Sophie Blais Named to Class of 2023 Women Breaking the Mold

Sophie Blais, Cancarb’s European Marketing Manager, is one of the Rubber News’ Women Breaking the Mold for 2023.

Part of the inaugural class, Rubber News describes  Women Breaking the Mold as, “…women doing just that—breaking molds, pushing through barriers and shattering glass ceilings.

They are entrepreneurs, scientists, technicians, innovators and problem-solvers, and they hail from every corner of the rubber industry. They are diverse in their skill sets, perspectives and personalities.”

Sophie joined Cancarb in 2017 as a Research and Development Engineer. Having transitioned to the marketing side of the business with an appointment to the Asia marketing role, she has since moved into a Marketing Manager position overseeing Cancarb’s European efforts.

Brad Thompson, Cancarb’s Director, Global Sales and Marketing notes, “Sophie brings a focused, practical approach to the marketing team, with not only a knowledge of the product, but an intimate knowledge of the production process. She has approached the unprecedented challenges over the past few years with an eager resolve, quickly adjusting to the cultural differences of our Asian and European markets. Sophie has proven her dependability and leadership in multiple roles, while promoting an inclusive workplace culture that continues to benefit Cancarb’s employees.”  

For Sophie’s full story, please read the Rubber News article here: https://www.rubbernews.com/news/sophie-blais-cancarb-women-breaking-mold-2023

To see the other women of our industry honored, please see their stories here: https://www.rubbernews.com/news/meet-our-women-breaking-mold-class-2023

Cancarb to Attend 2023 International Elastomer Conference

Cancarb is happy to announce will we be attending the 2023 IEC in Cleveland Ohio, October 16th through 19th. Booth 206 will house Cancarb staff through the entirety of the event, so please stop by and say hello!

In conjunction with our 50th Anniversary celebration in 2023, Cancarb Limited will also celebrate our 10th year as a Corporate Member of the Rubber Division. Cancarb is also a proud sponsor of the Student Symposium at this year’s IEC.

We are excited to have the opportunity to meet during the event. If you wish to set-up a meeting time, please contact Chris Sawicki, Americas Marketing Representative, to set up a time! (chris_sawicki@cancarb.com)

#CancarbCares: Cancarb Supports 4th Annual Harvest Takeaway

On September 16th, The Mustard Seed held their annual Harvest Takeaway event in downtown Medicine Hat. The event is used to raise money for the Mustard Seed Food Program that provides 50-100 meals a day to those in need.

This year’s family-friendly market drew over 250 people. Amoung the events and activities:

  • Live music 
  • Kid’s zone (face painting & crafts)
  • Magic show 
  • Photo booth
  • Complementary concession stand
  • A signature soup kit whose proceeds go directly to feed Mustard Seed patrons

Cancarb was a Supporting Sponsor of this year’s event and was grateful to be a small part of the Mustard Seed’s ongoing mission to provide resources to those most in need in Medicine Hat.

About the Mustard Seed:

The Mustard Seed is a Christian non-profit organization that has been caring for individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty since 1984. Operating in five cities across Alberta and British Columbia, The Mustard Seed is a supportive haven where people can have their physical, mental, and spiritual needs met and grow toward greater health and independence. We have been an agent of change for more than three decades, thanks to our donors, volunteers, and support from the community.” 

https://theseed.ca/harvest

#CancarbCares: Cancarb donates $15,000 to the Medicine Hat College

Members of Cancarb’s Senior Leadership Team were on-hand to present a $15,000 donation to be awarded to Medicine Hat College students through bursaries over the next 5 years. 

“It is an honour and a great pleasure for us to be able to support Medicine Hat College as we count on them to have talented people ready to take on demanding roles at Cancarb,” noted Cancarb President, Peter Donnelly, adding that he looks forward to continuing the relationship between the organizations. 

Three of the fifteen awards, targeted to university studies: science, power engineering, and business administration programs, were distributed for the 2023/2024 academic year. 

Eligible students will automatically be considered for this award when they apply through the general award application, which opens on March 1, 2024. 

For the full story, please visit: https://www.mhc.ab.ca/about-mhc/news-and-events/2023/09/22/cancarb-creates-opportunities-for-new-mhc-students

#CancarbCares: Employees Raise Money for The Terry Fox Foundation

September 17th was a beautiful day in Medicine Hat to participate in the annual Terry Fox Run, raising money for cancer research. Cancarb employees, along with a donation from Cancarb, contributed a total of $1,350 . Pictured here is the #CancarbCares Team, consisting of employees and their families.

