global ventures magazine january/february 2010

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

VOLUME TWO ISSUE ONE • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010PUBLICATIONS AGREEMENT #41786012

LEAVING A LEGACYSTEP’s FARM Program sets stage for agricultural growth in Ukraine

Bringing Saskatchewan FoodProducts to the WorldSaskatchewan Food Processors Association Makes its Mark with Sask Made Brand

A Nutritious Snack the Kids will loveYumpeez: A Hit for Prairie Pulse Company

The Search for Skilled WorkersBurnett Immigration Services Guides the Waythrough the Immigration Process

2 GLOBALVENTURES • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010

S a s k a t c h e w a n R e s e a r c h C o u n c i l

Commercial Fermentation,Veterinary Biologics Productiona n d C o n t r a c t R e s e a r c h

Looking for a full-service facility to develop or produceyour product or idea? Want to grow your business, butnot ready to invest in expensive facilities, equipment andhighly-trained staff ?

SRC’s Health and Food Unit can help. We’re a contract manufacturing and

research provider, and will work with you from scale-up to production on a range

of fermentation applications.

We operate a world-class, 4,300-square-foot Biosafety

Level 2 Fermentation Pilot Plant and are Canada’s only

contract research organization with Canadian Food

Inspection Agency approval to produce animal vaccines.

We also have fermentation facilities and expertise for non-

regulated work in such areas as crop protection, seed

enhancement and biofuels.

ExpertiseSRC has provided Smart Science Solutions™ for more

than 60 years, serving a broad range of organizations in

Saskatchewan and across North America. Our Health and Food team is multidis-

ciplinary, with expertise in microbiology, biochemistry, and fermentation, and is

also familiar with regulatory requirements and approval processes in areas such

as animal vaccine development. We can also access further expertise across SRC’s

other divisions, labs and facilities.

SRC: Smart Science Solutions™SRC’s mission is to help the people of Saskatchewan strengthen the economy

with quality jobs and a secure environment. We do this through research, devel-

opment and the transfer of innovative scientific and technological solutions.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your biobusiness grow.

He alth & FoodGrowing your biobusiness

Smar t S c ience S o l u t i o n s

Telephone: 306-933-5400www.src.sk.ca/fermentation

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010 • GLOBALVENTURES 3

VOLUME TWO ISSUE ONEJANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010

insideGLOBALVENTURESis the official bi-monthly publication of

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

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

PUBLISHERSSaskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP)

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

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

Toll Free: 1.888.EXPORTSKSaskatoon Office:

500 - 402 21st Street East, Saskatoon, SK S7K 0C3Saskatoon 306.933.6551 / Toll Free: 1.877.313.7244

Toll Free: 1.888.EXPORTSK

Concept Media2629 Angus Boulevard, Regina, SK S4T 2A6

306.545.6099 / [email protected]

EDITORPat Rediger BENCHMARK PUBLIC RELATIONS INC.

306.522.9326 / [email protected]

ASSOCIATE EDITORKatie Boyce BENCHMARK PUBLIC RELATIONS INC.

306.522-0903 / [email protected]

CONTRIBUTORSKatie Boyce

Nicole WilliamsPat Rediger

Trilby HendersonSTEP

DESIGNBob Anderson CONCEPT MEDIA

[email protected]

PRODUCTIONLorelle Anderson CONCEPT MEDIA

[email protected]

SALESBob Harvey CONCEPT MEDIA

[email protected]

PRINTINGPrintWest Ltd. / Regina, SK, Canada

DISTRIBUTIONPrairie Advertising Ltd. / Regina, SK, Canada

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

2629 Angus Boulevard, Regina, SK S4T 2A6.

ON THE COVERClient of the Farm Program Rivne, Extension Service.

PRINTED IN CANADA

cover10 Leaving a Legacy

Although it draws to a close in 2010, the Saskatchewan-led FARM Program is leaving behind a renewed agriculture system in Ukraine.

features14 The Search for Skilled

WorkersBurnett Immigration Services is helping companies successfully hire and nominate skilled international workers and professionals.

15 A Nutritious Snack theKids will LoveBest Cooking Pulses makes waves with its innovative and healthy snack food products.

17 Bringing SaskatchewanFood Products tothe WorldThe Saskatchewan Food Processors Association and Sask Made Marketplace showcase our province’s high quality food products.

STEP notes 4 Message from the

President and CEO 6 Where in the

World is STEP? Find the latest in internationaltrade events

21 Staff ProfileAngela Wasylynka: Steering Saskatchewan Exporters on the Right Financial Path

STEP services18 New Service Delivery

for ExportersCall 1-888-XPORTSK

20 Customized Market Intelligence for Saskatchewan ExportersSTEP’s Market Intelligence Service Opens Doors to the World


This past 12 months will go down in history as extraordinary times. Who would have thought our

neighbors to the south would have had government-owned car manufacturing companies or banks or insurance compa-nies? Who would ever have thought that sovereign governments would have, or could have, been so aggressive in staving off a financial crisis that for all of us re-mains unimaginable in terms of the pend-ing consequences? Who would ever have thought governments would or could go so deeply in debt? Does anyone know what number comes after a trillion?

The world has changed and so has the landscape of global trading. In the middle of all that is a tiny little province smack dab in the centre of North America with a small, yet quietly growing, population and literally sitting on top of a gold mine of assets. We are blessed, but we can’t take anything for granted.

Where were you on September 2, 1972? That was the day that all Canadi-ans found out we were not the greatest hockey nation in the world. Some would

argue it took almost two decades to fix it but hard work, effort and defined deliv-erables made it happen. Not just wishing it. Canada is losing its competitive edge. Almost half of our provinces have had flat export growth over the last ten years. The assumption that we are an elite glob-al trader is a myth. Canada’s competitive edge is slipping. Our productivity is woe-fully lacking and we need to do some-thing about it.

Saskatchewan can lead the way. Not by being arrogant about our natural wealth, but by being focused in our export strate-gies. Remember, over 70% of Saskatche-wan’s GDP comes from exports. We must not take anything for granted.

STEP will be rolling out two new ini-tiatives this month that will capitalize on our past expertise of getting more Sas-katchewan companies into more global markets. We cannot sit back and wait for the telephone to ring. We must meet the client face to face in their markets and the first part of our program will do just that. The second part of the program is man-

dated to work with all new and emerging Saskatchewan companies to move them from being a local provider of goods and services to becoming an international company. This is not an easy task but this organization is up to the challenge. You need to call us for details.

Our final effort to kick off the New Year is the unveiling of the new STEP “HOTLINE.” Our objective is to make it easier for all Saskatchewan companies to know more about their potential in becoming an ex-porter. Whether it’s Manitoba or Mongo-lia, Alberta or Albania, STEP can help you find success in those markets.

Just call anytime at 1 888 XPORTSK.

Lionel LaBelle, President & CEOSaskatchewan Trade and Export Partner-ship (STEP)

Message from the President & CEOWhat a difference a year makes

New Service Delivery - STEP – 1-888-XPORTSKInformation at your

fingertips... call 1.888.XPORTSK

Do you have a question or need direction for your business development and ex-porting initiatives? Your answer may be as simple as dialing 1-888 XPORTSK! STEP’s in house capabilities and staff expertise are available to assist Saskatchewan en-

terprises who are looking for exporting assistance. Call our toll free number and we will assist you by providing applicable information and solutions.


