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Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce Annual Report 2011-12

www.saskchamber.com

Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce Officers

Pat Friesen

Chair Innovation Credit Union

Richard Ahenakew

Past Chair Northern Lights Casino

Fred Titanich

1 Vice-Chair CAA Saskatchewan st

Grant Isaac

2nd Vice-Chair Cameco Corporation Term ended Dec. 2011

Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce Board Members

Bruce Anderson

b-creative group Inc.

Marion Ghiglione Handy Group of Companies

Randy Beattie PFM Capital Inc.

Lester Lafond

Lafond Insurance & Financial Services Ltd.

Brian Chalmers

Shawna Nelson Sheraton Cavalier Saskatoon

Pat Pitka

PWP Holdings

Cam Cooper Praxis Group

Patricia Warsaba McKercher LLP

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

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

“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

CHAIR’S REPORT 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. Pat Friesen, Chair 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.

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CEO’ SR EPORT CEO’s REPORT

  

YEAR IN REVIEW

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 Steve McLellan, CEO 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.

“Each year the issues change slightly, as do some of the faces, but the commitment of the Saskatchewan Chamber continues strong and clear.”

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.

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Moving forward

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

A 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 nonresidential 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.

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www.sasktaxplan.ca

  

YEAR IN REVIEW

• 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 Reform Recommendation: • 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 costneutral 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.

www.sasktaxplan.ca

saskatchewan chamber of commerce

#6: Corporate Income Tax Reform Recommendation: • 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 Tax Recommendation: • 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.

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

INVESTMENT & GROWTH COMMITTEE

INVESTMENT & GROWTH COMMITTEE Chaired by Fred Titanich

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.

The Human Resources Committee will have four new policies for 2012-13 to address immigration,

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 Workers’ Compensation system, K-12 educational performance and the issue of skills shortage/ advanced skills training.

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UMAN RESOURCES ESOURCES COMMITTEE OMMITTEE HUMAN Chaired by Shawna Nelson 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.

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NVIRONMENT COMMITTEE OMMITTEE ENVIRONMENT Chaired by Robert Schutzman

  

YEAR IN REVIEW

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.

Key areas of activity for the Environment Committee included the Environmental Management Model, water management, interjurisdictional coordination and the Species At Risk Act.

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.

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

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INANCE COMMITTEE FINANCE OMMITTEE Chaired by Bruce Anderson 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:

The Finance Committee focused on four areas: Increased Committee Participation; Policy Development; Input to Ministers of Finance; and Implementation of the Tax Report.

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• 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.

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ABEX A

HE ABEX A WARDS WARDS T HE Business Hall of Fame 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.

The theme for the 2011 ABEX Robert Davies, CEO of Weyburn Inland Terminal, accepted the Hall of Fame award from Eric Dillon of Conexus Credit Union.

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.

Awards night was “Fire and Ice”. Finalists and winners were joined by over 700 people from across the province as

Business of the Year

they celebrated

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.

  

YEAR IN REVIEW

achievements in business excellence.

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)

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.

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

ABEX A

HE ABEX A WARDS WARDS T HE The Aboriginal Business Partnership Award Points Athabasca Contracting Limited Partnership, Wollaston Lake

The annual ABEX Awards recognize outstanding business

The Business Leader of the Year Award Gerald “Jerry” Grandey, Cameco Corporation, Saskatoon The Community Involvement Award Knight Archer Insurance, Regina The Environment Award Canada North Environmental Services Limited Partnership (CanNorth), Saskatoon The Exports Award Crestline Coach Limited, Saskatoon

achievements by honouring

The Growth & Expansion Award Magna Electric Corporation, Regina

the efforts

The Marketing Award Bath Fitter, Saskatoon

of successful companies,

The TIA New Saskatchewan Product Award Text2Car, Saskatoon

large and small,

The New Venture Award Canalta Hotels Limited

and paying tribute to

The Service Award Terry Ortynsky’s Royal Ford, Yorkton

achievers.

