June | 2011 | Canada's top source for Alberta's business news

June 2011

How the West Lost

Ottawa chose not to support Edmonton’s bid for Expo 2017 “because of fears the event would have provoked jealousies in Eastern Canada.” >

In praise of government intervention

South Korea has announced that it's lifting the eight-year ban on Canadian beef imports. Should Alberta producers be thanking their provincial government for the news? >

Encana: hunter or hunted?

It's been an interesting week for Encana. But if one Calgary analyst is right, the next few weeks could be even more interesting. >

Return on Investment: The Give and Get Play

Read Brett Wilson's first column for Alberta Venture - Confessions of an entrepreneurial philanthropist >

How 2% Realty is Turning the Real Estate Game Upside Down

Roy Almog's low transaction fees have everyone smiling, except other Realtors >

Surprise, Encana shareholders: the deal with PetroChina is off. What does this mean for the two sides, and what are the broader implications for partnerships between local resource companies and cash-rich international funds going forward? >

Ethical oil

Suncor recently announced that it's suspending its operations in Libya so long as Muammar Gaddafi is in charge. But what about Syria? >

Trouble ahead

Another warning is issued about the dangerous diet of debt that Canadian consumers have been feeding on for the last few years. But is anyone even listening? >

How Ethical, Sustainable and Healthier Meat is Making Its Way Into Your Freezer

Ethical and nutritional concerns have led a growing number of Albertans to turn their backs on factory-farmed meat. Find out how sustainably raised products are filling that void, and why that might be good news for your local farmer >

Groupoff?

Groupon files for an IPO. It might be a bubble but it's growing at an incredible rate. Should your company get in on the group-coupon action? >

One Hot Commodity: Alberta's Unsung Mustard Industry

Why this forgotten commodity may not stay that way for much longer >

25 Best Communities for Business in Western Canada

From Alberta's International Region to Sturgeon County get the details on the most business friendly locales west of Manitoba >

Alberta farmers fight back against pests with Google maps

How one dedicated government worker helped to create a system of real-time pest maps for farmers threatened by cabbage seedpod weevil >

Contractor Of The Year Awards

Meet Alberta’s best builders in Alberta Venture’s Contractor of the Year >

Is the Canadian Wheat Board Still Relevant?

Find out what's keeping the marketing and trading giant down >

How Red Arrow Aims to be King of the Road

The Red Arrow is many things: A comfortable ride, an alternative to flying and a successful local company. Just don't call it a bus >

Best Communities for High Tech

Growing Concern: Mad Ad World

McRobbie Optamedia finds new ways to send a message to its clients >

Legal Eagles: What Does the Debate Over a National Securities Regulator Mean for You?

With the governments of Alberta and Quebec squabbling with Jim Flaherty, who has a legal leg to stand on >

Best Communities for Small Business

Groupon or Groupoff: What Business Owners Need to Know About Online Group Coupon Services

The latest advertising trend for small business still needs some old school know-how to make it work >

Best Communities for Business Outside Alberta

The Smart Investor: Dollar Daze

Why betting against the Canadian dollar is not necessarily a great idea >

Best Communities for Tourism

2011 Best Communities for Business in Western Canada

Best Resource Communities

Next Up: Edmonton filmmaker Trevor Anderson hits a high notes with his recent work

The creator of the film High Level Bridge finds accolades at Sundance and elsewhere >

Best Communities for Agri-Business

Executive Speak: Born on the Bakken

Lessons learned in Saskatchewan formed the foundation for Scott Saxberg’s success as the CEO of Crescent Point Energy >

Coupon Crazed

A roundup of the popular group coupon services >

Industry Report: Agriculture Vital Statistics

Bizbeat: The New Guy

Mike Ganley, the new editor of Alberta Venture, introduces himself >

More Than Meats The Eye

Though typically raised on the Holy Trinity of Prairie meats – beef, pork and chicken – culinarily curious Albertans are increasingly interested in unconventional meats >