» WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION
JUNE 2017
– PAGE 7
PRINCE GEORGE Practical & Efficient - the Cornerstone of
Business Advice Served Straight Up
Belledune Homes
Peace Cariboo Skeena WWW.BUSINESSEXAMINER.CA
PAGE 10
PRINCE GEORGE Survey Of Northern
BETH HENDRY-YIM
S
BC Takes Off In July
PAGE 5
INDEX News Update
2
Medical Marijuana
6
Movers and Shakers 14 Opinion 16 Sales 18 HR 18 Customer Service 18 Contact us: 1-866-758-2684
OUR 7TH YEAR
Canadian Publications Mail Acct.: 40069240
Nominee Claims Professionalism Key to Success Laura Stanton Takes on Role of President as Father and Founder of Company Steps Into Semi Retirement
Aerial Mineral
Now in Prince George and Vanderhoof
MITHERS – Recently nominated for the 2017 BMO Women in Leadership, Business and Philanthropy awards, Laura Stanton sets the bar high in lifetime achievements. Not only was she appointed President of AWG Northern Industries, which employs 350 people in Northern BC and Alberta, making it the largest independent glass distributor in Northwestern Canada, but she also serves her community in various roles as volunteer and philanthropist. Success seems to run in the family, so does hard work. Stanton’s parents, Dan and Carole Young, first created the company, as Bulkley Valley Glass, in 1971 in Smithers. “We were open 6 days a week from 8-5pm. Dad worked in the field while mom brought my brother and I to work at the office.
It was very busy with expansion happening throughout Northern BC in the 80’s and 90’s.” She added that the desire to join her parents business at some point in her career, grew organically from discussions around the kitchen table and helping out after school. “I’d head over to the office after school and help mom post receivables, so it seemed natural to become an accountant.” She left home at eighteen and headed for the big city, earning her degree gaining experience while working at a chartered accountant firm for 10 years. “When mom was in her 40’s she developed Pick’s disease, a form of early onset dementia. Dad started calling me with financial questions, that’s when I knew it was time to move back home,” she explained. It was a challenging time, not SEE AWG NORTHERN INDUSTRIES | PAGE 4
Laura Stanton moved her family back to Smithers to join the company in 1997 CREDIT:CHRIS DUNCAN SYNERGY PHOTOGRAPHY
Northern Leadership Campaign Launched At UNBC University Fundraising Campaign Has a Funding Goal Of $15 Million
P
RINCE GEORGE – Inspiring tomorrow’s leaders, enhancing fundamental research and regional teaching skills and developing local solutions that have a truly global impact are just some of the far reaching goals of a fund raising program underway at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC). Entitled the Northern Leadership Campaign, UNBC launched the public phase of its first comprehensive fundraising campaign
at the end of May. The Northern Leadership Campaign (with a fund raising goal of $15 million) will if fully funded be used to support key priorities that will bolster UNBC’s leadership as one of Canada’s best small universities. “This ambitious fundraising effort will help us strengthen our capacity to inspire leadership for the next generation. The fruits of this campaign will empower economic, social and cultural prosperity for British Columbia
and Canada,” explained Tracey Wolsey Chair of the UNBC Board of Governors The initial design and development phases of the Northern Leadership Campaign got underway in late 2014 with the University’s funding goal now having passed the half way point. Funds raised through the campaign, via public and corporate donations, will support research excellence at UNBC in areas as diverse as tall wood building engineering, research forests and rural and
northern health. “Through research and scholarship, UNBC is educating the next generation of innovative leaders. As Canada’s best small research-intensive university, our faculty and students are harnessing opportunities and discovering new ways to resolve many of the challenges our country is facing as a northern nation,” explained UNBC President Dr. Daniel Weeks. SEE LEADERSHIP CAMPAIGN | PAGE 5
Vanhoutte Coffee Services Servicing the areas of Prince George, Terrace, Smithers, and Williams Lake Providing high quality coffee, brewers and service for every business environment.
1-800-663-5026 | www.vhcoffeeservices.com
2 QUESNEL City Launches New Website The City of Quesnel has launched a new website. The need for a new website was identified in Council’s Strategic Priorities in 2016 and 2017. For potential residents, the City website is often the first impression of the community. For current residents, it is a portal to important information regarding programs, services, current initiatives, taxes and utilities. The old website was outdated, with poor navigation, and missing information. Launched prior to the proliferation of smart phones, the website did not display well on mobile devices and had a meagre search function. The new City website offers easy navigation, with “mega-menus”, an “I want to” menu and an improved search function. These new features will get site visitors the information they are looking for, quickly. The website also includes online forms for reporting a problem, submitting feedback to the City, applying for a business licence, or for a job. Other interactive features include map views of capital projects and points of interest for visitors, as well as a tool to determine whether a building permit is needed for a project, and a tool to determine the next garbage day for any residential address in the City. The new website is designed to be accessible with a large, readable font size, and best practices implemented for ease of use by screen
NEWS UPDATE readers. The website is designed with mobile use in mind, so users will be able to access information regardless of the device they are using to view the site. A translate feature will allow any page on the site to be translated into most world languages, so international travellers or investors can learn about the city. Engaged residents can subscribe to receive updates on news, events, jobs, or bid opportunities. With the new website design, the City will be well connected to the community.
CANADA Small Business Applauds Feds for Shelving Antispam Legislation The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) commends Innovation, Science and Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains and the federal government for indefinitely suspending implementation of the private right of action provision of Canada’s AntiSpam Legislation (CASL). This provision would have had harmful consequences on small business. The provision, which had been scheduled to come into force on July 1, 2017, would have allowed consumers or organizations to sue businesses they believed were not complying with anti-spam rules. In addition to suspending implementation, Minister Bains also referred the matter to the Industry
Committee, where it could be struck down permanently. CFIB sent a letter to Minister Bains last month urging the government to reconsider the private right of action clause. CASL came into force in 2014, imposing penalties on spammers, but also affecting tens of thousands of legitimate businesses that were using email and other electronic means to stay in touch with customers. The original law has led to a small handful of charges and fines, but also headaches and thousands of dollars in costs for businesses that have had to transform their business processes and systems. CFIB is working to help small businesses understand and comply with anti-spam rules. For businesses that want to make sure that their electronic marketing campaigns comply with CASL, CFIB has partnered with Cyberimpact, a Canadian firm which specializes in e-marketing, to give them the resources they need, including a comprehensive guide to CASL compliance for small business is now available on the CFIB website, outlining specific steps that businesses can take.
BC Commercial Real Estate Indicator Signals Strong Growth The BCREA Commercial Leading Indicator (CLI) increased for the
JUNE 2017
fifth consecutive quarter, rising 0.5 index points from the fourth quarter of 2016 to the first quarter of 2017. The index now sits at 128.0, a 4 per cent increase from a year ago and a 0.4 per cent gain on a quarterly basis. “The rising CLI mirrors the overall robust trend in the provincial economy,” says BCREA Economist Brendon Ogmundson. “The commercial real estate sector stands to benefit from BC’s strong economic growth through increased demand for commercial space and the attraction of invesment dollars.” The underlying CLI trend, which smooths often noisy economic data, continues to push higher due to ongoing strength in economic activity, particularly from the retail and wholesale trade sectors. That uptrend signals further growth in investment, leasing and other commercial real estate activity over the next two to four quarters. For additional information, analysis and statistics, please visit the BCREA website.
PRINCE GEORGE SportsPG Tourism Grants Having Positive Impact The City of Prince George recently approved the first-ever allocations of its SportPG Sport Event Hosting Grant Program, approved by Council earlier this year. The Program is part of the City’s 10-year Sport Tourism Strategy, also authorized this year by Council, which is a partnership between the City and Tourism Prince George. For the first time in Northern BC, the Prince George Motocross Association hosted the Canadian Motocross Pro National Series. The event was televised nationally on TSN and involved some of the sport’s best riders in competition. Organizers plan to hold the event at the location for the next three years. According to an analysis conducted this week by Tourism Prince George, it is estimated that the Motocross event will contribute over $400,000 to the local economy. Hotels, restaurants, and other retail businesses are expected to benefit from the event. Residents have already seen three other sporting events in Prince George, which were funded, in part, through the new SportPG Grant Program: PG Minor Hockey for the BC Midget Tier 1 Provincial Championships took place March 18 to 23. This event hosted about 150 players and coaches. Spectators and players were treated to high energy competitive hockey, showcasing many up and coming talents. The 21st annual Prince George Aboriginal Youth Hockey tournament hosted 400 youth from all over Northern BC. This competitive event showcased athletes from the ages of 4 to 18 and promoted participation, self-esteem, good sportsmanship and increased the awareness of Aboriginal athletics.
The event took place March 31 to April 2. The Rated PG Roller Derby Society invited teams from as far away as Saskatchewan to test their skill on roller skates in Prince George earlier this year. From April 21 to 23, the Northern Exposure Roller Derby tournament hosted nearly 100 athletes in this fast-paced and exciting sport, which offers a positive and welcoming athletic community for all participants.
SMITHERS Councillor Elected to National Board to Help Shape Canada’s Future Local Councillor Greg Brown has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM). Board elections took place at FCM’s June 1-4 national conference, which drew 2,000 municipal leaders from across Canada to the nation’s capital. “It’s a real honour to be chosen by my peers to serve on FCM’s national board,” said Councillor Brown. “Some of our biggest challenges here in the Town of Smithers are also national challenges—whether that’s jobs, growth or climate change. I’ll be taking our local realities to the FCM table, and we’ll be pressing for federal action that makes life better here at home and across Canada.” FCM is the national voice for 2,000 local governments, representing more than 90 percent of all Canadians. As a member of FCM’s board, Councillor Brown will help set the direction for an organization that is effectively transforming the role of municipalities on the national stage. Over the last year, FCM has achieved unprecedented engagement with the federal government on local priorities. Following intensive advocacy by FCM, Federal Budget 2017 committed to invest $81-billion in infrastructure over 11 years—including affordable housing, transit expansions, green infrastructure, and rural, northern and remote priorities.
