Business in Winnipeg

[h0twired]

Originally Posted by 1ajs

yes it has

also somthing funny i have noticed is all the trades plp from alberta are coming here yo work and the people from here are going there to work wtf?

All of them? That is a pretty big claim.

I still see over 40 cranes in Calgary and a whole bunch of buildings getting cranes too. Not to mention the thousands of houses currently being built.

I would think that there are still a few trades people here in Calgary.

[flatlander]

Winnipeg's growth rate cracks Canada's top 3
Board forecasts highest growth in nine years thanks to megaprojects, manufacturing

Fri Sep 14 2007

By Martin Cash


KEN GIGLIOTTI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS archives

A busy construction industry, public-sector megaprojects and an over-heated Alberta market that is driving people back to Winnipeg is helping to generate the strongest economic growth rate in this city since 1998.
The Conference Board of Canada forecast released Thursday said Winnipeg will have the third-fastest-growing economy among the 13 largest cities in the country this year -- up from an eighth-place ranking last year.

While large-scale construction projects such as the Floodway expansion, airport terminal, Wuskwatim hydroelectric generating station and reconstruction of the Pointe Du Bois station are torching up the already busy construction sector, the city's manufacturing industry is also growing counter to the national trend.

Manitoba will gain 6,300 factory workers this year compared with last year while across the country the manufacturing sector is expected to shed about 75,000 jobs, according to the report.

"There is a lot of good news here," said Stuart Duncan, CEO of Destination Winnipeg, the city's economic development marketing agency. "This is as buoyant an economy as we have seen in this city for many years."

Ron Koslowsky, Manitoba vice-president of the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters association, said the city's manufacturers have worked hard to meet the challenges brought on by low-cost international competition and a Canadian dollar that increased in value by 50 per cent over the last five years.

THE UPSIDE TO RED-HOT LOCAL ECONOMY


* Residential and commercial construction will increase by about 7.4 per cent in 2007 -- about half of last year's growth rate -- with housing starts 30 per cent higher than the year before and more than twice the average of the previous 10 years.


* Major infrastructure projects will boost construction through 2008. Manitoba Hydro projects slated for the medium term could keep construction activity high for many years.


* Fuel prices and environmental issues have increased bus ridership across North America, boosting the order books of both New Flyer Industries and Motor Coach Industries. Boeing Technology Canada is nearing record high employment in Winnipeg as the aircraft manufacturer gets ready to roll out its latest model, the 787.


THE DOWNSIDE TO RED-HOT ECONOMY


* The continuing tight labour market could constrain some growth in the future.


* If a slowdown in the U.S. economy occurs, as many analysts expect, many Winnipeg exporters could feel the pinch.


* Some analysts fear the economy is too reliant on public sector spending. Out of 10 sectors examined by the Conference Board, the largest increase in employment in 2007 will be in public administration.

Cross-Canada comparison


City Forecast GDP growth (2007)


1. Saskatoon 4.7% -- up from 2.6% (7th*)

2. Calgary 4.4% -- down from 7.7% (1st)

3. Winnipeg 3.7% -- up from 2.6% (7th)

4. Edmonton 3.6% -- down from 6.4% (2nd)

5. Regina 3.5% -- up from 1.9% (11th)

6. Vancouver 2.9% -- down from 3.7% (3rd)

7. Victoria 2.8% -- down from 3.7% (4th)

8. Toronto 2.7% -- up from 2.4% (9th)

9. Quebec City 2.6% -- down from 2.7% (6th)

10. Halifax 2.5% -- up from 2.1% (10th)

11. Ottawa 2.3% -- down from 2.8% (5th)

12. Montreal 2.1% -- up from 1.6% (12th)

13. Hamilton 1.3% -- up from 1.1% (13th)

* bracketed numbers represent ranking in 2006,

preceded by GDP growth rate in 2006.

Source: Conference Board of Canada






"At a recent board meeting everyone around the table mentioned they were busy in one way or another," Koslowsky said.
While there have been some casualties, Winnipeg's broad-based manufacturing sector has relied on cyclical upswings in demand for some companies and plucky competitiveness from others to increase shipments this year by three per cent,

"I am just amazed at the resiliency of our members," Koslowsky said.

