Business in Calgary, Party in Banff

The Rocky Mountain Food and Wine Festival had the streets of Banff bustling last week. People from across the province strolled down the avenue, hopped on buses, and paraded into the Fairmont Banff Springs for a taste of gourmet fare and fine wine. An entire weekend of decadence was available.

At the Buffalo Mountain Lodge on Friday night, a small group sampled five varieties of Brunello di Montalcino and local fare crafted by Chef Linda Calabrese. While sommelier Roisin Hutchinson shared her passion for wine, coaxing guests into sharing their insights, platters of cheese, jellies, and local game were served. A peppered elk carpaccio and duck terrine, paired with a 2003 Pieri Agostina had guests gushing.

A much larger crowd gathered at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel on Saturday for the first session of the wine and food tasting. Over 2400 people attended the two sessions. Wine, beer and spirits from around the world were featured; guests enjoyed everything from unique coffee rum to organic vodka and vintage wines. Judie and Jim Keall were hunting for new labels on behalf of their son, who owns a wine shop in Calgary. Hellbent Shiraz from Australia did the trick, although New Zealand wines were top among many guests.

Meanwhile, local restaurants and hotels were tempting many with delectable plates. The Bison Restaurant turned out a steady stream of mini herb-rubbed pulled pork sandwiches on freshly made buns with house-made tomato jelly. It was a favorite among many guests, who were served by the restaurant’s owner Ryan Rivard.

Competition for best dish came from young South African chef Morne Burger of Maple Leaf Grill. His wasabi-crusted salmon, cooked to order and perfectly positioned on bite-sized polenta squares, attracted a high number of patrons and a huge amount of praise. Although not on their regular menu, the dish had a number of guests making early plans for dinner.

Among those attending the festival were: Harry Wells, vice president innovation and technology for Newalta (a happy side-trip to his week-long business excursion from Ontario), real estate agent Joe Badin, Alan Beres and Perry Fleming of Foster’s Group, Chef Martin Brenner of Sunshine Village, and Allan and Sonia Cavanagh.

It was back to business in Calgary the following week, at the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame Luncheon. The inductees for 2009 were announced by Arlene Dickinson, president and CEO of Venture Communications, with comments provided by Colin Merrick, associate partner at Deloitte.

The laureates are: Edward (Ed) McNally, the lawyer and rancher who founded Big Rock Breweries, Allan Markin, the engineer and community leader who helped steer Canadian Natural Resources Limited to great success as the board chair, and Senator Patrick Burns, who will be awarded posthumously for his life of public service.

At the luncheon were Karen Chown of Calgary Economic Development, Murray Edwards of CNRL, Heather Douglas of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, Eva Friesen of The Calgary Foundation, 2008 laureate Don Taylor, and Donald Seaman. The awards will be handed out at the Business Hall of Fame gala in November.
Published in National Post, May 23 2009

NOTE: My accommodation for the Rocky Mountain Food and Wine Festival was generously supported by the folks at Banff Tourism and the oh-so-splendid Fox Hotel & Suites. <- (click here to check it out) Many many thanks for their gracious hospitality, outstanding service and pristine, luxurious hot springs pool.

Junior Achievement has major benefit

It was business unusual for many of Calgary’s top executives this month, at a gala dinner to support Junior Achievement. The evening focused on the legacy of three visionary leaders: Edward Galvin, James Palmer, and Donald Taylor, all of whom were inducted into the Calgary Business Hall of Fame that night. CBC’s Peter Mansbridge flew in from Toronto to act as master of ceremonies.

A cocktail reception preceded the dinner and induction ceremony, which took place in the Hyatt’s Imperial Ballroom. Prominent figures included Arlene Dickinson, president of Venture Communications, Richard George, president of Suncor, Michael Mezei, president of Mawer Investment, and Gretchen Bell-Dinning, daughter of past laureate Max Bell.

The evening held a number of surprises. Our national anthem was sung beautifully by Connie Gibbens (performed a capella when the background music unexpectedly failed); earnest teenagers made up a significant portion of the evening’s guests; there were four delicious courses rather than the standard three; Jim Palmer revealed himself to be a “flaming and fervent Liberal”; and Peter Mansbridge was very funny.

“When you come from a have-not province,” Mansbridge began, “The opportunity for a free meal is very exciting. Think about it – you have the Rockies, we have not. You have an abundance of oil, we have not. You have a hockey team, and we have not.”

Each honouree was given a video tribute before making a speech, and then sitting off stage for a one-on-one with Mansbridge, complete with armchairs and faux bookshelves. The brief interview was projected onto large screens around the room.

Edward Galvin, who passed away in 2005, is remembered for his beloved Lamborghini, and building two successful oil companies: Poco Petroleum, which was sold for $4.5 billion dollars in 2000, and Norcen Energy Resources, worth $1.5 billion per year at the time of its sale. Galvin’s legacy lives on through his contributions to United Way and Calgary Foundation. Don Taylor is the former president of Engineered Air, which boasts current sales exceeding $2 billion. He has also been active in the real estate market, holding 65% ownership of Three Sisters development in Canmore until recently. Jim Palmer helped to build one of the country’s leading corporate law firms: Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer LLP. There is a public policy lecture series in his name at the University of Calgary. He has chaired the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, and supports many charitable organizations, including Calgary Homeless Foundation.

Much was heard of Junior Achievement’s efforts to mentor young people, and the number of fresh faces in conservative business attire was a testament to their success. High school teachers spoke of the valuable education their students receive from JA. One teacher said there was an increase in bathroom breaks among her grade nine students, who were found to be running into the library to check their virtual stock portfolios.

Guests enjoyed a Caprese salad, roasted tomato bisque, espresso-rubbed beef tenderloin with polenta, and lemon-vanilla Panna Cotta. With networking, inspiration, and a well-balanced meal, the Junior Achievers of Calgary are well prepared – and eager – to tackle the financial world of tomorrow.

Published in National Post, November 15 2008