Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce Annual Report 2011-12… · Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce Officers Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce Board Members Brian Chalmers Pat Friesen Chair

Saskatchewan Chamber of CommerceAnnual Report 2011-12

www.saskchamber.com

Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce Officers

Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce Board Members

Brian Chalmers

Pat FriesenChair

Innovation Credit Union

Richard AhenakewPast Chair

Northern Lights Casino

Grant Isaac2nd Vice-Chair

Cameco CorporationTerm ended Dec. 2011

Randy BeattiePFM Capital Inc.

Bruce Andersonb-creative group Inc.

Shawna NelsonSheraton Cavalier

Saskatoon

Lester LafondLafond Insurance &

Financial Services Ltd.

Marion Ghiglione Handy Group of

Companies

Pat PitkaPWP Holdings

Fred Titanich1st Vice-Chair

CAA Saskatchewan

Patricia WarsabaMcKercher LLP

Saskatchewan business making the province the best place to live, work and invest.

Cam CooperPraxis Group

Y E A R I N R E V I E W

Greetings,

As my term as Chair of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce draws to a close, I’d like to extend sincere thanks to those who trusted in me to take a position of leadership within this exceptional organization that continues to positively impact the economy of our province, for today and into the future. It has been my pleasure and privilege to work with the dedicated team of professionals who form the Chamber’s Board of Directors, and whose hard work and commitment exceed all expectations. I would also like to express, on behalf of all the Chamber members, my gratitude to the Chamber staff for their professionalism, innovative spirit and enthusiasm for the spirit of enterprise within the province. Your work drives the Saskatchewan Chamber to progressively new heights, and makes each member proud.

As I join the long line of past Chairs, I am honoured to be among the list of worthy individuals who have expended such time and effort to create the strong foundation on which the Chamber operates today. It is thanks to their vision, careful planning, and prudent governance that the organization today can build on the many opportunities that the “new” Saskatchewan has to offer.

This year saw a number of successes in the area of advocacy, perhaps most notably in the area of youth financial literacy and entrepreneurship. In May 2011, the Chamber created a policy encouraging the Government of Saskatchewan to create a youth financial literacy program for the K-12 education curriculum. Since then, and in conjunction with other groups and businesses, we have been instrumental in moving the Ministry of Education toward identifying the best way to introduce that content into the existing curriculum. Also, there have been increased efforts by the government to work with groups like Junior Achievement that bring the message of financial literacy to young people.

The Saskatchewan Chamber studied the issue of rent controls to address the rising cost of rent in the province, and found that rent control would not be the best way to fix the issue. In 2011, the Chamber worked hard to ensure that rent controls would not be put in place, despite the issue’s prominence during the 2011 provincial election.

Another area in which the Chamber has seen gains is through its advocacy to raise the Labour-Sponsored Venture Capital Corporation limit. In the 2011-12 tax season, the annual cap was raised to $55 million, which will encourage further investment into registered pool and employee funds, and providing capital for small and medium sized businesses in the province to encourage growth and job creation.

It is an exciting time to be a resident of Saskatchewan, to be in business here, and to be a Saskatchewan Chamber member. As writer and businessman Peter Drucker once said, “The entrepreneur always searches for change, responds to it, and exploits it as an opportunity.” Today, Saskatchewan’s business community is facing a great deal of change, and as a result, an untold wealth of opportunity. By working together, with local Chambers, as part of the provincial Chamber, or through assisting the national Chamber in their work, Saskatchewan entrepreneurs are experiencing a time where their excellence can truly shine.

In closing, thank you to our Expert Committees, whose guidance helps shape the good work of the Saskatchewan Chamber, and to Steve McLellan, our CEO, for his assistance and encouragement. Through the teamwork of the Board, Steve and the chamber staff, our organization continues to serve as a strong and authoritative voice for business in the province. It has been my honour to work with all of you, and on behalf of our members.

Pat Friesen, Chair

CHAIR’S REPORT

“As writer and

businessman

Peter Drucker

once said, ‘The

entrepreneur

always

searches

for change,

responds to it,

and exploits

it as an

opportunity’.”

CHAIR’S REPORT

4


This past year has been a very positive time for the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce. We have seen two elections and in both the Federal and the Provincial, the parties who won had several pro business elements in their platforms.

We undertook our most ambitious provincial election period activity with the On Track Saskatchewan campaign, pooling approximately $250,000 from businesses and local chambers to send a message of positive news, combating the negative anti- business, anti- growth campaign of the labour groups. With a fraction of the labour budget, I believe our campaign had a stronger overall effect. The message was true, clear and positive: that Saskatchewan business ‘was not simply riding the wave of prosperity but actually enhancing it with investment in people, business and communities’. Thanks to all our partners and to the great work of our agency, Look Matters. Other key policy wins over the past year include the Results Based Regulation in Environment, reductions in property tax and the small business tax, no indexation of minimum wage, to name a few. The great work of our Expert Policy Committees, along with solid staff efforts, has proven to be a winning combination.

The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce had exceptional events in 2011/12 with the ABEX welcoming Conexus Credit Union as our presenting partner, which elevated the event; we welcome and very much thank them. Attendance and most importantly the discussions at both the Political Forum and Make a Connection were excellent; these events continue to produce positive results.

The strategic push toward tax reform based on the Tax Plan partnership continues, with change being made based on the reforms we outlined, but movement is slow, with no visible master plan by the province. We’ve laid out a clear path for the next 5-7 years and to date, it’s not become policy. We are however committed with our Tax Plan partners to keep at this with a focused approach.

This past year we began to address the need for youth financial literacy and entrepreneurship, positioning these two issues alongside the broader student achievement challenge. The Chamber applauds the work being done by Junior Achievement and the schools that offer Entrepreneurship 30 and Financial Literacy in their classrooms. A more broad based effort is still required but the success we’ve seen is encouraging.