STEP Board of DirectorsJim Engdahl, President & CEO Great Western Minerals Group Ltd.

Ngee Cau, Chief Executive Officer Marketel

Keith Brown, CEO Trailtech

Dale Lemke, President Display Systems International Inc.

Tim Wiens, President & CEO O & T Farms

Greg Larson, CEO The Larson Group of Companies

Shannon Jakes, Senior Manager CIBC Commercial Banking

Greg Menzies, President & CEOWigmore Farms

Sandra Purdy, PresidentPrairie Berries Inc.

Paul Degelman, Sales & Marketing ManagerDegelman Industries Ltd.

Doug Matthies, Deputy MinisterMinistry of Finance

Alanna Koch, Deputy MinisterMinistry of Agriculture

Dale Botting, CEOEnterprise Saskatchewan

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

VICE CHAIRCory Furman, PartnerMacPherson Leslie & Tyerman, LLP

Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP) Trade Conference

September 28 - 29, 2010Radisson Hotel - Saskatoon

Mark your calendars for the Saskatche-wan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP) Trade Conference to be held in Saska-toon, Saskatchewan on September 28 - 29, 2010. Following on the success of the 2008 Canada Trade Summit, this bi-annual conference will be an important networking and professional develop-ment opportunity for your staff and your organization.

The conference will offer a unique oppor-tunity for you to network with national and international delegates, all of whom share your focus on export markets and the need to seek solutions. An informa-tive program featuring dynamic speakers

is currently being developed to ensure that delegates are provided with timely information and the opportunity to dis-cuss the challenges and opportunities that the exporting community faces.


Where inthe world

is STEP?and potential retail buyers.

Contact: Stacey Sauer, Trade Specialist, Manufacturing

Telephone: (306) [email protected]

FEBRUARYFEBRUARYMexico Wood

Products MissionDate: February, 2010 - TBC

Location: Mexico City and Guadalajara, Mexico

During a past building products mission to Mexico, it was that determined oppor-tunities exist to supply dimensional lum-ber, some other niche wood products and knowledge transfer in the areas of refor-estation and forestry stewardship. STEP has planned a return visit to this market to follow-up the initial research. The goal is to increase Saskatchewan exports of various wood products into the Mexican market by connecting with large wood importers in the country, key industry as-sociations and government agencies.

Contact: Stacey Sauer, Trade Specialist, Manufacturing


Functional Foods & Food Ingredients MissionDate: February 1 - 5, 2010

Location: Mexico City & Guadalajara, Mexico

STEP will actively promote the show to at-tract incoming business people involved in the purchase and distribution of seed, crops, and agricultural equipment. STEP will target delegations interested in at-tending the event and offer outreach programs to incoming delegations.

Contact: Jennifer Evancio, Director - Agri-Value


Contact: Yi Zeng, Trade Specialist - Asia - AfricaTelephone: (306) 787-2194

[email protected]

Canadian Gift and Tableware Association (CGTA) Spring

Show 2010Date: January 31 - February 4, 2010

Location: Toronto, OntarioSTEP will conduct a business development mission for consumer products to the CGTA Spring Show. The mission is aimed at increasing Saskatchewan exports of consumer products (including tabletop goods, housewares, jewellery, gourmet food, garden accessories, collectibles, handmade products, home décor, bath, bed and linen products) by participation. STEP will target in-market activities to provide retail distribution opportunities for products from Saskatchewan compa-nies. The mission includes participation in the show as well as independent meet-ings between Saskatchewan companies

JANUARYJANUARYAssociation of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) Ag

Connect ExpoDate: January 10 - 14, 2010Location: Orlando, Florida

The Association of Equipment Manufac-turers (AEM) Ag Connect Expo provides a world-class international forum for ag-riculture industry professionals to share global agricultural ideas and manage-ment trends. The event features exhibits of the latest industry innovations, prod-ucts and technology as well as a compre-hensive education program and extensive networking opportunities with industry experts. The event will allow STEP the opportunity to come in at ground zero and potentially build an early presence with the potential to continue in future years. STEP will organize a business de-velopment mission that will involve a group display at the show, meetings with incoming visitors, and representation of non-attending members.

Contact: Rob Ziola, Director - Manufacturing


2010 Pulse Days/Crop Development DaysDate: January 11 - 14, 2010

Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan


STEP will undertake a market develop-ment mission to Mexico to further de-velop the growing health and wellness opportunities for members producing functional foods, food ingredients & or-ganics. Targeted meetings and network-ing opportunities will be set up with mission participants based on their indi-vidual requirements.



National Farm Machinery Show

Date: February 10 - 14, 2010Location: Louisville, Kentucky

The National Farm Machinery Show is the USA’s largest indoor exposition of agri-cultural equipment in a market servicing the entire USA farming base. Attendees represent many states as do key channel partners. STEP will organize a group dis-play at the event and will introduce new STEP members into the US markets as well as strengthen the position of those suppliers already selling to the region.

Contact: Rob Ziola, Director - Manufacturing


BioFach Organic Trade Show Date: February 16 - 24, 2010

Location: Nuremberg, GermanyIt is anticipated that over 2,000 exhibi-tors from 62 countries will be present at BioFach 2010, the world’s largest organic trade fair. The event will be of interest to organic and natural products produc-ers/processors including raw materials, convenience foods, grains, seeds, pulses, herbs, spices, flavourings, cosmetics, consumer goods, organic farming as-sociations, processors’ associations and heath food suppliers. STEP members in-dicate that their primary reason to attend the show is the opportunity to see new products, prepare the groundwork for business relationships, cultivate contacts with suppliers and exchange views with like-minded colleagues.



Renewal Business Development MissionDate: February 23 - 28, 2010

Location: Austin, Texas

STEP will pre-arrange targeted, strategic business development meetings with qualified buyers. Participants will also at-tend high level networking events with private and public sector leaders in Texas, join sector specific industry briefings by experts, and learn the tools to succeed in the market. There is also an option to exhibit with STEP at the world-renowned Renewable Energy World Conference in Austin, Texas from February 23 - 25, 2010.

Contact: David Froh, Trade Specialist - Technology & Professional Services


Trade Development Mission - South Asia and

Gulfood 2010Date: February 7- 25, 2010

Location: Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and United Arab Emirates

STEP will lead an agri-value sector trade development mission to South Asia and Dubai in February, 2010. The objective of the mission is to develop opportuni-ties in agri-food products, target pulse and agri-value companies and promote Saskatchewan pulse producers and pro-cessors as a reliable producer of quality pulses. STEP will also attend the 2010 Gulfood Show to be held in Dubai.

Contact: Tim Marshall, Senior Director - Asia-AfricaTelephone: (306) [email protected]

Market Intelligence SeminarDate: February 2010 - TBC

Locations: Regina and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

The seminars will be hosted by STEP Mar-ket Intelligence professionals who will guide participants through the steps and resources available to them to perform market intelligence for international mar-kets, customers, and products. Partici-pants will also hear from leading market intelligence professionals in Saskatch-ewan, about what resources and services for primary market research are available in the province to help their company ac-quire market intelligence.

