Special Features - Women in Business 2012

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Celebrating successful women in the Central Okanagan since 1992.

CAPITAL NEWS

A Salute to Women in Business 2012

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A Salute to Women in Business 2012

CAPITAL NEWS

Kim McLean Wine Kitz, originally known as Wine Art, has been the leader in the th consumer winemaking industry since its inception in 1959 Today it is one of the world’s largest and most respected 1959. wine winemaking retailers.

Pand is one of the longest running u-vint stores in Canada, Wine Kitz on Pandosy with over 35 years of continuous family operation. Ursula, my mother, opened the store in 1976.

1976 I took over operations in July Ju 1998.

People who appreciate good wine will be delighted by the quality and variety of wine kits available at my store. I am passionate about everything I do. I enjoy helping people discover all the different types of wine, and I truly love getting to know my customers.

I am committed to helping you make the wine that best compliments any occasion, from the momentous to the casual every day.

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DOUG FARROW/CONTRIBUTOR

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Kelowna’s Real Estate Specialists Since 1985

FORMER KELOWNA mayor Sharon Shepherd is back at work running the office for three doctors in the Mission.

Civic politician’s focus now on the business Kevin Parnell STAFF REPORTER

JANE HOFFMAN

“We are fortunate to have the opportunity to work with fascinating people and sensational properties, and we’ve been successful because we love what we do and we put our clients’ best interests first.” ~ Jane Hoffman Kristy Huber: Broker, Licensed Realtor® Kristy has been in the real estate industry since 1991 and working with Jane Hoffman since 1993. She has been an integral part of Jane’s success & continues to work alongside Jane everyday.

Kristy prepares market evaluations, works with buyers, lists properties & oversees daily operations. Truly one of the best in the business, Kristy’s negotiating skills are second-to-none .

During her 15 years on Kelowna city council, Sharon Shepherd built a reputation as one of the city’s hardest working politicians.

When she became mayor in 2005, she didn’t ease up her workload, attending functions, public events and fundraisers, becoming one of the most visible local politicians in Kelowna.

That she was out at almost every event was not hard to see. What was a little less evident was that she never left her life in business, keeping up with her duties as the office manager of her husband and two other doctors’ medical practice while holding down her political office.

“I really liked keeping up with the business. I was one of

the partners and I had always been doing it so it was something that I felt I could keep doing on my own time,” said Shepherd, who spent early mornings, late nights or weekends balancing the books and doing her regular office duties.

“I did it on my own time and I was fortunate because I didn’t have to be in the office for certain hours.

“As long as what I was responsible for was done, I knew there wouldn’t be anyone complaining about it.

“It kept me focussed on something I could start and finish and not have anyone else driving my agenda. It was important to me to make sure we continued to succeed in the practice.”

Shepherd’s rise to the top chair at Kelowna City Hall—the first ever woman

to be elected our city’s mayor—began from a love for the community she lived in.

She first became active as a concerned citizen when development moved into her Mission neighbourhood in the early 1990s.

She would become president of her neighbourhood association and sit through five years of council meetings before running for council in 1996.

As a mother, she had held off running for one term, waiting until her children were done high school before jumping into politics.

“It was hard on my family,” she said. “My family knew what I was like. Anything that I took on I was going to be totally committed to.

See Shepherd P5

Sherrin Stewart : Licensed Realtor® Sherrin has extensive experience in the business world. For years, she managed her own Travel Agency in Kelowna & Property Management Business. With her outstanding expertise and "people skills", our clients are assured of thorough, professional care.

Sherrin works with buyers, helps orchestrate new listings and is instrumental in creating our full-color property brochures.

Lora Proskiw, Licensed Realtor® Lora has been with the team for 7 years as a buyers agent and marketing coordinator. A long-time Kelowna resident, Lora enjoys educating and introducing her clients to the lifestyles, amenities and opportunities that Kelowna has to offer. Lora works with buyers, takes new listings and oversees Jane’s marketing initiatives & advertising campaigns.

Carole Ceron: Licensed Realtor®, Office Manager Carole brings with her numerous years of experience as a Senior Executive Assistant to the President and Board of Directors of companies such as WestJet and Bellstar Hotels & Resorts. She loves being the first point of contact and working with all of Jane's buyers and sellers in whatever capacity she can provide assistance.

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Website: www.janehoffman.com Office: 250-860-7500 Email: jane@janehoffman.com Blog: www.janehoffman.com/blog

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250.860.6272

sizes available

CAPITAL NEWS

A Salute to Women in Business 2012

Politics Sage advice for new business startups can be a hard road Shepherd from P4

kparnell@kelownacapnews.com

It will help you create a completed explanation of how you arrived at the breakeven point.

a report of your financial fitness. You can get the report from one of the two agencies

GOOD CREDIT REPORT

Are you considering applying for a business loan?

The last thing you want is a lender turning you down because of an adverse mention in your credit report.

Lenders look for a good credit history when considering a loan application. Your credit report is a summary of your borrowing habits and repayment of loans.

A bad credit rating or no credit rating negatively impacts any future borrowing.

Some of the biggest ways your credit score can be negatively impacted include: 1) Late payments 2) How much credit you use compared to the amount available to you 3) How often and how recently you have applied for credit It is a good idea to check your credit history before you apply for a business loan.

Credit bureaus maintain

GIF Select

—Equifax, and Trans Union.

The Women’s Enterprise Centre has a resource library

that offers infprmation on how to get and manage financing for your business.

Romany Runnalls, AMP

“Specializing in Mortgage Relationships”

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“Time away from your family is one of the tough things about politics. On our 25th anniversary, my husband sat in the gallery waiting to take me out to dinner and it was one of the public hearings that took until 1:30 a.m.

“Thank goodness I had a very supportive partner. But I’ve watched relationships break up because of politics and because of people not being home.

“I always tried really hard to work things out. My husband knew exactly what I was doing.”

During her three elections to council, Shepherd’s vote count climbed from the third most, to second to first before she decided to run for mayor, winning the seat as the first woman to do so in 2006.

She says she didn’t run for the mayor’s chair to be a trailblazer, she did it to help the rcity she moved to in 1977.

But she does know many women in the city are proud of what she did.

“What really brings it thome is when I have women and particularly younger rwomen in the community— and I still get it daily—come and say they were so proud, that I was someone that they looked up to.

“Absolutely I feel proud that I was able to fulfill that role and that others felt that my leadership style was something they believed in.”

Since being ousted in last November’s municipal election after two terms in the mayor’s chair, Shepherd says she has been able to more properly devote herself back into the business that she helps to run as office manager.

She says she has received numerous offers to return to politics at higher levels and has also been approached by non-profit and community groups.

While she doesn’t know what the future holds, Shepherd’s 15 years in politics has taught her something about the value of women in politics.

“I think women bring a different perspective to the decision-making process,” she said.

“There were times as mayor when my female colleagues would say something and my inner voice would say, ‘Yes.’ “Thank goodness there was someone else saying the things I was thinking.

“There are differences is how women take on a decision and bring something forward.”

Your break-even analysis helps you determine whether your business will make a profit or not.

It is often required by lenders as it shows whether your business is financially feasible or not.

Your business will start making a profit only after you reach the break-even point.

Your break-even depends on a variety of factors: 1. Fixed or overhead costs: Rent, utilities, salaries, and insurance, etc.

2. Variable costs: Hourly wages, materials, supplies, delivery costs, etc.

3. Per unit selling price: This is the price you sell one unit for.

The Women’s Enterprise Centre (www.womensenterprise.ca) has an online resource library to make the numbers thing a little easier to understand.

The document on Cash Flow Forecasting and BreakEven Analysis will explain how to calculate your breakeven point.

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BREAK-EVEN ANALYSIS

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Apply On-Line now: www.aquariusmortgages.com romany@aquariusmortgages.com Or Call Romany: 250 862-1794 “One percent of gross revenue donated to a Canadian environmental charity”

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6

A Salute to Women in Business 2012

CAPITAL NEWS

Opening doors for women starting businesses Kevin Parnell STAFF REPORTER

For women wanting to become their own boss, the first place they should stop is the Women’s Enterprise Centre, a federally-funded operation that will increase their chances of having a successful business.

With its head office in Kelowna, the Women’s Enterprise Centre provides business loans to women, helps women write business plans, has a mentorship program that features over 150 successful business-women across B.C., and has free information and resources.

And after 16 years in operation, statistics are showing that women who start their business with help from the Women’s Resource Centre have more success than their

“In B.C., only 35 per cent of businesses are still in operation after five years. Among our loan clients, 75 per cent of them are still in business after five years. That’s partly due to the support they receive. ” —Laurel Douglas counterparts in the business world.

“In B.C., only 35 per cent of businesses are still in operation after five years,” said Laurel Douglas, the CEO of the Women’s Enterprise Centre.

“Among our loan clients, 75 per cent of them are still in business after five years.

“That’s partly due to the support they receive. As their lender, we give them free access to our training and our business advisers and we get them to do a lot of work up front to make sure their business is viable.”

Despite the recent down-

turn in the economy, Douglas says the Women’s Enterprise Centre continues to be a busy place. In fact, when times are tough in the economy, she says more businesses tend to start up.

“What happens with business start-up in an economic downturn is more businesses get started in a tough economy,” said Douglas.

“Ironically, businesses that start in a tough economy are more likely to have success because they have to be careful and that instills a culture of frugality or being careful with the way they run the business.”

Carmen Vetter Carmen Vetter, a bilingual business woman, with over two decades experience in the European/Canadian real estate market, focuses on representing your home professionally online in Canada and in Europe.

Kelowna is an exceptional blessed spot to call home and Carmen truly enjoys connecting buyers and sellers.

Visit www.CarmenVetter.com Professional. Informational. International.

250-215-7388 carmenvetter.com

Maxine DeHart Maxine DeHart is the Director of Sales at the Ramada Hotel and Conference Centre, where she has been employed for 25 years. She has also been the Kelowna Capital News Business Columnist for 15 years, writing the popular weekly column “Straight from DeHart”.

Maxine has be been very active in Kelowna, sitting on various boards, including the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce (Vice-President), the United Way, Kelowna General Hospital Foundation and the Premier’s Regional Committee. She was a founding member of Project Literacy, Kelowna Gospel Mission 30K Club and the Kelowna Exceptional Service Under the Sun Program.

She has received several awards: United Way Award of Distinction, Toastmasters International Communications and Leadership Award; YM/YWCA Woman of Distinction Award for Community Leadership and Enhancement; Commemorative Medal – Golden Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II; Community Citizen of the Year; Kelowna Chamber of Commerce President’s Award and the Mayor’s Spirit of Kelowna Award.

One of the biggest things the Women’s Enterprise Centre does is provide information and support to women in business.

Last year, the centre, which has its head office in Kelowna and other offices in Vancouver and Victoria, hosted more than 60 workshops in 20 different communities across the province.

Douglas says one of the main messages the centre gives women is to try and grow their business rather than just be happy with the status quo.

“Fifty-six per cent of women business owners choose not to grow their business,” said Douglas.

“Obviously growth is not their definition of success but they are leaving money on the table.

“That’s why we encourage women to grow their business. There are lots of opportunities in terms of technology that can help them be more efficient.”

Douglas adds that investing in a business-woman is one of the best ways of generating economic development. She says stats show women are more likely to place a higher importance on giving back to the community.

The federal government established Women’s Enterprise Centres in the four Western provinces back in 1995 after studies had shown there

CONTRIBUTED

THE CHIEF executive officer of the Women’s Enterprise Centre in Kelowna, Laurel Douglas. were gaps in access to financing for women.

Each centre administers a $5 million loan fund for women entrepreneurs who are unable to obtain traditional funding.

In B.C., the Kelownabased Women’s Enterprise Centre has leant out over $14 million in the past 16 years, money that has helped those women leverage another $22 million in funding.

Douglas says that equals more than a billion dollars in economic activity in B.C., with $200 million of that gen-

erated in the Okanagan as well as about 1,500 jobs.

“It’s really important to try and encourage entrepreneurship,” said Douglas. “Small business is so important to the economy but not everyone that goes into business has a strong business education.

“They need help and support to make sure they find success. They are the backbone of the economy and it’s our job to help them.”

You can find more online about the Women’s Enterprise Centre at www.womensenterprise.ca.

“Never limit yourself because of others’ limited imagination; never limit others because of your own limited imagination.

—Mae Jemison, astronaut

Joan Carver Planning a vacation? That’s fantastic but what about the dogs? Wouldn’t it be great if there was a place kind of like a dog park where they could stay over? There is! It’s Puppy Tails Daycare Boarding and Adventure Camp.

Whether it’s for the day or a long stay think Puppy Tails Daycare l Daycare. “for the love of dog”

Celebrating seven years, where pups of all sizes and shapes are free to frolic and socialize. A place to practice good behavior and a place they would love to stay when their families go away. Lots of fresh air and exercise equals a happy dog; add warm, cozy rooms and tons of love and you have Puppy Tails Daycare. ....

“For the Love of Dog”

She is currently on the National Board of the RCMP Foundation (Ottawa), the Certified Management Accountants Association of B.C. (Vancouver) and a Director on the local Board of the Return of the Peregrine Falcon Society.

On November 19th, 2011, Maxine was elected as a City of Kelowna Councillor. As a result of this she has been appointed to the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce Board and will Chair the City of Kelowna’s Civic Award Committee. She is also an Alternate Board Member on both the Regional District of the Central Okanagan and the Okanagan Regional Library Board.

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CAPITAL NEWS

Dene your own niche As a business owner, you know how crucial it is to stand out from the competition. The most effective way to achieve this is to define your niche market and become clear on how you can meet their specific needs.

Once you’ve defined your niche, your marketing will have focus and you’ll have the upper hand in establishing yourself as a leader in your industry. Knowing your niche market makes it easier to develop strategies, promote your business and bring on new products or services that directly appeal to your specific target. But do you know how to define your niche? You should consider four of the five basics used universally when gathering information—who, what, where and when—as you already know why.

Know who you intend to serve. Will you plan weddings for seniors, sell homes to people looking to invest in rental properties, design clothing for women who are taller than average, provide temp services or web design to environmentally conscious companies, deliver lunches to factory workers or provide daycare to single parents?

Be clear about what you can provide. Are you a party planner who specializes in themed events, a realtor who handles waterfront properties, a tailor who uses only bamboo fabric, a temp service that covers medical transcription, a caterer who prepares specific ethnic food

or a daycare provider who includes a special musical education component?

Where will you operate your business and how far can you extend your services? Can you coordinate weddings in tropical settings, sell properties in a particular desired neighbourhood, create clothing for an international clientele. Will you focus your temp agency staff on the downtown core or provide pick-up service for after school daycare?

When can your customers expect to find you? Will you be available for weddings and special events that fall on a long weekend or be around to complete the deal if a buyer can only be in town after 10 p.m.? Are you willing to handle last minute alterations, cover extended maternity leave, provide adequate food and service for spur of the moment parties or avert the inevitable crisis that finds a parent with no alternate overnight child care?

Don’t be afraid to pursue a market niche for fear you’ll lose business by turning away customers. By finding and filling a niche, the products and services that you sell will be customized for a market that won’t likely have many options to go elsewhere.

By defining these elements and tailoring what you offer to your niche, you will find it easier to refine your message to clearly express who you are and what your customers can expect.

Dening a staff hiring strategy Dawn McCooey CONTRIBUTOR

Human resources is part of the larger business strategy in a small business.

Recruitment and employee training has to fit in with the business culture.

There are several points to consider while deciding on the HR strategy for your business.

1. Recruitment. Know what you are hiring for. Use lots of behavioural interviewing questions—otherwise the business may be systemically hiring people who can answer rehearsed interview questions. Check references.

2. Orientation. Be sure that if an employee starts the

first day, doesn’t know where to hang her coat, is handed a three-inch thick policies and procedures manual and eats lunch alone— it is pretty well all downhill from there. Develop an orientation program that includes mentors and remember that orientation is not an event, it’s a process.

3. The art and science of leading employees. Analyzing and remedying HR performance issues is key to success in business. If a team or a unit or an individual is underperforming, the whole business is affected. A manager has to match solutions to needs. This is called “situational leadership” and requires a variety of leadership styles depending on the situation and the individual involved.

4. Task vs People—the balancing act. In every small business there is a constant juggling of task and people. A wise manager will understand the difference in focus changes depending on circumstances of the moment. Provide employees with clarity around task, and take care of your people.

5. It’s all about team Investigate your small business culture. Do you speak team, but reward individual behaviours and outcomes? How do you know? Start by asking yourself, “What was the best team I was ever on?”

Dawn McCooey is a business advisor with Women’s Enterprise Centre in Victoria.

She owned a successful career counselling firm for 18 years.

Nancy Johnson Na Nancy has a unique ability to make her clients feel at ease. She practises family law exclusively and understands that family law pr matters can be very stressful and difficult for people, for many m reasons.

She supports her clients by explaining the law and the various re dispute resolution options available in easy to understand terms. dis She helps her clients know eexactly what is involved at each step of the process, and what the cost / benefit are of their decisions. Her overarching goal is to shield her family law b fi implications i li i clients from the expense, stress, and uncertainty of going to court whenever possible. When court is necessary, Nancy is a capable advocate who works vigorously to advance her client’s interests.

Nancy moved with her husband to the Okanagan in 1994, looking for better weather and great skiing - both of which she has enjoyed. Nancy is a Certified Family Mediator and a founding member of the Okanagan Collaborative Family Law Group.

Email: njohnson@doakshirreff.com Direct Line: (250) 979-2553

A Salute to Women in Business 2012

Christy Lovig A long-time Kelowna resident, Christy brings a wide range of experience from her many years of entrepreneurial ventures, including new business creation and development, public relations, investor relations, marketing communications and real estate development. This experience enables Christy to provide her business clients, from small to large, with valuable insight and guidance in a variety of corporate and commercial matters. Christy’s practice also encompasses real estate law, employment law, strata property law, and wills and estates. Her objective is to obtain cost-effective results and find creative and durable solutions to difficult problems for her clients.

In her spare time, Christy is an avid marathon runner and cyclist who loves to spend time with her husband, Trent, at the family ranch, accompanied by their horses and their giant dogs, Axel and Kona.

Email: clovig@doakshirreff.com Direct Line: (250) 979-2552

Karyn Kraemer Karyn’s family law practice involves advocating for her clients using cooperative means to resolve disputes, and where necessary, litigation. Whether a client requires a cohabitation agreement or a divorce (or anything in between) Karyn recognizes that these are delicate and difficult decisions. Her goal is to help clients understand their legal rights and guide them through the family process.

Karyn taught high school French and English for several years before entering the practice of law. This background has led her to explore various ways to settle disputes outside of court.

To that end, she is a member of the Okanagan Collaborative Family Law Group.

Karyn is currently the Chair of the Okanagan Family Law subsection of the Canadian Bar Association. She is also a supporter of the Kelowna Family YM/YWCA and a member of the Community Cabinet for the Strong Kids Campaign. Karyn and her husband Matthew are avid travellers and love exploring cities all over the world.

Email: kkraemer@doakshirreff.com Direct Line: (250) 979-2561

Kate Snowsell Kat was born and raised in the Kelowna area, completing elementary, Kate high hig school and her undergraduate studies here. She began her career with w Doak Shirreff as a summer student in 2008, and then joined the firm fir after completing her Bachelor of Laws degree at the University of Alberta. Since being called to the bar in 2009, Kate focuses her practice primarily oon wills and estates, real estate and civil litigation.

While at law school Kate volunteered with Student Legal Services of Edmonton, Civil Division, and was an active member of the Faculty of Law’s student-run newspaper, the Canons of Construction.

Professionally, Kate is a member of the Kelowna Bar Association and the Canadian Bar Association.

She also devotes time to providing pro bono legal assistance to the Kelowna Chapter of Habitat for Humanity.

When not at the office Kate enjoys the numerous outdoor activities the Okanagan has to offer. She also likes travelling, trying new local restaurants, and spending time with her husband, family and friends.

Email: ksnowsell@doakshirreff.com Direct Line: (250) 979-2566

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Building up brand awareness for a business A Salute to Women in Business 2012

Alpana Sharma CONTRIBUTOR

For small business owners, there are always so many overhead costs that the advertising budget ends up getting the least amount of attention.

But it is important to realize that building up brand awareness through advertising is an ongoing process.

It does not have to be costly such as buying spots in newspapers or on radio or TV. There are several ways to create a buzz about your business even on a tight budget.

You need to answer three questions before deciding on the ways to connect with your clients.

What is your message?

Your message needs to provide solutions. Your market research will provide you with the clues to the target clients’ needs. Address it directly.

Amidst the cacophony of marketing, businesses that offer solutions get noticed.

How compelling is your message?

Your message should be direct, since a client’s attention can get easily diverted by different marketing campaigns. Keep it simple and compelling.

What is your advertising budget?

Even if you are advertising on a tight budget, you need to find out how much money you have set aside for it.

You can prioritize and spend money wisely by targeted advertising.

Below are five tips to advertise your business on a tight budget.

CAPITAL NEWS

1. Social media marketing. Social media is the buzz word these days.

Setting up a Facebook page or a Twitter account does not cost anything. Creating an interesting Facebook page will your clients a reason to ‘like’ it and become fans.

Avoid direct selling on Twitter: This is usually considered spam. Instead, engage and participate.

Create interesting content. If your content is powerful, people will listen to you.

Be consistent. Create a calendar for social media posting and adhere to your schedule.

Consistency shows your seriousness.

You can post to multiple social networks through sites like Hootsuite 2. Blogging. If you like writing, start a blog. Make it your business story.

Include links in your blog as it will help search engines increase your blog ranking.

If you do not want to start a blog, become a guest blogger in someone else’s blog or participate in different business discussion forums.

Most forums do not allow direct selling. However, they usually allow participants to include their business URL (Universal Resource Locator) in signature.

Do some research and find out where your potential clients hang out.

Comment actively in such discussions and leave your web URL in your signature. It will direct substantial web traffic to your business web site.

3. Marketing alliances.

Creating marketing alliances is very cost effective.

For example, if you are a

“You message needs to provide solutions. Your market research will provide you with the clues to the target clients’ needs. Address it directly. Amidst the cacophony of marketing, businesses that offer solutions get noticed.”

—Alpana Sharma

green business, you can create an advertising alliance with some other like minded businesses.

You can put a discount scheme in place for referrals.

Pooling resources makes advertising less expensive for small businesses.

Creating a group on Meetup is a good way to meet other people and generate word of mouth publicity.

It is a subscription based service (though the fees are quite nominal). Make your group meeting interesting

Monique Widing M Monique Widing, along with her husband Mathew opened Cl Clancy’ s Meat Co. in West Kelowna on May 13th, 2011. Born and ra raised in the Okanagan, Monique has three children, which helps he identify with her customers, and their quest to purchase top her qu quality food for their families.

She believes that Clancy’s meet meets the needs of families, with its variety of fresh and frozen meal options. She is also proud to point out that they offer all-Canadian chicken, and beef, as well as Certified Angus Beef Ribeyes and New York Striploin Steaks cut to request.

Monique strives to ensure that each and every customer is treated with excellent service, believing that customer service is one of the most important attributes a business can have.

“My customers have made my first year in business such a pleasure,” says Monique, “And I would like to say a special thank you to each of them for their support.”

103-2231 Louie Drive, West Kelowna, BC 778-754-5899

by getting the participants involved, and incorporating their ideas in the group’s growth.

4. Online advertising.

Craigslist is absolutely free.

You can post in more than one section.

Remember to relist your business services on a frequent basis. It will bring up your ad to the top.

Etsy is another popular website. Update your postings on a regular basis.

Many businesses have also had major successes with Google Ad words. You

can set your own price while using Google Ad words.

Furthermore, with the popularity of location based services (such as Four Square and Yelp), your clients can be your biggest allies while reviewing your business favorably.

5. Get involved. Getting involved in community events costs nothing except your time.

If you have a retail space, offer it to some local nonprofit groups for their meetings after business hours.

This increases your pro-

file in the surrounding community. Volunteer in fundraising events is an incredibly efficient way to network.

The above tools are some of the ways you can create an effective marketing strategy without exhausting your funds.

Alpana Sharma is Women’s Enterprise Centre’s client service and communications coordinator.

She was awarded the 2010 outstanding community partner award by Canadian Youth Business Foundation.

Lori, Karen, Jan As one of the premier women’s fashion shops downto town, Tigerlily is a place that you can’t miss. Their di distinctly orange-coloured building really stands out at 575 Bernard Ave. They’re well-known for their bright and fun window disp displays - and once you get inside, it just gets better!

Owners Jan Johnson & Lori Burns like to focus oon North American made clothing lines “because the fit and quality are truly the best” best.” They’ll be trave travelling a lot this year to source out new trends and find new, exclusive lines – both for cruisewear and the ladies’ casual wear they specialize in. “As always”, says Lori with a smile, “we also try to source out the best prices on our lines - because who doesn’t like a great deal?”

That could explain why their customers have been so loyal over the years, often coming back with their grown daughters to shop together. “We love the fact that we can offer fashions for a wide age group” says Jan, “we love making women look their best, whether they’re 35 or 65. Looking fabulous is more of an attitude, of knowing what works for your body. And we love to work with customers and help them discover how they can carry off their own unique look.”

