Amplify Canada: Recent Episodes
Pattison Media
Amplify Canada is an initiative created by Pattison Media designed to celebrate and elevate small businesses, the backbone of our economy. Thousands of small businesses, groups, family organizations and individuals are showcased on Pattison Media radio stations from Winnipeg to Vancouver throughout the year. Every month we go deeper and share the incredible journey of a few that have made an impact on their community. Some have flourished, others may need a little extra love and support. These are their stories…welcome to Amplify Canada.
On the final chapter of Amplify Canada, we reflect on the small businesses that make Canada great and the resiliency they showed through the pandemic and beyond. We will explore the importance of small businesses and how they shape, support, and make communities strong. We head to St. George British Columbia to The Pepper Tree, for the past fourteen years, the Pepper Tree has been First Nations owned and operated by a mother-daughter duo. We fly into Lethbridge in the southeast corner of Alberta, home to a non-profit organization called Streets Alive Mission which is changing people’s lives in their community. And we will hear from a majority female-owned business, Universal Geomatic Solutions Corp. who are committed to finding solutions to help maximize sustainability. These are just a few of the stories that we reflect on as we close the book and celebrate the incredible stories that gave us Amplify Canada.
About AmplifyAmplify Canada is an initiative created by Pattison Media designed to celebrate and elevate small businesses, the backbone of our economy. Thousands of small businesses, groups, family organizations and individuals are showcased on Pattison Media radio stations from Winnipeg to Vancouver throughout the year. Every month we go deeper and share the incredible journey of a few that have made an impact on their community. Some have flourished, others may need a little extra love and support. We also feature an emerging local Canadian Artist we think you'll enjoy. These are their stories
On the final chapter of Amplify Canada, we reflect on the small businesses that make Canada great and the resiliency they showed through the pandemic and beyond. We will explore the importance of small businesses and how they shape, support, and make communities strong. We head to St. George British Columbia to The Pepper Tree, for the past fourteen years, the Pepper Tree has been First Nations owned and operated by a mother-daughter duo. We fly into Lethbridge in the southeast corner of Alberta, home to a non-profit organization called Streets Alive Mission which is changing people’s lives in their community. And we will hear from a majority female-owned business, Universal Geomatic Solutions Corp. who are committed to finding solutions to help maximize sustainability. These are just a few of the stories that we reflect on as we close the book and celebrate the incredible stories that gave us Amplify Canada.
About AmplifyAmplify Canada is an initiative created by Pattison Media designed to celebrate and elevate small businesses, the backbone of our economy. Thousands of small businesses, groups, family organizations and individuals are showcased on Pattison Media radio stations from Winnipeg to Vancouver throughout the year. Every month we go deeper and share the incredible journey of a few that have made an impact on their community. Some have flourished, others may need a little extra love and support. We also feature an emerging local Canadian Artist we think you'll enjoy. These are their stories
In 2019, just before the pandemic, the Fitness industry hit an estimated $96.7 billion dollars. The industry is slowly recovering and is expected to hit those numbers again. But it hasn’t been easy. We’ll chat with Sam Dalupeng, owner of 9 Round Kickboxing in Leduc, Alberta, he tells the story of how he worked to keep his community going and how they are still recovering from the pandemic. And for almost 20 years Jonathan Hamilton from Romper Room Indoor Rock Climbing Center, in Nanaimo, British Columbia has been making exercise fun, he and his wife Brianna open their doors to everyone. Personal trainer and boxing expert Andy Dumas will show us the ropes and talk about fitness changes and making a comeback.
About AmplifyAmplify Canada is an initiative created by Pattison Media designed to celebrate and elevate small businesses, the backbone of our economy. Thousands of small businesses, groups, family organizations, and individuals are showcased on Pattison Media radio stations from Winnipeg to Vancouver throughout the year. Every month we go deeper and share the incredible journey of a few that have made an impact on their community. Some have flourished, others may need a little extra love and support. We also feature an emerging local Canadian Artist we think you'll enjoy. These are their stories.
In 2019, just before the pandemic, the Fitness industry hit an estimated $96.7 billion dollars. The industry is slowly recovering and is expected to hit those numbers again. But it hasn’t been easy. We’ll chat with Sam Dalupeng, owner of 9 Round Kickboxing in Leduc, Alberta, he tells the story of how he worked to keep his community going and how they are still recovering from the pandemic. And for almost 20 years Jonathan Hamilton from Romper Room Indoor Rock Climbing Center, in Nanaimo, British Columbia has been making exercise fun, he and his wife Brianna open their doors to everyone. Personal trainer and boxing expert Andy Dumas will show us the ropes and talk about fitness changes and making a comeback.