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

C ATEGORY S PONSORS

P ATRONS

BHP Billiton Certified General Accountants of Saskatchewan Cameco Cogent Business Consulting Enterprise Saskatchewan Evraz Inc. NA Handy Special Events Great-West Life, London Life, Canada Life KPMG Mosaic Canada PFM Capital Inc. SaskPower Saskatchewan Research Council SaskTel Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership SaskWater SaskEnergy The StarPhoenix / The Leader-Post SaskWater WorkSafe Saskatchewan & Workers’ Compensation Board Viterra W. Brett Wilson Centre for Entrepreneurial Excellence

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THE 66th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING MINUTES 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.

The 2011 Conference on Business

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 The 2011 ABEX Awards 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.

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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).

2011 Conference on Business

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).

2011 Make a Connection Reception

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 Political Forum

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KPMG LLP Chartered Accountants McCallum Hill Centre, Tower II 1881 Scarth Street, 20th Floor Regina Saskatchewan S4P 4K9 Canada

Telephone Fax Internet

(306) 791-1200 (306) 757-4703 www.kpmg.ca

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 COMMERCE Statement of Financial Position

December 31, 2011, with comparative figures for 2010 2011

2010

Assets Current assets: Cash Accounts receivable Supplies and prepaid expenses

$

Investments (note 3) Capital assets (note 4)

296,764 26,073 16,895 339,732

$

375,689 36,642

163,995 57,973 15,669 237,637 375,614 43,122

$

752,063

$

656,373

$

22,569 181,054 203,623

$

18,483 184,107 202,590

Liabilities and Net Assets Current liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Deferred revenue Net assets: Invested in capital assets Internally restricted (note 6) Unrestricted

36,642 144,751 367,047 548,440

Commitments (note 8) $ See accompanying notes to financial statements. On behalf of the Board: Director Director

1

752,063

43,122 144,751 265,910 453,783 $

656,373

SASKATCHEWAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Statement of Operations

Year ended December 31, 2011, with comparative figures for 2010 2011 Revenue: Membership fees - Business ABEX Awards (Schedule 1) OnTrack Campaign Group insurance Conference on Business (Schedule 2) Older Worker's Initiative (Schedule 4) Membership fees-Organization Interest and other Growth Strategy Task Force Trade Team Saskatchewan Events Make a Connection Political Forum (Schedule 3) Action magazine Administrative services Miscellaneous Tax Enhancement Strategy State of the Province Address EDC Luncheon Forum Seminars

$

Expenses: Salaries and employee benefits OnTrack Campaign ABEX Awards (Schedule 1) Utilities, maintenance, and rent Travel and committees Office and administration Older Worker's Initiative (Schedule 4) Conference on Business (Schedule 2) Professional services Amortization Political Forum (Schedule 3) Promotion, publicity, and affiliation dues Action magazine Make a Connection Tax Enhancement Strategy State of the Province Address EDC Luncheon Production Bad debts (recovery) Excess of revenue over expenses

$

See accompanying notes to financial statements. 2

414,579 207,750 166,600 110,452 64,100 58,371 37,080 14,182 13,500 8,537 7,825 7,800 7,400 3,836 3,060 1,125,072 449,638 178,710 96,407 82,167 61,180 42,674 39,250 32,596 19,262 9,968 5,676 4,729 4,502 3,656 1,030,415 94,657

2010 $

$

405,586 192,104 97,588 56,019 48,775 36,810 14,497 13,060 10,450 7,200 16,840 3,671 1,449 86,000 37,419 7,823 33,380 1,058,221 433,503 94,026 75,511 75,244 30,232 34,373 24,697 15,356 10,908 5,645 13,777 20,948 3,876 90,063 16,366 4,321 4,175 (5,040) 947,981 120,690

SASKATCHEWAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Statement of Changes in Net Assets

