Edit: This article has been updated to correct the spelling of Scott Greenough's name.
"Admitting to a mistake means refusing to use other people as scape-goats to avoid responsibility but rather courageously owning up to every single one of them." - T. Whitmore, Fearless: Embrace the Resistance
We recently attended the Moose Jaw and District Chamber of Commerce President luncheon where they introduced the new president elect. Congratulations to Ryan Hrechka as he undertakes the position to continue the mandate to be “the voice of industry and commerce for the city.”
Following the swearing in and the luncheon, there was a panel discussion that included individuals from three organizations within the community, including Kristin Craig with Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Scott Greenough with 15 Wing Air Base contractor CAE, and Jim Dixon with the City of Moose Jaw.
They discussed the economy and the resurgence of business post-pandemic, with Mr. Dixon saying that “…at least 70 per cent of new jobs is based on expanding existing businesses within the community.”
Some examples he gave are the new Canadian Tire store that’s twice the size of the old building, the current construction of new businesses on that same site, Donald’s Fine Foods’ expansion of the former XL Beef Plant, and Brandt Industries’ creation of a trailer manufacturing plant.
Kristin Craig with Saskatchewan Polytechnic shared good news about Sask Polytechnic expanding with the school spending $15.6 million at the Moose Jaw campus to enhance its trade programs and new agriculture and food diploma program.
Craig explained that “over 200 people work at the Moose Jaw campus, while about 2,600 students study here yearly,” with a large percentage of the international students continuing on living within the province. This is good news for our local and provincial economy.
Scott Greenough of CAE shared a little about their aerospace business that focuses on civil aviation, defence and security, and health care with roughly 200 personnel in Moose Jaw.
This year marks CAE’s 75th anniversary in the aviation business, with Greenough saying the company has a history or being a globally recognized brand that is the No. 1 producer of flight sims.
“it’s a solid product, a solid reputation … and delivering all the time,” he remarked.
But the biggest thing I took away from the whole event was a comment Scott Greenough made regarding business in general. He said something to the effect that even in business, not everyone gets everything right all of the time but if they remain humble and acknowledge their mistakes, it is much easier for other businesses to continue to support them.
The problem is with individuals, businesses or organizations that never admit their wrongs; they soon find out that “pride goes before a fall…” And Moose Jaw isn’t without some of these that may need a little tweaking in the humbleness arena.
Personally, I think that humbleness is an excellent quality to hone in one’s life or business, because as humans, we all know no one is perfect and make mistakes once in awhile.
It takes a bigger person to acknowledge their wrongs and make amends, corrections, apologies or whatever it takes to make it right. In the long run, you will gain the respect you deserve for owning up to it.
The views expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Moose Jaw Today, the Moose Jaw Express, its management, or its subsidiaries.
