration into Canadian society.

Jaimy is an honours graduate from the University of Alberta, having earned her Bachelor of Arts with a majorin anthropology and a minor in archeology. She then moved on to McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontariofor her Masters of anthropology with a focus on cultural archeology. As part of the completion of her Masters,Jaimy wrote her thesis about the disenfranchised Papachase Band—of which she is a descendant—and itsparticipation in the Rossdale Reburial in Edmonton in 2005. That thesis will be a chapter in a book that isbeing published by the University of Western Ontario.

“Culture and identity are two things that I’m very interested in… have always been interested in. I thinkit’s because I come from a family with mixed heritage… a diverse cultural background.”

Jaimy is the intercultural communications facilitator in the Centre for Excellence in Intercultural Educationat Norquest College. As a research analyst and workshop facilitator, she has counseled a number of major

companies and businesses that employ new Canadians on how to attain better productivity through effectivecommunication and respectful work environments.

“What do immigrants or temporary workers need to know when they begin working in Canada? Whatexpectations are there? How do employers and fellow employees communicate? These are all partsof our culture that we take for granted, but there is a need to be understood in order for workplacesto run effectively.”

Jaimy’s own life experiences allow her to draw parallels with newcomers for whom fitting in iscritical. She recognizes that building cultural communications solutions into business practices isessential.

Besides her passion for her work, Jaimy is a successful marathon runner. For her, it’s aboutthe power of mind over body, and how supporting others and being supported are critical tocrossing the finish line. To raise funds for charities like the United Way and YouthEmergency Shelter, she has run one full marathon, three half marathons, and plans to runher second full marathon in October.

Never one to rest on her laurels, Jaimy will be pursuing a Masters of public policy atQueens University in Kingston, Ontario. √

~ Lauren Henrie

“T“T

Jaimy MillerAnthropologist, Role Model, Marathoner



streetwearsmartadies, want to keep the spirit of the Cariwest Festival alive? Head overto Room 322 for a pair of Reeboks, featuring the popular red, yellowand green colours of the Caribbean.

Room 322, located on trendy 124th Street, is the domain of 24-year old RobertTyndale and his older brother, Nathan. The store is all about authenticstreetwear—apparel, footwear and accessories—inspired by youth subcultures likehip-hop, skate, music and art. It appeals to young men and women who want hotunique styles that match their personalities.

When Robert graduated from high school in 2005, he began his full time careeras a professional video game player, representing Canada at several tournaments.He traveled from Japan to Singapore, from France to Italy and all over NorthAmerica. The various styles and fashions of the places he visited caught hisinterest… his fascination with fashion took root and grew.

Upon his return to Edmonton, Robert began his four year commerce degreewith a major in marketing at Grant MacEwan, later transferring to theUniversity of Alberta. Following repeated suggestions from Nathan that theyopen a store to sell the kind of clothing that attracted them on their travels,Room 322 opened its doors in January 2008.

“Room 322 is a lifestyle, streetwear boutique. We try to bring indifferent types of clothing and footwear from different lifestylesfrom all over the world, here to Edmonton. We like to bring inclothing from places like New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo andEurope… clothing that you can’t find anywhere else inEdmonton.

“Nathan and I just find it so interestinghow fashion changes and reverts tohow it was a couple years ago or howit was in the ’80s. We love the wholeculture of fashion.”

The inventory has grown in leaps and bounds in the past 18 months, obviouslyfilling a niche market. Robert recently launched

Room 322’s online store, something that, as ayoung entrepreneur, he understands is

essential to ongoing success. In addition to running the store and

approaching the final year of hiscommerce degree, Robert is highlyinvolved in his community,volunteering with the JamaicanAssociation of North America andthe National Black Coalition ofCanada.

He is passionate about his work,and hopes to expand across the cityand province in the years to come.

“I love my job. Every time weget an order in, opening the

box is just like Christmas.” √~ Lauren Henrie

LL

Robert TyndaleStore Owner, Commerce Student


rista Castellarin admits a series of unforeseen events brought her here, but she isgrateful and enthusiastic about the way her life has played out.

Born in Yakima, Washington, she moved to Spokane when she was 18, andbegan advising small business owners on expansion or investment plans. She became afinancial whiz, finally settling in Las Vegas.

“When I moved to Vegas, I told my boss that I had found my village and my people,and that I would never ever leave.”

But plans changed when she met her Dwayne over the Internet in 2006. He came forhis first visit in June and they were married by December.

“It totally turned my life upside down, backwards, extremely quickly.”In 2007, Krista opened Fabulous Furballs, a pet grooming salon and high-end couture

boutique in Sherwood Park. Think classy cuts and dye-jobs, Swarovski crystal andpearls for your pooch. She couldn’t be more pleased with the growth of her business.

“I had no idea… I don’t think it would’ve been possible at the time for me to reallyappreciate how big it was going to get. When we first opened, we were booking aboutfour animals a day. Now we’re booking anywhere from 40 to 60.”

Fabulous Furballs isn’t the only thing that’s grown over the last two years. Sohave her family and her entrepreneurial endeavours. First and foremost, Kristais the busy mother of two little girls, the youngest born in July.

About six months after opening the salon, she purchased a grooming schoolin Leduc. Re-named The Fur Institute, it is the only licensed groomingvocational school in Western Canada. The students learn on site at FabulousFurballs, with two professional groomers.

And then, there’s Fabulous Krista, her own line of groomers clothing,including a smock that says “Don’t you wish your groomer was hot like me?”in rhinestones. She also appeared on Animal Planet’s reality series, GroomerHas It 2, as the first Canadian contestant.

A truly dynamic individual, Krista admits to being a bit of a daredevil. The29-year old has her motorcycle and pilot’s licences, and loves skydiving.

