RCCW Hybrid Meeting

At the Grey Eagle Hotel, Peter Josty was our attendance coordinator and Kathryn Kaldestad & Marie Rickard were our greeters.

President Marlene called the meeting to order at precisely noon.

In the spirit of respect and truth, we honoured and acknowledged that the lands on which we live, work and play, are the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy, the Metis nation of Region 3 and all those who make their home in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.

O Canada followed.

Marie Rickard endeavoured to introduce our guests in zoom land, however her voice transmission was not available (lip reading was difficult) As it turned out all zoom attendees were Calgary West members.

Kathryn Kaldestad introduced our in-house guests; Rob Palmer (guest speaker), Martin Bunting guest of Rob Rakochey, Richard Lee-Thai, member of Rotary 21, guest of Dan Doherty and Dale Struksnes , a member of Calgary at Stampede Park., guest of Judy Cochran.

Past District Governor Dan Doherty introduced our guest speaker, a fellow CPA.

Guest Speaker: Rob Palmer

Rob joined YYC Calgary Airport Authority’s executive leadership team in 2016 when he joined as Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer. He is a senior finance leader with over 20 years of financial and strategic management expertise, executing on business plan development, corporate finance and accounting and program management. Rob’s experience spans across multiple industries, including aviation, real estate, consumer packaged goods and technology. Rob is responsible for all aspects of finance, accounting, supply chain, strategy, planning, IT systems and commercial services. Rob is a Chartered Professional Accountant and holds a bachelor of commerce degree from the University of Manitoba.

Rob’s presentation included an opening slide showing a picture of the Airport Authority as at 1993 vs today….wow, what a change.

Who are we?

The Calgary Airport Authority (the Authority) is a not-for-profit, non-share Capital Corporation, incorporated under the Province of Alberta's Regional Airports Authorities Act. Since 1992, we have been responsible for the operation, management and development of YYC Calgary International Airport (YYC) and, since 1997, Springbank Airport (YBW), under a long-term lease (to 2072) from the Government of Canada.

We have 4 community based directors; Chamber of Commerce, City of Calgary, Transport Canada and Rockyview County.

What is our mandate?

Our mandate defines who we are and describes why we exist. We will:

Manage and operate the Calgary & Springbank airports for which we are responsible in a safe, secure and efficient manner
Advance economic and community development by means that include promoting and encouraging improved airline and transportation service and an expanded aviation industry
Revenue is derived:
1. 34% Aeronautical – what we charge the airlines
2. 34% Non-Aeronautical – what we charge restaurants, vendors, parking etc.
3. & 32% from airport improvement fees. They receive no government support.

Pre-pandemic Impact

8 billion toward the Calgary and Regional areas GDP
A large tax payer towards the City of Calgary ($20 million)
50,000 jobs in the area including 24,000 jobs at YYC

We have four key enablers at YYC

Safety – Working with our airline partners, agencies and emergency responders, the safety of our guests and employees is a top priority.
Security – Ensuring the security of everyone who interacts with YYC is of the utmost importance.
Enterprise Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) – Establishing measurement within our organization is a critical enabler of successful operations. At YYC, we have a robust set of enterprise-wide KPIs to measure our performance.
Environment – Taking a responsible approach to the environment is paramount.

Facts & Figures

Passenger volume 18 million 2018 (covid 5 million)
Land area 5,144 acres
Air Terminal Building 142,398 square meters
Parking 7 levels plus outdoor & short term
Runway 4 runways
Airline Facilities Dom/International 42/66 counters
Leader in connecting flights Connecting passengers 38%
Non Stop 76
Daily departures 101
Non-stop U.S. Destinations 26
Non-stop European destinations 7
One stop to any destination in the world
Passengers in 2021 6.3 million or 35% of pre-pandemic
Springbank airport Mainly a training facility

Rotary Challenger Park has been a very successful partnership with YYC for decades.

Several question for Rob.

Gord Cox asked about the relationship with the Federal Government to which Rob stated it is sometimes painful & slow to react. For example masks are still required anywhere in the airport
Tim Anderson enquired about the number of airplanes in the sky seems low and secondly the delays around baggage due to outsourcing. Airlines capacity issues are due to a lack of pilots. While they are being called back to work, there are a number of training issues required before more planes can be added. Baggage is an airline responsibility & delays are partly because of outsourcing and also a lack of employees in the workforce. It will take time to regularize both issues.
Saadat Keshajee asked how we rate domestically & internationally and is it possible to get a tour of YYC. Currently, they rate themselves in the 2^nd quartile and have plans to increase the Custom Satisfaction levels to bring into a 1^St quartile position. Yes a tour is definitely available.

Chris Davis thanked Rob for his presentation and for the continued strong partnership with Rotary Challenger Park. Chris also acknowledged the major importance YYC is to Calgary and area.

President Marlene thanked Rob as well & stated a donation in his name will be made to Shelter Box who provides disaster relief around the world.

Rob Rakochey introduced Martin Bunting our newest member to the Rotary Club of Calgary West. Martin is a former member (2005-2017) & past president of Calgary North Club. He is married to Patricia. His business is Glamping RV Resorts in Saskatchewan & Alberta which is luxury outdoor camping. He is also the former founder of Sport-chek. Martin supports people in need and looks forward to getting involved with our Club.

PDG Dan Doherty provided the formal induction of Martin (who is off shortly to Houston for the RI Convention). Martin has a real understanding of Rotary and has a passion for service. People join Rotary for 2 reasons; fellowship and a need to get involved in Community service. We look forward to the leadership & energy you will bring to our club. Welcome!

Rob Rakochey told us “His Story”.

Rob gave us some background on the person, the lawyer & the Rotarian.

