This issue features Canadian and World Champion curling skip, Rachel Homan in the spotlight, along with conversations with entrepreneurs about living and building amazing brands in rural Nova Scotia. Plus, we kick off our 2024 Craft Brewing & Distilling Series.
VOL 24 ISSUE 1
RACHEL HOMAN MASTERING THE ICE & BALANCING LIFE
SMITHS COVE COTTAGES AFFORDABLE COMMUNITY-MINDED LODGING & CAMPING SISSIBOO COFFEE ROASTING & ROOTED IN RURAL LIVING THE RIVERPORT INN B&B THE REBIRTH OF ELEGANCE
ALL THINGS CRAFT OUR 2024 CRAFT BREWING & DISTILLING SERIES KICK-OFF
BRAS D’OR LAKES INN CAPE BRETON’S BEST KEPT SECRET!
An AIDACA MEDIA Publication
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Editor’s Spotlight
MANAGING DIRECTOR Rod Gregg EDITOR Lee Ann Atwater ACCOUNTS & ADMIN Calli Gregg COMMUNICATION, RESEARCH & ADMIN Tristyn Gaudette Jill McGuire EDITORIAL & PROJECT MANAGER Ashley Davis Kate Lindsay CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jody Euloth
As we hurry hard into 2024, we sit down with Canadian and World Champion curling skip, Rachel Homan, at her home in Alberta, between breakfast with the kids and heading out to train for the upcoming Canadian national women’s curling championship. Rachel shares about her ability to balance life and the many challenges of being a professional curler throws at her, her family, and her teammates. Rachel’s passion and understanding of the game have led her to be one of the most dominant skips and teams in international curling for more than a decade and her ability to balance life has made her an amazing mom. We connect with Bras d’Or Lakes Inn’s General Manager, Wendy Abbott, and chat about the transformation of this iconic Nova Scotia cedar log inn. Covering topics such as its onsite restaurant that offers fantastic fresh and local cuisine, plus the property that has a spectacular view of the world- famous in-land sea, historic swing bridge, and man-made canal that connects it with the Atlantic Ocean. We are confident that you’ll be planning your next visit before you finish your first! Jon and Erin Welch left the province of British Columbia to seek a new beginning in Nova Scotia. As aspiring entrepreneurs, they took a chance by bringing something new to a rural area. But while Jon and Erin invested in their business, the communities of Annapolis Royal and Bear River invested in them. With local support, Sissiboo Coffee Roaster grew beyond their expectations and continues to expand, producing high-quality, fair trade, and organic products. Agnes and Ray Direnzo have never shied away from adventure. Whether traveling in the great outdoors or picking up their lives and heading east to start a business in rural Nova Scotia, they are ready to take on any challenges along the way. Agnes explains how Smiths Cove Cottages came to be and how the couple continues to expand their brand by offering affordable family summer vacations in Nova Scotia’s beautiful Annapolis Valley. Leanne and Ben Brooks share their journey of returning to rural Nova Scotia to transform the historic Myrtle Hotel into a modern haven known as the Riverport Inn B&B. An adults-only accommodation that includes a dining room, salon, sitting room, and the guest-only private Myrtle Bar, all echoing the Inn’s original speakeasy vibe and history, providing an easy, comfortable, and memorable stay for discerning guests. Our 2024 Craft Brewing and Distilling Series kicks off in the mountains with Alberta Beer Festival’s recent Jasper Beer & Spirits Festival and the upcoming Edmonton Craft Beer Festival along with Triangle Events’ BOTTLED Truro Wine & Spirits Festival. This six-part series will provide a platform for craft breweries, cideries, distilleries, meaderies, and others in these industries to share their journeys with craft enthusiasts who cannot make it to these amazing events and experience them live. As always, my team and I want to thank everyone who made this issue possible, and we look forward to sharing more stories about growing industries, successful businesses, and brands, while spotlighting the people behind and in front of making it all happen. Lee Ann Atwater Editor
Shannon Ferguson Gabrielle Gamblin Taylor Evans Hendrix Deborah Jaremko Shawn Logan Ashley MacInnis Kris McCarthy Ryan Myson Teresa Siqueira Amanda Stellisano
WEB DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT Joe Uttaro GRAPHIC & LAYOUT DESIGN
Misha Mahmood Brittany Pickrem SOCIAL MEDIA Troy Gregg PUBLISHER AIDACA Media
SPOTLIGHT MAGAZINE ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • VOL 24 ISSUE 1 3 P.O. Box 35007, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3M 0G3 E: info@spotlightbizmag.com spotlightonbusinessmagazine.com
What’s in the RACHEL HOMAN MASTERING THE ICE & BALANCING LIFE ON THE COVER & IN THE SPOTLIGHT
We were very fortunate to recently sit down and chat with Canadian and World Champion Curling skip, Rachel Homan, at her home in Alberta. Between breakfast with the kids and heading out to train for the upcoming Canadian national women’s curling championship, the Scotties Tournament of Hearts. Rachel shares about her ability to balance life and the many challenges being a professional curler throws at her, her family, and her teammates. It does not take long, when speaking with Rachel, to understand her passion for the game and why she has been one of the most dominant skips in international curling for more than a decade.