About AmplifyAmplify Canada is an initiative created by Pattison Media designed to celebrate and elevate small businesses, the backbone of our economy. Thousands of small businesses, groups, family organizations, and individuals are showcased on Pattison Media radio stations from Winnipeg to Vancouver throughout the year. Every month we go deeper and share the incredible journey of a few that have made an impact on their community. Some have flourished, others may need a little extra love and support. We also feature an emerging local Canadian Artist we think you'll enjoy. These are their stories.
More than half of Canadian households (60%) own at least one dog or cat. They are part of our family. In this episode, we explore the true extended family - our pets. We'll meet Melanie Glen, owner of A Better Chance Animal Rescue in Pincher Creek, Alberta, her motto is rescuing one animal at a time, for 30 years she has been making a difference. We'll explore a one-of-a-kind cat café on Vancouver Island and we'll introduce you to the Langley Animal Protection Society (LAPS) their staff and volunteers use a progressive and humane approach to care for more than 1400 dogs, cats and large animals each year.
About AmplifyAmplify Canada is an initiative created by Pattison Media designed to celebrate and elevate small businesses, the backbone of our economy. Thousands of small businesses, groups, family organizations and individuals are showcased on Pattison Media radio stations from Winnipeg to Vancouver throughout the year. Every month we go deeper and share the incredible journey of a few that have made an impact on their community. Some have flourished, others may need a little extra love and support. We also feature an emerging local Canadian Artist we think you'll enjoy. These are their stories.
More than half of Canadian households (60%) own at least one dog or cat. They are part of our family. In this episode, we explore the true extended family - our pets. We'll meet Melanie Glen, owner of A Better Chance Animal Rescue in Pincher Creek, Alberta, her motto is rescuing one animal at a time, for 30 years she has been making a difference. We'll explore a one-of-a-kind cat café on Vancouver Island and we'll introduce you to the Langley Animal Protection Society (LAPS) their staff and volunteers use a progressive and humane approach to care for more than 1400 dogs, cats and large animals each year.
About AmplifyAmplify Canada is an initiative created by Pattison Media designed to celebrate and elevate small businesses, the backbone of our economy. Thousands of small businesses, groups, family organizations and individuals are showcased on Pattison Media radio stations from Winnipeg to Vancouver throughout the year. Every month we go deeper and share the incredible journey of a few that have made an impact on their community. Some have flourished, others may need a little extra love and support. We also feature an emerging local Canadian Artist we think you'll enjoy. These are their stories.
We look back and reflect on some of the memorable moments of the first season of Amplify Canada. We talked, listened, and were inspired and moved by Canadian small business resiliency. It’s been quite a year, the pandemic pushed back even harder, closing countless businesses but those businesses that persevered, gave back, and found new ways of doing business. Listen as we reflect on some of the stories that captured our hearts and made us think about the vital piece small businesses play in our economy. This country is built on small businesses. These are the stories of the changes people have made, the resiliency they have shown, and the inspiration that got them there.
Featured on this episode:
Episode 3: Indigenous Ingenuity
Craig Stevens – Wolf Pack Apparel
Episode 4: Pandemic GenerosityDave Lawrence – That 50’s Barbershop
Fatima Molu and her kids, Ammar and Asiyah – Kids Who Care International
Episode 5: Perseverance and HopeBobby Mottola – Mottola Grocery: @mottolagrocery On Instagram
Episode 6 The Resilience of Canada’s Tourism Industry
Erian Baxter – Deep Cove Kayaking
Episode 7: Small is the New Big: How big business is supporting small business.
Darrell Jones – President of Save-on-Foods
Episode 8: All in The FamilyDaniel and Amy- Daniel’s Dill Dip
Episode 9: Women who Rock!Darcy Hortness and Mary Rapier – Oceano Cleaning Services: http://oceanocleaning.ca/
Featured ArtistCeleigh Cardinal
SongThere ain’t no way
Amplify Canada is an initiative created by Pattison Media designed to celebrate and elevate small businesses, the backbone of our economy. Thousands of small businesses, groups, family organizations and individuals are showcased on Pattison Media radio stations from Winnipeg to Vancouver throughout the year. Every month we go deeper and share the incredible journey of a few that have made an impact on their community. Some have flourished, others may need a little extra love and support. These are their stories.