For instance, Cascades Folding Cartons, a 50-year-old paperboard carton manufacturer has increased employment and sales by about 50 per cent over the last three years.

"We have worked on lean manufacturing processes for almost 10 years now and we've seen a dramatic increase in productivity," said Herb Vielhaber, company general manager.

Mario Lefebvre, director of the Metropolitan Outlook service at the Conference Board of Canada, said Prairie cities such as Winnipeg, Regina and Saskatoon had significant spikes in their ranking this year and at least some of the growth may well be sustainable.

For instance, Winnipeg is expected to have only minimal provincial out-migration this year (compared with a loss of about 6,000 people last year) and Regina and Saskatoon will experience net positive interprovincial migration.

"People are entering rather than leaving," Lefebvre said. "Housing is constrained, producing record-breaking housing starts, which means more people in the shopping malls and better manufacturing results. I'm not prepared to say that it will last forever, but there are strong fundamentals. The migration trends bode very well for the future."

martin.cash@freepress.mb.ca

[1ajs]

Originally Posted by h0twired

All of them? That is a pretty big claim.

I still see over 40 cranes in Calgary and a whole bunch of buildings getting cranes too. Not to mention the thousands of houses currently being built.

I would think that there are still a few trades people here in Calgary.

lol talking indsutrial trades people sorry shoulda been more specific alota the guys are sick of fort mac

[1ajs]

Assiniboine Credit union getting bigger
SEP 14 2007 10:40 PM
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In September of last year members of the Assiniboine, Vantis and Astra Credit unions voted to merge..
And now... the members of the Buffalo Credit Union have voted 90 per cent in favour of joining the Assiniboine group..The Buffalo credit union chair says the members wanted a partner that was financially strong and shared their values and goals..
The merger takes effect January 1st, 2008..
CJOB's Robert Holland reporting

[good_dude]

Winnipeg Going Strong
Ranked third-fastest growing city economy
By PAUL TURENNE, SUN MEDIA

The new Manitoba Hydro building rises over downtown Winnipeg. Only Saskatoon and Calgary outstripped the city in growth. (MARCEL CRETAIN/ SUN MEDIA)

Winnipeg has the third-fastest growing economy among Canada's major cities, according to a report released yesterday by the Conference Board of Canada.

The Ottawa-based, market-oriented think tank forecast real gross domestic product (GDP) growth for 13 of Canada's largest cities for the year 2007, pegging Winnipeg's real GDP growth at 3.7%, its strongest growth since 1998.

Real GDP measures the total value of goods and services produced, adjusted for inflation.

Only Saskatoon, at 4.7%, and Calgary, at 4.4%, were forecast by the Conference Board to have faster growing economies this year.

IMMIGRANTS

"You're getting a very strong overall picture in Winnipeg," said the Conference Board's Mario Lefebvre. "It's not just a rosy year where you can point to one element and say 'it's because of this.' I think the fundamentals are sound."

Lefebvre said Winnipeg's economy has been bolstered by the province's efforts to attract international immigrants, which has led to an increased rate of population growth. Population growth means more demand for housing, furniture, appliances, and other retail goods.

Housing starts and other construction mega-projects like the new airport terminal and the floodway also have huge spinoff effects.

EAST-WEST DISPARITY

Fletcher Baragar, an associate economics professor at the University of Manitoba, said other elements beyond the province's control, like high commodity prices and low interest rates, have also been good for Winnipeg.

Baragar said the city's economy is in pretty good shape, although the effects of a high Canadian dollar on the city's manufacturing sector remain to be seen, as do the effects of the mortgage crunch in the U.S.

The report showed a clear East-West disparity in Canada, with the top seven fastest growing economies all in Western Canada. Lefebvre said that is mainly due to the east's higher reliance of manufacturing, which suffers because of the dollar.

[wags_in_the_peg]

good news of sorts...

Maple Leaf to create 550 new jobs at plant

Maple Leaf Foods unionized employees at its Lagimodiere plant have endorsed a new contract that will give them wage increases and a $40-million investment that will create 550 new jobs.
Robert Ziegler, president of Local 832 United Food and Commercial Workers, said Maple Leaf Foods has agreed to set up a new hamboning operation at the Lagimodiere plant -- an operation it was once considering to move to its Warman Road plant before employees there refused to re-open their contract.