She is community minded and loves to give back. “Everyone who adopts a dogfrom the Humane Society gets 50 percent off their first groom. And every studentwho comes through here donates time to the humane society. I want people to

understand that they can use their everyday skills to give back.”Krista acknowledges that her first career paid for her second, and“can’t imagine doing anything else.” √

~ Lauren Henrie

KK


Krista CastellarinEntrepreneur, Mother, Daredevil



he does what she does best because she loveswhat she does best.

Annie Do was born and raised in Edmonton,and “knows the landscape well, knows the peoplewell, and knows what they want”.

She attended the University of Alberta Bachelor ofScience in human ecology, clothing and textilesprogram with a minor in business. When she was 19,she started working at LUX Beauty Boutique, thespecialty beauty shop on 124th Street, in 2003. Thejob began as a part-time gig; Annie came into thestore three times a week, for three hours to ship outorders to clients.

Now she’s the buyer and manager of LUX. “Isort of fell into the whole buying position whileI was still in university. I’d come in betweenclasses and buy and work on store stuff. I’vebeen doing it ever since.”

Annie works long hard hours—six-day weeks and10-hour days. But she enjoys work because of theconnection and fun she has with her clients.

“I love my job. I get to do what I love everyday:shop. I love to take care of my clients.” A lot ofAnnie’s customers have become her friends, andsome even drive from Calgary for her personalizedservice. Her orders are organized months in advance,and she remains mindful of her purchasing budget.

Annie may seem like the typical beauty girl,but she is a self-proclaimed nerd. “On my

day off, I love reading. I really love sci-fi books, which is so weird. I haveevery single book in the Dune seriesand I love them. I’ve read and re-read

them three or four times now.”Annie is highly involved in donations for events

such as ‘What A Girl Wants’ for the Lois HoleHospital, the ‘Snowflake Gala’ in support of theStollery Children’s Hospital, and ‘Fashion forCompassion’ for Sorrentino’s Compassion House. Asa result of her strong relationship with suppliers,LUX is able to receive extra special treatment anddeals which are passed onto numerous charities.

Nothing would make Annie happier than to havemore LUX locations to oversee. Given her level ofdedication, her ability to manage her time effectively,and her penchant for organization, you just know shewould rise to the challenge. √

~ Lauren Henrie

SS

Annie DoBuyer, Manager, Nerd

GirlBeauty




AFamilyAffairhen Marija Pavkovic and her best friend Kamea were teenagers, they mused about owninga business they would call MaKami, a combination of their first names.

Marija’s family moved from Yugoslavia to Canada when she was seven years old. Shelearned to speak English watching Sesame Street and at school. But, she also witnessed her parentsstruggle in a new country, despite their prominence and education in their former home.

“I saw my parents being treated really badly because they were immigrants… becausethey didn’t speak the greatest English… because they didn’t necessarily spelleverything correctly. And I just thought to myself, ‘There’s got to be a better way todo this.’”

Marija’s mother, Ljubica, a licensed nurse and a Holistic practitioner, had alsobecome a massage therapist. Perhaps this was a field that would provide a careerpath for Marija—and others. So, in 2001, they decided to open a training centre,called—you guessed it—MaKami College.

“We saw an opportunity to help immigrants, to help single moms, to helppeople who needed a really excellent career where they could make a good livingto support their families, but in a short period of education. Instead of puttingpeople down for certain diversities, we go above and beyond the call of duty tohelp them.”

To help finance the operation, Marija sold industrial real estate and, in 2005,became the youngest to receive the salesperson of the month award at JJBarnicke, out-producing senior agents in the firm. Eventually, she was able todirect her energies to full-time marketing and business management atMaKami.

Over the years, Marija and her family—all of whom work at the college—have touched the lives of many… by giving them educations that increase theirself esteem… by helping some with rent and family issues…. by providingbursaries to others so they can take the 1,000-hour program at no charge. Clinicsare held for seniors and community members at a discounted rate.

The 29-year old makes time to volunteer with the Good Samaritan Society,Fort Edmonton Park, Habitat for Humanity and others. Marija is a Big Sister toAlana, proudly admitting, “She has seriously become my little sister. It’s beengreat to see the change over the last three years.”

Marija has transferred credits from her NAIT marketing diploma and someuniversity courses to Athabasca University, and is working toward a degree inbusiness management with a minor in marketing.

“I just really enjoy starting new things and creating different opportunities.” √~ Lauren Henrie

WW

Marija PavkovicCollege Owner, Volunteer, Student




s a creature of social habit, it’s only appropriate that Sean Farmer be an entrepreneur in the world of social interaction. At age 26,and as the owner of LoudCity Productions, he’s involved in social business.

Sean went to NAIT after completing high school, but only finished one semester before he answered the call of entrepreneurship. “I wasn’t looking for credentials; I was looking for hands-on experience. So, as opposed to going to school, I just went out and worked.” Sean joined a promotions company, but soon saw opportunities to establish his own booking agency. He began touring shows in bars

and nightclubs across Canada. Before long, people started asking Sean to do events for them because of his connections with unusual actsfrom magicians to firespitters.

In 2001, he established LoudCity Productions, dedicated to various facets of the entertainment business based on his self-confessedfondness for beer and nightlife. “My business is all about finding the demographic of about age 18 to 35, and making sure they’re

entertained and having fun.”LoudCity is renowned for its beer and wine festivals and vodka shows. Best known is probably the Edmonton

International BeerFest, which attracted around 12,000 people to the Shaw Conference Centre in April to sample about150 different beers. Since his first beerfest success in 2007, Sean has expanded to sevensimilar style shows in Alberta which bring upwards of 80,000 tasters through the doors.

In 2006, he launched LoudCity Sound which contracts DJ services to private parties, barsand lounges. His people rock out at more than 500 events a year.

