Transforming Alberta's Economy: Issue 17

Welcome to Issue 17 of Transforming Alberta’s Economy.?

I was privileged to participate in Carya Calgary's inaugural Top Chef Competition alongside Mike Procee, MBA, P.Eng. , Connor Curran and Dean Smith .

Congratulations to Mike for winning the award with his stellar pizza-inspired grilled cheese sandwich. Chef Melissa LaMothe and I delivered our bacon-infused risotto topped with green herbaceous oil and shrimp.

While I may not have a fancy award, I have the pride of knowing our collective efforts raised $61,500, directly benefitting the mental health programs at Carya . $125 provides 1 hour of free counselling to a Calgarian in need, which means Carya can deliver more than 500 sessions thanks to the funds raised!

Thank you to everyone who dug deep into their pockets, savings, couch cushions and bank accounts to deliver these incredible funds.

What you’ll find inside:

1?? Alberta News & Events

2?? Collisions YYC: September Episodes

Alberta News & Events

A conversation with Jyoti Gondek

On October 26, join the Calgary Chamber of Commerce for an enlightening session with Mayor Jyoti Gondek as she presents her annual keynote address, outlining her vision for Calgary's future. Gain insights into her strategy to ensure an inclusive and prosperous city, as she addresses the business community and highlights her primary economic objectives.

Register now. ?

Go-to-market strategy

Join the Calgary Marketing Association at the Pioneer weekly for an enlightening discussion on go-to-market strategies.?

Dive deep into the art of crafting the perfect approach with insights from David MacLean , VP of Marketing at Neo Financial , and the experienced Fractional CMO, Michael Gaudet .

Whether you're introducing a new product or refining your current strategy, this panel promises real-world lessons from industry frontrunners.?

Doors open at 4:30 p.m., with the discussion kicking off at 5:00 p.m. Elevate your market entry game and learn from the best in the business!

Register now.

DEAM IDEA Conference 2023

Mark your calendars for a transformative experience this October! As we celebrate Disability Employment Awareness Month, the Alberta Employment First Network (AEFN) invites you to the second annual DEAM IDEA Conference in Edmonton. Delve deep into the intricacies of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility on October 26, 2023.

This isn't just another conference; it's a movement towards redefining the landscape of employment. Enrich your understanding of inclusive recruitment while unravelling the layers of disability intersectionality. Engage in profound discussions about the essence of disability within diversity and equity spheres.

Join a vibrant assembly of 160+ professionals hailing from various sectors like HR, Talent Recruitment, Disability and Human Services, and more, spanning across Alberta. Together, we can champion a more inclusive future.

Register now.

Neo Financial, Jobber, WaitWell among winners of sixth annual Start Alberta Tech awards

Twelve awards were handed out to companies and members of Alberta’s tech ecosystem at the Start Alberta Tech Awards hosted in Edmonton.

Start Alberta holds the event to recognize the impact individuals and startups have on Alberta’s tech ecosystem. Its founding members include The A100 , Alberta Enterprise Corporation (AEC) , and the Venture Capital Association of Alberta (VCAA) .

Read the article.

U of A launches new fund to ignite innovative ideas

The 加拿大阿尔伯塔大学 has launched a new fund to invest in startup ventures working to solve complex challenges facing the world and diversify Alberta’s economy, providing much-needed funding and additional support for innovators and entrepreneurs.

The University of Alberta Innovation Fund, supported by private donors and public partners, will work with startups to mobilize the university’s research expertise, innovation and creativity.

Read the article.

Collisions YYC: September Episodes

Shawn Freeman , Founder of (former) TWT Group

Learn about Shawn’s journey from startup to a major exit deal, navigating challenges from acquisitions to global pandemics. Highlighting the importance of aligning decisions with values and culture, Shawn's story offers insights on building a people-centric organization and redefining 'retirement' with a future-focused vision.

Listen to the episode.

Lisa Krzyzewski , Founder of Aeon Future Health

Lisa unveils the journey of establishing a forefront health-tech venture in Calgary, offering innovative solutions beyond traditional healthcare like AI-fitness and psychedelic mental health treatments. Delving into the gaps in Canada's universal coverage, Aeon focuses on enhancing wellness and preventive care, especially for boomers eager to optimize their health. Join as Lisa emphasizes the significance of customer-centric pivots and the invaluable guidance of co-founders in pioneering health business landscapes.

Listen to the episode.

Tiffany Stevenson , Director of Social Investments at Carya

Listen as Tiffany introduces the exciting Top Chef challenge, an event merging culinary talents with community outreach, which just happened on October 19th. Established in 1910, Carya's mission goes beyond the event, offering essential programs for Calgarians. While participants like Tyler Chisholm will dazzle with culinary flair, the deeper purpose remains: elevating mental health awareness and generating support for the countless individuals Carya assists annually.

Listen to the episode.

Rob Wildeboer , Co-Founder and Executive Chair at Martinrea International

Rob unpacks the resilience of Martinrea International amid global challenges, from economic shifts to unprecedented events like COVID-19. With a workforce of 19,000 spanning continents, Rob emphasizes a localized cultural approach, ensuring each employee feels a genuine connection to the company. Martinrea’s success, according to Rob, rests on its people-first strategy: fostering an ownership mindset and empowering employees to champion causes they care about, driving both a positive culture and robust business outcomes.

Listen to the episode.

Erika Maravei , Senior Philanthropy Officer at Alberta Cancer Foundation

Peer inside a massive $215M campaign aimed at elevating cancer care facilities through advanced research and technology. Drawing on her sales background, Erika reveals the convergence of sales techniques in philanthropy, emphasizing the need for technical clarity to captivate informed donors. Learn how advances in one cancer treatment can revolutionize others, and discover innovative methods to engage the next generation of philanthropists who prefer action over traditional galas, ensuring they make significant contributions both in business and the community.

Listen to the episode.

Jeremy McCrea, CFA , Director of Equity Research at Raymond James Ltd.

Explore the evolving energy markets with Jeremy, who highlights the surge in optimism in Western Canada and the strategic shift towards liquefied natural gas (LNG) through company consolidations. Gain insights into cutting-edge drilling technologies unlocking age-old plays, Jeremy's forecasts on the gradual energy transition, and how improved company balance sheets shape investment choices. If you're keen to understand the trajectory of our dynamic energy sector without wading through dense reports, this episode is your essential guide.

Listen to the episode.

Sepehr Shoarinejad , Founder of Koridor Inc.

Venture into Sepehr’s journey from creating NuAutomations to pioneering Koridor, an innovation born out of his quest for optimal management. Beyond the product, it's Sepehr's astute eye that tailors startups for investor appeal. Navigate the changing dynamics of AI and stay ahead with Sepehr's insights.

Listen to the episode.

Jacques LaPointe MBA, PEng , Co-Founder and Director of Metiquity Ventures Fund I

Dive into the prairies' investment frontier with Jacques. At Metiquity, they're not just spotting opportunities; they're creating them for early-stage gems. Witness how Jacques is championing a movement to fuel startups, urging seasoned investors to think differently. It’s not just about funds; it's about fostering futures. Learn the art and heart of grassroots investing with Jacques.

Listen to the episode.

Steven V. , CEO and Co-Founder of WaitWell ?

Dive deep with Steve as he unravels his unique approach to bootstrapping amidst a pandemic. Discover how prioritizing customer-centric development and strategic capital allocation propelled them ahead. Beyond funding, learn why choosing the right venture partners can redefine your entrepreneurial journey. Don't miss this playbook for nurturing a resilient business foundation.

Listen to the episode.

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