Regarding the recent $10million loan to Loewens Windows...
Kudos to Loewen for wanting to provide employment.
Shame on the powers that be for supplying our taxpayer money to finance this. My reasons are as follows...
Sure it's a repayable loan, but isn't that what banks are for? If the province steps in as a lender, are they going to follow the US banking model of just shovelling out the cash because it is for the overall good? and if in need of more money, just raise taxes? If the business has strong merits, bank financing should not be a problem. The Industrial Opportunities Program's guideline is $300K to $5 Million, but could be higher as per their website. Repayment terms are 60 months. So... they gave out $10 million? Hmm... has the payback been stretched out as well?
Loewen laid off 170 people last year .... why? because of the poor US economy and the housing slump. Now they want to double production and streamline operations. Where is their market and who are they going to sell to? Has anyone read the news about the Canadian housing market barely hanging on? Sure this deal is great for Loewen, but what about all the other window and door manufacturers who employ THOUSANDS of people in the province? Duraco, Paramount, Accurate are just a few of the big names that could be adversely affected. Will they be able to go to the public trough for help because precedent has been set? Certainly a good case for approval is set up for their benefit.
An apparent advantage for Loewen to meet lending criteria is they have to provide employment. Easy enough... just hire back the people they laid off - but does it really help the average person, or does it mostly benefit the owners?
You only have to look south of our border to see what happens with loosey goosey money management. The Automakers all seek bailout to the tune of billions of dollars. Reality is, and it has been mentioned by top financial analysts, the North American Auto sector does not have a sustainable business model. So, yet again, hail the taxpayer to come to their rescue.
We hear about our Canadian manufacturing sector being hit hard over the last year because of the rising Canadian dollar, relative to US exports. Has anyone even asked the question or researched the internal problem? My opinion is - if your only margin of profit and sustainability is the currency exchange, then do you really have a sustainable business model?
I recall the Palliser/Defehr equity swap with loans/buyouts supplied with our taxpayer money. Not sure of all the details - or who REALLY benefited out of this deal - but was this a good deal overall? Again I bring up the point that the currency exchange has had a devastating effect on the furniture export business across Canada - so do they really have a sustainable business model?
Pity the factory workers that have been laid off at these local furniture manufacturers over the last year or so. Maybe the solution is to go to the public trough, access taxpayer money to expand, and hire back all those laid off employees so they are compliant with loan provisions. Their new streamlined business will increase production, be more competitive in the marketplace and increase their sales. (Pity the other manufacturers)
Novel idea isn't it?? First application in gets the most, last one in gets denied and goes bankrupt!
Am I the only one concerned about this?
Friday, January 9, 2009
Selling Winnipeg Business to the World
I recently read over the 3-year strategic rollout from the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce called "Selling Winnipeg To The World." A must read for anyone interested and concerned with the direction of Winnipeg commerce as we begin 2009.
The WCC, one of North America's most respected chambers, are taking full accountability for the success of this program, providing measurable steps as they look to place Winnipeg as an international target to global companies looking to relocate or add to their empires.
Phase 1 of the plan is one which I highly respect as the right approach. They will be calling upon the key players in Winnipeg's business community to provide input on the sectors they represent for the following information:
- identify "leads" of businesses outside of Manitoba looking to open, expand or re-locate
- identify local resident businesses that may be vulnerable in their ability to make a long term commitment to Winnipeg
- help to repatriate any of their operations outside of Winnipeg and/or to attract some of their key suppliers or customers to relocate here
- provide advice regarding which sectors/segments best fit Winnipeg's economic conditions and climate
Once these leads are identified, the WCC will recruit a sales force of Winnipeg's best to go and close the deal.
I'm also encouraged in seeing that the WCC are calling upon not only private-sector business leaders, but also key associations and Destination Winnipeg to aid in their efforts.
How do you feel about the approach? Who is spear-heading these efforts within the WCC? What are the next phases? If these are questions you find yourself asking, I encourage you to link through to the rollout and read more.
The WCC, one of North America's most respected chambers, are taking full accountability for the success of this program, providing measurable steps as they look to place Winnipeg as an international target to global companies looking to relocate or add to their empires.