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ALL THINGS CRAFT
BRAS D’OR LAKES INN CAPE BRETON’S BEST KEPT SECRET!
OUR 2024 CRAFT BREWING & DISTILLING SERIES KICK-OFF
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We connect with Bras d’Or Lakes Inn’s General Manager, Wendy Abbott, and chat about the transformation of this iconic Nova Scotia cedar log inn. Such as the onsite restaurant that offers fantastic fresh and local cuisine, to this amazing property that offers a spectacular view of the world-famous in-land sea, historic swing bridge, and man-made canal that connects it with the Atlantic Ocean. We are confident that you’ll be planning your visit before you finish the article.
4 SPOTLIGHT MAGAZINE ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • VOL 24 ISSUE 1 Our Craft Brewing and Distilling Series will spotlight independent craft brewers, cideries, distillers, and meaderies, along with industry events and partners as we share their journey and products with the festivalgoers and craft enthusiasts unable to attend these amazing events and experience them live. Our first of six segments of this series kicks off with Alberta Beer Festival’s recent Jasper Beer & Spirits Festival and the upcoming Edmonton Craft Beer Festival and Triangle Events’ BOTTLED Truro Wine & Spirits Festival.
Spotlight
THE RIVERPORT INN B&B THE REBIRTH OF ELEGANCE
03 EDITOR’S SPOTLIGHT 04 WHAT’S IN THE SPOTLIGHT 08 HEADLINES IN THE SPOTLIGHT 10 UPCOMING EVENTS 24 ENERGY YEAR IN REVIEW 2023 The World Doubles Down on Energy Security and Reliability
Agnes and Ray Direnzo have never shied away from adventure. Whether it’s traveling in the great outdoors or picking up their lives and starting a business in rural Nova Scotia, they are ready to take on adventure and any challenges along the way. Agnes and Ray explain how Smiths Cove Cottages came to be and how the couple continues to expand their brand by offering guests affordable family summer vacations in Nova Scotia’s beautiful Annapolis Valley. SMITHS COVE COTTAGES AFFORDABLE COMMUNITY- MINDED LODGING & CAMPING Jon and Erin Welch left the province of British Columbia to seek a new beginning in Nova Scotia. As aspiring entrepreneurs, they took a chance by bringing something new to a rural area. But while Jon and Erin invested in their business, the communities of Annapolis Royal and Bear River invested in them. With local support, Sissiboo Coffee Roaster grew beyond their expectations. As the company continues to expand, Jon and Erin maintain their values of producing high-quality, fair trade, and organic products. SISSIBOO COFFEE ROASTING & ROOTED IN RURAL LIVING Leanne and Ben Brooks share their journey returning to rural Nova Scotia to transform the Historic Myrtle Hotel into a modern haven known as the Riverport Inn B&B. An adults-only accommodation that includes a dining room, salon, sitting room, and the guest-only private Myrtle Bar, all echoing the Inn’s original speakeasy vibe and history, providing an easy, comfortable, and memorable stay for discerning guests.
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46 ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
5 Ways Canada’s Oil & Gas Industry Improved Environmental Performance In 2023
58 TMI
Avoiding Solution Overloading Your Customer
86 HOME INSURANCE FOR
THE ESPORTS ENTHUSIAST How to Protect Gaming Rooms & Equipment
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94 MAKING A CONNECTION 100 LIFE IS WHAT IT IS 106 SETTING GOALS 114 SAFEGUARDING YOUR HOME DAYCARE The Art of the Warm Introduction So, live & enjoy it! New Year, Same Resolutions? What Experts Have to Say
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HEADLINES
MAIN STREET OPTIMISTIC EVEN AS INFLATION PERSISTS According to a recent poll, small business owners are more optimistic to start the year, even as they face persistent inflation and lending concerns. Seventy-five percent of small business owners are optimistic about their financial trajectory in 2024, up from 68% a year earlier, according to a survey by Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Voices, a policy advocate for small business owners. Meanwhile, 28% of respondents rated the economy as good or excellent, up 9% from a quarter ago. More than half of small business owners surveyed said they expect to create jobs this year, and 62% reported they anticipate profits will increase. The survey adds to a recent string of data showing consumers and businesses have started to grow more confident about the economy after a stretch where inflation was stubborn and borrowing became tougher.
TOM BRADY’S TB12 & NOBULL ARE NOW ONE TEAM Seven-time Super Bowl Champion Tom Brady is merging his health and nutrition company, TB12, and his apparel company, Brady, with training brand Nobull. Brady was previously an Under Armour-endorsed athlete, with an apparel and footwear deal with the company. That deal has since ended. As part of the deal, Brady will become the No. 2 shareholder in Nobull, behind BodyArmor founder Mike Repole who bought the company last year. Terms of the deal were not provided, but the deal will include footwear, apparel, and nutrition products previously housed under the TB12 and Brady brands. Nobull was founded in 2015 by former Reebok executives Marcus Wilson and Michael Schaeffer. The Boston-based company employs about 100 people across the U.S., U.K., and China, and sells its sneakers and apparel primarily online. Under the merger, the company will continue to operate under the brand name Nobull and aims to become a complete wellness company.