Contact: Jeff Thackeray, Market Intelligence Specialist -

Technology & Professional ServicesTelephone: (306) 787-4103 [email protected]

Contact: Brynna Bergerman, Market Intelligence Specialist - Multi-Sector


MARCHMARCHProspectors and Develop-ers Association of Canada (PDAC) Trade Show - 2010

Date: March 7 - 10, 2010Location: Toronto, Ontario

The PDAC Trade Show attracts over 20,000 industry representatives and international delegates from over 100 countries. It is anticipated that over 400 exhibitors promoting the latest technol-ogy, products, services and mining juris-dictions will be showcased. The event appeals to companies and organizations promoting the latest technology, prod-ucts, services and mining jurisdictions to the global mining industry.

Contact: David Froh, Trade Specialist - Technology and Professional Services


3rd Annual Constituency Mission to the Asian Development bankDate: March 8 - 12, 2010

Location: Manila, PhilippinesSTEP will recruit member companies to participate in the March 2010 Mission to the Asian Development Bank. The 3rd Ice Constituency Mission to the ADB Headquarters is a unique opportunity to learn more about opportunities with the ADB as well as networking with a variety of firms that are pursuing and working on ADB projects. The mission is being planned in conjunction with Canada’s Executive Director’s office at the ADB and will be open to companies and indi-viduals from countries belonging to the ‘Ice’ Constituency including Canada, Den-mark, Finland, Ireland, The Netherlands, Norway and Sweden. This mission is de-signed to prepare companies, both expe-rienced and newcomers, to be successful at winning ADB contracts

Contact: Angela Wasylynka, A/Executive Director - Export Services


Natural Products Expo West (NPEW) 2010Date: March 11 - 14, 2010

Location: Anaheim, CaliforniaSTEP will recruit member companies to participate in the NPEW 2010 trade mis-sion which is the USA’s largest natural products trade show. Over 30,000 retail-ers, manufacturers, industry members, exhibitors and media are expected to be


in attendance with 2,500 booths and the largest new products showcase in the country. The event includes four full days of ex-hibits, events, tours, seminars and workshops. SupplyExpo also occurs in conjunction with NPEW which is more relevant to the raw materials component of the industry.

Contact: Dan Maynard, Trade Specialist - Agri-ValueTelephone: (306) [email protected]

CTIA WIRELESS 2010Date: March 23 - 25, 2010

Location: Las Vegas, NevadaThe CTIA WIRELESS event attracts over 40,000 industry profes-sionals from over 80 countries. STEP plans to attend the show and will initiate networking opportunities where participating companies will be able to present their product/service to in-dustry professionals interested in doing business with Saskatch-ewan companies.

Contact: Donovan Swinnerton, Director, Technology & Professional Services


GLOBE 2010Date: March 24 - 26, 2010

Location: Vancouver, British ColumbiaThe event is aimed at the environmental sector and has been well attended in past events. STEP will organize a business de-velopment mission that will involve a group display at the show, arrange meetings with buyers, and represent non-attending members.

Contact: David Froh, Trade Specialist - Technology & Profes-sional Services


Global Pet ExpoDate: March 25 - 27, 2010Location: Orlando, Florida

STEP will recruit member companies to participate in the Global Pet Expo trade mission, the pet industry’s largest annual trade show presented by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) and Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA). The last show featured 796 exhibiting companies, with over 800 new product launches featured. More than 4,000 pet product buyers from around the world are expected to attend.

Contact: Dan Maynard, Trade Specialist - Agri-ValueTelephone: (306) [email protected]

FITT Skills International Trade TrainingLocation: Regina/Saskatoon,

SaskatchewanSTEP offers FITT Skills International Trade Training, a unique in-ternational trade training which was formed from an expressed interest by Saskatchewan companies to make international trade training available. Open doors with STEP delivered FITTskills inter-national trade training today! Upcoming and confirmed courses of interest include:

International Marketing - Saskatoon (January 16 - 17, 2010)Registration Deadline: January 7, 2010

Global Business Environment - Saskatoon (February 27 - 28, 2010)

Registration Deadline: February 18, 2010International Market Entry Strategy - Regina (April 10 - 11, 2010)

Registration Deadline: March 28, 2010International Trade Research - Saskatoon (June 19 - 20, 2010)

Registration Deadline: June 6, 2010Contact: Blair Hudyma - Programs & Training Specialist


For additional information regarding upcoming STEP events, please visit www.sasktrade.sk.ca


For seven years, Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP), in partnership with the Provinces of

Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Alberta, has executed the Canada – Ukraine Facil-ity for Agriculture Reform and Modern-ization (FARM) Program in Ukraine. The program, funded by the Canadian Inter-national Development Agency (CIDA), has delivered much needed assistance to Ukrainian producers, farmers, and ru-ral residents as the country shifts from a centrally planned economic system to one based on free markets and demo-cratic principles. Launched in March 2003, the FARM Program has been one of the largest and most comprehensive agricultural proj-ects funded by CIDA in Ukraine. While the program will conclude on March 31, 2010, the province and STEP will contin-ue to develop the relationships and link-

ages established with Ukraine over the past decade. “The FARM Program influenced ex-tension development in Ukraine more than any other technical aid project in this area. FARM created a new institu-tion which contributes significantly to the agricultural sector development in Ukraine,” notes Mr. Roman Korinets, Consultant with the Ukrainian Parliament Committee of Agriculture and Land Rela-tions. The program established a system of

19 agriculture extension service offices –four Oblast offices complemented by a total of 15 District offices – throughout the Oblasts of Volyn, Sumy, Rivne and Dni-propetrovsk. With over 40 agents trained by both Ukrainian and Canadian experts, the offices stand as an important hub of information for small farmers, producers, and rural dwellers. “The Dnipropetrovsk extension office is the only institution in the village and in the surrounding villages providing as-sistance to small household plot owners. Without the extension office, it would be more difficult for the villagers to sur-vive,” says farmer Anatoliy Danko of the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. He adds, “It would be beneficial if extension offices could be established in every village of Ukraine so that each dweller could have access to advice, con-sultation, and information.”

Saskatchewan-Led Agriculture

Program Leaves Legacy

in Ukraine


niques/technologies as well as new and innovative ideas which have been adapt-ed within a Ukrainian framework and are currently being adopted by Ukrainian producers. A total of 85 farms have been introduced to the Canadian innovation of no-till technologies. The training provided to Ukrainian staff, in combination with the manage-ment skills developed, has created highly competent staff in Ukraine with strong potential for sustainability after the FARM program ends. “As a result of the FARM Program, my level of professionalism has been in-creased and my vision has been extend-ed. I have established strong partnerships and new opportunities for my future as well as the development of agriculture extension in my oblast,” says Nataliya Kozak, Director of the Volyn Extension Office. The FARM program has also provided professional development opportunities for Provincial and Federal Government employees while expanding their scope of work. A program specialist noted that

her participation with the FARM program was “the highlight of her professional career,” while another stated that “this experience has improved the way I ap-proach extension development because the program forced me to go back to the basics.” FARM provided opportunities for prai-rie companies, NGOs and other asso-ciations to develop cultural, educational, and economic linkages with Ukrainian partner organizations and associations. Western Canadian exports to Ukraine have increased significantly, especially in the areas of new and used farm equip-ment and materials for farm building. Through the commitment of the prov-inces, Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP), educational institu-tions, NGOs and the industry, this pro-gram has been a solid investment with the achievements of the FARM Program expected to be realized in the future. For more information about the FARM Program, contact Angela Wojcichowsky, International Projects Officer, at [email protected].

