Gregory J. Niwa is a proud Board member of the CFSEA and owner (along with his brother Bruce) of Niwa Crane Ltd. Last year, they celebrated their 40th anniversary providing crane services in Medicine Hat, Southern Alberta, and Southeastern Saskatchewan.
Greg recalls: “I started the company in 1977 with one crane. Two and a half years later we had nine cranes. Over the 40 years we have always called Medicine Hat home even though we were partners in Northstar Crane in Calgary for 11 years.”
Niwa Crane believes in giving back to the community that has nurtured their family and business. Greg and his family proudly established The Niwa Family Fund with the CFSEA when his father passed in 2001.
A champion of his community, Greg loves the local impact and the permanency that the CFSEA offers its donors. “It’s a win-win for the region. As you support the work that local charities are doing, you support the people of this community and they, in turn, are better able to support local business. The Foundation has a lasting impact that continues to respect and honour the wishes of its donors.”
Greg’s favourite quote is from Warren Buffet: “Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.” True to his word, the Niwa Family Fund has planted countless trees.
The many causes they’ve supported include the expansion of Camp McCoy at Elkwater, support of the McCoy High School Scholarship Program, YMCA, Food Bank, 4H Clubs, Cancer Relay for Life and more. The most notable contribution from their fund launched the building of a new hockey rink at Acadia Valley (where the Niwa Boys grew up).
After 40 years, Niwa Crane continues to grow. “We must be doing something right because 50% of our customers have been using us for over 25 years.”
Niwa Crane projects can be found all over the Gas City. “In the last 40 years, every major project that has been constructed in this city, we’ve lifted something on that job. We lift process skids, piping, compressor engines, steel, grain handling systems, modular homes, anything.”
Niwa Crane Ltd. played a role in developing the Medicine Hat skyline as they erected the Saamis Tepee – one of the city’s most recognized landmarks.
With the plan to pass on his business to his son Brandon, Niwa Crane is in good hands moving into the next 40 years and they plan to continue supporting the CFSEA’s vision of vibrant, healthy, caring communities – today, tomorrow, forever!