LettersHere's what you had to say about our premiere issue: From the SouthCongratulations on the publication of the premiere issue of Marketplace Magazine. I was pleasantly surprised to receive a copy at my home in Tucson, Arizona. As a graduate of the University of Manitoba and former long-time resident of Winnipeg, it was terrific getting an update on the successes of Winnipeg businesses and business leaders, nationally and internationally, while at the same time keeping tabs on some of my former MBA classmates and business associates. I look forward to the next issue. Best regards, We make things happenI want to email you with my feedback … (before I make my next sales call!) because I think it’s important that you know I find it an inspiring publication. I have been in my career now for about 25 years and during all that time I have had many mentors and they include people that are very difficult to get close to, but through publications like yours, it’s possible to mentor from a distance and even meet through the articles presented. I have two sons raised here in Winnipeg and am proud to say that both exhibit entrepreneurial attitudes, skills and energy. My oldest is developing his own business and is a sponge as it relates to all aspects of business. I have no doubt that he will make a difference and be successful in anything he chooses to set his mind to. My other son was very much like his brother but chose to apply his entrepreneurial skills in a more physical career, the military. It’s ironic how two can be so different in their careers but I talk about entrepreneurism, leadership and success passionately with both of them. What they did have in common was the ambition to do it on their own. Maybe there’s a part answer to your question in starting at the bottom, “What is it about this province that creates these leaders?” Not much happens here? I disagree, Manitobans make things happen and probably because we’re grassroots, “real” people. Your magazine is obviously business focused and I would like to add that the importance of your question comes through loud and clear through not only the successful businesses founded in Manitoba, but also leaders of politics, athletes, philanthropists, volunteers, etc., and most importantly, ordinary people who want to do extraordinary things! Great magazine, thank you! WENDY HAYWARD Catching up on the communityWhile I’ve kept up with your work with Winnipeg Men/Women Magazines over the years, and enjoyed the read, I had to comment on your latest venture with Marketplace Magazine. It had been sitting with other unopened mail all week, and with the recent improvement in weather, the unfamiliar cover had not stirred me to pick it up. This morning, all dressed to go out for my long run, I knocked my stack of mail onto the floor. In picking it up, I noticed Marketplace Magazine and stopped to read what you had to say. Some time later, having enjoyed a cup of coffee out on the back deck in the warm morning sun, I closed the magazine. An impressive read! Still ready to do my last long run before the half on Fathers Day, I got started and reflected on what your team wrote. In my job, my reading has expanded beyond the national business papers to daily reads of the Wall Street Journal and other more international fare. Perhaps I should clarify. As a result of limited time (and interest), I scan these forms of business news for the rare nugget of good information. Your magazine had me doing a cover-to-cover read that put even my favourite activity of running temporarily on hold. A really well-balanced medley of what is going on locally. It was great to read about what others are doing in our community. I do hope that you gain a strong readership and see this magazine thrive. All the best. MICHAEL KLATT Family businessI have just finished reading the premiere issue of Marketplace Magazine and I have followed your instructions to “email me before you make another sales call!” I would first like to congratulate you on creating such an impressive and much-needed magazine that is geared directly to Winnipeg business. I am a second generation future leader for our family’s business in manufacturing. I am also a board member for CAFE Manitoba. Please do not apologize for not having heard of either our business or the organization CAFE. Our family business is like so many in Manitoba that are successful in their industry but go unnoticed by the public, which is how many of us prefer it. The problem I see is with CAFE (Canadian Association of Family Enterprise). This is a great organization that helps, supports and promotes family business here in our great province and country, but few know it exists. We see so many family businesses fail from the first to second generation, usually because there has been no succession plan prepared. When I read through your magazine I was very surprised to see so many connections to the CAFE organization that you may also be surprised to know: Ken Coughlin from Coughlin Insurance is vice president for CAFE Manitoba; Carlyle Printers is a recent member; Dr. Glenn Feltham spoke and Dave Angus was the MC for our annual awards dinner; Leslie Weir from The Winnipeg Foundation sits on the board; RBC, BDC, KPMG and Deloitte were all sponsors of the 2008 awards dinner. Regards, |