Rob was born and raised in Edmonton & moved to Calgary in 1989. It took time, but eventually Rob gave up his allegiance to the Edmonton Eskimos & Oilers and became a staunch supporter of the Flames & Stampeders.

As mentioned, he was born and raised in Edmonton after his father left the farm in Saskatchewan and became a dentist. Rob’s great grandparents emigrated from the Ukraine and landed in Amsterdam Saskatchewan around 1905…..somewhere north of Canora. (Look it up….I did. It’s Hamlet with a population of 25 as at 2016 census).

Rob’s grandmother gave birth to 20 babies…wow! Any & all Rakocheys are related to Rob, even if the last name is spelt with no “e”. His father was the oldest of the 20 siblings and when he was born they made a mistake on the birth certificate and added an “e” to the name. When they found out about the mistake they went to change the name back to Rakochy but was told it would cost $1.60. Needless to say, they could not afford to cover the cost and left it as Rakochey….hence all are related to each other.

Rob graduated for the University of Alberta with 2 Degrees; one Business degree with distinction and a second Law degree on the Dean’s list. He moved to Calgary in 1989 to start his law career.

He married his wife Launie (pronounced Launie not Lorie) on Sept 1, 1990. He is the proud father of 3 boys;

Rory 23 - a brew master/distiller who graduated from Olds College & has been accepted to Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh (the Harvard of the Brewing Industry). Starts in September.
Carter 21 - Currently at the University of Alberta obtaining his Under grad to become an Occupational Therapist and
Jerome who will turn 19 next has Down’s syndrome. He is very high functioning individual and is progressing favorably in his growth & development.

In addition to his wife and children, Rob has 3 dogs & 4 cats. His hobbies include golf and cooking – specifically BBQ. Rob was one of the first Canadians the first Canadians who qualified and competed in the World BBQ Championships in Kansas City. Rob has extended an invitation to all, to attend his world class BBQ at his house this summer.

Rob the lawyer

Started at Macleod Dixon articled 1989, called to the Bar in 1990 and became a full partner 1997, stayed there until 2019 when he moved to Field Law, LLP

Head of the Dispute Practice Group at Field
First 1/3 of career – just resolved disputes
Second 1/3 – resolves the dispute and then fix the real reason why they were there – likely due to poor agreements or process
Now – same - fix the issues, although more like offensive coordinator, fix the root causes of the dispute, and love to get out in front of clients who have been and continue to plant their own land mines and step on them

The Rotarian

A cradle Rotarian – His father was a charter member of the Edmonton NE Rotary Club in 1966 when he was 2
Grew up fully involved with Rotary, worked bingos, selling tickets, etc.
Moved to Calgary and after called to the bar in 1990 looked to join Rotary. At 26 years old he was told he should consider joining Rotaract He said no to that suggestion and looked at various clubs including the Downtown Club, but they had too many lawyers, so he joined Calgary North
He was put in charge of social committee and told us the story of a President’s Ball with no cutlery – hands only meal & his skill at throwing a dinner roll. Of course he is older & wiser now so maybe the “no cutlery – bun tossing” option is out. But it does show his creativity!
Director of the club for about 20 years different portfolios & President in 1999-2000
Now he is our President elect nominee and will be President at Calgary West in 2023-24 and looking forward to leading the club and getting everyone involved.
He says he’s selfish and does what makes him happy and what makes him happy is serving

Kathryn Kaldestad reminded us the Stampede Parade Seat sale was just weeks away. We have sold 200+ tickets so far and would like to reach a minimum of 750. So, let’s all do our best to sell some tickets and support this long time fundraiser. If you need help please contact Kathryn or one of the team members.

Barbie Hames reminded us of Presidents Dinner on June 10. This is our opportunity to recognize the fantastic accomplishments of our President. It’s a “sock hop” of course celebrating the 50’s for our 55 year existence. You need to register at our web site under “Club News & Updates” scroll over to Upcoming events and click on RCCW Presidents dinner for details & registration.

Also, something new this year – “Nine & Dine” for the ladies. 9 holes of golf followed by dinner starting in July….if you are interested contact Pat Fitzsimmons for details.

Les Morgan advised “Dues are Due” so if you haven’t done your do, please do so, June 1^st is the deadline.

Steve Kuiack is our representative on the District’s Diversity, Inclusion & Equity committee and he has an initiative he would like to share. It’s a cultural exchange in the form of a potluck dinner to be held Sunday June 12^th at Dan & Marlene Doherty’s home 4 to 7 pm. Everyone is invited to bring a dish, a drink or a desert that represents their culture or heritage. Hopefully, you can explain the history behind your dish etc. Steve will send out an invitation requesting an RSVP.

President Marlene closed the meeting by acknowledging Team 3 for their meeting duties and all those who helped with in the NSTEP/RCCW veggie plant sale last Wednesday and to those who supported the fundraiser. A shout out to Gord Cox….this was the smoothest distribution in 7 years.

Thanks, was also extended to Clarence Buckley for organizing our Highway Cleanup last Saturday. He did such a wonderful job- we were oversubscribed with volunteers had a great fellowship brunch and even ensured we had great weather. Larry Doyle was smiling down on us for sure!

The “Best Treasure” award went to Duncan Stanners.

Safe travels to Linda, Tim & Martin as they head to the RI convention in Houston.

Building Community pin was awarded to Bob Pearson for his consistent community service (last week, community kitchen, plant sale distribution and highway clean up) as well as organizing the upcoming June golf trip.

Speaker next week is Dr. Zul Premji, a world authority on Malaria and Dengue fever from Tanzania.

4 Way Test and the meeting was adjourned.