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This congress is sure to give participants an unmatched 2-day perspective on human resource issues, challenges and solutions for today and tomorrow.
The 2009 Human Resource congress is led by Agriculture & Food Council with the support of its partners. The event will present information through plenary sessions led by industry leaders and experts, panel discussions of family owned businesses and workshops where you can roll up your sleeves and work on your specific HR issues.
Where and When
The 2009 Human Resource Congress will be held at the Deerfoot Inn and Casino, 1000, 11500 - 35 Street SE, Calgary Alberta. For information about the hotel, visit www.deerfootinn.com or call 403-236-7529 for more information. The congress will start with registration open at 8:00 am on Tuesday April 7, 2009 followed by a full day of presentations starting at 8:45 am - 4:30 pm. There will be two coffee breaks and a lunch served during the day. This is included in your registration.
The day will end with a reception and a banquet at the Deerfoot where you will be able to visit and network with industry members and discuss the day's topics and brainstorm solutions to your issues. The reception will start at 5:00 pm and will be followed by dinner at 6:00 pm. This is included in your registration.
Day two begins with a continental breakfast at 8:00 am followed by sessions staring at 8:30 am and ending at approximately 4:30 pm. There will be two coffee breaks and a lunch served during the day - all included in your registration.
There are a limited number of seats available so be sure to register early!
 Register Now!
Hotel Accommodations
A block of rooms have been reserved at the Deerfoot Inn and Casino for you to take advantage of at a conference rate of $169.00 per room per night. Please call the Hotel reservations department at 403-236-7529 or 1-877-236-5225. You must clearly identify yourself by providing the group code of GKYAFC4 and the congress name "2009 Human Resource Congress" to ensure that you receive the appropriate conference rate and are included in the guest room block.
Reservations must be confirmed prior to March 16, 2009 in order to qualify for the group rate. NOTE: there is limited number of rooms reserved for you - so book your room early. Be sure to check the check-in times and check-out times for the hotel. The congress will not be responsible for any expenses incurred by guests.
Why attend?
Canada's industrial success and thriving economies of the western provinces have produced one of the most acute labour challenges in our recent history. This has impacted the agriculture and agri-food industry in particular, and we continue to experience critical skills shortages through many levels of production, processing and service. In response to these issues the Agriculture & Food Council is currently operating a suite of Strategic Initiatives under the banner of Human Resource Projects to engage the industry in innovative ways and promote leadership and skill development. Two areas that the Council is focusing on is the development of a human resource information network, and the creation of business networks. You can see one of these examples at www.soiltosky.ca which provides a clear and consistent picture of career opportunities in all aspects of the agriculture and food sector in Alberta and throughout Canada.
From producers to multinational companies, today's industry requires an informed strategic approach to the human resource issues. In this market there are no ready-made answers or instant solutions. What you can do is look, listen, learn and analyze before making your own plans. When it comes to providing a valuable, credible perspective, the 2009 Human Resource Congress is your ideal venue. Learn more about how to shape your human resource strategy so you can use it as a business tool to drive profitability and success. Connect with high energy speakers and attendees who know your issues and have wisdom to share. The 2009 Human Resource congress could be the best and most business-changing meeting you attend this year!
The Agenda
Here is a brief overview of the speakers and topics we have planned for the two-day congress so far! Please be sure to check back often as this agenda becomes more detailed and finalized.
Day 1 - April 7, 2009
Opening comments
Speaker:
David Baxter - Executive Director, Urban Futures Institute, Vancouver, BC
Topic:
Using HR as a business tool to drive profitability and success
David will discuss all the elements of human resources: recruiting and sourcing, retaining, maintaining, engagement, performance, productivity and multicultural hiring. This will be a very interactive presentation session where you will be able to discuss your current situation.
Speaker:
Dave Mowat, President and CEO, ATB Financial, Edmonton, AB
Topic:
A Different Kind of Branding: How ATB Financial Attracts the Best People... then Markets Them!