PRINCE GEORGE UNBC Launches Northern Leadership Campaign The University of Northern British Columbia has launched the public phase of its first comprehensive fundraising campaign. The $15-million Northern Leadership campaign will support pivotal priorities that will bolster UNBC’s leadership as one of Canada’s best small research-intensive universities. The Northern Leadership campaign began in late 2014 and the goal is well over half-way complete. The campaign is focused on three key priorities: to strengthen SEE NEWS UPDATE | PAGE 3
NEWS UPDATE
JUNE 2017
NEWS UPDATE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2
research and teaching excellence, to inspire next-generation leaders and to create local solutions with global impact. Funds raised support research excellence at UNBC in areas as diverse as tall wood building engineering, research forests and rural and northern health. The campaign will ensure more outstanding students are educated at UNBC so they are prepared to lead. Fundraising will provide new opportunities for experiential learning, help students from rural and First Nations communities transition to university life, and grow scholarships and bursaries for students. The Northern Leadership Campaign will also raise funds for unique projects that have a positive impact locally and resonate internationally, like the Sustainable Communities Demonstration Project. Campaign priorities and ways to give can be found at: www.unbc.ca/ northern-leadership.
FORT ST. JOHN North Peace Savings & Credit Union Receives National Award North Peace Savings & Credit Union (NPSCU) and NewGround, a design-build firm, announced
that NPSCU received recognition for the Achievement in Marketing (AIM) award—from the Marketing Association of Credit Unions (MACU)—for their new service centre in Dawson Creek. MACU is an organization that recognizes credit unions from across Canada for their outstanding marketing achievements through the Achievement in Marketing Excellence awards. N P SC U ’s Daw son C re ek branch proudly accepted the AIM award in branch design during the gala dinner celebration at the 2017 Strategic Marketing Conference. The award for the branch design category was judged on outstanding creative design used in the service centre that highlighted branding, member experience or digital services offered. Together, NPSCU and NewGround developed a new appealing branch design concept described as a Smart Service Centre. By leveraging award-winning technology, the new service centre provides a high-level of service to the community by using Face 2 Face PTMs, Smart Office Suites, Experience Specialists and ATM access. Moreover, each office is a smart office, meaning that it is set up for video conferencing allowing for the Experience Specialists to instantly draw upon any expertise required across NPSCU’s network. From dynamic branded colors, to the inviting appeal of the exterior design and digital
signage, NPSCU members embark on a journey from the moment they see the credit union.
PRINCE GEORGE Unifor, PPWC, Canfor Sign Tentative Pulp & Paper Agreement Pattern bargaining for Western Canada’s pulp and paper sector has concluded with a four-year tentative agreement signed by Unifor, the Public and Private Workers of Canada (PPWC), and Canfor Pulp. “The tentative agreement reflects the important contributions of our members at pulp and paper workplaces across the West,” said Joie Warnock, Unifor’s Western Regional Director. Today’s tentative agreement with Canfor Pulp will set the pattern for Unifor and PPWC’s 17 other pulp and paper mills in BC and Alberta. “By working jointly with the PPWC, we were able to secure a strong deal that meets our members’ needs during the term of the contract,” said Scott Doherty, Executive Assistant to Unifor’s National President. Doherty is Unifor’s lead negotiator in the pulp and paper sector. “Pulp and paper jobs are critical to small and medium-sized communities across the region,
and we’re proud to achieve a collective agreement that will suppor t work i ng fa m i l ies,” said Gary Fiege, Vice-President of the PPWC. The PPWC represents thousands of workers across British Columbia. Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing more than 310,000 workers. It was formed Labour Day weekend 2013 when the Canadian Auto Workers and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers unions merged.
BC Contractor Association Launches Campaign #Get2Yes on Site C With 2,252 jobs hanging in the balance, the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA) launched a public campaign today to push the NDPGreen alliance to #Get2Yes on the Site C dam. ICBA launched its campaign with a media event at BC Hydro’s Vancouver headquarters, using 2,252 Site C pink slips to illustrate how many people went to work this morning on the Peace River dam site. It is encouraging members of the public who support clean energy jobs to visit Get2Yes. icba.ca and send an email to B.C.’s three party leaders. “In their power-sharing deal, John Horgan and Andrew Weaver
3 agreed that Site C should be reviewed based on ‘current’ supply and demand metrics,” said Chris Gardner, ICBA President. “This stacks the deck against a project that isn’t being built for today, but to help meet B.C.’s electricity needs for the next century, and to offer a clean energy alternative to fossil fuels.” “B.C. can’t simply throw away the $4 billion already spent on Site C,” said Jordan Bateman, ICBA Communications Director. “Taxpayers have made a significant investment in that clean energy project, one ratified by the people who live closest to it – the BC Liberal candidate won the Site C riding by 10 to 1 over the NDP.” Site C spent more than a decade going through environmental assessments and regulatory reviews, and was signed off by both the federal and provincial governments – all of which was upheld by a unanimous decision of the B.C. Court of Appeal last fall. In the coming weeks, ICBA will hold more #Get2Yes on Site C campaign events in Victoria and Fort St. John. “The 2,252 men and women working on Site C today deserve our support as their jobs hang in the balance,” said Gardner. “When Horgan and Weaver talk about ‘yesterday’s economy,’ they demean the work of hundreds of thousands of British Columbians who put on a tool belt every SEE NEWS UPDATE | PAGE 4
We understand Northern BC Business
GROW Your Business with Accord
Need working capital? Borrow up to Take on a new contract Finance receivables Catch up on payables
$75,000 ...fast!
Manage through seasonal shutdowns Easy application process and same-day approvals – funding in 48 hours
We also do equipment nancing and term loans of all sizes
Accord Small Business Finance has a long history of nancing businesses in the logging, construction, retail and service industries. We understand the businesses of rural and Northern BC. Whether you’re a one-person operation or a larger company, we can provide you with nancing to grow your business.
1-844-982-3010
EMAIL US AT: sales@accordaccess.com
OFF THE COVER
4
JUNE 2017
AWG NORTHERN INDUSTRIES
NEWS UPDATE
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3
just watching her mom deteriorate, but also because joining a well established family business has its own inherent issues. “T here are a lot of rewards working with Dan, but the different dynamics of the father/ daughter business and family relationship has unique challenges. We’re both Type A personalities with our own ideas of how things should be and we have an emotional history and connection that goes beyond work.” Initially working as an accountant for the business after several years she moved into the position of vice president. In 2015 it was a natural step to take on the role of president as Dan, at 72, began slowing down and more into semi-retirement. “I think the secret to the success of working together all these years has been the level of professionalism we both maintained at work. We may have different ideas about how things need to happen but we never debate in front of the employees and are always respectful. It’s a real testament to Dad and his love for his business and family.” Although Stanton did not win top spot at the awards event, she believes her first place award comes from the satisfaction of raising two daughters and successfully running a large and redundant family company.
morning and go about building our province.”
CANADA National Housing Starts Increased in May
Laura Stanton and her father, Dan Young maintain a strong level of respect and professionalism in their business relationship CREDIT:CHRIS DUNCAN SYNERGY PHOTOGRAPHY
“Being nominated was an honour in itself,” she said. “It was humbling. I’m very proud of what we have accomplished. Mom and dad created a strong and positive work culture at AWG. We have long standing employees that have been with us for up to 40 years. We were built in small towns, that supported us and helped us grow, it’s a great feeling to be able to give back to those communities and to be recognized for it.” AWG Northern Industries is at www.all-westglass.com
“I’d head over to the office after school and help mom post receivables, so it seemed natural to become an accountant.” LAURA STANTON PRESIDENT, ALL WEST GLASS NORTHERN INDUSTRIES
The trend in housing starts was 214,621 units in May 2017, compared to 213,435 units in April 2017, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). This trend measure is a six-month moving average of the monthly seasonally adjusted annual rates (SAAR) of housing starts. Monthly Highlights include: Alberta & Saskatchewan: Housing starts are on the rise this year in most centres in Alberta and Saskatchewan – a good indication these oil and gas-dependent provinces are on the road to recovery. Strengthening labour market conditions in Calgary, Edmonton and Regina have generated more optimism among local homebuilders. In Saskatoon, year-to-date starts declined 25% as builders there remain cautious due to elevated multi-unit inventory. British Columbia: Housing starts in BC trended higher in May with gains in Kelowna, AbbotsfordMission and other urban areas off-setting a slower pace in Vancouver and Victoria. Low inventory in both the resale and new
home market is fueling new construction with single-detached and multi-family starts leading the way. Vancouver: Despite a slight downward move in May, overall housing starts for Vancouver are on track to exceed 25,000 new homes this year, nearing the record 27,914 starts set in 2016. The decline from April was almost evenly split between a slowdown in starts of ownership apartments (condos) and rental apartments. CMHC uses the trend measure as a complement to the monthly SAAR of housing starts to account for considerable swings in monthly estimates and obtain a more complete picture of Canada’s housing market. In some situations analyzing only SAAR data can be misleading, as they are largely driven by the multi-unit segment of the market which can vary significantly from one month to the next. The standalone monthly SAAR of housing starts for all areas in Canada was 194,663 units in May, down from 213,498 units in April. The SAAR of urban starts decreased by 10.2 per cent in May to 178,518 units. Multiple urban starts decreased by 10.8 per cent to 118,694 units in May and single-detached urban starts decreased by 8.9 per cent, to 59,824 units. Rural starts were estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 16,145 units. Additional information and statistics are at the CMHC website.
Since 1947
Uniform & Coverall Rental & Sales Entrance Mat Service - Custom Logo Mats Restaurant Linens - Chef Wear - Towel Service Hand Soap & Paper Products Camp Laundry Service Toll Free 1-800-207-7756 support@spotlessuniform.com 100% B.C. Qwned
www.spotlessuniform.com Providing thorough service programs throughout B.C. and Northern Alberta
5
JUNE 2017
Aerial Mineral Survey Of Northern BC Takes Off In July Survey Funded Through A Partnership Between The NDIT & Geoscience BC
P
RINCE GEORGE – Planning for the future, the Prince G eorge based Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) has partnered with Geoscience BC to help organize a state of the art aerial survey of north central and northeastern British Columbia to try and locate undiscovered mineral potential in the region. The intended goal of the survey will be to pinpoint resources that could ultimately lead to the expansion of mining activity in Northern BC. The effort, called Search Phase III, will use helicopters specially equipped with magnetic sensors to build a better understanding of geology in the area. Once complete, project information will be made publicly available to help communities, First Nations, the resource sector and government to make informed decisions about responsible development and investment in the province. The collected information will be used to help explorers decide in what areas they should focus their mining efforts which could eventually lead to on-the-ground exploration activities and job creation which will ideally stimulate regional economic activity. The project is funded in part by Northern Development Initiative Trust’s Economic Development
Infrastructure program with a $125,000 grant. “We are pleased to be a partner in this project. Studies like this are invaluable for providing regional data that help with informed resource management decision making and identification of new economic opportunities for the entire region,” explained Joel McKay NDIT’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Search Phase III will cover an area of approximately 9,600 square kilometers, a land mass similar in size to Haida Gwaii. Final details are yet to be confirmed, but it is proposed to cover a remote area that includes AuRico Metals Inc.’s Kemess Underground Mine Project, which recently received an Environmental Assessment Certificate. The aerial survey project is expected to get underway in July, with results ready by early next year. Search Phase III is a continuation of the earlier Search Phase I and Search Phase II projects which were completed in the Kitimat-Terrace-SmithersHouston-Burns Lake-Vanderhoof area throughout 2015 and 2016. For those interested in learning more the latest Search Phase II summary report, digital data, and survey maps are available on the Geoscience BC website: www. geosciencebc.com.