The next year will see some change in staffing as we continue to be impressed by the good work of our new staff, Director of Membership Services, Jesse Chatterson and Director of Communications, Dawn M. Barker, while Curtis Hemming and Kristin McKee continue to provide superb policy research and government relations work. We have, however, lost LaTonya Luhr and Dawn Boxall to new careers. Both of these ladies have been vital to the Chamber family, and will be missed.

I look back on 2011/12 with a feeling of accomplishment and pride on behalf of our Board, staff and members. Each year the issues change slightly, as do some of the faces ,but the commitment of the Saskatchewan Chamber continues strong and clear. Thanks to Pat Friesen who has done a superb job in the role of Chair for the past year. Her positive nature and commitment to the organization is impressive. To Richard Ahenakew, who steps off the Board after completing his term as Past Chair, I say thanks but not good bye. We will keep you close to continue to use your many talents. I look forward to 2012/13 and to working with incoming Chair Fred Titanich, the Board and all of our members.

Steve McLellan, CEO

“Each year the

issues change

slightly, as do

some of the

faces, but the

commitment

of the

Saskatchewan

Chamber

continues

strong and

clear.”

CEO’S REPORTCEO’s REPORT

5


Moving forwardA Tax Framework for Saskatchewan’s Continuing Prosperity

Seven recommendations based on a comprehensive evaluation of Saskatchewan’s taxation system have become the core of an advocacy effort by the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Saskatchewan, the Certified General Accountants of Saskatchewan and the Association of Saskatchewan REALTORS ®. These organizations are the Project Partners.

These organizations contracted the Canada West Foundation, under the guidance of its Saskatchewan Director Jack Vicq, to create a report outlining the current tax situation and to identify reforms to enhance the province’s tax policy. The report reviewed personal income taxes, property taxes, sales taxes and corporate taxes, from which it developed a comprehensive taxation enhancement strategy, A Tax Framework for Saskatchewan’s Continuing Prosperity. The full report was released in October 2010.

The partnering organizations who funded the report are confident that the implementation of these seven policies will enhance the long-term fiscal position of the province.

Progress on the seven recommendations is summarized here:

#1: Education Property Tax (Residential and Non-residential)Recommendation:

• Provincial government to fund an increased portion of K-12 education, reducing the property tax burden on property owners. Estimated cost was $55 billion.

Current Status:• This recommendation has been implemented.

#2: Education Property Tax (Non-residential)Recommendation:

• Recognizing that non-residential property owners pay more in tax than residents, place a cap on the residential education property tax rate at 1.43 times the residential rate. Estimated cost was $135 million over a three year implementation period, 2011-14.

Current Status:• While the Province does have the authority necessary to institute such a

change, little progress has been made in reducing the tax burden for non-residential property taxpayers.

#3: Municipal and Education Property Tax Simplification (Residential and Non-residential)Recommendation:

• Shift from the current 4-year property assessment cycle to a 2-year model, and simplify program administration to classify tax rates based on property classes. Estimated one-time transition cost was $1 million in the 2011-14 implementation period.

Current Status:• The provincial government has cited concerns that the actual cost would be

substantially more, and that municipal governments would lose autonomy if the ability to set mill rates by local property class or to set minimum tax rates were withdrawn.

6


www.sasktaxplan.ca

• While the Project Partners recognize the additional costs, it still firmly believes that the savings in administration and increase in predictability and equitability, would easily offset the investment. In addition, the change would provide increased transparency and accountability. The Chamber continues to advocate and build support for this reform.

#4: Personal Income Tax ReformRecommendation:

• Move to a dual rate structure of 9% and 12% between 2013 and 2018, reducing the amount of tax for Saskatchewan taxpayers and attracting people to the province. Estimated cost is $525 million.

Current Status:• The provincial government has continued to focus on increasing tax

exemption amounts rather than changing the taxation rate. The Project Partners applaud this move, but believes that in order to meet the Framework’s 2013 phase-in period, the province must start to focus on moving to the dual rate structure now.

#5: Municipal Property Tax Reform (Non-residential properties in Regina and Saskatoon)Recommendation:

• Recognizing that non-residential property owners pay more in tax than residents, place a cap for municipal property tax at 1.43 times the residential rate in the cities of Saskatoon and Regina (and later, potentially, other communities). This is a cost-neutral proposition because of incremental growth in the property tax base over time, and should be completed by 2017.

Current Status:• While the provincial government could place limits on the autonomy of cities

regarding property tax distribution and the use of local tax tools, the Project Partners recognize that the City of Saskatoon by itself achieved a differential of 1.75 times, and therefore it is expanding its advocacy focus to the municipal level.

#6: Corporate Income Tax ReformRecommendation:

• Originally, this recommendation was to reduce the corporate income tax rate to 9% and small business rate to 3% by 2017-18. Estimated cost would reduce provincial revenue by $232 million.

Current Status:• Since the release of the Framework, the small business tax has been lowered to

2%, which pleased the Chamber; but the general corporate tax rate continues to pose a competitive disadvantage and needs to be reduced to 9%.

#7: Financial Corporate Capital TaxRecommendation:

• Eliminate the corporate capital tax on financial institutions by 2019-20, at an estimated cost of $21 million.

Current Status:• As the final reform contained in the Framework timetable, little discussion or

activity regarding this reform has occurred to date.

saskatchewanchamber of

commerce

www.sasktaxplan.ca

7


The Human Resources Committee works to express the viewpoints of Saskatchewan business on a variety of issues ranging from policy development and engagement at the provincial and federal level; labour legislation; skills shortages and labour force training and development; human resource planning and labour market analysis; immigration; the Workers’ Compensation system and Occupational Health & Safety; youth employment and entrepreneurship; K-12 education performance, and a representative workforce.

In regards to policy development the HR Committee will put forward four newly developed policies for 2012/2013 which address immigration, the Workers’ Compensation system, K-12 educational performance and the issue of the skills shortage/advanced skills training.

Presentations were made by Dennis Esperance (focusing on the challenges and successes of the Saskatoon Tribal Council’s (STC) efforts to create a representative workforce) and Barbara McKinnon (regarding the Ministry of Education’s entrepreneurial program implementation).