The women of Tigerlily - Jan, Lori and Karen Gardner (Manager) - are thrilled about the Bernard Avenue Revitalization project which will be starting in the Fall of 2012. “Wider, more pedestrianfriendly sidewalks and beautiful landscaping... it’s all going to kickstart a really positive decade for downtown.

It will lead to more building renos and lots of renewed energy and excitement. We can’t wait!”

They plan to do some renovations of their own soon - so watch for more surprises at Tigerlily!

575 Bernard • 762-8384

CAPITAL NEWS

Call for women to get more business support The Canadian Taskforce for Women’s Business Growth is calling for governments at all levels to do more to support Canadian women entrepreneurs.

Describing such efforts as an essential strategy for sustained economic growth in Canada, the Taskforce says that a 20 per cent increase in total revenues among majority female-owned enterprises will contribute an additional $2 billion a year to the Canadian economy.

“Women-led businesses in Canada represent a huge economic opportunity for our country,” said Barbara Orser, chair of the Taskforce and Deloitte Professor at the University of Ottawa’s Telfer School of Management.

“Majority women-owned small and medium-sized enterprises represent over $117 billion per annum of economic activity in Canada.”

The Taskforce also reports that womenowned firms fail to grow as quickly as firms led by men. These differences are reflected in Canada’s productivity and competitiveness.

The Taskforce Action Strategies report is very timely. Last September, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation member countries convened their first-ever Summit on Women and the Economy, hosted by U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton.

The research presented at the Summit clearly demonstrated that fostering women’s economic empowerment is a sound economic strategy, both in developing and developed economies.

The Summit, attended by senior government officials and other leaders from the 21 Asia Pacific economies, culminated in the signing of the San Francisco Declaration, which commits to improving women’s access to capital, access to markets, capacity and skills building, and promoting women’s leadership.

The declaration’s recommendations are expected to be adopted at the APEC Economic Leaders’ meeting later this year, which will be hosted by U.S. President Barack Obama and attended by leaders from all APEC nations, including Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Laurel Douglas, CEO of B.C.-based Women’s Enterprise Centre, is a founding member of the Taskforce on Women’s Business Growth, and was part of the 25-member Canadian delegation at the APEC Summit in

September. The Women’s Enterprise Centre also co-hosted the first Taskforce roundtable in Vancouver in 2010.

Commenting on the Action Strategies Report, Douglas said, “The Taskforce explored key issues associated with the growth of women-owned businesses in Canada, such as access to capital, supplier diversity and technology adoption.

“The report recommends proven policies and programs that will enable women entrepreneurs to contribute more to the national economy.

“The Taskforce recommendations will assist federal policy-makers to respond to the APEC San Francisco Declaration with action strategies that will create economic benefit for the country and shape a bright future for women entrepreneurs.”

Industry Canada reports that, in 2007, 47 per cent of Canada’s 1.6 million small and medium-sized enterprises were wholly or partly owned by women, and 16 per cent of those Canadian businesses were exclusively owned by women.

In addition, more than 900,000 of the 2.6 million self-employed workers in Canada are women. However, the average revenue of majority female-owned firms was $563,000 compared with $1,126,000 for majority maleowned firms.

The Taskforce is calling for a concerted effort to mobilize this under-served segment of our economy through a five-point strategy, by: 1. creating a national women-focused economic development strategy 2. creating business-stimulation programs to develop new markets and grow globally 3. creating and implementing measurable supplier-diversity procurement objectives for all federal agencies and departments 4. enhancing women’s financial literacy and their awareness of gender influences in firm capitalization through training and other incentives 5. increasing the adoption of technology in women-led firms through training and other incentives The Taskforce for Women’s Business Growth is a national and non-partisan consortium of prominent female business owners, small business service agencies, academics and industry associations.

O Okanagan Natural Care Centre C Step Up to Health!

Would you like to be more in tune with yourself emotionally and physically? Healthier?

Naturally? At Kelowna’s most established complementary health centre, we work with clients who are interested in improving their lives physically, emotionally, or in business, and by helping clients detoxify negative behavior patterns and improve their efficiency in all areas of their life - even if it is only on the golf course!

Our team of experienced professionals work to discover your potential, transforming you to a new level of awareness during each visit. We use skills and applied techniques to help you break through your barriers and radically improve your life. We encourage you to call today. Let us be the next step on your journey to recognizing your life’s potential

A Salute to Women in Business 2012

Kathy York An Another fantastic year! Thank you again for all your support.

I continue to enjoy my career as a licensed Real su Estate Agent.

Es Li Living and working in the Okanagan is a blessing. The o my friends, family and clients is greatly appreciated. continued support of Those who have experienced my dedication, positive attitude and professionalism have not been disappointed.

For the smile that keeps on giving, pick up the phone and make the call. I would love to hear from you!

Your Kelowna Born and Raised Real Estate Agent

250.870.1810

Re/Max Kelowna Westside 103-2205 Louie Dr West Kelowna

www.kathyyork.ca kathyyork@shaw.ca

Amanda Winters Su Successful woman entrepreneur Amanda Winters is a young, multitalented professional. In addition to working in the beauty m industry for 11 years as a licensed esthetician, she owns one of in Kelowna’ s noteworthy full service day spas – Central Spa, located Ke in the heart of Rutland at the corner of Hollywood and Hwy. 33.

Amanda’s second business own owned with her husband Kevin, is Beauty Essentials, this business sells high performance luxury skincare products to spas around British Columbia.

Amanda believes that when people come first, success will follow. Every client that enters Central Spa becomes a valuable part of her business and she thrives to provide a welcoming atmosphere with exceptional service. To help provide this exceptional service Amanda surrounds herself with an outstanding team that you can depend on.

As a working boss she appreciates team work and the diverse talents of her staff members which show their sincere efforts to make their clients feel at home during their visit.

#2-110 Hollywood Rd. S. 250.712.0233

www.centralsalonkelowna.com

Ideal Protein Ideal Protein is a medically designed and professionally supervised wellness protocol monitored by professionals trained in the Ideal eal Protein method of weight loss loss. This muscle musclesparing, fat-targeting weight loss protocol was created for Olympic Athletes in France roughly 25 years ago.

Dieters lose an average of 3-7 lbs per week without strenuous exercise. The Ideal Protein program is unique as it has a beginning and an end. You not only take the weight off and improve your health but, most importantly, you learn how to keep it off and that is why we are called Your Last Diet Centre.

We support our clients through individual weekly check-ins and throughout their program by phone and email with in-depth knowledge, guidance and encouragement. We will guide you to succeed to Be the Weight You Want to Be!

Have confidence. Be healthy. Be happy.

3-1890 Ambrosi Rd, Kelowna 250-763-2914 www.naturalcare.bc.ca

3-1890 Ambrosi Rd, Kelowna 778-478-0606 www.yourlastdietcentre.com

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10

A Salute to Women in Business 2012

CAPITAL NEWS

Building an idea into a viable enterprise Kevin Parnell STAFF REPORTER

DOUG FARROW/CONTRIBUTOR

AMY WHITNEY came up with an idea for a delivery service that required minimal initial investment on her part outside of the hours required to get her new venture established.

Sheri Dickson Ih have been a part of the Kelowna Motors team for the past 12 years, ye and am proud to be one of the few women salespeople in the th Kelowna automotive industry.

Kelowna Motors is a great dealership to work at and it shows in Ke their quality and pride not only in the award winning Mazda line up, but also in the history of the dealership.

The dealership that has been owned by the August d family community for 67 years. f il and d bbeen a part off the h Kelowna K I am here to assist and inform you in all aspects of your vehicle purchase, while striving to create the best buying experience possible. I pride myself in staying up to date on product knowledge and offering great customer service. I strive to build a relationship with the customer not only during the purchase of the vehicle but long after. Honesty and commitment are my goals to making your buying experience, whether new or used, enjoyable and fun!

I am proud to have been recognized for over 11 years by the Mazda Master Sales. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of my customers, and did you know we have an excellent Owner Loyalty Program on all new Mazdas including the new Skyactiv Mazda3.

If you are in the market for a new Mazda or a pre-owned vehicle, please call or stop in and see me or email at sheridickson@hotmail.com

250-762-2068

Cassandra Tompkins

When she started her business six years ago, Amy Whitney thought she had found a unique business that would fill a void in the Kelowna marketplace.

With Drinks Delivered, Whitney and her husband began to offer citizens a delivery service for those who were in need of alcohol but didn’t want to, or couldn’t, venture out of their home.

It was an idea that was born out of necessity, as opposed to an attempt to fill a void in the marketplace.

“Way back then we always wanted to invent or create something,” said Whitney.

“I was completely broke and renting a basement suite.

I had a car but I had no money.

I was able to think of a business that I was able to start with basically no cost and just work on it, and work part-time at the same time.”

That was six years ago.

Now Whitney and her husband have gotten rid of their other jobs and have expanded their delivery service from just Drinks Delivered to also include Restaurants Delivered.

They are partnered with 36 local restaurants, have six delivery drivers working with them and are looking to expand even further in the future.

“It’s really exciting,” she said. “Just in the last six months we have been at the point where we have been able to actually get away for a

“I was completely broke and renting a basement suite. I had a car but I had no money. I was able to think of a business that I was able to start with basically no cost and just work on it, and work part-time at the same time. ” —Amy Whitney few days.

“We have more time and we have more money coming in which is exciting.”

With her business expanding and with more exciting times coming in the future, we asked Amy Whitney a few questions about starting a small business and building it from the ground up.

Q: What are some of the challenges you have faced along the way with the business?

Whitney: The biggest challenge for us was the five year point when we realized we didn’t want to continue with the business as it was. It was a small Ma and Pa operation where we were working seven days a week. Over the last year we have been able to break out of that and really trust other people and have other drivers working for us.

Q: What lessons have you learned along the way?

Whitney: Everything takes three to four times longer than you actually think it is going to take. You have to hang in there and keep pushing through the barricades. A lot of people give up around the one to three year mark.

But it’s worth it hanging in there.

Q: What does the future hold for Drinks and Restaurants Delivered?

Whitney: Our business is expanding. We are looking at another part where we would start a courier side of the business during the day so we can have enough drivers on to offer a lunch time service for Restaurants Delivered. We have a business partner we are working closely with in Victoria who is developing delivery dispatch software for us.

You can find both of Whitney’s businesses online at www.drinksdeliveredkelowna.com or www.restaurantsdelivered.ca

“It’s really exciting. Just in the last six months we have been at the point where we have been able to actually get away for a few days. We have more time and we have more money coming in which is exciting.”

—Amy Whitney

“You don’t have to have fought in a war to love peace.”

—Geraldine Ferraro, U.S. politician

Amanda Zacharias 180 Degree Hair Studio is proud to celebrate 9 years in business. Located in the Mission, on the corner of Cook Road and Gordon Drive, right beside Canada Post.

Th Woman’s Place Fitness Centre, located on the corner of The Springfield and Spall Road, has been a staple in the Kelowna Sp Fitness industry for the past 31 years. Locally owned and Fi operated by Cassandra Tompkins, it has continuously expanded op over the years to become the 11, 000 square foot facility that it is today. They are most wellll known for all-inclusive Group Fitness schedule which includes everything from k f their th i large, l ll i Yoga and Pilates, to TRX, to Spin and Step, to Zumba, and much more. TWP’s mandate is to provide flexible memberships for today’s busy women with no initiation fee, no contracts and holiday and medical holds.

At 180 Degrees Hair Studio we specialize in cutting and colouring. We are continually committed to ongoing education and training, striving to keep current with the up and coming trends.

TWP has recently been nominated for the 2012 Corporate Community of the Year through the City of Kelowna Civic & Community Awards. As Cassandra was born in the City of Kelowna, it is of extreme importance that the community which has supported her and her family for many years is paid back in kind!

We would like to extend a warm thank you to all of our loyal clients for their continued support, and welcome new clients to call or stop in for a consultation.

123-1889 Springfield Rd. 250-762-7255 www.twpfitness.com

Our goal at 180 Degrees Hair Studio is to provide a warm and welcoming environment to make every client feel comfortable. We strive to provide good value and great quality work.

#4 - 3818 Gordon Drive • 250-861-9323

CAPITAL NEWS

Finding happy medium with family and work

A Salute to Women in Business 2012

11

Investors Group Financial Services Inc

Kevin Parnell STAFF REPORTER

If good things come in threes, Kelowna entrepreneur Trish Miltimore has certainly got plenty of good stuff to go around.

With three kids to go along with three jobs, what Miltimore might not have much of is time as she juggles tfamily life with home-based businesses.

But Miltimore says she gets by with a good support network and by lowering the amount of pressure she puts on herself.

“It can be pretty crazy sometimes but it keeps it exciting,” said Miltimore of juggling her kids—all of them under age 5—and business.

“I have a great support tnetwork which is key. But I think the biggest transformation was the expectations I had of myself.

“Being prepared to move rthe goal posts a little and not being so hard on myself was key. Being prepared to do less and being more efficient with my time.”

You may recognize Miltifmore’s name due to one of her gigs as a fill-in radio announcer at Power 104 and Q 103.

Or maybe you’ve seen her at Lee’s Music, the family business she helps to run as the marketing director.

But it is her other job, as a public speaker, where her passion lies.

For the past 12 years ,Miltimore has been working as a speaker, traveling to speak with groups including school kids, parent advisory councils, women in business and other community groups.

Her business is called

Karen Erickson, CFP, CSA Division Director

Melanie Hall-Szyszkiewicz,,

CFP, EPC C Senior Financial Consultant nt

Anna-Marie Rasmussen, A

BComm, CFP, CLU, B C ChFC, CHP A Associate Consultant CONTRIBUTED

TRISH MILTIMORE has found a way to juggle the challenge of family life and being a parent with being a fill-in radio announcer, marketing director for Lee’s Music and running her own public speaking business.

Contagious Leadership Training and it’s something that grew into a passion for helping others in high school.

“I had some mentors in high school and I decided that was what I wanted to do and I was green enough to think I could do it,” she said.

“I started off with kids workshops and working with young boys and girls and going into schools.

“It evolved from there into working with women and parents. Speaking is definitely my number one passion.”

With the arrival of her third child just eight months ago, Miltimore has had to put her speaking passion on the back-burner although she is ready to get going again.

Working out of her home office in Glenrosa, she works at booking her own events and has spoken to groups all across Canada.

Her main message to all of those groups is about each person’s relationship with themselves.

“One common theme I focus on is everything pivots on the relationship we have with ourselves,” she said.

“Whether I’m talking to young people or college people or adults, everything comes down to that: Success in business, weight loss or whatever it is. It starts with the relationship with yourself.”

You can find out more about Miltimore at www.contagious.ca.

Lynn Pedde Lyn is an Independent Distributor for Send Out Cards Inc. a company Lynn that tha brings an age-old tradition to the modern electronic world.

Everyone likes to receive cards through the mail and now there is a Ev convenient, simple and cost effective way to do so. co device, send a card (with a gift if you like) in just a matter of From any on line computer or a mobile m minutes. Open your Card account, select a card or create your own photo card. Type your message, choose the recipient from your contacts, click on “Send Card” and an actual card in an envelope with a real stamp is on its way.

The PHOTO STORE has more great surprises. Photographs can be reproduced in books, calendars, on canvas and much more.

Visit my web site to see how easy it is to send cards and send out a card on me. No cost to you except ten minutes of your time.

Call me for details on how to set up your own account.

www.sendoutcards.com/101633

250-762-2068 778-463-9665

email: artped@shaw.ca

Nicole Roussel,, Associate Consultantt

Carolyn Scott, Consultant

Aline Vance, Consultantt

Meet the professional women of Investors Group Financial Services Inc. They deliver the highest quality service to clients everyday. These Consultants are committed to understanding client’s needs and helping them realize their financial goals and live the lives they dream. Client relationships are considered to be one of their greatest assets, so they treat you with the respect you deserve and The Plan™ that will work for you. Experience the Investors Group Commitment™ for yourself.

Financial planning is a rapidly growing career choice, especially for women.

This is a full time opportunity to establish your own variable income based and self-employed business in association with Investors Group.

Investors Group welcomes the opportunity to have quality women with an entrepreneurial spirit join their team.

INVESTMENT PLANNING | RETIREMENT PLANNING TAX PLANNING | RRSPs & GICs EDUCATION PLANNING | MORTGAGES ESTATE PLANNING | WEALTH PLANNING LANDMARK IV Suite 100 - 1628 Dickson Ave. Kelowna, BC V1Y 9X1 Ph. (250) 762-3329 • Fax (250) 868-9332 Toll Free 1-877-541-2255 www.investorsgroup.com TM trademark owned by IGM Financial Inc. and licensed to its subsidiary corporations.

12

A Salute to Women in Business 2012

CAPITAL NEWS

Margaret & Susan Wort We will soon be celebrating 1 year in our new location!

Fashion Foundations is stuffed (or should we say “stacked”?)

Fa with a fantastic selection of bras! Choices for the tiny to voluptuous - for the young to the young at heart - from sports bras to the most eye catching bra you’ve ever eve seen! Customer service is important and our staff are all able to help you y find the right style and size for your needs and desires.

A most important section of our store is dedicated to women that have faced breast cancer.

We offer a superb selection of prostheses, bras and swimwear to assure a woman of a natural, comfortable look and feel.

Registered with B.C’s Fair Pharmacare we can answer any questions from fit to financial benefits available.

Plus our satellite store in Castlegar continues to expand to serve the ladies of the Kootenays!

Downtown Cultural Kelowna

“Our business is uplifting”

1385 Ellis Street 250-763-1473

Dena Abrahamse Happy 2012 everyone. Cheers to a year ahead filled with health, happiness & prosperity. happi Dena would like to thank her customers for their support & referrals, referr for without them, Access Signs would not be where it is toda today. We look forward to providing you with the same great service & product again this year.

Access Signs specializes in large for format, full color digital printing. They take care of it all... from real estate, property development, business frontage, banners & sandwich boards to vehicles, magnetics, decals & site signs. They offer exceptional personable service at very competitive pricing.

There is only one thing that matters at Access Signs... your business, & their business is to make your business get noticed. Dena welcomes you to come by the shop or visit us on our website: www.access-signs.com

Being a ‘green’ business is doing more with less No business is too small to have an environmental plan, and one of the first rules of green business is to do more with less.

Reducing waste is in the best interest of not just the environment but businesses— large or small.

LEAN AND GREEN

Having an environmental plan will save a business money by reducing costs.

Furthermore, the plan doesn’t have to cost much— or even anything—to develop, and can be carried out with minimal effort.

Your green plan can start with small changes that can save you money quickly. Turn off lights and equipment at

night to cut your energy bill, often significantly.

Change the raw materials you use or part of your process. Introduce a paperless system to reduce waste and save on printing and photocopying costs.

You can also spend a little money to save even more. For example, exercising due diligence regarding the environmental condition of real estate purchases can save you considerable expense down the line.

Regular maintenance and servicing of your equipment can keep it more energy efficient, prolong its life span and minimize repair costs.

And purchasing energyefficient models of equipment

DEBBIE KORBYCK – SERVICE ADVISOR: Has been a Service Advisor for 35 years. Debbie achieves one of the highest customer satisfaction scores within Hyundai Canada.

BARBARA KOWK – FINANCE DIRECTOR: Her eight year tenure in the business office of Kelowna Hyundai gives her expertise with Hyundai financing, warranties and insurance.

Barbara is also very successful with any credit-challenged financing.

TANYA MECHALCHUK LEBARRON – FINANCIAL SERVICES MANAGER: Has been in the automotive industry since 2004, starting in sales and insurance. She brings a wealth of experience to Kelowna Hyundai.

KELOWNA

3260 Highway 97N., Kelowna 250-491-9467 www.kelownahyundai.com

See Green P13

Randy, Rand being a meat cutter since graduating high school, felt it was an opport opportunity that they could not pass up. Sharon felt she was ready for the challenge and ran with it.

Sharon has a passion for business and a has the knowledge and expertise. She believes that when you own your own business, you have to be in touch as to what your customer needs are. She gets to know her customers on a personal level and by doing so, can provide a product and service that is tailored to suit her clientele. As a small meat shop they believe in providing a better product at a reasonable price. They specialize in free run, non medicated meats that are grown as locally as possible. Now, she is currently working towards opening a new location at SOPA Square, where she is occupied with extensive planning, organizing and managing, to ensure that the same quality at Mission Meats is consistent at SOPA!

3995 Lakeshore Road, Kelowna 250-764-7232

Phone 250-860-1728 • Fax: 250-860-1702 Email: access.signs@shaw.ca

TRACY HAMILTON – CONTROLLER: Having worked eight years in the automotive industry, Tracy is enjoying the challenge of being Controller for the new owner.

Another benefit of going green comes from the market opportunities it provides: the demand from customers for environmentally responsible products and services is growing.

Inform your customers about the steps you are taking to minimize waste, lessen your environmental impact and be more energy efficient, and it is likely that their enthusiasm for the goods and services you provide will grow.

Missio Meats has been a part of Kelowna for 15 years. Located Mission in the Lower Mission, Sharon and her husband, Randy, bought the store st as “Wims Meats” in 1997.

(behind Cloverdale Paint)

DAWN LOOP – DETAIL MANAGER: Began her career in professional detailing five years ago, joining the new ownership at Kelowna Hyundai in September, 2011.

ENHANCED REPUTATION

Sharon Gray

#2 - 1980 Bredin Road

Dawn Loop, Debbie Korbyck, Tracy Hamilton, Barbara Kowk, Tanya Mechalchuk LeBarron

that doesn’t use a lot of energy can cost somewhat more but save you substantial sums in the long run.

Everything a woman needs to START, GROW and SUCCEED in BUSINESS is here…

Women’s Enterprise Centre is the leading business resource in BC for women who are starting, purchasing or growing a business. We are the go-to place for BC women entrepreneurs seeking business advice, loans, training, resources & mentors!

We can help you with: t t t t

business skills training learning and resource guides mentoring programs networking connections

Pamela Nelson Business Advisor, Kelowna

Financial support provided by:

t t t t

resources, referrals,research conferences and workshops business loans up to $150,000 professional business advisors 1.800.643.7014 Vancouver | Victoria | Kelowna Serving the women of BC since 1995

CAPITAL NEWS

Green from P12 There is also likely to be greater interest from investors and other sources of financing.

Green business is seen as the business of the future, and investors are more likely to be tattracted to businesses whose environmental record makes them stand out from the rest.

CREATE A GREEN PLAN

So improving your environmental performance makes good sense from all perspectives. But where to start?

As with any new strategic business project, it’s a good idea to create and implement a solid plan. r Hiring a professional can be helpful when you want a tcomprehensive plan or an outside perspective.

But you can also develop your own green plan. Here are some simple steps that any

A Salute to Women in Business 2012

business can take to save resources. These solutions are often low cost, and can be as simple as raising employee awareness.

RAW MATERIALS

• Decrease the amount of raw materials you use by improving the efficiency of your operation.

• Buy durable, long-lasting materials and equipment.

• Try to eliminate raw materials that aren’t part of your final product or service, such as paper used for administrative purposes.

• Substitute raw materials that don’t contain toxic materials or that cause less pollution, such as water-based paints rather than solvent-based paints.

• Use recycled materials where possible such as reclaimed lumber or post-consumer waste paper).

• Create less waste by reducing the amount of pack-

aging.

• Encourage recycling wherever possible - consider working together with other businesses to share the cost of recycling.

Sharon Black

WATER

• Review your water usage and see if you can eliminate any waste by, for example, replacing leaking fixtures or turning water off when not in use.

• Reduce water pressure where possible.

Fuel • Buy vehicles that are fuel efficient or use alternative power sources.

• Minimize driving by planning deliveries and pickups carefully.

• Keep your vehicles well maintained.

• Educate drivers about fuelefficient driving (e.g., driving at the speed limit, reducing idling time, keeping tires inflated).

13

Life is a Balance Sharon Black & Associates RE/MAX Kelowna, can help you manage that balance…..

Sharon Black & Associates understand that moving can be an emotional time and life can seem out of balance. Sharon knows your neighbourhood, has connections to other cities around the world, and can offer expertise that will help save you time, money and energy. So when your needs change and you need or want to move, call a REALTOR® with over 30 years of negotiating experience in real estate. Bring balance into your world of Real Estate – call Sharon Black, REALTOR® , Sharon Black & Associates Personal, Passionate & Proven! Awarded Lifetime Achievement and Hall of Fame.

Kelowna

250.878.5533

personal / passionate / proven

www.sharonblack.ca

Tina Wilson Andrea Newnham

Colleen Brown Even in this digital age, businesses large and small have a big need for ink on paper. That’s why Menzies Graphics Group chose the Central Okanagan 2 years ago for its most recent expansion.

Several months later, a familiar face was back in the Bay Avenue building when Colleen Brown joined the firm as Print Consultant. Colleen has been involved with the printing and graphic arts industry for 24 years, 12 of them in the Kelowna area.

She has clients throughout the Okanagan Valley and is able to coordinate projects from conception to completion — from brochures and stationery to posters, publications, signs and trade show material.