“Experts are certain that there are undiscovered mineral deposits in this area of British Columbia. Conducting this research and making the data open to everyone allows more informed decisions to be made. It encourages targeted and responsible development in the future,” explained Bruce Madu the Vice President of Minerals and Mining for Geoscience BC. Geoscience BC is an independent, non-profit organization that generates earth science information in collaboration with First Nations, local communities, governments, academia and the resource sector. The organization’s independent earth science enables informed resource management decisions and attracts investment that creates jobs. Geoscience BC is funded in part by the province of British Columbia. Northern Development Initiative Trust was created for the north and is led by the north as a means of generating increased economic activity in the region. Since 2005, Northern Development has found more than 2,600 ways to say “yes” to economic diversification in the area, attracting more than $1.3 billion in new investment to Northern BC. To learn more visit the group’s website at: www.northerndevelopment.bc.ca.
The public portion of the University of Northern British Columbia’s Northern Leadership Campaign was launched in late May
LEADERSHIP CAMPAIGN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
The fund raising and information campaign will help ensure more outstanding students can be educated at UNBC, enabling them to be better prepared to lead their communities in the future. Fundraising from the campaign will provide new opportunities for experiential learning for students; provide assistance for students coming to the institution from rural and First Nations communities and help in the transition to the challenges of university life. Another key part of the fundraising effort will be to develop additional scholarships and bursaries for UNBC students. The Northern Leadership Campaign will also raise funds for unique projects that have a positive impact locally and resonate
“The fruits of this campaign will empower economic, social and cultural prosperity for British Columbia and Canada.” TRACEY WOLSEY CHAIR, UNBC BOARD OF GOVERNORS
internationally such as the Sustainable Communities Demonstration Project, an undertaking created to serve as a model of energy security for Canada’s offgrid rural communities, many of which are located across northern British Columbia. To learn more please visit the University’s website at: www. unbc.ca
LEADING BY EXAMPLE
Congratulations Mindy Wight Leaders are made, not born. That’s why MNP continues to develop and promote our best people to ensure we continue to meet all your business needs. MNP congratulates Mindy Wight on her appointment to the Partnership. Backed by more than ten years of tax experience working with diverse industries, including oil and gas, manufacturing and First Nations, Mindy— our newest Partner in MNP’s Specialty Taxation Services practice – brings the proven expertise to position your business for greater success. As a leading national accounting, tax and business consulting firm with 20 locations across B.C., MNP continues to deliver the industry-leading people and the results you need to be successful. Contact Mindy Wight, Partner, Taxation Services at 250.596.8316 or mindy.wight@mnp.ca
6
JUNE 2017
Investors High on Medicinal Marijuana
Salmon Aquaculture is Good for BC
BC Shellfish and Seafood Festival in Comox Victoria’s Green Sky Labs Has Developed Two Patents That Can Extract Concentrated Medicinal Properties From Cannabis Valley highlights provincial opportunities 30 per cent is conBY MARK MACDONALD BUSINESS EXAMINER
V
ICTORIA – Green Sky Labs is aiming to raise the bar higher in the medical marijuana industry. The Victoria-based tech has big plans to utilize two patented breakthrough technologies to isolate valuable active ingredients in cannabis/marijuana that have proven to possess medicinal qualities. Green Sky Labs’ team of scientists have derived two processes where the plant’s cannabinoids, terpenes, flavinoids and alkaloids can be isolated into pure concentrates that can be placed in a variety of medical products and creams before application, including food like chocolate bars, as opposed to smoked. That means medicinal companies and end users can be assured of consistent, accurate, stable levels of active health-enhancing ingredients, as opposed to a veritable mixed bag of effective residuals obtained by smoking marijuana, for instance. “There is a perception that this industry is filled with cowboys, criminals and a bunch of hippies,”
Michael Graw, left, and Derrold Norgaard of Green Sky Labs point to where they think the company can grow says Chief Financial Officer Derrold Norgaard, FCA. “The team we’re building includes lawyers, doctors, scientists, entrepreneurs, business professionals and experts. We want to change this business and peoples’ lives with a sound product, from plant to patient.” It is the task of Norgaard to make Green Sky Labs a public company by this fall. A fellow of the B.C. Institute of Chartered Accountants and former Operating Managing Partner of KPMG in Victoria, where he was involved in taking almost two dozen companies public, he is now Principal
of Norgaard Kratofil Professional Group. He notes Green Sky Labs has raised over $20 million in a initial private offering to facilitate expansion and growth, and new investors are coming on board in anticipation of the company being made available on the stock market. Company co-founder Michael Graw came up with the idea for the company eight years ago, after his best friend’s wife was diagnosed with cancer. Cannabis noticeably helped her cope with the immense pain, although she SEE GREEN SKY LABS | PAGE 17
G
lobal consumers are demanding more BC farmraised salmon As the population continues to increase, salmon farmers in British Columbia are in a unique position to help meet the growing global demand for fish. They continue to invest in state of the art technology and use innovative farming practices, resulting in an extremely desirable product that has a global reputation for being fresh, healthy and sustainable. In 2016, 77,814,000 kg of fresh farm-raised salmon was harvested in BC and members of the BC Salmon Farmers Association reported an increase of domestic sales throughout Canada. While
sumed in Canada, the other 70 per cent of BC’s farmraised salmon is ex por ted to 12 markets around the world – generating a global sales record of $745-million C A D. A lt hou g h the largest export market continues to be the United States, markets in Asia are showing huge potential with year-overyear growth more than doubling in many markets. To that end, the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island is hosting the 11th annual BC Shellfish and Seafood Festival, highlighting opportunities in land and sea-based aquaculture for British Columbia’s West Coast. The Pacific North West seafood and aquaculture industry continues to demonstrate tremendous growth and the BC Seafood Expo, being held June 12 and 13 in the Comox Valley, during BC Seafood Month, will bring together renowned speakers, exhibitors SEE SALMON AQUACULTURE | PAGE 17
EST. 1900
Electrical Supply Lighting Data Communications Factory Automation Industrial Controls Process Instrumentation
Support a Western Canadian Independently Owned Distributor Today! Helping Communities Thrive Since 1900 info@ebhorsman.com | 888.HORSMAN | ebhorsman.com
NEWS
Dawson Creek | Fort Nelson | Kitimat | Prince George | Terrace | Williams Lake
7
JUNE 2017
WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION All Hands On Deck For Women In Construction Industry With The Building Boom in BC, More Women Are Joining the Family Business to Help Out With Administration and Project Management BETH HENDRY-YIM
N
ot all women wear sk i r ts a nd h ig h heels to w o rk . S o m e w e a r steel toe boots, a carpenter’s belt and a hard hat. With BC’s construction industry booming, it’s a good thing and an outfit they can proudly wear to the bank. “There is still a shortage of workers in this industry, with plenty of opportu n ities a nd benefits,” sa id Frank Rossi, Dea n, School of T rades a nd Technologies, College of New Caledonia. “The income potential is high and the education relatively low-cost with great entrepreneurial potential.” The college, located in Prince George, is seeing a consistent nu mb er of women enter i n g its trades programming over t he pa st f ive ye a rs, a rou nd the 10 per cent of the program enrolment. Rossi emphasized that with many resource-related projects coming down the pipe in the next five years, jobs will need to be filled. Women with the right skill set can tap into that wide-open job market. “The timing is right and there are places within the industry for women to excel,” said Sherri Paiement, executive officer, Canadian Home Builders Association (CH BA) Centra l Okanagan. “I’m seeing more women on the stage winning Tom m ie awa rds, not just i n supportive roles but as business owners.” In BC, by the end of 2016 more than 3,900 women were registered in 75 different trades, a 180 per cent increase over 2005 - 2016. Last year, the BC government invested $400,000 to create a unique made-in-BC mentorsh ip prog ra m to help women succeed in their path to becoming a tradesperson. This year it’s providing Sprott Shaw with $166,238 to give up to 28 unemployed women training in construction trades.