Committee Chair Shawna Nelson attended a Representative Workforce Workshop that was coordinated by STC, a tour of Mother Theresa Middle School in Regina to determine how the Chamber could best provide mentorships and support to schools like this, to enhance success for vulnerable inner city youth, and a presentation by Dr. Carlana Lindeman of the Martin Aboriginal Education Initiative.

Future meetings involve a speaker on Immigration and review of the action plan, to ensure the Committee is aligned with the overall Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce policies.

This year, the Investment & Growth (I&G) Committee met with several key stakeholders including the Saskatchewan Homebuilders Association, the Realtors Association, RROC, SREDA and the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure.

Issues under review included:• Encouragement of Public-Private Partnerships as a means of addressing the infrastructure shortage;• Tactics for reducing the shortage of housing, particularly affordable rentals;• The highway and infrastructure deficit in northern regions, with an emphasis on potential economic development;• The limiting restrictions on farmland ownership imposed by The Saskatchewan Farm Security Act; and• The benefits associated with municipal amalgamation.

As well, issues from prior years continued to see action. Meetings were held with SaskPower and directly with the Premier regarding the 14 recommendations outlined by the Energy Task Force, which reported its findings to the I&G Committee last spring.

The Human

Resources

Committee

will have four

new policies

for 2012-13

to address

immigration,

the Workers’

Compensation

system, K-12

educational

performance

and the issue of

skills shortage/

advanced skills

training.

INVESTMENT & GROWTH COMMITTEEChaired by Fred Titanich

INVESTMENT & GROWTH COMMITTEE

HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEEChaired by Shawna Nelson

HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE

8


Key areas of activity for this committee included the Environmental Management Model, water management, inter-jurisdictional coordination and the Species At Risk Act (SARA).

Environmental Management Model: The Committee continues its work toward implementation of the New Environmental Management Model and Code for Saskatchewan. Follow-up is planned to continue to expedite implementation of elements of the Model (posted on the SCC website) at the provincial level in the coming year.

Water Management: The Committee became aware of conversations taking place within the senior levels of government that favoured regressing to a combined regulatory and service-provider super-agency for water within the provincial government. We agree with the formation of a larger utility or service provider agency to address such water-related items as the provision of water supply, water and wastewater treatment, irrigation and/or drainage. However, the regulatory functions governing these and the resource must stay separate, preferably keeping the regulatory functions of the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment (SMoE). Letters were sent on the issue, and a “Selected Issue” was prepared on the subject.

Inter-jurisdictional coordination: Federal-provincial regulatory interplay has led to inordinate and unnecessary delays on environmental impact assessments, and duplicative administration in some areas. Consistency between the regulatory framework across levels of government and a move to a “one window” service concept should help reduce overlap and eliminate or reduce existing conflict and issues.

A Working Group, comprising the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce Expert Committee on the Environment members and Ministers and their representatives from the Provincial Government, had been put in place to cooperatively address federal / provincial areas of environmental conflict; however, in recent years it has become dormant. The Committee contacted officials at the Saskatchewan Ministry of Intergovernmental Affairs, to request that the Working Group be reactivated, to cooperatively address federal/provincial areas of environmental conflict. A ‘Selected Issue’ has again been prepared on this subject. Proposed recovery strategy for Boreal Woodland Caribou/Species At Risk Act: The Committee met with SMoE to discuss the Proposed Recovery Strategy of Boreal Woodland Caribou under SARA, and has two concerns. First, the proposed strategy has been developed with insufficient input, resulting in an inaccurate assessment and an impractical strategy; and second, the process by which such strategies are created needs to involve a wider stakeholder group at an early stage. Letters were sent, and a “Selected Issue” was prepared.

Dialogue with governments: The Committee had significant communication with the province’s elected and bureaucratic officials on key environmental matters, and action plans to address these. SMoE representatives attended Committee meetings, and the Committee participated in and facilitated Environment sessions for the Political Forum.

Key areas of

activity for the

Environment

Committee

included the

Environmental

Management

Model, water

management,

inter-

jurisdictional

coordination

and the Species

At Risk Act.

Chaired by Robert Schutzman

ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEEENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE

9


The Finance Committee met five times up to the AGM with an additional meeting scheduled post-AGM. The Committee has nearly completed its work plan, which focused on four areas:

• Increased committee participation: The Committee added expertise in economics, tax and law, and additional representation from local chambers;

• Policy development: The Committee worked on policies for debt, municipalities’ funding, spending growth, heritage fund, and pensions. Economics students from the University of Regina worked on several of the policies. Three policies have been submitted to the Annual Meeting;

• Input to Ministers of Finance: The Committee met with the provincial Finance Minister in December, led a finance issues session at the Political Forum, and participated in the 2012 Budget presentation; and

• Implementation of Tax Report: Recommendations were discussed in meetings with Ministers, Finance Minister and Premier.

Thanks to the members and staff who have participated in the committee’s work plan. Those people are: Mike Dillon (Dillon Accounting), Jack Upshall (Upshall Consulting Ltd.), Gustav Erasmus (KPMG), Leah Milton (Battlefords Tribal Council), Abe Toews (Beyond Wealth Management), Dr. Stuart Wilson (University of Regina Economics Dept.), Mr. Pat Pitka (Genome Prairie), Carol Reynolds (Genome Prairie) and staff support from LaTonya Luhr, Curtis Hemming, Kristen McKee, and Steve McLellan.

FINANCE COMMITTEEChaired by Bruce Anderson

FINANCE COMMITTEE

10

The Finance

Committee

focused on four

areas:

Increased

Committee

Participation;

Policy

Development;

Input to

Ministers of

Finance; and

Implementation

of the Tax

Report.


