Pivoting in a Pandemic

Description

The pandemic pivot, it’s the small business’ new normal! Businesses were greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic which led them to outline a new path forward and sometimes adopting a new way of operating. As such, many local small businesses have adapted their business models to stay operative – whether it’s focusing pivoting their focus or supporting the community. A handful of business have even re-tooled their facilities and processes to make COVID-19 related products and supplies. 

This panel discussion will host local businesses who have reimagined their companies to adapt to the new normal. We will hear how they channeled resiliency, innovation and creativity to pivot their operations.

Moderator: Janet Riopel, President & CEO, Edmonton Chamber of Commerce

Panelists:

• Curtis Hrdlicka, General Manager, Enerpan Building Systems
• Dustin MacMillan, Vice President, Cowan Graphics
• Brittney Ramsay, President, BRITT Land & Engagement

 
Event Outline

We are pleased to offer this event as a hybrid event experience. This event will not only be live recorded and available for viewing online, but will also offer a very limited number of in-person tickets to attend the event at The Sutton Place Hotel. For those guests craving safely-distanced in-person interactions, purchase your tickets now as limited spots are available!

To keep guests safe and healthy, all in-person events will follow the necessary safety precautions as outlined by provincial guidelines. Closer to the event, in-person guests will receive guidelines via email outlining safety precautions.

For In-Person Guests

• Doors & registration open: 11:30 AM
• Programming begins: 12:30 PM
• Program concludes: 1:30 PM

A plated lunch will be served prior to the program.

For Online Guests

• Online program begins: 12:35 PM
• Program concludes: 1:30 PM

We will be using the Zoom meeting platform for online guests. A link to join will be sent out to all online registrants 12-24 hours prior to the session via email.

About the Panelists

Curtis Hrdlicka | Director of Operations, Enerpan Building Systems
Enerpan Building Systems is a Leduc-based firm specializing in design, engineering, manufacturing and supply of panels and building kits to various construction industries. Curtis has helped to push the company through their stages of transformation, managing the business take-over in 2016, and driving the necessary improvements in Enerpan's product offerings, and in engineering, marketing, and sales programs. Prior to joining Enerpan, Curtis had led and consulted for businesses with specialties ranging from commercial and recreational construction, travel and tourism, and app development. Curtis holds two Bachelor of Science degrees from the University of Alberta, in Molecular Genetics (Honors) and Immunology and Infection (Specialization).



Dustin MacMillan | Vice President, Cowan Graphics
As a family business, Cowan Graphics began in 1945 by Dustin’s great aunt and uncle. Initially working at Cowan in the summers during his post-secondary studies, Dustin then relocated to Vancouver to manage Cowan’s contract with the 2010 Winter Olympics. After moving back to Edmonton in 2013, Dustin led Cowan’s project development team and process improvement initiatives. Cowan has been successful in many transformational projects including the 2015 Pan Am Games in Toronto and executing the refresh of all Edmonton downtown signage in 2016. Today, Dustin oversees the day-to-day operations of sales, marketing, installations, satellite branches and strategic planning.  


Brittney Ramsay | President, BRITT Land & Engagement
Brittney leads with a bold and unconventional vision. She’s been leading BRITT Land & Engagement for the last 13+ years, challenging minds and inspiring hearts. Thrust into the role of President at 26 years old, well before she was ready, Brittney knows the difficulties of finding courage and hope. She also knows and shares the immense value of obstacles, the power of pushing through, building your team, being a peaceful warrior of your values and culture, and smashing the box. Running a successful second-generation family business ensures she has deep well of experiences to share, from flourishing times to the toughest times of constraint and heartbreak. BRITT is an award-winning firm, and Brittney an award-winning leader. Her authentic and real approach to life and business is coupled with her vibrant energy.