Nelson Star Wednesday, August 1, 2012
nelsonstar.com 3
News West Kootenay’s Largest Employer
Bonuses fuel local economy
BREANNE MASSEY and TIMOTHY SCHAFER
Family Medicine & Walk In Clinic Dr. Andre Kirsten Dr. Annemarie de Koker Dr. Marisa van der Vyver Dr. C.J. Reinecke is accepting new patients
Trail Daily Times Reporters
TRAIL — Several million dollars could be injected into the regional economy after Teck Trail Operations handed out signing bonuses to over 1,300 employees two weeks ago. Nelson Chamber of Commerce executive director Tom Thomson expects Nelson businesses will see some benefit from Teck workers having extra money in their pockets. “We think of Nelson as a regional shopping centre for the smaller communities,” Thomson said. “There are lots of Castlegar and Trail residents who come here on a fairly consistent basis for restaurants and theatrical performances.” According to Thomson, around 100 people living in the Nelson area work for Teck on an ongoing basis. “So even on a month-tomonth basis they’re bringing money back into the community,” he said. Six weeks ago, United Steelworkers Local 480 ratified the first installment of a five-year collective agreement, ensuring “business continuity” and “stability” in Trail with one of the best packages to date. The first installment was paid out roughly two weeks ago, and Local 480 president Doug Jones said union members have been receiving “very positive feedback” from the community. “Teck is doing very well right now,” Jones said. “They’re financially in a good spot and there are a lot of good things happening around here. It’s obvious they’re going to stick around for a while and I think this [deal] stabilizes everything.” The agreement included the first ever five-year contract with a record-breaking $10,000 signing bonus. But it was unclear whether employees would invest or spend their earnings locally, Jones said. “I would hate to guess how employees spend their money,” he explained. “But I would hope that if they are spending it, that it would go directly back into the community.”
Ancron Medical Centre
Your Medical Centre on Baker Street Phone: 352-9144 to book your appointment Walk in patients welcome Monday–Friday 9 am–4pm
In the Nelson Trading Company Suite 108 – 402 Baker Street
Suite 108 - 402 Baker Street Wheelchair Accessible
Trail Daily Times photo
Teck Trail signing bonuses could mean millions of dollars injected into the regional economy.
While some retailers in the region have seen a slight spike in sales, they are reluctant to pinpoint exactly how much money the regional economy could see as a result of the recent deal. Thomson noted the influx of seasonal visitors always results in higher sales this time of year, so it’s difficult to know how much Teck workers are adding to that. For major purchases, like buying a new vehicle, it’s easier to credit increased spending power locally. “I think we’re still seeing the same [number] of people each day, but I think more people are making decisions to buy,” said Shawn Brandt, the financial services manager at AM Ford in Trail. “Before, it was people who were anticipating there was going to be a contract that was going to be signed, but now people are coming in and they’re not afraid of making a decision.” Brandt chalked up the recent rise in automotive sales to “job security” and the recent “employee discount” sale in the dealership. “Right now is a good time to buy because of employee pricing, but there’s also a lot of good deals to be had,” Brandt explained. “It just depends what people prefer.” But former Trail city
councillor Roger Catalano questioned how much of the money is staying in Trail. The owner of the region’s only trophy shop, Trail Awards and Promotions, Catalano said the city losing 16 businesses over the last few years may send shoppers elsewhere.
“Teck is doing very well right now. They’re financially in a good spot and there are a lot of good things happening around here.” Doug Jones Local 480 President
“How are you going to get them to spend money when they have nowhere to spend it?” he asked. “We are going backwards.” However, Simon Boka and Brennan Turner from Soundwest Audio Video have been weighing up other factors. Although their business has seen a recent increase in sales, they are concerned about the way it could ante up between Trail and the nearby US market. “It’s all about priorities. We aren’t exactly at the top
of the pecking order,” Boka acknowledged. He felt some of that bonus cash could be heading across the border. “But it’s a bit of a catch-22 because if people shop across the border, there aren’t going to be any jobs for the same people’s kids when they reach the working age in Trail.” However, Boka and Turner said several regular customers have received their cheques and returned to their store, some dropping as much as $600 on high end sound-systems for their cars and $1,000 and up on new televisions. “We’ll get more services and products in Trail if people are willing to spend their money in Trail,” Boka concluded. Thomson said the same is true for the region as a whole. “We try to do as much as we can to educate our local and regional population about the benefits of supporting a local business for the long-term sustainability of their community,” he said. The contract covers 1,180 people in Local 480’s production and maintenance division, and 170 people in Local 9705 for office and technical employees. —With files from Sam Van Schie, Nelson Star
CONTESTS PRODUCTS STORES FLYERS DEALS COUPONS ES BR CHURES CATALOGUES CONTESTS PRODUCTS STORES BRO
Visit V Flyerland.ca for your chance to win a 7 night All Inclusive holiday for 2 adults to Villa del Palmar in Cancun, Mexico! PLUS don’t d forget to visit our Community tab where you can discuss and share great deals and shopping tips on our forums!
No purchase necessary. Contest open to residents of Canada excluding Quebec who have reached the age of majority in their province or territory of residence. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. One (1) grand prize is available to be won, consisting of a seven (7) night holiday to Cancun, Mexico including airfare and accommodation for two (2) adults at the Villa Del Palmar Cancun Beach Resort & Spa (approximate retail value of $3,000.00 CDN). Selected entrant must correctly answer, unaided, a mathematical skill-testing question to be declared a winner. Contest closes [Sunday, August 19th, 2012 at 11:59 PM ET]. To enter and for complete contest rules, visit www.flyerland.ca/contests.
SAVE TIME. SAVE MONEY.
your source for FREE coupons