More recently, Sean’s energies have been directed toward publishing LoudCity magazinewhich focuses on lifestyle and humour.

His success allows him to invest in retail and nightclub ventures. And, by donating his feesfor producing the Sherwood Park beer and wine festival, he hopes to bolster public

entertainment at Festival Place.Sean loves his job and running his own company for a number of reasons.

“There are a lot of really unique things about what I do. It’s social.It gets me out there, in the scene, meeting people and doing things. Ialso get to see huge results for my hard work. I work really hard forsix months and then 10,000 people show up to an event. That’spretty exciting.” √

~ Lauren Henrie

AA

Sean FarmerPromoter, Producer, Publisher

Phot

o by

Ter

ry B

ourq

ue


orn in Mississauga, Ontario and raised in Edmonton, Karella Cummings is proud of her Caribbean heritage and culture.The vibrant 29-year old has immersed herself in strengthening and uniting her community.

In 2007, Karella founded the West Indian Canadian Culture Association, a non-profit organization to achieve her vision. “I started it because, in the Caribbean community, there are so many little organizations and none of them seemed to be

working together. The older generation is all Jamaican or Trinidadian… but, my generation, we’re just Canadians. I started WICulture because I wanted there to be a bridge, something that can help to represent all of the second generation Caribbean

people.”The core group began by helping other organizations with event planning, encouraging them to

put a younger twist on activities. Karella, who serves as a member of the boards of CariWest and theCalypso Association, influenced the participation of youth in the annual summer extravaganza.“Every year there’s a party called Island Fest which takes place during Caribbean Festival. It’s foradults, and so we decided we wanted to have a party that anyone and everyone could attend.”

Concerned about escalating violence within the community and astonished that people whoshare their heritage would harm one another, Karella and seven other WI Culture board memberslaunched The Black Ribbon Ball on New Year’s Eve. She met with the Edmonton Police Serviceand representatives of other groups to ensure that the goals of peace and unity would prevail atthe event.

Another facet of WI Culture is its commitment to promoting physical fitness. It offerssocaerobics, an invigorating exercise program based on dancing to soca music. The class runsonce a week for a six-week period. “The teacher that we have is a dancer, and she didamazing last year. Everybody that comes to the class is sweating and in pain when theyleave.” That, according to the former NAIT student, is a measure of the program’s success.

Beyond her duties as president of WI Culture, Karella has a passion for music. She’s beena DJ since 2003, and often volunteers her services to individuals and events that can’t affordher. She is an accomplished singer, performing with Sweetness, and with local choirs. Sherecently competed in Undiscovered, a local talent search.

Karella not only feels the pulse of her community, but she’s got the beat as well. √~ Lauren Henrie

BB

Karella CummingsCommunity Organizer, DJ, Singer



he most influential person in shaping David Bayda’s ‘just-do-it’ attitude was his late father: He owned aland surveying company, and liked to involve his family in a number of other ventures. Davidremembers, as a young lad, pulling the red wagon as they delivered papers around the neighbourhood,

and helping at the ice cream stand. It was his father who instilled in him the passion of entrepreneurship and,through his example, taught him how important it is to love what you do.

As a Bachelor of Design student at the University of Alberta, David drew up a business plan for a courseassignment. It was hardly a year after his graduation with distinction in 2005 that he decided to implement

the plan.“Basically, I go into peoples’ homes and put together furniture that they don’t want to build themselves. A lot

of people don’t have the time, energy, tools, skills or even just the patience to put the furniture together.” After a slow start, Ezemble Inc. caught the attention of retailers that sell ready-to-assemble furniture andequipment—everything from desks to bikes and barbecues—and they promote his services to customers.

The demand is high and even David didn’t anticipate the level of success that his company hasreached. He recently landed a contract with IKEA to assemble all of its floor-sample furnitureduring its remodel. He went from being a one-person operation to hiring 10 full-time employees

for the project. But, David’s full-time job is as a business officer at The Business Link,

where he counsels others in their efforts to start and grow small, independentbusinesses. David, 27, is passionate about his job.

“I love helping people and I love ideas and I love business.”Besides his responsibilities at The Business Link during the day and Ezemble

evenings and weekends, he and fellow graduates from the U of A aredeveloping some environmentally conscious products. An innovative reusablegrocery bag is ready for market.

With a notebook in his pocket to record the ideas that come to him daily,David is sure to be involved in many a new venture in

the years to come. √~ Lauren Henrie

TT


David BaydaFurniture Assembler, Business Advisor

WILLBUILDHave Allen Key

lexis Marie Robb-Chute is a kind and graciousindividual, with a clear and burning passion for herart. She refuses to become complacent, ordinary or

predictable. With an impressively creative and innovativemind, Alexis is constantly pushing the envelope with her artwork.

“I like to evoke ideas with the things I create. I find that mypassion and creative vision comes out when I pushboundaries and change things.”

Alexis is the president of Living Images Art andPhotography Inc. and its subsidiary, Always Alexis Marie.She is noted for her unique way of mixing different art andmedia forms… deftly combining photography, painting,drawing and even adding pieces with her sewing machine.

In high school, Alexis excelled in the subject of art. Shetook all three art credits back-to-back in Grade 10 and thefirst semester of 11, then found herself with no more artclasses to take. When someone suggested she takephotography, she scoffed at the idea.

“At first I thought to myself, ‘Photography! That’s not art!Why on earth would I take photography?’ But I took itanyway and I absolutely love it.”

She shot her first wedding while still a senior at Scona HighSchool. Now 25, Alexis has been seeing the world through acamera lens ever since. She continued accepting assignmentsand experimenting with mixed media while completing herBachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Alberta. She startedher company five years ago.