‘Maple Leaf has stated during negotiations that they will be investing close to $40 million into the Lagimodiere plant,’ Ziegler said in a prepared statement this morning. ‘With this investment, Maple Leaf is making a commitment to the province by keeping jobs here.’

The new agreement is a major win for the Maple Leaf Lagimodiere employees. In addition to wage increases that will take affect in January, Maple Leaf will create an additional 550 new jobs with the hamboning operation -- jobs were workers will be paid $1 to $2 more per hour than what the employees are making now. All the current Lagimodiere employees can bid on the higher-paying jobs that will be created.

But the announcement this morning still provides no answers to what will happen to Maple Leaf Food’s state-of-the-art cutting plant at Warman Road. Maple Leaf wanted to set up its hamboning operation there in September 2009 but wanted employees to re-open the contract -- which expires May 2008 -- first. The employees rejected the company’s demand, opting to determine their future through regular bargaining.

‘I’ve talked to the company about its intentions for the Warman facility and they presently are unsure what they will do,’ Ziegler said in a prepared statement released this morning. ‘Bargaining for a new collective agreement is scheduled to begin in early 2008 for the Warman plant. Hopefully by then (Maple Leaf) will know what they want to do there.’
Maple Leaf employees 600 unionized employees at the Warman Road plant, where most workers have a skilled 2 classification, earning almost $17 per hour.

There are 350 unionized employees at the Lagimodiere plant, where most of them are classified as general workers earning $10-$12 per hour.

The new hamboning operation at Lagimodiere will employ most workers at a semi-skilled rate that ranges from $11-$14 per hour.

The old contract at the Lagimodiere plant was set to expire Dec. 31, 2008. Members voted Tuesday night and this morning in support of a contract that now expires in 2011.

[Donovanf]

The South African Company King Pie is Setting up in Winnipeg, perhaps we will become then central meat pie manufactoring centre in North America. I can't wait till their Portage Place location opens.





The Time Has Come
King Pie pies is pioneering the fast food industry in other parts of the world. The time has come to bring this product and the concept of the King Pie franchise to North America, where consumers are demanding healthier, high quality, good food fast.

The Art of Pie Making
The art of pie making, perfected in South Africa, is coming to Canada. The manufacturing facility, located in the heart of the country in, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, will produce and freeze the entire pie product line. They will then be efficiently distributed across the continent.

This new, state of the art manufacturing facility will capitalize on the 14 years of experience of its South African parent to skillfully recreate the special recipe for the puff pastry that envelops every pie produced. The highest quality meats, vegetables, fruits and dairy products are then combined to create pies like:

* Ham & Cheese
* Pepper Steak
* Spinach & Cheese
* Chicken & Mushroom
* Breakfast Pies
* Dessert Pies

Beauty in Simplicity
Each Franchisee benefits from years of experience in optimum kiosk set-up. Equipped with a prep table, walk in freezer, oven and a patented “Chip Machine,” food preparation doesn’t get any easier. The frozen puff pastry pies are baked fresh on demand, prepared salads are served and “Chips” are cooked and served fast, all with minimal human resource requirements.

The beauty of the process is its simplicity, low cost and efficient use of people and space.

[newflyer]

The new issue of the Chamber magazine will be coming out soon..

[Greco Roman]

'Toba draggin' bottomNDP must do something about miserable average yearly job growth
By TOM BRODBECK




Manitoba was tied for dead last among Canadian provinces in job growth over the past five years, according to the province's own statistical agency.

Despite claims by the Doer government and other economic cheerleaders that the province's economy is "booming," Manitoba's average yearly job growth from 2002 to 2006 was 1.14% -- tied with Newfoundland and Labrador at the bottom of the list.

It's a harsh reality for those who claim Manitoba's economy is firing on all cylinders.

And it should be a wake-up call for those who don't think this province needs to make drastic changes in areas like taxation policy, labour laws and regulations to attract more and better-paying jobs here.

If we don't, we'll continue to fall further behind not only economic powerhouses like Alberta and British Columbia, but provinces like Saskatchewan, Quebec and New Brunswick, too.