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
AI LOBBYING SPIKES AS CALLS FOR REGULATION SURGE Recent data shows that artificial intelligence- related lobbying reached new heights in 2023, with more than 450 organizations participating. It marks a 185% increase from the year before when just 158 organizations did so. The spike in AI lobbying comes amid growing calls for AI regulation and the Biden administration’s push to begin codifying those rules. Companies that began lobbying in 2023 to have a say in how regulation might affect their businesses. The hundreds of organizations that lobbied on AI in 2023 ran the gamut from Big Tech and AI startups to pharmaceuticals, insurance, finance, academia, telecommunications and more. Until 2017, the number of organizations that reported AI lobbying stayed in the single digits, but the practice has grown slowly but surely in the years since, exploding in 2023 with more than 330 organizations that lobbied on AI last year had not done the same in 2022.
WEARABLE FITNESS TECHNOLOGY IS NO LONGER A TREND! Wearable fitness tech, including smartwatches, fitness trackers, and heart rate monitors, to remain one of the top fitness trends in 2024, according to a survey from the American College of Sports Medicine. Based on the results of a survey carried out by the sports medicine and exercise science organization the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), wearable technology holds the number one position among the fitness trends that will dominate 2024. The survey gathered the input of some 2,000 clinicians, researchers, and practitioners within the fitness industry to determine the trends that will have the most impact in the new year. Having been carried out by the ACSM yearly since 2006, the survey has found wearable fitness tech, including devices such as smartwatches, fitness trackers, and heart rate monitors, to be among the top three trends since 2016.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
The Canadian Fintech Summit is a platform to connect with speakers, industry experts, and influential startups to provide new opportunities. Learn from experts in growth who have been there and done it. With growth, we can re-energize our ecosystem and importantly take advantage of an extraordinary change in consumer and business behavior. Powerful founders, CEOs, and industry leaders take the stage to share relevant experience, knowledge, and facts. These engaging speakers provide critical insights into the current challenges and expose extraordinary opportunities. For more information on this event go to https://fintechsummit.ca/ CANADIAN FINTECH SUMMIT 2024 April 9th & 10th, 2024 MaRS Discovery District | Toronto, ON Canada
The Toronto Food and Drink Fest offers an amazing experience with delicious food, drinks, culinary demonstrations, shopping, music, and more. Discover the finest offerings from local chefs, restaurants, winemakers, spirits, beer, and cider companies, as well as get all the latest food & drink trends. So, grab your friends and prepare your tastebuds for three epic days of tastings, classes, pairings, and music. TORONTO FOOD AND DRINK FEST 2024 April 5th to 7th, 2024 Metro Toronto Convention Centre | Toronto, ON Canada
CONSTRUCTION EXPO 2024 April 6th & 7th, 2024 Cloverdale Agriplex Building | Surrey, BC Canada
The Construction Expo has developed a new concept for expositions, an interactive and dynamic show where all the players in the construction industry will come together. It is the leading global event that connects buyers and suppliers – planners and contractors – companies and designers – all in the construction industry. The event will focus on innovation, trends, quality materials, contemporary architecture, green technologies, and solutions. The two days of the fair represent an opportunity to exchange ideas for all those interested in supplying quality products and services. This year’s tradeshow offers the latest innovations in homebuilding that will inspire you with dozens of new ideas. For more information on this event go to https://theconstructionexpo. com/
For more information on this event go to https://tofoodanddrinkfest.com/
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Mari-Tech Conference & Exhibition theme will be Navigating sustainable marine transportation. It is the premier event for the marine engineering community in Canada. The conference has earned a respected position as a neutral, non-political event devoted to engaging the private sector, government, and academia. This year’s theme is Navigating Sustainable Marine Transportation. Just as mariners use navigation as a safe means of direction, we too as a larger marine community must ascertain where we are and where we are going in terms of ever-changing challenges facing maritime professionals. The rocks and shoals of increasing competition for diminishing supplies are a challenge we all face, and we have no choice but to navigate. Sustainable solutions are needed to meet the current realities and challenges we face globally in ship construction, vessel operation, and maintenance. MARI-TECH CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION 2024 May 14th to 16th, 2024 St. Johns Convention Centre | St. John’s, NL Canada
The Electrical Electronic Technology show is returning to Moncton! Featuring the latest equipment, products, and technology on the horizon, 2024 will be the twenty-fifth edition of this key trade event. You can expect to see cutting- edge innovations, informative seminars, and engage in unique networking opportunities with industry leaders. Don’t miss your chance to join thousands of fellow industry professionals and see what lies ahead in your sector. Mechanical MEET is the ideal opportunity to display your cutting-edge products and newest technology in front of thousands of buyers. Connect with contractors, developers, engineers, distributors, members of government, and everyone in between. For more information on this event go to https://www.meetshow.ca/ MECHANICAL ELECTRICAL ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY (MEET SHOW) May 1st & 2nd, 2024 Moncton Coliseum Complex | Moncton, NB Canada
The AGRI Tech Venture Forum is an annual event that serves as a converging point for the global ag-tech elite. Industry giants, investors, accelerators, and innovators provide insight into the latest sector headwinds, technology milestones, and key challenges facing the future of ag- tech. This event offers Premium Networking with Ag Tech Executives, Entrepreneurs, Investors, Corporate Strategics, and more. Plus, a Start-Up Showcase featuring outstanding growth and early-stage ag tech companies. Plus, you get the opportunity to learn about the latest investment and innovation trends directly from industry experts. For on this event go to https:// agritechventureforum.com/ more information AGRI TECH VENTURE FORUM 2024 May 1st & 2nd, 2024 Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel | Toronto, ON Canada
WANT TO HAVE YOUR EVENT IN THE SPOTLIGHT? Send an email 4 weeks in advance to production@spotlightbizmag. com with all the details of your event.