On this episode, we explore the re-invention of business. This country is built on small businesses. These are the stories of the changes people have made and the new small businesses emerging because of re-invention.
Featured on this episode
- Suzie Yorke: Founder of Love Good Fats
- Devin Goss: Owner ofBluPlanet Recycling
- Janel Zolinski: Owner of 2-Diaper Hero
- Jaide and Joel: Owners of Jaide and Joels Baking Co.
Artist: FKA RayneAlt-pop singer and songwriter FKA Rayne has had an unusual career path compared to most musicians. At 17 she flew across the country to play pre-show for Billie Eilish, four months before she’d release her debut single. At 18, she was the face of Amazon music’s ‘Artists to watch 2020’ list for her song ‘Bored’, and now 20, FKA Rayne is learning what it means to make the music she loves.
Amplify Canada is an initiative created by Pattison Media designed to celebrate and elevate small businesses, the backbone of our economy. Thousands of small businesses, groups, family organizations and individuals are showcased on Pattison Media radio stations from Winnipeg to Vancouver throughout the year. Every month we go deeper and share the incredible journey of a few that have made an impact on their community. Some have flourished, others may need a little extra love and support. These are their stories.
On this episode, we explore the importance technology plays in business. The Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses’ data shows fourteen percent of small firms say they are considering declaring bankruptcy or winding up their businesses. To break it down a bit better, the number of threatened businesses could be as high as 222,000, depending on how the coming months unfold, jeopardizing potentially, close to 3M jobs.
There is no doubt that the pandemic has forever changed how we work and do business. We have become connoisseurs of technology and it is here to stay. This country is built on small businesses. These are the stories of the changing face of technology and its key to the survival of Canadian small businesses.
Featured on this episode
- Coldwater Communications: Theodora Jean, Founder
- OXYGEN Kamloops: Lacey Christink owner and Ex-owner: Dina Mcleod
- Baking With Candice: Candice Funk
- 1Fish 2fish : Heather Jenkins
Artist Featured
Dear Rouge is a JUNO Award-winning, Vancouver-based alternative rock band formed in 2012 by Drew and Danielle McTaggart. Dear Rouge is performing on Friday, July 22 at the Squamish Constellation Festival alongside JESSIA, July Talk and Lights.
The Squamish Constellation Festival runs from July 22-24 in In the heart of the Sea to Sky Corridor between Vancouver and Whistler, the festival brings world-class talent and a new on-site camping experience to a backdrop of stunning glacial vistas. Single-day tickets and weekend passes are available now at constellationfest.ca.
Amplify Canada is an initiative created by Pattison Media designed to celebrate and elevate small businesses, the backbone of our economy. Thousands of small businesses, groups, family organizations and individuals are showcased on Pattison Media radio stations from Winnipeg to Vancouver throughout the year. Every month we go deeper and share the incredible journey of a few that have made an impact on their community. Some have flourished, others may need a little extra love and support. These are their stories.
On this episode:
Women play an important role in the economy, however, women-led businesses account for only 15.6 percent of small and medium enterprises in Canada. And then Covid hit, forcing sixty-two percent of female-led businesses to lay off more than 80 percent of their staff due to the pandemic, versus 45 percent of businesses overall. But despite what we hear in the news and despite some of the statistics, women are amazing, creative, driven, smart, persistent, and passionate people – and they make incredible business leaders.
This country is built on small businesses. These are the stories of the Woman who Rock – Canadian small business.
Featured on this episode:
- Oceano Cleaning: Mary and Darcy
- Universal Geomatics Solutions Corp.: Jennifer Jackson
- Everything Podcasts: CEO Jennifer Smith
Artist:
- Celeigh Cardinal
Amplify Canada is an initiative created by Pattison Media designed to celebrate and elevate small businesses, the backbone of our economy. Thousands of small businesses, groups, family organizations and individuals are showcased on Pattison Media radio stations from Winnipeg to Vancouver throughout the year. Every month we go deeper and share the incredible journey of a few that have made an impact on their community. Some have flourished, others may need a little extra love and support. These are their stories.
