Published: Thursday, December 15, 2005

Four Calgary and area companies have earned Canada's highest accolade for business performance for their inspired leadership, impressive growth, profitability and industry-leading business practices.

First Calgary Savings and Credit Union Ltd., Komex Environmental Ltd., and SMART Technologies Inc., all of Calgary, as well as Palliser Lumber Sales Ltd., of Crossfield have gained membership to Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies Platinum Club, one of this country's most elite business designations.

"Boy, Platinum is just the top of the pride moment," said Dave Gregory, president and CEO of First Calgary.

"It's an attraction opportunity and it's a thing that voices sort of who we are and what we stand for. It's very important to us."

Established in 1993, Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies is the country's leading business awards program, recognizing excellence in Canadian-owned and managed companies with revenues over $10 million. To become a Platinum Club member, companies must maintain their designation as one of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies for a minimum of six consecutive years, subject to annual operational and financial review.

"The achievements of these companies are truly remarkable by any standard," said John Hughes, partner, private company services group with accounting firm and program sponsor Deloitte, and national leader of the best managed program. "Sustaining business growth and profitability over a long period of time is extremely challenging. These dynamic companies are among the select few able to successfully make the transition from small entrepreneurial operations to multi-million dollar, multi-functional corporations."

According to Deloitte, attributes of Platinum Club members include the ability to anticipate their customers' future needs, develop the right set of products and services at the right time, successfully manage growth over time, expand operations nationally and internationally, and attract and retain talent. These companies also continue to demonstrate an entrepreneurial agility, responding nimbly to shifting opportunities and market demands.

Gregory said that to reach that level an organization has to have consistent financial measures and continued profitability.

This year, First Calgary has made $7.3 million, which it will announce next week, and of that $3.6 million has been returned in dividends to its members.

"It's a reflection on the quality of our people and the enthusiasm they demonstrate in our community," said Gregory. "You don't get into that club once, stay there as long as we have and become Platinum . . . without a great team of people. You just don't. It's not possible and it's not possible to stay there."

First Calgary Savings has about 400 employees with 15 branches.

SMART Technologies, which was established in 1987 in Calgary, designs, assembles and sells hardware and software products that help people collaborate whether they are in the same room or around the world. SMART products include interactive whiteboards, as well as interactive pen displays, multimedia cabinets and software. It has more than 700 employees in its worldwide operation.

"There's lots of awards we win for our various products, but this one is overall business management and it's really a multi-dimensional award that recognizes excellence across our business practices," said Nancy Knowlton, SMART's president and co-CEO.

She said there were a number of factors in the recognition, including the company's financial statements.

"As we think about our business, we like to think we do many things well. It's not just that we have an excellent product. We do have an excellent product, but we back that up with superior service," said Knowlton.

Gordon Johnson, president of Komex, said the company, which is in the field of environmental, water resources and engineering consultancy, is excited and proud about the honour.

"The key in our case is a genuine commitment to involve our people in the management of the company. The people of our company and the management of the company are one in the same thing," said Johnson. "A team approach to corporate management."

Komex was established in Calgary in 1977 and today has 450 employees.

Bob Murphy, executive vice-president of Palliser Lumber Sales, said the company is very honoured with the Platinum Club ranking.

"It's a tribute to a very dedicated team of employees," said Murphy. "Really, your employees are the root of your business. Personally, I've always believed it's important to create a positive company personality that basically allows people to overachieve and when you create that type of an atmosphere then good things happen."

The company, based in Crossfield, has about 175 employees and has been in operation since 1979.

He said the staff is the key to success -- "if you have the ability to delegate authority and responsibility and you create that positive environment that allows them to perform, people will amaze you."

"Just set the table properly for them," said Murphy.

mtoneguzzi@theherald.canwest.com

Canada's 50 Best-Managed Companies Platinum Club

- First Calgary Savings and Credit Union Ltd., of Calgary, with 15 branches and 400 employees;

- Komex Environmental Ltd., of Calgary, established in 1977 and with 450 employees;

- SMART Technologies Inc., of Calgary, was established in 1987 and has more than 700 employees in its worldwide operations;

- Palliser Lumber Sales Ltd., of Crossfield, in operation since 1979 with about 175 employees today.

Source: Deloitte

© The Calgary Herald 2005