Alexis and her husband Aaron recently returned from a15-month sojourn to New Zealand, where she expandedher portfolio and gained experience in fashionphotography. Last year, she won 10 Iris awards fromthe New Zealand Institute of ProfessionalPhotographers for her landscape, wedding and artimages; she also received the Kodak NZ silver awardfor wedding photography. In February, Alexis addedtwo Accolades of Excellence from Wedding and Portrait

Photographers International to her trophy shelf. Her firstpublished travel article with photos appeared inDestinations.

“I love creating. Whether it’s writing or painting orcreating a photograph, just the act of creatingsomething from nothing… just seeing what it evolvesinto is incredible for me.”

Alexis and Aaron, a high school teacher who alsoworks with her as a photographer, are expectingtheir first child—a girl—in November. Alexis saysthey will happily bring her into the familybusiness. √ ~ Lauren Henrie

AA

Phot

o by

Ter

ry B

ourq

ue

Alexis Marie Robb-ChutePhotographer, Artist, Award-winner



hen I was 15 years old, I startedflipping cars, buying and selling them.I’d go to police auctions with my dad.

We’d fix up a car and then sell it. By the time I was 18,I had a brand new truck that I bought with cash.”

During those years, Michael Christiansen’s dadtaught him to go big or go home.

After he graduated from high school, Michael tookone year in a small business and entrepreneurship

program. It reinforced the direction his career wouldtake. His capitalist tendencies were ready to beunleashed.

In 2001, Michael heeded his father’s advice andwent ‘big’. He facilitated the purchase of a complex,comprising nearly 230 town houses, for $20 million.By converting each unit to individualtitle and establishing a condoassociation, he was able to

generate a greater return on the investment. It was thefirst of many projects.

By 2005, Michael was essentially in a position toretire. Instead, he started ReNUE Properties Ltd, whichsources properties in generally unexploited marketsthat can provide above average returns. The focus iscreating wealth: buying large apartment complexes—usually 100 units or more, renovating them as neededthrough general contractors, and converting them to

condos for sale to individual investors andpurchasers. For Michael, identifying thepotential and acquiring the property is anexciting aspect of his business.

“I love chasing real estate deals—thethrill of the chase.”

ReNUE has invested in properties inEdmonton, Calgary, Wainwright andFort McMurray, as well as inrecreational areas like Kelowna,Squamish and Invermere, BC. His sitesare set on tapping into opportunities in

the States. Michael always looks forways to do bigger deals with higher stakes.“What keeps me going is that I’m not the

biggest company out there… yet.” Michael is dedicated to his wife and their

three children, aged six years, four years and21 months. He loves spending time with his

family, and being involved with his older kids’school activities. He goes to the gym three times a

week and participates in wakeboarding, skiing andother physical activities. He donates to variouscharities, including Mustard Seed.

When most 29-year olds wonder what they’ll wearto work that day, Michael ponders whether he’ll driveto the office in his Audi, Porsche or Mercedes. Ormaybe he’ll charter a plane for a trip to Las Vegas.

It’s all good… it’s what entrepreneurship is about. √~ Lauren Henrie

“W“W

n the back of her mind, Rebecca Jones wondered“what it would be like to open a Curves franchise inMelfort.” Oh well… She moved from Saskatchewan

to study social work at Red Deer College.In 2005, Rebecca and her boyfriend, a member of

the Canadian military, relocated to Edmonton. Whenshe expressed a desire to lose the weight she hadgained at college, he bought her a Curves’membership. On a whim, Rebecca handed in herrésumè and was hired shortly after.

The 27-year old hasn’t looked back since. In March2007, she bought the Fort Saskatchewan Curves… inJune this year she purchased the Manning Crossingclub.

For Rebecca, Curves is a perfect fit—in more waysthan one. It is the world’s largest fitness franchise, andgeared toward women of all shapes, sizes and ages

who are determined to make health and fitness a partof their lives. It is also a nurturing environment whereeverybody leans on each other for support andencouragement.

“It really is a community. I think knowing there issuch an amazing group of women waiting here thattruly care for one another is incredible.”

Rebecca understands what it is to lean on others. In2006, her boyfriend was posted to Afghanistan forseven months. “My family is in Saskatchewan and hisis in Quebec. All the women here just picked me up

and carried me through those seven months. Iwouldn’t have been able to do it without them.”

It’s that kind of support that makes her all the moredetermined to give back. In March, her FortSaskatchewan club collected almost 1800 pounds offood for Curves’ “Food for Friends” campaign. EachOctober, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month,Curves waives fees for anyone who makes a donationor brings in a recent mammogram. And, last October,Rebecca threw a “Girls Night In” party whichincluded belly dancers, singers and a silent auction,with proceeds going to breast cancer research.

“It’s funny how things work out. Now the owner ofthe Curves in Melfort has called us and asked if wewanted to buy that club. At this point, we won’t… butit’s just kind of funny how things fall into place.” √

~ Lauren Henrie

II

Rebecca JonesFranchisee, Trainer

Phot

o by

Ter

ry B

ourq

ue

Michael ChristiansenReal Estate Investor, Property Developer




icomole Instruments Inc. is leaving town.Company founder and CEO Dr. John

Cormier is relocating his company to QuebecCity. In the works is an exciting new

partnership with a yet to be revealed Quebec companywhich will help Picomole turn its prototype into acommercial product.

While the move is Edmonton’s loss, this is actually agood news story for Picomole, and we shouldanticipate it will have a happy, prosperous ending.

Picomole Instruments is a startup technologycompany that has developed a platform medicaltechnology that could revolutionize the way doctorsdiagnose disease.