To date, over 40,000 professionals, community leaders and producers in Ukraine have been trained on best prac-tices related to agricultural and rural development. Over 1,000 farms have in-troduced new crop varieties; production technologies for cereals, pulses and veg-etables; modern and intensive livestock feeding regimes; drip irrigation for veg-etable production; and converted farms into organic operations. Collectively, the extension services have conducted over 73,000 individual consultations, 1,300 training seminars, 41 service cooperatives, 26 4-H clubs, 27 information centers and developed and disseminated over 400 brochures and publications on a variety of agriculture related topics. The transfer of Canadian knowledge via the specialists has been a key suc-cess factor to the FARM program. Over 100 provincial specialists, private consul-tants, education institutions, and non-government organizations have devoted their time and energy to implement the various activities and projects. Provincial specialists were provided as part of the in-kind commitment of the Provinces of Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Alberta. These specialists conducted trainings and introduced Canadian tech-


With the Employee Investment Program…“I feel as though my actions have a direct effect on the success of the company.” -Andy Baessler, Pilot, West Wind AviationAndy Baessler has participated in the Employee Investment Program since joining West Wind Aviation in 2005.

As a participant of Enterprise Saskatchewan’s Employee Investment Program, you’re an owner. Not only will you have the opportunity to share in your company’s success, you also get a 20% provincial and 15% federal tax credit on the first $5,000 invested. Now you’re ready for take off! To learn more, visit www.enterprisesask.ca/employeeinvestment

Labour shortages have often been a major challenge for Saskatchewan companies, and with many baby

boomers on the verge of retirement, the problem seems to loom larger than ever. Hiring foreign workers has been one successful solution for the labour gap problem. However, for many companies the nomination process can seem daunt-ing. That’s where Burnett Immigration Services comes in. The Regina-based im-migration consulting firm offers profes-sional help to companies and individuals to make their search for skilled and pro-fessional workers a success. “We bring expertise to go through the minefield of immigration,” says Elaine

Burnett, founder and President of Bur-nett Immigration Services, which serves businesses in Saskatchewan and across Canada, as well as immigrants looking to come to the country, whether for work, education, or other reasons. Services for businesses include devel-oping a process and human resource plan to bring workers to Canada, preparing La-bour Market Opinion applications, regu-lar reports to businesses on the status of the hired foreign worker, and more. All of this comes through an open and direct relationship between Burnett Im-migration Services and the company. “We give personal attention to the company. We meet with them, explain the

process, and go through it step by step,” says Burnett, emphasizing that compa-nies are engaged throughout the entire selection process for eligible immigrants, often meeting face to face with the per-son and conducting interviews by work-ing with qualified recruitment agencies, some of which, adds Burnett, are other members in good standing of the Cana-dian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC) who live and work overseas. They are hands-on in preliminary screening of applicants to prepare a short-list for com-panies. She adds that her location in Saskatch-ewan and Canada means the company can be integrally involved. “I’m aware

Burnett Immigration Services:Bringing Skilled Workersto Saskatchewan Companies


The Employee Investment Program is a great way to raise money for your business and build a better workforce. When employees invest in your company, their commitment and productivity increases—which is good, because everybody needs a co-pilot they can count on. To learn more, visit www.enterprisesask.ca/employeeinvestment

…the Sky is the Limit“Being a part of the program has had a tremendous impact on how employees—as owners—view their day-to-day involvement.” -Chris Tabler, Vice President, West Wind Aviation West Wind Aviation has offered the Employee Investment Program since 1994.

that there are many overseas immigra-tion consultants. However, our location in Saskatchewan provides us with an op-portunity to work in person with compa-nies that are looking for employees. It is a much better process when the company is involved from the first stage.” Immigration is a familiar subject for Burnett, whose previous career experi-ence in the field extends over 20 years. She worked with the Saskatchewan gov-ernment’s International Trade and Immi-gration divisions since 1986, serving as Manager of Immigration for much of this time. Burnett was an integral member of the first three-member Saskatchewan negoti-ating team to create the first-ever Canada-Saskatchewan Immigration Agreement in 1998. She also led an initial pilot project to establish the provincial nominee class for Saskatchewan, and later played a role in the introduction of the Canadian So-ciety of Immigration Consultants (CSIC) through the Immigration/Refugee Protec-tion Act of 2002. When she retired in 2003 from her role in government, Burnett’s exemplary

reputation and knowledge made her time away from the work force short-lived. “I was only retired for three weeks when Saskatchewan businesses started to contact me asking me to help with their immigrant recruitment. I took it as a sign to start my second career, and in 2003, I started my own immigration services company.” Six years after opening the doors of Burnett Immigration Services, the com-pany has grown to six staff, all of which have professional and personal experi-ence with immigration. In fact, the major-ity of her staff are recent immigrants. “I have a multicultural staff,” says Bur-nett, whose employees hail from Canada, China, the Philippines, India and Kenya, and are fluent in English and their original languages including Tagalog, Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, Mandarin, Swahili and Kikuyu. Burnett is a Certified Canadian Immi-gration Consultant – one of approximate-ly 1,400 – and is one of the first members of the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC), the national regulato-ry body established in 2004. She was re-cently recognized by CSIC in its member

spotlight as one of its outstanding mem-bers and contributors to immigration in Canada. Immigration Manager Christall Be-audry – the only other employee besides Burnett who is from Saskatchewan – has been with Burnett Immigration Services for over two years. She is a Certified In-ternational Trade Professional and a reg-istered immigration consultant, having obtained her CSIC designation under Bur-nett’s mentorship in July 2009 and class-es through Humber College which she passed with honours. Prior to joining Bur-nett Immigration Services, Beaudry previ-ously worked with Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP), where she first came into contact with the immigra-tion consulting company. Burnett’s other staff members include Jing Meng, Esther Muriithi, Harjaspreet Singh, and Maria “Ghee” White. All have professional qualifications either as ac-countants, business consultants, adminis-trative assistants, or legal aides to assist in a smooth recruitment process. With this capable staff, Burnett Immi-gration Services helps both companies


and individuals seeking guidance and support on the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program and other provincial nominee programs, and also when work-ing with Citizenship and Immigration Canada programs. The demand for this service is out there. “From 2003 to June 2009, the need for skilled workers was exceptionally strong in Saskatchewan,” says Burnett, who has worked with 75 companies on a regular basis over the past six years. “With the economic downturn, there has been a drop in demands in trade po-sitions, except for construction. There is also still demand for labour in the hotel and hospitality industry from housekeep-ing to management positions.” While businesses have to wait between nine months to a year for the immigrant to land and begin work, the full immigra-tion process usually takes about two years to complete. Companies have found it is a worthwhile investment. “Our retention rate is 95 per cent,” says Burnett. “This is a direct result of having the company and immigrant worker en-gaged before arriving and introduction to their cultural communities in the area where they settle.” The provincial government has also had an ongoing interest in attracting im-migrants to Saskatchewan, particularly through the Saskatchewan Immigrant