Phase 1 of the plan is one which I highly respect as the right approach. They will be calling upon the key players in Winnipeg's business community to provide input on the sectors they represent for the following information:
- identify "leads" of businesses outside of Manitoba looking to open, expand or re-locate
- identify local resident businesses that may be vulnerable in their ability to make a long term commitment to Winnipeg
- help to repatriate any of their operations outside of Winnipeg and/or to attract some of their key suppliers or customers to relocate here
- provide advice regarding which sectors/segments best fit Winnipeg's economic conditions and climate
Once these leads are identified, the WCC will recruit a sales force of Winnipeg's best to go and close the deal.
I'm also encouraged in seeing that the WCC are calling upon not only private-sector business leaders, but also key associations and Destination Winnipeg to aid in their efforts.
How do you feel about the approach? Who is spear-heading these efforts within the WCC? What are the next phases? If these are questions you find yourself asking, I encourage you to link through to the rollout and read more.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Winnipeg - Trees are Good
I recently read about the vandalism or "mischief" involving a gang of youth in Osborne spray painting residential trees. I'm not about to go on about the injustice to the homeowner who now has a gang logo or drawing of various body parts on his front lawn foliage. It's an awful crime - no questions asked - it's also the result of young kids with nothing better to do, and who have yet to develop the level of respect for nature you gain with age.
My house, for example, is actually built around a giant oak tree, which both my wife and I together can barely get our arms around. The tree owns the land as far as I'm concerned, and we're simply sharing the space. I'm a responsible adult, who takes great care in my yard, enjoying the countless hours on my patio enjoying drinks or playing guitar while watching the many creatures that inhabit the great oak. I am thankful for all the trees and cedars that surround my home, and I respect that the 5 years I've been in my home is a only a fraction of the time it took for the great oak to grow to what it is today.
Now... going back to my point earlier that the vandals are mere kids is important. Why? Because they really don't understand the consequence of their actions, or those that did were victims of teen peer pressure. What I can't understand, and who I think the true criminals are, are homeowners such as my new neighbour.
She moved in only a year ago, and did a number of beautiful renovations to the exterior of the house and yard. Then one day I see a crew of tree removers working in her yard to remove a giant fir that truly brought out the character in her plot of land. I proceeded to go next door to ask the reason for removing the tree, assuming it was diseased and a threat to her house. Nope... she just felt the yard would look better without the tree.
How can anyone feel that entitled to just cut down a tree that has been a part of the community for so many years, just for looks? Does she plan on living there for the next 60 years? - likely the life of the tree. To me, this is the true crime. I am never more proud of Winnipeg then when I fly over for business or pleasure and see the vast urban forest that makes up our city. There are countless benefits to having so many trees, and then idiots like my neighbour just cut them down because it MIGHT make their yard look better.
Trees are good Winnipeg. I hope that anyone reading this blog will take an extra moment to really consider the impact they'll have on their yard and community if considering removing a healthy tree from their yard. I'm not a tree hugger, I'm a tree lover. Oh, and if by some small chance my neighbour is reading this, or you think you're my neighbour because the story matches your actions, let me close by saying "killer!"
My house, for example, is actually built around a giant oak tree, which both my wife and I together can barely get our arms around. The tree owns the land as far as I'm concerned, and we're simply sharing the space. I'm a responsible adult, who takes great care in my yard, enjoying the countless hours on my patio enjoying drinks or playing guitar while watching the many creatures that inhabit the great oak. I am thankful for all the trees and cedars that surround my home, and I respect that the 5 years I've been in my home is a only a fraction of the time it took for the great oak to grow to what it is today.
Now... going back to my point earlier that the vandals are mere kids is important. Why? Because they really don't understand the consequence of their actions, or those that did were victims of teen peer pressure. What I can't understand, and who I think the true criminals are, are homeowners such as my new neighbour.
She moved in only a year ago, and did a number of beautiful renovations to the exterior of the house and yard. Then one day I see a crew of tree removers working in her yard to remove a giant fir that truly brought out the character in her plot of land. I proceeded to go next door to ask the reason for removing the tree, assuming it was diseased and a threat to her house. Nope... she just felt the yard would look better without the tree.
How can anyone feel that entitled to just cut down a tree that has been a part of the community for so many years, just for looks? Does she plan on living there for the next 60 years? - likely the life of the tree. To me, this is the true crime. I am never more proud of Winnipeg then when I fly over for business or pleasure and see the vast urban forest that makes up our city. There are countless benefits to having so many trees, and then idiots like my neighbour just cut them down because it MIGHT make their yard look better.