With facilities in Alberta and British Columbia, Menzies Graphics Group produces top-quality work at very competitive prices.

We are ar an upscale cleaning company established in 2004 in the Lower Lowe Mainland and are expanding here in the Okanagan. We started starte our business for the rewarding work of being able to make someone’s day. We have a strong attention to detail and love to t go above and beyond for our clients.

• Residential • Commercial Commerc • New Construction • Move in/out cleans • Pre/post staging cleans • Pre/post party cleans • Pre/post film cleans We take weekly, bi-weekly, monthly and one time cleans with free estimates and competitive rates. We also offer 10% off for seniors. Need a clean... give us a call... you will not be disappointed.

“We dig a bit deeper to identify what’s important to you, what makes you successful, identifying how your printed products are used, and what makes them special,” Colleen explains.

325 Bay Avenue Kelowna, BC V1Y 7S3

Cell: 250-808-6484 Office: 250-762-3213

www.menziesprinters.com colleenb@menziesprinters.com

250.300.7647

KELOWNA TOYOTA Kelowna Toyota will be celebrating 42 years in business this April!

The staff at Kelowna Toyota, many whom have been coming to work for decades, know the product incredibly well and have aligned themselves with the Toyota attitude of “Make Things Better”. This philosophy is evident in all aspects of the dealership, from sales and leasing, to service and customer care.

The success of Kelowna Toyota is largely in part to the dedicated staff who are consistently providing knowledgeable and quality service. They are all there to make your experience at Kelowna Toyota as enjoyable and stress free as possible.

Front left to front right

We would like to extend a huge “Thank You” to you, our customers, for your continued support over our 42 years in Kelowna. Our customers make our growth possible.

(Reception) onna (Reception) • Chels• ea drey (Leasing) Au Sandy (accounting) • LaD ce) rvi (Se ry sey (Service) • Ca (Parts Driver) rry She • g) • Shanna (Service) • Cailin ilin • Brighton (Deta g) eta (D e rgi Ma g • Missin

KELOWNA

At Kelowna Toyota our aim is to “Make Things Better”

TOYOTA

1200 Leathead Road

250•491•2475

www.kelownatoyota.com

14

A Salute to Women in Business 2012

CAPITAL NEWS

Facing the challenges of working from your home Simon Gibson CONTRIBUTOR

My supervisor has recommended I start working at home, initially part-time. I like the idea as an unhappy commuter, but a colleague warns this may be a sign I will be laid off. What do you think?

Telecommuting is grow-

ing in importance, especially in North America, although only a small fraction of those office workers who could work from home are actually permitted to do so.

There are a number of significant benefits to telecommuting, which no doubt makes it desirable for you.

The elimination or reduction of long-haul commut-

ing, of course, is probably the most attractive feature.

Fuel and maintenance costs would be reduced significantly and your car, with less mileage, will last much longer.

The flexibility and convenience is especially positive. Plus, from an altruistic perspective, the environment receives a breath of fresh air

Kelowna Community Food Bank The Kelowna Community Food Bank is dedicated to helping children, families, and individuals, who due to circumstances, cannot provide for themselves by providing a 5-7 day supply of healthy food on a monthly basis to recipients. In addition to regular monthly hampers, participants of our Tiny Bundles program Lavers ie nn Vo d an also receive weekly nutritional support and baby supplies. From Lenetta Parry newborn to ninety, single mothers to large families, indigenous to immigrants, our recipients’ unfortunately share one common adversity - poverty.

Each day the Kelowna Community Food Bank (KCFB) works to mitigate its ill-effects. We feed our recipients nutritious food so that they can lead healthy and productive lives; each day we alleviate some pressure from those who struggle with the decision whether to feed their children or pay the rent. Everyday, we alleviate some financial stress from recipients so they can move out of poverty.

Vonnie Lavers, Executive Director, has been with the Kelowna Community Food Bank since 2001. Under her leadership, the Kelowna Community Food Bank collects warehouses, and distributes over $3.5 million dollars worth of fresh food, produce, and non-perishables each year.

Lenetta Parry, Associate Executive Director, has been with the organization since 2004. These two are pleased to be able to provide hope, wholeness and a promise for a better future to those who rely on the Kelowna Food Bank.

There are always a number of projects and events in the works at the Kelowna Food Bank. Please visit www.kelownafoodbank.com to learn more.

We also wish to thank the community for its ongoing support. Your commitment to helping build a healthier community is greatly appreciated.

Kelowna Community Food Bank 1265 Ellis Street Kelowna, BC V1Y 1Z7 250-763-7161

Photo contributed

By Hintringer Photography

with one less internal combustion engine on the highway.

There are some downsides that need to be acknowledged. If you’re easily distracted and have difficulty getting motivated, working from home can be problematic.

Social contact is severely limited although with Skype, teleconferencing and corporate Facebook accounts, you’d

still be able to communicate regularly with your supervisor and colleagues.

The sense of community —which is often under-rated as a benefit of a welcoming workplace—is also compromised with virtually no opportunity to relate to others more closely and even make friends.

As for your colleague’s

concern that this initiative may be a precursor to being laid off, I would not be at all worried. This would seem to be speculation on his part and not based on fact.

In reality, a recommendation to telecommute is much more of an indication of his See Home P16

Angelique Duffield

internet marketing strategies ~ social media set-up ~ promotional videos ~ photography

Bright Spark Media works with small to mid-sized businesses, entrepreneurs and professionals to improve brand awareness, increase customer engagement, and generate sales leads through the strategic use of internet marketing tools like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and company newsletters and blogs.

We specialize in creating Promotional Videos or Slideshows (instructional videos, testimonial videos, product/service/event promo videos) for businesses to provide an interesting presence online and establish their expertise on their website, blog, LinkedIn profile or Facebook Fan Page.

Bright Spark Media also provides: • internet marketing solutions and strategic planning for businesses (coaching, training/workshops, customization and set-up of social media tools, analytics, preparation of guidelines and best-practices) • photography services (corporate/sporting events; products; people) We pride ourselves on providing a reliable, collaborative approach with our clients, and we make it easy for your business to succeed in today’s marketplace. Contact us today for a free 30-minute consultation!

Get people talking about your business

www.BrightSparkMedia.ca www.Facebook.com/BrightSparkSocialMedia www.Twitter.com/AngeliqueDuff www.YouTube.com/SmartSocialMedia4Biz www.Linkedin.com/in/AngeliqueDuffield

250.575.5964

They have one thing in common.

Team spirit. And there isn’t a weak link in this talented group, with each and every one contributing to the success of our Kelowna office. At Grant Thornton LLP, helping our clients achieve their business goals is our goal, and this powerhouse team of dynamic women—a partner, managers, practitioners and administrative wizards among them—plays a huge role in contributing to that success.

Thanks, ladies, for playing for our team—we’re all the better for it.

Kelowna 200-1633 Ellis Street V1Y 2A8 T +1 250 712 6800

www.GrantThornton.ca Grant Thornton LLP. A Canadian Member of Grant Thornton International Ltd

Accounting • Audit • Tax • Advisory

CAPITAL NEWS

Friendly skies attitude leads into new business Kevin Parnell STAFF REPORTER

Spending 22 years in the airline industry taught Kelowna business-woman Terri Knox plenty about service.

Knox worked in every aspect of the airline industry before taking what she learned into a career as a public speaker, starting with a gig working for the Saskatchewan Tourism Industry.

“I travelled around the province doing a customer service seminar,” she recalled.

“That unleashed something inside of me. I felt it was the perfect niche. When I left the company I had people calling and asking if I could speak at their conventions.”

That was more than 18 years ago and Knox hasn’t looked back, speaking to groups in many different areas of business and all over the world. She tailors her message to each different sector she speaks to, but the bottom line remains the same.

“I’ve worked undertakers conventions to the health care industry to Apple computers to the Bella Coola Co-op,” she said.

“We all have far more commonalities than differences. People are people and we are all trying to do our best. I believe it’s my responsibility to give you the tools and tips to maximize your potential.”

The public speaking industry is a growing industry as more and more people take their message to the masses.

Speakers usually market themselves with the best advertising being word of mouth as folks who like the message they have heard pass along a good word to others.

Knox has expanded

A Salute to Women in Business 2012

15

Sareena Nickoli Sareena has been apart of the family business for 11 years and looks after the Purcha Purchasing and Marketing/Advertising for the West Kelowna and Vernon locatio locations.

She holds a Business Degree and an Interior Design Certificate.

Sareen attends furniture shows world wide including buying trips to China and Sareena a trip to Italy a factory tour of Natuzzi. She also looks after Commercial sales and w works closely with developers in the Okanagan for appliance packages and stages show showhomes.

A big accomplishment for Sareena was the interior design for the brand new City Furniture location in Vernon which me opened in October. She designed and merchandised the 30,000 sq foot showroom which is full of the latest styles, appliances mattresses, electronics and accessories! designs and trends in furniture furniture, appliances, Sareena has been a fitness instructor since 1999. She has started up her own business “ZUMBA with SAREENA!” and teaches in Vernon, and in the past has taught classes in Kelowna and at Annual Interior Fitness Conference held at the Okanagan College. She was recently selected by Zumba® Fitness as Canada’s ONLY West Coast Zumba® Jammer (1 out of 9 in Canada) and she specializes in Zumba® choreography and is able to hold ZIN Jam Sessions for Zumba Instructors anywhere in the world!

Family is very important to Sareena, and has been married to her husband, Ryan for almost 11 years and works closely with her dad, sister and brother in law!

Check out her facebook pages – City Furniture Okanagan, and ZUMBA with SAREENA! She looks forward to helping you buy, as well as helping you sweat!

West Kelowna

(Across from Bylands’ Nursery)

1793 Ross Road

“We Don’t Sell - We Help You Buy”

Barb Taylor Jenn Taylor

CONTRIBUTED

TERRI KNOX used her experience working for 22 years in the airline industry into her own business. her speaking business to include coaching, mentoring and training and after writing chapters in two books in the self-help field, she has written her own book called You’re the Boss of You. It’s about diversifying her business.

“It’s a feast or famine industry. There has been times in the 17 or 18 years that I haven’t been able to keep up,” she said, adding there are many speakers out there, all looking to attract the same clients.

“There are lots of challenges in the industry. I think competition is a really good thing. It allows you to finetune your own skills.”

Knox touches on several topics during her presentations. She talks about

things like service, teamwork and conflict resolution in the workplace.

But much of what she talks about comes down to personal development, how people feel about themselves and how that translates into how we treat others.

“If you don’t like who you are or what you do the chances of doing well and making a difference in people’s lives isn’t really doable,” she said.

“Sometimes people are pretty bitter and don’t have a lot of good things to say. I can’t change that but I can say ‘you are in control of your attitude.’”

You can find out more about Terri Knox online at www.terriknox.com

Barb and Jenn are a mother-daughter team, who after planning a wedding for Barb’s older daughter & Jenn’s sister, saw the need for a stress-fr planning oasis. stress-free In April 2009 they opened The Wedding Café on Pandosy. Their vision is now a reality helping an average of 50 couples each month! They are passionate about helping their couples have a stress-free planning experience.

They know all of their Vendors and are able to offer couples who come in with answers to their questions about their Vendors. Information about venues, favors, décor and more, along with the latest wedding magazines and books can be found in the library.

The café is welcoming to everyone. You don’t need to be planning a wedding to enjoy their paninis, salads, Cherry Hill Coffee and cupcakes. Guests leave comments such as “It’s great energy in here” and “This is a beautiful space.”

2655 Pandosy Street 778.436.8236

www.theweddingcafe.ca

kparnell@kelownacapnews.com

TRANSFORM BEDTIME INTO PLAYTIME!

•Sensual treats & lingerie for men & women (reg/plus sizes) •Pleasure objects & lotions •Stimulating erotic books and videos

Our goal is to offer a comfortable environment for men and women to approach new ideas for intimacy and self-exploration.

Wild Kingdom • 250-868-9033 • 563 Lawrence Ave., Kelowna • • 250-768-2000 • #103-3466 Carrington Road, West Kelowna •

250-769-7117

Kim Williams “Kim Williams has been in business for 34 years. Wild Kingdom Kingdo has been Okanagan’s premier shop for adults on Lawrence Ave since sinc 1998 and Wild Kingdom: Erotic Luxury in West Kelowna since 2009. Kim won some attention for fo Wild Kingdom after she appeared on CBC’s The Dragon’s Den in February of 2011. inspired Kim to focus on a refreshed business 2011 The TV appearance appea plan and manifest her dream of expanding the business to Maui where she will be opening up an island boutique later this year. te, Kim Olivia, Lauret

Part of Kim’s vision is assembling a team of women who each bring a strong element to the quality of customer service provided. The key to successful customer service is an understanding for the needs of our guests. Respect for individuals and their exploration of sexuality is an important model we embrace. It is vital to have a firm grasp of product knowledge and excellent listening skills. Our goal is to offer a comfortable environment for men and women to approach new ideas for intimacy and self exploration. We welcome women, men, and transgender people of all orientations who shop with us. It is not necessarily intuitive for people to share their most intimate details, but Kim and her fully trained team makes it top priority to help guests feel comfortable doing just that.

Kim’s passion to bring out the passion in others is truly what keeps her going.”

Wild Kingdom

www.sensualkingdom.com

250-868-9033 563 Lawrence Ave., Kelowna 250-768-2000 #103-3466 Carrington Rd., West Kelowna

16

A Salute to Women in Business 2012

CAPITAL NEWS

Finding your way at home Healthy choice to cut Home from P14

confidence in your capacity to work independently: it is compliment to you.

Ultimately, you will need to contemplate this decision on two levels: first, you should consider whether it will be a good career move.

And, second, you’ll want to examine your character and work style to determine if you are suited for telecommuting.

If there are co-workers who have also been asked to consider this option, approach them

and seek their advice.

Their suggestions could help you make an intelligent choice.

Working from home isn’t for everyone; but, if after careful reflection, you’ve decided to accept this opportunity, make it for a trial period—of say six months—to determine whether it is appropriate for the long-term.

Simon Gibson is a university professor, marketing executive, corporate writer and civic leader. He lives in Abbotsford and is an elected city councillor.

“I am treating you as my friend, asking you share my present minuses in the hope I can ask you to share my future pluses.

—Katherine Mansfield, author “It’s useless to hold a person to anything he says while he’s in love, drunk, or running for office.

—Shirley MacLaine, actress and author

Monique Saebels M Monique’ s Society For Miracles is focused on making a change in our world and in our community, one person at a time. The Society was formed in March 2011. It was a long time dream of So Monique Saebels to make a difference in this world.

M Monique’s Society is based on the belief that people in need are of the utmost importance.

The board consists of six very dedicated members who share the same vision. We are always open to new ideas to help our community. Monique has been doing Christmas hampers for 25 years throughout different communities and has recently done many fundraisers for local families and sick children.

An article was featured in the Event Newspaper May 26/11 covering our Society. www.eventpub.com/stories.php?id=359837 “I believe that this is only the beginning to the difference we can make in our community.”

Monique’s Society For Miracles “Touching lives one person at a time”

250-470-4044

www.moniquessocietyformiracles.com

Samantha M. Gurvin “For most of the people I’ve met, other than a house - a vehicle is the second largest purchase they will make in a lifetime. I take pride in creating an informative, fun and relaxed experience for my clients - to help them make the best choice bas on the big picture.” - Samantha Gurvin based I bring a feminine professionalism and vehicle expertise to the otherwise male dominated automotive industry. I am easy going, a fair negotiator and value my client’s time above all else. With a primary background in customer service, and a post-secondary education in business, it’s no surprise that working with me on your next vehicle purchase will be a pleasant experience.

Originally from the BC coast, I fell in love with Kelowna’s endless beauty, strong sense of community and am now proud to call it home. Choice means a great deal to me and I am excited that Orchard Ford has chosen me to join their professional sales team.

In my free time, I enjoy playing women’s competitive roller derby, long boarding, hiking and spending time with friends and family.

Samantha M. Gurvin 250-860-1000

back on the salt intake Simone Jennings CONTRIBUTOR

According to the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation every seven minutes someone in Canada dies from heart disease or stroke.

Heart disease and stroke are two of the three leading causes of death in Canada.

Luckily, through a healthy lifestyle we are able to control or prevent many risk factors for heart disease such as physical inactivity, being overweight, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, stress, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption.

Being physically active and eating a healthy diet has a significant impact on the health of your heart and blood vessels.

If you are looking for ways to make your diet more ‘heart smart’ here are a few things to consider.

Concerned about cholesterol? A low cholesterol diet is not necessarily the key to healthy blood cholesterol levels.

The truth is the types and amounts of fat we eat actually have just as much or more influence on our blood cholesterol than dietary cholesterol does.

If you have elevated cholesterol levels you should limit high cholesterol foods, such as egg yolks, shrimp, and organ meats to twice a week, but it is also important to follow the tips below to increase fibre and healthy fats.

Get the facts on fat. Not

Simone Jennings all fat is created equal so following a strict low fat diet is not the solution to a healthier heart. It is actually important to eat moderate amounts of healthy fats such as avocados, olive oil, nuts and seeds, and cold water fish.

However, you do want to

limit saturated fat and trans fat as they can increase ‘bad’ cholesterol levels.

Try to limit these fats to less than 20 grams per day combined by choosing low fat dairy products, lean meats, non hydrogenated margarines (or butter in moderation), and avoid baked goods made with hy-

drogenated oils.

Focus on fibre! Soluble fibre is particularly important for heart health as it helps keep cholesterol levels in check.

Soluble fibre is found in oats, barley, ground flaxseeds, nuts, legumes, psyllium husks, and apples.

Fibre not only helps lower cholesterol but it also helps to control appetite to prevent overeating and promote a healthy body weight.

Be sodium (salt) savvy.

Excess dietary sodium is a major risk factor for developing high blood pressure.

Read the nutrition label on packaged foods to check the sodium content.

Most packaged or canned foods contain added salt.

It is recommended to limit sodium intake to 1,500 milligrams per day.

Look for products that state ‘no added salt’ and rinse canned foods before eating. The best way to start making healthier choices is to be informed about what you are eating.

Before putting an item in your grocery cart look past the health claims on the front of the package and read the Nutrition Facts Table and Ingredients List.

For more information visit Health Canada’s website and check out the interactive label reading tools www.hcsc.gc.ca/fn-an/label-etiquet/ nutrition/index-eng.php Simone Jennings is a registered dietitian with Interior Health ,

Lisa Fraser My family and I moved to Kelowna from Chilliwack in July of 2008 and have loved everyday here since. I’ve had a few different careers in my life and knew I wanted something different for my last one. The opportunity to purchase a Wine Kitz franchise came along and thought it to be an interesting venture. Since then I have never looked back. It’s a fun, busy and active job and there’s alot more to making wine than one would think. We also get to meet and know all our customers on a personal level and would like to thank them for their continued support.

Our store is located in the Glenmore area and we strive to provide great service with quality products. I can honestly say I enjoy going to work! If you like wine and have never made any come in and give us a try.

Pour yourself into the experience!

#112-437 Glenmore Rd. Kelowna, BC 250-763-8837

glenmore.winekitz@gmail.com

CAPITAL NEWS

Proving hockey isn’t just a man’s world Kevin Parnell STAFF REPORTER

When Anne-Marie Hamilton first applied for a job with the then-Tacoma Rockets, an expansion hockey franchise in the Western Hockey League, she already knew most of the teams operating within the WHL in the early 1990s.

Working in Bellevue, Wash., Hamilton was the sales manager at a hotel and had built relationships with many WHL teams looking for accommodation on road trips.

She also worked on the 1992 Memorial Cup, hosted by the Seattle Thunderbirds, the same year the Rockets played the team’s inaugural season in the WHL. “I really enjoyed working with the hockey guys,” said Hamilton, from her office as the Kelowna Rockets director of marketing and game operations.

“I got very involved with the Seattle Memorial Cup and that’s how I met most of the WHL people.

“When the Rockets came to Tacoma, I pretty much pestered them to give me a job. I went from a managerial position in the hotel industry to selling season tickets.”

Hamilton began at the bottom with the Rockets and worked her way up. After four years in Tacoma, the Rockets would move to Kelowna and Hamilton was the only office staff member to make the move.

By that time, she and Gavin Hamilton, vicepresident of business development for the Rockets, had married and she had joined

the family business.

“When we moved here, it was just Gavin and I on the business end, so I just had to jump in,” said Hamilton.

“We had so many obstacles to overcome playing in Memorial Arena. It was a lot of work to get sponsors to invest in the team and see the value of being in that building.”

Hamilton says those years in Memorial were a great learning experience for her.

When the team moved to Prospera Place, she was able hit the ground running in a new building.

She had to hire staff to help with game promotions working to put on a great show for the fans at each of the Rockets 36 home games.

“It’s my job to make sure whether we win or lose

‘‘

WHEN WE MOVED TO CANADA PEOPLE WERE NOT USED TO SEEING A WOMAN IN MY POSITION SELLING HOCKEY. I HAD TO EARN MY WAY. Anne-Marie Hamilton

people still have a great time, they still get full value for their ticket,” she said.

“I love the game operations side of things. I take great pride in our presentation and I’m probably the most critical when things don’t go right.

“Every year I look for new things to change it up and keep our fans entertained.”

Working in what is mostly a male-dominated industry such as hockey may seem intimidating to some. But Hamilton says that has never bothered her.

“When we moved to Canada people were not used to seeing a woman in my position selling hockey,” she said.

“I had to earn my way.

I had to get over that whole thing of, ‘I’m a woman.’ You either get over it or you don’t and I didn’t let it stop me.”

Since coming to Kelowna, Hamilton has also immersed herself in the community, sitting on boards for such groups as the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation, the YMCA-YWCA and the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce and works closely with groups like the Canadian Cancer Society.

The Rockets alumni has raised close to $300,000 for the hospital with its annual golf tournament and hockey game, and the Rockets also take part in up to a dozen community events each month during the WHL season.

“Our goal when we came here was to be part of the community, not just be a business,” she said. “And the community has embraced us.” kparnell@kelownacapnews.com

Theresa White & Jeannie Rodgers

A Salute to Women in Business 2012

17

ANNE-MARIE HAMILTON was a sales manager at a hotel in the U.S. when she jumped at the opportunity to work in the marketing department for the Tacoma Rockets, prior to the WHL team relocating to Kelowna.

CINDY ROGERS/CONTRIBUTOR

Pregnancy care centre helps women face difficult challenges Two horizontal pink lines come into focus, and a woman’s life has changed forever. When life circumstances are favourable, the positive pregnancy test result is the best of news. For a woman who is young, under-resourced, abandoned or alone, pregnancy is a terrifying life crisis.

Enter the Okanagan Valley Pregnancy Care Centre, located in the Southgate Centre on Pandosy Street. This communitysupported non-profit agency was chosen as a Community Impact finalist for the 2011 Kelowna Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards, an outstanding accomplishment for a relative newcomer to community care.

In just over five years, more than 500 women have been referred by doctors or come on their own for support to face pregnancy-related challenges.

“We listen with deep respect to every

woman’s story,” said Theresa White, executive director of the car centre.

“We offer information that empowers client-friends to explore all options—from carrying to term and parenting, either singly or with a partner, to creating an adoption plan, to understanding the reality of an abortion decision.

“We affirm her right to take time to listen to her own heart.

“A pregnancy is a speed bump, but it doesn’t ruin a woman’s life. Through simple acts of kindness, like our scholarship program, dreams come true for many amazing new parents.”

The non-medical centre offers free and confidential services that include pregnancy tests, emotional and practical support, networking and community referrals, prenatal courses, nutrition classes and parenting programs.

Nicole Kelly

Ev woman who has ever been pregnant knows a Every pregnancy is a life-changing experience. Completely p p planned or totally unexpected, a pregnancy changes everything. But it doesn’t ever have to ruin anything. d

Ni Nicole grew up in Westbank and has watched it transform from a humble town to a thriving city. She is proud to have planted her hu roots ro in the community with the purchase of a home and the opening of her business in 2011. op

At pregnancy turning points, the Okanagan Valley Pregnancy Care Centre is here to support and empower women and their partners to navigate changes for the better.

the assets of a local establishment, Alexis Arts, and Nicole acquired acq moved the enterprise to its new location. Her newly incorporated company, Alexis Art Gallery & Custom Framing Shop, has been up and running since November. The gallery showcases local talent as well as world renowned artists including Bateman, Pino, and Modlinski among others.

Since May 2006, OVPCC staff and volunteers have rallied around to offer free and confidential support and advocacy for more than 500 client-friends.

Women caring about women. That’s healthy community at its best.

There is a variety of original pieces, limited edition prints, sculptures, home décor and giftware in stock. Custom framing is also a large part of the operation. Using high quality materials and creative flair, Nicole can frame anything from a simple photo to sports jerseys to coin collections.

Check out the website, www.alexisarts.com, or stop into the shop for more information.

