JUNE 2005 ISSUE

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Newsmakers

APEGGA Heavy Hitters Named to Science and Research Authority

Dr. Elizabeth Cannon, P.Eng.

The University of Calgary ’s Dr. Elizabeth Cannon, P.Eng., and University of Alberta Dean of Engineering Dr. David Lynch, P.Eng., have been appointed to three-year terms on the Alberta Science and Research Authority.

Created in 1994, the ASRA is an independent board of members from Alberta 's academic, business and research communities, appointed by the Alberta Cabinet. The authority was established to maximize the effectiveness of science and research as an integral component in the success of the province in the global economy.

The two appointees are high-profile APEGGA members. Dr. Cannon is world-renowned for her work in geomatics. In 2004 she won the Frank Spraigins Technical Award in the APEGGA Summit Awards.

Dr. Lynch has become known as the building dean at U of A because of recent Engineering Department construction. In 2004 he was named the Alberta Chamber of Resources Resource Person of the Year, and one of Alberta Venture magazine’s 50 most influential people in Alberta .

Dr. David Lunch, P.Eng.

Alberta ’s Fastest Growing Companies 2005

Alberta Venture magazine recently named Alberta ’s 50 fastest growing companies of 2005. On the list are a number of APEGGA permit holders.

Among those in the category for over $20 million in revenue are BW Technologies, Matrikon Inc., Trican Well Service Ltd. and CSI Wireless Inc. In the category for under $20 million in revenue is Imaging Dynamics Company Inc.

This year’s program grew from 30 to 50 companies to reflect Alberta ’s expanding economy.

Challenger Geomatics Celebrates 20th Anniversary

Challenger Geomatics Ltd., an APEGGA permit holder, recently celebrated its 20th anniversary of “leading the way with innovative ideas and solutions,” information from the company says. Challenger Surveys was formed in 1984 and has introduced many new services, software products and applications to the industry, making it among the most innovative geomatics companies in Canada .

Since 1984, Challenger has grown to 150 employees, launched seven core businesses and opened seven offices in Canada and overseas. Says company President Dave Thomson, P.Eng.: “The goal was to become a diversified, innovative geomatics company, and we’ve certainly accomplished that. We look forward to continuing to be the company that other geomatics firms measure their progress against.”

CPI Leader Retires

The Canadian Petroleum Institute announced that Peter Adams, P.Eng., who has led the institute over the past 12 years, retired as president and managing director at the end of 2004.

“Dr. Pete” taught in the civil engineering department at the University of Alberta from 1960 to 1975. He was dean of engineering for the following decade and during that period was responsible for the initiation of the faculty’s cooperative education programs.

In 1984 he took on a five-year term as the founding president of the Centre for Frontier Engineering, now part of the Alberta Research Council. Then, following a period as president of the Technical University of Nova Scotia, he returned to Edmonton in 1993 to lead the development of the petroleum institute.

Mr. Adams continues as a director of the institute and as chairman of the board of directors of the Churchill Corporation.

CPI is an independent, not-for-profit organization that showcases the expertise of the Canadian oil and gas industry to provide commercial opportunities for its members, and training and associated consulting services to the petroleum companies of other countries.

Katz Award Goes to Edmonton Engineer

Dr. Heng-Joo Ng, P.Eng., has earned a prestigious award for his 30-plus years of contribution to the Gas Processors Association, including research into hydrocarbon phase behaviour, gas hydrates and software development. Dr. Ng, of Oilphase-DBR Schlumberger Edmonton, was awarded the 2005 Donald L. Katz Award at the 84th GPA Annual Convention in San Antonio , Tex. , on March 14. The Donald L. Katz Award recognizes outstanding accomplishments in gas processing research and technology, and excellence in engineering education. Dr. Ng is the first non-university professor to receive this award since inaugurated in 1985.

Dr. Ng has contributed over 30 research reports and presentations, and published over 30 technical papers to the association.

Dr. Ng, who received his master’s and his PhD from the University of Alberta , was one of the principals of DB Robinson & Associates Ltd. The company was acquired by Schlum-berger in 2002.

The Gas Producers Association is an international organization based in Tulsa , Okla.

Technology Leaps with NEWT

Calgary ’s Network for Emerging Wireless Technologies, or NEWT, has named three winners in a contest for wireless advances.

Mobile Reach Media Inc. of Toronto won a Leapfrog for its HomeFree proactive mobile monitor and alert system. The system will prompt check-ins from, for example, employees and children.

Connect2car Inc. of Yonkers , New York , is making cars and phones interact. It’s developing a secure controller system to manage vehicle functions and accessories from a smart phone.

And Evolution Robotics, Inc., of Pasadena , Calif. , is developing visual pattern recognition technology to allow consumers to “snap” up products and information with their camera-enabled devices.

All three projects are expected to be completed in 2005. Each of the winners has acquired free access to NEWT's state-of-the-art test facility, technical development advice, business mentorship, and venture capital exposure – an estimated value of $30,000 per winner.

NEWT is Canada 's leading wireless tech centre, providing hardware and software development support to suppliers and users of wireless products and services with its lab facilities, test networks, technical staff and industry contacts. NEWT members reduce product development costs, shorten product development time, increase technical knowledge, and gain competitive advantage through accelerated creation and adoption of wireless technology.

NEWT was established in Calgary in 2002 with five founding industry and support from TRLabs, the Communications Research Council, Calgary Technologies Inc., Alberta Innovation and Science, and Western Economic Diversification Canada. NEWT has 60 members (55 from industry) and is a division of TRLabs.

Golder Engineer Named CGS President

Dr. Dennis Becker, P.Eng., a principal and geotechnical engineer with the Calgary office of Golder Associates Ltd., was recently voted the new president of the Canadian Geotechnical Society. His term runs until December 2006.

“It’s a great honour and privilege,” he said. “The society provides professional development opportunities to hone technical skills, knowledge and experience, and offers avenues to meet geotechnical and geosciences professionals.”

CGS is a member of the Engineering Institute of Canada. It is an independent, non-profit society serving and promoting the Canadian geotechnical and geosciences community. Membership is open to individuals from all sectors, among them private consulting, academia, industry, contracting and public services.

Businesses Are ‘Reserved’

Several permit holders are among the organizations honoured April 7 for their support of Canada ’s Reserve Force. The Alberta Electric System Operator and DA Watt Consulting Group Ltd. of Calgary , as well as Finning Canada of Edmonton, won the Canadian Forces Liaison Council Provincial Awards of Excellence.

Lt.-Gov. Norman Kwong presided over the event at McDougall Centre in Calgary .

An APEGGA member did the nominating for Alberta Electric System Operator. Capt. Darren McCrank, P.Eng., a reservist with Calgary ’s 33 Field Engineer Squadron, nominated his employer to recognize its outstanding military leave policy.

The Canadian Forces Liaison Council is a group of Canadian business people who volunteer to promote the reserve force. The CFLC calls it a “profitable partnership” between employers and the reserves. Employers benefit from the valuable training that reservists undertake, says the CFLC.