Weyburn Inland Terminal (WIT) was named to the “Saskatchewan Business Hall of Fame” at the 2011 Achievement for Business Excellence (ABEX) Awards Dinner held on November 19th in Saskatoon. The “Saskatchewan Business Hall of Fame” was established by the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce to recognize cornerstone businesses that have demonstrated excellence, and contributed to the economic well-being of the people of the province over an extended period of time. Weyburn Inland Terminal was originally conceived in 1975 by a group of farmers who wanted alternative grain handling services in southern Saskatchewan. Now, over 35 years later, WIT continues to be an innovator and leader in western Canadian grain handling and other farm services, including crop input products, agronomic services and livestock feed. WIT has ownership stakes in a port terminal in Vancouver, the seed business, and the ethanol industry.

As WIT has grown, it has retained its local identity and continues to contribute to the communities it serves and the customers who have contributed to its success. WIT is the 24th entrant into the Business Hall of Fame.

The theme for

the 2011 ABEX

Awards night

was “Fire and

Ice”.

Finalists and

winners were

joined by

over 700 people

from across

the province as

they celebrated

achievements

in business

excellence.

Business Hall of Fame

Magna Electric Corporation (MEC) was named Saskatchewan’s “Business of the Year” at the 28th ABEX Awards. MEC, one of Saskatchewan Top 20 Employers in 2010 and recipient of WorkSafe Saskatchewan’s Safe Employer Award for 2010, started in 1985 and has since diversified into an electrical engineering and projects company for all heavy industry and utilities. The company currently has over 400 employees.

Since starting in Saskatchewan, MEC has opened offices across Canada and in Detroit. The company is proud to call Saskatchewan home and strongly believes in supporting and growing our province. MEC was also the winner in the “Growth and Expansion” category. The “Business of the Year” is selected from all ABEX entrants as the business demonstrating performance that is particularly outstanding and deserving of praise. The performance may represent either individual achievement or an overall success and is judged according to the usual evaluation criteria of profitability, growth, stability, and investment strategy. The jury considers the relative size of the business, as well as its own particular market circumstances.

Business of the Year

Robert Davies, CEO of Weyburn Inland Terminal, accepted the Hall of Fame award from Eric Dillon of Conexus Credit Union.

Luis Wilson (VP Corporate Services), Chris Gingras (Regina Operations Manager), Kerry Heid (President), Terry Wuschenny (Operations Manager, Saskatoon) Stephanie Yong (Brett Wilson Centre representative) and Jarrett Solberg (VP Operations)

THE ABEX AWARDSTHE ABEX AWARDS

11


The annual ABEX Awards recognizeoutstanding business achievements by honouring the efforts of successful companies, large and small, and paying tribute to achievers.

BHP Billiton CamecoEnterprise SaskatchewanHandy Special EventsKPMGPFM Capital Inc. Saskatchewan Research CouncilSaskatchewan Trade & Export PartnershipSaskEnergySaskWaterViterraW. Brett Wilson Centre for Entrepreneurial Excellence

Certified General Accountants of SaskatchewanCogent Business ConsultingEvraz Inc. NAGreat-West Life, London Life, Canada LifeMosaic CanadaSaskPowerSaskTelSaskWaterThe StarPhoenix / The Leader-PostWorkSafe Saskatchewan & Workers’ Compensation Board

PATRONS

The Aboriginal Business Partnership AwardPoints Athabasca Contracting Limited Partnership, Wollaston Lake

The Business Leader of the Year Award Gerald “Jerry” Grandey, Cameco Corporation, Saskatoon

The Community Involvement AwardKnight Archer Insurance, Regina

The Environment AwardCanada North Environmental Services Limited Partnership (CanNorth),

Saskatoon

The Exports Award Crestline Coach Limited, Saskatoon

The Growth & Expansion Award Magna Electric Corporation, Regina

The Marketing Award Bath Fitter, Saskatoon

The TIA New Saskatchewan Product Award Text2Car, Saskatoon

The New Venture AwardCanalta Hotels Limited

The Service Award Terry Ortynsky’s Royal Ford, Yorkton

The Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award Justin Yawney, Yorkton Plumbing & Heating, Yorkton

CATEGORY SPONSORS

THE ABEX AWARDSTHE ABEX AWARDS

12

These are the minutes of the 66th Annual General Meeting of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce held at the Regina Inn in Regina on May 6, 2011, at 8:30 a.m. The Chair, Mr. Richard Ahenakew presided, and a quorum being present, declared the meeting convened and introduced the head table which included Mr. Dale Lemke, Nominating Committee Chair, Mr. Pat Pitka, Audit Committee Chair, and Mr. Steve McLellan, CEO, Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.

On a motion by Ms. Linda Machniak, North Battleford; seconded by Ms. Marion Ghiglione, Saskatoon; the 66th Annual General Meeting agenda was approved. Ms. Richard Ahenakew presented a detailed overview of the year, including references to the collaborative work on the “A Change Today for Your Tomorrow” tax plan and the movement in Action Saskatchewan that continues to drive change in our province. Mr. Ahenakew also made note that there is a powerful enthusiasm for the chamber movement across Saskatchewan and the commitment of many chambers throughout the province. The Rules of Procedure were explained pertaining to the voting process.

ANNUAL REPORT & MINUTES

On motion of Mr. Lester Lafond, Saskatoon; seconded by Ms. Marion Ghiglione, Saskatoon; the 2010 Annual Report of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, which included the Minutes of the 65th Annual Meeting held May 6, 2010 in Prince Albert, was approved.

CEO REPORT

Mr. Steve McLellan presented a detailed overview of the year as C.E.O. of the Saskatchewan Chamber Commerce, including references to the success of events such as the ABEX Awards, Political Forum and Make A Connection Reception. He reported that the work of the Growth Strategy Task Force continues, as well made note of the creation of a Labour Market Task Force. Mr. McLellan also reported on the ThirdQuarter Program and the completion of the “A Change Today for Your Tomorrow” tax plan. Mr. McLellan expressed his appreciation for the hard work the Board of Directors, Committee a members and Chamber staff.

The 2011 Conference on Business

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING MINUTESTHE 66th

The 2011 ABEX Awards

13

NOMINATIONS

As Chair of the Nominating Committee, Mr. Dale Lemke described the election process and reported the following results of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce Elections for the three open seats on the Board of Directors, each of which has a three year term: Mr. Brian Chalmers (Saskatoon), Ms. Patricia Warsaba (Regina), Mr. Lester Lafond (Saskatoon).

