action! online In this issue... • ABEX nomination deadline is close - don’t miss! • SCC Research Project • 2014 Saskatchewan P3 Summit information
Special Midmonth Issue June, 2014
This month, the action! online was so packed with items, we had to add this special mid-month issue to bring them all to you! Photo above: Director of Government Relations Curtis Hemming with the winners of the Product Design Award from the June 5 Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame Dinner in Regina Social Media www.facebook.com/saskchamber www.twitter.com/SaskChamber
Get in Touch Tel: 306.352.2671 Email:
[email protected]
The Economic Impacts Of Rail Access on Saskatchewan Exports
June 2014 2
About The SASKATCHEWAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Research Campaign
The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce is the ‘Voice of Business’ in Saskatchewan. We are responsible for bringing the concerns and ideas of the business community to the attention of decisions makers. We also take pride in supporting the enhancement of business in the province. We are tasked with making Saskatchewan the best place to live, work and invest and that goal is the core driver of everything we do. Recognizing the extremely unique position of Saskatchewan in this decade, the Chamber is leading an unprecedented Research Campaign. By bringing together a partnership of capacity builders, offering both financial and informational expertise, the Research Campaign allows government, stakeholders, and the broader community to focus more directly on building a better Saskatchewan and a more prosper-ous Saskatchewan business community.
Introduction Saskatchewan’s exports have been growing steadily and 2013’s estimated total of $33 billion will be the fifth year in a row of record exports. From agriculture to oil and gas, to manufacturing and mining, most of the core elements of Saskatchewan’s economy depend on the province’s ability to export effectively. Taking this even further the Government of Saskatchewan, through the Saskatchewan Growth Plan, is aiming to double the value of the province’s exports by 2020. Clearly, the ability of Saskatchewan businesses to export their products effectively is heavily dependent on rail transportation. The capacity of rail transportation has been identified as a potential limiting factor for export growth in Saskatchewan. This project will examine the economic impact of untimely/limited rail access, and identify the capacity requirements necessary to achieve the 2020 goal. The project will also examine opportunities to address this barrier to growth.
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This research will include: 1.
An outline the current situation: this will include an overview of rail transportation supply verses demand with a focus on the costs, in addition to routine transportation costs, that occur because of capacity limitations.
2.
An analysis of future demand: research will be conducted, with a primary focus on rail transportation, to determine the requirements necessary to allow for the doubling of Saskatchewan’s export values by 2020.
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Recommended changes: the research will identify strategies, processes and mechanisms that government and businesses can use to address the barrier to export growth created by rail capacity shortages.
Overview As a land-locked province, the ability to effectively transport goods by rail is essential to Saskatchewan. Understanding the scale and scope of the impact rail capacity limits have on the provincial economy and the potential implications they have on the future growth is a key to developing a successful export growth strategy. The purpose of this research project is to identify and quantify the economic impacts of rail service restrictions and, where possible, propose solutions.
Key Questions The research paper will answer a number of key questions, including: 1.
What is the current demand for rail access from Saskatchewan exporters?
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What portion of this demand is being met?
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What are the hard costs for Saskatchewan businesses associated with the unavailability of rail transportation? (e.g. what is the province paying in demerge for ship waiting at port, the penalties for contracts not being executed on time, etc.)
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What sales are lost to other countries because Saskatchewan suppliers cannot guarantee prompt movement/delivery?
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What is the economic impact of the underutilization of assets associated with rail transportation delays? (e.g. unproductive labour costs)
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What is the opportunity cost to the province because companies cannot buy/make more products (space shortage on rail)?
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What will the demand for rail service be if Saskatchewan accomplishes its goal of doubling export values by 2020?
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What can be done to ensure supply/demand balance?
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Methodology The process for creating the research paper will involve: •
Data Collection and Economic Impact Analysis: Data will be collected from a variety of sources to determine the scale of rail transportation limitations as well as the financial impact this capacity issue has on Saskatchewan businesses and the provincial economy as a whole.
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Interviews: Interviews will be conducted with rail line customers, and rail companies to identify requirements and reconsiderations for rail transportations, as well as assist in the development of recommended solutions.