Nominee Program (SINP). According to a June 2009 news release from the Min-istry of Immigration, 2,914 individuals were nominated for residence in Sas-katchewan in 2008. The government’s goal in the coming year is to reach a total of 3,400 nominees, and it is backing this goal with an additional investment of $2.69 million into the nomination pro-gram. “Government is making every effort to have a program for immigration that will grow the population of Saskatchewan,” says Burnett. She explains that immigra-tion is a “critical area” for the province’s economic growth because of the retiring work force and many small (urban and rural) businesses closing because there is no succession plan to sell the business or they cannot find a buyer in Canada. In other situations, the lack of investment deters the growth or diversification of an existing business. Among the government’s priorities is to connect immigrant entrepreneurs and their professional business expertise with First Nations. “A prime area for immigrants to come and invest is with First Nations, helping them to develop their business acumen and businesses. It’s a way to add invest-ment into the company as well as offer business management experience,” says Burnett.

Helping Burnett Immigration Services to reach out to its client is Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP). “STEP has been prominent in my busi-ness,” says Burnett. She explains one of the most powerful tools of being a STEP member is the STEP website. “Through our listing on the STEP web-site, we’ve had a lot of inquiries because individual companies or immigrants have gone to the site, found us and contacted us directly.” She adds that STEP staff also make referrals to immigration companies listed on their website. Another bonus of being a STEP mem-ber for Burnett has been the opportunity to attend a trade mission. Through the mission, Burnett was able to make con-nections overseas, meet with officials at visa offices, and network with interna-tional Canadian CSIC members. This experience will help Burnett and her company well into the future, espe-cially as demand and desire to attract professional, skilled and business im-migrants to the province is expected to continue to rise. Burnett is dedicated to her province of birth and residence; and, in conjunction with government policies and initiatives is prepared to help the Saskatchewan economy and its population grow.

Elaine Burnett, founder and President of Burnett Immigration Services

Photo Credit: Don Healy, The Leader-Post


Best Cooking Pulses (BCP) is gen-erating a new buzz around the pulse crop industry with their lat-

est product – Yumpeez, a flavour roasted, organic, split-pea snack – that is quickly becoming a hit in Canada.

“Although we are the owners of BCP, we’re still moms who are concerned about the types of snacks that kids take to school,” says Margaret Hughes, Sales Manger of BCP. “We wanted to provide a healthy snack alternative that also tasted good. That was the real impetus behind our development of Yumpeez.”

BCP began experimenting with the product in 2007, with the first snack bags being handed out at the Natural Products Expo East in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Although the remaining pea samples were in-tended for trade show use only, Margaret Hughes’ children and husband had a different idea. Her kids started sneaking the bags to school with them to share with their friends, while her husband, who is a doctor, started eating them while on call at the hospital.

The missing samples became a problem, though, when Hughes began preparing for a commodity trade show in Nuremberg, Germa-ny, and she discovered that there were no samples left to share with potential international custom-ers and retailers. However, the “problem” clearly demonstrated that the snacks could become a great value-added product for the company.

Yumpeez first went on sale in mid-Feb-ruary 2009 in Manitoba, and are now fea-tured in approximately 150 health food

stores across Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, the Yukon, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec.

“Yumpeez has done pretty well on the Prairies so far, but the market for them has really picked up in Toronto,” says Hughes. “We’ve had tremendous success in that city because of the consumer in-terest that followed our showcase at the Toronto Vegetarian Food Fair, which fu-elled the retail growth.”

BCP plans to continue expanding the product’s market across Canada and will eventually export them into the United States, but for now they plan on focusing their efforts in the Toronto area.

“This is BCP’s first real go at a retail product,” says Hughes. “So, our goal is to build our market one at a time in order to see continuous, steady growth.”

Yumpeez are the perfect snack for chil-dren and adults as they do not contain

common food allergies such as nuts, glu-ten or lactose. They’re also significantly healthier than other snacks, containing plenty of complex carbohydrates, iron, dietary fibre and protein that provide a long lasting energy supply for consum-ers. They’re also low in calories and satu-rated fat and are trans-fat free.

Studies are currently being conduct-ed at the University of Manitoba and Saskatchewan to determine the health benefits of pulse crops, such as peas. To date, the studies have found, among other things, that pulse crops can help reduce blood sugar and insulin spikes after eating; are a source of prebiotics;

help reduce appetite, which can result in weight loss; and are an ex-cellent source of energy, providing high endurance levels for active in-dividuals and athletes.

“Yumpeez are healthy, a great source of energy and allergy free, but the best part about them is that kids really like them,” says Hughes.

Currently, the snacks are being sold in 30 gram bags for about $1.99 each. They come in two fla-vours – dill and barbeque. Howev-er, a third flavour, plain or ‘Naked’, which was chosen by Yumpeez fans, will soon be available in stores.

All of the peas for the Yumpeez snacks are purchased from Sas-

katchewan and Manitoba providing an-other market opportunity for the organic pulse crop market in those provinces.

BCP is a Canadian family owned agri-foods business that focuses on the split-ting and value added processing of dried

A Hit For Prairie Pulse Company

BY NICOLE WILLIAMS


peas for both domestic and international markets. The company has been in op-eration since 1936 and manages two plants – one in Rowatt, Saskatchewan and the other in Portage La Prairie, Mani-toba. Their products include BEST Pea Fibre (CFIA approved food ingredient), BEST Pea Bran Meal (pet food), a range of BEST Pulse Flours, and polished green and yellow split and whole peas. All prod-ucts are available in either conventional or certified-organic varieties, are gluten-free, and are halal and kosher.

For more information, visit www.yumpeez.com

Request for Stories from MembersWhen STEP introduced Global Ventures, a bi-monthly publication in January 2009, we wanted to ensure that we carried a message both on behalf of and to the business community at a provincial, national, and international level. Based on the feedback we have received, this has proven to be an appropriate medium to relay timely messaging to both the local business community as well as the network of international contacts that this organization has developed. The articles featured identify STEP members who are making a strong economic impact to the province. The publications offer provincial business leaders, stakeholders, provincial and international media as well as a host of international contacts with timely information pertaining to Saskatchewan and the markets we serve. As a STEP

membership benefit, you can be part of this initiative by sharing your business venture as we continue to highlight business development in the province with a focus on exports in the agri-value, manufacturing, technology and professional services sectors. For further information, please contact Heather Swan, Manager - Corporate Services, Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP) at [email protected] or (306) 787-7942.