On this episode
Statistics Canada states family-owned businesses account for 63.1 percent of all private sector firms in the Canadian economy and generated 48.9 percent of Canada's real Gross Domestic Product in the private sector, at $574.6 billion. More than 90 percent of the jobs supported by family-owned businesses, which equals 6.4 million are in small and medium-sized businesses. On this episode, we celebrate family businesses.
Featured on this episode
- Rod Schween, President of Pattison Media
- Popowhich Meat Company
- Daniel’s Dill Dip
- The Gift Loft
Artist: Roslyn Witter
Amplify Canada is an initiative created by Pattison Media designed to celebrate and elevate small businesses, the backbone of our economy. Thousands of small businesses, groups, family organizations and individuals are showcased on Pattison Media radio stations from Winnipeg to Vancouver throughout the year. Every month we go deeper and share the incredible journey of a few that have made an impact on their community. Some have flourished, others may need a little extra love and support. These are their stories.
Visit Pattison Media to learn more about this very special project of hope, community, and the Canadian spirit.
In this episode
Small is the new big. We'll explore how big business is supporting small business across Canada.
The latest report from Statistics Canada reports the Canadian economy totaled 1.23 million employer businesses. Of these, 1.2 million (97.9 percent) were small businesses – a small business being defined as having 1 to 99 employees.
As we begin to shift into an endemic, we need to understand the need for small business and the important part we, the consumer, play. What role business to business plays and how we need to care what we are buying and from where. We will soon discover how entwined small and large businesses are and how the pandemic has bridged some gaps.
Amplify Canada is an initiative created by Pattison Media designed to celebrate and elevate small businesses, the backbone of our economy. Thousands of small businesses, groups, family organizations and individuals are showcased on Pattison Media radio stations from Winnipeg to Vancouver throughout the year. Every month we go deeper and share the incredible journey of a few that have made an impact on their community. Some have flourished, others may need a little extra love and support. These are their stories.
Visit Pattison Media to learn more about this very special project of hope, community, and the Canadian spirit.
On this episode:
It was March of 2020, travel restrictions and border closures aimed at containing COVID-19, brought travel to and from Canada to a near standstill. In fact, the number of international arrivals to Canada from other countries fell by over 50 percent from February 2020, the largest single monthly drop since 1972. By the first week of April, most hotels were empty: with the hotel occupancy rate below 20% across Canada.
The Canadian government closed its international border and various restrictions on non-essential travel to and from Canada were in place for the remainder of the year and continued into 2021. Even domestic travel was affected by the closure of some provincial and territorial borders. It has been a tough go. But, this country is built on small businesses. These are the inspiring stories of the resiliency, creativity, and strength of Canadian tourism.
Amplify Canada is an initiative created by Pattison Media designed to celebrate and elevate small businesses, the backbone of our economy. Thousands of small businesses, groups, family organizations and individuals are showcased on Pattison Media radio stations from Winnipeg to Vancouver throughout the year. Every month we go deeper and share the incredible journey of a few that have made an impact on their community. Some have flourished, others may need a little extra love and support. These are their stories.
Visit Pattison Media to learn more about this very special project of hope, community, and the Canadian spirit.
On this episode:
We all can have times of struggle, self-doubt, failure, and setbacks. Over the last two years - we have had loved ones die, entire industries shut down, jobs disappear. A worldwide picture of loss and sadness, loneliness and despair has been painted. But simultaneously we are hearing stories of determination and optimism - finding the light at the end of the tunnel can change our trajectory. These are inspiring stories of perseverance and hope from Canada's small business owners.
Amplify Canada is an initiative created by Pattison Media designed to celebrate and elevate small businesses, the backbone of our economy. Thousands of small businesses, groups, family organizations and individuals are showcased on Pattison Media radio stations from Winnipeg to Vancouver throughout the year. Every month we go deeper and share the incredible journey of a few that have made an impact on their community. Some have flourished, others may need a little extra love and support. These are their stories.
Visit Pattison Media to learn more about this very special project of hope, community, and the Canadian spirit.
On this episode
During the pandemic, around the world and here at home, we have witnessed acts of strength, courage, determination, understanding, perseverance, kindness and love personality, in response to community needs and in support of small businesses across the country. On this episode, we share stories of incredible acts of kindness, of people from coast to coast showing their Pandemic Generosity.