Janna Geisbrecht placed second in the 2017 Regional Skills Competition held in Prince George CREDIT:MATT PARTYKA
But according to Casey Edge, executive d i rector, Victoria R e si d e nt i a l B u i ld e rs A s s ociation, jobs in construction aren’t limited to the trades. “Constr uction is a d iverse industry with a variety of opportunities for women outside of the trades,” he said. “We’re seei ng a sh i f t i n t he i ndu stry itself to more sustainable construction and new energy codes and that brings unique job offerings. Today’s job site is not so much concerned with stereotypes or restrictions in terms of participation in work. Its more about finding workers with the necessary skill set. If someone embraces the industry and is passionate about getting the job done, it doesn’t matter what gender they are.” For Kelsey Botting, executive officer, CHBA Vancouver Island, whether a woman is in the trades, in administration or in the management side of SEE WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION | PAGE 8
Tijana Nelson, a first-year carpentry and joinery student at Okanagan College, received a Silver Medal at the recent Skills Canada Competition CREDIT:TIJANA NELSON
WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION
8
JUNE 2017
WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7
construction, women bring a unique perspective to custom home building. She also pointed out that women are taking a more active role in leadership positions within the industry. “The President of our Provincial CHBA this year is a woman. Her company is a marketing compa ny that works ma i n ly with residential builders. Last year, the President of our Nat io n a l C H B A w a s a wo m a n builder from Newfoundland.” She added that over the past year her association has seen a larger than normal number of female builders applying for membership in CHBAVI and, like Paiement in the Okanagan, is seeing more women in supportive roles in the industry, standing beside husbands and partners. “ C o n s t r u c t i o n c o m p a nies are busy,” Paiement said. “So m a ny bu i lders a re now turning to family for help and that’s why we’re seeing more women r u n n i n g t he of f ic e, working directly with clients and involved with onsite project management. It’s like ‘all hands on deck’ right now.” She a d d e d t h at Ok a n a g a n College is doing a great job of selling the industry across genders by sending representatives SEE WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION | PAGE 9
Providing electives in construction at the college and university level is how Casey Edge feels women can better test the variety of jobs available in the industry CREDIT:VICTORIA RESIDENTIAL HOME BUILDERS
to h i g h s c h o o l s a n d o p e ning a dialogue about the opportu n ities a nd d iversity of employment. According to Kim Noakes, Recru iti ng a nd Ma rketi ng Coordinator, Okanagan College and a Certified B Level Welder, Women in Trades Training (W IT T) has introduced over 900 women to trades training at the college since 2008. “WITT guides women th roug h trades education a n d h e lp s t h e m c o n n e c t to the labour market with additional support of Employment Readiness training and WITT mentorship.” Wa l l s , b o u n d a r i e s a n d
TIMBER FALLING
According to Kelsey Botting, women are taking a more active role in leadership positions within the construction industry
Wendy Acheson, Vice President and Registrar, Licensing and Consumer Services presents a 2016 CARE award to Deborah Patterson, partner and interior designer, Città Group
CREDIT:CHBAVI
CREDIT:JOHN YANYSHYN, VISIONS WEST PHOTOGRAPHY
PIPELINE RIGHT-OF-WAY
HELI FALLING
DANGER ASSESSMENT
PROUDLY SERVING CANADA’S OIL & GAS INDUSTRY OUR KNOWLEDGEABLE AND EXPERIENCED TEAM DELIVERS PROFESSIONAL TIMBER FALLING SERVICES. WE PROVIDE A SAFE, SCALABLE WORKFORCE FOR ANY SIZE OF PROJECT.
WESTERN CANADA’S PREMIER FALLING CREW
ANY TIMBER, ANY TERRAIN
INDUSTRY LEADERS SINCE 1998 Find Us On
250-596-9488
SI BOL A MOUNTAI N
sibolamountainfalling.com
WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION
JUNE 2017
WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8
At the 2017 Vancouver Island Business Excellence awards the Interior Design Group took home two VIBE awards CREDIT:LANCE SULLIVAN, CONCEPT PHOTOGRAPHY
stereotypes are coming down, tha n ks i n pa rt to awa reness campaigns and funding, but also because of the women taki ng adva ntage of opportu nities available and not letting anything stop them. Nineteenyear-old Tijana Nelson, a firstye a r c a r p ent r y a nd joi ner y student at Okanagan College, originally had her eye on a career in architecture, but opted for building homes rather than designing them. “The last term of high school I decided I didn’t want to sit beh ind a computer all day, I wanted to actually build houses. I didn’t take any time off and jumped right into college, getting sponsored by WITT for the carpentry program. With ded ication a nd ha rd work, I made the Dean’s list.” She also recently won a Silver med a l at t he prov i nci a l Sk i l l s Ca n ad a Comp et it ion in Abbotsford, and in Prince G e o r g e , Ja n n a G i e s b r e c h t , Fall 2016 Carpentry Foundation Prog ra m student at the College of New Caledonia, is also making strides in the industry, placing second in the 2017 Regional Skills Carpentry Competition. Both women are setting the stage for future generations of women and showing that it’s all about the skills!
9 “Today’s job site is not so much concerned with stereotypes or restrictions in terms of participation in work. Its more about finding workers with the necessary skill set.” CASEY EDGE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, VICTORIA RESIDENTIAL BUILDERS ASSOCIATION
Take A Turn For The Better At Ocean Trailer Turn into Ocean Trailer for everything you need to build your business: a proven record of quality, sales and service plus today’s best in custom-built trailers. . • KEITH® WALKING FLOOR ® trailers • KEITH® V-Floor™ extreme-duty trailers • THINWALL tippers and possum belly trailers • Semi-dumps, tub dumps, hoppers • Flatbeds and specialty trailers
www.oceantrailer.com
n a e c O
TRAILER
10
JUNE 2017
PRACTICAL AND EFFICIENT THE CORNERSTONE OF BELLEDUNE HOMES Family Owned Business Focuses on Energy Efficiency, Practical Design and a Strong Vision of Building Above and Beyond Building Code
P
R I NCE GEORGE – Jody Tindill has a big vision: she wants to create a niche market converting the impractical to the practical in older homes. Prince George has a lot of them and instead of sending the building materials to the dump and starting from scratch, she wants to create something beautiful, functional and better than new. “This city has infill space to grow,” she said, and it’s why the realtor, designer, renovator and business owner said she and partner Dave Eddy, of Belledune Homes Ltd are looking to help their clients give homes a new look and new lease on life. “Most of the homes have good bones, they just need updating.” Tindill, who’s been in the construction industry since she landed her first job at AWG Windows and Doors at the age of 19, has an eye for design. “I worked for AWG for 13 years and really enjoyed it,” she said adding that Eddy also worked at the shop as an installer. “He was a journeyman carpenter and our primary installer. He would sometimes need to make modifications to a client’s home and was obviously very talented. At the time, he was raising his daughter and liked the flexibility that job provided.” Eddy’s broad skillset came from his background on the family farm owned by his grandparents just outside Regina, Saskatchewan. Out of necessity he learned to fix things, everything. The ability to repair rather than replace is a constant and vital skill on any farm, not just for time savings but also because the money to buy new equipment isn’t always guaranteed. Eddy enjoyed the lessons and took
Jody Tindill builds practicality into every space CREDIT: BELLEDUNE HOMES
them with him when he learned carpentry and eventually to his job at the door and window shop. For Tindill, working at AWG provided her with plenty of time and opportunity to explore her own gifts. “I’d always tinkered with design, but working with door and window sales and manufacturing I was able to learn other aspects, like drawing, construction methods, and most importantly what worked in a home and what didn’t.” Working at AWG, Tindill saw possibilities in entrepreneurship, not just for herself but also through combining talents with Eddy. She went back to school to earn a business degree. Halfway through, chance knocked on the door, and she landed a job at the
Canada Revenue Agency. Ultimately, while working for CRA she did finish her degree, and moved on to managing the facilities and finances at the local library. I n 2005, Eddy, w ith T i ndill’s encouragement, created his own company, Dave Eddy Construction. “He put a crew together and focused on framing, interior finishing and siding installations. He built a reputation for quality construction and worked with many of the local home builders. But framing is hard to make profitable so, in 2009, we looked at what would be the best direction for our combined talents.” “I n 2010, we i ncor porated u nder the Bel ledu ne Homes SEE BELLEDUNE HOMES LTD | PAGE 11
Jody and Dave have a big vision of creating a niche market converting the impractical to the practical in older homes. CREDIT: BELLEDUNE HOMES
Proud to be Belledune Homes’ longtime supplier of building materials! 4150 Cowart Road - Prince George, BC 250-562-1125
11
JUNE 2017
The Belledune crew have worked with Dave Eddy for many years and are highly skilled in custom home building CREDIT: BELLEDUNE HOMES
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10
CREDIT: BELLEDUNE HOMES
Bryden Kohnke
778-349-9971 236-423-3330 www.bdd2010.com
2039 Ogilvie Street S. Prince George
We are proud to be your partner and we look forward to continuing to work together! • Installing Blow in Blanket Insulation across Northern BC (BIBs) • Insulation Sales & Installation throughout Northern BC • Drywall Sales & Installation throughout Northern BC
SEE BELLEDUNE HOMES LTD | PAGE 12
• Eavestroughing • Decks & Patio Covers • Aluminum & Glass Railings Going the distance since 1975
aratho
n
Belledune purchased parcels of land on a stretch of a street that had older mobiles on leased lots
name. Our original business plan was to build one spec home at a time, but the thing with spec homes as a small startup is that you have to have cash, in those days it was $300,000-$400,000. If you’re cash challenged it’s a real catch 22.” “My parents ended up helping us out with the financing because banks don’t like lending money for what they deem high risk, and in particular, spec homes. If you have one completed and one started you can run out of money fast.” Once they got started however, the ball was rolling, with heavy doses of more learning gathered along the way. “We realized that to keep a contracting business going you need consistent cash flow and not just for when you are building spec homes. In this business, you don’t always have that cash flow, especially when we started in 2010 just after the market collapsed and it only just began its
recovery.” For t u n ately, t he compa ny quickly landed a contract for the company’s first custom home that would not only start that allimportant word-of-mouth referral system, but would also give both Eddy and Tindill a look at a unique and specialized market. “We managed to make a deal
m
BELLEDUNE HOMES LTD
1-800-964-2544 www.marathonltd.com
12
JUNE 2017
In 2010 when Belledune Homes was first incorporated the plan was to build and sell spec homes
The company’s first custom home netted them the beginning of word-of-mouth referrals
CREDIT:BELLEDUNE HOMES
CREDIT: BELLEDUNE HOMES
on parcels of land on one stretch of a street that had older mobiles on leased lots. Once we had a few done and got to show them off with open houses, our business snowballed a little more quickly from there. Now we are booked
into the spring of 2018. That’s a great feeling.” It doesn’t take long to pick up from Tindill that she and Eddy are passionate about building homes for their clients. She’s honest and forthright about
Canadian Company • Canadian Products • For Over 40 years
Proud to be working with the Belledune Team! 250-564-9596
710 3rd Ave. Prince George www.portalinstallations.ca
Continued success for Belledune Homes Ltd.
their struggle to create a business that showcased their talents and the obstacles they met along the way. “In this industry, there are many challenges that are out of our control. If 2008 hadn’t happened, we wouldn’t have seen things slow down across the province. Also, it isn’t always easy to find good people, but when you do, you h a ng onto them. We now have a crew of five employees and we take that very seriously, that’s five households to feed. That’s a big responsibility.” She added that Belledune’s crew is very loyal. They’ve worked with Dave in the past and like how they are treated. “Dave is very patient and calm. He has a system that works really well and has 25 years of experience behind him in project management. He’s very good at what he does and we get complemented on it by our clients, crew and subcontractors.”