As a whole, the various teams in Medicine Hat raised a record amount to contribute to the fight against cancer. For more information, please visit: https://run.terryfox.ca/28556

To learn more about Terry Fox and his Incredible Journey, please visit: https://terryfox.org/terrys-story/

#CancarbCares: First Crop of 2023 Donated to the Root Cellar

Cancarb’s on-site Greenhouse has produced its first crop of 2023! Thanks to the volunteer work of employees, retirees, and summer students, 25lbs of tomatoes were harvested. Vice President, Quality & Development Ross Buchholz and Plant Manager Robert Nichols were able to present these to Root Cellar Executive Director Melissa Mullis. With a historically hot summer well under way, more produce will continue to make its way to the Root Cellar in the coming weeks.

The Root Cellar is a homegrown solution for sustainability. Their Food and Wellness Hub is a central location for all levels of society to connect, access resources and participate in the greater community through the power of local food.

More information on the Root Cellar, and the Medicine Hat Food Bank as a whole can be found here: https://www.mhfoodbank.com/

EcoVadis Awards Cancarb Platinum CSR Rating for 2023

For the second time in three years, Cancarb has received a Platinum Sustainability Rating from EcoVadis. Part of our annual EcoVadis assessment, Platinum is the highest rating awarded, putting Cancarb in the top 1% of all suppliers rated. This award speaks to the work being done by Cancarb to keep Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives at the forefront of our business model. 

“This recognition is thanks to the continued work being done at Cancarb and the values set forth by our parent company, Tokai Carbon Co. Ltd. While the acknowledgement EcoVadis showed in presenting a platinum rating is rewarding, the feedback and areas of improvement provided in their reporting are invaluable in helping Cancarb set a path forward for our future. “, noted Jason Sweeney, Cancarb’s  Product Stewardship & HSE Compliance Manager.

Since its founding in 2007, EcoVadis has grown to become the world’s largest and most trusted provider of business sustainability ratings, creating a global network of more than 100,000+ rated companies. Their purpose is to guide all companies toward a sustainable world. 

For more information, please reach out to our Team at Cancarb.

Cancarb Celebrates 50 Years with Major Donation

As part of 50th Anniversary celebrations, Cancarb Limited donated $50,000 to the Cancarb Employee and Alumni Endowment Fund at the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta.

“Fifty years operating in southeastern Alberta has meant everything to Cancarb. It has allowed our company to flourish and rely on the people that call this area home, while servicing customers around the globe. This donation to the Cancarb Employee and Alumni Endowment Fund will ensure organizations that support the most at-risk in our community have the support they need, now and well into the future.”, said Peter Donnelly, Cancarb’s President.

Tokai Carbon Co. Ltd. President & CEO Hajime Nagasaka was in attendance to assist Peter Donnelly and Ross Buchholz, Vice President, Quality & Development, with the presentation, while CFSEA representative Niki Gray accepted.

The Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta (CFSEA) was created in 1992 with the goal of creating meaningful connections between donors and local charities for the permanent benefit of Southern Alberta. Cancarb has partnered with CFSEA to create an endowment fund with the goal to leave a lasting legacy through charitable donations.

#CancarbCares: Cancarb Staff Donate Bicycle Helmets to Saamis Immigration Services

The employees of Cancarb donated 18 new and gently used adult and children’s bicycles helmets to the Saamis Immigration Services Association of Medicine Hat.

Ross Buchholz, Vice President, Quality & Development at Cancarb noted, “Cancarb identified a need in the community, especially in underserved children and adults when it comes to bicycle safety. With many avid cyclists at Cancarb, it is something that is close to our hearts and Saamis Immigration Service offered the perfect opportunity to make sure they are delivered to those most in need.”

Ross Buchholz and Jason Sweeney (Manager, Product Stewardship & HSE Compliance) presented the helmets in person, June 29th.

About Saamis Immigration Services Association: “Saamis Immigration Services Association (SISA) is a government-funded non-profit organization which has been assisting in the integration, adjustment and resettlement of immigrants and refugees in the community of Medicine Hat since its opening in 1988.”

https://www.saamisimmigration.ca/about-us.html

Cancarb Announces Senior Leadership Promotions

Cancarb Limited President, Peter Donnelly, has announced changes to the Senior Leadership Team.

Effective February 1, 2023, Josh Johnson is promoted to Chief Financial Officer, while Brad Thompson is promoted to Director, Global Sales & Marketing.

“Josh has taken on an increasing level of responsibility covering areas outside the scope of his previous title as Controller, hence the change to reflect this. Josh is well-suited for the task of CFO of Cancarb, and I am grateful for his increasing level of contribution as a member of the senior leadership team,” noted Donnelly

“Brad Thompson’s title change is recognition of his increasing contribution to the ongoing and future success of Cancarb and I look forward to his continued growth and contribution to the senior leadership team. Brad will also become an Officer of the corporation.”

“Both Josh and Brad bring great perspective and experience to the senior leadership team of Cancarb and their dedication to the success of Cancarb is greatly appreciated.”