8 GLOBALVENTURES • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2009

“Think Green, Reclean” is more than just a catchy phrase for the staff at Failure Prevention Services (FPS). In fact, their dedication to this motto, combined with a self-sufficient attitude and innovative spirit, has led the company to become a leading manufac-turer of environmentally-friendly, clean-

able stainless steel filtration products. Today, FPS is positively impacting both the environment and their customer’s bottom lines by “putting a green footprint on fil-tration.” Dan Beuker, CEO of Failure Preven-tion Services, says the company’s line of stainless steel filters offers customers “a

long-term solution with tremendous envi-ronmental benefits.” Currently, FPS’s prod-ucts are sold world-wide to companies spanning the refining and mining, chemi-cal, food, pulp and paper, and oil and gas industries, to name a few. “Basically, any industry out there that requires some form of filtration, they’re a

PUTTING A GREEN FOOTPRINT ON FILTRATIONFailure Prevention Services Offers World Class Filtering Solutions

BY TRILBY HENDERSON

8 GLOBALVENTURES • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2009

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2009 • GLOBALVENTURES 9

potential customer that we can help,” says Bob Pitzel, COO for FPS. FPS was established in 1987 by Gary and Debbie Schuler. The two owners solely ran the company for the first several months, working out of a 1,700 square foot facil-ity and putting in long hours pounding the pavement to build up their business. Beuker joined FPS eight months later, fol-lowed by Walt Oancia in 1989. In 2007, af-ter Gary Schuler passed away, the Beuker and Oancia families purchased the Schul-ers’ shares in the business.

Originally, FPS focused on distributing disposable filtration products to the oil and gas industry; however, they quickly recognized a growing demand for reus-able filtration products. Although there were reusable filters on the market at that time, Beuker says they were lacking in sev-eral areas: they had a low capacity, they were difficult to clean, and they could not be incorporated into an existing system without modification.FPS believed they could manufacture their own superior product by tackling each of these issues. “Our Saskatchewan mentality said that we can get there. We just have to keep working till we achieve it,” says Beuker. In 1994, the company launched a line of stainless steel filters that not only outper-formed their disposable counterparts, but could easily replace them in any system.Today, the company employs 22 staff in a 35,000 square foot facility, from which they operate both their distribution and manufacturing sectors. Although FPS feels that stainless steel filters are the way of the future, they continue to offer dispos-able filters to clients through their distri-bution side.

“We want to be able to supply our cus-tomers with a full variety of options. The ‘Think Green, Reclean’ scenario offers a long term plan for a lot of customers” says Beuker.All FPS stainless steel products are manufactured at the company’s facility in Watson, Saskatchewan. By manufactur-ing all components of their products on site, FPS is able to retain complete quality control over production. The company ad-heres to an extensive quality management system and has achieved and maintained ISO9001-2008 certification.

FPS currently offers more than 800 dif-ferent configurations of their stainless steel filters. The company also provides in-house, custom-designed filtration solu-tions. The company believes in supporting its products throughout their life cycle.

“It’s more than just selling the stainless filter. It’s kind of ‘holding the filter’s hand’ through its whole life to make sure it’s be-ing treated properly, being serviced prop-erly, and remains as effective five or fifteen years down the road as it was on day one,” says Pitzel.Each stainless steel filter comes with a leak-proof shipping and storage case to protect it during transport. FPS has also developed a series of high pressure, ul-trasonic cleaning stations that effectively clean the filters without damaging them. The long lifespan of the stainless steel filters is one of their biggest selling fea-tures. Each FPS filter lasts anywhere be-tween five and fifteen years, depending on the industry in which it is used. This compares quite favourably to the two to three month lifespan of the disposable variety, and although the initial cost of a stainless filter is higher (about $300 com-pared to around $20 for a disposable), Beuker notes that the long-term savings are significant.

Each filter is manufactured with a serial number that classifies it as equipment, meaning it can be leased to allow the customer to spread their capital costs out over a period of time.Other money-saving benefits of FPS stainless steel filters include the fact that they can be used for longer intervals be-tween servicing; they provide better flow through; and they work well in high tem-peratures or corrosive environments, such as those characteristic of mining. The environmental benefits of the products are equally important. In addi-

FPS creates custom filters in its manufacturing facilities in Watson.

tion to drastically reducing the number of filters that are discarded, the FPS closed system cleaning process enables most of the waste collected in the filters to be re-claimed, virtually eliminating anything go-ing to a landfill or being disposed of on site. “In a lot of cases, the cleaning costs turn out to be less than the environmental fees for buying and getting rid of a disposable filter,” says Pitzel.Beuker and Pitzel predict a solid future for the company. Sales have remained sta-ble despite the economic recession and slowdown in the oil and gas industry. This is a testament to both the quality and val-ue of their products, as well as their staff. “I think our biggest strength is our peo-ple,” says Pitzel. “This company is popu-lated by people that look for solutions.”“We’ve got a young management team that’s involved in the company and we see their excitement because we’re really do-ing something for the environment,” Beu-ker adds. ”Reducing waste dramatically, and having a long-term plan for it, is re-ally doing something for the environment rather than just talking about it.”FPS recently joined Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership as part of their plan to take the marketing of their prod-ucts to a new level.

“I think we’ve done our due diligence to get the product and the service to where it is now. We’re ready to take it to the mar-ketplace and let it do its job,” says Beuker. “We want to grow the business; we want to show the world what we can do.”

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2009 • GLOBALVENTURES 9


significant change. Although the associa-tion’s goals remain the same, Schneider says the organization has adopted a new approach to promoting Saskatchewan made products. “We’re a lot more active. We’re a lot more aggressive. We’re very focused on what we do,” he says. The new approach has proved success-ful. According to Schneider, the SFPA’s membership has grown by more than 30 per cent since 2004. Today, the associa-tion serves just under a 100 Saskatche-wan food processors. The SFPA also has an associate membership of 85 busi-nesses that supply the food processing industry, such as packaging and printing companies. Another big marker of the association’s growth has been the huge uptake in the SFPA’s “Saskatchewan Made” brand and logo. The SFPA developed the logo in 1998 as a way to identify locally made food products in the marketplace. Since then, the logo has been incorporated into the packaging and promotional materials of numerous food processing companies and, in 2008, it was expanded to include eligible non-food products. Since 2004, Schneider says the SFPA has invested about $1 million on brand-ing, and their efforts have paid off. The association distributed more 1.4 million Saskatchewan Made logos between Janu-ary and October this year – an incred-ible increase compared to five years ago when the annual total was only about 10,000 logos. A large portion of funding for the marketing investment came from the Federal and Provincial government. The Saskatchewan Made program now operates at arms-length from the associa-tion and is run by Kim Hill, Director. “Our vision is to create a strong Sas-katchewan Made brand, sought-after and

BY TRILBY HENDERSON

Darrell Schneider, COO for Saskatchewan Food Processors Association.