The rising costs of materials has also been a challenge for Belledune as well as anyone else in the industry. “The US dollar has risen and that puts the costs of certain items way up. Plus, the building code has changed and that has increased costs by about 20 per cent in the last two years. Making the business profitable has been hard, because we also want to build quality, affordable homes first.” Although initially Belledune built spec homes, it also built the odd custom home and did renovations, but as Tindill explained, over the past two years, as the housing market has taken off, it has been building mostly custom homes and renovations. “When I design a home, I build in practicality. That is what we are known for, our functional designs and layouts.” Tindill has noted a real trend, not ju st i n t he demog raphics Belleune serves but also in
Proud partners with the Belledune Homes team as they endeavour to provide the best value and quality for their clients.
what it is looking for in a home. That theme revolves around efficiency, beauty, function and longevity. “We are seeing both millennials and retirees wanting the same thing. They want something they can afford that will allow them to still travel, have an active lifestyle and come home to a place where they might have a garage for tinkering, space for guests and luxury without being overly fancy.” She said homebuyers are also looking for a house that has a high resale value. That means putting in quality that will last. “They don’t want the headache or frustration of cheap, poor quality that will need to be replaced in five years. Instead, they’re looking for long lasting and a home that works. When I design a space, it has to make sense to the homeowner. Dave and I work well with this. SEE BELLEDUNE HOMES LTD | PAGE 13
./24(7!9 ',!33
Proud to supply shower doors and mirrors! Northway Glass Inc. 2235 S. Nicholson Street Prince George, BC
t. 250.564.1185 www.primuselectric.ca
Ph: 250-563-9933 944 4th Ave Prince George BC
www.northwayglass.ca
13
JUNE 2017
Dave Eddy, a journeyman carpenter has more than 25 years of experience at fine home finishings CREDIT: BELLEDUNE HOMES
BELLEDUNE HOMES LTD CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12
Belledune believes that a home should not only be beautiful but also have quality and longevity built in CREDIT: BELLEDUNE HOMES
Certied Energy Advisors
www.hometechenergy.com
Proud Supplier to Belledune Homes! Rod Croome
250-596-4545
He knows what is needed and is able to create it. We plan where everything goes, whether its where the heat comes in to positioning of floor joists. And we design around elements that are practical as well as beautiful.” In 2014, Belledune set itself apart by being the first to be certified Energy Star Builders in Northern BC. They even built the first Energy Star home in the region. “W hen we heard about the training, we jumped on it. Even though we were already building that way because of its practical nature, we knew that the certification would get us better recognition. It provides clients with an added assurance that their builder is creating their home to higher standards than just the Building Code.” Tindill also emphasized that as energy efficiency and alternative power sources came online
Congratulations to the team at Belledune Homes. Windsor Plywood is proud to work with Dave & Jody in supplying quality finishing products & materials to the special projects that Belledune Homes creates. Hours: M-F 8:00-5:30, Sat 8:30-5:30, Sun 10:00-4:00
3670 Opie Crescent Prince George, BC
(250)
564-8814
Belledune wanted to be ahead of the game. “Many of our homes are going to be solar ready starting this year. It gives our clients choices. Now the Canadian Home Builders Association (CHBA) is bringing in Net Zero training, a major step towards builders having the knowhow to create homes that use minimal power. In terms of energy usage, the Energy Star standard gives a homeowner 20 per cent better than the building code. An R2000 gives 50 per cent better, while the Net Zero program uses no power that is not produced on site.” She explained that a Net Zero Ready home would include much more insulation, is extremely airtight, as passive as possible and the use of power would be minimized and produced on site. “By 2032 all new homes will have to be Net Zero,” she said. “We’re getting on that early and are aggressively learning all we can to understand everything about indoor health and comfort
in these homes.” Belledune is also looking to apply that expertise and knowledge to renovations. “We’re taking an active role in the transformation of older homes, especi a l ly f rom t he 1970’s. They’re small and convert easily to something more functional with better esthetics,” she said, adding that not everyone wants to pack up and move an entire household. Giving a typical BC box home a facelift and new life saves resources and money and is the ultimate in practicality. Recently, Tindill earned her real estate license and is now, in addition to holding a Bachelor of Commerce degree from University of Northern BC, a Masters Certificate of Project Management and a PMP designation, a rea ltor w it h Royal LePage Prince George. She is the current president of the Canadian Home Builder’s Association of Northern BC, chair of the education committee for CHBA-NBC and completed a term as an appointed member of the Advisory Committee on Development Design for the City of Prince George. Dave Eddy has been a carpenter and tradesman for 25 years and is a Certified Housing Professional with a Master Residential Builder designation and is an active member of the Builder Education Committee with the Homeowner Protection Office. Belledune Homes Ltd. is at www.belledunehomes.ca
Proud Supplier to Belledune Homes! James Zerebeski
250.564.0606 1757 S. Nicholson St., Prince George BC carpetsuperstores.ca
Proud to work with the team at Belledune Homes!
Rob Kershaw
P: 250.562.2626 C: 250.301.6093 rob@pgrentalcentre.com 1669 South Lyon St., Prince George, BC
www.pgrentalcentre.com
14
MOVERS & SHAKERS
JUNE 2017
TEDx speaker series event, hosted by TedXUNBC, received 111 applications speaking opportunities. Seth Jex, Executive Producer of TedXUNBC, indicated that a Speaker Selection Committee will be reviewing applications and selecting individuals to proceed through the application process. The theme of this years’ talks will be ‘dispelling misconceptions’, and the conference will be held on September 30 th, at the Canfor Theatre on UNBC’s campus.
Terrace After 47 years in the tire business, owners Smitty and Teri Smith have chosen to sell their business, Fountain Tire (Terrace). They purchased the Keith Avenue location in 2003, and will be transitioning the business to new owners Jaecen and Candace Aspa, their daughter and son-in-law. The Smiths will continue to work with the business for another 2 years to support Jaecen and Candace, the customers, and staff. JCI Touchwood Sawmills, a local mill located 10 kilometres north of Terrace on Highway 113 and owned by Warren Gavronsky, Percy Gavronsky, and John Lammerts van Bueren, has branched into a new market. The mill has partnered with overseas manufacturing plant, Touchwood BV, in Schijndel, Holland, which is also owned by JCI co-owner, Lammerts van Bueren. JCI ships timber to Holland, which is further processed and manufactured into about 30 different products. McElhanney celebrates their 50 th anniversary in Terrace this year. Terrace was the first branch opened outside of Vancouver in 1967, and today McElhanney has over 30 locations across Western Canada, employing over 700 staff members. Eight local entrepreneurs competed in the third annual ThriveNorth Business Challenge competition in Prince Rupert, on May 18th. Terrace participants won three out four award categories: Kevin Febril took home $10,000 for his Wandering Bear catering idea in the ages 18-28 Best New Business category; Aleksa Havelaar and Bryan Last won $10,000 for their White Goat Coffee custom-roasted coffee idea in the 29-39 age category; and Kory Yamashita and Andrea Harmel won $5,000 from audience voting during the competition.
Prince Rupert Mr. Frans Tjallingii, MSc, MBA, past president of Saam Smit Towage, and co-founder of Global Data Chain, has joined the Board of Directors for the Prince Rupert Port Authority. Mr. Tjallingii was recommended as an appointment by the Minister of Transport in consultation with the Coast Tsimshian First Nations. Air Canada has added a third Monday-Friday afternoon flight at Prince Rupert Airport for the summer. CityWest is investing $10-million to bring wireless fibre-to-home technology to Prince Ropert. Fibre-optic cable carries more data at higher speeds over long distances. Sandra Smith-Haines is the new owner of Royal LePage Prince
Rupert, with Victor Prystay taking over as managing broker. Your Dollar Store With More is celebrating its grand re-opening under new management at its 439 Third Avenue West location. Ray-Mont Logistics is building a brand new facility for pulses and cereals at the south end of Ridley Island, which will receive the product from incoming trains on CN’s line, and further export the crop out of the Fairview Container Terminal. The new transload facility is expected to be 11 acres in size and will be operational for the 2017-18 crop year. Marcie LeBlanc, owner of LeBLANC Boutique on Cow Bay in Prince Rupert, took home the $10,000 award in the Best Growth Opportunity cagetory at the 2017 ThriveNorth Business Challenge Awards. A $75,000 donation from Pacific NorthWest LNG has been made to the Oldfield Creek Hatchery, and will go toward necessary rebuilding efforts and upgrading the facility. The hatchery raises an average of 145,000 salmon each year from six streams. Three Malacca-max gentry cranes have been delivered to the south side of the Fairview Container Terminal after a 1.5-month journey from China. With this addition, Fairview now operates seven cranes, with workers being able to load and unload two container ships at once. City council has given second reading to the re-zoning bylaw associated with the proposal by Macro Properties to convert the former Neptune Motel to a seniors housing complex at 1051 Chamberlin Avenue.
Williams Lake Williams Lake Indian Band (WLIB), led by Chief Ann Louie and Council, has announced the opening of their Williams Lake Government Offices, located in the city’s downtown core. The offices house their Lands Departments, Economic Department, Natural Resource Management, and a number of WLIB-owned corporate entities. WLIB now occupies the former Taseko Mines office, at #301 – 172 North Second Avenue, and will also display arts and
crafts from local artists such as: Erin Domenko, Laureen Carruthers, Linda Bachman, and Kiera Dolighan. The Cariboo Regional District (CRD) board recently held its committee of the whole meeting and a Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District meeting in 100 Mile House, as part of its “Board on the Road” initiative, which provides opportunities to connect with people in other communities besides Williams Lake. In September, the CRD will hold its meetings in a different area. Williams Lake City Council has approved a recommendation to accept a development permit application for a new 8,320 sq. ft. multi-tenant retail building. The project was proposed by Platform Properties Ltd., and the development site is at 1185 Prosperity Way in Williams Lake. The Williams Lake Farmers Market has opened for the season in Boitanio Park, this time with a new market manager. Karel van de Wijngaard of Puddle Farm Produce has been named as manager for the market, which will run every Friday from 9am-2pm until October 6th. Linda Berg, originally from Kitimat, BC, is now serving as the new Executive Director for the Boys and Girls Club of Williams Lake & District. Berg began her position on March 30 th, replacing former executive director Matt Neufeld.