Mr. Lemke reported that these newly elected Directors, along with the four appointed Officers Ms. Pat Friesen, Chair; Mr. Fred Titanich, 1st Vice Chair; Mr. Grant Isaac, 2nd Vice Chair, and Mr. Richard Ahenakew, Immediate Past Chair, and remaining Directors Mr. Cam Cooper, Ms. Marion Ghiglione, Mr. Pat Pitka, Shawna Nelson, Bruce Anderson and Randy Beattie make up the 13 person Board of Directors.

The Elected Directors and Appointed Officers were approved on motion of Ms. Marion Ghiglione (Saskatoon), seconded by Ms. DonnaLyn Thorsteinson (Humboldt).

FINANCIAL REPORTS

The audited Financial Reports of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce Foundation for the year ending December 31, 2010, were detailed and adopted on motion of Mr. Pat Pitka, (Saskatoon), seconded by Mr. Bruce Anderson (Regina). The audited Financial Reports of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce for the year ending December 31, 2010, were detailed and adopted on motion of Mr. Pat Pitka (Saskatoon), seconded by Ms. Marion Ghiglione (Saskatoon).

OTHER REPORTS & ADJOURNMENT

There being no other matters brought forward to the Annual General Meeting, the Chair declared the Business Session adjourned at 9:15 a.m.

2011 Make a Connection Reception

2011 Conference on Business

2011 Political Forum

14

KPMG LLP Telephone (306) 791-1200

Chartered Accountants Fax (306) 757-4703

McCallum Hill Centre, Tower II Internet www.kpmg.ca

1881 Scarth Street, 20th Floor

Regina Saskatchewan S4P 4K9

Canada

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

We have audited the accompanying financial statements of Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce,

which comprise the statement of financial position as at December 31, 2011, the statements of

operations, changes in net assets, and cash flows for the year then ended, and notes, comprising a

summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.

Management's Responsibility for the Financial Statements

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in

accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles, and for such internal control as

management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free

from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Auditors' Responsibility

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We

conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Those

standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform an audit to obtain

reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in

the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on our judgment, including the assessment

of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In

making those risk assessments, we consider internal control relevant to the entity's preparation and fair

presentation of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the

circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity's

internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and

the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall

presentation of the financial statements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for

our audit opinion.

Opinion

In our opinion, these financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of

Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce as at December 31, 2011 and the results of its operations and

its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting

principles.

Chartered Accountants

Regina, Canada

April 18, 2012

SASKATCHEWAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCEStatement of Financial Position

December 31, 2011, with comparative figures for 2010

2011 2010

Assets

Current assets: Cash $ 296,764 $ 163,995 Accounts receivable 26,073 57,973 Supplies and prepaid expenses 16,895 15,669

339,732 237,637

Investments (note 3) 375,689 375,614Capital assets (note 4) 36,642 43,122

$ 752,063 $ 656,373

Liabilities and Net Assets

Current liabilities:Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 22,569 $ 18,483Deferred revenue 181,054 184,107

203,623 202,590

Net assets:Invested in capital assets 36,642 43,122Internally restricted (note 6) 144,751 144,751Unrestricted 367,047 265,910

548,440 453,783Commitments (note 8)

$ 752,063 $ 656,373

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

On behalf of the Board:

Director

Director

1

SASKATCHEWAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCEStatement of Operations

Year ended December 31, 2011, with comparative figures for 2010

2011 2010

Revenue:Membership fees - Business $ 414,579 $ 405,586ABEX Awards (Schedule 1) 207,750 192,104OnTrack Campaign 166,600 -Group insurance 110,452 97,588Conference on Business (Schedule 2) 64,100 56,019Older Worker's Initiative (Schedule 4) 58,371 48,775Membership fees-Organization 37,080 36,810Interest and other 14,182 14,497Growth Strategy Task Force 13,500 13,060Trade Team Saskatchewan Events 8,537 10,450Make a Connection 7,825 -Political Forum (Schedule 3) 7,800 7,200Action magazine 7,400 16,840Administrative services 3,836 3,671Miscellaneous 3,060 1,449Tax Enhancement Strategy - 86,000State of the Province Address - 37,419EDC Luncheon - 7,823Forum Seminars - 33,380

1,125,072 1,058,221

Expenses: Salaries and employee benefits 449,638 433,503 OnTrack Campaign 178,710 - ABEX Awards (Schedule 1) 96,407 94,026 Utilities, maintenance, and rent 82,167 75,511 Travel and committees 61,180 75,244 Office and administration 42,674 30,232 Older Worker's Initiative (Schedule 4) 39,250 34,373 Conference on Business (Schedule 2) 32,596 24,697 Professional services 19,262 15,356 Amortization 9,968 10,908 Political Forum (Schedule 3) 5,676 5,645 Promotion, publicity, and affiliation dues 4,729 13,777 Action magazine 4,502 20,948 Make a Connection 3,656 3,876 Tax Enhancement Strategy - 90,063 State of the Province Address - 16,366 EDC Luncheon - 4,321 Production - 4,175 Bad debts (recovery) - (5,040)

1,030,415 947,981

Excess of revenue over expenses $ 94,657 $ 120,690


2

SASKATCHEWAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCEStatement of Changes in Net Assets


Invested in Internally 2011 2010capital assets restricted Unrestricted Total Total

Balance, beginning of year $ 43,122 $ 144,751 $ 265,910 $ 453,783 $ 333,093

Excess of revenue over expenses - - 94,657 94,657 120,690

Net change in investment incapital assets (note 5) (6,480) - 6,480 - -

Balance, end of year $ 36,642 $ 144,751 $ 367,047 $ 548,440 $ 453,783


3

SASKATCHEWAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCEStatement of Cash Flows


2011 2010

Cash flows from (used in):

Operations:Excess of revenue over expenses $ 94,657 $ 120,690Item not involving cash:

Amortization of capital assets 9,968 10,908Change in non-cash operating working capital:

Trade receivables 31,900 (31,991)Supplies and prepaid expenses (1,226) 8,905Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 4,086 2,576Deferred revenue (3,053) (5,825)

136,332 105,263

Investing:Purchase of capital assets (3,488) (8,577)Purchase of investments (75) (175)

(3,563) (8,752)

Increase in cash 132,769 96,511

Cash, beginning of year 163,995 67,484

Cash, end of year $ 296,764 $ 163,995


4

SASKATCHEWAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCENotes to Financial Statements

Year ended December 31, 2011

1. Nature of operations:

The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce is continued under the Non-profit Corporations Act of

Saskatchewan. The primary purpose of the Chamber is to be the voice of Saskatchewan

business, making Saskatchewan a better place to live, work and invest.