Trees are good Winnipeg. I hope that anyone reading this blog will take an extra moment to really consider the impact they'll have on their yard and community if considering removing a healthy tree from their yard. I'm not a tree hugger, I'm a tree lover. Oh, and if by some small chance my neighbour is reading this, or you think you're my neighbour because the story matches your actions, let me close by saying "killer!"
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Recession is make believe in Winnipeg
With little surprise, the streets were lined with eager bargain hunters throughout the Boxing Day bonanza. People lovingly escaped their homes in droves to support the many deals being offered by Winnipeg's favorite big box chains and boutiques. But wait... isn't there a recession? Aren't we all out of money?
Of course we're not out of money silly... they'll just print more. Few are immune to the sickness that is consumption, whether we have the means or not. Credit is a driving force for many of us, being the main reason we get out of bed in the morning. Because I owe, I must go and earn to pay for that which I need; such as the $1 singing X-mas tree, regular $28, that some bozo in Winnipeg faught over at XS Cargo. Phew... we can sleep easier knowing this prized retail gem is now in such caring hands. But really, do you realize that for many people debt is the one thing in their life that they can rely. Knowing that everyday that are enslaved to pay back what can never be paid back. Knowing that you never can results in further spending as we can all rely on the one ultimate insurance for paying down credit... death. A great book about the sick relationship we all have with debt is Margaret Atwood's "Payback." A great read considering today's economic realities and the behaviours of today's consumer.
Do we even believe in recesssion anymore? Can anyone born after 1980 in North America really believe that one day there would be no food in the grocery store or new tune to download onto their Ipod? How can we? Anytime the economy heads into a dire situation, the U.S. government just prints more money. Money is debt people because once its created and borrowed you owe interest. The imaginary cost to borrowing something that doesn't really exist. Yes... as identified in a favorite movie of mine Zeitgeist: the Addendum (you'll have to Google it people as the link hyperlink wouldn't work) 97% of the money supply is virtual, only 3% is in its physical form.
So, we can all rest easy knowing that the sky isn't falling. Spend people, add some room on your credit card, take that trip you've been dreaming about. As the saying goes "you can't take it with you" and you know - when it boils down to it - you really don't care about the generations to come... "you got yours baby and I got mine."
Of course we're not out of money silly... they'll just print more. Few are immune to the sickness that is consumption, whether we have the means or not. Credit is a driving force for many of us, being the main reason we get out of bed in the morning. Because I owe, I must go and earn to pay for that which I need; such as the $1 singing X-mas tree, regular $28, that some bozo in Winnipeg faught over at XS Cargo. Phew... we can sleep easier knowing this prized retail gem is now in such caring hands. But really, do you realize that for many people debt is the one thing in their life that they can rely. Knowing that everyday that are enslaved to pay back what can never be paid back. Knowing that you never can results in further spending as we can all rely on the one ultimate insurance for paying down credit... death. A great book about the sick relationship we all have with debt is Margaret Atwood's "Payback." A great read considering today's economic realities and the behaviours of today's consumer.
Do we even believe in recesssion anymore? Can anyone born after 1980 in North America really believe that one day there would be no food in the grocery store or new tune to download onto their Ipod? How can we? Anytime the economy heads into a dire situation, the U.S. government just prints more money. Money is debt people because once its created and borrowed you owe interest. The imaginary cost to borrowing something that doesn't really exist. Yes... as identified in a favorite movie of mine Zeitgeist: the Addendum (you'll have to Google it people as the link hyperlink wouldn't work) 97% of the money supply is virtual, only 3% is in its physical form.
So, we can all rest easy knowing that the sky isn't falling. Spend people, add some room on your credit card, take that trip you've been dreaming about. As the saying goes "you can't take it with you" and you know - when it boils down to it - you really don't care about the generations to come... "you got yours baby and I got mine."
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Winnipeg open for business... again
I recently read the article titled "Manitoba's Inland Port is open for business." The article discussed the appointment of the Board of Directors for CentrePort Canada - leaders in Manitoba representing transportation, construction, manufacturing and marketing . I then went on to Google each of the board members to learn more about their background and experience. (I would have simply went to the website for CentrePort Canada, but there isn't one) I was especially interested in the board's marketing expertise, based mainly on the article's title.