Prince George The Prince George Chamber of Commerce hosted a goodbye coffee party on June 13 th to bid farewell to outgoing CEO, Christie Ray. Ray announced her intended departure in early April, giving notice for the board of directors to find her replacement. The City of Prince George has announced the winners of their first ever Community Champion Award, at the annual Civic Appreciation Awards. This new category was added to honor citizens who inspire others to affect positive change through volunteerism. The City’s Advisory Committee on Enhancing Prince George (Enhance PG), chaired by Terri McClymont, was responsible for selecting recipients and
creating the new category. This year’s award winners featured: Mike Burt, volunteer with the RCMP Community Policing Unit, and Jamie Kranrod, former president of the Blackburn Community Association – Community Champion Award; Greg Pocock, June Berreth, and Yiqun (Ian) Ying – Recreation & Culture Award; Ruth Walter and Jay Khatra – Community Service Award; Tamara Sweet, John Vogt, and Robin Norman – Outstanding Volunteer Award; and Lila Mansour for the Youth of the Year Award, with honorable mentions: Zachary Bundock and Mohamed Shubair.
Dawson Creek Dawson Creek’s second annual Business to Business Expo will feature Dragon’s Den co-star and founder of one of North America’s largest craft breweries, Manjit Minhas. Minhas, a Calgary mother and entrepreneur, has been listed as one of the Top 100 Women Entrepreneurs in Canada. This year’s Business to Business Expo will take place on September 20 th.
Prince George-based company, Pacific Western Brewing, has scheduled an open house in celebration of their 60 th Anniversary for August 12 th. The event will take place at 641 N. Nechako Road, from 11:30am to 2:30pm. The Prince George Chamber of Commerce has opened nominations for its Top 40 Under 40 Awards from June 12-23. The awards represent the best of Prince George’s entrepreneurs, managers, professionals and students for the 2018 year. Prince George’s Elder Citizens’ Recreation Association has taken its first steps to expand its kitchen; a renovation that will see an additional 345 square feet added to the Centre, doubling the size of the current kitchen. The Making Ourselves Matter Services Society has opened a new safe-house for vulnerable women aged 19-29 who are transitioning out of foster care. The women will participate in a 4-year program, with 2 years being in the residential home, and the following two years being a practicum. Kelly Johansen has been hired as the new Principal for Springwood Elementary, moving it one step closer to reopening. A new Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the College of New Caledonia and the Independent Contractors and Business Association. With this new partnership, the ICBA will be able to provide labour force intelligence for the College. Prince George’s first ever
Above: Manjit Minhas, costar of Dragon’s Den, and entrepreneur G.D.I. Bistro has re-opened at their location in the George Dawson Inn, on 11705 8th Street, with a brand new menu, new name, new staff, and new management.
Fort St. John The City of Fort St. John’s Micro Hydro Project was awarded the 2017 CAMA Environmental Award for the 20,001 to 100,000 population category. Mayor Lori Ackerman received the award at the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA) national conference in Quebec. The Micro Hydro Project uses treated sewer water that flows into the river to generate a 100-kilowatt turbine, and all resulting electricity is bought by BC Hydro. The project generated $69,000 last year for Fort St. John. Jennifer Moore has been named as the new executive director
MOVERS & SHAKERS
JUNE 2017
of the Fort St. John Hospital Foundation. Moore began her new role at the end of April, after previously serving as a regional economic development officer with the Economic Development Commission.
15
a college student.
Smithers The B.C. Trucking Association elected its new Board of Directors for 2017-18 at their recent Annual General Meeting in Kelowna. New board members include: Phil Bandstra of Bandstra Transportation Systems Ltd. of Smithers, who was also elected to serve on the BCTA’s Executive Committee as 2nd Vice Chairman, and Gary McLeod of the Northern BC Truckers Association of Dawson Creek.
Quesnel A BC Transit pilot program that extended hours for the Quesnel Transit System is scheduled to continue through September at least until March 2018. The program was in service in both March and April and provided an extra evening route on weekdays to West Quesnel and Red Bluff, as well as an early service on Saturdays to West Quesnel and North Fraser Drive.
AuRico Metals has passed a preliminary economic assessment (PEA) for their Kemess East copper gold mine project, located on their Kemess property in north central BC. An underground project and processing plant are already in operation on the property. AuRico plans to open an office in Prince George this year, employing between six and twelve people. The remainder of their hiring will focus on the mine site, flying in workers for two weeks in and two weeks out, using flights from Smithers and Prince George. If the mine receives all necessary approvals, it could operate for 12 years.
The general concept of a plan to revitalize Reid Street in downtown Quesnel has been approved by Quesnel City Council. The plan, estimated between $5 and 5.3 million, is to reduce the street from two lanes to one lane, allowing for wider sidewalks. Staff are now proceeding with a detailed design phase for the project, with the goal of construction beginning in the spring. Correlieu Secondary student, Avery Bell, was awarded a gold medal at the National Skills Competition for Secondary School Cabinet Making, held in Winnipeg. Bell, who has now transitioned to BCIT in Burnaby, hopes to compete again next year as
Buy Low Foods has announced their decision to open a grocery store location in Houston, BC. They will occupy the former SuperValu location in the Houston shopping centre, and an opening date has
Above: members of the Smithers Chamber of Commerce with participants from their youth entrepreneur program yet to be announced. The location is looking to hire between 35 and 50 people with a variety of full and part-time positions for the store. The Smithers Chamber of Commerce was awarded the title of Chamber of the Year in the province for the launch of their youth entrepreneur program this past year. The program enabled youth to set up a mobile ice cream shop, run by two local
youth. This year, the program will run again with two new students in charge of the ice cream shop. The shop will rotate through several locations in Smithers this summer, selling a variety of flavours of ice cream.
Kitimat
proposal before the company’s board before the end of the year to secure approval for the completion of the second tunnel to the Kemano power plant. The $500 million project to complete the construction of the remaining 7.6km of the 16km tunnel is essential if the plant is to be able to guarantee power supply to the Rio Tinto plant in Kitimat.
Kitimat Rio Tinto will have a
Carl Kafka, R.D.
Registered Denturist
Now Booking Appointtments at our Skeena Landing Location Call Toll Free: 1-877-922-5656
Book Online
skeenalanding.com 250-641-2509
cooking
living
giving
250-638-0444 Kleanza Consulting Ltd. Partners in Heritage Resource Management
Breakfast & Lunch
250-635-3696
kleanza.com
SunRonkai LLP CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS TAX – AUDIT – ADVISORY
Terrace, BC
Phone: 250-635-3333 www.sunronkai.com
778-634-3860
Executive apartments & commercial spaces available. SKEENALANDING.COM
flying fish ...cooking, living & giving
flyingfishnanaimo.com • flyingfishterrace.com
Over 10,000 sq ft of wow!
OPINION
16 A division of Invest Northwest Publishing Ltd. Prince George Office 2871 Wildwood Cres Prince George, BC V2K3J4 Toll free: 1.866.758.2684 Fax: 778.441.3373 Email: info@businessexaminer.ca Website: www.businessexaminer.ca
JUNE 2017
PUBLISHER | Lise MacDonald, lise@businessexaminer.ca EDITOR | John MacDonald SALES | Dan Stelck, dan@businessexaminer.ca WRITERS | Beth Hendry-Yim, David Holmes, Kristin van Vloten
NPO’S PLAYING IN THE GREY AREA WITH ELECTIONS BC
MARK MACDONALD
T
here has been a seismic shift in our political system and the way Canada gets things done – or stops them altogether. Non-political organizations, which are really political action groups like LeadNow, Tides Canada and the Dogwood Initiative, have become extremely effective political “push” groups, driving their ideologies through the path of most effectiveness – candidates and parties that see things the way they do. They have found a way, mostly through social media, to circumvent Elections Canada guidelines that are supposed to ensure fairness in this country, spending untrackable revenue via virtually untraceable methods to capture public opinion and carry out their own agenda through election campaigns. It’s most i ron ic t h at Ca nada, a country that sees itself as a beacon of democracy and
fairness, and which sends citizens throughout the world to monitor elections in other countries to ensure those same standards are maintained, is now suffering from the same maladies they’re trying to cure elsewhere. U.S. groups mostly opposed to Canadian resource development amply fund organizations like these. For some reason, Canadians are not enraged to discover that their domestic policies and livelihoods are being directed by American special interest financing. Financiers include the oil industry, as they want to keep Canada at its current competitive disadvantage by maintaining the current 35 per cent discount U.S. companies have long held with Canadian suppliers. Want more information? Check out the work of Vivian Krause at http://fairquestions.typepad. com/rethink_campaigns/ Anti-free enterprise political parties like the NDP and Greens are the direct beneficiaries. While the NDP’s mismanagement of government is well-chronicled – see Alberta under Rachel Notley, Ontario under Bob Rae and BC under Dave Barrett, Mike Harcourt, Glen Clark and Ujjal Dosanjh, there is no such track record for the one-note Greens. The Green Party’s list of “demands” for negotiation reportedly include the possibility of thwarting Site C dam construction and the twinning of the
Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain Pipeline – both representing thousands of direct, well-paying jobs. The Green push for electoral reform, more specifically proportional representation, is its most cunning. It is this plank that provided the missing link to ignite BC voters to fight Premier Christy Clark with almost the same vigour with which it assailed former Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Current Prime Minister Justin Trudeau catered to that during the last federal campaign then reneged, which only incited those same masses to rally in similar fashion during this provincial election. The suggestion that “first past the post” elections are unjust and unfair demonstrates a profound ignorance about how our governments are constructed and operate. Our system, while imperfect, was designed to be fair, and allows for a clear winner and a time frame in which to do things, unhindered. The Green preference will ensure political logjams and an inability to make decisions on major projects in perpetuity, giving them exactly what anti-free enterprisers have discovered is the way to stop everything: Through slow strangulation. That strategy includes three essentials: Delay, delay and delay. Long enough to drain the resources of individuals and companies
who want to actually do something. In that way, it’s mission accomplished. Really, it is pure socialism. These groups capitalize on antibusiness public relations on a national scale, aka brainwashing, by cinema, the media, and many involved in public education. Hollywood does an effective job of producing heroic story lines about “the little people” rising up to “take back” the country from developers and overall corporate greed. The message? Business is bad, owners are greedy, against the people. Most taxpayers see their contributions to public education as a good thing, although they can’t be happy that 90 per cent of public school funding goes towards salaries. But what are the kids learning in school? Reading? Writing? Arithmetic? Often, not until after they’re indoctrinated in the “most important” aspects of life – the environment and, of course, self esteem. The end result? Generations of new voters heading to the polls after years of indoctrination by unionized teachers, members of the BC Teachers Federation, wh ich has spent sig n i fica nt amounts of time, energy and dollars supporting the NDP over the years, in hopes of their political allies having the final say on how much more money is being spent on education. No conflict there, right?