For more information on this event go to https://mari-techconference.ca/
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2023 GSOC Masters Saskatoon SK - Photo by Anil Mungal.
in the spotlight - RACHEL HOMAN
W e were extremely fortunate to recently sit down and chat with Canadian and World Champion curler, Rachel Homan, at her home in Alberta. Between breakfast with the kids and getting ready to head out the door to train for the upcoming 2024 Scotties Tournament of Hearts, Canada’s national women’s curling championship. Rachel shares about her ability to balance life and the many challenges being a professional curler throws at her, her family, and her teammates. It does not take long, when speaking with Rachel, to understand her passion for the game and why she has been one of the most dominant skips and teams in international curling for more than a decade. In the competitive and strategic world of curling, Rachel Homan stands out, not just for her remarkable achievements on the ice but also for her exemplary dedication to family, teamwork, and the intricate by Ashley MacInnis Mastering the Ice & Balancing Life 12 SPOTLIGHT MAGAZINE ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • VOL 24 ISSUE 1
dynamics of the sport. With an illustrious career that includes national and world championships along with many international accolades, Homan and her team have become a household name in Canada, synonymous with curling excellence and sporting integrity. Homan’s journey in curling is a testament to her relentless pursuit of excellence, a trait deeply rooted in her family’s sporting legacy. From watching her relatives curl to carving her own path in the sport, Homan’s narrative is one of passion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to her craft. Her insights into the game’s strategies, her experiences balancing a demanding career with a bustling family life, and her thoughts on the future of curling offer a compelling glimpse into the life of a champion. We recently had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Homan to see how she manages her professional athletic career alongside a busy family life.
“I was just always exposed to curling and involved through my family and I enjoyed it.” then my parents also curl, they met Earl Morris, and my brother and John played in Juniors together and I got to watch some of their success. So, I was just always exposed to curling and involved through my family and I enjoyed it. I love competing and no matter what it is, sports are games, so I got into the competitive side of curling and stuck with it. I was lucky enough to team up with Emma and quite a lot of talented players along the way. To have as much success as we’ve had together is cool and, even more, that we were able to start it together. SoB: I know your husband is a hockey player, and so I’m curious – are your kids showing particular interest in either side, either hockey or curling or both? RH: Yeah, I think when you’re little, curling is something you don’t have to do all that much to participate in. So, I want them to know the basics of curling for sure but to throw those rocks is a little much for them – my eldest is only four, so it’s a lot. But, you know, we’re focused on exposing them too as much as we can. The eldest, for example, has done gymnastics and soccer. This winter, he’s playing hockey. Our little girl is just starting to be able to do activities on her own, so, she’ll be in swimming and gymnastics. It’s lots of fun to watch them find what activities they’re enjoying, getting exercise, and having a good time doing it. We got our son Ryatt a little set of golf clubs and we’re excited to be taking him out to the driving range this coming summer! It’ll be cute.
Spotlight on Business: You’re a household name here in Canada for your impressive career in curling, but could you tell us a bit about yourself, what you do in your downtime and any upcoming events you’re looking ahead to? Rachel Homan: Next up for me is the Scotties, which is coming up in just a few weeks. Downtime is busy right now with three kids under four (Ryatt, Bowyn, and Briggs) and it sometimes feels like we’re just spinning from taking care of them to running to activities. This is a fun stage because we’re seeing what they enjoy doing and learning their personalities so, that’s really where a lot of my time has been taken right now in the offseason. But, in the summer we try and go camping a couple of times and get out golfing as much as we can but, like I said, with three kids, it can be challenging to get downtime! SoB: What is it that got you into curling in the first place? What was the draw, so to speak? RH: Yeah, it was just always in my family. My great- grandfather curled and my grandfather curled – it was a hobby that you could do in the Air Force. They had a gymnasium and a curling rink – just activities they could do in their downtime to get their mind off things. And
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SoB: So, I must ask – you grew up in Ottawa and now you’re living just outside of Edmonton… are you a Senators or an Oilers fan? RH: Oh, Senators. Absolutely! You gotta stay with the home team! I’ve got a bunch of toddler Sens tee shirts and jerseys. But it’s hard to pull them away from the Oilers and Connor McDavid, that guy is just so talented and fun to watch. SoB: But back to curling… is there an off-season for you? It looks like it runs pretty much throughout the full year. I know it’s considered a winter sport but is there a typical offseason? RH: Yeah, so the offseason usually runs from the beginning of April until the end of August. It’s not overly long but we have a solid three months or so of complete downtime before we start practicing again. It sort of depends on where you live and train; there are only a few clubs that get ice in August so you might have to travel and get together as a team and then the season’s sort of up and running by the end of August. SoB: OK, so a nice little break. When August hits, then, and you’re fully involved in your season, I’m assuming it’s a very different routine for you during the on-season than the off-season. Could you tell me a bit about what a typical day in the life of getting ready for competition looks like? RH: Yeah, I mean, every day looks a little bit different. And it’s pretty chaotic with the three kids and their schedules. But, a typical day for us looks like the kiddos are up early and we all do breakfast. Then, it’s getting my son out the door for preschool. And then, sometimes I’m able to do a Chiropractic treatment or something similar in the morning. And in the morning, I’ve got Briggs and Bowyn with me. And then Bowyn starts school at noon. So, at that point, I can do practice and workouts, and then it’s straight to pickups at three o’clock. Sometimes, my husband or whoever’s in town to help us out might do one of those for us so that I can get practice and workout done and then come back and help out with the family stuff in the evening with the kids. “You must understand the game well. So, this means there’s a lot less explaining, and, in every shot, everyone has a good sense of Plan A or Plan B.”
