Calgary Citizen Newsletter Tuesday, February 13

Last week, we ran a poll asking our readers if they would support a recall petition calling for the resignation of Mayor Jyoti Gondek. The poll results couldn't be closer, with 50.78% (262 out of 516) saying they would sign the petition. Meanwhile, the petition must collect 514,284 signatures from Calgarians eligible to vote by April 4.

Krista Sylvester, Managing Editor

Unique YYC business goes global
Day Care Mouse/Cockroach Infestation
Catch these musicians at Block Heater

Today's reading time: approx. 4 minutes

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A Calgary-made card sorting machine that transforms trading cards is going global

Graham Gordon has spent the last nine years of his life creating and marketing PhyzBatch-9000, and his expansion plans are just beginning.

It's been a whirlwind year TCG machines and that's music to the ears Graham GordonPresident and CEO of a Calgary tech startup.

Ago Written about Calgary citizen, mechanical engineer launched a revolutionary card sorting machine called PhyzBatch-9000 as a startup in 2016. This was due to the amount of time he spent looking at his personal collectible card collection.

Fast forward a few years, and TCG has grown its domestic presence to 50 states, provinces and territories, and has agreements in place to expand into the UK and EU.

“In 2021 we posted five-figure revenue, in 2022 we hit six-figure revenue, and in 2023 we surpassed seven-figure revenue,” says Gordon, adding that in January 2024 alone, there were 12 orders from new customers. “Given that we've never had a dedicated sales or marketing specialist before, the market penetration we've achieved is fantastic. In short, we are destroying it.”

Gordon's has always had ambitions to expand beyond North America, and while it has moved quickly, getting to that point has been a slow process.

“The trading card industry is huge – tens of billions of dollars annually – and we would be foolish to ignore opportunities overseas,” he says. “Hopefully our expansion will have a bit of a snowball effect after this.”

Despite the expansion's growth, there have been challenges, but Gordon says the team is more ready than ever to take the next leap.

“As long as we continue to hold our customers accountable and we are always looking to improve our products and services, I know we will be successful.”

Need to know

❤️ 'I never thought anyone would help me': A local program is providing support elderly people with pets by helping to provide medical care.

🎸 The Jonas Brothers The Calgary Stampede will play at the Scotiabank Saddledome on July 13.

Check out a variety of musicians at this weekend's Calgary Folk Music Festival block heater

Friday/Saturday combo tickets for 22 artists and nine concerts are available for a total of $90. // Block Heater Instagram ⁠

Calgary Folk Music Festival block heater Occupying seven venues with 12 events on February 15-17, and part of the Chinook Blast program, this event has something for everyone. Enjoy the weekend with family-friendly music both indoors and outdoors downtown and over the river. With 27 artists from all over the world, there's a lot to choose from, so we've picked the three artists we're most interested in with a snippet of their bio from the website.

This collection: Quiet – a new vocal approach to songwriting permeates the sound of British singer-songwriter Keith Styles. Often labeled as alternative folk, Stables is a keen observer of the human experience and a unique musician who brings a rough electric guitar edge, a bit of blues or a touch of underlying bluegrass to deliver his folk songs. he wants them. February 16 at Central United Church 10:15-11:15 p.m.

The devil does three things: This American trio lives in a hard working world full of problem drinkers, tall tale tellers, robbers and rioters; desperate examples delivered with charming wit. Their music draws from the troubadour traditions of wandering folk, delta blues, whiskey-soaked ragtime, and reckless rock and roll. February 16 from 11-11.55pm at The Palace Theatre.

Tanika Charles: This Edmonton-born singer has taken the best, most compelling elements of soul and rhythm and blues and turned them into a powerful collection of songs that showcase her many incredible talents. His passion for melody and lyrics, combined with thick, amazing production and kick-ass vocals have catapulted Charles to the top of 'best of' lists everywhere. February 17th from 8:55-9:55pm at the Royal Canadian Legion Centre.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 Paper lantern: Chinatown Basement has a tropical and Vietnamese cocktail bar that also has savory dishes.

🍴 Posto Pizzeria & Bar: Posto has more than just pizza, but great wine, cocktails, pasta and more. there is

🍴 Crystie's Coffee House and Bistro Inc.: Enjoy coffee beans from Costa Rica, Panama, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Burundi, Colombia, Bolivia, Kenya, and Ethiopia in this lovely Wolf Willow.

Have a food or drink recommendation? Let us know and we might share it!

Local features

💸 Cineplex $5 Tuesdays: Every Tuesday in February, Cineplex is offering $5 mini popcorn and $5 movie tickets.

💸 Leela Eco Spa: In February, call to book a special Love & Chocolate Pedicure for $65, including a delicious soak, scrub, mask, moisturizer and a glass of Prosecco.

Have a promotional offer? Let us know and we might share it!

Things to do

🎟️ Alberta Ballet Winter Gala: Expectations are high when Artistic Director Francesco Ventriglia takes the reins of Alberta Ballet on February 15th with unparalleled creative energy.

🎟️ Market team: In partnership with Chinook Blast, Market Collective presents Broken Hearts, Friends + Lovers 2024 February 16-18 at the Municipal Hall Atrium.

🎟️ Cooking when tired February 21 – Learn how to prepare and cook healthy meals when living with chronic fatigue or mobility issues due to neurological conditions or arthritis. This free virtual class is taught by an AHS Registered Dietitian and Occupational Therapist.*

Have an event suggestion? Let us know and we might share it!

That's it!

Thanks for reading today. If you find something interesting, forward this email to another Calgarian and tell them register!

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See you here, same time, there on Thursday!