201-2622 Pandosy Street

250.763.2112

M-F 10 am to 4 pm • www.ovpcc.com • info@ovpcc.com

Alexis Art Gallery & Custom Framing Shop

#102 - 3466 Carrington Rd. Westbank 250-707-0088

18

A Salute to Women in Business 2012

CAPITAL NEWS

How to rev up business energy and stamina There’s one in every office. You know, the guy or gal who arrives fresh faced every morning still sporting the glow of their early morning workout.

Funny thing is, this same individual never seems to run out of steam, even though they were pulling on their workout gear well before you rolled out of bed.

As you look on with envy at their seemingly unlimited pep, you have to wonder: does exercise beget energy or does energy beget exercise?

As it turns out, even a little bit of exercise can help turn a couch potato into the energizer bunny, according to the experts.

“It’s a paradox,” says Patrick O’Connor, an exercise science professor from the University of Georgia.

“Some people think that exercise causes fatigue, but actually the opposite is true.”

O’Connor, who has co-authored several studies exploring the relationship between exercise and energy, says that low to moderate intensity exercise can produce as much as a 20 per cent increase in energy levels and a 65 per cent decrease in fatigue.

That’s pretty impressive considering that most of the subjects studied complained that they were overworked and short on sleep, a condition that’s familiar to many time-pressed entrepreneurs who are juggling the demands of work and family.

Also worth noting is that the subjects in O’Connor’s study exercised for just 20 minutes, three times a week and that low intensity exercise seemed to produce a greater reduction in fatigue than moderate intensity workouts.

But that’s not all exercise can do to improve a hectic lifestyle.

A 20-minute exercise session reduces stress and improves sleep.

In fact, its impact on stress is so profound that studies suggest physical activity is as effective in the treatment of mild to moderate depression as psychotherapy and antidepressant medication.

But unlike those options, which can take weeks to kick in, it takes as little as one bout of exercise to lift your spirits, says Isabelle Soucy Chartier, a doctoral student in clinical and research psychology at Laval University in Quebec City.

Researchers aren’t sure how exercise works its magic. But they do know that its feel-good afterglow can last the whole day.

Once exercise becomes regular, other lifestyle habits improve. Fit individuals rarely complain of sleep problems.

In fact, one of the problems inherent in studying the effects of exercise on sleep among the fit population is that their sleep patterns are generally very good.

The same goes for diet. Regular exercisers eat better and make better food choices, all of which lead to more energy at work and home.

As for the type of exercise that promotes the greatest good, O’Connor says the answer is moot.

Whatever kind of physical activity turns your crank is good enough to boost your mood and energy level.

So bring a pair of walking shoes to work and go for a brisk stroll at lunch, play a game of road hockey with the kids after

ONCE EXERCISE becomes a habit, other lifestyle habits improve, including fewer sleep problems. dinner or pick up a friend and head to the gym to play badminton or enjoy a yoga workout a few times a week.

Whatever your choice, keep in mind that exercise consistency is more important than intensity.

Small bouts of moderate intensity exercise several times a week is all it takes to make a difference.

Lori Welbourne Lori Welbourne writes articles about the everyday, always telling her stories from a positive perspective.

To complement her column she also produces video segments that serve as an extension of whatever topic she’s writing about that particular week.

P bli h d iin papers across BC and the United States her work can be found locally Published every Sunday in the Daily Courier’s eVent and the Westside Weekly. She can also be found on GonzoOnline.ca, AccessOkanagan.com and WelcometoKelowna.com Her videos can be seen on Shaw TV every Wednesday night and she can be heard on the Q103.1 Road Show with Troy Scott every Friday.

Working with her talented and accomplished cartoonist Jim Hunt, she’s excited about the additional projects they’re currently working on and will be unveiling soon.

Lori loves hearing from people and welcomes feedback on her website or her Facebook page... no matter what that feedback is.

Subscriptions to LoriWelbourne.com are free and all subscribers will be entered into a weekly draw for an original, signed cartoon by the wonderful Jim Hunt, well known for his work in MAD Comics and so much more.

Shining light on the everyday... LoriWelbourne.com

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

But don’t wait for some mysterious bolt of motivation to spur you into action.

The inspiration to exercise has to come from within with knowledge that its rewards are only felt afterward.

So go ahead and be that guy or gal that bursts into the office every morning with energy to burn. It’s easier than you think.

Amber Gerding Am Amber Gerding is the owner/operator of The Original Basket Boutique, a home based gift basket business. She has owned the Bo business for 4 years and loves it! She makes all types of gift baskets bu - Corporate, Baby, Christmas, Thank You, Cheese & Cracker and gif baskets. even Golf gift An original basket is a great gift for any occasion. Amber feels that the gesture of gift giving is something that shouldn’t be forgotten. People remember and appreciate you as the company or individual that took the time to show your appreciation. A specially created original gift basket is also a great way to recognize the employee that had a baby or who went above and beyond their call of duty.

The Original Basket Boutique also has the ability to do corporate ribbon branding and to send gifts across Canada and US through the OBB franchise network. Everyone appreciates gifts and Amber would love to help you spread that appreciation to others.

250-878-1669 (call or text)

www.obbkelowna.com email: amberg@obbgifts.com

CAPITAL NEWS

A Salute to Women in Business 2012

Finding a better lifestyle working off the Internet

19

Kevin Parnell

to establish www.okanagan4kids.com, an online resource for families in the Okanagan.

“We’re bringing together all the events in After spending seven years in university to the Okanagan and putting them in one place,” earn a law degree and another five years practi- said Sencar.

“We have resources for parents to find cing as a litigator, Kelowna’s Jen Sencar decidthings that they need, whether it’s information ed she wanted more time for her family. on car seats, potty training or events around the So she left her law career behind to start Okanagan.” her own business.

On average, OkanagSencar, now a mothan4kids.com receives about er to two young children, 2,500 visitors per month on was done with the daily its website. grind of being a lawyer, Sencar and her parthoping that she could start WE USE A LOT OF ners, Sue Bojahra and Tracy her own business and allow TECHNOLOGY IN Rawlings, are hoping to for more time to spend with OUR BUSINESS. WE keep expanding the number her family and to work on HAVE KIDS SO WE ARE of families that are attracted something that was close to to their web site, utilizher heart.

SKYPING AND WE ARE ing social media platforms “I knew that we were USING THE INTERNET like Facebook and Twitter going to have a family and TO COMMUNICATE to connect with moms and I knew that being a litigator AND PUT CONTENT dads. The site also has reguwasn’t going to be the way ON THE WEB SITE. IT’S lar bloggers, telling stories to go for me,” said Sencar. about their families.

“Some women can A DIFFERENT WAY OF “Social media is a great manage that, but I found DOING BUSINESS, NOT way to connect with parthat I was very busy. Before ONLY FROM HOME BUT ents,” she said. trials you could work a 15 FROM ANYWHERE. “It’s like word of mouth hour day and it’s very tough advertising on steroids. If to be there for your family.”

Jen Sencar parents have a quick minute So Sencar joined to check Facebook or look what has become a growat the site, they can find out about an event.” ing trend in the business community, the catWith three business partners who all have egory of mompreneurs—women with children who balance owning a business with rais- families and busy lives, technology is a huge part of the every day life for Sencar, Bojahra ing a family.

“There are a lot of women who want to go and Rawlings.

“We use a lot of technology in our busiinto business for themselves, especially youngness,” said Sencar. “We have kids so we are er women,” explained Laurel Douglas, CEO Skyping and we are using the Internet to comof the Women’s Enterprise Centre. municate and put content on the web site.

“Maybe they are on maternity leave and “It’s a different way of doing business, not come up with a business idea or they don’t want to go back to their own career. They need only from home but from anywhere.”

And for Sencar, who admits to missing independence because they have kids at home her law practice sometimes, working on a or they might have aging parents and it’s imhome-based business that is based on the web portant for them to have flexibility.” is something that makes it possible to have the And that was the right mix for Sencar, best of both worlds: A successful business and whose first foray as a mompreneur was to a focus on her family. join the mom cafe network, a series of web“It’s different than a traditional career or sites that offered online tools and resources to a nine to five job,” she said. “But there is way women. more flexibility and when you have children But she wanted to bring that idea closer you need that.” to home so she soon joined forces with an old kparnell@kelownacapnews.com friend from the junior chamber of commerce STAFF REPORTER

‘‘

Heidi A. Taylor Partner He Taylor focuses her practice on working with clients in the Heidi following areas: fo • Private and commercial clients requiring litigation and dispute P resolution services, including commercial litigation, debtor/ r creditor remedies and family law. c • Property developers, investors, lenders and individuals in the purchase, development, P t d l i t financing and sale of real estate.

Heidi has represented clients at all levels of Court in British Columbia, including the Provincial Court, the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal.

Her many community activities include being Past President of the Kelowna Bar Association, volunteer with the Central Okanagan Elizabeth Fry Society and an active member of the UBC Alumni Chapter.

2nd Floor, 215 Lawrence Ave., Kelowna BC Tel: 250-762-4222 • Fax: 250-762-8616 Direct: 250-869-6014 Email: htaylor@fhplawyers.com

Website: w w w.f hplaw yers .com • w w w.okanaganelderlaw.com

CONTRIBUTED

JEN SENCAR (left) along with her business partners Tracy Rawlings and Sue Bojahra are the creative force behind the website www.okanagan4kids.com.

Dragica Roy At a time when the governments get blamed for all life’s woe’s.

T Thanks to the Feds Self Employment Assistant program & help on how business goes.

They helped me set up and administer my hair salon seventeen years ago.

The business has supported me very well, HRDC way to go.

A great home based business and many long term patrons, and friends is what I see.

So let me take this opportunity to say thanks to my patrons and HRDC. A great business when I use my head, heart and hands.

We live in a wonderful city, compared to other lands.

Oh come and sit in my chair...let’s see now, what can I do to your hair?

DEE’S home hair care

North Glenmore 250-763-1608

Amanda Haugan Associate FH Lawyers LLP is a mid-size Okanagan Valley law firm FH&P pr providing a range of legal services to commercial and pr private clients. The broad experience of the firm’s senior la lawyers and a team-based approach allow the firm to handle a wide range of complex legal issues efficiently and effectively.

Amanda joined FH&P Lawyers LLP as an Articled Student in August 2009 and was called to the British Columbia Bar in May 2010. As an associate, Amanda provides support to the firm’s senior lawyers on a wide variety of matters, while developing a general practice with a focus on Wills and Estates.

2nd Floor, 215 Lawrence Ave., Kelowna BC Tel: 250-762-4222 • Fax: 250-762-8616 Direct: 250-869-6043 Email: ahaugan@fhplawyers.com

Website: www.f hplawyers.com • www.okanaganelderlaw.com

20

A Salute to Women in Business 2012

CAPITAL NEWS

Innovation secrets of an ambitious entrepreneur Every Monday, Nancy Simoneau meets with her chief engineer at her office in Boucherville, Quebec.

The president of Groupe Simoneau tells him about an idea that could improve the industrial boilers the company manufactures and maintains.

She is not surprised if her engineer’s reply is less than enthusiastic.

“What you’re asking for won’t work,” she has often heard.

But their discussion does not stop there. “There’s something in your proposal I’m going to look at. We’ll see where it goes,” the chief engineer goes on.

Then he comes back with a suggestion to improve the products or processes.

This scene has repeated itself numerous times over the past few years.

“Sometimes my requests are completely ridiculous. But in being a bit far-fetched, I come up with an idea that can be converted into an innovation,” Simoneau said.

“I’m not an engineer. But I have always pushed my engineering team by telling them: ‘You can do better.’”

The result of these meetings? The company produces more compact and more efficient industrial boilers, an innovation that has fuelled the continuous growth of the firm of 85 employees.

Its sales now total nearly $20 million, compared to $200,000 about 20 years ago.

It was the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, that brought Nancy Simoneau to the head of the company that her father, René Simoneau, had founded in 1984.

She had worked there for

12 years, and a transition process had begun in April, 2001.

Her father’s plan had been to entrust her with complete responsibility for the company in 2006.

“The events of September 11 were a triggering factor for my father,” Simoneau said.

“He reacted by coming to see me the same day to say: ‘The time has come to make your own mark. I’m leaving.’”

A university graduate in accounting and management, Simoneau had tried her hand at just about everything before becoming president of Groupe Simoneau.

“I had been in purchasing, quality assurance and accounting, among other departments. I knew every position in the company,” she recalled.

“But with my father’s departure, I had lost my mentor.

Zena Tucker For the last 5 years I have had fun being the owner of Enterprise Flower Studio!

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I felt all alone.”

At that time, the company only looked after industrial boiler maintenance.

Simoneau decided to partner with an engineering firm and started producing her own boilers. But the transition was a long and difficult process.

“The main challenge consisted of maintaining the confidence of employees, suppliers, customers and the bank— all in an industry traditionally reserved for men,” she recalls.

Different generations have different visions. Simoneau had to establish her own management style, which differed from her father’s.

Some long-time employees challenged her. “They said, ‘Your father wouldn’t have done it this way.’

“So I had to have the courage to tell them, ‘I’m in charge now.’”

The slow economy has been taking a toll on many Canadian entrepreneurs, creating increased stress for business owners.

In a recent Business Development Bank of Canada survey, 61per cent of entrepreneurs allocated a score of seven out of 10 to their perceived stress levels, a significant jump from last year. The survey of members of BDC’s ViewPoints online panel of entrepreneurs found that respondents attributed their stress to a series of factors, including: • Dealing with financial insecurity (71%) • Handling the pressure of building a business (52%) • Being the only person responsible for the business (51%) • Spending a huge amount of time at work (38%) Being aware of personal stress is an important step in managing and mitigating the negative effects, says Michael Campbell, a researcher at the Center for Creative Leadership, a non-profit global provider of executive education. Once people figure out what’s stressing

210-1980 Cooper Road

250-979-2911 • www.pmcbc.ca

(right)

We partner with our clients to face the future together, working through economic cycles, market fluctuations and wo pe personal events to maximize opportunities and protect your yo assets.

W take the time to understand your objectives and We co concerns and work within your means to achieve your goals. We look for ways way to improve your investment strategies and minimize obligations You will receive a written w tax obligations. plan outlining the strategies we recommend and why, along with an action plan for implementation. Once you understand your options it becomes much easier to make choices that best fit your life.

The goal is to put you firmly in control of your future and on a clear path to achieving your goals.

®

Managing Agents for Mission Creek Mortgage Ltd.

See Stress P21

(left)

Chief Financial Officer icer err

Paradigm Mortgage Corporation

them out, he says, they can take steps to better manage the situation.

Here are 10 stress management strategies for entrepreneurs recommended by experts: 1. Pay attention to your body’s stress signals such as sweating and increased heart rate.

It’s important to recognize these signals and get them under control. This could involve simple, deep-breathing exercises.

2. Deal with the stress head on. Rather than procrastinate, think about what is causing the emotional reaction and get a handle on it. Deal with the cause of stress right away, whether it’s a phone call from an angry client or making a difficult business decision.

3. Take systematic breaks. When you feel stress coming on, get up and do something else such as taking a brief walk or going outside. This short break can give you a different perspective on a stressful situation and at least provide short-term stress relief.

De Terry, Personal Financial Planner Debra Terry Robertson, Certified Financial Planner Te

Chief Executive Officer

Together Leanne and Marylyn have helped shape Paradigm into the successful company it is today. They lead an amazing team of professionals committed to serving with excellence within the mortgage industry.

servative field. A boiler is one of the oldest machines in the world, one that hasn’t been reconsidered very much,” she said.

“At Groupe Simoneau, we’re calling virtually everything into question. That’s what innovation means for us.”

So what are the lessons learned by Simoneau from her experience?

• Find a coach to guide and advise you throughout the transition.

• Establish your management style, be consistent in your decisions and let them be known clearly.

• Surround yourself with people who have complementary experience.

• Innovate constantly to stand out from the competition.

Stimulate your employees’ creativity.

A top 10 list of tips for business leaders to manage stress

Leanne Marylynn Wilson Needham m

Paradigm Mortgage Corporation specializes in providing equity lending so solutions exclusively through mortgage professionals. PMC is the managing agent for Mission Creek Mortgage Ltd., a Mortgage Investment Corporation.

Gradually, Simoneau bought out all her father’s shares. She started selling boilers in North America, South America, Africa and the Middle East.

At the same time, she was raising three children, who are now 14, 16 and 20 years of age.

Her sister Maud, 34, joined the family business in 1997.

For the past two years, she has been director of operations.

“Maud is very comfortable in her job, and this leads me to believe she’s ready for another challenge,” Simoneau said.

“I want her to be fit for running the company if I have to be absent.”

Innovation is crucial for the company.

“We are in a very con-

®

Suite 200, 1420 St. Paul Street, Kelowna, BC V1Y 2E6 P: 250.762.7642 F: 250.762.7649

“Mutual funds distributed by Desjardins Financial Security Investments Inc.”

® Registered trademark owned by Desjardins Financial Security

CAPITAL NEWS

A Salute to Women in Business 2012

Paying attention to all parts of your business Kevin Parnell STAFF REPORTER

As a small business owner, Marilyn Strong knows rall about the challenges of trying to get everything done on time, under budget and to a high standard.

And as a person who suffers from Attention Deficit Disorder, the Kelowna businesswoman has spent time tspinning her wheels at her business, taking too long at certain tasks only to work herself into exhaustion when deadlines loomed.

This month, Strong will unveil her new book, aimed at helping people get the most of themselves and their business and avoid allowing ADD to negatively affect the owners and the business.

The book is called Getting Paid To Pay Attention: Why Your Business Suffers From ADD and How To Fix

It, and includes strategies to overcome common pitfalls in the operation of a small business.

Like people, businesses can suffer from Attention Deficit Disorder, according to Strong.

“What happens is as a business owner we like to do what we do best,” she said.

“We focus on whatever our area of expertise is and neglect the other parts of the business. The term business ADD is the inability to pay attention to parts of your business.

“If those parts are neglected and you don’t touch them, it could lead to the demise of the business.”

Strong’s book details three key strategies for avoiding business ADD and will help business people in several ways: 1. Activate your vision.

Strong says it’s important to

keep the vision of your business alive and active in your mind, even though there are 60,000 thoughts running through your head.

2. Build an accountability team. According to Strong, businesspeople need to find the right people to work with, to keep you accountable.

3. Celebrate. She suggests business people acknowledge and reward themselves even when times are tough.

Strong says she ran into several challenges while writing her first book, including meeting deadlines with her editor and putting her ideas onto paper.

In fact, she used the strategies she unveils in her book to complete the project.

“The biggest challenge was meeting my editor’s deadlines because I could always find something else to do,” she said. “I had to use my strategies that I write about in

Vacations are a necessity, not a benet Stress from P20 4. Adopt a healthy lifestyle. Getting 30 minutes of rigorous exercise at least 3 times a week can help you reduce stress. Good eating habits such as including more fruits and vegetables in your diet can give you more energy and help you handle stress better.

5. Try to achieve work/life balance. Although today’s business environment can be demanding, it’s crucial to take time for other activities outside of the office such as family events, hobbies and sports. This is when you recharge your batteries.

6. Keep perfectionism in check. Offering a quality product and service doesn’t mean obsessing about it. Know when to get a task off your desk and focus on doing your best in a competitive environment.

7. Delegate to reduce your workload. Accept that you can’t do it all. Rather than micro-

managing, pay special attention to delegating responsibility to employees and leaving them alone to do the job. Sharing the load can relieve stress.

8. Find people you trust and confide in them. Talking to others about business issues can help you find solutions to deal with challenges. Entrepreneurs can also network with other people in their industries to see how they are handling similar issues.

9. Get your financial situation under control in your business. Cash flow is a major source of anxiety for entrepreneurs. Find ways to better monitor your revenues and expenses.

Also, find ways to improve productivity and ultimately your company’s financial health.

10. Commit to vacation time. Turn your Blackberry off when you’re on a holiday. Postponing a vacation may have short-term business benefits, but your health could ultimately suffer in the long-run because of it.

Karen Stephens Realtor® ...providing One-Of-A-Kind Personal Residential Real Estate Services since 2004.

E I started out as a Realtor® in Ontario, then moved to the Okanagan in 2008 where I consider it a blessing to be living O and work working.

I truly love and appreciate all the relationships that I’ve built with my existing Clients and Associates, and will always welcome building new ones.

I strive to make each and every experience a unique and positive one, so if you or someone you know are considering Selling or Buying, please contact me so we can start our journey.

Realty Executives of the Okanagan #212 - 1980 Cooper Road, Kelowna, BC Cell: 250.575.2387 | Off: 250.861.5122 Fax: 250.861.5722

k.stephens@shaw.ca | www.movingwithkaren.com

MARILYN Strong followed her own advice in meeting the writing deadlines for her new book.

DOUG FARROW/CONTRIBUTOR

the book in order to get the book done. When I had the whole thing done and ready to be laid out as a book, I had a huge celebration.”

Strong’s book is a self-published and will be

launched at www.amazon. com on Feb. 29. You can also order it through her website www.gettingpaidbook.com.

Find more information at www.gettingpaidtopayattention.com.

Pam Mayor

“The most important thing about being in business is being able to pay attention to all the parts of your business,” said Strong. “This book will help you learn how to do that.”

RN BSN ET

Lak Lakeside Medicine Centre is well known for its personal and caring service. ser Pa Mayor joined the Lakeside Team 7 years ago to enhance and Pam ex expand on their home health care services. She provides personalized consu consultations in her private clinic room at the pharmacy. Pam specializes in enterostomal therapy, a nursing specialty in Wound, Ostomy and Continence care.

Wound and Ostomy issues are often very stressful for clients and require expertise and continuity of care. Pam works with the client to ensure desired outcomes and liaises with the patients physician to ensure that they are aware of the clients progress and the need for further treatment. Wound care services include lower leg assessment, Ankle Brachial Index (circulation tests), non healing wounds, diabetic foot ulcers, leg ulcers and lymphedema management.

Other services include regular and advanced foot care treatments, continence care, compression therapy and specialty product advice.

For more information or an appointment with Pam, please call Lakeside Medicine Centre 250-860-3100. Or check us out at www.lakesidepharmacy.ca

Lakeside Medicine Centre Guisachan Village Mall • 112A-2365 Gordon Drive

250-860-3100 www.lakesidepharmacy.ca

Mona Mueller It has been almost 2 years since Mona, and husband Duane, opened In Style Home Décor & Furnishings in Kelowna. The op store, being a little deceiving from the small storefront, has 2000 st sq. feet filled with unique solid wood furniture, home accessories sq and much more. “People “Peop who have never been in the store are pleasantly surprised when they come th through the d door”. h th h th Mona travels and hand selects all the best that Mexico has to offer. “Although the store does have a large variety of Rustic, Mexican and Southwestern décor and furniture, people with every decorating style can find that unique treasure here as well.”

Having had such a positive response in the last 2 years, 2012 will see a few changes for the store. Firstly, will be an addition of 1000sq feet of showroom that is greatly needed to showcase more of their solid wood furniture, iron art, yard art, palm trees, copper sinks, wall art and huge selection of indoor and outdoor pottery. They also will soon be changing their store name to “Santa Fe Furniture and Home Decor.”

333 Banks Road, Kelowna 778-478-0676

of the OKANAGAN

21

Open Mon. - Sat. 10-5 pm www.instylehomedecor.ca

22

A Salute to Women in Business 2012

CAPITAL NEWS

Lisa Thomas When you work with Lisa Thomas towards the sale or purchase purch of your new condo, townhome, or single family home, hom you can count on her to provide you with the expert expe guidance you need and the personalized style of service yo you deserve.

Lisa Thomas has successfully negotiated well over 1200 Condominium/Strata Property neg Transactions since early 2000. D Depend on her solid understanding and experience in T i i l 2000 the Strata Real Estate Market. Now Accepting New Clients.

Call her today and discover the power of understanding with the area’s premier strata specialists 250.878.8118 or visit www.lisathomas.ca

Website: w w w.lisathomas .ca

karen guy, REALTOR® Yes, I am the GUY that will make the difference! I pride myself in saying this. I recently had a call from folks who found me on the internet – they said that’s what prompted them to call me. I’d like to share a few of their thoughts.

“Would I recommend Karen to other folks? Most definitely! In fact, I have already recommended her to my son. Karen is a straight shooter, a good listener and she is technologically ‘with it’. Karen offers clear and sensitive opinions. Karen will go beyond expectations to ensure all possibilities are considered within search parameters. We met a ‘pushy’ REALTOR® on our first day out. We informed Karen immediately that her personal style was the opposite of the ‘pushy’ approach and this is why we enjoyed her so much. This GUY has already made a difference in our lives! We recommend her to make a difference in yours.”

Thank you to all my past and present clients for your trust and referrals to your family and friends. I look forward to meeting and helping new clients through 2012. Call me today!

“This GUY will make the difference” c. 250.878.3605 t. 250.768.8001 tf. 1.888.535.6962

101-3500 Carrington Rd., Westbank kguy@coldwellbanker.ca 250-878-3605 • 250-768-8001 101-3500 Carrington Rd. www.connectwithkaren.com Westbank, BC V4T 3C1 www.connectwithkaren.com

Pulling together an effective business plan If your business is all in your head, it’s hard to convince lenders, investors and shareholders that you have a credible company and that you’ll use their funding well.