Companies that focus their marketing efforts solely on their products are only getting it half right, says ATB Financial President and CEO Dave Mowat. In a candid one-on-one conversation, Mowat will discuss how and why the biggest Alberta-based financial institution is harnessing its marketing muscle to get great employees AND customers.
Speaker:
Andrew Raphael, Partner & Director Agri-Food, Meyers Norris Penny, LLP, Vancouver, BC
Topic:
Innovative Approaches to H.R. Competitiveness in Your Own Backyard
In today's roller-coaster economy innovative approaches to Human Resources are more important than ever. Andrew will provide an overview of a study recently completed for the Alberta Food Processors Association regarding the relatively untapped potential for more Hutterite collaborations with food processors that can provide the resources needed to increase the competitiveness of Alberta's food and beverage industry.
Speaker:
April Shand, Vice President of People, Development and Culture, ECL Group, Calgary AB
Topic:
Enhancing Employee Engagement in the Workplace
April will explore different ideas and best practices that contribute to employee engagement and retention in today's workplace.
Day 2 - April 8, 2009
Speaker:
Dr. Carol Kinsey Goman, Ph.D., Kinsey Consulting Services, Berkley, California, US
Topic:
Generations at Work
Carol will discuss how the four generations (Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Generation X and the Millennials) differ in their approaches to work and their relationship with employers. Learn how each generation changes the medium and the message of employee communications. Hear what all generations have in common when it comes to engagement.
Panel Session
Topic:
Success in a family owned business
Family owned organizations pose their own unique benefits and challenges. The panel will discuss how to handle some of those challenges, dealing with performance issues, and succession planning.
Brian Hesje, Chairman of the Board, Fountain Tire, Edmonton, AB
Greg Andrukow, CEO & Coach, Andrukow Group solutions Inc., Camrose, AB
Page Stuart, General Manager, Highland Feeders Limited, Vegreville, AB
Concurrent Workshop Sessions
Stream One
Speaker:
Karen Gingras, Manager, Labour Retention, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, Leduc, AB
Topic:
Human resource systems: saving you time and money
As a CEO or plant Manager you are likely spending a great deal of time on recruitment and retention when your focus should be on business development and production. Karen will present a ready-to-use HR system, easily applied in your workplace. Hear more practical tools and the 4 key elements of an HR system: administration, business planning, performance management and recruitment.
Stream Two
Speaker:
Dr. Marie Gervais, Director, Global Leadership Associates, Edmonton, AB
Topic:
Beyond Salary: Retention's Hidden Profile
This session addresses considerations of race, culture, inclusion, mentoring, supervision and support in keeping employees working and engaged. The dual role of dealing effectively with the issues and creating a supportive work environment will be briefly explored through contrasting incident studies.
Stream Three
Speaker:
Val Carter, Success Centre, Calgary, AB
Topic:
How am I Doing?
Hear about Val's approach to performance management. It has been shown to increase employee engagement, resulting in greater motivation and retention - critical in today's tight labour market.
Stream Four
Speaker:
Nicole Davis, Director, Human Resources, Bayer CropScience Inc., Calgary AB
Topic:
Rewarding For Results: How To Use Recognition And Rewards To Inspire Motivated And Contributing Employees
How can you get the most from your workforce? Studies show that highly engaged work groups are higher in retention, customer loyalty, productivity and profits. Nicole will discuss how you can use effective rewards and recognition to motivate and inspire your employees to higher levels of engagement to deliver better bottom line results.
Closing Speaker
Speaker:
Dr Denis Cauvier, Human Resources & Leadership Expert, Ottawa, ON
Topic:
Low Cost/ High Impact Methods to Attract & Retain GREAT Agriculture Sector Employees
Alberta's agriculture sector employers are being squeezed by foreign and domestic competition; increasing taxes, fuel, and land costs; changes in technology and regulations; and increased consumer expectations. These challenges are further compounded by Alberta's booming economy and tight labour market. Dr. Cauvier will share practical and proven solutions that you can immediately use to find and keep great people.
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