When asked to give his elevator pitch, Dr. Cormierfires without pause. “Picomole is all about LifeSenswhich is a point of care, diagnostic tool for rapid, ultrasensitive gas analysis. Basically, you blow into the box,you get an analysis of what’s in your breath withinminutes. And the specific compounds that are found inyour breath can be indicators of specific disease states,like diabetes, various cancers, cardio-vascular

problems, and much more.”Hence the company tagline, “Just Breathe”.That’s the pitch that helped Cormier capture the Fast

Growth Grand Prize in the 2007 VenturePrize BusinessPlan Competition, the largest competition of its kind inCanada. Since then, Picomole has gone on to win theBioAlberta Emerging Company of the Year award in2008, and was recently named one of the Top 10Canadian Angel Capital Companies by the NationalAngel Capital Organization. And just to top it all off,this summer, Dr. Cormier was named one of Alberta’stop 50 people of influence.

For a company that was only formed in 2005, whathas turned it into the darling of Edmonton’s innovationcommunity? Quite simply, Dr. Cormier has done all theright things for a startup as he moves from concept tocommercialization.

He’s kept focused, surrounded himself withcompetent people, been frugal, and developed goodpartnerships with Alberta Heritage Foundation forMedical Research, Alberta Ingenuity, and the NationalResearch Council through its IRAP program.

I first met Dr. Cormier early in 2006. He was movinginto the Research Transition Facility on the Universityof Alberta campus where I also had an office. This wasonly months after he’d made the big move toEdmonton from Washington DC, taking a short stint aschief scientific officer at Synodon, then setting up hisfirst office at the Advanced Technology Centre inEdmonton’s Research Park. He would later move fromRTF to the new NINT building on campus as hiscompany ramped up activity on the LifeSens prototype.

My initial interview with him was in an office devoidof anything except a desk, phone and laptop. Ourvoices echoed off the walls as he told me about hisinvention, referring to graphics on his laptop.

Three and a half years later, Dr. Cormier is leavingEdmonton with a working prototype, a dedicated teamof people, and the chance to make millions whilechanging the face of diagnostic medicine.

“The potential is enormous,” he says, somewhat inawe. “We’re working with a group of consultants whothink that there is the potential for a 100,000 units sold,which really is astronomical.

Goodbye Alberta,

PP

Continued on page 22

BonjourQuébec

By Cheryl Croucher

DR. JOHN CORMIERPicomole Instruments Inc.founder and CEO

n June, writer Greg Gazin interviewedKen Boutilier, president and CEO ofInnovotech Inc. for the July issue ofEdmontonians. The focus of the

article was the company’s breakthrough testthat allows doctors to more accurately identifythe right antibiotics required to treat serious,chronic infections that are biofilm based.Since at least 80 per cent of infections in thedeveloped world are caused by biofilms, thedevelopment of bioFILM PA™ is of immensesignificance to the medical community.

Chronic infections place a major cost burdenon the health system. Patients spend more timein hospitals, antibiotic costs and treatment costsincrease as more aggressive treatment optionsare explored, and the potential always exists forthese infections to cause death.

Now, bioFILM PA™ has shown verypositive results in selecting proper antibiotictreatment for serious lung infections in patientswith Cystic Fibrosis (CF), a populationrecognized as having among the most lifethreatening lung infections. Clinical research of bioFILM PA™ shows how the test canprovide guidance to doctors on the right antibiotics to treat infections in a biofilm state. TheUniversity of Alberta Hospital laboratory, under the direction of Dr. Robert Rennie, sitechief of laboratory medicine, and Dr. Neil Brown, director of the Adult Cystic FibrosisClinic, conducted the clinical research from 2007 to 2009.

The clinical research involved 14 patients with cystic fibrosis at the University ofAlberta hospital CF clinic.

The patients ranged from9 to 51 years of age. Onepatient was receiving

intravenous antibiotics for a lunginfection but continued to decline inhealth and lung function. The sameantibiotics had been used for an earlierinfection and had been successful. Thepatient was hospitalized, the antibioticswere changed, but the patient continuedto decline. Using the bioFILM PA™ kitas guidance, an additional antibiotic notnormally used in CF lung infections wasadded. The patient responded to thetreatment, was discharged and is stillsymptom free after more than one year.

In another case, a patient was on alung transplant waiting list, and wasreceiving oral and inhaled antibiotics,but showed a continuous decline inhealth and lung function. The doctorsadmitted the patient to hospital in anattempt to stabilize the patient prior totransplantation. A bioFILM PA™ testwas ordered and consequently a newcombination of antibiotics was

administered. The lung transplant was conducted successfully and the patient has beensymptom free for more than two years.

At a news conference at the end of July, it was announced that bioFILM PA™ hasreceived regulatory approval by Health Canada and is available for sale in Canada. Ithas also met all current standards of the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI)for reproducibility and consistency. Among those in attendance was Melanie, a youngCF patient who had been part of the clinical trial and responded to treatment followingthe bioFILM PA™ test.

A further clinical evaluation of bioFILM PA™ on more than 200 CF patients is nowunderway at the Hospital for Sick Children and St. Michaels Hospital in Toronto. √

ransmission is a bigquestion for scientistsstudying prion disease.Misfolded prions are

associated with mad cow and chronicwasting disease. What makes themisfolded prion infectious within aspecies, and what stops it from beingtransmitted between different species?

In his research, University ofAlberta biochemist John PaulGlaves studied fragments of peptidefibrils or threadlike strands from elkand hamsters. Elk are susceptible tochronic wasting disease, but it’s veryhard for hamsters to develop priondisease.

Glaves outlined his surprisingresults in a poster presented at therecent Prion Conference in Edmonton.

“We’ve taken small fragments ofthe prion protein that have beenknown to form fibrils, and we’vebasically generated those based ondifferent species. So there’s a smallamount of variability in the sequencesthat we’ve chosen… we’rehighlighting residues number 127 to147 of the prion protein. You can justbasically drop these small fragmentsof the prion protein in water and theyspontaneously form fibrils.”