And that’s precisely where a business plan comes in.

This highly recognized management tool is basically a written document that describes who you are, what you plan to achieve, how you plan to overcome the risks involved and provide the returns anticipated.

Often people think of business plans are limited to starting up new companies or applying for business loans.

However, they are also essential to running a business with a clear, well-documented plan.

KEEP IT SIMPLE

Many entrepreneurs may see putting a business plan together as a daunting task involving hundreds of pages.

However, in reality, it should be a concise and structured document that gives readers everything they need to assess your company’s project.

There’s no one guaranteed formula for writing an effective business plan.

However, in general you have to show that you’re committed to your venture and that you have the expertise, skills and self-confidence necessary to make it all happen.

Here’s the core content that you should consider.

YOUR BUSINESS PROPOSAL.

Include a description of exactly what you’re proposing.

Ask yourself: who your customer is, what business are you in exactly, what do you

sell, and what are your plans for growth?

UNIQUE SELLING POINT

Address how your goods or services will appeal to customers.

How will your company or product/service make a difference in the lives of your customers?

MARKET ANALYSIS

Make sure you show your lender that you’ve done your homework.

Basically, your market research helps you understand your customer needs so that you can offer a product or service that precisely fits those needs.

You’ll need to provide information such as your target market, customer demographics, competition and distribution methods.

KEY COMPETITIVE INFO

Provide information on competitor weaknesses and strengths and show how you intend to improve on what they’re doing.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

Use organization charts to clearly spell out the roles of key management people and the proposed size of your organization.

HR REQUIREMENTS

You should include information on how you plan to recruit and maintain your employees or handle outsourced work.

PREMISES/CAPITAL GOODS

Do an assessment of the company’s needs with regard to premises and capital goods (such as machinery, technological equipment).

KEY FINANCIAL DATA

Be sure to modify your information depending on your target audience.

For example, your bank will be interested in how you intend to repay the loan or overdraft, what you intend to do with the money and how it will help your business grow.

Potential investors will also want to see the expected return and sources of funding, while shareholders are looking for the prospect of the share price and what dividend they can expect on their shares.

Generally, lenders, shareholders and investors want facts and figures that back up what you say.

• Show your personal and business net worth (assets minus liabilities) so the lender can judge your ability to repay your debt • A banker will also look at your past credit history to gauge your reliability. Be sure that you know what credit agencies have on file about you or your company • Include your assets, such as collateral to secure a loan. Bankers invariably ask for some investment on your part as proof of commitment. (This investment may have been raised by you privately or through family and friends). The rule of thumb is that money attracts money; the more backers you have, the easier it is to attract new ones • Be sure you include your cash flow forecast, which is the amount of cash needed to run your business: technology, inventory, equipment, human resources, etc.

See Plan P23

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CAPITAL NEWS

A Salute to Women in Business 2012

Running a business properly requires a well thought out plan Plan from P22 • Present financial projections for at least 2 years and rdo an analysis of market size and market potential k • Show implementation details or exactly what will rmake all of this happen. You need to assign clear respontsibilities, set real dates and realistic budgets. Include your financial control systems, such as stock planning and managing debtors and creditors fLEGAL STRUCTURE Address issues such as rtaxes, liability concerns, information on proprietorships, partnerships, limited or incortporated companies.

If you’re buying an

k

t

r

existing business, be sure to clarify buy-and-sell agreements.

Keep in mind that you should have a lawyer look over all contracts and legal issues.

AN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

It helps to write this last; a page or two of highlights is sufficient.

Be sure to clarify whether this is a new business venture, an expansion of an existing business or the purchase of a new business.

You should also include: • The type of business activity • Your unique selling point • The market to be served • The main objectives of your company

• Management background • Project timeframes involved Avoid these pitfalls • Being overly ambitious —you should be able to justify any assumptions or projections • Masking financial difficulties: inform your lender if your sales fluctuate, for example, and you may prefer a flexible payment schedule. A transparent business plan is one of your best assets in gaining the trust of bankers and investors, whether they are your associates or people outside the company • Providing inadequate information on the management team, flawed marketing plans, unrealistic forecasts or incomplete presentations

Nadine Westgate As ma managing broker of Realty Executives of the Okanagan, Nadine recognizes that we live in a “connectedâ€? world‌ and that IT’S recog TIME TO RECONNECT. The current economy combined with our ffast-paced world of new technology has forever changed consumer behavior. Realty Executives is aware of the cultural consu shift and, with our long histo history of innovation, we are poised once again to revolutionize the industry with the right tool tools to stay ahead of marketing trends through emerging technologies. t h l i As A such, h Realty R lt EExecutives has launched executive web connect platforms and, as well, we have offered a mobile connectivity platform and proudly utilize local businesses to help facilitate these technologies.

An international organization, we offer a full service brokerage with centrally located offices in Kelowna, Vernon and a presence in Lake Country, and are moving towards an expansion into West Kelowna. Realty Executives is differentiated with innovation and integrity as a basis, truly reflective of the Okanagan’s entrepreneurial nature and spirit. We look forward to serving you.

Please visit us at 212-1980 Cooper Road, Kelowna or call us at 250.861.5122 or email nadine@realtyexe-kelowna.com or visit realtyexecutives.com/okanagan

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Amy Newport

P PharmD - Pharmacist/Associate Owner of SShoppers Drug Mart, West Kelowna (Westbank) A ssummer placement with Shoppers Drug Mart in Squamish in 2004 fuelled my initial enthusiasm to practice pharmacy in BC. I returned to the UK to complete my Masters of Pharmacy degree where I also spent a year in Industry and completed a one year clinical rotation in hospital, before gaining Ind 3 years of community pharmacy experience whilst qualifying as a Canadian y pharm pharmacist, and moving to West Kelowna in the winter of 2009.

I am excited to bring my passion for healthcare and healthy living to the Okanagan as the new associate owner h of Shoppers Drug Mart in West Kelowna. The pharmacy will continue to be the heart of our store, with a qualified pharmacist always available to help during store opening hours - from discussing a new medication to understanding your blood pressure reading or selecting an over the counter product and refilling your prescriptions.

Our cosmeticians are waiting to offer individualized make-up consultations and help find skincare products that are right for you. With a Canada Post branch (limited hours) and wide selection of everyday essentials, open 7 days a week 8am-10pm in a convenient location in West Kelowna Town Centre Mall, there are many reasons to visit your local Shoppers Drug Mart.

,5 21( 2) 6+( /($',1* $&&2716,1* $1' $'8,524; =405 ,1 $1$'$ 9,6+ ;($45 2) (:3(4,(1&( 3428,',1* 8$/7( $''(' $5574$1&( $&&2716,1* 6$:$6,21 $1' $'8,524; 5(48,&(5 62 $ %42$' 4$1*( 2) &/,(165 5574$1&( < &&2716,1* < $:$6,21 < '8,524; (48,&(5 $1'0$4. (&+12/2*; (164( > ,&.521 8(17( (/291$ ! #

We look forward to helping you look and feel your best - all whilst earning Shoppers Optimum points. Look out for special events throughout the year and save quicker to redeem points for everyday items, save up for an indulgent treat or donate to select charities.

Shoppers Drug Mart 3-2475 Dobbin Road West Kelowna V4T 3G6 250-707-0891

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23

24

A Salute to Women in Business 2012

Developing business market-driven ideas Although there are no sure recipes for bringing your innovation to the market, following a few tried-and-true basics can greatly increase your chances of success.

Whether you’re launching a product or service or improving a process, the key steps in developing marketdriven ideas are fundamentally the same.

Look at the added value Most entrepreneurs will attest to the fact that the best business ideas solve a problem, answer a need or fill a gap in the market.

However, your innovations could also improve a business process, reduce waste or enable employees to be more productive.

To determine whether your idea is likely to be successful, ask yourself some

questions such as: • How different is it really from what’s already being done?

• What is my distinguishing feature, and how will I stand out in the crowd?

• What value does it bring to my customer at the end of the line?

SEEK EMPLOYEE IDEAS

Innovative ideas don’t always emanate from the executive offices or management ranks.

If you want your business to be creative and constantly focused on improvement, a good start is getting direct feedback and ideas from your employees.

Encourage all employees to generate innovative ideas about products or services through brainstorming ses-

sions or forums. Reward them for their innovative contributions to the company.

But be selective. Out of every 10 ideas, there may be only one where you will see a return on your investment of time and money.

Once you’ve taken stock of your potential innovation projects, take the time to narrow them down and determine which ones are worthy of your company’s resources.

Keep in mind that the project has to have a payoff, such as improved customer service, increased revenues or longterm growth.

Your employees can also provide invaluable input, not just in the development but also the application of improved processes.

After all, they’re usually directly involved in making

Bobbi Kittle After having my children in my 20’s I found myself 50 lbs overweight and knew I needed to make lifestyle changes to lose the weight.

Within months of healthy eating, exercise and some determination I lost the weight!

I wanted to be able to help others achieve the same health & fitness benefits.

I became a Certified Personal Trainer & Fitness Instructor and started my mobile business….

Pursuit Fitness!

10 years later I am pleased to offer a variety of land and pool fitness programs for individuals of all age groups, abilities, needs and goals. Some programs include, Seniors Fitness programs such as Fibrofit (in 90º heated pools for individuals with Arthritis/Fibromyalgia), Osteofit (specific fitness program for those with Osteoporosis), Personal Fitness Training Programs and Bobbi’s Beach Ready Bootcamp.

those processes work.

Be sure that you communicate your innovation improvements systematically, and ensure your employees understand your ultimate objectives.

For example, to implement an innovative manufacturing process, employees need to understand the bigger picture of how one process will have an impact on overall productivity.

USE CUSTOMERS TO DEVELOP YOUR INNOVATIONS

Getting your customers involved in the design of your product and service is also a good strategy.

As an alternative to formal market research, it is known as Customer Focused Innovation and is a lower-cost and highly effective marketing technique.

CFI better aligns client needs to your product or service and creates a two-way exchange of information.

The most common means of conducting CFI is the round-table discussion or focus group.

In this approach, the business gathers a number of clients or potential clients in a room to discuss exactly what the product or service might be and the problems it could solve.

Following this, you could do a follow-up discussion to prototype

product changes to be made.

GET EXTERNAL HELP

You can also consider getting external help to assess the viability of your ideas. Be sure you understand your objectives.

Assessing both the pros and cons will help you establish a clear strategy and objectives.

Look at areas such as: • Operational efficiency— waste reduction and management, productivity improvement analysis, quality management • Product research—new product modeling, competitive product studies, pricing • Business research—shortlong-range forecasts, business trends, profit/value analysis • Sales and market research— market potential, marketshare analysis, location studies, sales analysis, test markets, distribution channels, value vs. cost studies, sales incentive impact studies • Advertising research—local conditions, effectiveness studies, competitive advertising

DRAW UP CLEAR BUSINESS PLAN

You’ll need to convince investors or lenders to help you finance your venture.

Your business plan should include your mission, objectives, strategies, sales forecasts

Along with my initial weight loss 10 years ago, I lost another 25 lbs. in 2011 combining my love of fitness with clean eating and portion control. The results are here! I want to MOTIVATE and INSPIRE you to reach your Individual Fitness Goals!

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Deborah Stewart De CE, CPE, CLT

Elfi Eades RT, CLT

Owned and operated by Deborah Stewart, Custom Laser Hair Removal specializes exclusively in Cu pe permanent laser hair removal using LightSheer Diode XC and EC laser technology and electrolysis, providing the best possible ble results to both men and women of all ethnic backgrounds for permanent hair removal on virtually e tually any part of the body!

Deborah obtained her credentials as Certified Esthetician and Certified Professional Electrologist in 1990 and expanded her permanent hair removal credentials in 2004 when she obtained designation as Certified Laser Technician. She has been providing permanent laser hair removal in Kelowna since 2004 and in March 2008 opened Custom Laser Hair Removal, providing both male and female clients with successful, expert, professional treatments. Her extensive skin care background compliments and enhances the safety and efficacy of both laser hair removal and electrolysis treatments for unsurpassed results time and time again.

your product or service, confirm that you are on the right track or determine that there are still

and your Unique Selling Point or USP. Your USP determines why customers should buy from you instead of competi-

CAPITAL NEWS

tors.

It could be that yours is the best product or service in the market, the lowest priced or highest quality, the most innovative, or that you provide the best after-sales service, or any other factor that influences customer buying.

This also applies to improving your processes or areas such as operational efficiency.

Be sure your business plan includes a clear map of how your company will operate in the future.

Your lender has to have confidence that your innovation will lead to improved profits or productivity.

Be sure that you’ve clearly outlined how the initiative will be rolled out, with measurable targets and milestones.

These are essential in the process so that employees and investors involved can see any progress along the way.

Your innovation team leader can report how the project is evolving and convene any meetings necessary to adapt your plan.

It may take some time to see if your investment is paying off, but be sure you have a way to monitor project progress.

If you’re launching a new product or service, you may see a positive impact in your sales figures.

An improvement in a production process might be measured by your production output or customer satisfaction.

Remember that any innovation initiative should show measurable results, even if it’s qualitative such as improved employee satisfaction.

As a follow-up to your innovation project, you can conduct surveys or focus groups with all stakeholders involved.

Jane Fornwald

Realtor®

Making your real estate goals a reality!

An unsolicited testimonial in regard to Jane Fornwald, Realtor.

Colleague and fellow Certified Laser Technician Elfi Eades RT, has over 14 years experience in the laser hair removal industry with 23 years in the health care field. Combined with Deborah Stewart, the clinic brings attention to detail in a relaxed, friendly, confidential and warm atmosphere. The clinic offers custom requests to ensure that your needs are met to the highest standard.

Jane was courteous and professional at all times and maintained a close, reliable contact with us. She never gave the impression that we were intruding on her time. Due to Jane’s research and diligence in looking for a new home for us, we were able to acquire one within two days.

This made the whole house hunting scenario a more pleasant experience. Her follow up and after sales service was fantastic. No detail seemed too small for her to check out in regard to any concern we may have had, as well as her excellent handling of finding a broker, and dealing with the other realtors.

We would highly recommend Jane to anyone in the market for a realtor and or a new home.”

Deborah and Elfi aspire to continue to respond to increased demand for permanent hair removal for both men and women of all ethnic backgrounds.

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Spreading the merits of golf to others

CAPITAL NEWS

A Salute to Women in Business 2012

25

r

r

f

Kevin Parnell STAFF REPORTER

When she was a kid, Tara Roden’s parents used to drag her and her five siblings to the golf course, making two foursomes and hitting the links as a family.

It was something the whole family could do as they enjoyed the outdoors and the sport of golf together.

It’s unlikely that her parents knew that twould spark an interest in the game that would take Roden into a career in the golf world as a teacher.

But that’s what happened for Roden, who rhas now been teaching the game for more than 22 years.

“My dad just turned 80 and I look back and I’m so grateful to them that they introduced me to the game,” she said.

“The game teaches you so much. There is the etiquette and respect for others. It teaches you about life. It’s one of those sports that I feel blessed to have as a career.”

As a young amateur golfer Roden played plenty of competitive events from the junior Canadian championships to regional events like the B.C. women’s championships.

But soon she realized that competing wasn’t quite what she wanted out of the game.

“I wasn’t as competitive and wanting to win as much as I loved having fun and loved

CONTRIBUTED

TARA RODEN and her five siblings were introduced to the game of golf by their parents. Roden has since gone on to become a CPGA professional, and now runs her own business teaching the game to others, in particular women.

‘‘

the sport so I ended up wanting son,” she said. to share the sport with others,” “Even though I was workshe said. ing at Big Sky, I started my “I went into teaching golf own company and it evolved and it’s been really great. Golf from there. I learned early on THE GAME touches so many different lives that it is a business and I needed TEACHES YOU SO in so many different ways.” to take it seriously.”

MUCH. THERE IS After becoming a CPGA When Roden moved to KeTHE ETIQUETTE professional, Roden began lowna in 2000, her business working at Big Sky golf course was already established. She AND RESPECT in Pemberton. But it was only was an independent golf conFOR OTHERS. IT for five months each year, fortractor, offering her services to TEACHES YOU cing Roden to find other ways golf courses as a teacher.

ABOUT LIFE. to support herself.

The difference between “I thought I’m going to her and other teaching golf Tara Roden open up a women’s only golf pros was that she didn’t have to school and I put on golf schools work in a pro shop and could in Victoria before the season and after the seainstead focus on giving lessons.

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“I offered my services to many different golf facilities,” she said. “I had my women’s only golf schools and it would fill up with members. I just had a blast doing all these different schools.”

Roden worked at the Kelowna Family Golf driving range on Old Vernon Road and spent two years at Vintage Hills (Now Two Eagles) in West Kelowna, building up her teaching business and passing on successful techniques about the game of golf.

For the past five years, she has been based at Gallagher’s Canyon, continuing to operate her business as a contractor and teach the game to people.

Eight years ago, Roden began a women’s only golf league that plays competitive events around the Okanagan. As a teacher she gives lessons to both men and women, but as a woman, Roden feels she has a special connection with women golfers.

“Because there are so few women golf professionals there is an opportunity to share my knowledge with women,” she said.

“They really seem to be able to hear the things that I talk about. I’m open to teaching anyone but I do believe I have a niche market working with women in golf.”

Online you can find out more about Tara Roden at www.stargolf.ca. kparnell@kelownacapnews.com

Jann Harrison Licensed Realtor® Jan Harrison proves time and again that client relationships Jann are more important than transactions. Each year, Royal LePage Ca Canada awards Jann for her outstanding sales achievements an her business continues to thrive through repeat referrals. and W Working by referral is all about trust and she is grateful her clients he Here’s what some of them are saying: put their trust in her.

“We silently thank Jann every day. She sold our old home quickly & found us the perfect townhome which wasn’t even listed! ” ~ Warren & Anne “Jann proved herself to be a skilled negotiator when we bought our beautiful new home. It was a multiple offer situation & WE WON! “ ~ Tony & Laura “Thank you for taking such wonderful care of me. You made buying my first home so easy, understandable & fun! ” ~ Kristine Jann is extremely proud of her real estate accomplishments and still finds time to support her local community, including working as Volunteer Team Leader at the Kelowna Gospel Mission.

Call Jann Harrison at (250) 878-8554 – going that extra mile is what she does best!

#1-1890 Cooper Rd., Kelowna 250-878-8554

jannharrison@royallepage.ca www.JannHarrison.ca www.JannSoldIt.com

26

A Salute to Women in Business 2012

CAPITAL NEWS

Pulling together an effective website plan

Entrepreneurs often make the mistake of hiring a website developer before they’ve done their homework.

That’s the consensus of entrepreneur Stephen Joyce and consultant Jennifer Galley, who both have extensive experience in website development.

Joyce runs Sentias Software Corp., a Vancouver firm specializing in Internet applications for the tourism and retail sectors while Galley has helped numerous clients with e-marketing projects.

They both stress the importance of being well prepared before meeting with prospective website developers.

You should start the process by asking yourself some important questions. What do you intend to do with your website and why?

Do you want to generate sales leads, sell products online or handle bookings?

Do you expect to generate a measurable return on investment from your website?

What is your budget?

Look at other websites and decide what you like in terms of look and feel so that you have an idea of what you want.

Joyce also recommends developing a web plan. “It keeps you focused and serves as a blueprint for your project,” he says.

Your plan should lead you to ask a developer the following questions.

1. How much do you know about my business and the industry I’m in?

Familiarity with your business and industry makes a difference.

“If you are in the heavy manufacturing business and the developer has only worked for non-profits, for instance,” says Galley, “they may not be the right fit for you.”

2. Do you have the right technical, business and creative mix for my company?

Choose a developer you are comfortable with. Do you prefer a team that has been around for a long period of time and has a traditional approach, or a young team with more creative flair?

3. How many repeat or long-term clients do you have?

This can be an indication that the developer nurtures client relationships and follows up with maintenance and upgrades. “A lack of repeat business can be a sign

that something went wrong on previous projects,” Galley says. “Get referrals,” adds Joyce.

4. How many other projects are you currently working on?

A small shop with lots of work on the go might not be able to give you the attention you need to complete the project in a timely fashion. Make sure the firm you choose has the resources available to complete your site on time.

5. How will the project unfold?

Find out what the major milestones are and when you should expect them to be completed.

“These should include creative options, site structure and page layouts, and then a test run,” Galley says.

She and Joyce agree that six to eight weeks is a reasonable timeframe in which to produce a website.

6. What happens after completion of the website?

Joyce points out that maintaining and updating a website is crucial to its success.

“You wouldn’t leave the same display in a storefront all year long,” he says. “A website is no different. You need

Sign up with the B.C. Business Network B.C. Business Network offers extensive opportunities to British Columbia companies interested in building international trade and investment relationships.

The network membership enables B.C.’s international trade network to provide support to businesses across the province with timely business information and networking opportunities.

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You can also receive customized business intelligence specific to your industry and markets. Registration is free. Google B.C. Business Network to learn more information or check out the website www.britishcolumbia.ca/Buy/BCBusinessNetwork.

to keep the content fresh. This also helps with search engine optimization. You should plan for ongoing maintenance, adding new photos and keeping product information updated.”

Find out whether the developer will turn the site over to you so you can do the updating, or whether you will have to go through them.

Check to see whether the developer provides monthly reports regarding traffic to your website.

7. What is the payment structure, including ongoing and future costs?

Payment structures vary from developer to developer. If you meet with several, make sure you are aware of how each one works and where the money is going.

What percentage is being spent on programming? How much on creative work? And so on.

8. What options are included?

Much like buying a car,

Stepping Stones

‘‘

THERE ARE RULES FOR WRITING WEB COPY THAT DIFFER FROM PRINT COPY. Jennifer Galley

points out Galley, you can select the “fully loaded” website or the basic one.

If you can’t afford all the options, determine which are essential and which you can add later.

Maybe a shopping cart is essential, but you don’t need to add social networking feeds right away.

9. How much of the project will be outsourced?

How much is the developer doing and how much is being subcontracted?

“For example, find out who is hosting your website,” says Galley. “If it is being contracted out, make sure you have the passwords and ac-

cess codes.”

10. What are my responsibilities as a client?

The developer will most likely expect you to provide photos, logos and content.

“If you are selling a product online, you need photos,” says Joyce.

“The web is a visual medium and your photos need to be compelling.”

Clients also need to develop content, such as product descriptions and pricing.

“There are rules for writing web copy that differ from print copy,” explains Galley.

“It’s worthwhile hiring a writer with web expertise to help you.”

Stay in close touch with the developer. Assign a person within your organization to be the main contact.

“This should be someone who can make decisions or who is close to the decision-makers and can respond quickly,” Joyce notes.

“This will help to keep things moving.”

Jaime Briggs

Counselling Group

Stepping Stones Counselling Group is a dynamic group of specialized therapists. Our team is dedicated to nurturing creative wellness within the individual, family and community.

Jai aime has been an award-winning professional REALTOR® with w Coldwell Banker Horizon Realty since 2006.

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Jaimie knows that the real estate market is a busy and ever changing industry. As one of the top REALTORS® in her office, she works hard to keep up-to-date on the newest innovative technology and ongoing changes in the market place.

For the latest Real Estate advice, market statistics and property listings go to www.BriggsOnHomes.com. You can also follow BriggsOnHomes on Facebook

and Twitter.

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CAPITAL NEWS

A Salute to Women in Business 2012

Business education at OC is a good start for women

27

Kevin Parnell

is you have an applied education,” said Banham.

“It very much involves real business, coWith more women entering the work- operative work experience and, projects in the force and owning their own businesses than community.

“It gives you the theory as well as the apever before, the Okanagan College school of business now represents an equal split be- plication. It’s a great combination for suctween male and female students at its four cess.”

Some of that success was on display at regional campuses.

Heather Banham is the dean of the OC the recent Inter-Collegiate Business Comschool of business and has been working at petition, a prestigious event at Queen’s UniOkanagan College for about 20 years, start- versity in Kingston, Ont., where four of five ing as a part-time professor and working her teams from OC placed in the top three spots in their categories. way up to become head of the OC was just one of two school of business. colleges entered in the compeDuring that time, women tition but its students faired exhave made great strides in the tremely well against top unibusiness world, so it comes I THINK IT’S GREAT versities from across North as no surprise to Banham that WOMEN HAVE America. women continue to have suc“That was quite re-afcess in business.

COME THIS FAR firming for those of us in“With the number of BUT I DON’T THINK volved in the program to see women in the boardroom and IT SHOULD BE that the education they get here the number of women in high AT THE EXPENSE equips them well, when you level management positions compare it across the country,” there has definitely been an upOF THE MALE said Banham. ward swing,” said Banham.

STUDENTS. While women continue to “There are good opporHeather Banham make great strides in business, tunities for women. It’s about Banham says there is a startusing brainpower and analytical ling trend with male students that skills, which are not gender specific, so women are able to compete for pos- she feels society needs to be mindful of as we move forward. itions equally and will be equally rewarded.”

“I think women have made fabulous Okanagan College’s school of business offers six different programs of choice for its achievements but I also think there is another 1,800 students enrolled in the North, Central issue today and that is that we have to be careand South Okanagan campuses and its Shus- ful we don’t lose young males,” she said.

