With tongue firmly in cheek, government and industry people gathered to celebrate a “global stimulus package” last week in Calgary. Guests were bailed out of their winter-weather-and-fiscal-meltdown blues with cocktails, live jazz, and a selection of delectable h'or douvres, courtesy of government relations firm Global Public Affairs.
"With all the talk of recession and stimulus packages recently, we felt that people were ready for a party,” says Randy Pettipas, president of Global Public Affairs, “Our friends and clients seemed to appreciate the play on words - and the sentiment. Calgary is an optimistic city, and we are really happy that so many came out to celebrate the talent and opportunity that still exists here."
Indeed, between nibbles and sips there was much talk about when the next economic upswing will take place. Peter Pilarski from the Retail Council of Canada had recently returned from Fort McMurry where he spoke to a provincial committee of government employees about how the economy is affecting their industry. Development strategies include re-focusing on retention, cultural training, educational and professional development opportunities and promoting stories of success, “where people have moved beyond stocking shelves to become CEOs,” he says. Despite the icy, bitterly cold weather and a gloomy economic forecast, his outlook was positive.
“This economic downturn gives everyone a chance to reassess their priorities,” said Pilarksi, “So far we haven’t really seen the drops in consumer spending that have been so intense in other parts of North America. We believe that Alberta is not only going to get through, but we’ll be leaner and meaner when we come out.”
The party took place at Velvet, an intimate and upscale restaurant nestled in the heart of downtown. Many of the guests are old friends, with a fair number having worked together on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. In a city where government and industry work together closely - meaning an impressive “get this done” attitude, but also criticism of such rapid development - companies like Global Public Affairs and the relationships they nurture are critical.
David MacInnis, a guest of the party, is the vice president of policy, government, and public affairs for Chevron. He also worked on The Hill for a time, and appreciates the wide network that Global offers. “They have people on the ground across the country, which is very important to us,” he says, “Global gives us the intelligence and expertise needed for discussions on issues with government at all levels.”
Among those rubbing shoulders were: The Honourable Luke Ouellette, Alberta Minister of Transportation, Claire Huffaker (wife of US Consul General Tom Huffaker), Elizabeth Cordeau-Chatelain, communications manager for Total E&P Canada, Stephanie Tan, manager of corporate affairs for Labatt Breweries of Canada, Andy Popko, VP of Aboriginal affairs for EnCana Corporation, Peter Burgener, senior partner at BKDI Architects and Roman Cooney, VP of communications for the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers [CAPP].
Three music students from Mount Royal College provided a mellow, jazzy backdrop to the evening. Guests enjoyed plentiful platters of mini bison and smoked gouda burgers, smoked salmon and herbed port jelly, ripened tomato and buffalo mozzarella tarts, beef medallions, and bacon-wrapped scallops.
Published in National Post, March 7 2008
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