Glaves goes on to explain that,although there are only four changes inthe 20 residue pepties, the researchersfound there are gross morphologicaldifferences between the fibrils of elk andhamsters.

“What we hope to do,” he says, “is gainsome high resolution information aboutthese fibrils so we can see each individualresidue and how it contributes to fibrilformation. Then we can start to dissect

whether these variations in sequences thatwe see between species… are importantfor so-called species barriers andtransmission between different species.”

The next step for Glaves and hiscolleagues is to expand their research toother species and different parts of theprion protein. √ ~ Cheryl Croucher

Cheryl’s interview with John Paul Glaveswas sponsored by the Canadian Institutesof Health Research through its HealthJournalism Award.

BRIEFSTT

ccording to forestry giantGeorge Weyerhauser Jr.,trees will play a big role inthe nano revolution, and nano

crystalline cellulose will be the hot newraw material.

Nano crystalline cellulose comes fromall parts of the tree where cellulose andlignin are broken down into theirmolecular components. Then throughnano fabrication, these molecules can bebuilt up again into materials where theproperties are precisely managed,designed and engineered.

At the recent TAPPI and AlbertaIngenuity Conference onNanotechnology and Forest Products,Weyerhauser addressed the economicsof this nano revolution for an industryfacing tough times.

“The forest industry is just beginningto think [about] how we can turn thesenew materials into competitive

products,” says the former president ofWeyerhauser Canada. “And it’s goingto take a major re-investment, a re-tooling of our labs in order to takeproducts to the next commercializationstep. On the other hand, the facilitiesthat we use are all there. So getting theraw material from the woods to thefactory, that’s not going to be anydifferent. Getting the initial breakdownof the tree into the components, that willlikely be the same. So we have the basicplatform ready to go. It’s the knowledgethat we have to invest in still. “

Because nano crystalline cellulosecould supplant petroleum basedchemicals as a manufacturing feedstock,Weyerhauser believes that, over the nexttwo decades, the nano revolution inforest products will actually help theworld reduce its energy consumptionand carbon footprint. √

~ Cheryl Croucher

AA

John Paul GlavesGeorge Weyerhauser Jr.



MISFOLDED PRIONSThe mystery of

save our forestproducts industry?save our forestproducts industry?

nano crystallinecellulose

Innovotech receives green lightfor sale of bioFILM PA™ test

II

Dr. Wolfgang Muhs, chairman of Innovotech, Dr. Robert Rennie, Melanie,Ken Boutilier, president of Innovotech, Dr. Neil Brown, Dr. Merle Olson,researchdirector at Innovotech

Dr. Wolfgang Muhs, chairman of Innovotech, Dr. Robert Rennie, Melanie,Ken Boutilier, president of Innovotech, Dr. Neil Brown, Dr. Merle Olson,researchdirector at Innovotech

n 2012, Syncrude will finish a pitwhere it has been miningoilsands for more than twodecades. In its place, the

company will build a huge experimentallake it is calling Base Mine Lake.

As Syncrude’s technologydevelopment officer Jim Lorentzexplains, dried tailings left over fromoilsands production will form the lakebottom.

“That is where we add a layer ofmature fine tails and then we cap it witha freshwater cap. The lake is designedto have latoral zones which are theshallow zones where some of the

vegetation and stuff you see in lakesgrow from, allowing a lot of sunlight topermeate through and encouragingbiological activity.

“The belief is after 10 years, wewould have enough biological activityat the point where we could startintroducing more complex life, like fishand amphibians, those kind of things.”

According to Lorentz, Base MineLake builds on the success of a previouspilot program which involved theconstruction of a four-acre lake. Hestresses future monitoring of the newaquatic environment will be extensive. √

~ Cheryl Croucher

II

ARTIFICIALLAKE to replace

SEPTEMBERSeptember 1-7DaVinci: The GeniusAn Inspirational ExhibitionTelus World of Science11211 – 142 Streetwww.edmontonscience.com

September 3The Business Link Brown Bag SessionResearch Global MarketsSuite 100, 10237-104 Street12-1 pmwww.canadabusiness.ab.ca/brownbag.cfm

September 13-1518th Annual Conference Canadian Association of BusinessIncubationOiling the Cogs of Incubation in a ToughEconomyShaw Conference Centrewww.cabi.ca

September 16Reaching New Markets 2009Grow Your Businessin Challenging TimesBeyond Borders: US Borderand Trade SeminarsIn Calgary, Deerfoot Inn and Casino8 am to 5pmRegistration www.reachingnewmarkets.com

September 22-239th Annual Athabasca Oil SandsConference & Trade ShowOptimal Outcomes: Changing the Faceof Oil Sands through Innovation andCollaborationNorthlandswww.thepetroleumshow.com

September 24TechRev Innovators 2009 Inaugural CelebrationNominations from 132 companiesIn Calgary at SMART Technologies3636 Research Road NWRSVP to [email protected]

OCTOBEROctober 1-2Banff Venture ForumCanada’s Premier Venture Capital ShowcaseFairmont Banff Springs HotelRegistration open until maximum filledwww.banffventureforum.com

October 14AWE Business Luncheon PresentationPresenter: Jessie Radiesof The Blue PearUnion Bank Inn10053 Jasper Avenue11:30 am- 1:30 pmRSVP 1-800-713-3558

SEPTEMBERSeptember 1-7DaVinci: The GeniusAn Inspirational ExhibitionTelus World of Science11211 – 142 Streetwww.edmontonscience.com

September 3The Business Link Brown Bag SessionResearch Global MarketsSuite 100, 10237-104 Street12-1 pmwww.canadabusiness.ab.ca/brownbag.cfm

September 13-1518th Annual Conference Canadian Association of BusinessIncubationOiling the Cogs of Incubation in a ToughEconomyShaw Conference Centrewww.cabi.ca