“There are a lot of them that have huge wap-Revelstoke campus.

Students will graduate with a Bachelor of potential but they end up dropping out or Business Administration degree, with a spe- are not encouraged to attend post secondary cialty in accounting, finance, human resour- school.

“I think it’s great women have come this ces, hospitality and tourism, marketing or far but I don’t think it should be at the expense management.

There is also an entrepreneurial course of the male students.”

To find out more about the Okanagan Colthat gives students looking to operate their lege school of business check out www.okaown business the necessary tools to survive.

Students also work hand in hand with the nagancollege.bc.ca and click on Programs. local business community.

“The value of getting your education here kparnell@kelownacapnews.com STAFF REPORTER

‘‘

“Men are allowed to have passion and commitment for their work…a woman is allowed that feeling for a man, but not her work.

—Barbra Streisand, entertainer

CONTRIBUTED

HEATHER BANHAM is the dean of the Okanagan College school of business program.

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250-718-0234 Sin 2008, The Uptown Rutland Business Association (URBA) has Since been be the driver of the Uptown Rutland Business Improvement Area.

Deborah Guthrie, has held the position of Executive Director for the De past pa four years and is the public voice of URBA. However, Deborah is only one of the 15 dedicated board members working together with the City oof Kelowna towards the vision of a revitalized Rutland Town Centre, ensuring Rutland neighbourhood neighbourhoods continue to have a vibrant, diverse and safe business community.

Much needed transit improvements starting in the Spring 2012, with the Shepherd Road extension, is the result of the URBA board, City of Kelowna, BC Transit and Ministry of Transportation working together to achieve the vision of the OCP for the Rutland Town Centre. URBA community events: The Scarecrow Festival, Car Show and Outdoor Movie Night and Christmas Light-Up continue to grow in quality and attendance. The monthly, Uptown After Hours is a wonderful networking opportunity where Rutland businesses come together to share their concerns and successes.

Deborah personifies the URBA tagline “Together We Grow” with her commitment to hard work, inclusivity and perseverance. For more information about URBA, Deborah can be reached by calling 250-470-8236 or visit www.uptownrutland.com.

250-451-9861 (office) 250-470-8236 (cell.)

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28

A Salute to Women in Business 2012

Family business continues to thrive

CAPITAL NEWS

LORI FINDLAY MEAD began working at her dad’s business, Findlay’s Vacuum and Sewing Machines, in 1990 and took over the business as her own six years later.

DOUG FARROW/CONTRIBUTOR

Bobbi-Sue Menard CONTRIBUTOR

Findlay’s Vacuum and Sewing Machines was launched in 1982, and Lori Findlay Mead went to work for her dad in the family business eight years later.

In 1996, she made the leap of taking over the business from her retiring father and make it her own.

It was the perfect business decision for Mead; the store has prospered as technology revolutionized the home sewing machine industry.

“You are learning each day in this job,” said Mead about her experience running a business.

The world of sewing machines is more diverse than the terminology might suggest at first glance.

Embroidery machines, sergers, quilting machines and long arm quilting machines each have a devoted following among home textile artists who practice their craft.

Technology has advanced to the point that machines can take a picture of a pattern, measure a different existing pattern on a piece of material and flawlessly intertwine the embroidery with the print.

Or run embroidery in multiple directions over more embroidery. Sergers can thread each of their multiple needles automatically as well.

The relative ease of creating complex re-

sults that were the realm of the seasoned professional only a few years ago has brought a whole new generation of sewers to Findlay’s, says Mead.

“Technology has grown by leaps and

Susan Kasper “A a long time Okanagan resident, my goal is “As to be your family’s financial advisor, for years to come.

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bounds and there is nothing you can’t do,” she said.

Mead has branched out into teaching as well. Findlay’s Vacuum and Sewing offers a diverse set of classes including a designer

jeans class and textile arts classes.

She says it’s all part of meeting the needs and desires of her customers.

“We have classes for what people want to do including sewing home décor and we offer custom classes too. There is a real interest in garment sewing,” explained Mead.

Findlay’s Vacuum and Sewing also has a carefully edited selection of cotton fabrics.

Denim, brushed cotton, pre-cuts and batiks line the walls of the store. It is an area Mead allows herself to be guided by what she loves.

“Everybody is going to be different, but I fabric choosing I choose things I love.”

It isn’t just about the sewing machines of almost every kind at Findlay’s Vacuum and Sewing.

There is a selection of quality vacuums that have features designed to last a lifetime, some models have belts made of Kevlar.

Retailing quality and working with customers have formed the basis of a solid long term business.

Mead spends much of her day with customers, helping them pick the perfect machine or find the right fabric for their next project.

But it isn’t all work and no play, she noted.

“I try to put a little bit of each aside to do something creative.” rbmenard@shaw.ca

Brenda L. Fischer Bre Brenda L Fischer, an Edward Jones Financial Advisor has over 25 ye of experience in the financial and insurance industries. years Br Brenda offers extensive knowledge and experience in the inves world of investment planning. Her objective is to act first and foremost in her clients best interest interest, by offering caring and competent advice to help clients reach their financial goals. At Edward Jones, Brenda can offer retirement planning, mutual funds, stocks and fixed income investments.

Brenda looks forward to meeting with you at your earliest convenience for your free portfolio review.

Please call or stop by anytime.

Member: Canadian Investor Protection Fund

Brenda L. Fischer, CFP Financial Advisor 2690 Pandosy Street, Kelowna, BC Tel: (250) 712-0508 • Fax: 1-877-635-8240 brenda.fischer@edwardjones.com

CAPITAL NEWS

A Salute to Women in Business 2012

Family successions: Managing the emotions You’re about to retire, and the ambitious daughter you hoped would be an ideal successor announces she wants out of the business.

Your brother jumps at the opportunity to run the company, but you don’t feel he’s got what it takes.

Resentment boils over, and family turmoil threatens to sink your firm.

This is a typical scenario

at many family-owned companies, according to Theodore Homa, senior partner, Business Development Bank of Canada international consulting services branch.

“Emotional issues can create a volatile dynamic in family businesses,” Homa said. “These entrepreneurs often have made personal sacrifices to keep their companies afloat, so it’s hard for them

to separate business and personal relationships.

“In the end, those emotions can get in the way of making decisions that are good for the business.”

Unresolved family issues, such as sibling rivalry, put a strain on business successions. According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, 33 per cent of family businesses survive

Frequently asked questions about starting a business What is a business plan?

A business plan is a written document demonstrating where a business is going, how it will get there and what it will look like once it arrives.

Why do I need a business plan?

A business plan can help you: • secure financing • save costs by predicting and solving problems ahead of time • plan your operations to ensure everything goes smoothly • create a budget and stick to it • And much more Do I need a copyright or patent for my product or service?

A copyright, if you qualify for one, demonstrates that you own the product and that you can choose to give, sell or lease the material.

If you wish to copyright literary, musical, dramatic or artistic works, or to patent an invention of some description, visit the Canadian Intellectual Property Office at the Canada Business Services for Entrepreneurs How do I get funding for start-up?

All entrepreneurs require some funding for start-up and operation. The usual sources of funding for start up costs are personal savings. Federal and provincial government agencies, financial institutions, friends, and relatives may also provide financial support.

Funders will want to see your business plan.

Do I need to register my business?

If you operate a business under a name other than your own, you must register with

the Registry of Joint Stocks. The registry charges a fee to determine if your proposed business name is available. If the name is available, you must register it by obtaining a certificate of registration for which there is an additional cost.

You must also renew the certificate of registration annually.

Registering your business name does not necessarily give you proprietary rights to the business name. If you want to be sure you own your business name, you must trademark it.

Is my home-based business covered under my home insurance?

Insurance helps you manage risk. Every business, including home-based businesses, needs business insurance.

Some household insurance policies may cover some home-based business insurance needs. Some of the common types of insurance that you might consider include vehicle insurance, product or service liability insurance, general liability, and/or business premises/contents insurance.

As a business owner, you should consider obtaining life insurance, disability insurance, critical illness insurance, partnership insurance, key person insurance business property and liability insurance.

It is best to speak with an insurance broker familiar with your type of business.

They will be able to tell you what insurance coverage you should have.

If you make changes to your insurance policy, be sure to get them in writing.

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Trish Power joined the team in 2011 and brings over 20 years of real estate experience to this high energy team. Trish loves leaving ‘no stone unturned’ in the hunt for the perfect home for buyers.

Holli Fick their fabulous office manager ensures that no details get overlooked and keeps everything running smoothly – the girls would be lost without her!

If you are considering making a move, please contact the Stone Sisters Group. They’d love to meet with you.

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in the first generation and only 15 per cent survive the second.

Homa provides these pointers to help business owners proactively manage emotional issues in family successions: • Give yourself a lot of lead time to plan and execute —realistically at least two years. Family business transitions take much longer than one realizes.

• Formalize your family succession plan to avoid disagreements down the road.

Maintain an open dialogue with family members about your plans and get them involved. Keeping them out of the loop can simply sow family discord.

• Create trust in your decisions, especially when it comes to the transfer of leader-

ship. When you choose who will take over the helm, communicate a clear action plan to family members and employees. Reassure them that you have the mentoring and training in place to develop your successor in all aspects of the business.

• Define roles and responsibilities and even put them in writing. For instance, a family member might be a stakeholder in the business, but that doesn’t mean that he or she automatically has the right to be involved in daily operations. By clarifying these roles, especially in areas such as what is the purview of management in running the business on a daily basis versus what is required for governance of the business, you can avoid unnecessary misunderstandings.

• To address potential conflicts in the hiring of relatives, be sure you have clearly defined job profiles that outline exactly what you need in terms of experience, skills and education. After all, you don’t want to feel obliged to hire family members to do a job if you believe they are illequipped. At the same time, you don’t want to pressure family members to accept jobs that they aren’t suited to or interested in.

Seek external advice to resolve issues objectively. Experienced consultants can give you a third-party perspective that is invaluable. You can also turn to an advisory board, or even a formal board of directors, to provide a neutral point of view and help you through the various steps of the transition.

Dare to Dream Pictured left to right: Ellen Deschamps, Jenn Molzahn, Angie Szerepi, Linda Szerepi The idea of Dare to Dream is doing something we love while helping others improve their lives by supplying a variety of products and services especially for them.

We carry New Age and self-help books, CDs, DVDs, jewellery, crystals and much more.

Ellen is a Psychic Medium and Jenn does Intuitive Angel Card readings. Angie offers Reiki healing, Massage and Reflexology. Linda started Dare to Dream 15 years ago. She will be doing Aura/Chakra analysis with the Biopulsar-Reflexograph system.

O DREA T E R M A D Body, Mind & Spirit Centre

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Dawn Thiessen Dawn is a fully qualified, provincially licensed aesthetician with over 20 years of experience in the beauty industry.

Dawn achieved her diplomas in make-up artistry, aesthetics, body treatments and gel nail enhancements from the prestigious Tigress Nails School of Aesthetics. In 1998, Dawn was honoured to teach at the well known Okanagan School of Hair Design and during this period participated in the career program for youth as a conference presenter. As a respected representative of the aesthetics industry she was invited to sit on the panel for the Central Okanagan Career Program.

She is now conducting seminars in her own spa as well as continuing her studies to complete the provincial instructors diploma program.

When interviewed Dawn said, “We want to provide clients with a luxury spa experience in a comfortable, relaxed and friendly environment.”

Let us bring out the goddess in you!

Tamara, Shannon & Trish 250.862.7675

29

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30

A Salute to Women in Business 2012

CAPITAL NEWS

Mobilize your online strategy in the fast lane The CDC says Guardian Mobility’s website presence update offers lessons for others to follow

Guardian Mobility’s website used to be confusing and wordy. Visitors had a hard time finding information on products and were getting lost as they navigated through the site.

But a smart redesign launched in August 2010 has already paid off more than imagined for the quickly growing Ottawa-based maker of tracking, communication and data management solutions for aviation operators around the world.

Web traffic ballooned by 40 per cent—far more than the forecast 20 per cent.

The site redesign was critical for Guardian Mobility because so many of its prospective customers are outside Canada and get their first impressions about the company online.

“Our website is our storefront,” Guardian Mobility president Howard Pearl said.

“We thought it was important to have an image that is polished and fresh.”

Today, a website is a vital tool for many small and medium-sized businesses, especially in finding and serving customers.

But a surprisingly large number of companies still don’t have a site, and many of those that are online suffer from poorly designed sites.

To get on the right track, the first step is to create an online strategy that supports your business goals.

“Ask yourself what your site’s purpose is,” says Busi-

ness Development Bank of Canada senior consulting manager André Goyette.

“Are you trying to sell to customers? Are you there to service them? Are you trying to generate new sales leads?

All of the above?”

“The answer will lead you down different paths, depending on what kind of business you have and what your goal is.”

In Guardian Mobility’s case, online sales aren’t a priority because its products have

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a long sales cycle.

Instead, the company needs a website that gives information on its products, generates leads for the sales force and provides customer service.

Here’s how Guardian Mobility hit website gold: 1. Clean, scroll-free navigation.

Guardian’s old site was text-heavy and required a lot of scrolling to find information.

The updated version is

clean, easy to navigate and has virtually no pages that require scrolling.

It was designed so visitors never need to click more than three times to find the information they want.

“The idea is to get the maximum amount of information without having to scroll,” Pearl said.

“The old site had no overall plan for the layout and no clear linking structure. The See Strategy P33

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CAPITAL NEWS

A Salute to Women in Business 2012

Since 1994, Three Wishes Clothing Boutique in Penticton has offered high quality, beautiful and varied fashions and accessories to discerning women throughout the South Okanagan and beyond. An everchanging apparel collection follows trends gleaned from trade shows in Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto, Las Vegas and New York.

“Style is never static and there are always

31

new trends out there, that will be attractive coats, jackets, dresses and more. to my customers,” notes Pat Currie, owner of Great events occur throughout the year…

Three Wishes for the past 18 years. trunk shows, visits by jewelry designers such Customers will appreciate the full range of as Susan Rind, the semi-annual “Silly Sale” fashions offered at Three Wishes. Everything and more. Special orders are available, as is available, from casual to career and special well as custom, one-of-a-kind purchases. occasions. Friendly, experienced staff offer to Three Wishes is a vibrant, happening assist customers with their every wardrobe destination boutique, appealing to women need, from jewelry to shoes, designer jeans, of all ages and stages.

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Pat Currie Pat’s background in Business Administration together with a love of people and fashion has uniquely positioned her to build Three Wishes into the complete fashion destination it is today.

Pat looks at the future of women’s wear as an opportunity for self-expression and selfconfidence regardless of place or time. “Our product mix is always changing to reflect new ideas and trends. I want a woman to know that she can live a casual life here in the Okanagan but not feel out of place in London or New York.”

Pat is passionate about keeping up with fashion, jewelry and footwear trends, and about promoting self-respect and style in women’s apparel choices.

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32

A Salute to Women in Business 2012

CAPITAL NEWS

THERE ARE MANY REASONS WHY QUAILS’ GATE MAKES GREAT WINE

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CAPITAL NEWS

A Salute to Women in Business 2012

Growing an online presence Strategy from P30

feedback we get about the new site is that it’s simple to use. It’s laid out so people can move through the solutions in an organized manner.”

2. On-target with business strategy.

Guardian Mobility also wanted its site to reflect a major change in its business strategy last year.

It had decided to focus exclusively on aviation customers as opposed to a broad range of transport industries.

Its online strategy needed to support this new orientation.

The solution was to prom-

‘‘

NOT EVERYONE IS ON TWITTER, BUT EVERYBODY USES A PHONE. Bruce Pearl, president, Guardian Mobility

inently feature exciting images of soaring planes and helicopters in contrast to the old site’s photos of communication and tracking gear—with no sense of which industry it was for.

3. Call to action.

Angela Mclean-O’Heir, CFP, FMA, RRC Regional Manager AMOHeir@prospera.ca

In line with the goal of generating sales leads, each page on the new site has what Pearl calls a “call to action”—a large box inviting visitors to email the company.

As well, the company’s contact information is clearly indicated on the bottom of each page.

“Not everyone is on Twitter, but everybody uses a phone,” Pearl says.

4. Ready to grow.

In order to support the company’s growth plans, the site is also structured to make it easy to add new products.

No need to redo the entire site yet again.

Angela has lived, worked and played in Kelowna for over 40 years and is an active member of the Kelowna Sunrise Rotary. An avid softball player who is passionate about community, during the past three years she has helped to raise more than $90,000 for the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation through Bats for a Cause, the annual slo-pitch fundraising tournament she co-founded.

Paula Woodroff Assistant Branch Manager pwoodroff@prospera.ca With ten years as a senior estimator in the construction industry and 15 years in financial services, Paula draws on her extensive knowledge and experience to ensure that her team delivers the best service and expertise for Prospera’s members. An active volunteer and dedicated parent, she can often be found on the side of a soccer pitch, in a hockey rink or at the dance studio cheering on her kids.

Stacey Bengert

Patricia Chandler

Okan Okanagan Staffing Services Inc. has been in business for 17 years helping Okanagan businesses grow, by recruiting the best employees possible. When you have the right employees in empl place within any business, it is destined to thrive. We specialize in recruiting temporary and/or permanent personnel in a wide rec spectrum of skill categories. From accounting and administrative personnel, to sales and management to IT and En Engineering, we pride ourselves in successfully recruiting difficult We diffi l to fill vacancies. i W also l offer on-line employee skill evaluations to employers, and we’re ideally suited to provide outplacement services to employees who have been downsized.

Assistant Branch Manager pchandler@prospera.ca Originally from Toronto, Patricia moved to BC with her husband and son in 2007 to fulfill a life-long dream of living in the West and joined Prospera in 2009. Building on her passion for leadership and mentoring, she is excited to be part of the team presenting Road Map to Financial Success seminars in cooperation with SIFE aimed at helping students learn to pay down their loans and credit cards, invest properly and stay debt free. She enjoys snow shoeing, travel and cooking.

When I started my career in recruitment 15 years ago I knew it was the perfect match.

I love working with my clients assisting them with finding great staff and nothing is more rewarding than helping someone find a job!

Jill Diemer

Stop by and visit – we’re located at 1476 St. Paul Street, Kelowna.

Investment Specialist jdiemer@prospera.ca

250-717-0506 stacey@okanaganstaffing.com www.okanaganstaffing.com

With Prospera for seven years and in the investment industry for nine, Jill is currently working towards her CFP® designation and although she has lived elsewhere, always returns to the Okanagan for the great quality of life it offers. A love for exploration and helping others fuel her many interests which include hiking, travel and supporting charities like the Canadian Cancer Society and United Way.

Find stuff, buy stuff: bcclassifieds.com

Joanne Rogers Investment Specialist jrogers@prospera.ca

Wendy McLeod

Recently relocated to the Okanagan, Joanne specializes in building long-term relationships with Prospera’s members and with the CSC and PFP exams under her belt is working towards her CFP® designation. Excited to explore everything that Kelowna has to offer, she has been amazed to find all the amenities of a major city together with the warmth and charm of a smaller community.

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Wendy McLeod has been the Director and Owner of SureSlim Wellness and Weight Loss Clinic in Kelowna since March 2008. Wendy had moved from Calgary where she had her own Wellness Business for fourteen years. She is a nutritionist and has specialized mainly in weight loss clients. The Kelowna SureSlim also offers Yoga Classes and Power Plate Vibrational Therapy which are both a wonderful addition to any weight loss and wellness program.

Come in for a free Information Session and learn the facts about nutrition, metabolism and hormone regulation to help change your life forever. SureSlim is based on a comprehensive blood test, and using normal grocery store food. Individualized eating plans are created to achieve dramatic and safe weight loss.

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Prospera Credit Union makes a meaningful difference in the well-being of our members and our communities.

Building on more than 65 years of history, Prospera Credit Union is now the fourth largest credit union in British Columbia. From Vancouver to Kelowna, more than 63,000 members benefit from expert advice and personalized service offered through 16 branches, six commercial centres and a contact centre. Prospera’s extensive community investment program is devoted to recognizing community-based organizations, events and the volunteers who make a difference in the communities we serve.

1.888.440.4480 prospera.ca

33

34

A Salute to Women in Business 2012

A no nonsense marketing plan Doing business without a marketing plan is like driving without a map—you may get to your destination but you risk making time-consuming and costly errors along the way.

You might be assuming there’s demand for your product when there isn’t, for example.

Your services might be priced too low. Or you could be venturing into a market that is impenetrable because of regulatory restrictions.

CONFIDENT MARKETING PLAN

The only way to start a business venture with confidence is to develop a good marketing plan—one that’s backed up with facts and research.

This document clearly shows how you’ll attract customers to your product or service and persuade them to buy.

The marketing plan also builds confidence with financial institutions, showing lenders that your business has a good chance of being successful.

Contrary to popular belief, a marketing plan is not a one-time effort destined to sit in a binder on your desk.

On the contrary, it should be updated on a regular basis to reflect the changing needs of your business and customers.

There are many different models for marketing plans.

Here are seven essential ingredients.

1. DO A SITUATION ANALYSIS

Many companies start with a SWOT analysis, looking at their firm’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

This involves identifying your competitors, understanding exactly how they operate and becoming familiar with their strengths and weaknesses.

Strengths are any competitive advantage, skill, expertise, proficiency, talent or other factor that improves your company’s position in the marketplace and can’t be easily copied.

Weaknesses are the factors that reduce your company’s ability to achieve its objectives independently.

Examples include unreliable delivery, outdated production tools, insufficient marketing efforts and a lack of planning.

Opportunities are ways for your business to grow and be more profitable. These can include seeking new markets, managing technological change or addressing new consumer trends. You need to look at how your company’s main skills can be used to take advantage of these opportunities.

2. PROFILE TARGET MARKET

Here you want to demonstrate that you know your customers inside and out, including their expectations and their whims.

Your profile should include basic demographic portraits that paint a clear portrait of your clients. Look at characteristics such as age, sex, profession or career, income level, level of educational attainment and geographic location.

3. ESTIMATED DEMAND

You’ll want to provide re-

search that shows the estimated demand for your product or service as well as the rate at which that demand is expected to grow.

This builds confidence within financial institutions that your business has growth potential.

4. PURCHASE MOTIVATION

It’s also important to understand exactly what motivates customers to buy. Are your clients looking for savings or a way to simplify their lives, for example, or are they just shopping for pleasure?

Ask yourself why they would buy your product or service. In the same vein, you may want to know what keeps customers away from your competitors’ products or services. Are they too costly? Do they lack something unique?

These insights will help you develop a product or service that outshines the competition.

5. SET CLEAR OBJECTIVES

Here you describe the desired outcome of your marketing plan with attainable and realistic objectives, targets and a clear time frame.

The most common approach is to use marketing metrics.

For example, your market objectives could look at total market share and segments, the total number of customers and percentage retained, the proportion of your potential market that makes purchases and the size or volume of those purchases.

6. DETERMINE YOUR STRATEGY

Once you’ve determined your objectives and targets, it’s time to look at how you’ll promote your business to prospective customers.

Strategies typically cover the Four Ps of marketing—

Glenda A. Peacock Glenda is a lawyer with the firm Smith Peacock.

G She Sh obtained her Bachelor of Commerce Degree at the University of Calgary and her Law Degree at UBC. Glenda has been practicin practicing law for over 20 years in Kelowna. She specializes in the area of civil litigation, with an emphasis on family and estate litigation matters. Glenda is certified as a Family Law Mediator and is also a member of the Okanagan Collaborative Family Law Group.

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product, price, place and promotion.

Your choice of marketing vehicles will be governed by the profile of your target market, so you need to understand how different vehicles reach different audiences.

Don’t always assume you have to spend money on costly advertising.

If you have a niche audience, for example, you can take advantage of low-cost marketing strategies such as email.

The costliest options are usually advertising, sales promotions and public relations campaigns.

Referrals and networking are lower-cost ways to reach customers, and e-marketing is a powerful strategy because it is inexpensive and effective in reaching target markets.

7. DO YOUR FINANCIALS

A marketing plan without financials has little clout. Financials can also be included in a general business plan.

One document you’ll need to produce is a budget and sales forecast.

This needn’t be complex; in fact, it’s wise to keep it simple. It may help to start with the following questions: • How much do you project that you will sell?

• What will you be charging?

• What will it cost to produce your products or deliver services?

• What will be your basic operating expenses? Be sure to include recruitment costs and salaries.

• How much financing will you need to run your business?

• A break-even analysis is another important step in developing your marketing plan.

This analysis shows exactly how much you need to sell to cover your costs.

CAPITAL NEWS

Going green will pay big dividends

Canadians have come a long way over the last decade when it comes to awareness about environmental issues and the importance of sustainable practices. And entrepreneurs are no exception.

An increasing number of business owners are committing themselves and their companies to improved environmental performance.

This is good news for the planet and the bottom line, says Ian MacFadden, vice-president of BDC Financing and Consulting.

“A proactive approach to sustainability can pay dividends in reduced waste, higher efficiency and increased customer engagement without requiring large capital outlays,” MacFadden says.