The media also has a part to play, with editorialized opinions constantly hidden in news stories. The negative, anti-free enterprise drumbeat drones on, year after year, pre-empted only by the occasional editorial or opinion piece just prior to voting day. That last-gasp attempt is virtually fruitless, as it’s impossible to have one opinion in one issue/program offset years of anti-free enterprise messaging. Less than five per cent of Canadians pay regular attention to politics, so election campaigns become a crash course in catching up to what’s going on, looking at what is being promised, and weeding through the myriad of aggressive messages sent out by competing parties. Emotion causes people to purchase goods and services. And vote. These groups know that, and are deft at fanning the strong feelings of hatred and violation within people raised on anti-free enterprise diets. Voting day is simply time to reap from all those seeds, sown through various methods, for years. And these groups get what they want: anti-business governments to carry out their own agendas, hijacking democracy in the process; paid for, largely, by Americans. They may not want to say they’re anti-business, but once in power, their boa constrictor-like deliberate actions reveal they will have succeeded in stopping economic progress.
in this case, the economy of our entire country.” In principle, Notley is absolutely correct. Unfortunately, it’s not an argument that’s likely to sway pipeline opponents. Amidst all this posturing, the federal government faces renewed pressure to reconsider its approval of the project. The Grits have already heard from unhappy West Coast Liberal MPs who run the risk of losing seats in the next federal election. Will Prime Minister Justin Trudeau still be willing to pay an ever-growing political price for allowing the pipeline to proceed? The irony in all this fuss is that Trudeau effectively gave succour to the opposition leading up to the last federal election when he promised his government would listen to the wishes of British Columbians. If he were really listening, the message from that province is clear enough - on balance, most citizens of BC want the pipeline stopped. Of course, in this case a federal
government that bends to the will of one province betrays the wishes of another. Either way, somebody is going to hate you. T r udeau needs to stay t he course. The National Energy Board imposed 157 conditions on the pipeline project. If built as required, it would be the safest, most heavily regulated pipeline in the world. To be sure, such conditions don’t eliminate the possibility of a spill (or deliberate sabotage), but they reduce the odds to infinitesimally small. Building the pipeline also would provide a much-needed boost to Canada’s economy, and represent a meaningful step toward reducing our dependence on the U.S. as our dominant trade partner. In the era of an erratic, isolationist president, isn’t that a worthy goal?
A PIPELINE STRAIGHT TO POLITICAL DISASTER?
DOUG FIRBY TROY MEDIA
F
ew issues in recent Canadian history have been as divisive as the debate over the construction of new pipelines to carry crude oil to market. The uncertain results from the election in British Columbia only add fuel to a roaring fire. The “blue” Liberal government of Premier Christy Clark won the most seats in the May 9 vote, but not a majority. Her party must now court the support of either the New Democratic or Green parties to achieve a mandate to govern. Should the Liberals fail to reach an agreement, it’s conceivable the NDP and Greens could
combine to form government. For proponents of the twinning of Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain Pipeline, either scenario provides ample reason to lose sleep. Clark, you may recall, played tough in her opposition to having a pipeline carry diluted Alberta bitumen across BC for shipment to Asian markets. A lot of watchers felt her theatrics were orchestrated so BC could extract the largest amount of compensation from its neighbour to the east. As if to confirm those suspicions, and almost on cue, Clark announced the five conditions she had spelled out for provincial acceptance of the pipeline had been met. Signs pointed to a green light for the $7.4-billion project. It was an audacious standoff, considering pipeline approvals rest in the hands of federal authorities, not provincial. But Clark knew that, regardless of the jurisdictional parsing, environmentalists and First Nations communities in BC were - and indeed, are - ready to fight to the
finish to stop Trans Mountain. That’s pretty hefty negotiating leverage. Unlike the pro-business Liberals, the NDP and Greens of BC aren’t ready to roll over on the pipeline. Both parties are fiercely opposed to it, regardless of the boost it would add to both provincial and federal economies. Clark now faces a very awkward dilemma. It seems almost certain that either opposition party will demand resistance to Trans Mountain as a condition for the co-operation needed for the Liberals to form government. If Clark doesn’t play along, her party’s days in government will be very short indeed. Obviously sensing that Clark needs a hand, Alberta Premier Rachel Notley spoke out this week, reminding BC politicians that pipeline approvals are federal business. She told reporters, “I fundamentally disagree with the view that one province or even one region can hold hostage the economy of another province or,
Veteran political commentator Doug Firby is president of Troy Media Digital Solutions and publisher of Troy Media.
SUBCRIPTIONS | $45 PER YEAR (12 ISSUES), $80 FOR 2 YEARS (24 ISSUES), SUBSCRIBE ONLINE: WWW.BUSINESSEXAMINER.CA. DISTRIBUTION: FOURTH WEEK OF EACH MONTH VIA CANADA POST AD MAIL. The publisher accepts no responsibility for unsolicited submissions. The views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. Produced and published in British Columbia. All contents copyright Business Examiner Peace Cariboo Skeena, 2017. Canadian Publications Mail Acct.: 40069240
17
JUNE 2017
GREEN SKY LABS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6
eventually did succumb to the disease. Cannabis eliminated the possibility of reliance on traditional opiod medicines, which often can become addictive, with long-term negative consequences. “From there, a group of friends got together and wanted to make a difference, by trying to find better quality products to the cannabis growing industry reliably, instead of in backyards and garages,” Graw says. Green Sky Labs currently has 35 full-time and another 10 parttime employees. Partner institutions include the University of Victoria, the University of British Columbia and McGill University. “What makes us good is our science and ou r team,” says Norgaard. Jay Van de Vlugt, Senior BioChemist, and Dr. Jan Burian, Chief Technology Officer, joined as they recognized the health benefits and believed the cannabis plant’s medicinal properties could be extracted more efficiently and accurately. “We wanted to bridge the gap between how the public perceives cannabis in the 21 st century of medicine, and how it affects the body in a meaningful way to improve the quality of care and quality of life,” says Van de Vlugt, who left UVic to join Green Sky Labs.
Burian’s focus is on scaling up technology and production to meet the expected demands of the market. They now have processes in-house that can produce “tens of kilograms” of THC per day, and it is his goal is to move that to industrial scale. “We have come up with an organic method of extraction without chemicals, which is a safer, better, purer way,” he says. Paul Carpanini is Director of U.S. Operations based in Green Sky Labs’ first American processing and isolation centre in Kirkland, WA. His responsibility is not just the U.S., but Europe and other international business development aspects of the company. Green Sky Labs is currently in negotiations with entities in Germany, California, Nevada and several of the 26 U.S. states that allow marijuana grow operations. 12 states have decriminalized recreational marijuana. While Green Sky Labs plans is to access medicinally grown marijuana from the top existing dispensaries in the state, they are about to open their own grow operation in Zillah, WA. There is no shortage of cannabis on the market, but Norgaard believes that at the end of the day, there will be artisan and largescale growing operations. “Our process could work with either; it doesn’t matter,” he says. “What we want is the pure product, the isolated molecules from which can be utilized in creams
and other applications, accurately. We’re all about producing real medicine for real people to help with real diseases.” Norgaard says in Canada, they recently signed a contract to build an operation that will be based either on Vancouver Island, or in Alberta. Canadian headquarters are in Victoria and Toronto. Norgaard notes that Green Sky Labs’ Isolation Division has formed a 50-50 partnership with IBM Watson Health called Ask Watson Pain. “The key executives of this company are from IBM, who are opening the door and showing doctors and professionals the benefits of the cannabis-based products we’re producing,” Norgaard says. He believes getting the message out that these concentrated cannabis-derived products are reliable, safe alternatives to opiod-based medicinals is key to the company’s success. It doesn’t hurt that their advisory board includes U.S. General Wesley Clark, who recognized the medicinal benefits of a non-opiod solution to long-term pain and health conditions in American military veterans, in particular. “With their involvement, the good news will get out much faster than we could do on our own,” he adds. Green Sky Labs is at 245-1627 Fort Street in Victoria. www.greenskylabs.com
●
SALMON AQUACULTURE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6
and leaders across the sector to explore challenges & opportunities for continued growth and industry expansion. Included in the 10 different Expo sessions featuring over 30 speakers, two keynote speakers have been announced including Ned Bell, Seafood Champion & Executive Chef of Ocean Wise Canada, and Terry O’Reilly, Host of CBC’s Under the Influence. O’Reilly has won a few hundred national and international awards for writing and has directed such notable actors as Alec Baldwin, Ellen De-Generes, Kiefer Sutherland, Bob Newhart, Martin Short and Drew Carey. His session is called “Changing The Conversation: Turning negative perceptions into positive ones” exploring how marketing can help turn a negative perception into a positive one, by changing the conversation. In addition to the sessions, registrants for the Expo will have access to the Expo Trade Show, which has doubled in size this year, and producer site tours including those hosted by the BC Salmon Farmers Association, BC’s largest exporter of seafood. The BC Seafood Expo International Seafood Buyers and Media Reception, June 12, will feature renowned international and regional celebrity chefs presenting sustainable seafood from many of BC’s seafood industry
BC Farm-Raised Salmon – Top 10
• Worth over $1.14-billion to the province’s economy • Considered BC’s #1 agricultural export and the province’s highest valued seafood product • Produces more than 77.8K kilograms of salmon annually • Accounts for 58 per cent of the salmon raised in Canada and 3 per cent of the world’s salmon production, making it the fourth largest global producer • Generates about 5,000 coastal jobs that pay 30 per cent higher than the provincial median employment income • Donates $600,000+ and 23,000+ lbs of salmon to community organizations and causes • Has 20 social and economic agreements with Coastal First Nations • Raises 78 per cent of its salmon in partnership with First Nations • All BC salmon farms have achieved at least one thirdparty certification • Has invested $1.5 million dollars towards funding research projects to gain a better understanding of the marine environment.
associations, including the Under Water Harvesters Assn, and is being sponsored by Flying Fresh Air Freight.