Year ended December 31, 2011, with comparative figures for 2010 Invested in capital assets Balance, beginning of year

$

Balance, end of year

2010 Total

$ 144,751

$ 265,910

$ 453,783

$ 333,093

-

-

94,657

94,657

120,690

-

6,480

-

-

$ 144,751

$ 367,047

$ 548,440

$ 453,783

(6,480) $

2011 Total

43,122

Excess of revenue over expenses Net change in investment in capital assets (note 5)

Internally restricted Unrestricted

36,642

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

SASKATCHEWAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Statement of Cash Flows

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

2010

Cash flows from (used in): Operations: Excess of revenue over expenses Item not involving cash: Amortization of capital assets Change in non-cash operating working capital: Trade receivables Supplies and prepaid expenses Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Deferred revenue

$

94,657

$

9,968

Investing: Purchase of capital assets Purchase of investments

120,690 10,908

31,900 (1,226) 4,086 (3,053) 136,332

(31,991) 8,905 2,576 (5,825) 105,263

(3,488) (75) (3,563)

(8,577) (175) (8,752)

Increase in cash

132,769

96,511

Cash, beginning of year

163,995

67,484

Cash, end of year See accompanying notes to financial statements. 3

$

296,764

$

163,995

SASKATCHEWAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Notes 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 COMMERCE Notes to Financial Statements (continued) Year ended December 31, 2011

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

Furniture and fixtures Computer

Declining balance Declining balance

Rate 10 to 20% 30%

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

SASKATCHEWAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Notes to Financial Statements (continued) Year ended December 31, 2011

4.

Capital assets:

Cost Furniture and fixtures Computer

$ $

5.

168,481 92,157 260,638

Accumulated amortization $ $

142,203 81,793 223,996

$ $

2011

2010

Net book value

Net book value

26,278 10,364 36,642

$ $

29,511 13,611 43,122

Invested in capital assets: Change in net assets invested in capital assets is calculated as follows: 2011 Excess of revenues over expenses: Amortization of capital assets

$

Purchase of capital assets

3,488 $

6.

(9,968) $

(6,480) $

2010 (10,908) 8,577 (2,331)

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

SASKATCHEWAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Notes to Financial Statements (continued) Year ended December 31, 2011

7.

Related entity (continued): During the year, the Chamber had the following transactions with the Foundation: 2011 Revenue: Growth Strategy Task Force Administrative services OnTrack Campaign Tax Enhancement Strategy

8.

$

13,500 1,500 500 -

2010 $

13,060 1,500 25,000

Commitments: The Chamber is committed under a lease for office space with annual rental payments over the next four years as follows: 2012 2013 2014 2015

9.

$

31,793 31,793 31,793 31,793

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

SASKATCHEWAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Notes to Financial Statements (continued) Year ended December 31, 2011

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 COMMERCE Schedule 1 - ABEX Awards Year ended December 31, 2011, with comparative figures for 2010 2011 Revenue: Patrons Dinner tickets

$

Expenses: Banquet Promotion Printing Program administration

138,000 69,750 207,750

2010 $

50,555 43,155 1,356 1,341 96,407

Excess of revenue over expenses

$

111,343

106,000 86,104 192,104 53,902 37,901 1,122 1,101 94,026

$

98,078

SASKATCHEWAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Schedule 2 - Conference on Business Year ended December 31, 2011, with comparative figures for 2010 2011 Revenue: Sponsors Registrations

$

Expenses: Food and beverage Rental Administration, committee and other Printing Office Presentations Entertainment Advertising and promotion

40,450 23,650 64,100

2010 $

23,943 3,359 1,828 2,243 1,074 149 32,596

Excess of revenue over expenses

$

10

31,504

32,554 23,405 56,019 12,358 4,155 3,691 1,399 1,264 822 760 248 24,697

$

31,322

SASKATCHEWAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Schedule 3 - Political Forum Year ended December 31, 2011, with comparative figures for 2010 2011 Revenue: Registrations