A 2007 survey by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business identified the most important environmental issues for entrepreneurs. At the top of the list were recycling (59.8%), energy conservation (56.1%) and clean water and sewage (50.8%). Note that the top two, at least, involve process changes that don’t necessarily require large capital expenditures.

The study also found a near consensus on the idea that it’s possible to grow the economy and protect the environment at the same time. And entrepreneurs indicated that they are motivated to protect the environment both as a reflection of their personal views and as a potential source of cost savings.

MacFadden says there are at least three practical reasons for undertaking an environmental review of your business and then taking action to improve your performance.

1. The trend toward resource conservation and sustainable development is here to stay. It has grown over the past 50 years and will advance even faster over the next 50.

2. Businesses that supply large corporations are increasingly being required to improve their environmental performance.

For example, Walmart, the world’s largest company, now obliges its suppliers to quantify and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Companies looking for business opportunities in supply chains would be wise to act now on improvements. One important way to achieve the goal is to implement an ISO 14000 Environmental Management System (EMS).

3. Consumers are leading the environmental awareness trend and will increasingly “vote with their wallets.” Products and services that are eco-friendly are already in higher demand, and overall corporate environmental responsibility is a key consideration for consumers. In fact, a 2009 report by the Conference Board of Canada predicted that a green marketing strategy will be the most important source of competitive advantage for companies in the future.

However, the conference bBoard report also warns that green strategies must be backed by real action. Otherwise companies leave themselves open to accusations of “greenwashing.”

“It’s never too late to get started on greening your business,” MacFadden says. “For all of us, becoming more environmentally sensitive is a work in progress. You don’t have to be perfect; but you do have to do more than just talk about it.”

Barbara van Steenoven “If you ask me why I choose to work in real estate, I will tell you every time that it is because I love the people! From the first time home buyers to the empty nesters looking to downsize, the purchase of a new home is one of the most important decisions most individuals make in their lifetime and imp I dedicate my efforts towards ensuring that the experience is a great one.

With over 24 years experience in direct sales and marketing, I know the critical importance of providing my clients with exemplary customer service! I have always prided myself in building business through referrals so your satisfaction in a job well done is vital to me.

I look forward to helping you or your friends and family make a smooth and enjoyable transition into your next home.”

250-801-9500 Cellular 250-768-2161 Office barbv@royallepage.ca

CAPITAL NEWS

Buying existing business pays positive dividends

A Salute to Women in Business 2012

35

Kevin Parnell

“I looked at what it would look like to start my own company versus purchasing an already existing business. I think it’s easier to do it the way I did it.

After more than 20 years of working for “It was already an established business someone else, Debbie Dupasquier took the that had a good reputation and a professional leap last year, purchasing her own business, staff and was doing really well.” becoming her own boss and the leader of a Working with Dupasquier are eight tour business with nine employees. operators who utilize her 11- and 14-passenLast June, Dupasquier purchased Disger van and 24-passenger bus on tours that tinctly Kelowna Tours, a custom tour business that had already been in operation since range from wine tours to visits with local artisans and stops at tourist des2003, offering tours of all tinations. varieties.

One valuable thing she has And now approachlearned is to lean on the expering her first anniversary as a tise of the people around her, inbusiness owner, Dupasquier stead of trying to do everything couldn’t be happier with the I LOOKED AT herself. change.

WHAT IT WOULD “In business there are a lot “I’m really enjoy the LOOK LIKE TO of different things you need to freedom to be able to run know,” she said. with my own ideas and try START MY OWN “You can’t possibly know new things and make chanCOMPANY VERSUS them all so it’s important to ges,” said Dupasquier, 45, PURCHASING AN delegate and hire people to help from her office, located in ALREADY EXISTING you with those things rather than the Delta Grand Hotel. trying to figure things out on “I’m looking forward to BUSINESS. I THINK your own. I’ve hired people to making more changes as the IT’S EASIER TO DO work with me so I can focus on business becomes more of THE WAY I DID IT. developing our tours.” my own.

Debbie Dupasquier Developing new and unique “I’m enjoying it for sure. tours has been Dupasquier’s I don’t regret the decision focus this winter, a slow time for and I don’t feel like I have her business. made a mistake or want to She provides what she calls custom go back to what I was doing previously.” tours, giving clients what they want and Dupasquier moved to the Okanagan 10 tailoring a half-day, or full day tour to their years ago from Winnipeg, where she had interests. worked as a social worker.

“We’re able to make an itinerary for our In Kelowna, she began working with guests that fits them,” she said.

West Kelowna Fire Rescue as a public edu“It’s not just wineries. We can arrange cator, talking to groups from preschool to float plane tours, cruises on the lake, culinary seniors about fire hazards and safety.

But she knew she always wanted to work experiences. Whatever fits our clients.”

You can find Duspaquier’s business onfor herself and when the right opportunity line at www.distinctlykelownatours.ca. came along, she was ready.

“I really did a lot of research before I made the decision (to buy Distinctly Kelowkparnell@kelownacapnews.com na Tours),” she said.

STAFF REPORTER

‘‘

“ We don’t accomplish anything in this world alone … and whatever happens is the result of the whole tapestry of one’s life and all the weavings of individual threads forming into one.”

—Sandra Day O’Connor, retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice

LLoredana Eisenhauer Sherri Anderson New Location ….

Same Great Service We have over 35 years combinedd experience and both continually upgrade de our professional development in accounting and tax matters. Our firm prepares and advises our clients in the areas of personal, corporate and trust returns as well as financial issues that arise in these areas. We also prepare and assist clients with full cycle bookkeeping, payroll and all government remittance requirements.

We work closely with owner managed businesses and enjoy helping our clients with any questions and/or concerns they may have. We will always strive to arrive at a quick resolution.

Loredana moved to the Okanagan over 4 years ago and Sherri is a 5th generation resident of Kelowna.

We look forward to helping our prior as well as any new clients with their tax and financial matters.

All the best to everyone in 2012!

Loredana Eisenhauer Inc. Chartered Accountant

#245 -1855 Kirschner Rd. Kelowna, BC V1Y 4N7 250-860-8530

DOUG FARROW/CONTRIBUTOR

DEBBIE DUPASQUIER has no regrets about leaving her job as a fire safety public educator with West Kelowna fire department to take over her own business.

Carmelita Obradovic With over 30 years of sales and real estate experience, Carmelita has the expertise to benefit her clients whatever the market conditions.

Carmelita is a very well respected and a successful real estate agent iin the Okanagan Valley. Her hard work, determination, and commitment, along with her degree in Commerce, are the keys to her success.

Carmelita maintains her position among the Top Producers in B.C. and the Okanagan Valley.

She appreciates her family, friends and her clients for contributing and sharing in her success.

Carmelita takes great pride in her career, continuing to deliver positive, honest and professional service not only to all her clients, but also her family and friends.

Your referrals, trust and continued support are very much appreciated.

Thinking of selling? Buying? Want quick results? Call Carmelita...

Experience... Confidentiality... and SUCCESS.

212-1980 Cooper Road Cell 250-215-8217 www.carmelita.ca carmelitaobr@shaw.ca

Shelly Sapieha I aam proud to be the local owner and operator of Good Earth Coff Co eehouse & Bakery; an environmentally conscious café that opened in July, 2008. Good Earth is a preferred destination for op people meeting friends or business colleagues. Whether you are pe looking for exceptional coffees, hand-crafted lattes, cappuccinos, loo mochas, frappes, or smoothies…fresh baked scones, muffins or sweet rolls…homemade smoo soups, sandwiches, d i h salads, l d casseroles, or stews…sweet treats such as cookies, cakes, loaves or squares…you won’t be disappointed.

Our food is made fresh on premises in our kitchen everyday. This allows us to completely control and guarantee the highest standards of quality and freshness. We use whole foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, real eggs and fresh dairy. This means our food is alive with flavor and nutritional value.

Our coffees are chosen with great care and are Organic, Rain Forest Alliance Certified, or Shade Grown. We establish direct trade with farmers to help improve communities where coffee is grown. Our coffee is then carefully roasted…slowly in small batches to bring out the very best in every bean. So you will experience the unique taste and aroma that comes from each farmer’s commitment to their coffee.

Visit Good Earth online at www.goodearthcafes.com to find out more.

102-2949 Pandosy St 250-448-7768

36

A Salute to Women in Business 2012

CAPITAL NEWS

Real estate market still offers opportunity Bobbi-Sue Menard CONTRIBUTOR

Diane Moore has been in the real estate business for 40 years—and half of that time has been selling houses in Kelowna.

Moore has seen every facet of the industry, including the peaks and valleys of markets, while managing a brokerage, as an agent and as

a homeowner.

The real estate industry has seen rapid and far reaching change with the impact of technology and the rise in home prices.

Moore remains committed to the industry, explaining how there are a few things that will always be the same.

“You have to provide good service,” stressed Moore.

Good service means sev-

New anti-spam law to help control information ow Spam and other electronic threats are a real concern to individual Canadians and businesses.

They can range from the annoyance of unwanted commercial messages cluttering inboxes to harm caused by malicious actions including the theft of personal data (identity theft), being deceived by false or misleading representations, fraud involving spoof emails and websites (phishing), and the collection of personal information through illicit access to computer systems (spyware).

The federal government’s new anti-spam law was passed in December 2011. When it comes into force it will: • promote greater respect for consumers by requiring companies to gain their consent in order to send commercial electronic messages; and • help protect consumers and businesses alike by deterring the most damaging and deceptive forms of spam from occurring in Canada, creating a more secure online environment.

The idea is to grow and strengthen electronic commerce in Canada and help Canadian shoppers feel just as confident in the electronic marketplace as they do at the corner store.

Three federal agencies will be involved in enforcing Canada’s new anti-spam law: the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission; the Competition Bureau; and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada. more information about the new anti-spam law, as well as tips for protecting yourself, visit www.fightspam.gc.ca.

eral things to Moore as she deals with people from countless walks of life.

Moore lived in northeastern B.C. prior to moving to Kelowna. It was her experiences there—at a time when realtors handled homes, businesses and other properties for sale—that helped her understand that clients’ needs had to be met.

Moore has sold farms, ranches, hunting and fishing lodges, hotels and motels, developmental land and almost every conceivable type of residential real estate.

“I try to have empathy for the client,” said Moore.

“I try to understand the people I work with and where they are coming from.”

Moore says service

‘‘

I TRY TO UNDERSTAND THE PEOPLE I WORK WITH AND WHERE THEY ARE COMING FROM. Diane Moore

doesn’t happen without strong work ethic.

She grew up on a Saskatchewan farm with parents who knew the meaning of hard work, the value of a dollar and as Moore terms it, “good old common sense.”

Many of Moore’s clients have relied on that common sense extensively.

Her first major industrial property sale happened when the owner hired her because she was a woman, at a time when there were few women in the industry. “(The client) told me his mother was one of the first women realtors in Canada and he saw just how persistent and smart she was and he would never discriminate because I was a woman,” Moore recalled Experience is invaluable in the real estate market, added Moore, as she specializes in lifestyle and investment real estate.

“You need a lot of knowledge and understanding to be able to communicate with the buyers of the property you’re marketing.

“There is a lot of information at everyone’s fingertips today and good agents protect their clients from the unknown and help their clients make educated decisions.”

Moore has lived through many up and down swings in the local real estate market, from the boom periods at times during the last two decades only to be followed by the market rescinding into a recession slowdown, as has been the case in the Central Okanagan over the last 18 months.

But Moore is confident that despite the current slowdown in housing sales, the local real estate market remains opent to opportunity for those willing to make hard-earned money.

Clarifying the hiring process

Dawn McCooey CONTRIBUTOR

In business, when it comes to the proper fit, nowhere is it more important than in recruitment of new staff. Your hiring strategy is key to your company’s future growth.

There is no better way to retain employees than to ensure their personal and work values fit in with the culture of your company. Consider these five steps for developing a successful hiring process.

1. Start with the job description. Ensure that the job description is current and accurately reflects the requirements, skills, and knowledge required to complete the job at the highest possible level.

2. Prepare questions. Once you’re ready to interview, be sure that you ask questions directly relevant to the tasks of the job. A good practice is to include behavioural questions.

In other words, do not ask “what if” questions, instead ask “tell me a time when you…” type questions.

3. Watch out for hiring “traps.” Hiring traps include situ-

In Kelowna South Pandosy WORLD HAIR EXPERIENCE at your door … Paris World Hair … Color Zoom Miami World Hair

ations where a manager hires someone to replace an exiting employee. The trap is the propensity to hire the “opposite” of the skill set from the last position. For example, if your exiting staff had difficulty writing reports—you want to be certain that this new employee can write reports—only to discover that the interview is far too heavily weighted on this one task.

4. Know the culture of your company. There is no better way to increase employee turnover than to have the wrong fit for your corporate culture. And conversely, there is no better way to retain employees than to ensure their personal and work values fit in with the culture of your company.

5. Be courageous in your hiring. Hire people who are smarter than you—people who have more experience, better connections and more expertise. This takes courage for a manager/owner to implement.

So, if the employee fits the culture of your company or organization, you’re off to a fabulous start in your business.

Dawn McCooey is a business advisor with Women’s Enterprise Centre in Victoria.

Noemi (Amy) Nevery Lorie Morris No Noemi Nevery, known to most people as Amy - from Amy’s Gifts, is celebrating her 30th Anniversary in business. Amy spent 20 years as a ce mainstay in the Capri Centre Mall and now is celebrating her 10th year m in the Towne Centre Mall, located downtown on Bernard Avenue.

Owner / Master Stylist Canadian Judge For a personal appointment call

A few months ago, Amy moved her shop to a bigger brighter space and is thrilled with her new location. Amy A is an incredible lady with great energy.... people come from all over just to chat with her because she is such an interesting an amazing individual. Of course, her giftware draws people from far and wide too. She carries a great selection of Bradford Exchange gifts and is the official Bradford Exchange dealer in Kelowna. All the Bradford group brands are available at Amy’s Gifts, including Hamilton Mint, Ashton-Drake Dolls, Bradford Editions and ArdieighElliott Musicals. She also carries beautiful amber from Poland, bohemian crystals from Czechoslovakia, heritage lace from Europe and the US. Then there is her amazing jewellery selection from Las Vegas, LA and New York. If you are looking for Thomas Kinkade music boxes or figurines or Disney collection items, the store is chock full of these along with a great selection of Canadian souvenirs.

AT VIVID HAIR STUDIO color prevails throughout the year.

Amy is thrilled to have friend and employee Lorie Morris helping her out in the store. Both ladies are dynamos! If you are looking for a rare and unique gift idea.... give the ladies a call or better yet.... stop in and shop the treasures for yourself.

SHERRY BARTON

(250) 215-8227

Your business is appreciated by … our city style team.

ERIN BARRETT Independent Senior Stylist For a personal appointment call

(250) 718-1467

DANA LUCAS 10 Year Stylist and Color Specialist For a personal appointment call

(250) 868-8337

Towne Centre Mall #15-565 Bernard Avenue 250-712-9442

Your best source of online community news—the Capital News at www.kelownacapnews.com

CAPITAL NEWS

How to avoid cold calling to generate sales “Provide valuable information. Help the client sort out a problem.

Become a trusted advisor. That’s the way to make sales.”

—Andre Goyette When André Goyette started his first sales job three decades ago, he was given a desk, a telephone and a telephone book and told to start calling people.

“That was the old-fashioned way,” Goyette says. “Hit the road, Jack. Go sell!”

What Goyette was doing all those years ago is known as cold calling, the unrefined art of slogging through a list of names either over the telephone or in person in hopes of hitting on someone who might be interested in your offerings.

Cold calling has been around for so long that it’s become “entrenched in the minds of sales managers” as a productive tactic, says Goyette, a senior manager at BDC Consulting.

However, a growing number of experts consider cold calling a time waster that needs to be laid to rest in favour of more successful sales techniques.

These days, sales shouldn’t be about aggressively pushing a product or service on a reluctant consumer, says Goyette, who has 30 years experience in sales and marketing. Instead, sales should be about helping customers solve their problems.

First, you need to find people who need what you’re offering. In the language of the sales business you’re looking for qualified or “warm” leads.

That means professionals should be working on creative marketing initiatives instead of using their precious sales time on cold calls.

“If I was looking to buy insurance, I would look on the Internet for whatever interests me,” Goyette says.

“Even if you called me selling insurance, the answer would be No right off the bat, because you’re interrupting me, wasting my time.”

The success rate of cold calls is low, especially in an age of voice mail and caller identification.

Do-not-call lists have made things even more difficult by shrinking the pool of potential customers.

Worst of all, it kills what Goyette refers to as one’s “marketing currency” by annoying prospects with an unwelcome intrusion during a busy work day or at dinner time at home.

“When you call someone and try to sell them on something, you’re in a very different position than when someone is calling you to ask you for information. That’s a warm call.”

Here are some low-cost alternatives to cold calling for finding warm prospects: • Develop a strong website; • Make online offers that attract leads (coupons, deals, contests); • Produce online content that positions you as an expert in your field (blog, newsletter, podcast); • Explore marketing through social media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn); • Improve your networking techniques and attend more events; • Seek out opportunities to appear in the media as an expert; • Attend trade shows.

“You want some form of creative marketing that will cause clients to contact you – to raise their hands,” Goyette said.

“Then you deal with those people. That’s warm-call selling.”

If you are forced to cold call, you must strive to give your calls a purpose and context, Goyette says.

Don’t expect or try to make the sale during that initial conversation—your goal is to arrange an appointment.

Inform the prospect of something, such as an upcoming discount promotion. Then work to engage the person in a brief, focused conversation about the unique benefits of your offering, ending with a request for a meeting.

It comes to the same thing: building relationships.

“Provide valuable information. Help the client sort out a problem. Become a trusted advisor,” Goyette says.

“That’s the way to make sales.”

A Salute to Women in Business 2012

37

Local women’s business support groups International Women’s Day Celebrated on March 8, International Women’s Day is the global day connecting all women around the world and inspiring them to achieve their full potential. IWD celebrates the collective power of women past, present and future JCI Okanagan 250-979-3499 PO Box 22119, Kelowna, B.C. V1Y 9N9 JCI Okanagan (formerly Okanagan Jaycees/Okanagan Junior Chamber) is an all female Kelowna-based Chapter of JCI Canada which is a member of Junior Chamber International. JCI is an international organization dedicated to the personal and professional development of its members through involvement in the community. We focus on leadership development through managing projects, internal training, and fellowship.

JCI Okanagan is Kelowna’s premier women’s leadership group. Membership is open to women between the ages of 18 and 39 years who would like the opportunity

to develop new skills and reach their greatest potential.

Women’s Enterprise Centre 250-868-3454 201-1726 Dolphin Ave., Kelowna, B.C. V1Y 9R9 Women’s Enterprise Centre is the goto place for B.C. women business owners for business loans, skills training, business advisory services, resources, publications and referrals.

Silverado Socrates W specialize in promoting personal coaching and We leadership training via character using a combination of le discipline development, real story telling/listening; music di and horsing around. arou May I attended the world conference for the international institute for peace thru tourism in Last May, Zambia. While there I met folk from around the world sharing the positive impact and potential thru tourism to alleviate and mediate many world problems. After the conference, I went with a local delegate to the northern province of Zambia and stayed. I befriended a teacher there who let me hear some of the girls from his school practice and then perform for a visiting Irish delegation. This has developed into a music and pen pal exchange. I look forward to developing more exchanges where students from different places learn to value the tourism and cultures of their own community as they share it with each other.

Currently I am working with a group to form the Central Okanagan Soroptimist Club. This will complement the project mentioned earlier. I have worked mostly with youth in my business of Mandy and Me Trail Riding, but look forward to working with adults and older teens trying to better their community on a local and international level.

Silver Shackle Enterprises--- Growing Gold Together!

silverado_socrates@hotmail.com www.mandyandme.com

RONA INSTALL SALES & KITCHEN DESIGN TEAM GI GINNY HOLMSTROM - INSTALL SALES G Ginny’s 17 years of experience with Rona has qqualified her as “a walking wealth of knowledge.” As the Installs Co-ordinator for years, Ginny was able to th draw on some of the best bes installers in the Okanagan.

She oversees daily quoting and follows up with not only the customers but the suppliers and contractors as well. Her excellent customer service skills have clients coming back for more.

Ginny invites you to drop by with any projects you need assistance with.

Everyday at Rona Installs is Seniors Day. Receive 10% off materials.

Contact Ginny at 250.979.3084 | install170a@rona.ca

NIKI SUEDBECK - KITCHEN & BATH DESIGN Niki joined Rona in 2010 and takes extreme pride in her work as a Kitchen & Bath designer. She strives to achieve perfection in what could be frustrating circumstances when it comes to renovations.

Regardless of the job Niki utilizes a diverse cabinetry program as well as extensive customized special order cabinetry lines. She over sees the projects from conception to completion all the while keeping the customer within budget and informed of promotions and financing available.

If you have a project in mind it would be Niki’s pleasure to assist you in making it a reality.

Contact Niki at 250.762.7389 ext 227 | kb170@rona.ca

1711 SPRINGFIELD RD | KELOWNA | BC | V1Y 5V5 250.762.7389 | www.rona.ca

38

A Salute to Women in Business 2012

CAPITAL NEWS

Cutting seniors’ hair offers lessons about life Bobbi-Sue Menard CONTRIBUTOR

Brooke Day has been cutting hair for 22 years and has found her niche by traveling to her preferred customers— seniors.

Day, who owns Brooke’s Hair Styling Home Services, spends her time working with seniors and those who choose to stay home or can’t get out of the house for their appointments.

Day moved to the Okanagan in April 2011 after owning her own small salon on Vancouver Island.

She chose a mobile salon in Kelowna for several reasons.

Building a clientele can take time at a salon and being new to town, Day knew it would take a long time to

‘‘

SENIORS ARE MY FAVOURITE, AND THEY SHOULD BE CHERISHED. EVERY CUT I DO IS TO ENHANCE THEM AND MAKE THEM GORGEOUS. Brooke Day

build relationships with new customers.

Day also has a strong preference to work with seniors.

“Seniors are my favourite, and they should be cherished. Every cut I do is to enhance them and make them gorgeous,” she said.

“I just love them, I can

visit them, give them a hug during my visit.

“I would do it for free if I didn’t have to pay rent, work is about people not money.”

There are several services Day offers that leaves a positive impression on her clients.

For example, Day dry cuts hair, eliminating the mess cutting hair can create in a person’s home.

It also provides a more natural and easy process to care for a cut.

A wet cut stretches hair slightly and never stays the same when dried, but Day says a dry cut gives client exactly what they’re looking for.

For seniors who have extra care and scheduled bath days, appointments are scheduled for that day to help make the process smooth.

Lisa Hilts A Dedicated Professional Working for You?

Tell me what you are looking for and I will do the search for you! I will Te work relentlessly for you to find that perfect home. wo If you currently own property and are thinking of placing it on the market, let me do the work for you!

I can help you with the information about preparing your home for sale so you’ll get the best price.

My dedication and professional service are unparalleled. In today’s market, you need a quality professional working for you. Please contact me today.

I continue to be a top producer month after month and therefore have received my sales achievement award, Platinum award and my Diamond award. I am also part of the top 10% in the Canadian Executive Club.

My greatest compliment is your endorsement of my services and advice. If you know a friend, family member or business associate who would value my service I am accepting new clients and would appreciate your referrals. I would also like to extend a special thank you to my clients who have contributed to the growth of my practice with referrals.

Cell: 250.878.6657| Off: 250.861.5122 Fax: 250.452.6945 lisa@lisahilts.com

Day makes sure she debulks the hair and texturizes it so clients can go longer between cuts.

“It’s just not about the money for me, about making people look their best. All the time when clients are out and about, they still look good.

“People ask them, ‘Where did you get your hair done?’”

Day works hard to keep her expenses low and so her prices stay low as well.

She is always conscious of the fact that many of her clients are on fixed incomes.

A big part of her reward is spending a little bit of time with each client, and helping

them feel better.

“Sometimes I am their only visitor. They don’t drive, they don’t get out, they don’t get company.

“In talking to seniors, I’ve learned to not let your life pass you by.”

Extra services include perms, colours, facial waxing and haircuts for men.

Day also does nail painting and filing, not a manicure, just a little bit of attention paid to the client for a modest price.

When Day is working with clients in the hospital, a little bit of attention is often the only respite during the

client’s day in bed.

Day grows her mobile service primarily through word of mouth, but with the constant transitions in the lives of seniors, she always has room for more clients.

Advertising is usually simple cards left in lobbies on notice boards detailing her services and prices.

Day says seniors are slowly learning that no matter where they live—even if they reside in a building with extended services—they can have someone come to them and provide precisely what they are seeking in the way of a hairstyle or cut.

Building a healthy online investment portfolio

Online investors know that building a healthy portfolio takes time and careful consideration.

The good news is: it doesn’t have to be complicated. While it’s important to set goals and to stay focused on them, experts in this field say it’s also important to periodically re-evaluate your investment strategy and portfolio.

So where should you start?

“Through research and discussions with our clients, we discovered the greatest demand was for guidance on portfolio management tools that enable them to monitor performance, along with long-term portfolio building techniques,” says Michael MacDonald, vicepresident of strategy for RBC Direct Investing.