SALES
18
JUNE 2017
RECRUITING AND HIRING FOR SUCCESS
MAKE IT YOUR OWN
SALES JOHN GLENNON
E
very actor brings something personally to a role. So should every sales person. When the producers of Indiana Jones were casting for the male lead, their first choice was Tom Selleck (Magnum P.I.) but he was unavailable. The second choice was Harrison Ford. We obviously know how Ford played the role, but can you see Sellick in the role? Would it have been better? Different? The role didn’t change but the player did, and that’s exactly what happens in the world of selling. Successful sales techniques must be enhanced by your ability to customize it to your style, the customer and your business. It’s never one size fits all. In a company that has several business development personnel, no two will use the successful
selling system exactly the same way. That’s how you differentiate yourself from the competition. Engineers all use the same educational foundation for constructing bridges, and planning buildings but no two apply their knowledge the same way. Each will add their personal spin. Sales professionals should as well customize successful systems to their world. This can only be done by first seeking out, understanding and developing a system that has worked for others. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel as they say. You must then take that from “knowing to owning”. The only way to do that is to experiment, practice and customize the fundamentals to your comfort level. Selleck and Ford had the same role and script but all actors customize the role and script. The key is they put something unique into the process – themselves. John Glennon is the owner of Insight Sales Consulting Inc, an authorized Sandler Training Licensee. He can be reached at jglennon@sandler. com, toll free at 1-866-645-2047 or visit www.glennon.sandler.com. Copyright 2013 Sandler Training and Insight Sales Consulting Inc. All rights reserved.
Even though the prospect is not always right, he or she is the judge and jury. So, how do you respond
HR
when you are under
CHRISTINE WILLOW
attack?
H
iring the right people for your business is probably the most important task that any owner or manager/ executive undertakes and having these key people involved at some stage of the hiring process has been shown to be a key factor in successful companies. While your HR Manager may take the lead in the process, having the owner or manager involved prior to the final decision ensures that the company values and culture stay front and foremost. The depth of the involvement will depend on the level of the position in the company, so step one should be to review the following questions: • Who should be part of the recruitment process for this position? • At what stage do they get involved? • Will the interviews be conducted on a one-on-one
Visser’s Vegetable Farm is located less than 20 kilometers (and minutes) west of the junction of highways 97 and 16, at 11695 Lower Mud River Road, in the historic Chilako Valley near Prince George, British Columbia, Canada.
basis or by a panel? and • Who, ultimately, makes the final decision on the successful candidate? While this may seem straight forward and common sense, too often we end up recruiting in the same manner for all positions. One size does not fit all and the most successful outcomes are achieved through a customized recruiting process. A f ter t he i n it i a l ro u nd of screening followed by identification of the short-listed candidates, a combination of the HR Manager and the direct reporting supervisor for the position is most appropriate to conduct the full interview. This interview
CUSTOMER SERVICE
I
n T h e A r t o f Wa r, Sun-tzu wrote, “The best victory is when the opponent surrenders of its own accord before there are any actual hostilities…It is best to win w ithout fighting.” T he sa me holds t r ue i n t he “art of sales.”
www.vissersfarm.com
Christine is with Chemistry Consulting and can be reached at c.willow@chemistryconsulting.ca
WHEN UNDER ATTACK… FALL BACK
LUCY GLENNON
11695 Lower Mud River Road Prince George, British Columbia
should focus on the skills and experience that the candidate can bring to the position. If recruiting for a position that engages with other department managers or the tasks relate to another manager or team lead, these managers could be brought in once the final two candidates have been selected. It is also at this point that either the owner, ma nager or other executive could be brought in to review the documentation from the interviews and have a short meeting with the candidates before any offer is made. The meeting with the owner or executive should not be another interview, but rather a meet and greet to ensure that the person is the right fit for the company. There may be several candidates that bring the right skills and experience, but not everyone will be suitable for your work place. You r people a re the lifeblood of your company and in most cases are the ones that reflect your values back to your clients and the community. Make sure that those values match your own and that the candidate is committed to your company culture.
Even though the prospect is not always right, he or she is the judge a nd ju r y. So, how do you respond when you are under attack - bei n g re pr i m a nd e d for something, rightfully or wrongfully? Rather than stand your ground and attempt to explain, justify, or defend your position, fall back. Fo r e x a m p l e , y o u r company missed a
promised shipment date and the customer called to le t you k now how upset he is. Rather than try to explain about the t r u c k i n g c o m p a n y ’s delay, which was out of your control, you could fall back. Here is what that s o u n d s l i k e: “ B i l l , I know that you must be upset about the order arriving a day late. And, I’m sure it wouldn’t do any good to try to explain what happened. I don’t know if you’ve issued a ‘shoot on sight’ o rd e r, o r i f I s h o u l d show up in your lobby, but I would imagine that you’ve m ade up you r mind never to do business with our company again. Would that be a fair statement?” It’s hard to fight with someone who surrenders up front. I n th is case, the customer would likely reaffirm his displeasure about the late shipment, but would just as likely back away from “never” doing business with your c o m p a n y. H e m i g h t even ask you to explain
what happened. A fter explaining the situation and the measures you have taken to m a ke s u re it do e sn’t happen again, you could ask, “Bill, if you were in my shoes, and I know that’s the last place you would ever want to be, what would you do to fix the situation?” B y u si n g t h i s te chn ique, you’ve m ade t he cu stomer pa r t of the solution, and more likely to stick with you. Lucy Glennon specializes in customer service training and recruitment and hiring. She can be reached at 866-6452047 or lucyg@hireguru.com. www.hireguru.ca.
19
JUNE 2017
VVI CONSTRUCTION: COMPANY WAS BUILT ON DELIVERING QUALITY Construction Firm Integral Part Of The Vic Van Isle Group Of Companies
R
E V E L S T OK E – W it h a corporate origin stretching back nearly 50 years, today’s VVI Construction Ltd. (officially known as Vic Van Isle Construction) has become one of the preeminent general contracting and design / builder firms in the British Columbia Interior. Headquartered in Revelstoke and with a regional office in Kelowna, VVI Construction is a key element of an integrated range of construction services provided by the firm’s umbrella entity the Vic Van Isle Group of companies. “VVI Construction is part of a group of companies all within the Vic Van Isle Group, such as Lortap Architectural Millwork, VVI Equipment, Glacier Fabrication and Welding and two Rona stores. Each firm operates under the same corporate umbrella,” explained Kathryn Parr, VVI Construction’s Marketing Coordinator. VVI’s history can be traced back to 1971 when Lewis Henrickson, one of the Group’s current owners went to work for what was then called Revelstoke Construction Ltd. “I was working for Revelstoke Construction and when it folded in 1983 we merged Revelstoke and another company called Braniff Construction to form Vic Van Isle Construction, we later simplified the name to VVI Construction,” he explained. VVI has built its reputation through an unwavering focus on delivering quality in every aspect of the projects it undertakes whether building a custom single family home or constructing a state of the art ‘run of river’ hydro electrical generating facility. Now into its 34th year operating as VVI Construction the firm has completed literally hundreds of projects across the province and as far afield as Ontario. Over the decades VVI has built a broad spectrum of structures
RONA Revelstoke sends our congratulations to Vic Van Isle Construction on your success 96 Cartier Street Revelstoke, BC Ph. 250-837-6144 F. 250-837-6154
including schools, hospitals, luxury resort properties, condominiums, retail stores, recreational complexes and even remote heli lodges in communities across BC. Through the expansive resources of the Vic Van Isle Group virtually all aspects of a project can be successfully completed in-house, offering a level of control, attention to detail and a continuity of quality unmatched in the industry. Having access to the diverse resources of the Vic Van Isle Group provides the construction firm with many unique advantages. “Say we’re building a house. We’d want Lortap to come in and do the millwork. Sometimes at the houses we’ll need some welding done so we’ll call in the welding department. Then we have VVI Equipment which has equipment that we rent out and that we use ourselves to look after the site preparation and finally VVI Construction would come in to do the actual building. It’s a full service process,” she said. A recent example of the VVI Construction model in action is the North Cariboo Arena in Quesnel, an $18 million project that is nearing the final construction stage. “We started the Quesnel project about a year ago and it’s scheduled to be completed at the end of July. While certainly a larger project it’s a fairly typical example of the sort of jobs that we do. We’ve worked on some in the past worth $100 million or more, so over the years we’ve worked on projects of all types and sizes,” Henrickson said. One of the many repeat customers VVI Construction has worked with is the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) with the Revelstoke firm involved in constructing numerous buildings for the transport giant all across the country, such as industrial structures and office complexes. “The company’s strength really comes from the diversity that we can bring to the job. That depth of capability has allowed us to successfully complete any number of different projects, something we anticipate continuing to do
A proud supporter and partner of Vic Van Isle Construction www.lortap.com
One exceptional example of VVI Construction’s efforts is the spectacular Mica Heli Ski Lodge located on Mount Dainard moving forward,” he said. Today, with more than 200 employees working within the Vic Van Isle Group of companies, literally no job is too small or too complex for the skills and resources VVI Construction can call upon. Currently helming the company is Henrickson and his other partners Bruce Walker, Mario Lopez and Paul Jones, who collectively anticipate the company will continue to grow to meet the changing needs of its clients nationwide. “The plan is to get bigger and better. At this moment there is no plan to open a third office, but adding to our workload is always a big part of our efforts. The owners are always very concerned about keeping our people working, especially over the winter months,” Parr said. For Hendrickson the company’s diverse range of services, coupled with the skills of its team, are the strength that will keep VVI at the forefront of the construction industry in the Interior and elsewhere. “We’re basically an all purpose general contractor, anything that needs to be built we can do. Our arms cover every facet of the construction industry. Having that in-house diversity is at the heart of everything we do,” he said. To learn more please visit the company’s website at: www.vviconstruction.com
The North Cariboo Arena project is currently underway in Quesnel and should be completed in July
Quality and an attention to detail can be found in the design and construction of the distinctive Mica Heli Ski Lodge
Proud to support Vic Van Isle Construction 884 Front Street, Quesnel, British Columbia (250) 992-9807 www.canwestonline.com
RONA Salmon Arm is proud to support Vic Van Isle Construction 2430 Highway 1 West Salmon Arm, BC Phone: (250) 832-7044 Fax: (250) 832-3044 Email: Glacier06175@rona.ca
Tickets/Billets : Hockeycanada.ca
starts Nov. 5 / DÈS LE 5 nov. DAWSON CREEK / FORT ST. JOHN, B.C./C.-B.
Défi mondial de hockey des moins de 17 ans
World Under-17 Hockey Challenge
November 5-11, 2017 / 5-11 novembre 2017
Event Partners / Partenaires de l’événement
Premier Sponsors / Commanditaires principaux