According to the Manitoba Bureau of Statistics' most recent quarterly economic summary, Canada's average yearly job growth was 1.98% from 2002 to 2006. That's nearly twice the rate of Manitoba's workforce increase.

Manitoba fared reasonably well in 2002 with a 2.3% job growth rate, ranking fourth among the provinces that year.

But it's been all down hill since then. Manitoba fell to ninth spot the following year and placed eighth among the provinces in 2004, according to the MBS.

The province's worst year during that period was in 2003 with a job growth rate of only 0.5%, well below the national average of 2.4% that year.

We're also earning less than in most other provinces, too.

The MBS's same economic summary shows Manitoba continues to have among the lowest average weekly earnings in the country at $677 in 2006. Only P.E.I. at $607 and Nova Scotia at $659 had lower earnings than Manitoba last year.

The national average was $747.

Boosters of the Manitoba economy usually cite glowing, short-term economic forecasts for the province to make their case -- predictions that often end up being wrong.

When you look at the hard data once it's compiled by Statistics Canada -- once the year is over -- the real numbers usually paint a different story.

For example, boosters of Manitoba's economy tell us virtually every year about how Manitoba is poised to outpace the national average in economic growth.

But if you look at Manitoba's gross domestic product -- the standard benchmark used to measure the growth of an economy -- you'll see the province has fallen below the national average four of the past five years.

Which means Manitoba's economy is shrinking compared to the rest of Canada.

It's not good.

Instead of wasting time on useless branding campaigns like Spirited Energy, I'd like to see our provincial government -- in consultation with the business community -- come up with a 10-year economic plan on how to improve our economic fortunes, including targets for things like job growth and earnings.

Stumbling from one year to the next with no road map isn't working.

JOB GROWTH

Average annual job growth 2002-2006:

Province Growth

1 Alberta 2.76%

2 British Columbia 2.72%

3 Ontario 1.86%

4 Quebec 1.82%

5 P.E.I. 1.52%

6 New Brunswick 1.48%

7 Saskatchewan 1.34%

8 Nova Scotia 1.28%

9 Nfld and Labrador 1.14%

10 Manitoba 1.14%

Canada 1.98%

- Data from Manitoba Bureau of Statistics/Quarterly Economic Summary

[newflyer]

That stat is very concerning!!!

This is a sign of an unsustainable economy... because it indicates among other things .. that the economy may not be able to absorb the many workers once the mega-projects are complete.


This is the impact of having a high tax business environment.. where local businesses are penalized for increasing the number of employees employed.. aka: the payroll tax.

If Manitoba wants to build a real sustainable economy it needs to encourage private investment..... and encouage more business activity.

While the city of Winnipeg is doing its part, by eliminating the local business tax, and creating new incentives ... the NDP is dragging it heals. Manitoba needs to gets it act together if its every going to have a strong economy. Its really too bad Manitoba voters choose to ignore economics when voting.

[newflyer]

I have always admired how well Chicago markets itself. He's an example from ChooseChicago (Homepage)... the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau.



http://www.choosechicago.com/

[newflyer]

FYI
... a little comparison .. here is the tourism page of Destination Winnipeg.



http://www.destinationwinnipeg.ca/play_ctc.php

Where the hell is the promotion?? .. this is suppose to promote tourism?? It says nothing..

This needs ALOT of work...

I am sure most could be a much better job with a little effort. Come On!!

[J-MAN]

Originally Posted by newflyer

That stat is very concerning!!!

This is a sign of an unsustainable economy... because it indicates among other things .. that the economy may not be able to absorb the many workers once the mega-projects are complete.


This is the impact of having a high tax business environment.. where local businesses are penalized for increasing the number of employees employed.. aka: the payroll tax.

If Manitoba wants to build a real sustainable economy it needs to encourage private investment..... and encouage more business activity.

While the city of Winnipeg is doing its part, by eliminating the local business tax, and creating new incentives ... the NDP is dragging it heals. Manitoba needs to gets it act together if its every going to have a strong economy. Its really too bad Manitoba voters choose to ignore economics when voting.

basicly your trying to say:

1) get ride of the payroll tax .....



