About CAFE Saskatoon

Profile

The core of our membership is located in Saskatoon. The name Saskatoon comes from the Cree name Mis-sask-quah-toomina, which is the native name for Saskatoon berries, which we have in abundance in Saskatchewan. These dark purple berries are mouth watering in pies, jams, and desserts. Saskatoon is located along the banks of the scenic South Saskatchewan River in the heart of the Prairies. The saying on our license plates is “Land of the Living Skies.” Cafe Saskatoon is the pride of the Prairies boasting many 4th generation family businesses.

Mandate

Cafe Saskatoon’s mandate is to provide and educate our members, but especially our youth whether it is in our business or their own business.  It is our desire to teach that solutions are available therefore choices are increased and problems can be avoided or worked through both in family issues and succession issues.  Cafe Saskatoon encourages all family members to participate regardless of their age or involvement in the business.  Strong families make strong businesses.

History and Founders

Dec. 12, 1996 was the first founding meeting for our Chapter.  Our first President was Bill Edwards.  Bill realized that in order to have a strong chapter he needed 10 founding members.  Our founders met for 6 months prior to Founding Dinner June 3, 1997 and Cafe Saskatchewan was born.  Cafe Sask previously served the entire province with members in rural Saskatchewan as well as Regina.

Our Associate members are committed to the success of family business as such they provide us with expert advice and many fine speakers.  Our family members are excited to participate in PAG’s – Personal Advisory Groups.  We are pleased to have 4 separate PAG’s.  Our members believe that PAG’s are the reason they joined and the reason they will stay.

In 2003 Cafe Sask helped Regina launch their own chapter-Cafe Regina. Cafe Sask agreed to change its name to Cafe Saskatoon.  We now have 2 vibrant chapters in Saskatchewan promoting family business.  We are very proud of Cafe Regina’s success.

With the proliferation of the ‘Big Boxers’ in our province it is necessary to nurture and protect our many family businesses.  Cafe Sask provides programming that will ensure the success and longevity of family business.  Our programming has included a wide range of topics including:  A Tribute to our Founders, Avoiding Family Conflicts, Tax Tips and Traps and Shareholders Agreements.  Our social events such as Christmas Dinner remain a favorite for all members of the family whether they are involved in the business or not.

CAFE Saskatoon is proud to be part of our local business community and would like to thank its sponsors for their ongoing support:

The Harold Latrace Family, KT3 Technology, KPMG Enterprise, Prairie Meats, Rely-Ex/SteelMet, Butler Byers, RBC, Galon Inxurance, Continuity Partnership, dblack.communications, Impact Marketing Services, North Prairie Developments Ltd., Schaan Healthcare Products, North Ridge Development Corp, Star Egg, MNP, Superior Cabinets, Edwards School of Business, Butler Byers Insurance,  Business Development Bank of Canada, Saskatoon Funeral Home, Banda Marketing Group, Norplex Business Centre, The Rent-It Store, Board Dynamics, Polar Refrigeration Service Ltd., Virtus Group.