Once the paper is drafted, it will be reviewed and revised in collaboration with stakeholders. One of the leading consultation groups will be the Saskatchewan Chamber’s Expert Committee on Investment and Growth; it will then be brought to broader community experts for review. The findings of the research project could be used to form future Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce policy positions.
Process A request for proposals (RFP) has been created and circulated to select consulting groups. Proposals will be received and reviewed and then a proponent will be selected.
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Timeframe It is estimated that it will take approximately 10 months from the conclusion of the RFP to the final report.
Cost The cost is estimated to be $100,000 and funded by the SCC Research Campaign monies.
SASKATCHEWAN’S PREMIER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND NETWORKING EVENT WHO SHOULD ATTEND? • HR Professionals & Consultants • Business Owners, Employers & Managers • HR Educators & Students • Service & Product Suppliers
October 7-8, 2014 • Regina, SK Register at www.sahrp.ca
WHY ATTEND? • Valuable learning and professional development opportunities • Earn CHRP Recertification Points (13 points) • Opportunity to see new products and services at the exhibition & trade show • Opportunity to network with like minded professionals
Keynote speakers include:
Gabrielle Scrimshaw
8 ANNUAL SAHRP CONFERENCE th
David Mead
Jeff Havens
SASKATCHEWAN
P3SUMMIT 2014
Last year, over 380 provincial, national and community leaders attended the Saskatchewan P3 Summit to get information on this innovative and fast-growing project model.
The 2014 summit will feature sessions on: · Measuring money for value in P3 projects
· Money for infrastructure – new programs
· How smaller municipal P3 projects work
· Legal issues and contract information
· Bundling: why, how and when this works
· Saskatchewan P3 project updates
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Plus many more sessions
September 9th Delta Regina Hotel
Plan to attend this year! Tickets are $250 + GST Register at http://tinyurl.com/P3Summit2014
Plus
Excellent networking and information sharing opportunities.
The deadline to submit nominations for ABEX Awards has been extended to July 10, 2014. Nominate a business of excellence today, for an ABEX Award in one of the following categories: • • • • •
Service Innovation Growth & Expansion New Venture Environment
• • • • •
Community Involvement Marketing Export Young Entrepreneur of the Year Community Cornerstone
To nominate a business or an individual, download the forms at www.saskchamber.com, or contact Elissa LaLiberte, Director of Memberhsip Engagement at 306.352.2671, or by email at
[email protected].
Saturday, November 1, 2014 Delta Hotel, Regina Plan to join us for an evening of mystery and glamour with Saskatchewan’s brightest and best, including fine dining, entertainment and more. Be there as we unveil the winners in 10 categories, and celebrate entrepreneurs from this province.
Formal and masquerade attire encouraged! For more information, call 306.352.2671 www.saskchamber.com
ABEX 2014
action! online is a monthly membership e-publication of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.
CHAMBER STAFF Steve McLellan CEO
[email protected] Marilyn Leier Administrative Assistant
[email protected] Kristin McKee Director of Policy Development
[email protected] Curtis Hemming Director of Government Relations
[email protected]
Jesse Chatterson Director of Member Services
[email protected] Elissa LaLiberte Director of Membership Services
[email protected] Cindy Wright Director of Special Events
[email protected] Dawn M. Barker Director of Communications
[email protected] Todd Blyth Policy & Research Analyst
[email protected]
CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair - Bruce Anderson (b-creative group) 1st Vice-Chair - Randy Beattie (PFM Capital Inc.) nd 2 Vice-Chair - Shawna Nelson (Sheraton Cavalier Saskatoon) Immediate Past-Chair - Marion Ghiglione (Handy Group of Companies) Directors Cam Cooper (Praxis Analytics) Andrew Geary (Deloitte LLP) Trina Warren (MNP LLP) Greg Hanwell (Beer Bros. Gastropub & Deli) Patricia Warsaba (McKercher LLP) Ricardo Silva (Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems Canada) Sean Young (Young’s Equipment) Monica Kreuger (Global Infobrokers Inc.) Michael Cossar (Saskatoon)
1630 - 1920 Broad Street Regina, SK S4P 3V2 www.saskchamber.com Get in Touch Tel: 306.352.2671 Email:
[email protected]