Amplify Canada is an initiative created by Pattison Media designed to celebrate and elevate small businesses, the backbone of our economy. Thousands of small businesses, groups, family organizations and individuals are showcased on Pattison Media radio stations from Winnipeg to Vancouver throughout the year. Every month we go deeper and share the incredible journey of a few that have made an impact on their community. Some have flourished, others may need a little extra love and support. These are their stories.
Visit Pattison Media to learn more about this very special project of hope, community, and the Canadian spirit.
On this episode: We will delve into the success and struggles of indigenous businesses. Stories of mothers and daughters, families and ideas that changed lives. The history Canadians don’t like to tell is that Canada’s nation-building has come at the expense of its Indigenous peoples and on top of Indigenous territories. Indigenous peoples’ place in the national narrative of the “birth” of Canada has been minimized and viewed as peripheral to the dominant culture’s stories. Slowly, painfully, change and accountability are being discussed, opening doors for healing along the way.
Amplify Canada is an initiative created by Pattison Media designed to celebrate and elevate small businesses, the backbone of our economy. Thousands of small businesses, groups, family organizations and individuals are showcased on Pattison Media radio stations from Winnipeg to Vancouver throughout the year. Every month we go deeper and share the incredible journey of a few that have made an impact on their community. Some have flourished, others may need a little extra love and support. These are their stories.
Visit Pattison Media to learn more about this very special project of hope, community, and the Canadian spirit.
Corner stores and small local neighborhood groceries hold many stories and memories. In this second episode of Amplify Canada, we talk to the memory makers, the owners and grocers who give so much to our communities.
Three stores and three stories: The Superette, in Nanaimo, BC, owned by Gary Negrin, a classic tale, with a touch of drama; The Garden Market, in Victoria, BC, owned by Ryan Townsend, a story of transformation; and The Italian Centre Shop, in Edmonton, AB, owned by Teresa Spinelli, the story of an inheritance of more than a store.
This episode also begins a new regular as we spotlight an amazing local independent musical talent. First up is Lola Parks, an indigenous soul, folk, pop singer-songwriter from Vancouver. You experience her song “Dreamer” in this episode. Her music is available on iTunes, Spotify and at www.lolaparks.com.
Amplify Canada is a 12-part, monthly podcast, that tells real stories of Canadians from Port Alberni, BC, to Winnipeg, Manitoba, and everywhere in between. These are stories of invention, overcoming adversity, coming together, creativity and hope; stories of the diverse and varied business owners that Canadians rely on every day. The owner of a multi-generational grocery store, a favorite African Caribbean Cafe, a favorite clothing boutique, restaurant, pub, barbershop, auto repair or cab company, a single mother down the street who started a successful natural products business, the local tattoo artists, a local musician making an impact on their community… you get the idea. Pattison Media developed this project to help support small businesses in Western Canada.
Visit Pattison Media to learn more about this very special project of hope, community, and the Canadian spirit.
Amplify Canada is a 12-part, monthly podcast, that tells real stories of Canadians from Port Alberni, BC, to Winnipeg, Manitoba, and everywhere in between. These are stories of invention, overcoming adversity, coming together, creativity and hope; stories of the diverse and varied business owners that Canadians rely on every day. The owner of a multi-generational grocery store, a favorite African Caribbean Cafe, a favorite clothing boutique, restaurant, pub, barbershop, auto repair or cab company, a single mother down the street who started a successful natural products business, the local tattoo artists, a local musician making an impact on their community… you get the idea. Pattison Media developed this project to help support small businesses in Western Canada.
Visit Pattison Media to learn more about this very special project of hope, community, and the Canadian spirit.
Amplify Canada is a 12-part, monthly podcast, arriving every second Thursday, that tells real stories of Canadians from Port Alberni, BC, to Winnipeg, Manitoba, and everywhere in between. These are stories of invention, overcoming adversity, coming together, creativity and hope; stories of the diverse and varied business owners that Canadians rely on every day. The owner of a multi-generational grocery store, a favorite African Caribbean Cafe, a favorite clothing boutique, restaurant, pub, barbershop, auto repair or cab company, a single mother down the street who started a successful natural products business, the local tattoo artists… you get the idea. Pattison Media developed this project to help support small businesses in Western Canada.
Visit Pattison Media to learn more about this very special project of hope, community, and the Canadian spirit.