$

7,800

Expenses: Banquet

2010 $

7,200

5,676 5,676

Excess of revenue over expenses

$

2,124

5,645 5,645 $

1,555

SASKATCHEWAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Schedule 4 - Older Worker's Initiative Year ended December 31, 2011, with comparative figures for 2010 2011 Revenue: Funding from Manitoba Chamber of Commerce

$

Expenses: Coordinator contracts Miscellaneous

58,371 58,371

2010 $

38,850 400 39,250

Excess of revenue over expenses

$

12

19,121

48,775 48,775 33,600 773 34,373

$

14,402

KPMG LLP Chartered Accountants McCallum Hill Centre, Tower II 1881 Scarth Street, 20th Floor Regina Saskatchewan S4P 4K9 Canada

Telephone Fax Internet

(306) 791-1200 (306) 757-4703 www.kpmg.ca

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 COMMERCE FOUNDATION Statement of Financial Position

December 31, 2011, with comparative figures for 2010 2011

2010

Assets Current assets: Cash Accounts receivable

$

Investments (note 3) $

24,064 151 24,215 25,000 49,215

$

$

8,034 276 8,310 50,000 58,310

Net Assets Net assets: Internally restricted (note 4) Unrestricted

See accompanying notes to financial statements. On behalf of the Board: Director Director

1

$

25,000 24,215 49,215

$

50,000 8,310 58,310

$

49,215

$

58,310

SASKATCHEWAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOUNDATION Statement of Operations and Unrestricted Net Assets

Year ended December 31, 2011, with comparative figures for 2010 2011 Revenue: Conference Auction Business Mentorship Institute Interest income Public contributions Youth Business Institute - sponsorship

$

Expenses: Growth Strategy Task Force Office and general Professional fees OnTrack Campaign Interest and bank charges Tax Enhancement Strategy Funding Youth Business Institute Silent Auction Deficiency of revenue over expenses Unrestricted net assets, beginning of year Allocation from internally restricted net assets (note 4) Unrestricted net assets, end of year

$

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

2

4,930 1,662 839 500 7,931

2010 $

4,980 1,529 980 7,489

13,500 1,510 1,430 500 86 17,026

13,060 1,510 1,375 58 25,000 8,869 347 50,219

(9,095)

(42,730)

8,310

26,040

25,000

25,000

24,215

$

8,310

SASKATCHEWAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOUNDATION Statement of Cash Flows

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

2010

Cash provided by (used in): Operations: Deficiency of revenue over expenses Net change in non-cash operating items: Accounts receivable

$

Investing: Net decrease in investments

Increase (decrease) in cash Cash, beginning of year Cash, end of year

$

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

3

(9,095)

$

(42,730)

125 (8,970)

595 (42,135)

25,000 25,000

25,000 25,000

16,030

(17,135)

8,034

25,169

24,064

$

8,034

SASKATCHEWAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOUNDATION Notes to Financial Statements

Year ended December 31, 2011

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 COMMERCE FOUNDATION Notes to Financial Statements (continued) Year ended December 31, 2011

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 Expenses: Growth Strategy Task Force Office and administration OnTrack Campaign Tax Enhancement Strategy Funding

$

5

13,500 1,500 500 -

2010 $

13,060 1,500 0 25,000

SASKATCHEWAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOUNDATION Notes to Financial Statements (continued) Year ended December 31, 2011

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

S EVENTS VENTS & &P PROJECTS ROJECTS SPECIAL PECIAL E WEBINARS The 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.

  

YEAR IN REVIEW

ThirdQuarter helps Canadian workers over 50 years of age who want to stay in the workforce.

POLITICAL FORUM 2011 The 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 RECEPTION The 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 CONFERENCE The 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.

33

NOTES NOTES _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________

Thank You to the

2012 Conference on Business Sponsors!

WEST INNOVATIONS INC.

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.