2. Significant accounting policies:

(a) Revenue recognition:

The Chamber follows the deferral method of accounting for revenue. Membership fees are

collected in advance and are recognized as revenue on a straight line basis over the term of

the membership.

(b) Financial assets and liabilities:

The measurement basis for financial assets and liabilities depends on whether the financial

assets or liabilities have been classified as held for trading, available for sale, held to

maturity, loans and receivables, or other financial liabilities. Financial assets classified as

held for trading are measured at fair value and changes in fair value are recognized in

increase in net assets for the year. Financial assets or liabilities classified as available for

sale are measured at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in other comprehensive

income, however, unrealized losses considered other than temporary continue to be

recognized as a decrease in net assets for the year. Financial assets or liabilities designated

as held to maturity, loans and receivables, or other financial liabilities are measured at

amortized cost using the effective interest method. The Chamber has no financial

instruments designated as available for sale or held to maturity.

The Chamber has designated its cash and investments as held for trading. Accounts

receivable are designated as loans and receivables. Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

are designated as other financial liabilities.

The Chamber has elected to apply the disclosure requirements of the CICA Handbook,

Section 3861 in place of Handbook Sections 3862 and 3863 which allows for reduced

disclosure of the nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments.

5

SASKATCHEWAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCENotes to Financial Statements (continued)


2. Significant accounting policies (continued):

(c) Capital assets:

Capital assets are initially recorded at cost. Normal maintenance and repairs expenditures

are expensed as incurred. Amortization is provided at the annual rates and methods set out

below:

Asset Basis Rate

Furniture and fixtures Declining balance 10 to 20%Computer Declining balance 30%

Amortization is charged at one half the normal rate in the year of acquisition and at one halfthe normal rate in the year of disposal.

(d) Income taxes:

The Chamber is exempt from income taxes under Section 149(1)(l) of the Income Tax Act.

(e) Use of estimates:

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with Canadian generally accepted

accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect

the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and

liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and

expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

3. Investments:

Investments are comprised of guaranteed investment certificates that have effective interest rates

of 2.20% to 4.40% (2010 - 2.20% to 4.40%) and maturity dates between September 15, 2012 and

September 15, 2015 (2010 - April 29, 2011 - September 15, 2015).

6



4. Capital assets:

2011 2010

Accumulated Net book Net book

Cost amortization value value

Furniture and fixtures $ 168,481 $ 142,203 $ 26,278 $ 29,511Computer 92,157 81,793 10,364 13,611

$ 260,638 $ 223,996 $ 36,642 $ 43,122

5. Invested in capital assets:

Change in net assets invested in capital assets is calculated as follows:

2011 2010

Excess of revenues over expenses: Amortization of capital assets $ (9,968) $ (10,908)

Purchase of capital assets 3,488 8,577

$ (6,480) $ (2,331)

6. Restrictions on net assets:

The Board of Directors has internally restricted an amount for future operating needs.

7. Related entity:

The Chamber controls The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce Foundation (the "Foundation")

by virtue of its ability to appoint the Foundation's Board of Directors. The Foundation was

established to educate the public on related business issues. The Foundation is incorporated

under the the Non-Profit Corporations Act of Saskatchewan and is a registered charity under the

Income Tax Act. Resources of the Foundation amount to $49,215 (2010 - $58,310), of which

$25,000 (2010 - $50,000) represents internally restricted net assets for the long-term viability of

the Foundation.

The net assets and results from operations of the Foundation are not included in the statements

of the Chamber. Separate financial statements of the Foundation are available upon request.

7



7. Related entity (continued):

During the year, the Chamber had the following transactions with the Foundation:

2011 2010

Revenue:Growth Strategy Task Force $ 13,500 $ 13,060Administrative services 1,500 1,500OnTrack Campaign 500 -Tax Enhancement Strategy - 25,000

8. Commitments:

The Chamber is committed under a lease for office space with annual rental payments over the

next four years as follows:

2012 $ 31,7932013 31,7932014 31,7932015 31,793

9. Fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities:

The fair value of the Chamber's financial assets and liabilities approximate their carrying amounts

due to their short term nature.

10. Risk management:

Exposure to credit risk, liquidity risk and market risk arise in the normal course of the Chamber's

business.

Credit risk

The Chamber's principal financial assets are cash, accounts receivable and investments. The

carrying amounts of financial assets in the statement of financial position represent the Chamber's

maximum credit exposure at the statement of financial position date.

The Chamber's credit risk is primarily attributable to cash, accounts receivable and investments.

The amounts disclosed in the statement of financial position are net of allowance for doubtful

8



10. Risk management (continued):

accounts, estimated based on previous experience and an assessment of the current economic

environment. The Chamber does not have significant exposure to any individual customer and

has not incurred any significant bad debts during the year. The credit risk on investments is

limited because the counterparties are chartered banks with high credit ratings assigned by

national credit rating agencies.

Interest rate risk

The Chamber is exposed to interest rate risk on its investment in guaranteed investment

certificates. These certificates have maturity dates between September 2012 and September

2015.

11. Capital management:

The Chamber's primary objectives when managing capital is to ensure adequate funding is

available to be the voice of Saskatchewan business making Saskatchewan a better place to live,

work, and invest in a manner which is sustainable on a long-term basis. Its main source of capital

is its net assets.