After school activities, my son plays hockey five days a week and my daughter has gymnastics so, sometimes in the morning, I might take her to her gymnastics class. And then, swimming starts in March. So, you know, everyday kind of looks a little bit different and I schedule my training and workouts around the kids’ activities and it’s nice to be able to do some other activities during the day, so we have more of our evenings to ourselves and it’s not as hectic.
I’m on maternity leave from my main job, which is teaching, so right now, I’m not having to juggle work as well. Curling is my main job now. A newborn’s full-time so it’s like, full-time and more than full-time! It’s more like having two full-time jobs! I’m just enjoying the infant and newborn stage and it goes by so quickly. So, I’m just fortunate that I’m able to be home as much as I am and it’s hard being away from them and missing certain things. Still, I know that I’m showing them that setting goals, being dedicated, and working hard towards something is important, no matter what you choose. I hope that we’re setting good values in our kids and for them to see what you can achieve when you put your focus into it. So, it’s really that every day looks different for me, there are no days that are the same but I’m able to get my training in during those hours, while the two older ones are both at school and I’ve had different friends watching the baby while I’m practicing, or working out and couple times he’s joined me in the gym and slept through my workout. So yeah, everyday kind of looks different for me! SoB: Over the past decade, you have had a phenomenal win record – more than 80%. What do you think is the key to keeping you and your team at the top of your game without giving away the secret sauce, so to speak? RH: Honestly, I think it comes down to the commitment to teamwork. We worked hard this year as a team, and
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“And we’re not perfect – we make mistakes – but it’s made a big difference to have four back-end players on our team. But I think when you have four players with a really good idea of the strategy, it goes a long way with being able to manage a rock down the sheet and to understand the communication that needs to happen. And we’re not perfect – we make mistakes – but it’s made a big difference to have four back- end players on our team. Last year, we tried out a few different roles which allowed us to figure out where everyone fit best so we could play together well. So, we all learned a lot. We’ve only had one full season where we’ve all worked together, and it brings new challenges. You have new voices that you’re not used to hearing and listening for, and understanding the way a new team member calls a line or the way that they approach the game means a lot of melding the different strategies. It has been a lot of fun,
2024 GSOC Canadian Open Red Deer AB - Photo by Anil Mungal
we were a new team last year. I think it’s made a difference for us to have players that have previously been at the back end and truly understand the strategy. You must understand the game well. So, this means there’s a lot less explaining, and, in every shot, everyone has a good sense of Plan A or Plan B. In the past, maybe there would be some misunderstandings or miscommunications and, at our level, one or two shots with a miscommunication occurs is huge.
Team Homan - Photo by Anil Mungal
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and it was nice to play different positions last year and see things from a different perspective. I think that was helpful for everyone. And, you know, we also all put in a lot of hard work individually and in the past, too, with different teams but now we’re putting it all together and it’s going well. SoB : You mentioned past experiences just now. Can you tell me a bit about those past teams? What was it like to curl with your brother for the mixed championship? RH: Yeah, that was a lot of fun. It was special to be able to curl with my brother. You don’t get that opportunity very often in sports, especially at higher levels, to be able to play with your family. That’s something I will never forget. Mark is such a talented curler. We live far away from each other now so that probably won’t happen again but it’s a lot of fun to play with your family, if you’re lucky enough to get the chance. SoB: So, you said it was fun playing with your brother and it was so great to have that opportunity. What are some of the other events in your career that stand out and why? RH: I’d say the Olympic Trials in our hometown at an arena where we’d grown up watching everyone else – the Sens playing, concerts were there, comedy shows, everything – when you finally get the opportunity to play at ice level there, it’s something. And when we won, they sounded the goal foghorn, and our friends and family were just packed into the building – that’s something I will never forget. It’s the memories with your friends and family that become the things you cherish. And then, being able to go over to the Olympics with family is obviously something that not everyone gets to do. Those are definitely the memories that stick with me and it’s hard to pick certain memories, but it’s been so awesome to win 15 Slams. You kind of get lost sometimes in the events and the busyness but when you look back at how many Slams we’ve won. It’s cool to sit back and think about all the wins over the years and how the Grand Slam has grown and what it’s become today is pretty awesome. It’s amazing to think back on how it started. “Earl Morris had a huge impact on how we approach the game and taught us the mental piece along with the basics and work ethic that needed to go into the game if we wanted to be at the top level.”