Kim Hill, Director of Sask Made

The Saskatchewan Food Processors Association (SFPA) is drawing local and international attention to Sas-

katchewan’s food industry by promoting the province’s selection of unique and delectable food items. Darrell Schneider, Chief Operating Of-ficer for the SFPA, says the purpose of the non-profit association is to strength-en and develop food processing in the province. “[Our goal] is to encourage the growth of the Saskatchewan food and beverage industry by assisting members in meet-ing the needs of the consumer through the promotion of Saskatchewan Made products, in and beyond our province,” he says. The SFPA was formed in 1990 by a small group of local food processors. Schneider joined the association as Chief Operating Officer in 2004, at a time when the SFPA was undergoing

trusted by consumers not only in Sas-katchewan, but also beyond our borders – a brand that Saskatchewan producers, growers and manufacturers will want to display because they know it adds to the perceived value of their goods,” says Hill. In October 2004, the SFPA took the Saskatchewan Made program a step fur-ther when it launched the Saskatchewan Made Marketplace, a Saskatoon-based retail store that sells a variety of locally produced items, including gourmet food, clothing, artwork, gift baskets and more. The Marketplace also features a distribu-tion centre where wholesale customers can purchase from a selection of hun-dreds of Saskatchewan Made products, all from a single location using a single order form. Customers can also order items online through the Marketplace’s website, www.saskmade.ca “In the last four years, the Marketplace

SaskMade Brand Standsfor Value and Quality


many of their members have participated in STEP’s trade missions or utilized their research department. “When 40 per cent of your membership are members of another organization, it shows it’s very important,” he says. Schneider says the SFPA provides mem-bers with “pathfinding” services, con-necting members with other members or contacts that can meet their needs. “A lot of times, if we don’t have the answer, we know somebody who does,” he said. The SFPA keeps its members informed of industry news and happenings through regular email updates, direct communi-cation and member visits, and a quarterly newsletter. The association also main-tains an extensive website, www.sfpa.sk.ca, that features information on their programs, services, news and events, and a frequently updated member directory.

Of course, one of the biggest benefits of the SFPA is the continual work the organization does to secure funding for its members, to assist with such things as nutritional labeling, domestic trade shows, and in-store product demonstra-tions at stores such as Costco. This fund-ing has come from Agriculture and Agi-Food Canada and the Agriculture Council of Saskatchewan. The funding is also used for the many other projects and programs the SFPA is continually developing to benefit its members. For example, the SFPA is cur-rently working to create a business in-cubator for marketing and management skills. Schneider says they are also in the process of completing a study on co-packing potential in the province. They plan to use the study’s results to build a database of the province’s co-packers and their certifications. This information will then be used to help link new or ex-isting companies who have reached their limit to packaging companies with excess capacity. Schneider expects projects such as these will continue to have a positive impact on Saskatchewan’s food process-ing industry and he sees great potential for growth, both within the province and outside, as more consumers recognize the quality of Saskatchewan Made prod-ucts and the value in buying locally pro-duced goods. Working with their partners, the SFPA plans to continue to assist Saskatche-wan’s food processors every step of the way, from the small start-ups who are only beginning to make their mark to those who have found their place in the global marketplace.

alone has put over $1 million into our members’ hands and the SFPA has con-tributed another $500,000 through vari-ous funding programs,” says Schneider. The SFPA offers a number of other valu-able services to its members, including access to important industry information and networking opportunities. The SFPA offers members many oppor-tunities to make valuable industry con-nections through its various networking events, such as their annual golf tourna-ment and AGM Conference. The associa-tion is one of the partners in the Saskatch-ewan Food Industry Development Centre and works closely with other members of the agri-food industry. Schneider says the SFPA’s member-ship with the Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP) has also been valuable to the organization, adding that

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010 • GLOBALVENTURES 19JAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAAJAJAJAJAJAJAAJAJAJJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJJAAAJAJJJAJJAJJAAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAAAJAAAAJAAJAJJJAJAJAAAAJAAAAAAJAAAAJAANUNUNUNUNUNUNUNUNUNUNUNNUNUNUNUNUNUUNUNUNUNUNNUNNNUNUUNUNUUNNNUNUNUNUNUNUUNUUNUNUNUNUNNNUNUNUNUNNNUNUNUUUNUUNUN ARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARRARARRARARAAARARRAARARRARARAAARARAARARARARAARAARRRRRARRY/Y/Y/Y/Y/Y/Y/Y/Y/Y/Y/Y/Y/Y/Y/Y/Y//Y/Y/Y//Y/Y/Y/Y/Y/Y/Y/Y/Y/Y///Y/Y/Y//Y/Y/Y/Y/Y/Y/Y/Y/Y/Y/Y/Y/YY/Y/Y///YY FEFEFEFEFEFEFEFEFEFEFEFEFEFFFFFFEFEFEFEFEFEEFEFEFFEFFEFEFEFEFEFEFEFEFEFEFEFEFEFEFEFEFFEFEFEEEEBRBRBRBBRBRBRBRBBRBRBRBRBRBRBRBRBBBRBRBRBRBRBRBRBRBRBRBRBRBRBRBRRBRRBRBBRBBRRBRBRBRBBBRRBRRRRBRRBRBRBRBBRBRBRBBBRBRRRRRUAUAUUUAUUAUUUUUUUAUAUAUAUAUAUAUAUUAAUAUAUAUUUUAUUUAUAAUAUAUAUUUAAAUAUUAAAAAUAUAUAUAUAUAUAUUAAUAUAUAAAUAUAUAUAUAUAAAUAAUAUAUAAUAUAAAUAAUUUAU RYRYRRYRYRYRYRYRYRYRYRYYRYRYRYRYRYRRRYRYRYRYRYRYRYRRRYRYRYRYYRYRYRYRYRYYRYRYRYRYYRYYRRYRYRRRYRYRYYYRYRYYYYYRRYYRYYYYRYRYRYRYRYYYYRYRYYYYRYYYYYYY 222 2 222 222222 222 2222 222 2222 2 22222222 2 2 2222 222 2 2222 22 2 22201010001010101010110100000100010001010101010010101000101010101010101010010101010101100010001000010100101110110011110 00 00000000000 00 00000 0000000 0 00000 0 000000000000000000 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• GGGGGGGGG GG GGGGGGG GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG GGG GG GGGGGGGGG GGGGG G GG GLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLLOLOLOLOLOLOLLOOOLOLOLOOLOLOLOLOLOLLOLOLOLOLOLOLOOLOLOOLOLOOLLOLOLOLLOOLOOLOLOLOLOLOLOOOLOOLOLLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLLOLLLLLOOOOLLLL BABABABBBABABABBABABABABABAABABABABABABABABABABABBABABABABABABABABABABBBABABABABABABABABABABAABABABABAABABBAAAAABAABAABABBAAABBBABABABAABABAABBBAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLVEVVVEVVVEVEVEVEVEVEVEVEVEVEVEVVVVVEVVEVEVEEEVVEVEVEVVEVEVEEVEVEVEVEVEVEVEVVEVEVEVEVEVVVEVVEVEEVVEVEVEVVVEVEVEVEVEVEVVEVEVEVEVEVEVEVEVVVEVEVVVVVEEVEVEEVEVEEEEEVEVEVVVEVVVEVV NNTNTNTNTNNTNTNTNTNTNTNNTNTNTNTNTNTNTTNTNTNTNTNTNTNTNTTNNTNTNTNTNTNNTTNTNTNTNTNTNTNNNTNTNTNTNTNTNTNTNTNTNTNNTNNNTNNNTTNTNNNNTNTNTNTNNNNTNNNTNTNTNTNTNTTTTNTTNTNTNTNTTNTNTNNNTNTTTNTNNNTTTTNNTURURUURURURURURURURUUURURURURURURURURURURUUUURURURURURURUUURURUURURURURURURURRUURURURURURURURURRURRURURUURURURURURURURRURURRURURURRRURUURURURURURURUURURURURRURUUURUUURURRURUURUURRUUUU ESESESESESEESESESESESESESESSESEESESESESESESSSESESESESESESESESEESSESESESESESESESSESESESESEESEEESESEESSSSEESSESESESESEEEESESESESESESESEESESSSSSESESSESSESESESSSSSSESSSSESSSSSESSS 11191919191191919919199191911991991919191191991991191919191991999191991191911919191911919119119111919191191991999911999919199991919911999

Reach Your Company’s Full Exporting Potential With STEP...Saskatchewan companies seeking to expand or enhance their current marketing activities need look no further than a membership with Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP). A unique global service provider, STEP provides its 400 members with services and benefits essential to international marketing. Featuring access to global contacts in 100 countries, qualified trade leads, and market research, STEP core services include:

• Market Intelligence - customized market intelligence for your products or services in markets of interest to you.

