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May 2008

	Features
	Creating customer value in a high-growth market As Western Canada’s economic engine continues to rev up, a rapid escalation of costs threatens to reduce the profitability of associated projects. Collaboration between vendor and customer is the key to success. By James McKay, CMA

	Pricing power: Using price strategy road maps and tools to maximize bottom-line results CMAs are trained to achieve best-in-class practices that strive for continuous improvements in profitability, cost management, and efficiency. And yet, when it comes to pricing, many organizations fail to use the tools and processes that enable a best-in-class approach. By Scott Miller, CMA

	May 2008
	Well worth it: Building business value The future is now. While this may be an overused quote, it certainly applies to the succession of Canada’s private businesses. By Suzanne Loomer, CA

	Taking chances CMAs Darrell Nimchuk and Steven Guevarra create a culture of excellence based on mentorship, effective communication, career advancement and a learning environment that supports the human spirit. By Andrea Civichino

Columns
Human resources Prescribing a healthy dose of corporate culture. The workplace has a powerful effect on an employee’s health. Earlier efforts to create healthy workplaces focused on injury prevention — more programs today are being designed to help employees choose healthier behaviours. By Barbara J. Bowes

Management trends Preventing presenteeism. Sick people reporting for work not only have a lower rate of productivity, but they pass their illness around to other workers and customers. By Susan Chesney, CMA

Business strategies Ten commitments to profitability. Commitment isn’t as popular today as instant success. But without commitment, short-term success isn’t guaranteed and long-term success is impossible. By Janet Boulter

Money management All that glitters is not gold. With the price of gold reaching an all-time high in early 2008, a new frenzy predictably emerged for the precious metal. By Michael Low, CMA

	Information technology Online social networking arrives in the office. Social media sites, still seen by many as recreational venues for teenagers and university students, have become a common fixture in the office, and are gaining popularity in a variety of business uses. Few organizations, however, understand the implications. By Jacob Stoller

	Government issues Overheard in the lobby: Important changes coming to lobbying in Ottawa. The new Lobbying Act does not define lobbying — neither did its predecessor — nor does it change the activities that trigger the application of the Act. It does, however, introduce several notable changes that lobbyists and their clients need to know. By Alan Young

	Global view Canada’s IMF role significant, even in the face of international organization’s decline. Changes in international finance — the rise of the European Union and an unstable U.S. economy are posing challenges for the IMF. By John Cooper

	Departments
	Media bites Stepping outside of the box We Are The New Radicals The Milkshake Moment Value Creation: The Power of Brand Equity

	News and views New and noteworthy information you can use Canadians left in the dark over identity theft International business on the rise for Canadian companies IT a crucial piece of the risk management pie Manitoba expected to lead in economic growth in 2008 Finding a healthy balance New Software