Speakers
| Speaker | Date | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| Michael Pearson | Jan 13, 2025 12:00 PM |
Celebrating End of Life
 Michael Pierson was born and raised in Calgary. He was one of the seven Pierson children to attend Viscount Bennett Jr. & Sr. High Schools. He then attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah where he studied Music and Business. In 1986 he transferred to the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio and graduated with a Bachelors of Mortuary Science (cum laud) in 1987. He had training and experience in funeral homes in Utah and Ohio while attending University prior to returning to Calgary in 1988 to join the family firm. Michael has always shown leadership characteristics as well as being community and service minded. In High School he served as Class President and more recently served as the President of the International Avenue Business Revitalization Zone, an organization which has done significant work to improve the business district in the Forest Lawn area of Calgary. Michael also served on the Executive Council of the Alberta Funeral Service Association for eight years including a term as President. Michael is past Chairman of the International Avenue Arts and Culture Centre. Michael has an active Church life and loves to spend time with his wife Kathleen and their sons Eric and Connor. Cycling, hiking, gardening, reading and music are a few of his interests. Michael has a passion for his work at the funeral home. He loves helping families who need our services and is proud of the solid reputation and business the family has built. |
| Scott Berry | Jan 20, 2025 12:00 PM |
Nature and Forest Therapy
 Scott Berry, born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, discovered a passion for the outdoors early on, spending a lifetime exploring the wilderness. Initially trained as a Petroleum Landman and Geologist, he co-founded Energy Communications in 1991, one of Canada’s leading investor relations firms for energy and mining. Later, he launched Infovest, specializing in tech companies and building strong ties with TSX, Nasdaq, and AMEX for Canadian recruitment.
Scott sold his companies in 2005, then directed Empowering Minds, a youth leadership charity, expanding it across Alberta and collaborating with the University of Calgary on a major mentorship program. He also served as Executive Director for Newell County’s social services, creating the Canadian Prairies’ largest Makerspace for youth.
In 2018, Scott returned to his true love, nature, becoming a certified wilderness guide in 2019. Currently, he serves as the Senior Guide for the Banff Springs Hotel and is Canada’s only certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide living and working within a national park. Scott has volunteered on boards including Woods Homes Foundation and Kids Up Front, and he has also been a life coach and Scouts Canada leader. In his free time, he enjoys mountain sports with his partner, Heather.
|
| Robert Roach | Feb 10, 2025 12:00 PM |
ATB Economist: Economic Forecast
As the Deputy Chief Economist at ATB Financial, Rob is laser-focused on the Alberta economy, the forces that shape it and the challenges and opportunities affecting the prosperity of Albertans. He is the co-author of three books:
As Vice-President of Research with the Canada West Foundation, Rob had the opportunity to explore a broad array of economic and public policy topics. Rob recently served as the Chair of the National accessArts Centre--Canada's largest and oldest disability arts organization. Rob also teaches courses on local government for the University of Alberta. |