Following a thoughtful and well prepared Grace by Al, President Bev presided over our meeting. Our members were saddened by the passing of long time member Kevin Wilson and many shared personal stories and remembrances of Kevin. Kevin's family members including June, Tony and Ian Wilson joined his son and our member Steve, and were introduced as guests of our Club by Will. Also introduced was our guest speaker Van Isman.

Steve Wilson gave a moving eulogy and described Kevin as a devoted family man, an outstanding educator and administrator and a dedicated Rotarian to the end. Kevin's memorial service was held Wednesday, November 25 and was well attended by family and friends including many Rotarians.

 

Sergeant Wayne M. shared many touching stories about Kevin. He then went on to raise donations for the following thoughts and events:

- Mike L. in memory of Kevin's high level teaching skills 

- Peter W.and Wayne M. for many fishing trip stories about Kevin including a run to Emergency from a fishing knife accident!

-Mark for a successful Foundation supper

-Wayne M. for the CFL wins leading to the Grey Cup

-Gary E. for his return to Rotary

-Bev for packing Blue Jays mementos after her flood

-John D. for his recent visit with Kevin

-Graham for his son's new house purchase in Saskatoon

 

 

Announcements were made today on the following topics:

 

- Sadly Treasurer Wayne's  mom passed away November 20

- Our next meeting will be at the Saskatoon Club on November 30 and will include exchange student presentations

- A health update was provided on Jim W., Mike L. and Gary R.

- December 21 will be our family Christmas Party lunch

- The King George school Christmas market will be held December 17th. Volunteers are needed Wednesday and Thursday as well as gift items (i.e. toys, socks, toques, hats, household items etc.) Please contact Joanne at joanne.fisher@scotiabank.com

- Adventures in Technology was looking for a committee member and Steve W. was happy to volunteer

- The Rotary Leadership Institute will hold its third class on December 5 at the Park Town Hotel

 

 

Our guest speaker today was Van Isman, CEO of Innovation Place. Van is also a board member of SOCO and is a Chartered Director. He has served many organizations including SIAST and as Deputy Minister of Municipal Affairs. 

 

Van described how SOCO follows NYSE standards of reporting and is designed to support the 
Tech sector and other key growth sectors by providing high quality technical facilities and promoting government, industry and academia cooperation.

 

They use a cluster focus of similar companies and sectors and look for synergies and economies of scale. Biotech, IT, Mining, Energy and Environmental are some of the current focuses​. An Advisory committee determines eligibility for admission to Innovation Place at the U of S and includes former Rotarian John Cross.

 

Innovation Place was started in 1977 in Saskatoon, with the Regina facility and the PA Forest Center to follow. 29 buildings now house 168 tenants generating $1 billion in activity and 4000 high level technical jobs.

Underground connectivity and redundant power and internet systems are critical for the scientific applications underway. A Bio Kill system also deals with lab effluents. Flexible lease terms are fitted to the tenants' ability to pay.

 

Innovation Place now houses the Bret Wilson Center of Excellence. Collaboration of tenants is a key growth feature with 9 new tech businesses started in 2015. 98 businesses incubated since Innovation Place started are still in business today. Cash flow is managed carefully for reinvestment in infrastructure. Environmental sensitivity is also a priority.

 

Thank you Van for a most informative presentation.