I remember the first meetings about the Grand Slams with Sportsnet and they’ve followed through on their end and turned it into an amazing product to launch and just to be a part of that, I feel so fortunate. So, yeah, hard to pick just one memory because there’s so many good ones. SoB: You have a lot of great memories to reflect on. And, just to take it back a bit, you mentioned your grandparents and your parents both played. Did you have any mentors growing up, as far as the sport, or someone in the community who inspired you while you were playing then or now? RH: Yeah, I think Earl Morris had a huge impact on how we approach the game and taught us the mental piece along with the basics and work ethic that needed to go into the game if we wanted to be at the top level. He showed what was important to focus on,
“hard to pick just one memory because there’s so many good ones.”
which started us off on the right foot and on the right track to get us to this level of success. I’ve had a mental performance coach over the years that has helped me develop into the player that I am and I’m eternally grateful for that relationship and friendship and his ability to help me get the best out of my game. He helps me get the most out of the game and think about it differently.
2023 GSOC Masters Saskatoon SK - Photo by Anil Mungal
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It’s been unbelievably fun to learn and develop and grow and to see where the game has grown to. It’s been great to see all the exposure now that we get on TV for our sponsors, and into the game in general for people to be able to watch and tune in and follow along the journey for the season SoB: Now funny, you bring up sponsors, you know, how important is that to both the sport itself and to you and your team? RH: I mean, it’s invaluable. We wouldn’t be able to perform and play at the level that we’re at without the sponsorship partners that we have on the team. It kind of feels like a second family when you develop those relationships and get to meet the employees, just to get to know the people behind the brands and learn the dynamics and everything that goes with what they do. It’s also fun to keep in touch with them throughout the season, and they’re able to follow along and cheer and send their congratulations and they get to experience that journey with us. It’s such a fun partnership and we’re so lucky to have the sponsors, which allow us to be able to do what we love, and they obviously love following along and being able to get exposure for their brands and the same time. 18 SPOTLIGHT MAGAZINE ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • VOL 24 ISSUE 1
2024 GSOC Canadian Open Red Deer AB - Photo by Anil Mungal
“the biggest lesson learned is to just enjoy the moments, both the wins and the losses as part of the process of playing at this level. And taking the losses as moments and times where you can learn about yourself, about your game. I mean, the wins wouldn’t feel so good without those losses, and you must learn that.“
Curling has so much TV time now and it’s nice to be able to give that airtime to our sponsors and, honestly, we wouldn’t be able to do the travel and be able to be away from home and away from our jobs to compete without them. We’re lucky that we have such great partnerships and that we can stay in communication with them throughout the year. A big thank you to Egg Farmers of Ontario, AMJ Campbell, BOOST, Holo Taco and Goldline. We couldn’t do what we do without them. SoB: That’s wonderful. And, you know, let’s say a business is reading this article right now and they’d like to become a sponsor. How could they get in touch and get involved with Team Homan? RH: We have a team Instagram where all our contact information can be found – it’s @team_homan. And then, our website has our contact information (jess@ gravitymanagement.ca), and we have an amazing agent who helps pull all the numbers and packages together so that it’s easy to see what that looks like and what the availability is and, and kind of how you get started there if you want to become a sponsor. And, on that note, our agent is another part of our family; she’s our sixth man. I guess right now, we’ve got Rachelle Brown as our fifth man for Nationals. But our agent is just an amazing part of the team and kind of acts as that sixth man who gets so much done. There’s so much to do on our team, and at the end of the day, we must run it like a business because there’s so much involved in playing at the top level. She does an amazing job and helps on the sponsor sponsorship side. SoB: You’ve had a long curling career now, almost 30 years of throwing rocks down the sheet. What would you say is the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your professional career so far? RH: I would say the biggest lesson learned is to just enjoy the moments, both the wins and the losses as part of the process of playing at this level. And taking the losses as moments and times where you can learn about yourself, about your game. I mean, the wins wouldn’t feel so good without those losses, and you must learn that. And, just looking at your performance with a different lens has been probably my biggest lesson. Along the way, when you’re young, it just feels like it’s all about the wins, and you’ve got all the time in the world. But as you get older, you know, you don’t know how many more chances or how many more times you’re going to be able to play at this level and stage. So, every time we step on the ice, and get to play in front of an energetic, electric crowd, it is something that I never
2024 GSOC Canadian Open Red Deer AB - Photo by Anil Mungal
2023 GSOC Tour Challenge - Photo by Anil Mungal
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2024 GSOC Canadian Open Red Deer AB - Photo by Anil Mungal
take for granted. We feel so honoured and grateful to be able to entertain and inspire people. A huge passion for me is to get people involved in the game. And then after the game, you get to talk to some fans, friends, and family and you know, they felt every shot with you. And they felt the roller coaster and the emotions of the game right along with you, that is an amazing feeling to feel that support. I’m very lucky to be able to curl at the level that I’m curling at and to do so alongside great people. I have amazing teammates, Tracy (Fleury), Emma (Miskew), and Sarah (Wilkes) are all so talented. And they’ve worked so hard their whole career for that. My whole career, I have been so fortunate to be able to curl, with so many talented players. SoB: Looking ahead, you know, we’ve got the 2026 Olympics on our mind. Are you currently chasing any specific goals like an Olympic run?