There were no changes to the Chamber's capital structure during the year and there have been

no changes to the Chamber's capital management processes and measures since the prior year

end.

9

SASKATCHEWAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCESchedule 2 - Conference on Business


2011 2010

Revenue:Sponsors $ 40,450 $ 32,554Registrations 23,650 23,405

64,100 56,019

Expenses:Food and beverage 23,943 12,358Rental 3,359 4,155Administration, committee and other 1,828 3,691Printing 2,243 1,399Office - 1,264Presentations 1,074 822Entertainment - 760Advertising and promotion 149 248

32,596 24,697


11

SASKATCHEWAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCESchedule 1 - ABEX Awards


2011 2010

Revenue:Patrons $ 138,000 $ 106,000Dinner tickets 69,750 86,104

207,750 192,104

Expenses:Banquet 50,555 53,902Promotion 43,155 37,901Printing 1,356 1,122Program administration 1,341 1,101

96,407 94,026


10

SASKATCHEWAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCESchedule 4 - Older Worker's Initiative


2011 2010

Revenue:Funding from Manitoba Chamber of Commerce $ 58,371 $ 48,775

58,371 48,775

Expenses:Coordinator contracts 38,850 33,600Miscellaneous 400 773

39,250 34,373


13

SASKATCHEWAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCESchedule 3 - Political Forum


2011 2010

Revenue:Registrations $ 7,800 $ 7,200

Expenses:Banquet 5,676 5,645

5,676 5,645


12

KPMG LLP Telephone (306) 791-1200

Chartered Accountants Fax (306) 757-4703

McCallum Hill Centre, Tower II Internet www.kpmg.ca

1881 Scarth Street, 20th Floor

Regina Saskatchewan S4P 4K9

Canada

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

We have audited the accompanying financial statements of Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce

Foundation, which comprise the statement of financial position as at December 31, 2011, the

statements of operations and cash flows for the year then ended, and notes, comprising a summary of

significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.

Management's Responsibility for the Financial Statements

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in

accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles, and for such internal control as

management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free

from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Auditors' Responsibility

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We

conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Those

standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform an audit to obtain

reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in

the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on our judgment, including the assessment

of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In

making those risk assessments, we consider internal control relevant to the entity's preparation and fair

presentation of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the

circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity's

internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and

the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall

presentation of the financial statements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for

our audit opinion.

Opinion

In our opinion, these financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of

Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce Foundation as at December 31, 2011 and the results of its

operations and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with Canadian generally accepted

accounting principles.

Chartered Accountants

Regina, Canada

April 18, 2012

SASKATCHEWAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCEFOUNDATIONStatement of Financial Position

December 31, 2011, with comparative figures for 2010

2011 2010

Assets

Current assets: Cash $ 24,064 $ 8,034 Accounts receivable 151 276

24,215 8,310

Investments (note 3) 25,000 50,000

$ 49,215 $ 58,310

Net Assets

Net assets:Internally restricted (note 4) $ 25,000 $ 50,000Unrestricted 24,215 8,310

49,215 58,310

$ 49,215 $ 58,310


On behalf of the Board:

Director

Director

1

SASKATCHEWAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCEFOUNDATIONStatement of Operations and Unrestricted Net Assets


2011 2010

Revenue:Conference Auction $ 4,930 $ 4,980Business Mentorship Institute 1,662 -Interest income 839 1,529Public contributions 500 -Youth Business Institute - sponsorship - 980

7,931 7,489

Expenses: Growth Strategy Task Force 13,500 13,060 Office and general 1,510 1,510 Professional fees 1,430 1,375 OnTrack Campaign 500 - Interest and bank charges 86 58 Tax Enhancement Strategy Funding - 25,000 Youth Business Institute - 8,869 Silent Auction - 347

17,026 50,219

Deficiency of revenue over expenses (9,095) (42,730)

Unrestricted net assets, beginning of year 8,310 26,040

Allocation from internally restricted net assets (note 4) 25,000 25,000

Unrestricted net assets, end of year $ 24,215 $ 8,310


2

SASKATCHEWAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCEFOUNDATIONStatement of Cash Flows


2011 2010

Cash provided by (used in):

Operations:Deficiency of revenue over expenses $ (9,095) $ (42,730)Net change in non-cash operating items:

Accounts receivable 125 595

(8,970) (42,135)

Investing:Net decrease in investments 25,000 25,000

25,000 25,000

Increase (decrease) in cash 16,030 (17,135)

Cash, beginning of year 8,034 25,169

Cash, end of year $ 24,064 $ 8,034


3

SASKATCHEWAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCEFOUNDATIONNotes to Financial Statements


1. Nature of operations:

The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce Foundation (the "Foundation") is continued under the

Non-profit Corporations Act of Saskatchewan. The primary purpose of the Foundation is to

educate the public on related business issues.

The Foundation is a charitable organization registered under The Income Tax Act and as such is

exempt from income taxes and able to issue receipts on donations for income tax purposes.

2. Significant accounting policies:

(a) Revenue recognition:

The Foundation follows the deferral method of accounting for contributions. Restricted

contributions are recognized as revenue in the year in which the related expenses are

incurred. Unrestricted contributions are recognized as revenue when received or receivable

if the amount to be received can be reasonably estimated and collection is reasonably

assured.

(b) Financial assets and liabilities:

The measurement basis for financial assets and liabilities depends on whether the financial

assets or liabilities has been classified as held for trading, available for sale, held to maturity,

loans and receivables, or other financial liabilities. Financial assets classified as held for

trading are measured at fair value and changes in fair value are recognized in increase in net

assets for the year. Financial assets or liabilities classified as available for sale are

measured at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in other comprehensive income,

however, unrealized losses considered other than temporary continue to be recognized as a

decrease in net assets for the year. Financial assets or liabilities designated as held to

maturity, loans and receivables, or other financial liabilities are measured at amortized cost

using the effective interest method. The Foundation has no financial instruments designated

as available for sale or held to maturity.

