The StarPhoenix - Business

• Six social networks worth checking out
  I do a lot of public speaking all over North America.
  
  
• HBC to close Canadian Fields stores
  By fall, there will be no more stores operating under the Fields banner in Canada, which will affect the 21 locations in Saskatchewan, Hudson Bay Co. (HBC) announced this week.
  
  
• Foran favours freezing as winter drilling starts
  Geologists with Foran Mining may be some of the few people in Saskatchewan who are hoping for colder weather.
  
  
• Damara Day Spa provides plenty of rest and relaxation
  An atmosphere of relaxation greets clients at the recently opened Damara Day Spa and Esthetics.
  
  
• Employment numbers up in January
  There were 3,200 more people employed and 2,800 fewer people unemployed last month in Saskatchewan than in January 2011, Statistics Canada said Friday.
  
  
• Communications summit puts focus on digital technology
  Grant Bastedo thinks Saskatchewan has all the components needed to build the digital economy and society, but hasn't put it all together yet.
  
  
• Sask. sets $10M for wheat research
  The provincial government will plow $10 million into new funding for wheat-related research over five years.
  
  
• CP launches new transload facility
  Canadian Pacific announced it is now shipping crude oil by rail from a new transload facility near Lloydminster. This new facility accommodates the initial transload and transportation needs of NuStar Energy, with a further planned expansion to take place this year.
  
  
• Energy bar
  Something for you to nibble on -- Read articles on financialpost.com
  
  
• SHC to aid towns
  A total of $400,000 is being made available to municipalities, through the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, to help municipalities meet housing needs and sustain population and economic growth, says a Government of Saskatchewan news release.
  
  
• Saskatchewan small business optimism dips in January
  Optimism among small business owners in Saskatchewan dipped slightly by 2.2 points in January to an index of 70 from 72.2 in December, according to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) monthly business barometer.
  
  
• Local mom turns babies into business
  Movies for Mommies is a parent and baby film event where admission includes all access to a variety of baby-friendly services, including door prizes from local and national sponsors. Lisa Helfrick holds the Saskatoon licence. Her weekly movie events are on Thursdays at Rainbow Cinemas at 12: 30 p.m. Helfrick answered five questions from StarPhoenix business reporter Jenn Sharp about Movies for Mommies and how she has turned babies into a business.
  
  
• Cabela's to fill 150 positions for new Saskatoon location
  The new Cabela's store at Preston Crossing, scheduled to open this spring, said it plans to hire 150 full-time, part-time and seasonal employees.
  
  
• Ozonator Industries re-launching in U.S. market
  After a failed attempt to break into the U.S. market, Ozonator Industries is cutting its ties to its American distributor and directly marketing its ozone-based, zero-emissions technology for handling bio-hazardous waste south of the border, according to senior officials with Regina-based company.
  
  
• Crave brings sweet style to city
  Dressed in jeans, a T-shirt and a Crave apron covered with a dusting of flour, Carolyne McIntyre Jackson talks with the same energy she puts into everything she does.