It seems Winnipeg has been open for business for sometime. This was the catch phrase used by Sam Katz when first elected as Mayor back in 2004, and can be found in a number of articles that used the slogan to promote Winnipeg to the world, including some by CentrePort Canada board member Bob Silver of Destination Winnipeg. These articles discuss all the beautiful amenities our city has to offer, along with the economical benefits such as cheap hydro. The message remains consistent with recent press on the city, but is anyone hearing it?
My concern is that if we've been open for business for this long, why is it that we still struggle so much to raise our profile as a city both nationally and internationally? Is is that we have little to offer or is it that only a few are getting the message?
With all the positive additions coming to the city between the Canadian Museum of Human Rights, the Inland Port and a potential new stadium to name a few, my hope is that the business leaders responsible for delivering this message will catch up to the new media available for delivery. We've seen a glimpse of this recently by Destination Winnipeg and their "Incredibly Cool" website, and the "Manitoba's Coolest Companies" online campaign on the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce website. The effectiveness of these campaigns is yet to be determined, but its refreshing to see the evolution.
My question: Is there anyone in Winnipeg with the expertise in new media to guide the good intentions of our business leaders as they battle to put Winnipeg on the international map? If so, we're open for business.
It seems Winnipeg has been open for business for sometime. This was the catch phrase used by Sam Katz when first elected as Mayor back in 2004, and can be found in a number of articles that used the slogan to promote Winnipeg to the world, including some by CentrePort Canada board member Bob Silver of Destination Winnipeg. These articles discuss all the beautiful amenities our city has to offer, along with the economical benefits such as cheap hydro. The message remains consistent with recent press on the city, but is anyone hearing it?
My concern is that if we've been open for business for this long, why is it that we still struggle so much to raise our profile as a city both nationally and internationally? Is is that we have little to offer or is it that only a few are getting the message?
With all the positive additions coming to the city between the Canadian Museum of Human Rights, the Inland Port and a potential new stadium to name a few, my hope is that the business leaders responsible for delivering this message will catch up to the new media available for delivery. We've seen a glimpse of this recently by Destination Winnipeg and their "Incredibly Cool" website, and the "Manitoba's Coolest Companies" online campaign on the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce website. The effectiveness of these campaigns is yet to be determined, but its refreshing to see the evolution.
My question: Is there anyone in Winnipeg with the expertise in new media to guide the good intentions of our business leaders as they battle to put Winnipeg on the international map? If so, we're open for business.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Winnipeg Company helps Obama's Campaign for the Presidency
Well the company has been giving no comments for some time even though it has been well documented on the web by many webmasters that indeed Barack Obama had help and advise for his online campaign.
We came across the snippet on the official Obama HQ Blog which has now been removed.
Barack Obama and Joe Biden: The Change We Need Barack Obama Blog
Over the last few weeks, hundreds of thousands of supporters have shared their thoughts and experiences with us, on both the campaign itself and the work that still lies ahead.
Through our online survey, through email, through the My.BarackObama community blogs and in the comments here on the HQ blog, you've shared your stories, your insights and your hopes for the future.
I would like to give thanks to Jerry Booth and his company Fresh Traffic for showing us the way forward online, their expertize has been invaluable in this campaign.
If this is true the company they are referring to are right here in Winnipeg, a press release went out in May 2008 when Jerry Booth came here.
If the rumours are right, he got the gig becuase he has Oprah Winfrey as a client and she is a friend and supporter of Obama, if true how cool is that for Winnipeg?
We came across the snippet on the official Obama HQ Blog which has now been removed.
Barack Obama and Joe Biden: The Change We Need Barack Obama Blog
Over the last few weeks, hundreds of thousands of supporters have shared their thoughts and experiences with us, on both the campaign itself and the work that still lies ahead.
Through our online survey, through email, through the My.BarackObama community blogs and in the comments here on the HQ blog, you've shared your stories, your insights and your hopes for the future.
I would like to give thanks to Jerry Booth and his company Fresh Traffic for showing us the way forward online, their expertize has been invaluable in this campaign.
If this is true the company they are referring to are right here in Winnipeg, a press release went out in May 2008 when Jerry Booth came here.
If the rumours are right, he got the gig becuase he has Oprah Winfrey as a client and she is a friend and supporter of Obama, if true how cool is that for Winnipeg?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)