Finalists named in challenge
SCOTT LARSON The i3 Idea Challenge is down to five finalists.
The business idea competition, hosted by the W. Brett Wilson Centre for Entrepreneurial Excellence at the University of Saskatchewan, gives early stage startups a chance to pitch their idea. The five finalists will be pitching live at the finale Thursday, where $30,000 cash will be awarded among the top three teams.
The finalists are:
■ MagnoPlug: A new type of power connector that eliminates the difficulties and safety issues found with traditional three-pronged plugs.
■ Thrive Juice Co: Saskatoon’s first raw and nutrient dense cold-pressed juice company.
■ SkipTheDishes: A rapidly growing technology company that helps restaurants offer their customers online ordering and streamlined delivery.
■ QuickLinkt Solutions Inc: An easy to use smartphone app enabling realtors, mortgage brokers and investment advisers to drive additional opportunity by encouraging, rewarding and tracking in the moment referrals from past customers and other connections.
■ Recrilo: A flexible location communication service designed to improve efficiency of many courier systems, such as taxicabs and food delivery.
In the past five years, the i3 Idea Challenge has helped create more than 30 new business ventures and has awarded more $300,000 to student entrepreneurs. The finale is Thursday at 6 p.m., at the Sheraton Cavalier. Tickets are available at www.picatic.com/finale.
Cameco, PotashCorp safety awards
Cameco Corp. has been recognized for its safety performance in 2013 by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM).
Cameco’s McArthur River mine was awarded the CIM’s John T. Ryan National Safety Trophy for the best safety performance in the metal mine category in 2013. Last year, the McArthur River mine recorded no reportable injuries for 860,818 working hours.
“Winning the John T Ryan award is a testament to the quality of people and the commitment to safety at our McArthur River site,” Tim Gitzel, Cameco president and CEO, said in a news release.
This is the third time McArthur River has won the John T. Ryan award. The others were in 2000 and 2009.
Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan Inc.’s New Brunswick division was also awarded the CIM Safety Trophy for Select Mines.
This is the fifth time PotashCorp’s New Brunswick division has been recognized. The facility also won in 2003, 2005, 2008 and 2012.
The awards were presented at the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum 116th Convention Awards dinner and gala held in Vancouver.
“Winning this award is an accomplishment that all PotashCorp employees can be extremely proud of. It takes real teamwork among employees, leaders, the Occupational Health and Safety Committees, the SCORE (Sussex Concentrates on Reducing Exposures) Steering Committee and observers to ensure everyone at our mines goes home safely each day,” said Michael Hogan, president of PCS Potash.