September 16Reaching New Markets 2009Grow Your Businessin Challenging TimesBeyond Borders: US Borderand Trade SeminarsIn Calgary, Deerfoot Inn and Casino8 am to 5pmRegistration www.reachingnewmarkets.com

September 22-239th Annual Athabasca Oil SandsConference & Trade ShowOptimal Outcomes: Changing the Faceof Oil Sands through Innovation andCollaborationNorthlandswww.thepetroleumshow.com

September 24TechRev Innovators 2009 Inaugural CelebrationNominations from 132 companiesIn Calgary at SMART Technologies3636 Research Road NWRSVP to [email protected]

OCTOBEROctober 1-2Banff Venture ForumCanada’s Premier Venture Capital ShowcaseFairmont Banff Springs HotelRegistration open until maximum filledwww.banffventureforum.com

October 14AWE Business Luncheon PresentationPresenter: Jessie Radiesof The Blue PearUnion Bank Inn10053 Jasper Avenue11:30 am- 1:30 pmRSVP 1-800-713-3558

On theHORIZON

Oilsands MineSyncrude

Jim Lorentz



Dr. Neil Brownin discussionwith CF nurses

Ken Boutilier, president ofInnovotech; CF patientMelanie; Dr. Bhavin Rawal,product manager of bioFILMPA, Innovotech.

Dr. Peter Hackett, president and CEO of AlbertaIngenuity, participated in the news conference

Dr. Neil Brown, Melanie andDr. Robert Rennie, site chief,Laboratory Medicine at theU of A Hospital



his year’s Edmonton International FringeFestival was absolutely terrific. As of mydeadline, I’ve seen a total of four shows:Pitch Blond by Vancouver-born Laura

Harris; Garret Spellicy’s local production TheLavender Lady; Choon-Hyang’s True Love from SeoulTheatre, South Korea; and Red Bastard by Eric Davisout of New York.

I saw the latter two because the fusedlogic teamstreamed both shows live via video over the Internet aspart of our social media project with Fringe TheatreAdventures (FTA), the folks behind North America’slargest and longest running fringe festival.

The FTA had yet to engage in the social web beyonda Facebook group. This year, however, IndustryCanada’s Marquee Tourism Program enabled a specificfocus on generating awareness and interest in thefestival and the city tourism options for fringeenthusiasts abroad.

Edmonton’s Fringe Festival broke new social mediaground in several ways, including the streaming ofthree live webcasts all across Canada and for

international audiences in placeslike the Philippines, UnitedKingdom and United States, plusGreece and Belgium,. A keyapproach to this campaign was toinvolve the Fringe communitydirectly, encouraging bothinternational and local performersto blog about their experiences atshowyouourblog.com. In the firstsix days of the festival, more than100 blog posts from 10 differentbloggers, including me, weregenerated. Local photographerswho are on Twitter also showcasedour city and festival. Startingwith a brand new group forthis year, Edmontonnow has the largestFlickr group ofFringe-relatedpictures in theworld. Well over1300

photos in under 10days—amazing. Topcontributors by Twitterhandle were@Livingsantuary@Sirthinks, @Pixelens@Cyclopsphoto@Eadnams, @Wburris,and @PaulNey. Andthanks to everyone elsewho posted pictures.

To continue in the spirit ofthe Fringe, I decided to takeadvantage of being aroundso many talentedperformers. I interviewedthe very talentedEdmonton native streetmagician, Billy Kidd.We talked about her lifespent performing on the

world’s streets, and her use of social media to promoteher act. Currently living in Bath, England, she stillenjoys coming home. From a performer’s perspective,she says “Edmonton’s Fringe crowds are great andthere are less street performers here to compete with,”as compared to say Edinburgh’s Festival Fringe whichtends to have far more performers.

When talking to Kidd about her online activities, sheexplained that she’s on Facebook under a differentname and for a different purpose related to “noseflutes.” Billy Kidd is her magician persona andcurrently her social media activity is next to zero insupport of that particular act. Although she admits thatthe Internet does help: “I get lots of e-mails frompeople who have seen the show.” Kidd’s websitebillykiddshow.com is fairly basic and, if you Google

her name, there is little in terms of a contentfootprint. Certainly this result doesn’t

support the great live audienceexperience produced when she “worksher magic” curb side. I suspect it’sbecause she’s only been performing theBilly Kidd magic act for the “past yearor so.”

We did an on-camera interview whichis up on the Fringe-focused

ShowYouOurs Youtube channel. Further,the pictures and video documenting herperformances here should definitely help

increase exposure for her around theworld—increased evidence

that Edmonton has a“magical worldambassador” in Billy

Kidd. √

Walter Schwabe is theChief Evolution Officer offusedlogic inc., a socialmedia strategy firm andAlberta company since2000. You can learnmore atwww.fusedlogic.com

TT101with Walter Schwabe

mediamediaSocial

“But I think what it says is that in theright hands and the right minds, peoplewho understand how to produce andmarket a medical technology, it really islimitless potential.” Possible applicationsinclude clinical diagnostics, occupationalhealth and safety, law enforcement, andenvironmental monitoring.

And then comes the zinger. “I don’t thinkthis is too much of an exaggeration. This isa once in a 50-year kind of technology.”

Dr. Cormier hails from Moncton, NewBrunswick. After receiving his PhD inPhysic from the University of Toronto, hewent on to do post doctorate work inWashington DC at the National Institute forStandards and Technology. His focus was alaser spectroscopy experiment withapplications in greenhouse gas detection.

The Institute was hit with massive budgetcuts, according to Dr. Cormier, “I think inorder to fund the department of HomelandSecurity. Management came down andtalked to various people and pointed outthat the National Institutes of Health downthe road didn’t have their budget cut. Andso they asked us if they could find linkagesbetween our research and health issues.And so, when you’re an atmosphericscientist, you’re always thinking about air.You know, air, breathe, hmmm, is theresomething there?”