Mantiba draging its heals..... Winnipeg is eliminating the local business tax, and creating new incentives, ect....

[newflyer]

Yes .. eliminate the payroll tax... cut the provincal corporate business tax rates... provide incentives for companies who add high skilled positions .. incentives towards tech and biotech companies who expand operations ... eliminate the capital tax ( tax on bricks and mortar... and equipment investments) Incentives for companies which invest in upgrading there employees through education. Provide incentives for small business startups in certain industries.

This is just a small example of what a progressive government would be doing if they wanted to focus on adding new jobs to the economy.

Alas ... in Manitoba we penalize companies.. instead of encouraging them.

[TSN]

I would throw out the comparisons with BC/Alberta. They are largely resources oriented economies in which their industries require a ton of manpower, hence the high employment growth rates. Manitoba should outperform anybody out east and IMO, the best measuring stick would be Ontario/Quebec since they are diversified economies, much like Manitoba, albeit on a bigger scale.

If you look at payroll/corporate taxes, Manitoba's are quite comparable today to those in Ontario and Quebec, and that's only been fairly recently. They were higher before, which could explain the drag on the economy. I think it'll be interesting to see how Manitoba stacks up against these place over the next few years. According to the Conference Board, the three provinces are projected to be quite comparable.

No doubt, taxes could be 'tweaked' a bit more but taxes are only part of the cost of doing business. If they were the only thing, you'd see everybody stampeding to Alberta, I don't see anybody flocking out of Toronto to come to Calgary anymore. And I don't see companies moving en masse from NYC to Dallas either.

[Andy6]

Originally Posted by newflyer

I have always admired how well Chicago markets itself. He's an example from ChooseChicago (Homepage)... the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau.



http://www.choosechicago.com/

It seems a bit rich for Chicago to congratulate itself on an achievement that isn't achieved yet. Winnipeg's version isn't all that bad, although it could certainly stand to have a positive statement of some sort on the main page. Maybe Winnipeg could congratulate itself for really, really wanting to have an enormous human rights museum, or for forming a committee to look into possibly getting an NHL franchise.

[newflyer]

Originally Posted by Andy6

It seems a bit rich for Chicago to congratulate itself on an achievement that isn't achieved yet. Winnipeg's version isn't all that bad, although it could certainly stand to have a positive statement of some sort on the main page. Maybe Winnipeg could congratulate itself for really, really wanting to have an enormous human rights museum, or for forming a committee to look into possibly getting an NHL franchise.

They beat NYC for the honour of bidding for those Games .. which isn't too shabby.... and it will take a massive effort by the whole city to land the Olympics, even for that mega-metropolis.. so a little bragging doesn't hurt the cause.

As for Winnioeg .. as few positive comments if not bragging comments on there page would definatly help inspire some attention.

[wags_in_the_peg]

doesn't say how many jobs, but good news for the 'Peg!

Cangene consolidating research and development operations at Winnipeg head office

WINNIPEG - Cangene Corp. (TSX:CNJ) says it will consolidate all of its research and development activities at its Winnipeg head office location.
The move, which means consolidating and transferring those operations from Mississauga, Ont., will result in a four per cent reduction in staff and expected operating saving of $1.5 million a year, the company said Tuesday.

The company said other functions at its offices in Mississauga will not be impacted.

"Having a consolidated group will help to strengthen the links between research, product development and manufacturing activities, and increase operational effectiveness," Cangene said in a statement.

It said much of the research and development done in Mississauga was for a contract with the Apotex Group that is now complete.

Cangene, founded in'84, uses patented manufacturing processes to produce plasma-derived and recombinant therapeutic proteins.
It has U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Health Canada-approved products and a fourth that has been approved in Canada only

[drew]

^ I used to work at Cangene in another life... I would imagine that the net job gain for Winnipeg from this "consolidation" will be anywhere from zero to somewhere in the single digits.

[newflyer]

The fall issue of the Winnipeg Chamber Wire Magazine is out...




http://www.winnipeg-chamber.com/PDF/...all%202007.pdf


The is a good article about Downtown revitalization.... another one about growth driven by declining business taxes.

Also a great article about the growth of the biomed industry in the city..