RH: Yeah, absolutely! We’re right in the middle of making that run for the Olympics. Olympic Trials are coming up and it’s just like the Nationals, you’ve got to win to go. I think that’s a great thing about our 2023 GSOC Kioti Open Pictou County NS
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2023 GSOC Masters Saskatoon SK - Photo by Anil Mungal
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2023 GSOC Kioti Open Pictou County NS
2023 GSOC Kioti Open Pictou County NS
sport is that you don’t know until the very end when that last rock is thrown how it’s going to go. We certainly hope to be on the winning end of that, but there are some great teams in Canada, and they will be great representation regardless of the outcome.
2023 GSOC Kioti Open Pictou County NS
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ENERGY YEAR IN REVIEW 2023 The World Doubles Down on Energy Security and Reliability by Shawn Logan
F aced with soaring costs that rippled across economies, governments around the world embraced the critical need for energy security in 2023, adopting a more pragmatic approach to achieving climate goals. The world used more crude oil and coal in 2023 than anytime in human history, while global demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) continued to grow as a vital fuel source, primarily in Europe and Asia. Europe in particular stepped back from some of its more aggressive timelines for reducing its reliance on oil and gas, with some nations striking long-term supply deals for LNG, returning to burning coal, or renewing investment in oil and gas exploration. Economic powerhouses China and India increasingly turned to coal to power their 24 SPOTLIGHT MAGAZINE ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • VOL 24 ISSUE 1
developing economies, spurring global growth of the most emissions-intensive fuel, while the U.S. maintained its lead as the world’s largest producer of oil and gas, setting new high water marks for both. Canada, meanwhile, saw steady progress on some key energy projects, completing construction of the Coastal GasLink pipeline, achieving major milestones on the LNG Canada export terminal, seeing the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion near completion, and the approval of a new major oil sands project for the first time in five years.
FEBRUARY
The following is a recap of some of the key events from 2023, outlining how oil and gas have once again taken center stage in the aftermath of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and the global energy crisis that it made worse: JANUARY • Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visits Canada to make a personal appeal for more access to LNG. Like German Chancellor Olaf Scholz just five months earlier, Kishida is essentially rebuffed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. • The International Energy Agency predicts that global oil demand will reach a record high in 2023, an increase of 1.9 million barrels per day from 2022’s previous peak. • With LNG emerging as a critical resource to deal with the lingering global energy crisis, the United States catches up to Qatar as the world’s largest exporter.
• India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi projects his country will see demand for natural gas rise by 500 percent while its share of global oil demand will increase from 5 to 11 percent over the next 20 years. Meanwhile, India begins the search for long-term suppliers of LNG in an effort to reduce its reliance on coal. • The bill for the 2022 energy crisis comes due in Europe, where it’s learned European governments shelled out nearly US$900 billion to shield households and businesses from its impacts. Germany, which was a world leader in transitioning to renewable energy led the way in efforts to blunt the energy crisis’ impact, handing out nearly US$300 billion in subsidies. • Recognizing the rising global importance of reliable energy, Canadian oil producer IPC greenlights the first major new oil sands project in five years. The C$1.1 billion Blackrod project, which will be built SPOTLIGHT MAGAZINE ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • VOL 24 ISSUE 1 25
year in order to reach global net zero targets by 2050. That would add up to $110 trillion in new spending by 2050, more than the world’s current combined GDP.
to produce 30,000 barrels per day, is expected to be in operation by 2026. Meanwhile, Cenovus Energy filed an application to extend production at its Christina Lake oil sands project to 2079.
Indigenous leaders meet with U.S. ambassador to Canada David Cohen. Photo courtesy Energy for a Secure Future . APRIL
• Indigenous leaders involved in Canada’s energy industry meet with diplomats from several of Canada’s G7 allies to make the case for being at the table when it comes to helping provide the energy the world needs. With Indigenous communities playing crucial roles in developing Canada’s LNG capacity, participants said diplomats showed significant interest in building economic relationships. • Leaders of the G7 meet in Hiroshima, Japan and agree that LNG will play an “important role” in helping navigate the global energy crisis and further investment in the industry is crucial. Despite pressure to agree to a full phase out of coal by 2030, the G7 will only agree to “accelerating the phase out of domestic unabated coal.” • A global survey that polled over 24,000 people in 28 countries found that Canada was the number one choice for countries that import oil, citing Canada’s strong record of democracy and environmental safety compared to other major producers like Saudi Arabia and Russia.