“While many investors have benefited from portfolio management services through traditional advice based channels, now they can do the same thing online, on their own, using our portfolio management tools.”

Through specialty websites like www.rbcdirectinvesting.com, individuals have access to an abundance of tools that provide self-directed investors with ideas and validation of their portfolio decisions.

This includes easy online access to resources, education, and guidance to help investors make informed decisions.

While investors may not realize how much free information is available to them, MacDonald stresses that they should carefully evaluate what online resources and tools are most useful to them.

Ideally, an online brokerage should provide tools and resources to help investors: • Define their long- and short-term goals and chart progress towards achieving their objectives; • Determine whether their portfolio has the appropriate asset mix to meet their investment objectives; • Assist with rebalancing from a current asset mix, towards the stated asset mix goal – and assess how changing these holdings affects the portfolio before making any decisions about buying or selling in the market; and • Practice online investing: this might involve offering a mock account where individuals can buy and sell a wide range of investments and monitor performance over time, without any risk.

of the OKANAGAN

Alexandra Krieger When being asked why I do what I do, the answer is always the same: I am passionate about helping businesses to reach their potential and individuals to realize their dreams.

With our companies we touch different areas to help our clients with this mission: At the Hidden Elephant we work with organizations and professionals who want change and take their business to the next level - we assist with discussions, strategies, ideas, accountability and provide tools for success. At Print Three we assist our clients with all communication and marketing needs that include print, from simple business cards to advanced variable data, cross media marketing and QR code campaigns. And at MAKBIZ Ventures we help our clients with business communication and support services such as website design, social media marketing and selective bookkeeping services.

Connect with me on LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/alexandrakrieger.

Amanda Verkerk Born and raised in Kelowna, Amanda developed a passion for finding the right home for the right person. She is a Licensed Real Estate Professional with Royal LePage and is dedicated to marketing the beautiful Okanagan and its unbeatable lifestyle. She is energetic, enthusiastic with a strong commitment to customer service and relations relations. Dedicated to her clients, sellers and purchasers alike, she will strive to provide the absolute best innovative and trustworthy representation possible.

“Buying and selling a home is a large financial investment, and can be very stressful. I believe this experience can be free-flowing and fun, when you sign-up with the right hardworking Realtor.

Personally speaking, my saving you time, money, and the odd grey hair is first priority of the day, every day!

“My personal marketing plan is unique and tailored to each individual client`s needs, including international marketing, professional photography, video tutorials and the use of a talented in-house marketing director”.

For more information on my Personalized Client program or Real Estate Inquiries please contact me.

www.hiddenelephant.biz

250-860-0572

www.makbiz.ca

250-860-0572

www.kelowna.printthree.bc.ca

250-860-6858

3-1455 Harvey Avenue, Kelowna, BC

250-808-4232 cell • 1-1890 Cooper Road amandaverkerk@royallepage.ca

CAPITAL NEWS

A Salute to Women in Business 2012

Three entrepreneurial gamechanger books Advice about surviving tough economic times isn’t only cheap these days, it’s unavoidable.

By now, most resourceful entrepreneurs have probably had their fill of being told to think outside the box.

The problem is: How? Fortunately, two new books promote their own particular brand of outside-thebox innovation while a third, fast becoming a contemporary classic, dispenses with the box altogether.

ing or creatively rethinking basic skills like networking, experimenting, observing, and even asking questions.

The Innovator’s DNA is, most of all, a primer on how to make positive associations.

This includes everything from showing up at “idea conferences” like the now famous TED Talks to making sure you have a meal with someone from a different background at least once a week.

“Thinking outside the box,” according to the upbeat Dyer, Gregersen, and Christensen, “often requires linking the ideas in your area of knowledge with those of others who play in different boxes.”

DISRUPTIVE INNOVATORS

Of the new books, The Innovator’s DNA: Mastering the Five Skills of Disruptive Innovators gets straight to the point—to think differently, you have to act differently.

In The Innovator’s DNA, authors Jeff Dyer, a professor of business strategy, Hal Gregersen, a leadership consultant, and Clayton M. Christensen, author of previous bestsellers The Innovator’s Dilemma and The Innovator’s Solution, have done their research on how the biggest names in entrepreneurship got their “big ideas.”

Not surprisingly, they’ve succeeded by creative think-

GET LEANER

Upbeat is not a word you’d associate with Eric Ries’s new book The Lean Start-Up: How Today’s Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses.

Ries, an entrepreneur-inresidence at Harvard Business School and a popular business blogger (Startup Lessons Learned), has penned a bestselling guide to 21st century entrepreneurial discipline and efficiency that’s about as light-

hearted as a double-dip recession.

Even though we are living through an “unprecedented worldwide entrepreneurial renaissance … this opportunity is laced with peril,” Ries warns.

“We’re throwing our excess capacity around with wild abandon.”

Ries sometimes relies too heavily on insider jargon to argue for the necessity of “creating something new under conditions of extreme uncertainty.”

Even so, his main asset in The Lean Startup is his own experience staring down that uncertainty.

His own failures, a few of which are chronicled in the book, taught him one essential lesson: get leaner.

Ries is also a firm believer in the change of direction.

Small businesses, in particular, have to be able to “pivot” when they find they’re headed down the wrong path.

In this century, Ries writes, “we have the capacity to build almost anything we imagine.

The big question is not can it be built, but rather should it be built?

Local women’s business support groups Kelowna Chapter of Canadian Federation of University Women 250-766-6808 Box 21168 , Kelowna, B.C. V1Y 9N8 Founded in 1919, The Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW), is a voluntary, non-profit, self-funded bilingual organization of over 10,000 women university graduates. CFUW/FCFDU members are active in public affairs, working to raise the social, economic and legal status of women, as well as to improve education, the environment, peace, justice and human rights.

CONNECT Kelowna 250-712-0508 CONNECT is a rapidly expanding businesswomen’s networking and referral group located in Kelowna, British Columbia, offering exclusivity to one representative from each type of business.

Membership in CONNECT offers the opportunity to each member to receive referrals from other members, to promote their business through our “businesscard box” and to promote their business through CONNECT promotional events.

That is, coincidentally, the same kind of question Yvon Chouinard, the founder and owner of Patagonia Inc., repeatedly asks himself in his book, Let My People Go Surfing: The Education of a Reluctant Businessman.

“I’ve been a businessman for almost 50 years,” Chouinard says by way of an introduction.

“It’s as difficult for me to say those words as it is for someone to admit being an alcoholic or a lawyer.”

Let My People Go Surfing was first published in 2005, but Chouinard’s blend of philosophical musings on everything from product design to environmental responsibility makes this book feel brand new.

Born in Maine, the son

For the past 30 years, Gloria Peitsch has turned her dream into reality!

Park Boulevard Fashions offers exclusive designer fashions from around the world in an atmosphere like no other!

Refresh yourself and let Park Boulevard’s experienced fashion consultants help create a new look for you in 2012.

The difference between dressed and well dressed is Park Boulevard Fashions, where the cappuccino bar is always open.

PB

Park Boulevard Fashions Ltd. 1771 Cooper Rd / at Enterprise Way Kelowna, BC (250) 860-1240 info@parkboulevard.ca / www.parkboulevard.ca

their sales to environmental causes.

In the end, Let My People Go Surfing stands as an authentic blueprint for growing a business outside the box. *** Books referred to in this article: * The Innovator’s DNA: Mastering the Five Skills of Disruptive Innovators, by Jeff Dyer, Hal Gregersen, Clayton M. Christensen (Harvard Business Review Press, 296 pp, $29.95). * The Lean Startup: How Today’s Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses, by Eric Ries (Crown Business, 320 pp, $30.00). * Let My People Go Surfing: The Education of a Reluctant Businessman (Penguin Books, 258 pp, $18.50).

Kathy Wiebe Rosebuds is a lovely, large designer consignment boutique located on Kirschner Road in Kelowna that has been serving the Kelowna area for the past 23 years. Rosebuds carries about 30% new at any given time, and prices are often discounted up to 75% off regular retail.

Many that come in say Rosebuds has the look and feel of a Los Angeles Boutique. Kathy laughs and replies that is the exact look and feel we are moving towards. We believe every woman can afford to look beautiful. Everything from prom and party dresses, to Lululemon workout wear and most everything in between. We specialize in higher end labels but at lower end prices.

We have many regular shoppers that call us their “retail therapy” but we always have room for lots more new friends. In these troubled times consignment shopping can be a day full of fun and adventure. You never know what you are going to find so fill up your car with your friends and stop in and meet the friendly staff at Rosebuds Designer Consignment Boutique. We are here to serve you.

NEW at Rosebuds. Designer inventory buyouts - selling at consignment prices.

Don’t know what to wear or how to wear it? Book an appointment for a fashion consultation!

Private Shopping Parties. Some estate services available.

Cinderella Fund - for students aged 18 to 88. Forms available at the store or on-line.

Designer Consignment Boutique

150-1855 Kirschner Rd., Kelowna 250-861-1911 Open Mon-Fri 10-5:30 • Sat 10-5 • Sun 12-4

www.rosebudsconsignment.com

Gloria Peitsch In 1982, Gloria Peitsch, the owner of Park Boulevard Fashions had a dream. That dream was to offer Kelowna a unique fashion experience with service as her primary concern.

of a Quebecois handyman, Chouinard moved to California as a child and grew up to be an expert rock climber.

Patagonia had its origins in the climbing equipment Chouinard developed for himself and friends.

Eventually, Patagonia expanded from selling outdoor gear to clothing, introducing rugby shirts and coloured sweatshirts to the sportswear market.

Of course, the more successful he became the more he worried.

In fact, it has been Chouinard’s reluctance about being a businessman that has propelled him to introduce initiatives like “one per cent for the planet,” which has seen Patagonia forge an alliance of businesses dedicated to donating at least one per cent of

RELUCTANT JOURNEY

39

Elvira Brunner Aft moving from Switzerland to Revelstoke in 2009, Daniel Weber After and an Elvira Brunner opened the first Canadian CRESCENDO store in October of the same year.

With W the great success of the Revelstoke location, Daniel and Elvira opened the second CRESCENDO store in November of 2011 within the Mission Park Mall.

We offer over 40 cask-aged balsamic vinegars, award-winning fruit vinegars and exquisite oils directly from the cask. We sell all our products in a variety of quantities and dispense them into any of our great selection of traditional bottles. Our collection, with over 60 exquisite herbs and spices, include gourmet salts and peppers, chilies, fine herbs and seasonings from all over the world.

Customers can also select specific wellness oil according to their individual needs with our one-of-a-kind skin care products that have a high percentage of fresh oil without preservatives.

Unlike other specialty shops, CRESCENDO not only allows, but also encourages, visitors to savor all of the unique offerings found within. CRESCENDO is a store where licking the spoon is encouraged!

CENDO

C RE S

THE SYMPHONY OF TASTE

3155 Lakeshore Road 250-868-8628 www.crescendocanada.com

40

A Salute to Women in Business 2012

Kelowna Women in Business

CAPITAL NEWS

UBCO prof says social sustainability a key to helping strife-torn countries It is fine and well to travel to distant lands and help set up educational systems and programs, but if they are not sustainable they are doomed to fail.

So for Annette LaGrange, that long-term sustainability is critical to any program she works on.

LaGrange has been to many regions of the world to help establish educational programs where she discovered the important roles culture and history can play in the classroom and for the ongoing implementation of any new programs.

She joined the Faculty of Education at UBC Okanagan campus as associate dean in September.

Formerly dean of the Faculty of Education at the University of Calgary, LaGrange spent seven years helping rebuild the education system in Kosovo, starting in 1999 after the conflict ended.

“That’s one of the places where you really learn about social sustainability,” she said, adding the key to sustainability was establishing a system that could continue after the international aid was gone.

“It’s trying to figure out what they want and they need instead of imposing our values and education system on them.”

LaGrange finished her work in Kosovo in 2007, and she said overall the program had a powerful impact on the education system, but for a range of reasons there were pockets where the change did not take hold.

However, there are areas where the change is very strong and is sustainable.

“Many of the people we worked with have taken on leadership roles,” said LaGrange, adding relationship is vital to long-term sucSee UBCO P41

Melodie Sharma 2012 Executive (front row) Michelle Belanger, Communication & Paypal Chair; Belanger Communications Ltd. Linda Kobayashi, Secretary; Desjardins Financial Security Independent Network Chantal Diaz, President; Desjardins Financial Security Independent Network (middle row) Pam Crockett, Sponsor Chair; White House Mortgages Dominion Lending Centres Shae McEachnie, Venue Coordinator; Coldwell Banker Horizon Realty & 103.9 The Juice Radio Carly Banks, Social Media Chair; West-Wind Nurseries (back row) Alexandra Little Patricia Chandler, Treasurer; Prospera Credit Union

Melod Sharma is the Owner/Director of Kelowna Dance & Melodie Performing Arts and is walking the entrepreneurial road to Perfor success. succe Kelowna Dance & Performing Arts offers an expanded schedule sched in Dance & Musical Theatre.

They offer a myriad of disciplines that combine focused behaviour with a new flavour of style and classic technique.

KDPA offers Tap, Jazz, RAD Ballet, Fairy Tale Ballet, te Hip Hop, Lyrical, Modern, and Break-dancing within the categories of Recreational, Competitive Break and Limelight, ensuring that everyone from ages three to adult have a performance outlet.

The Recreational Program allows students the flexibility of dancing their hearts out without having to step into the world of competition. It also provides new dancers with the option of getting their feet wet without committing to an entire year of one specific discipline. There are two options for the dedicated dancer - Competitive Program and Limelight Performance Group. “Both offer the opportunity for students to perform in local dance competitions.

Limelight requires an audition for placement as well as performance opportunities outside of Kelowna”.

Professionally, Melodie envisions growth for both herself and her staff as they continue to train in their dedicated genres so as to bring fresh ideas and technique back to their students.

(absent in picture) Julie Rae Russell, Speaker Chair; Novarae Interiors

Members will tell you, Kelowna Women in Business is not your typical networking group. We are about making connections and working together towards meeting the business goals of our members. We provide a comfortable networking environment and offer education, encouragement and inspiration through friendship, support and respect.

Kelowna Women in Business (KWIB) is a non-profit organization that was created in 1993 and today we communicate and connect with over 600 women. We are strong and we are committed. We are a group made of business women in the Kelowna and Okanagan areas looking to grow as professionals, whether running their own businesses or working for others.

We invite all Kelowna and Okanagan area women to join us at our monthly events, as well to join our ranks to take advantage of great membership benefits and opportunities through our online membership database. Visit us online at kwib.org to learn more and follow us on twitter and LinkedIn. Watch for upcoming announcements for our annual charity golf tournament in June 2012. Hope to see you there.

1695 Burtch Rd. (778) 478-0760

www.kelownadance.com

Gabriele Banka Gabri Banka holds a Diploma of Accounting, is a Certified Gabriele General Gene Accountant with an Applied Bachelor of Business Adm Administration, Accounting and Computer Science Major.

She is Sage Simply Accounting Certified and the owner of Banka & Company Inc. She is a member of CGA-BC, Kelowna Exch Public Practice Group, Trade Exchange Canada, KWIB and BNI Business Builders. Gabriele also writes a bi-weekly column fo for the Capital News.

Banka & Company Inc. is a Public Accounting firm providing accounting, tax and assurance services customized for the individual client. We service small to medium businesses in many different industry segments such as construction, engineering, small manufacturing, retail, aerospace, property management, advertising, mining, food services and not-for-profit.

Banka & Company Inc.’s mission is to help our clients Plan, Manage and Succeed whatever their business or personal endeavors.

For more information please visit our website: www.bankaco.com or email info@bankaco.com

To register or for event information visit:

www.kwib.org

BANKA & COMPANY INC.

#105-565 Bernard Ave. Kelowna, BC 250-763-4528

CAPITAL NEWS

A Salute to Women in Business 2012

UBCO from P40 cess and she and her colleagues remain in close contact with their Kosovo counterparts.

“To keep it sustainable, you must keep those relationships strong.”

LaGrange is also active in Africa, and has applied the same philosophy of sustainability to a completely diftferent culture.

“It really is about understanding what they want. We are there to support their vision,” she said. “Once again their culture plays a huge role in how the system is set up.”

LaGrange says it is important to get to know the people before any programs are introduced to foster long-term success.

Available resources are another factor LaGrange considers when looking at the local education system.

There is no point in setting up an Internetbased education system if the people do not have reliable access to the World Wide Web. LaGrange and fellow UBC Okanag-

Theresa Arsenault The an scholar Susan Crichton are assisting Aga Khan University in developing teaching platforms that can reach students in some of the most remote areas on the planet.

AKU operates in areas such as in Pakistan, Afghanistan and parts of East Africa where getting an education can be a challenge.

LaGrange is helping to develop curriculum that will be stored on tablet hand-held computers designed by her colleagues that are portable, do not need the Internet to operate and can be run from solar power all of which bodes well for long-term sustainability.

Monique Kaetler Living iin the Kelowna area for 20 years, I have witnessed the growth of the city. I eexperienced the threat of fires on our homes and watched in dread with nneighbors as the beauty of the Okanagan landscape was engulfed in flames. ame I witnessed a community reach out and draw closer to help their neigh neighbours, friends, strangers and animals.

As a former regional buy buyer, I have extensive experience in managing projects, including analyzing, reviewing, processing and co complying with all regulations. My past experience required me to travel most back roads of the Okanagan and all the main roads. In short, I know the area and can find that special quality that you are looking for in a home. With over 15 years managing projects, I understand that my primary responsibility, in all cases, is simple - to satisfy the client.

As a Century 21® Real Estate professional, I am dedicated to providing you with the highest quality service possible. My personal knowledge of the local Real Estate market is combined with the power of the Century 21 brand - the most recognized name in Real Estate today.

Let me assist you in finding your dream home, in a neighborhood that is right for you, and in the price range you want. Or if you are interested in selling a property, I also have the expertise to help you get the fastest sale possible and at the best price.

I look forward to the opportunity of working with you!

250-808-0305

~ Busi Business Law ~ Estate Planning

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~ Business Law ~ Estate Planning

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~Wills ~ Trusts ~ Estates Litigation~Employment Law

Lisa Holmes Wyatt ~ Family Law

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~ Person Personal Injury ~Employment Law ~ Human Rights Law

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~ Tax LLaw ~ Estate Planning ~ Business Law

www.buysellhomeskelowna.com

Taryn Moore ~ Family Law

Westland Insurance West Westland Insurance opened their first insurance agency in the Okanagan insura and now have 38 branches May 2011 2 throughout BC, including includin Penticton and Princeton. We specialize in all lines of insurance including Home, Auto, Business, Travel Medical, Recreational Vehicle, and Autoplan. Our service oriented tteam of professionals who have extensive background within the industry will always go that extra mile to ensure your insurance needs are met.

Our new location is open seven days a week, Monday - Friday 8:30 am to 6:00 pm, Saturdays 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and SUNDAYS 10:00 am to 4:00 pm for your convenience. We are located next to the Liquor Store at the Mission Park Plaza, 27 - 3155 Lakeshore Road, Kelowna BC.

Vanessa DeDominicis Van ~ Bus Business Law ~ Intellectual Property

Ashleigh Baylis

~ Family Law ~ Criminal Law

Una Gabie Un

~ Real Estate ~ Business Law~ Estate Planning

We offer competitive premiums and coverage and believe that YOUR BEST COVERAGE IS OUR ONLY POLICY.

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250-762-2108 www.pushormitchell.com

41

42

A Salute to Women in Business 2012

CAPITAL NEWS

The Wellness Spa Sharon Strang, owner and operator of Sharo in Wellness Spa, has been in the health The W Er & lly r, Sharon, Ke field for over twenty years. Her vision is to Tamara, Ambe themselves and to educate them on support people in taking time for th the enormous value of releasing stress. As a mother & business owner, she recognizes the need to oneself. take care of oneself The Wellness Spa specializes in facials, massages, & waxing. Among our wonderful massages, we are now thrilled to offer NHPC registered massage (which is covered by extended health insurance). We also offer all spa treatments from pedicures to body treatments for women as well as men. Over the past 9 years, we have built a reputation of friendly service, tranquil surroundings, and beautiful treatments. We are a convenient oasis for weary travelers here at the Best Western Hotel, but we value our local clientele and offer special packages for you!

Guinot is our exclusive skin care line, for every skin type & condition. It is produced in France & made from plant botanicals, helping your skin stay young the natural way.

We invite you to peruse our website for more information or just take an hour or so and come to our oasis for a mini-vacation! Online booking and online gift certificates available.

(at the Best Western Hotel)

www.wellnessspa.ca

250-860-4985 1-866-860-4985 2402 Hwy. 97 N. contact@wellnessspa.ca

“Never stress again about what to buy for the men in your life!”

He’ll love autographed sports memorabilia of his favorite team, player, or all-time legend!

• Birthdays • Anniversaries • Retirement • Special Occasions We’ve got SOMETHING for EVERYONE!!

Teaching kids the value of money When it comes to teaching kids the value of money, it’s important to remove the guesswork.

According to a recent study by the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants, 78 per cent of Canadian parents surveyed have tried to teach their children financial management skills, but the majority (60 per cent) do not believe they have been very successful.

“Parents can give their children an important advantage in life by starting in-home discussions about money matters at an early age,” says Cairine Wilson, vice-president, member services, CICA. “The majority realizes this, but many Canadian parents are unsure about how to proceed.”

In a bid to help parents prepare their children for successful financial futures, the CICA is releasing a comprehensive and easy-to-use guide for teaching financial skills at home.

A Parent’s Guide to Raising Money-Smart Kids is designed to put parents at ease when it comes to preparing their children for life’s important financial decisions.

The practical guide allows parents to quickly zero in on the information they need.

Each chapter describes how to approach

money management with a specific age group and discusses the essentials of financial literacy—earning, saving, spending, sharing and investing. Age groups covered include, children aged five to eight, pre-teens, teenagers and young adults.

The guide’s author is Robin Taub, a chartered accountant and highly experienced financial consultant who is a passionate advocate for financial literacy and life-long learning. Taub firmly believes that to be effective teachers, parents must first be good financial role models.

A mother of two, Taub believes it is essential for kids to gain not only financial knowledge, but also the values and discipline needed to ensure they put the skills they learn into action. “Having money management skills alone is no guarantee of financial success,” says Taub. “Without values to navigate by, even a financially knowledgeable person can pile up bad debt or fall victim to impulse spending. True financial capability is powered by strong, life-long values in combination with financial knowledge and skills.”

The CICA publication is available in e-book and hard copy formats by visiting www.castore.ca/moneysmartkids.

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Diane Moore Diane Moore & Assoc. Wow, where has the time gone? 20 years with Capital News’ Kelowna Women in Business and 40 years in real estate.

How many changes have I seen? Far too many to list here but I do want wan to comment on the most significant one, communication.

The world is at our fingertips and I now do business all over the world. We communicate instantly and send information in seconds from wherever we may be. Today with so much information out there in cyberspace one also has to worry about what is true. This is exactly why I love Real Estate as it is REAL. How fortunate we are to live, work and play in Canada, in this area where people from all over the world desire to be. Happy Birthday to the Capital News’ Women in Business publication and thank you for supporting me in my business.

Diane can be reached at the following: email diane@dianemoore.ca or call Premier Canadian Properties at 250-717-1886.

250-575-2400

shutoutcollectibles@shaw.ca www.shutoutsportscollectibles.ca

250-717-1886 email: diane@dianemoore.ca

Let us help you.

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Dr. Shauna Palmer B.Sc., D.D.S.

Dr Palmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s journey with dentistry has taken her all over North America. After graduating with her B.Sc. and D.D.S. degrees from the University of Alberta in 1993, she then practiced for 9 years in Kamloops. In 2002 she relocated to the US where she practiced cosmetic and general dentistry in Beverly Hills and later in Alabama. At this time she also began her training at LVI (Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies). She returned to the beautiful Okanagan Valley in 2007.

LVI is an ongoing training facility for Dr. Palmer and her team as they continue to update training in cosmetic dentistry, neuromuscular dentistry and dental sleep medicine. Neuromuscular dentistry involves aligning the jaw joints, jaw muscles and teeth into a harmonious, functional and physiologic position in order to treat temporal mandibular disorders (TMD/TMJ problems), complicated full mouth reconstruction cases, cosmetic cases and dentures. TMD/TMJ patients often suffer from headaches/migraines, jaw/neck and/or postural pain, ringing in the ears, balance problems, clicking or popping in the jaw joints and many other disturbances.

Recently there have been studies showing a correlation with TMD patients and those that suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

OSA is a life threatening condition where people periodically stop breathing during sleep.

Risk factors for this include but arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t limited to snoring/gasping for air, high blood pressure, heart attacks, stroke, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, gastric reflux, obesity, daytime sleepiness, headaches and many others. This condition can often be treated by a dental appliance. If you, or someone you know suffers from symptoms of TMD or OSA, contact Dr. Palmer @ 250-768-3984 for a free consultation. Also a note that Dr. Palmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office offers general dentistry including hygiene and periodontal therapy.

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