• Trade Development - advice and guidance on opportunities in the market and assistance for companies with outgoing and incoming trade missions.

• International Finance - custom export finance solutions via one-on-one consultations.

• International Projects - relevant information on STEP’s current project portfolio and potential member opportunities, as well as information on STEP’s overall policy, direction and interest in international development projects.

Join STEP today and open the door to exporting success.

Spread your wingsand fl y with us

For more information or to become a member, contact STEP at 1-877-313-7244 or log on to www.sasktrade.sk.ca.


In a volatile world, Saskatchewan ex-porters have to make quick business decisions, and to do so, they need the

right information at the right time. That’s where STEP’s Market Intelligence servic-es come in. Year after year, feedback from STEP members indicates that Market In-telligence (MI) is one of most accessed and valued services STEP offers. STEP’s customized market intelligence reports are extremely valuable for ex-porters seeking information on global markets. A phone call or an email starts the process of working with STEP MI staff to develop answers to the exporter’s spe-cific questions. In the end, a customized report outlines answers and contacts to help the exporter take advantage of the identified opportunity. By tapping into the many internal and external information sources available, STEP provides timely and accurate infor-mation to assist members in competing in export markets. STEP members have requested information on markets all

around the world, including identifying distributors in the USA, Canada, Middle East, Eastern Europe, and South Asia. Reports have also been completed on Latin American and European markets that cover market overviews and certifi-cation standards. Country information, trade statistics, market overviews, mar-ket size, sector information, distributor/agent/buyer lists, competitor information and trade show lists are among the most common information requests. Sometimes the research indicates that a different course of action is needed. Per-haps the competition is too entrenched, or maybe the product is not suitable and the exporter should look to another mar-ket. Discovering these answers through STEP’s MI services can save exporters time and money. In addition to the traditional second-ary resources for information, STEP also has access to an internal source of pri-mary information – the Trade Develop-ment Directors and Specialists. A unique

strength to STEP’s MI service, this pri-mary resource provides market informa-tion gathered on-location through trade activities and industry contacts. No matter what market intelligence exporters need to develop international markets in the most well informed man-ner, STEP has the resources and skills to help. With a Regular STEP Membership, members are entitled to 40 hours of re-search time per year. As typical market intelligence projects take approximately 10 hours to complete, members who use the service receive significant work with a standard membership. If additional re-search is required, STEP will undertake the work at a reasonable rate of $50.00/hour. Turnaround for MI reports is typi-cally four weeks based on the queue at the time of request. Contact STEP for more information at 1-877-313-7244 or visit www.sasktrade.sk.ca.

Customized Market Intelligence for

Saskatchewan Exporters


Staff Profile: Angela Wasylynka: Steering

Saskatchewan Exporters on the Right Financial Path

BY KATIE BOYCE

When Angela Wasylynka first came into contact with the world of international trade

and export as a university intern in a co-operative work program in 2002, she was captivated. The encounter set her on a career path working with Sas-katchewan exporters. Today, that path has led her to become the Acting Ex-ecutive Director of Export Services at Saskatchewan Trade and Export Part-nership (STEP). Wasylynka has no regrets about her career choice. “My work is both rewarding and chal-lenging because of how diverse it is. It allows me to do a number of different tasks, from working one-on-one with clients to provide financial service solu-tions to offering guidance on pursuing opportunities with international devel-opment projects.” Wasylynka, who holds a Business Ad-ministration degree from the Univer-sity of Regina, joined STEP in 2002 as a Trade Finance Analyst, with a focus on finding financial solutions for STEP members. She went on to hold various positions at STEP, and in January 2008 was named the Acting Executive Direc-tor of Export Services. Wasylynka’s work is centered on her clients – another reason why she en-joys her career. She works with compa-

nies on an individual basis to help them understand and use the financial tools available for international trade. These tools cover export credit insurance, working capital financing, accounts receivable financing and foreign buyer financing. Each company has its own unique needs, which means that the solution is customized for the exporter each time. “At STEP, we try and provide the right solutions based on where a company is at. We provide advice and guidance and point companies to the best service providers,” says Wasylynka. “My work tends to be reactive to company requests,” she adds. “We han-dle direct inquiries on a number of top-ics, including working capital, financ-ing, and finding contact information for different banks and services. We help exporters who are doing business in an unfamiliar market with an unfamiliar buyer.” For many Saskatchewan exporters, one common question is the right method of payment for international transactions. To provide answers, Wasy-lynka works directly with the company, walking them step-by-step through the payment process, from obtaining a let-ter of credit, to understanding what a letter of credit means. The STEP team also helps members contact a service

provider and proceed with the transac-tion. While Wasylynka’s clients are based in Saskatchewan, their reach often ex-tends far beyond the province’s borders through international trade, export and development projects. One area of ex-pertise for Wasylynka is connecting companies with International Financial Institutions, such as the World Bank and the Canadian International Devel-opment Agency. International Financial Institutions (IFIs) provide billions of dollars each year to fund projects for new programs and services in developing and Third World countries. In 2005, STEP was ap-pointed as Private Sector Liaison Offi-cers (PSLOs) for two IFIs – World Bank Group and the Inter-American Develop-ment Bank – allowing the organization to serve Saskatchewan organizations as a centre for information and advice on the activities of these IFIs. Wasylynka has also broadened her clients’ horizons through international trade development missions. She re-cently accompanied STEP members on trips to the Asian Development Bank, an IFI headquartered in Manila, and to IFIs in Washington. “These missions are important ex-port opportunities with IFIs, and focus on emerging markets in countries such



as Indonesia and Vietnam. STEP members have expertise in a variety of areas such as capacity building and training in rural development. environmental technologies, and governance building that they can bring to these projects,” says Wasy-lynka. She emphasizes that most STEP members who have come to the organization for financial assistance have found that they’ve come to the right place.

“For many exporters, working with STEP saves time, con-nects them with a quality service provider, and provides them with information on topics that might be a bit for-eign.” “STEP is a pathfinder,” says Wasylynka. “Think of us as an extension of your company, with a focus on both trade and finance. We can provide solutions and programs to expand on and build on export markets.”


… the long range forecast is for blue skies.

Carbon Management ExpertsCarbon Capture Design and Supply

Enhanced Oil Recovery

Geological Storage

Carbon Credit Management

HTC PURENERGY Suite 150 – 10 Research Drive Regina, Saskatchewan Canada S4S 7J7 Telephone: (306) 352-6132 Email: [email protected]

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global ventures magazine january/february 2010

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