MARCH
• China shows signs of economic resurgence after re- opening from its sweeping “zero-Covid” policies. The IEA projects China will account for nearly half of all projected growth in oil demand in 2023. • In the U.S., the Biden Administration approves a massive new oil project in Alaska, expected to produce as much as 180,000 barrels per day of crude oil over the course of 30 years. The project is also estimated to create some $17 billion in revenue for the U.S. federal government. • A new report by the UK-based Energy Transitions Commission finds that global investments in green energy would need to increase to $3.5 trillion per
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MAY
to the nation’s economy by 2050, with Alberta bearing the brunt of the blow. “This essentially
• Recognizing the growing need for energy security across Europe and the world, Norway says oil and gas companies have a “social responsibility” to find more oil and natural gas resources in the northern Barents Sea adding they should “leave no stone unturned” in the pursuit of the critical resources. A month later Norway approves $18.5 billion to develop 19 offshore oil and gas projects. • Skyrocketing demand for oil, led primarily by China’s economic surge, forces the IEA to recalculate its predictions for the year, upgrading its demand growth estimate to 2.2 million barrels per day to further increase record usage around the world. • Canada’s Public Policy Forum estimates phasing out the country’s oil and gas industry in an effort to reduce emissions will lead to the loss of some $100 billion SPOTLIGHT MAGAZINE ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • VOL 24 ISSUE 1 27
Norway Minister of Petroleum and Energy Terje Assland and Equinor Vice President Grete B. Haaland at the official reopening of the Njord field on May 15th, 2023. Photo courtesy Equinor
JUNE
“social responsibility”
• Qatar signs the first of several long-term LNG deals it will sign in 2023. Staring with two 27- year agreements to supply China with LNG, the Middle East supplier then signs another 15-year agreement with energy-starved Bangladesh. • Despite Western sanctions, Russian oil companies see gasoline exports jump 37 per cent compared to 2022 thanks to new customers in Africa and Asia. Meanwhile, China’s crude oil imports from Russia soar to a record high.
“accelerating the phase out of domestic unabated coal.”
Qatar Minister of State for Energy Affairs and QatarEnergy CEO Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi tours sites related to the North Field East project in March 2023. Photo courtesy QatarGas .
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• The annual Statistical Review of World Energy shows that record increases in solar and wind installations in 2022 failed to make a dent in the dominance of oil and gas in the global energy mix. Even with a record increase of 266 gigawatts of new renewable capacity, oil, gas and coal continued to represent 82 percent of global energy consumption. JULY • The U.K. announces it will grant hundreds of new licences for oil and gas exploration in the North Sea in an effort to ensure energy security. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says even if the U.K. achieves net zero by 2050, oil and gas will still be used for at least a quarter of its energy needs. • Japan, one of the world’s largest energy importers, calls for the creation of a global emergency reserve for natural gas to avoid future shortages and price spikes. • With rising global demand for LNG, the CEO of QatarEnergy predicts the tiny Middle Eastern nation will supply some 40 percent of new LNG coming
“This essentially amounts to a deep recession without a recovery ever materializing,” to market by 2029 as the U.S. works to significantly ramp up its industry.
Workers at the Sunrise oil sands project in northern Alberta. Photo courtesy BP
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AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
• Independent researchers announce that China continues to ramp up coal power use, permitting 52 gigawatts of new capacity over the first six months of 2023. The additional plants would increase China’s coal burning capacity by 23 percent. • Independent analysis by S&P Global finds that Canada’s oil sands emissions remained flat in 2022, despite production growth, a positive sign that measures to reduce emissions are working. • For the second year in a row, Pakistan is forced out of the pricey LNG market, putting the impoverished country at high risk of a national energy crisis.
• Meeting in India, leaders of the G20 highlight the importance of energy security, and while agreeing to triple renewable capacity by 2030 avoid any language calling for a phase out of fossil fuels. Fault lines emerge between the West and developing nations that want to harness oil, natural gas and coal to grow their economies. • The IEA releases its updated road map for reaching net zero, suggesting global demand for fossil fuels will peak before 2030. The stance is blasted by OPEC as one that could lead to global “energy chaos” and ignores the IEA’s own acknowledgment that one the world’s current trajectory, oil, gas, and coal will still account for 62 percent of the world’s energy mix in 2050, compared to 78 percent in 2021. • Saudi Aramco, one of the world’s largest oil producers, announces its intention to enter the burgeoning LNG industry, buying a minority stake in MidOcean Energy, which is looking to obtain stakes in four Australian LNG projects.
A natural gas processing plant in Saudi Arabia. Photo courtesy Saudi Aramco.
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• The U.S. eases sanctions on Venezuela’s oil sector in exchange for the promise of free and fair elections for the South American dictatorship. Less than two weeks later, Venezuela’s supreme court suspends the results of an opposition party’s primary ahead of a 2024 national election.
“energy chaos”
OCTOBER
• Qatar officially breaks ground on the world’s largest LNG project, which will expand its production capacity from 77 million tonnes per year to 110 million tonnes per year. The groundbreaking coincides with three new 27-year LNG supply agreements with France, Italy , and the Netherlands. • In its annual World Oil Outlook, OPEC warns the world will need $14 trillion in new investments in the oil sector by 2045 to ensure market stability and reduce the likelihood of energy shortages and economic chaos.
Coastal GasLink has surpassed 60 per cent overall project completion. Photo courtesy Coastal GasLink
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