The Foundation has designated its cash and investments as held for trading. Accounts

receivable are designated as loans and receivables.

The Foundation has elected to apply the disclosure requirements of the CICA Handbook,

Section 3861 in place of Handbook Sections 3862 and 3863 which allows for reduced

disclosure of the nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments.

4

SASKATCHEWAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCEFOUNDATIONNotes to Financial Statements (continued)


2. Significant accounting policies (continued):

(c) Use of estimates:

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with Canadian generally accepted

accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect

the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and

liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenue and

expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

3. Investments:

Investments are represented by guaranteed investment certificates that have effective interest

rates of 2.1% (2010 - 1.75% to 2.1%) and a maturity date of September 17, 2012 (2010 -

September 19, 2011).

4. Restrictions on net assets:

The Board of Directors has internally restricted $25,000 (2010- $50,000). The use of these funds

is at the discretion of the Board of Directors and is dedicated to the long term viability of the

Foundation. Interest earned on the restricted funds may be used for current operations.

During the current year $25,000 (2010 - $25,000) was transferred from internally restricted net

assets to unrestricted net assets.

5. Related party transactions:

During the year the Foundation had the following transactions with Saskatchewan Chamber of

Commerce, a party related by way of common control:

2011 2010

Expenses:Growth Strategy Task Force $ 13,500 $ 13,060Office and administration 1,500 1,500OnTrack Campaign 500 0Tax Enhancement Strategy Funding - 25,000

5

SASKATCHEWAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCEFOUNDATIONNotes to Financial Statements (continued)


6. Fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities:

The fair value of the Foundation's financial assets and liabilities approximate their carrying

amounts due to their short-term nature.

7. Risk management:

Exposure to credit risk, liquidity risk and market risk arise in the normal course of the Foundation's

business.

Credit risk

The Foundation's principal financial assets are cash, accounts receivable and investments. The

carrying amounts of financial assets in the statement of financial position represent the

Foundation's maximum credit exposure at the balance sheet date.

The Foundation's credit risk is primarily attributable to cash, accounts receivable and investments.

The amounts disclosed in the statement of financial position are net of allowance for doubtful

accounts, estimated based on previous experience and an assessment of the current economic

environment. The Foundation does not have significant exposure to any individual customer and

has not incurred any significant bad debts during the year. The credit risk on investments is

limited because the counterparties are chartered banks with high credit ratings assigned by

national credit rating agencies.

Interest rate risk

The Foundation is exposed to interest rate risk on its investment in guaranteed investment

certificates. These certificates mature in September 2012.

8. Capital management:

The Foundation's primary objectives when managing capital is to ensure adequate funding is

available to educate the public on related business issues in a manner which is sustainable on a

long-term basis. Its main source of capital is its net assets.

There were no changes to the Foundation's capital structure during the year and there have been

no changes to the Foundation's capital management processes and measures since the prior

year end.

6


ThirdQuarter helps

Canadian workers over

50 years of age who want to

stay in the workforce.

SPECIAL EVENTS & PROJECTSSPECIAL EVENTS & PROJECTS

WEBINARSThe Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce continued its partnership with HJ Linnen & Associates to produce webinars for Chamber members at a cost of $30 per webinar. During the year, participants were able to take part in informative webinars on social media and website development, employee engagement and business transitioning strategies. ABEX nominees were also able to take part in a background session on the ABEX awards night. The Chamber plans to continue this partnership in order to provide members with affordable, accessable and innovative professional development opportunities.

THIRDQUARTER ThirdQuarter was a national project that matched workers aged 50-plus with businesses and organizations in 14 Canadian communities. The national collaboration involved the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, the British Columbia Chambers of Commerce, the Saskatchewan Chambers of Commerce and the Atlantic Provinces Chambers of Commerce. Saskatchewan had two communities running this pilot project since August 2010, Regina and Humboldt, with one community coordinator in each community. The pilots in our province, and the Saskatchewan Chamber’s part in ThirdQuarter, came to an end December 31, 2011. Thank you to all of the businesses, organizations and people who have participated in the project; we hope you have benefitted from the program and found some employees along the way.

POLITICAL FORUM 2011The Chamber’s annual Provincial Political Forum was held in January 2011 at the Hotel Saskatchewan in Regina. There were 30 Ministers, Opposition Critics and MLAs that attended the event, which is over half of all the politicians in the Saskatchewan legislature. This fantastic turnout allowed for a wide variety of issues to be discussed in individual breakout session rooms. Political Forum is the SCC’s largest and most important advocacy event which provides an opportunity for the SCC’s members to meet with Ministers and Opposition Critics within the Saskatchewan government to engage in a discussion about what problems are facing businesses in the province and what should be done to solve them.

MAKE A CONNECTION RECEPTIONThe 2011 Make a Connection Reception was held at The Terrace at Innovation Place in Regina. Eighty-three of the SCC’s business members took the opportunity to mingle with Deputy Ministers, Assistant Deputy Ministers, Crown Presidents, and Chiefs of Staff. Make a Connection Reception is the second largest advocacy event that the organization hosts during the year. It is an opportunity for the SCC’s members to meet and talk with the Saskatchewan government’s Deputy Ministers, Agency CEO’s and Crown Corporation Presidents in an informal setting.

EXPLORING INDIA CONFERENCEThe Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce joined Trade Team Saskatchewan in coordinating the Exploring India Conference that was held in Saskatoon on June 2, 2011 at the Radisson Hotel. The target audience for the Conference was exporters, manufacturers, service providers, government, academia, non-profit associations and media. Keynote speakers came from government and businesses to share their experiences and advice on doing business in India.

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NOTESNOTES

Thank You to the 2012 Conference on Business Sponsors!

The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce greatly appreciates the contributions of all the 2012 Conference Sponsors, without whose generous, ongoing support the Conference would not be possible.

WEST INNOVATIONS INC.

Documents

Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce Annual Report 2011-12… · Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce Officers Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce Board Members Brian Chalmers Pat Friesen Chair