VENTURES

Message from the
President & CEO
T
here is no avoiding the challenges
experienced in some of our member
sectors in the past year. However, in spite
of the significant decrease in the value of
our oil exports, the end results demonstrated
the strength, resiliency and diversity
of our provincial economy. This edition
of Global Ventures provides a snapshot
of our resourceful oil and gas sector.
During our annual “Let’s Talk Exports”
luncheon Peter Hall, Vice President and
Chief Economist, Export Development
Canada, expressed export optimism in
the energy and fertilizer sectors with a
stronger bounce back forecasted in 2017
– thanks in part to a partial recovery in
the energy sectors as well as strong performance
in the agri-food sector. The continued
demand from emerging world markets
bodes well for STEP members who
have a proven capacity to produce goods
and services that the world needs.
To this end, we continue to support
Canada’s Farm Progress Show which takes
place this month in Regina. STEP members
are considered world leaders in precision
dryland farming technology, and
this event provides the perfect venue for
this sector to showcase their capabilities.
We look forward to welcoming a number
of international buyers and guests to Saskatchewan
during the show as we take
this opportunity to connect buyers and
sellers.
During the first quarter of our 20 th Anniversary
year, STEP staff have been contacting
Regular Members to discuss the new
Premium Service offering that is available
at an additional fee to a current membership
investment. Uptake has been very
positive, and members are supportive of
the new and expanded export services designed
to assist them in their international
marketing efforts.
As the year ahead unfolds, we will continue
to be member-responsive and deliver
both current and enhanced programs to
our valued members.
Chris Dekker, President & CEO, STEP
BOARD of Directors
BOARD CHAIR
Tim Wiens
President, O & T Farms, Regina
BOARD VICE-CHAIR
Anthony Kulbacki
Chief Operating Officer, Scoular Canada Ltd.,
Saskatoon
Chair of the Audit & Finance Committee
Thomas G. (Casey) Davis
CEO, Morris Industries Ltd., Saskatoon
Chair of the Human Resources
& Compensation Committee
Kevin Dow
Chief Operating Officer,
Norseman Structures Inc., Saskatoon
Vision
Prosperity through trade.
Chair of the Governance
& Nominations Committee
Ryan Lejbak, CEO, zu, Saskatoon
BOARD MEMBERS
Kent Anderson
Senior Vice President of Operations,
Norseman Structures Inc., Saskatoon
Danea Armstrong
President, NORAC Systems International, Saskatoon
Craig Bailey
CEO, Transport Services &
Logistics Canada Ltd., Saskatoon
Ron Brown
Partner, MNP LLP, Saskatoon
www.sasktrade.sk.ca
Rhonda Ekstrom
Vice President, Business Development,
Global Transportation Hub, Regina
Sandra Purdy
President, Prairie Berries Inc., Keeler
GOVERNMENT OF SASKATCHEWAN
APPOINTMENTS
Alanna Koch, Deputy Minister,
Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, Regina
Doug Moen, Deputy Minister to the Premier, Executive
Council and Office of the Premier, Regina
Laurie Pushor, Deputy Minister,
Saskatchewan Ministry Trade of Conference Economy, 2012 Regina
Save The Date
September 25 - 26, 2012
Radisson Hotel, Saskatoon
The STEP Trade Conference will bring together some of the most successful
leaders in global business to exchange ideas and network with like minded
enterprises. The STEP Trade Conference will provide conference delegates
with focused, relevant information pertaining to the trends and obstacles confronting
Saskatchewan exporters during this exciting time of growth.
For upcoming conference developments visit:
www.sasktrade.sk.ca