With some research, Dr. Cormierdiscovered scientists had been trying forquite some time but without much luck toconnect atmospheric analysis with medicaldiagnosis. Technically speaking, it was far

too difficult a challenge. That is, until hecame along.

“At that time, I was looking at anapparatus that was spread out on, aboveand below a 4 x 8 photo optical table. Itwas absolutely not automated by anystretch of the imagination. It required thissimultaneous twiddling of six or sevenknobs to get any data. And I kind of madethat leap in my mind. I said, ‘I think thereis something that could be adapted from

this technology that would allow for ultrasensitive gas analysis but comprehensive soyou can measure hundreds of compoundsat the same time.’ And that was really thegenesis of the idea for LifeSens.”

As for the name of the company, Dr.Cormier explains a picomole is a scientificmeasurement meaning a trillionth of amole. “I just thought the name soundedreally cool. What we’re doing is setting ourambition right in our name. We’re sayingthat our goal at Picomole Instruments is tobuild instrumentation that can detect a

picomole of a given anilide in an exhaledair sample.” Anilides are class of chemicalcompounds, many of which are associatedwith various diseases.

Come mid-September, Cormier andPicomole Instruments Inc. will be movingout of the incubators and into the real worldof business. “I’ve never had to read a leasein French. And I have to think about whatour needs are going to be, because thecommercial landlords are interested in five-

year leases. So this is about getting morereal in a sense. We’re going to be shoulder-to-shoulder with a chicken rotisserie and atanning salon and a veterinary clinic. Youknow… real people who have realbusinesses that have to make a dollar tosurvive.”

What attracted Cormier to join up withhis new partner in Quebec is the company’svast experience in product development inthe photonics sector. “We’re a relativelysmall team. We’re only five right now. Andit would be difficult for us to productize our

own technology with our limitedexperience in this area. But this companyhas over 200 engineers and scientists so it’sa very large company with a lot of depth ofexpertise in a lot of areas that are veryrelevant to what we are doing.”

While Picomole will be paying for theservices of its new partner to scale upproduction on the LifeSens prototype, thepartnership also involves an investmentfrom the Quebec company.

Among the many plans for the future isshrinking the size of the LifeSenstechnology from that of a push around cartto a handheld device. And, looking aheadfive years, says Dr. Cormier, “Well, if youbelieve our business plan, we’ll have about140 employees.”

But for now, there is the immediateconcern of getting a product to market.“This company asked me during ourdiscussions to define what success wouldlook like in our case. And the simplest waythat I could put it for them is to say I needsomething I can sell in about a year.”

And they said? “Well, we’d better getstarted.” √

To hear Cheryl’s conversation with Dr.John Cormier, visitwww.innovationanthology.com

Cheryl Croucher hosts InnovationAnthology which is broadcast on CKUARadio at 7:58 am and 4:58 pm Tuesdaysand Thursdays. Or download the podcastsat www.innovationanthologyy.com

Continued from page 19

Billy Kidd

And then comes the zinger:“I don’t think this is too much ofan exaggeration. This is a once in

a 50-year kind of technology.”



o be sure, not many 20-year olds aspire to play with a major symphonyorchestra… perhaps, someday to conduct. Cleary, fate and circumstances are intune with Taddes Korris’ goals.

He was born in Toronto, and raised in Edmonton by his mother andgrandparents, who immigrated to Canada from Lithuania. He credits a number ofindividuals and unexpected events that have led to his bright future.

“My early musical exposure came from my mom. She was the general managerof the Edmonton Opera, but she also worked with other opera companies in Europe.And with that, I grew up in opera halls and symphony halls, so I had a very earlyexposure.”

Taddes had played both the piano and the saxophone, but was never reallydedicated to either. “But, then in high school, there was a double bass… I knew a lotabout composers and about string instruments so I thought, ‘It can’t hurt to try.’ Andit just took off from there.”

While still at Archbishop MacDonald High School, Taddes took lessons with theprinciple bass of the Edmonton symphony. He founded the Band of Brothers JazzTrio and the Mindaugas Quartet. And, in a tribute to his Lithuanian heritage, herecruited 66 youth musicians to record a CD of the rare works of MikalojusCiurlionis.

In 2007, Taddes was accepted at McGill University in Montreal. Thatsummer, he studied with world renowned bassists at the Tibor Vargamasterclass program in Switzerland and the Carl Flesch String Academy inGermany. At the latter, Taddes practiced on a fully restored, mid-1700’sbass which he subsequently purchased.

After his first year at McGill, he was in New York to have the bassappraised. He also arranged for a lesson with Orin O’Brien, a doublebassist with the New York Philharmonic, who asked Taddes to play forher colleague, David Grossman. They were impressed enough toarrange an extraordinary audition for the Manhattan School of Music.

“I flew back to New York to have my audition on June 9th and, byJune 11th, they told me I was accepted into the program. It was a bit ofa life-changing set of circumstances, nothing that I ever reallyexpected.” He’s back for his second year, studying for his Bachelors inClassical Music Performance on the double bass.

What about the 18th Century bass? It’s worth more than three timeswhat he paid. Moreover, Taddes discovered that the restorer had longago engraved his own initials on the bass: TK. Serendipity… kismet…destiny.

Taddes loves his bass—and his music.“When you’re lost in the moment of creating something—when no

single performance is the same—that’s what really makes this sounique and special to me.” √ ~ Lauren Henrie

TT

Taddes KorrisDouble Bassist, Student, Protégé

Taddes Korris in New York city.

Edmontonians Sep09

Documents

Transcript of Edmontonians Sep09